ARMENIA-TURKEY TRADE

The Messenger
March 6 2009
Georgia

Azeri political analyst Vafa Guluzade thinks that the US will try to
use the Russian economic hardship and encourage Turkey to assist the
US to increase its presence in the South Caucasus.

Guluzade considers that the opening of the Turkish-Armenian border
will not create problems for Azerbaijan, as Armenia’s blockade has
not had a great effect. He says that in 2008 alone more than 11,000
Turkish trucks loaded with different goods entered Armenia and trade
turnover between two countries, conducted mainly via Georgia, was
about USD 185 million.

Guluzade considers that the possible opening of the Turkish-Armenian
border will be undertaken with preliminary input from Baku as Turkey
is Azerbaijan’s strategic partner. Guluzade is sure that the US,
Turkey and other NATO members understand Karabakh conflict resolution
must take place within the framework of recognizing Azeri territorial
integrity. He also is sure that NATO countries are very much interested
in the prompt relaxation of tension in the South Caucasus.

Leader of the Azeri Democratic Party Sardar Jalaloglu also thinks
that Turkey is Azerbaijan’s devoted friend and would not take steps
which would harm Azerbaijan. Jalaloglu says that the blockade has
become obsolete, as Armenia has managed to establish communications
though Iran and Georgia and can no longer be influenced by it. He also
thinks that the opening of the Turkish-Armenian border will increase
mutual confidence and facilitate the solution of problems.

It is Russia which provides Armenia with arms, not Turkey, Oglu says,
adding that Western Governments should do as much as possible to
reorient Armenia from Russia to the West. He also says that opening
the border will make this much easier and decrease the confrontation
level in the region.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress