YEREVAN. – Turkey showed that it has changed nothing regarding Armenians; it has remained the same as it was 100 years ago, Armenian MP Aragats Akhoyan said at a press conference on Thursday.

He noted this reflecting on the Turkish government decision to expropriate St. Giragos (Surp Giragos) Armenian Church in Sur district of primarily Kurdish-populated Diyarbakır city.

In his words, this confiscation is simply a disgrace.

“Unfortunately, today St. Giragos is virtually destroyed [due to the clashes in the area],” Akhoyan said. “We will condemn and make a statement. Thanks to the MPs, the Turkish authorities will feel that on their skin.”

According to the Turkish Council of Ministers’ decision, all structures in Sur district of Diyarbakır, including St. Giragos Church, have been expropriated.

St. Giragos, which is one of the largest churches in the Middle East, had reopened as a functioning church and was reconsecrated in October 2011.

The church was renovated with the co-funding by Diyarbakır Armenians throughout the world and Diyarbakır City Hall.