Turkologist Artak Shakaryan said that the ecclesiastical service in Surb Khach Armenian Church on Akhtamar island due September 19 is a cosmetic procedure aimed at throwing dust in Europe's eyes.

The Turkish authorities may set the cross for several days and then take it away, Shakaryan told a press conference in Yerevan.

“Turkey will use the issue as a subject of bargaining with Armenia,” concluded the expert.