Turkish state and government officials issued messages on Thursday to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of the late founding President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay in his message posted on social media praised the contributions of the late founding president to the Turkish Cypriot cause.
Oktay wrote that they were remembering the strong defender of the Cyprus cause and the founding president of the TRNC Rauf Raif Denktaş with much respect.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Foreign Ministry also issued a message to mark the occasion.
“We commemorate the founding President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, late Rauf Raif Denktaş with respect, gratitude and mercy on the tenth anniversary of his passing away,” the message read.
It said that Turkey will always remember Denktaş’s astute leadership and unique contributions to the Turkish Cypriots’ fight for freedom, survival and security, in harmony and consensus with motherland Turkey.
“Being aware of our historical and moral responsibilities, Turkey will continue to give full support to the resolute struggle of the Turkish Cypriot people for the reaffirmation of their sovereign equality and equal international status,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in its message.