The EU Ambassadors to Turkey, accompanied by Head of the Religious Council of the Armenian Patriarchate, Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, and Turkish State Minister Egemen Bagis visited Surb Khach church on Akhtamar Island. Archbishop Ateshyan told the history of the church.

At a dinner party, the Turkish Minister said the resumption of services in Surb Khach church is not the result of foreign influence.

A cross will be put on the dome of Surb Khach church on Akhtamar Island, and it will be re-opened for religious services on September 19, 2010. Aram Ateshyan will conduct the first service.

The Van Governor said they plan to receive 5,000 Armenians, but 1,500  families in Van already expressed their wish to host Armenians.