THE DEATH of one of the key players in the long-running Cyprus problem who played a critical role in maintaining the country’s division was met with barely a sound from the Greek Cypriot press and politicians yesterday.
Rauf Raif Denktash, 88, died late on Friday of multiple organ failure after enduring a year of deteriorating health.
While Turkey and Turkish Cypriots in the north yesterday marked his death with words and actions befitting a ‘national hero’, the prominent and influential role played by the Paphos-born former Turkish Cypriot leader was barely visible in the Greek Cypriot community.
No statements were made by any political party about his death, with the focus instead being on the country’s latest downgrade by another credit rating agency.
When a journalist asked President Demetris Christofias to comment on the death of a man who “marked the course of the Cyprus problem with many scars”, her question was indicative of Denktash’s ability to polarise opinion regarding the role he played on the island.
Christofias’ responded with reservation, saying that he had called Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu to express his and his community’s condolences, adding that he will also try contacting Denktash’s son Serdar to do the same.
“I don’t think it is the time to make assessments of the actions of Rauf Denktash, who was in any case, a big personality. His actions, like those of Greek Cypriots or Greek actors were not the best for the Cypriot people,” he said.
“Denktash was consistent in his vision for partition. We certainly cannot agree with the vision of Rauf Denktash but it would be wrong at this moment to make a general assessment and accuse Denktash,” he added.
In this hour of grief for many Turkish Cypriots and Turks, Christofias called for people to show “prudence and respect for the feelings of many of our Turkish Cypriot compatriots”.
No statement was made from Denktash’s old sparring partner in the courts and on the negotiating table Glafcos Clerides either.
The Cyprus Mail asked one political actor their thoughts on the deafening silence, to which they replied: “One does not want to talk about the bad just after his death. But neither do you want to refer only to the good, as this is only half the truth, so I guess silence is the best option.”
Many online readers evidently did not share this view, with a vitriolic debate between supporters and detractors of the former leader dominating this paper’s website, with epithets ranging from “hero” to “war criminal”.
Ironically, the institution which should have felt the most aggrieved by Denktash’s successful filibustering during many decades of negotiations was the most expressive.
According to his spokesperson, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was “saddened” to learn of his passing.
He said Denktash “was a long-serving and historic Turkish Cypriot leader with whom the United Nations had a long relationship”.
A joint statement was issued by UN Special Adviser Alexander Downer and Special Representative Lisa Buttenheim who said they learned of his passing “with deep sorrow”.
“Mr Denktash was a preeminent figure whose dedication to the Turkish Cypriot community was steadfast through decades of leadership,” said the joint statement.
