The Assembly of Turkish American Associations remembers Honorable Rauf Denktas on the first anniversary of his death. The founder and the first president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Rauf Denktas was a leading figure in protecting the Turkish Cypriots from annihilation and ethnic cleansing at the hands of Greek and Greek Cypriot terrorists on the island of Cyprus (1963-1974).
The Turkish Cypriots established the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in 1983. TRNC has in many respects governed itself and served its people better than most other small states. The Turkish Peace Operation of 1974 helped bring tranquility and stability to the island where no one has lost life or limb in ethnic fighting since 1974. TRNC proved itself to be respectable member of the international community of nations.
We encourage the Turkish Americans and the American friends to visit the island to show support to the Turkish Cypriot people and their aspirations of living in freedom and peace.
