Concerning a liturgy at the Surb Khach (Holy Cross) church on Akhtamar Island, the Azg newspaper writes that the Turkish Government is thereby trying to play havoc among Armenians. “During a short period, it is the third well thought-out step by Turkey, by means which it is creating confusion among Armenians, reaping the sweet fruits of its labor. After capturing historical lands and destroying 1.5m Armenians, Turkey, easily and expertly, is applying various mechanisms among the victims’ descendants, who are not yet able to shoe national unity and strong will to oppose its behind-the-scenes intrigues. One of the first steps was the Armenian-Turkish protocols, which not only inspired hopes in Armenians, but also deceived the international community. The second step was the election of the Vicar of the Armenian Patriarch in Istanbul. Turks supported the formation of two different commissions (the Spiritual Council and Election Committee) and, dividing the Istanbul-based Armenians into two opposing camps, got Aram Ateshyan ‘elected’ vicar. That was an unprecedented event in the history of Armenian Patriarchate. Although the ‘election results’ are being appealed, Ateshyan is already reaching fruits, dancing to the Turkish Government’s tune.
According to the newspaper, “Turkey is offering us its third step, a liturgy in Surb Khach church on Akhtamar Island. By allowing only one liturgy in this historical church, the Turkish Government is clearly showing its goals. First, the Government does not recognize this church as a place of worship. Secondly, it is taking the opportunity to pretend it is tolerant toward other religions thereby facilitating its admission to the EU.
Thirdly, the Turkish Government is thus promoting tourism in the country. Turkey is happiest about the fact Armenians are disunited about even minor matters and are fighting against one another.
Thus, Armenians are divided into two camps, which are arguing with and accusing each other, forgetful of Turkish intrigues, the newspaper concludes.