ARMENIAN DELEGATION DISCUSSES RESTORATION OF ANCIENT CITY OF ANI IN TURKEY
Arminfo
2007-04-02 18:26:00
"We should establish contacts with the Turkish side and learn to trust
each other," Armenian Deputy Minister of Culture and Youth Gagik
Gyurjyan said at a press-conference in Yerevan, Monday. To remind,
G.Gyurjyan led the Armenian delegation which participated in the
opening ceremony of the Sourb Khach (St.Cross) Church in Lake Van,
West Armenia (modern Turkey).
He noted that the trip was fruitful. During private conversations
with representatives of the Turkish authorities, the Armenian side
raised the issue of restoring the ancient Armenian city of Ani. The
head of the delegation expressed hope that the next meeting of the
sides will be held for this purpose.
"The restoration of the Sourb Khach Church has been carried out at a
high level and complies with international standards, on the whole,"
G.Gyurjyan said.
He expressed regret at the fact that the issue of placing a
cross on the dome of the church was discussed more than the
restoration itself. "As for the Turkish flag hung out during the
opening ceremony, it should be noted that it is stipulated by the
legislation of this country while holding all the official events,"
he emphasized. Answering the journalists’ question whether the
restoration of the Sourb Khach Church is a PR action made by the
Turkish Government, G.Gyurjyan pointed out that he welcomes any action
aimed at restoring an architectural monument, moreover, an Armenian
monument. "One shouldn’t demand too much of Turkey at the current
stage," he said in conclusion.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
