Moscow laments Ankara

Russia voiced regret Monday over Turkey's decision to convert the iconic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul back into a mosque.

Turkey's move last week followed a court ruling that revoked the landmark's museum status, and has triggered a global outcry.

The Russian Orthodox Church had already expressed dismay at the decision.

In a comment on the foreign ministry's website, spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow "noted with regret" Ankara's decision regarding the UNESCO World Heritage site.

AFP