The Chairman of Van’s Trade and Industry Chamber Zahir Kandasoglu commented on the decision by Holy See of Echmiadzin to cancel its participation in the opening ceremony of Surb Khach Church on Akhtamar Island. Considering the refusal to install the cross, the Holy See refuses to send two of its representatives to take part in the service scheduled for September 19.

According to Kandasoglu, Echmiadzin made a right decision as they promised to install the cross but failed to do so.
Kandasoglu stressed the cross should be installed on the dome of the church by all means. According to him, Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister should solve the issue not to bring their work to a deadlock. He promised to write a letter to nongovernmental organizations and the minister and raise the issue at the impending meeting with Van deputies.

As NEWS.am reported previously, Deputy Patriarch of Constantinople Archbishop Aram Ateshyan stated Van Governor had said setting a 200 kg cross requires a special tower and they would not manage to install it till the opening ceremony, as it is a difficult process. Turkish authorities have made a disgraceful step, stating the cross would be installed after the religious service.