"THE MOMENT HAS MATURED"

10/02/12/tigran-sargsyan
06:15 pm | February 12, 2010

Politics

Public discussions on "Armenian-Turkish Relations and Border
Regionalism" organized by the American Commerce Chamber in Armenia
(AmCham), Turkish Economic Policy Research Institute (TEPAV) and US
Embassy in Armenia took place in Yerevan today.

"Armenia’s authorities demonstrate political will to overcome the
stereotypes posed between Armenia and Turkey," said Armenian Prime
Minister Tigran Sargsyan.

The Armenian PM says the normalization of relations must be considered
from three different angles. "Firstly, we should look at what the
authorities have to do. Secondly, we should take into consideration
how our societies perceive the current situation and how they see
the future of the Armenian-Turkish relations. And finally, we should
consider how the international community reacts to the normalisation
of the Armenian-Turkish relations nd how the atmosphere in the region
will change as a result of reconcilation."

"Armenia has taken all the necessary steps on the political level. I
think you will agree with me that the moment has matured for the two
presidents to display political will, ratify the protocols and open
the borders," said the Armenian premier.

Tigran Sargsyan thinks neighbouring countries shouldn’t have closed
borders in the 21st century.

In her speech, U.S. Ambassador noted that the USA supports
Armenian-Turkish peace deal and is hopeful that the protocols will
be ratified by the two parliaments.

"Though the countries will face some difficulties at first period,
the opening of borders will boost the economies of the two countries,
said U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Marie Yovanovitch.

The Ambassador underlined that the border opening will help Armenia’s
wellbeing. No country must depend on one corridor. The border opening
will eliminate isolation, reduce economic and transport expenses,
strengthen competition, raise the quality of Armenian goods and open
new markets for Armenia. The border opening is also important for
Armenia on the way of European Union Integration.