We gather here, today, at the Vitoria Party Centre, in this act to evoke the Communist Manifesto, in an act to evoke the works of Marx and Engels. It is only a simple initiative, but meaningful to all of us. We do this with our eyes set in the future and in the combats that we have ahead of us, at this turn of the century.

This Conference is not a magic wand nor a recipe book, however much the proposals contained in the Resolution may appear to you to be so. There should be no illusions. There should be no expectations other than those that result from a renewed confidence in our Party. In its purpose, in its strength. In the strength and purpose of the workers' struggle.