A new date for a refenrendum on constitutional reforms in Turkey has been fixed, which calls into question the opening of the Surb Khach Church on Akhtamar Island in Van scheduled for September 12.

The refenrendum has been fixed for September 12, the officially announced date for the opening of the Surb Khach Church. Van Governor Munir Karaoglu stated that the local administration is now faced with a grave problem and has to negotiate with the Patriarchate of Constantinople for putting off the opening ceremony for a week.

The Turkish Minister of Culture issued permission for religious ceremonies at Surb Khach Church on the Van Governor’s initiative.

T.P.