WASHINGTON TIMES: ARMENIA TO START INTEGRATION INTO NATO AND EU AS SOON AS THE BORDER WITH TURKEY OPENS

ArmInfo
2009-08-14 20:00:00

ArmInfo. Opening of the Armenian-Turkish border may contribute to
Armenia’s integration into NATO and EU, the article "Armenia May
Win from Improvement of Relations with Turkey", published in the
Washington Times, says.

The Article author thinks if the border is opened up, Armenia could
potentially work toward NATO and EU integration and could become a
major transit country for energy trade like it’s northern neighbor
Georgia.

If the Turkish border reopened, landlocked Armenia would have greater
access to trade through ports on the Mediterranean and Black seas,
and would be less dependent on transit through Russia. Apart from
its turbulent relationship with Turkey, however, Armenia’s domestic
politics have been an obstacle to strengthening its ties with the West.

In June, the U.S.-funded Millennium Challenge Corp. cut $64
million from an aid program aimed at repairing Armenia’s crumbling
roads. "inconsistent with the eligibility criteria that are at the
heart of the MCC program."

To recall, the Company Board of Directors made a decision at June
10 session on suspension of financial assistance to Armenia for
construction and restoration of rural roads. As the Company Executive
Director said,