THE recent activities of the Nazi organisation ELAM is of great concern. Their xenophobic and anti Turkish Cypriot rants horrify everyone. They make several false claims to attack immigrants, and these are the same false arguments used against us in England by the British Nazis of the NF, BNP and EDL. These “Blue Wolves” in the south are no different from the “Grey Wolves” in the north. They should be resisted and condemned.
The Hackney Cypriot Association is one of the oldest organisations in the UK organising and supporting both Greek and Turkish Cypriots in North London. In our experience the two communities share a lot in common and through the Hackney Cypriot Association we have been jointly campaigned on several issues since 1976.
The British Nazis, like the Cypriot Nazis of Elam, claim that immigration causes unemployment. This is a myth, as immigrants tend to do the most dangerous, lowest paid and dirtiest jobs. Through their hard work, they contribute to the economic well being of the country they happen to be in and create more jobs not less. A study carried out by the University of Cyprus in 2008 concluded that between 1995 and 2004, foreign workers contributed to an annual growth rate of 3.5 per cent and that without them the growth would have been only 1.55 per cent.
Of course unemployment is rising, especially now that the economic crisis is affecting both the UK and Cyprus. But if anyone is to be criticised for unemployment, it should be the rich and powerful, the only sector of society still doing very well despite the crisis.
The Nazi ELAM want all illegal immigrants repatriated. Let’s not forget that back in 1974, thousands of ordinary Cypriots were forced to seek a new life abroad. Many came to the UK because they had family and friends and could rely on their support. However, because of restrictions, many were forced to lie and arrived here illegally. Back in 1974 it was us who were the illegal immigrants, not out of choice but because of circumstances and racist immigration controls.
Back in the late 70s and 80s remittances from the various Cypriot communities abroad contributed greatly to the Cyprus economic miracle. It is with sadness that we see the Nazis of ELAM try and deprive immigrants from other countries the benefits we had from immigration ourselves. It’s easy to eradicate illegal immigration, all the government has to do is offer an amnesty; even right wing US presidents do this regularly.
ELAM claims not to be a Nazi or a racist organisation. They claim to be nationalists and patriots. We do not judge anyone by the way they describe themselves but through their actions and activities. Already ELAM with their marches (modelled on the Nazis of Germany), the beating up of foreigners and Turkish Cypriots and a host of many other activities showed their true character. No civilised society should tolerate Nazis in their midst.
Demetris Hadjidemetriou and Emine Ibrahim, on behalf of the Management Committee of the Hackney Cypriot Association, London
