Serhat Akpinar, the founding Rector and Chancellor of Girne American University, has on behalf the Chancellor's Office and the Rectorate of Girne American University issued the following statement in connection with the death of Rauf Raif Denktaş, the founding President of the TRNC and one of the leaders of Turkish Community of Cyprus.

"We have suffered a profound loss with the death of Rauf Raif Denktaş, a leader who has by his campaign of honour and discipline changed the destiny of Turkish Cypriots, and a leader who will never be replaced due to the fact that he dedicated his life to his community.

Having dedicated his life to the cause of Cyprus and providing Turkish Cypriots with a state, Rauf Raif Denktaş, the founding President of the TRNC, who has received an Honourary Doctorate from Girne American University, was one of the greatest leaders world had ever seen. Therefore, his greatest heritage, his love of homeland and fighting spirit as well as his testimony concerning the independence will live on.

We declare that we will continue proceeding in the light of knowledge and wisdom on a path set up by a life dedicated to the independent state of Turkish Cypriots, and we extend our condolences to the Turkish world, the people of the TRNC and above all to his family.

On behalf of Girne American University,

Serhat Akpinar, the Chancellor