WHAT HRANT DINK HAD TOLD U.S. DIPLOMAT BOUND FOR ARMENIA

Lragir, Armenia
Dec 17 2007

What is the attitude of the U.S. government toward the tough
stance of Turkey on the Armenian and Turkish relations which offers
stipulations in response to the proposal to set up relations without
preconditions? The reporters asked the U.S. Charge Joseph Pennington
on December 17 who had been a diplomatic official to Ankara before
he came to Armenia in June 2007.

The reporters added to this question that when the resolution on the
Genocide was going to be discussed at the U.S. House, statements were
made that it would harm the Armenian and Turkish dialogue. How will
it harm if there is no dialogue, the reporters asked?

In answer to these questions Joseph Pennington said the U.S.

government calls on both Turkey and Armenia to start a dialogue
because it stems from the interests of both countries. Besides,
the U.S. diplomat told a story which happened during his service in
Ankara when he knew he was going to Armenia. Pennington says he met
with Hrant Dink he had heard a lot about him, and talked on the phone
but did not have a meeting. They met and discussed a number of things,
including the Armenian and Turkish relation.

He says he had gone to his office in front of which he was killed, they
walked to his favorite restaurant and he and Hrant talked for a couple
of hours because he knew he was going to Armenia. Pennington says Hrant
Dink gave him information on a number of issues and wanted to know
how the United States can help the Armenian and Turkish relation. He
kept saying that he is proud of being Armenian but he also loves his
country, that is Turkey, the U.S. Charge says. He says when he asked
Dink how the Untied States can be helpful to the Armenian and Turkish
issue, he said help improve the relations between Armenia and Turkey,
Pennington says.