HEAD OF IGDIR TRADE EXCHANGE : ALICAN CHECKPOINT MAY BE REOPENED ONLY AFTER ARMENIANS FREE OCCUPIED AZERBAIJANI LANDS

Today.Az
55260.html
Sept 3 2009
Azerbaijan

"Alican checkpoint on Turkey-Armenia border may be reopened only
after Armenians free occupied Azerbaijani lands," head of Igdir Trade
Exchange Ismayil Aras said.

He said he wants to see economic growth in the region.

"We do not deny that reopening of the borders with Armenia will bring
great profits to the region. But we can not ignore Azerbaijan’s
interests. I read Azerbaijani media and came to a conclusion that
Turkey constantly informs Azerbaijan about the ongoing processes. But
we are concerned with Armenian President Sargsyan’s statements. We
stated several times that economic growth is crucial. But economic
growth should not be achieved at the cost of loss of land. We reiterate
that we are against reopening the border with Armenia unless Nagorno
Karabakh problem is solved," he said.

Ismayil Aras said everybody in the region keeps a close eye on
Turkey-Armenia rapprochement.

"Like Azerbaijan, we can not give up Karabakh either. This conflict
must be solved. We will not protest after all problems are fully solved
and Azerbaijan gives consent. It is obvious that those who pursued
hostile policy gained no profit. People live in poverty in Armenia. We
will continue to keep a close eye on the processes," he said.