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.