Thaw in Armenian-Turkish Relations Fraught With Threat

YEREVAN, September 13. /ARKA/. A thaw in the Armenian-Turkish relations
may pose more threats to Armenia than arouse enthusiasm, the political
scientist Levon Melik-Shahnazaryan told reporters.

`Being well informed of Turkey’s policy, I do not think initiatives
like this may result in new agreements, establishment of relations and
opening of embassies,’ Shahnazaryan said.

Turkey has its own political and economic interests, which are in
harmony with Azerbaijan’s interests. `So I do not see any reasons for
any great enthusiasm over a thaw in Turkey’s relations with Armenia,’
he said.

As regards the possible re-opening of the Armenian-Turkish border,
Melik-Shahnazaryan said that Armenia cannot benefit from that. Rather,
it will sustain losses.

`It is only small sections of the population ` those importing Turkish
goods to Armenia ` that may get benefit,’ he said.

Melik-Shahnazaryan said that Armenia will not benefit either if it
starts improving relations with Turkey without settling the major
issues.

The political expert Sergey Shakaryants pointed out that Armenia’s
economy is unable to ensure competition with Turkey’s economy in the
region.

Armenia and Turkey have no diplomatic relations. The Armenian-Turkish
border was closed in 1993 on Turkey’s initiative.’0–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress