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ITAR-TASS, Russia
Jan 13 2007
Opening Armenian-Turkish borders to benefit economies - FM
YEREVAN, January 13 (Itar-Tass) - Opening the Armenian-Turkish border
will benefit the economies of both countries, Armenian Deputy Foreign
Minister Arman Kirakosyan said.
The Armenian diplomat spoke at an international conference devoted to
the economic and social consequences for opening the Armenian-Turkish
border on Saturday. The forum is organised by a public organisation
`Armenian Economic Research Group', which was founded by young
economists from Armenia, the United States and other countries.
`The opening of the border will have a positive impact on regional
cooperation in the South Caucasus,' the diplomat said.
Due to the closedness of borders, the absence of diplomatic and
consular relations contacts between Armenia and Turkey `are being held
via air service or the territory of third countries,' he said.
`In fact, Turkey seeks to express solidarity with Azerbaijan and
develop regional cooperation in order to strengthen mutual trust,' the
diplomat pointed out.
He said Armenia calls for establishing diplomatic relations with
Turkey without any preconditions.
`In order to ensure stability and security, and develop broad
cooperation in the region it is necessary for Turkey to have unbiased
equal relations with all states of the South Caucasus and give up its
policy towards forcing Armenia out of regional programmes, including
economic ones,' Kirakosyan said.
In his view, in order to establish diplomatic relations and open
borders with Armenia Turkey put forth certain conditions. One of the
main conditions is to resolve the Karabakh problem. `Thus, Turkey
defies the norms of international law and violates the 1921 Treaty of
Kars' that was signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan and the Georgian SSR one
side, and Turkey and the RSFR on the other side. Under the treaty, the
sides obliged to ensure free movement of people and cargoes.
Jan 13 2007
Opening Armenian-Turkish borders to benefit economies - FM
YEREVAN, January 13 (Itar-Tass) - Opening the Armenian-Turkish border
will benefit the economies of both countries, Armenian Deputy Foreign
Minister Arman Kirakosyan said.
The Armenian diplomat spoke at an international conference devoted to
the economic and social consequences for opening the Armenian-Turkish
border on Saturday. The forum is organised by a public organisation
`Armenian Economic Research Group', which was founded by young
economists from Armenia, the United States and other countries.
`The opening of the border will have a positive impact on regional
cooperation in the South Caucasus,' the diplomat said.
Due to the closedness of borders, the absence of diplomatic and
consular relations contacts between Armenia and Turkey `are being held
via air service or the territory of third countries,' he said.
`In fact, Turkey seeks to express solidarity with Azerbaijan and
develop regional cooperation in order to strengthen mutual trust,' the
diplomat pointed out.
He said Armenia calls for establishing diplomatic relations with
Turkey without any preconditions.
`In order to ensure stability and security, and develop broad
cooperation in the region it is necessary for Turkey to have unbiased
equal relations with all states of the South Caucasus and give up its
policy towards forcing Armenia out of regional programmes, including
economic ones,' Kirakosyan said.
In his view, in order to establish diplomatic relations and open
borders with Armenia Turkey put forth certain conditions. One of the
main conditions is to resolve the Karabakh problem. `Thus, Turkey
defies the norms of international law and violates the 1921 Treaty of
Kars' that was signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan and the Georgian SSR one
side, and Turkey and the RSFR on the other side. Under the treaty, the
sides obliged to ensure free movement of people and cargoes.