PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Center for National and International Studies
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 0033, Armenia
Tel: (+374 – 10) 52.87.80 or 27.48.18
Fax: (+374 – 10) 52.48.46
Email: root@acnis.am or info@acnis.am
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January 19, 2010
ACNIS COMMEMORATES THE THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF THE MURDER OF HRANT DINK
MORE THAN A MAN…..
Hrant Dink
1954-2007
In Memoriam, the third anniversary of his murder
Yerevan–The Armenian Center for National and International Studies
(ACNIS) issued a statement today commemorating the third anniversary
of the death of noted Turkish-Armenian intellectual Hrant Dink. The
following is the statement:
It is always difficult to eulogize the dead, but it is especially
painful to commemorate the loss of the brave and the innocent. Far
too often we only truly appreciate the basic treasures of life when it
is too late. We long for loved ones, whether friends or family, only
after they have passed. We tend to take for granted their value and
their company. That is only human, but so too is the tragedy of loss.
As we mark the third anniversary of the tragic loss of one such loved
one, we must remind ourselves of the meaning of Hrant Dink. His
brutal murder on this day three years ago in Istanbul endowed his
death with a special meaning. But even more significantly, it was his
life that endowed his death with such a special meaning. Sometimes in
history, some men attain a higher meaning, in a sacrifice of the
ultimate. Hrant Dink was just such a man. He was brave, in so
strongly and passionately advocating Turkish-Armenian reconciliation,
but also as an outspoken defender of minority and human rights in
Turkey. He was also innocent, in facing the persecution and
prosecution of the Turkish state, which had specifically targeted him
for the `crime’ of `insulting Turkishness.’
But Hrant Dink was much more than a symbol of change. He was an
inspiration to many and his mission was a motivation to even more.
Hrant Dink was also a loving father of three, Delal, Ararat and Sera;
a devoted husband of one special woman, Rakel; a friend to many, and
an inspiration to all.
The man may be gone, but his mission continues and his spirit lives on.
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The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) is
a leading independent strategic research center located in Yerevan,
Armenia. As an independent, objective institution committed to
conducting professional policy research and analysis, ACNIS strives to
raise the level of public debate and seeks to broaden public
engagement in the public policy process, as well as fostering greater
and more inclusive public knowledge. Founded in 1994, ACNIS is the
institutional initiative of Raffi K. Hovannisian, Armenia’s first
Minister of Foreign Affairs. Over the past fifteen years, ACNIS has
acquired a prominent reputation as a primary source of professional
independent research and analysis covering a wide range of national
and international policy issues.
For further information on the Center call (37410) 52-87-80 or
27-48-18; fax (37410) 52-48-46; email root@acnis.am or info@acnis.am;
or visit