Resolution condemning Dink assassination introduced in U.S. Senate

PanARMENIAN.Net - Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE) introduced legislation condemning the assassination of Hrant Dink and honoring his legacy of tolerance and peaceful change, reports the Armenian Assembly of America. "Hrant Dink was a leading voice in Turkey's Armenian community and an eloquent advocate for human rights, press freedom, and democracy," said Senator Biden. "His assassination was an outrage and a tragedy. Hrant's legacy deserves the Senate's respect. His murder demands our action."



The Senate bill is similar to H. Res. 102, which was introduced by Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY) on January 29 with the support of the Armenian Assembly. The Biden resolution condemns Dink's assassination and supports Turkey's pledge to conduct an exhaustive investigation into his killing. Furthermore, the legislation urges Turkey to take appropriate action to protect freedom of speech in Turkey by repealing Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code, which criminalizes public discussion on the Armenian Genocide. The resolution also calls on Turkey to reestablish full diplomatic, political and economic relations with Armenia.