HEC PRESS RELEASE
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Hellenic Electronic Center (HEC)

A Non-Profit Organization Registered in the US
Representing 35,000 Hellenes and
34 Hellenic associations in the US and abroad

January 21, 2007

The Executive Council of the Hellenic Electronic Center (HEC) and all
of its members throughout the world wish to extend their sympathies
and support to our grieving Armenian brothers and sisters following
the brutal and unprovoked murder of Hrant Dink by a Turkish extremist
in Constantinople. We wish to express our admiration and respect for
the bravery shown by Mr. Dink who fought for justice and historical
truth in advocating for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. His
vivid example will serve as an inspiration to writers throughout the
civilized world who use words as their weapon against the brutality
and terror which are the characteristics of all authoritarian
governments such as The Turkish government.

Mr. Dink was the victim of the terrorism that is rampant in Turkey,
that is both tolerated and supported by the Turkish authorities. The
hatred directed against the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek minorities
in Turkey up to the present day is a reality demonstrated by Ankara’s
Genocide trends and denials. The tragic and horrible murder of
Mr. Dink by one fanatical extremist has as its origins the official
Genocide denial that is the official stance of the Turkish government
and its representatives.

We extend our condolences to the family of Mr. Dink, and to the whole
Armenian nation worldwide. Additionally, we are more than ever,
greatly concerned for the destiny and well being of the remaining
members of the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek communities within
Turkey.

HEC Executive Council