AEFJD: Turkey Kills Hrant DinkJanuary 20, 2007 - 14:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "We condemned this hateful assassination" declared Hilda Tchoboian, the chairperson of the European Armenian Federation. "In a country where the system of education and the political culture moulds the minds of the people with hatred towards the Non-Turkish citizens of the country and where racism is rampant with extreme-right organizations occupying a place of honor, this is a sad reminder that things are far from changing in today's Turkey," declared Hilda Tchoboian. The Federation asserts that irrespective of outcomes of the investigation the Turkish State has an undeniable responsibility for this murder. AEFJD also condemns the Turkish authorities for their incapacity in providing adequate security for journalists and intellectuals.The Federation notes that, among a dozen dissidents to the Turkish State line, it is precisely the one with an Armenian origin who was targeted by the murderers. "This deliberate act aims at maintaining the Armenian community in a climate of terror in order to show them that freedom of expression can have no place in Turkey, especially concerning the Armenian Genocide, and that the community should not overstep its limits", added Hilda Tchoboian. She also stressed that any attempts by the Turkish government of capitalizing on Hrant Dink's assassination to promote a liberal image in Europe through public sympathizing would be the height of cynicism. "The Turkish authorities would be well advised to refrain from such cheap opportunism which would have no currency whatsoever in Europe," concluded Hilda Tchoboian. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |