The 5th anniversary of the assassination of Istanbul Armenian journalist Hrant Dink was commemorated on Sunday, January 15, at 6:00 p.m., at OIA Kirkor & Aved Kurkcuoglu Hall. The event was organized by OIA and under the auspices of United Armenian Council of 24 April. Dr. Ohannes K. Avedikyan opened the evening, conveyed his thanks to all the guests, the attendees, and the organizers, and invited all for a moment of respect for Hrant Dink’s memory. The MC of the event was Chairman of OIA’s Board of Trustees & Chairman of Armenian Bar Association Edvin Minassian, Esq., who discussed and reported on the current status of the criminal investigation and trial related to Hrant Dink’s assasination. He invited Rev. Fr. Razmik Khatchadourian, who read a written message and blessings by His Eminence Abp. Moushegh Mardirossian, the Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Church. Honorable Guest, First Foreign Minister of Republic of Armenia Raffi K. Hovannisian provided reflections on Hrant Dink Legacy. The program continued with a musical duduk performance by Master of Armenian Duduk Teacher and Performer Albert Vartanian, and a singing performance of two of Hrant Dink’s favorite songs by OIA Cultural Committee member Ilda Tanoglu. A speech was given by Oshin Keshishian prior to the showing of his 2003 interview with Hrant Dink. The legendary journalist and Publisher of the Armenian Observer shared with the audience special memories. On this special event, the keynote speaker was Prof. Taner Akcam, Historian and Prof. of Clark University, who presented “Where Is Turkey Heading On After Dersim Massacres Apology”, addressing the contemporary political situation in Turkey and how it relates to relations between the Turkish and Armenian people. He specifically addressed the major changes that occurred in 2007, the very year Hrant Dink was assassinated, and was cautiously optimistic that the changes may be permanent and will be lasting; despite occasional setbacks and stagnation. His Eminence Abp. Vatche Hovsepian, Former Primate of the Western Diocese, representing Primate Abp. Hovnan Derderian, led a prayer by all religious leaders that were present and offered blessings. The event ended with a Q&A session, followed by a light reception.
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| January 15, 2012 |
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| OIA HRANT DINK 5th ANNIVERSARY 15/1/2012 (SS) |
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| January 15, 2012 |
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