Rauf denktash biography of barack

Rauf Denktash has been the key figure in the Turkish community of Cyprus for more than 30 years.

Now in his fourth five-year term as president of the unrecognised Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, he has been a leader of the community since the s.

But the veteran politician now faces challenges to his leadership from two different directions - from his people and his patron.

Thousands marched against Mr Denktash's policy

Some 30, Turkish Cypriots demonstrated against his policy towards Greek Cyprus at the end of December, and a week later, the Turkish Government signalled that it, too, was ready for a shift.

The pressure from above and below may finally force a change from a man who has remained in power as successive efforts by the United Nations, the United States, the European Union (EU) and Britain failed to reunify the island.

Long presidency

Mr Denktash became president of the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus after the Turkish invasion of the island i