ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF OPENING THE ARMENIAN-TURKISH BORDER TO BE DISCUSSED
ArmRadio.am
10.01.2007 14:00
The border between Armenia and Turkey that was closed in 1993 has
imposed economic and social costs on both countries, while possibly
providing benefits to particular segments of each society. The closed
border is becoming more significant from a geopolitical perspective
in light of the Republic of Turkey’ s ongoing campaign to join
the European Union and increased attention to developments in the
transportation network of the South Caucasus region.
To explore the important issue of the closed border and the
economic and social costs and benefits that it has imposed, the
Armenian International Policy Research Group (AIPRG) has organized
a conference entitled "The Economic and Social Consequences of
Opening the Armenia-Turkey Border" to be held on January 13-14,
2007 in Yerevan. Co-sponsored by USAID, the Eurasia Foundation and
the UK Embassy in Armenia, the conference will present findings from
six commissioned studies and nine other papers that aim to provide
policymakers with an understanding of the current situation and
the economic and social changes that border opening might bring, as
well as ways that benefits could be maximized and costs be minimized
once the border is opened. An international group of researchers,
policymakers and other stakeholders will participate in the event as
both presenters and audience members, hailing from Argentina, Armenia,
Belgium, Cyprus, Georgia, Romania, Turkey, the United Kingdom, A robust
discussion of this regionally and globally important topic is expected.