In an interview with Turkish ATV, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan touched on the opening of the orthodox monastery Sumela and Armenian Surb Khach church on Akhtamar Island.
Erdogan said over the recent 8 years serious democratic processes have been underway in Turkey, pointing out the Turkish authorities’ permission to conduct religious services in Sumela monastery and Surb Khach church.
The Turkish Premier stressed the liturgy in Sumela caused a big stir. According to him, the renovation works at Surb Khach were carried out on government funds. “We are doing our best for world peace,” the Turkish PM stressed, forgetting the Turkish authorities’ disgraceful step to put off the installation of a cross on the dome of Surb Khach church.