Tribute From Embargoed!
The UK’s Turkish Cypriot community are in mourning at the passing of former Turkish Cypriot President Rauf Denktash. Below is a statement released earlier this evening by London based Turkish Cypriot human rights group Embargoed! following the sad news.
Emel Djevdet
Embargoed! Chair
RIP Rauf Denktash
Embargoed! chair Emel Djevdet announces with great sadness of the passing of former Turkish Cypriot President Rauf Denktash earlier this evening.
Born in Paphos, Cyprus, on 27 January 1924 and a barrister by profession, Rauf Denktash dedicated his life to championing the rights and political equality of his people. He played a pivotal role in Cypriot affairs, coming to prominence as the head of the Turkish Resistance Movement (TMT), formed to protect Turkish Cypriots from massacre at the hands of the Greek Cypriot majority. He was one the architects of the independent Republic of Cyprus formed in 1960. On 15 November 1983, he became the founding President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus when talks to unify the island as a bi-communal, bi-zonal federal state failed. He was also behind the decision to open the borders in April 2003 – a watershed moment for an island divided since 1974.
On behalf of London based human rights group, Ms Djevdet dedicates a few words to this great man who inspired and helped launch Embargoed! with a press conference in Nicosia on 4 March 2005 – the 41st anniversary of the start of the embargoes on the Turkish Cypriot people.
“In the passing of Rauf Denktash, Turkish Cypriots have lost their sword and shield and guiding light. No words can adequately reflect the gratitude of his people for the selfless service and leadership he gave them for half a century and more. His spirit will continue to give us the strength and inspiration to fight against the injustices we face and to assert our equality in Cyprus, for which he tirelessly championed throughout his life. May he rest in eternal peace. We also extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the Turkish Cypriot people.”
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