Agence France Presse — English
January 19, 2007 Friday
Armenia condemns journalist Dink’s killing
YEREVAN, Jan 19 2007
Armenia condemned the killing in Istanbul on Friday of
Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, saying it was "deeply
shocked."
"We are deeply shocked by the news of the assassination of
Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, a man who lived his life in
the belief that there can be understanding, dialogue and peace
amongst peoples," said Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian.
"We categorically condemn this act regardless of the circumstances
and call on the Turkish authorities to do everything to identify
those responsible," he said in a statement.
Dink, who was shot dead outside his office, had attracted the wrath
of the Turkish judiciary and nationalist circles for his remarks
drawing attention to the killings of Armenians under the Ottoman
Empire, Turkey’s predecessor, during World War I.
He always insisted that he was a citizen of Turkey and would never
work against his country.
Armenian President Robert Kocharian also condemned the killing and
sent his condolences to Dink’s family.
"The killing of this well-known Armenian journalist in Turkey raises
numerous questions and deserves the strongest condemnation,"
Kocharian was quoted by his press secretary, Viktor Sogomonian, as
saying.
"We hope that the Turkish authorities will do everything possible to
find and punish the culprit strictly in accordance with the law."
Armenia and Turkey have had no diplomatic relations since this
country declared independence in 1991. The Ottoman-era killings of
Armenians is one of the main obstacles to closer ties.