The Ottawa Sun
August 28, 2004 Saturday Final Edition

TURKS MARK GRIM DAY

BY LAURA CZEKAJ, OTTAWA SUN

It had all the makings of a funeral complete with remembrance and
prayers for the dead.

But yesterday’s ceremony marking the anniversary of Col. Atilla
Altikat’s assassination on Aug. 27, 1982, at the hands of Armenian
extremists was also an opportunity for Turkish Canadians to look to
the future — a future free of terrorism.

“The good name of Canada was bloodied by Armenian terrorism and the
culprits are still free to this day,” said Prof. Ozay Mehmet, a
member of the Federation of Canadian Turkish Associations. “We would
like to see justice done.”

Altikat was driving to work at the Turkish Embassy when he stopped
for a red light at the intersection of the Ottawa River Pkwy. and
Island Park Dr. A man approached the car and shot him dead before
escaping into the nearby bushes.

The killer has never been caught.

Shortly after the murder, the Justice Commandos of the Armenian
Genocide claimed responsibility for the killing.

World leaders must make the fight against terrorism a top priority,
Mehmet said yesterday.

‘DID NOT DIE IN VAIN’

“However, Altikat did not die in vain,” he said. “His sacrifice has
become a symbol of unity and strength for Canadians of Turkish
origin.”

A crowd of about 150 gathered at the intersection where Altikat was
gunned down 22 years ago to pay their respects and demonstrate their
support for putting an end to terrorist acts.