Turks chide themselves over placing cross on Sourb Khach

The Sourb Khach (Saint Cross) Church on Akhtamar Island on Lake Van must have a cross before the one-off September 19 mass, Head of the Van's Trade and Industry Chamber, Zahir Qandashoglu, reports Beyazgazete.com.

In his words, the decision by the Mother See of Holly Etchmiadzin not to attend the mass was a right one.

"We are promising but not keeping them. That is incorrect. The cross must immediately be placed. The issue must be resolved by the Culture and Tourism minister. I will write letter to the minister and will convene a session of NGOs and Van MPs to discuss the issue," said Mr Qandashoglu.