Memorial service begins for late TRNC President

An official ceremony was held yesterday for founding Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas, who died on Jan.13 at the age of 87. Thousands of Turkish Cypriots gathered early in the morning outside the hospital where the former leader died, including his successor, Mehmet Ali Talat, Rauf Denktas's wife, Aydın Denktas, his son, Serdar Denktas, Turkish Cypriot Parliamentary head Hasan Bozer and Turkish Ambassador to Nicosia Halil Ibrahim Akca. The coffin, wrapped in Turkish and Turkish Cypriot flags, was later transferred from the hospital in northern Nicosia to the presidential palace. Denktaş will be laid to rest today at Cumhuriyet Park. Furthermore, Turkey is to send a large delegation headed by President Abdullah Gul for today's funeral. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli will also attend the funeral.