“Opening of the Armenian-Turkish border gate will impact views and stereotypes in Turkey and assist the inflow of tourists to Western Armenia (Turkey)”, Radical daily correspondent Cengiz Çandar says in his article on Kurds issue settlement and Lake Van significance for Turkey.

“Lake Van and its surrounding areas are one of the most beautiful spots of the globe. Its divine nature imparts huge potential to the site. As soon as the infrastructure is restored, this place will instantly turn into a centre of spiritual tourism. After all it is here where Akhtamar church and Mount Ararat are located. However, there are two obstacles: the closed border gate with Armenia and lack of democratization in Turkey,” the article reads.

Çandar considers a real issue for Turkey to top the cross on Akhtamar and hold their services. “Will these territories go to Armenians once we top a cross on the church?” the journalist quotes Governor of Van. The latter said he does not differentiate churches with cross from the mosques.

Çandar in his article says he talked to an engineer rebuilding the church, who told him that Turkish side ordered a cross from Armenia, however barred its entry into the country.