May 12, Turkish Minister of State Mehmet Aydin, accompanied by Van Governor Munir Karaoglu and other officials, visited Surb Khach church on Akhtamar Island to get acquainted with preparations for the first service scheduled for September 12.

Mehmet Aydin noted that 5,000 Armenians are expected to be hosted on the day when the church will be opened for religious ceremonies. There is no need to speak of Van’s importance for Armenians. However, Turks, for their part, should not treat cultural monuments created by other nations as foreign, he said.

The Turkish authorities have not yet granted permission for putting a cross on the top of the church. The Van Governor stated that the issue is under consideration.

A.G.