PanARMENIAN.Net
Resolution condemning Dink assassination introduced in U.S. Senate
02.02.2007 13:56 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joseph
R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE) introduced legislation condemning the
assassination of Hrant Dink and honoring his legacy of tolerance and
peaceful change, reports the Armenian Assembly of America. "Hrant
Dink was a leading voice in Turkey’s Armenian community and an
eloquent advocate for human rights, press freedom, and democracy,"
said Senator Biden. "His assassination was an outrage and a tragedy.
Hrant’s legacy deserves the Senate’s respect. His murder demands our
action."
The Senate bill is similar to H. Res. 102, which was introduced by
Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY) on January 29 with the support of
the Armenian Assembly. The Biden resolution condemns Dink’s
assassination and supports Turkey’s pledge to conduct an exhaustive
investigation into his killing. Furthermore, the legislation urges
Turkey to take appropriate action to protect freedom of speech in
Turkey by repealing Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code, which
criminalizes public discussion on the Armenian Genocide. The
resolution also calls on Turkey to reestablish full diplomatic,
political and economic relations with Armenia.