The Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı said that Founding President Rauf Raif Denktaş was a unique statesman who changed the history of a people with his determination and leadership.

Arıklı issued a message to commemorate the late founding President Rauf Raif Denktaş.

In his message to commemorate the late founding President Rauf Raif Denktaş, the Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı said, “We commemorate Rauf Raif Denktaş, the Founding President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot people’s struggle for independence, with mercy, gratitude and longing on the 13th anniversary of his death.”

Reminding that Rauf Raif Denktaş was a unique statesman who devoted his life to the struggle of the existence of the Turkish Cypriot people and changed the history of a people with his determination and leadership, Arıklı said, “Denktaş not only laid the foundations of an independent state, but also made the voice of the Turkish Cypriots heard all over the world.

Stating that thanks to his superior intelligence, diplomacy skills and unwavering faith, the Turkish Cypriot people live freely today with their own identity and existence, Arıklı said that Denktaş’ struggle was not only for a political leadership, but also a manifestation of a great belief in the future of his people.

“The legacy of Rauf Raif Denktaş is not only in history but also a guide that sheds light on the future. It is the common responsibility of all of us to keep this legacy alive and carry it forward” said Arıklı.