Constantinople Patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church Mesrob Mutafyan turned to the Turkish government demanding to return the cross to its original place on the renovated Holy Cross Church on Akhtamar island. Turkish Daily News reports that Patriarch's letter was sent to the Turkish MFA three days ago. Patriarch Mutafyan in his letter also says that the church must function not as a museum, but as a working temple. Nevertheless, the priest; stated that he is happy for the opening of Holy Cross. "I congratulate everyone who realized this project," the Turkish newspaper reports.

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Levent Bilman confirmed the request in his weekly press conference, and said the ministry will report its view to the Ministry of Culture, but it would take some time. The newspaper reminds that Armenian Deputy Culture Minister Gagik Gyurjian will represent his country in today's inauguration, who is leading to an Armenian delegation composed of experts, architects. The publication underlines that the Armenian delegation made the entry to Turkey from Georgia since the border between Turkey and Armenia has been closed since 1993. "However, having been under strong pressure because of a resolution proposed to the U.S. House of Representatives that calls on the United States to accept that a genocide occurred during World War I, Turkey is aiming to gain the sympathy of Armenians using the opening ceremony of Akhtamar," Turkish Daily News underscores.

In its part Zaman newspaper notes along with his letter Patriarch Mesrob has sent old photographs of the Holy Cross Church, where clearly is visible the metal cross atop the dome of the church. Levent Bilman said this issue will be thoroughly examined.