Turkish Culture Minister Ertugrul Gunay visited Holy Cross Church in Akhtamar island in the framework of Van 2033: City of the World conference on tourism development, Dogan News reported.

The Minister said Turkey “respects each religion, what could be proved by opening of the Armenian church for a liturgy in September.”

However, he said that there will be no bells in the church.

“Holy Cross is a museum and is not meant for religious ceremonies. Let’s not discuss this,” Gunay said.