277 GUESTS INVITED TO OPENING CEREMONY OF SURB KHACH CHURCH ON
AGHTAMAR ISLAND

ISTANBUL, MARCH 26, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The Turkish
government sent invitations to participate in the opening ceremony of
Surb Khach Church on Aghtamar Island of Van to 277 organizations and
persons from 13 countries. According to the Turksih newspaper
"Zaman", among those invited are representatives of the mistries of
culture of Georgia, Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan, clergymen
representing various countries, Armenian Diasporan figures,
ambassadors accredited in Ankara, etc. 25 French reporters were
invited. The newspaper "Marmara" calls attention to this fact
reminding that denial of the Armenian Genocide is forbidden by law in
France. 80 invitees have already confirmed their intention to
participate in the opening ceremony. It is expected that Armenia and
Georgia will be represented by deputy ministers of culture at the
ceremony. No response has been received from Azerbaijan so far.
Turkey has not yet made a decision on opening the Turkish-Armenian
border for two days.

Ni direct Yerevan-Van flights will be organized. It was decided that
guests will be transported by private planes from Istanbul and Ankara
to Van.