Recently, the Turkish media has spread information that businessmen in Van plan to solve the problem of cross installation on Surb Khach themselves. According to the information, the businessmen intended to bring special device to the island and install the cross on the dome of Surb Khach church on Akhtamar Island. In this regard, the NEWS.am correspondent held a conversation with Abdullah Tuncdemir, a representative of Turkish Association of Travel Agents (TURSAB).
As to the installation of the cross till September 19, Tuncdemir said: “The main thing is there is a permission to install the cross. We may not manage to place it before the liturgy, but it will be installed by all means. Please, do not make it a big problem. We hold meetings and discussions on the matter and do our best to install the cross before the liturgy. However, the Van Governor is to make a final decision.”
He stressed the church on Akhtamar was restored and opened for religious services and asked the reporters to write only good things. “If it is possible, the cross will be installed. We wish to do it in a friendly atmosphere,” he noted.
