[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 25 (Friday, February 9, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO HRANT DINK

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                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 8, 2007

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, last month, the world lost 
a powerful voice for free speech when journalist Hrant Dink was 
tragically killed for expressing his views on the Armenian Genocide. 
His death should serve as a watershed moment for Turkish-Armenian 
relations.
  While Turkish officials have rightly condemned the killing, Turkey 
should honor the memory of Hrant Dink by using this opportunity to 
begin an open dialogue between Turkish citizens and their neighbors of 
Armenian descent. Laws that criminalize free speech and serious 
discussion of difficult issues are counterproductive to true democratic 
reform, which the Turkish government has called a priority. Taking 
steps to finally reconcile its past with its future by recognizing the 
Armenian Genocide are the foundations for real progress for Turkey.
  In the wake of this tragedy, we must not allow an assassin's bullet 
to silence such a dynamic voice for change, but rather, continue to 
encourage Turkey to make positive changes with the same resolve Hrant 
Dink showed throughout his life as a champion of freedom.

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