Turkish authorities oppose installation of statue dedicated to Hrant Dink in IstanbulJanuary 24, 2011 - 15:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - With the 'Monument of Humanity,' sculpted by Mehmet Aksoy in the eastern city of Kars, already a subject of controversy, authorities are delaying the installation of Aksoy’s broken-winged white dove statue, which he has dedicated to Hrant Dink, and he is planning to sue Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “The Monument of Humanity, dedicated to Turkish and Armenian people, and even the little broken-winged white dove are enough to scare some people,” Aksoy says. Aksoy completed his sculpture of a broken-winged white dove coincidentally just a short time before daily Agos editor-in-chief Dink was assassinated on Jan. 19, 2007. Aksoy knew Dink closely; he decided to place the sculpture at the place where his body fell. The dove would have symbolized Dink. After meeting with Dink’s family, he applied to the Sisli Municipality and the plan was approved. “They first gave me permission and work started on the installation of the piece. But later, they took a step backward, citing various reasons. One of the reasons was that the glass was slippery and would cause people to fall and break their leg. Although I told them that I would find nonskid glass, they did not change their mind,” Aksoy said. “They not only prevented the white dove sculpture from being erected, they also said they would name the avenue after Hrant but they have not.” In response to Aksoy’s claims, Sisli Deputy Mayor Vasgen Barin, said “Aksoy did not make the sculpture for Dink. He decided later to dedicate it to him.” Aksoy noted: “I do not deny that I made the sculpture before his death, I told this to Dink’s family, too. I don’t understand what they are trying to say. I don’t have any financial expectations, either. Should I have made the sculpture after the assassination?” Hurriyet Daily News reported. 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 | Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. Armenia calls for prohibiting threats of attacks on nuclear facilities Armenia has raised the need for a treaty prohibiting attacks on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes. Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 |