VAN ANTICIPATING OPENING OF ARMENIAN-TURKISH BORDER
PanARMENIAN.Net
May 13, 2010 – 17:57 AMT 12:57 GMT
Chairman of Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry Zahir Kandasoglu said
that Van is actively working towards opening of the Armenian-Turkish
border.
"Tragic events which took place in the historical past resulted
in absence of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey,"
Kandasoglu said before signing a memorandum of cooperation between
Yerevan and Van Chambers of Commerce and Industry on May 13.
However, according to him, investments were made to develop trade
and economic ties "to prevent repetition of such events and for the
benefit of young generation." "It is a great honor for us to return to
Armenia 17 years later and we want the borders to be opened," he said.
Mr. Kandasoglu invited representatives of Armenian media to Van to
participate in the first service over the past 95 years that will take
place in renovated St. Holy Cross on Akhtamar island on September 12.
He added that things may change and, possibly, a cross will be set
at the church until that date.
For his part, Chairman of the Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Martin Sargsyan added that the signed memorandum of cooperation will
serve as a ground for development of bilateral relations in tourism,
IT and trade, despite lack of diplomatic relations.