6000 people cannot attend Sourb Khach mass: Romik Hovnanyan

Sourb Khach (Saint Cross) church on Akhtamar Island in Lake Van, eastern Turkey, occupies only 100 square meters and there will be no enough room for many people, President of Van-Vaspurakan NGO Romik Hovnanyan told a press conference today, adding that many people will not be able to participate in the mass to be served in Sourb Khach almost a century after its closure due to the Armenian Genocide in 1915.

"Technically it is impossible to place so many people [on the site]. The Turkish Government is simply using it for political reasons, in order to put up a show and demonstrate to the world as if it is enjoying good relations with Armenians," said he.

Further Mr Hovnanyan said he had been taken aback learning from media that about 6000 people are going to attend the mass on that day. The reason is that maximum 600 people can cross the border from the Georgian side within two days.

"At best 600 people can cross the border, but even if that 6000 people manage reaching [the church], all the same, they cannot all be present at the church. There will be only 30 invitations, while no more than 1000 people can [at the same time] be on the island," noted he.

In his words not all the people who will go there will be able to enter the church and attend the ceremony: some will watch it on a large screen that will probably be installed there. Besides, in his words, a lot of speculation is being done by touristic agencies that have raised hotel prices for 4 times.