US embassy welcomes awarded deputy Pavey

ANKARA - Hürriyet Daily News

CHP deputy Şafak Pavey (2nd L), U.S Ambassador Francis Ricciardone (3rd L), Rakel Dink (3rd R) and journalist Nedim Şener (2nd R) are seen together in the photo. AA photo

The U.S. in Ankara embassy hosted late March 22 journalist Nedim Şener, Rakel Dink, spouse of murdered journalist Hrant Dink, Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, CHP deputy Gürsel Tekin and Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) deputies Sırrı Sakık and Hasip Kaplan at a reception to honor CHP deputy Şafak Pavey, who was awarded the 2012 “International Woman of Courage Award” of the U.S. Department of State.

Justice and Development Party (AKP) members shunned the reception even though they were invited, the Daily News has learned. Dink and Şener attended the event as special guests invited by Pavey.
The U.S. Ambassador in Ankara Francis Ricciardone said he wanted to congratulate all women for their accomplishments and contributions.

“You are a person that not only I, but other American diplomats here and in our mission in Istanbul have admired for your inspirational work on behalf of women, on behalf of equal special needs and on behalf of people who work to improve the lives of women and lives of all,” he said.

“You lift the dignity of our all societies,” the ambassador added.

Ricciardore said, “I especially want to know how a person finds that inner strength despite facing such adversity. Not only for your own life, but also to give so much to the rest of us.”
Pavey, for her part, said that she had accepted the award on behalf of all Turkish women with brave hearts.