The Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Ziya Öztürkler, in his message on the 13th anniversary of Founding President Rauf Raif Denktaş’s passing, stated that Denktaş dedicated his life to his people and the Cyprus cause, fighting with great determination and faith for the continuation of the Turkish Cypriot people’s presence on the island and their right to live freely.
Underlining that Founding President Rauf Raif Denktaş was an extraordinary statesman who, with his fighting spirit, intellect, legal expertise, and leadership qualities, gained recognition not only among the Turkish Cypriot people but also internationally, Öztürkler stressed that Denktaş defended the just cause of the Turkish Cypriot people, their struggle for equality and freedom, with determination and in unity of thought and heart with motherland Türkiye throughout his life.
“Thanks to the leadership of Rauf Raif Denktaş, who always embraced his people with love and established a place in their hearts with his humble personality, the Turkish Cypriot people, as a free and sovereign people under their own state, achieved a humane life. Through his efforts and dedication, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has reached where it is today” he added.
“With his firm and resolute stance, the struggle he waged for the existence of the Turkish Cypriot people, and the inspiration we draw from him, it is our sole duty to elevate the legacy he left us, setting high goals and advancing it with the same determination and resolve” Öztürkler stressed.
“As his advice continues to illuminate our path, his words ‘Tell them, this is an independent Republic’ will guide us, and his resilient spirit will always be our source of inspiration” the Parliamentary Speaker concluded.