Lragir, Armenia
Jan 11 2008

DREAM OF AN ARMY OF 10-15 THOUSAND

The opening of the border between Armenia and Turkey is possible only
after the resolution of the Karabakh issue, stated the first
president of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan in a news conference on
January 11. `It is meaningless to anticipate anything earlier than
that. The border with Turkey will remain closed until the settlement
of the Karabakh issue. By saying a settlement I do not mean a final
one. I am sure even if there is a breakthrough in the talks over the
Karabakh issue, Turkey will open the border, thereby favoring the
resolution,’ Levon Ter-Petrosyan says.

He says Armenia’s policy on the Karabakh issue is aimed to put off
the resolution, which does not allow anticipating improvement of the
Armenian and Turkish relations.

`As to what Azerbaijan and Turkey think about my victory, it is their
business. We deal with our problem, our people will vote for me, not
Turks or Azerbaijanis,’ Levon Ter-Petrosyan says, answering the
question of reporters what his thoughts are on the Turkish and
Azerbaijani media which welcome his activity and possible victory.

Besides, Ter-Petrosyan noted that the Azerbaijani media have
published dozens of articles that Serge Sargsyan’s victory is
desirable.

Levon Ter-Petrosyan says Armenia’s security will be guarantees if it
has no disputes with its neighbors rather than if it joins one
security system or another. Levon Ter-Petrosyan says for this reason
efforts should be made for conciliation with neighbors. He even
dreams of a time when Armenia will not need to keep such a large army
as now when it has to take into account relations with neighbors.
Levon Ter-Petrosyan says this army is a considerable burden for
Armenia, and even the countries which are much more developed do not
have such armies. The first president says he dreams of the day when
Armenia will have no disputes with neighbors and will have an army of
10 thousand to 15 thousand.