Canadian officials condemn the assassination of Hrant Dink

24 January, 2007

The assassination of the Turkish Armenian journalist Hrant Dink in Turkey last week has been condemned in separate statements by the Hon. Jason Kenney, Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity, as well as by the Hon. Gary Goodyear (MP-Cambridge) on behalf of the Canada-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group (CAPFG).

A statement condemning the murder of Mr. Hrant Dink has been issued also by the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC).

Statement by the Hon. Jason Kenney, PC, MP
Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity)

I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the Dink family and believers in freedom and democracy as we grieve the loss of Armenian journalist, Hrant Dink.

I condemn this barbaric hate crime and hope justice will be served for those who are responsible for Mr. Dink’s assassination.

Mr. Dink was a well known voice around the world on Armenian affairs as a courageous and principled journalist, particularly in his writings regarding the Armenian genocide. Mr. Dink’s work to promote tolerance has benefited countless lives. I fully support the Armenian people as they continue the work Hrant accomplished throughout his life.

Freedom of speech and respect for diversity must be adhered to so that we can all live in peace and harmony.

May God bless his soul.

Statement by the Hon. Gary Goodyear, Chair
Canada-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group

On behalf of the Canada-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group, I would like to express my shock and deep sadness for the tragic murder of Turkish journalist Hrant Dink.

This murder is an act which assaults the basic principles of free expression and democracy.

Mr. Dink was a prominent voice for the Armenian population in Turkey. He was editor of the bilingual Turkish-Armenian Agos newspaper and his offence was to seek dialogue and reconciliation between Turks and Armenians by recognizing the Armenian Genocide of 1915.

Mr. Dink spent his life trying to rid his country and his two peoples of the denial dividing them. It is our hope that justice will be served and that we can draw a lesson from this unimaginable event in order to heal pains of past actions and pave the way for a peaceful future through truth and reconciliation.

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