TURKISH MINISTER MET ARMENIAN TOURISTS IN VAN
News.am
13:38 / 08/15/2009
Turkish State Minister Cevdet Yilmaz and other officials visited
Akhtamar church once arrived in Van (Turkey), Turkish Cihan agency
reports.
The Minister stated the region is of great importance for tourism
development. Cevdet Yilmaz answered journalists’ questions, mentioning
that this church is vitally crucial for Armenians and looks more
attractive after restoration.
"This region is a historical and cultural preservation. Tourism
development is the main potential of Eastern Anatolia, that will be
strongly supported in this area," Minister said.
As to the question whether there is a possibility of services to be
held in the church, Yilmaz answered that there is no analysis on the
matter, and current conditions and legal status should be reviewed.
"Turkish Republic is a secular state and all religions are equally
distanced from the state. That is why we have a respect for all
religions and do not have any problems in this regard," Yilmaz
underlined.
While visiting Akhtamar, Minister met tourists from Armenia and spoke
with them in English. Tourists said they liked the island and thanked
the Minister for preserving it.