We have learned with profound sorrow of the passing of H.E. Mr. Rauf Denktaş, founder of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, who has been the eternal hero of the great Turkish Nation and its inseperable part the Turkish Cypriot People.

Mr. Denktaş has been the greatest source of assurance and pride for the Turkish Cypriot People as well as for his motherland Turkey during the struggle for existence of our Turkish Cypriot brothers. By his worldwide acclaimed qualities of leadership and statesmanship beyond Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, he will always remain in our hearts as the defender of one of the most just struggles of our era.

As the leader of the Turkish Cypriot People, devoting all his life with deep sacrifice and devotion, Mr. Denktaş has defended the Cyprus cause in full mental and emotional unity with Turkey, overcome all difficulties and bestowed the status of statehood to his People. He has also succeeded in glorifying this State with modern, democratic and national values.

In addition to his continous political struggle, he will also be remembered as an unprecedented man of art, culture and ideas that is hard to find amongst other world leaders. While we are saddened by the loss of great leader Denktaş, we are certain that all of his works handed down to the Turkish nation, in particular the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, will enlighten current and future generations, while providing further impetus to the desire of bringing a lasting and fair solution to this just struggle.

Mr. Denktaş always acknowledged that his greatest pride was to be a member of the Great Turkish Nation. He took his place on the stage of history as an exceptional leader who reminds us and will continue to remind us in the future of the Turkish Nation's tradition to create a hero in difficult times.

On this very sad day, we convey our condolences and wish patience to the bereaved members of his family, as well as to the entire Turkish Nation. We once again emphasize the common fate we share with our Turkish Cypriot brothers and wholeheartedly share their deep sorrow. We wish mercy upon the Great Hero Denktaş. May he rest in peace.