p All of us present here agree that Marxism, as a creative science is valid and will remain valid in future. As regards the main featuresof contemporary world situation there is practically no disagreement. But we have varied understanding as regards transition from capitalism to socialism. It is true that it may take varied form. In the absence of developed socialist society and a strong, powerful working class state the backward countries like ours shall have to allow various forms of ownership of property in the initial period of transition. But Socialism can not mean anything other than social ownership of the means of production.

p Next, we shall have to come to an common understanding after a deep and careful study, about the experiences of socialism for the last seven decades. There were great achievements. There were mistakes too. We should be very specific as regards the mistakes, so as to take lessons in order to advance the cause of socialist movement. The economic system as such had the strength and the capacity to utilize latest scientific and technological developments. It is to be reminded that only during the last part of 7ffs there appeared decline of rate of growth in USSR, but not the absolute growth. So there was no major defect with the economic system or the economic model developed since I93ffs. But as regards the dictatorship of the proletariat and the socialist democracy, there were mistakes of great magnitude. CPI(M) has correctly pointed out four areas of theoretical study, (1) form of state under socialism — dictatorship of the proletariat. (2) socialist democracy in practice, (3) socialist economic construction, (4) Ideological consciousness of the party and the people, in socialist countries.

p These subjects are to be studied in detail. In fact political economy of socialism did not advance much after the last major work of Stalin "Economic Problems of Socialism in USSR”. The task before the present generation of Communists is to develop the political economy of socialism.

p I would like to make another point Every party present here stressed on the need for frequent mutual exchange of opinion on ideological issues. The South African Comrade has correctly pointed out that we must evolve methods on how to continue exchange of experiences and on theoretical questions. He also correctly pointed out that it can be constructively critical of others. Though every party has the right to follow its own path, their action on the basic issues has its general impact, from which parties in other countries are not free.

And we also agree with the South African and other comrades who pointed out the necessity of building a strong anti-imperialist front. This is urgently necessary for all of us.