Journal of Turkish Weekly, Turkey
Jan 21 2007

‘The Murder is Against Turkey’s Unity’

Saturday , 20 January 2007

ISTANBUL – "This murder was committed against unity, peace,
fraternity and efforts of democracy in Turkey," said Justice Minister
Cemil Cicek on Friday.

Governor of Istanbul Muammer Guler, Interior Minister Abdulkadir
Aksu, and Cicek held a meeting at the Governer`s Office in Istanbul,
in regard to the assassination of Hrant Dink, editor-in-chief of
bilingual Turkish-Armenian weekly Agos.

The top level officials who attended the meeting made a press
conference. Minister Cicek said, "this murder was committed against
unity, peace, fraternity and efforts of democracy in Turkey. We must
stress the fact that Hrant Dink was chosen. We underline this."

Cicek who described the event as "a well-planned provocation"
continued "this murder is meaningful in a period when the so-called
genocide discussions are on the agenda." The Turkish Minister pointed
out to the fact that this murder took place when the efforts for
scientific work on historical facts (regarding Armenian claims) were
underway.

Minister Cicek said "we will not withhold any effort to enlighten the
murder."

-RESERACH PROCESS IS CONTINUING-

The governor, related public prosecutors, intelligence and security
units evaluated the situation and the legal investigation started
immediately after the event took place, said Cicek.

Regarding the future of the investigation, Cicek told the press
members that, they informed the public as much as possible from the
beginning in order to prevent some people to take advantage of the
grief caused by the murder. However Cicek said the investigation must
be carried out in confidentiality and sensitivity for a while in
order to enlighten the attack with its all aspects.

Cicek said the government concluded many investigations regarding
terrorist activities in the past and they expect to get a similar
result in this case too.

-INTERIOR MINISTER AKSU-

Abdulkadir Aksu who took the floor at the press conference said, they
are considering every possibility and aspect of the event in order to
prevent any kind of uncertainty or mistake.

Aksu stated that all parts of the investigation from the ballistic
examination of the shells to the video records in the region are
carried out carefully.

Aksu offered his condolences to the friends, journalist friends of
the victim, and to the people of Turkey.