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YEREVAN. – Hrant Dink was the first to raise the issue of the Armenian Genocide in Turkey and was teaching the Armenian and Turkish people to understand each other. His colleague, “Agos" Armenian Editor Bagrat Estukyan shared his memories about Dink in an interview with Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Mr. Estukyan, Hrant Dink would have turned 60 on September 15. Living and working in Turkey, he periodically raised the issue of the Armenian Genocide. Did his work get adequate assessment?

All we realize that people began to understand and appreciate Dink as a public figure after his death. He always addressed the Turkish and Armenian people, but his words had never been evaluated as after 2007. He taught two nations to understand each other, as in Armenia and Turkey there were strict criteria in relation to each other. Dink led them to understand and accept that the people is one thing, but the authorities is another. Hrant was a friend of Turkey, but at the same time insisted on recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Earlier, the Armenians of Turkey preferred to show restraint, and Hrant was the first to speak about the Genocide.

How did he behave at work and in relationship with your colleagues?

When it comes to Hrant Dink as an editor, I can not help but mention the fact that thanks to his efforts a school opened in the building of “Agos" newspaper. This is a unique newspaper, where a school is in the building of the office. Hrant never tried to offend anyone, and urged people to achieve the desired results.

Every year on this day the newspaper presents awards to people who are fighting for human rights. What events are planned for this year? 

On September 15 evening we will have a special event to hand over awards. In addition, we will have music and special guests.

Hrant Dink was the founder and chief editor of Agos Armenian weekly of Istanbul, and he was killed on January 19, 2007 in front of the weekly’s office, by Ogun Samast. The ongoing trials into Dink’s murder, however, have not yet exposed the architects of this assassination.

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