Although Turkish authorities assure that their country is tolerant and democratic, modern Turkey sticks to Young Turks’ policy, an Armenian expert said.

Ruben Melkonyan labeled Ankara’s allegation that there isn’t enough time to hoist the cross on the dome of Holy Cross church as ridiculous.

“Installation of a 200kg cross doesn’t demand special efforts,” he said, bringing the upcoming constitutional referendum as the reason behind the decision.

“Turkish electorate would react strongly to installation of a cross on the dome of an Armenian church on the threshold of constitutional referendum,” Melkonyan said.