A tragedy In Turkey

Re “Journalist slain in Turkey,” Jan. 20

Last week’s tragic killing of the courageous Turkish-Armenian editor and human rights activist Hrant Dink is a sad reminder that 92 years after the start of the Armenian genocide, Turkey’s state-sponsored denial campaign continues to destroy lives. In denying this fact of world history, Turkey has inflamed extremists to fits of hysteria, resulting in anti-Armenian violence and strained relations with neighboring Armenia. Furthermore, despite repeated calls from the U.S., the European Union and human rights groups, Turkey has done little to improve conditions for its minorities.

Dink was a man of principle and strong conviction. His death should not be in vain. The U.S. government must do everything it can to end this vicious cycle of genocide denial -- starting with reaffirming its own historical record on the Armenian genocide.

RICHARD MUSHEGAIN

Beverly Hills

The writer is chairman of the Armenian Assembly of America’s Los Angeles office.

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In Germany, denying the Holocaust is a punishable crime, while in Turkey, admitting the genocide of the Armenians is a crime for which one either ends up in jail or is slain. Will the European Union be able to embrace the governments of these extremes and still consider itself a bastion of democracy?

ARMEN GOENJIAN

Redondo Beach

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Re “Armenia haunts the Turks again,” Opinion, Jan. 23

Huge Pope wishes for Armenians to compromise, not realizing that you can’t compromise when you are dead.

VAHE KHACHATURIAN

La Canada Flintridge