The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee has delayed consideration of the S.Res.65 condemning the murder of Hrant Dink, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). "We are troubled that Senator Lugar - apparently acting at the request of the Administration - has delayed the U.S. Senate's tribute to the life and memory of Hrant Dink," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "We look forward to the panel, at the next opportunity, rejecting any efforts to block or water down this measure, and passing it in the form it was introduced."

Following the delay, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Member Chris Dodd (D-CT) stated that, "It is unfortunate that the committee deferred action on this important resolution. I look forward to voting in support of the resolution when the committee considers it at the next business meeting."

"Hrant Dink spoke out for tolerance in an era when voices like his need to be heard," stated Massachusetts Senator John Kerry. "His assassination was a terrible crime which warrants the strong condemnation of the Congress and the entire international community."