OLD TURKISH-ARMENIAN BRIDGE TO BECOME PEACE PASSAGE
armradio.am
07.05.2010 13:47
Projects for a historical bridge that is expected to connect the
two sides of the Ani ruins between Turkey and Armenia are being
accelerated. International Council of Monuments and Sites Chairman
Gagik Gyurjian says the bridge should become a peace passage between
the two countries. Others, however, say the project’s goals should
be more international.
"We can collaborate with non-governmental organizations away from
the shadow of politics. We do not need to wait for the opening of
borders for a peace passage," chairman of the International Council
of Monuments and Sites Gagik Gyurjian recently told the Hurriyet
Daily News & Economic Review.
Both Turkish and Armenian experts have been focusing on restoration to
the ruins of the ancient city of Ani, situated on the Armenian border
in the eastern province of Kars, and work on the Surp Hac (Holy Cross)
Armenian Church on Akdamar Island in the eastern province of Van.
The two countries should now focus on converting the ruined historic
bridge at Ani into a peace passage joining Turkey and Armenia, Gagik
Gyurjian said, adding that he was ready to start working with Turkish
officials and nongovernmental organizations as soon as possible to
realize the project.