TURKISH MFA DENIES STORIES ON YEREVAN – VAN DIRECT FLIGHTS

Turkish Press, MI
March 14 2007

ANKARA – Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) denied today the
news stories that directs flights would be allowed from Armenia to
eastern Turkish city of Van for the inaugural ceremony of the Akdamar
Armenian Church.

Technical preparations are underway, said MFA spokesman Levent Bilman
when commenting on the inauguration of the church.

On the other hand, the Armenian Church on Akdamar Island on Van Lake
will be opened on March 29th.

Akdamar Church was constructed by architect bishop Manuel between
915 and 921 A.D. under the supervision of King Gagik I.

Among the important pieces of Armenian architecture, the church draws
attraction with its stone workmanship and reliefs on its walls.

Turkish company Kartalkaya started renovation of the church in 2006.

Van Governor Niyazi Tanilir earlier said that an international
inauguration ceremony would be held.

"Culture ministers of several countries, members of national and
international media organizations, representatives of Armenian
community around the world, the head of Turkish Religious Affairs DG,
and head of several religious communities are expected to participate
in the ceremony," he added.