ARMENIANS, TURKS TO RESTORE ANI RUINS

news.am

M ay 7 2010
Armenia

Armenian and Turkish experts will restore the historical bridge
between two countries that connects Ani ruins and Surb Khach (Holy
Cross) Armenian Church on Akhtamar Island. The restoration projects
are being accelerated, Hurriyet Daily News & Economic Review reports.

"We can collaborate with non-governmental organizations away from the
shadow of politics. We do not need to wait for the opening of borders
for a peace passage," the chairman of the International Council of
Monuments and Sites Gagik Gyurjian told the Turkish daily.

Gyurjian involved in restoration process of Surb Khach says there
were no debates whether to put the cross on the church. "The event
has gained a political dimension, otherwise the cross would have been
in its place in the opening," he notes, expressing hope that finally
cross will top the church before the service.

In his turn Armenian Monuments Awareness Project President Richard
Ney considers that the historic bridge is "an international world
peace passage rather than just a link between Turkey and Armenia."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress