OPENING OF ARMENIAN-TURKISH BORDER WILL HELP TO FORM ATMOSPHERE OF TRUST BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES, RA DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER STATES

Noyan Tapan
Jan 15 2006

YEREVAN, JANUARY 15, NOYAN TAPAN. "In order to establish stability and
security and to develop cooperation in the region, it is necessary
that Turkey establish equal relations with all the South Caucasian
countries and give up its policy of forcing Armenia out of regional
programs, including economic ones," the RA Deputy Foreign Minister
Arman Kirakosian stated during the international conference "The
Social and Economic Consequences of Opening of the Armenian-Turkish
Border" on January 13. He said that Armenia has repeatedly stated
its willingness to establish diplomatic relations with Turkey without
any preconditions.

However, according to him, instead of solving the problem of
establishing diplomatic relations and opening the border, Turkey
puts forward a number of preconditions, the main one of which is the
final resolution of the Karabakh conflict. "In fact Turkey prefers
maintaining its solidarity with Azerbaijan to forming an atmosphere
of trust and cooperation in the region," A. Kirakosian stated.

The deputy minister noted that the Armenian authorities attach great
importance to opening the Armenian-Turkish border, which will not
only be useful for the economies of the two countries but will also
have a positive impact on development of the regional cooperation in
the South Caucasus. A. Kirakosian expressed an opinion that opening
the border will help to form an atmosphere of mutual trust between
Armenia and Turkey and to create more favorable conditions for the
solution of political problems.

The US Charge D’Affaires Anthony Godfrey made a speech at the beginning
of the conference. He stated that the US assists with opening the
Armenian-Turkish border. "Both peoples will benefit from this, the
border’s opening will promote stability in the region," he said.

Experts, scientists and businessmen from Armenia and Turkey
participated in the conference organized on the intiative of the
Armenian International Policy Research Group.