Opening of the frontier with Armenia corresponds to the national interests of Turkey. As reported by “Arminfo” agency, such opinion was expressed by director assistant of the Prevention Actions Center of the US Council for external links Davis Philips in his “Time to open the frontier with Armenia” article published in “Radical” Turkish newspaper. In his words, tourism and trade will contribute to the Turkish economy development and strengthen Ankara’s position in the region. After all Armenia is not a small market for the export of the Turkish consumer goods, agricultural products and equipment, he considers. In the case of opening the border, the financial opportunities in the spheres of energy, trade and tourism will comprise approximately 1 milliard dollars. Moreover the American diplomat considers that thanks to opening of the overland and railway communications, Turkey will become an invaluable “bridge” between Europe and Asia. At the same time Philips pointed out the anxiety of some people considering that the opening of the frontier will again bring to the agenda the idea of territorial claims of Armenia towards Turkey. However in his opinion, this concern is absolutely groundless, as “in February 2001 Armenian president Robert Kocharian stated that Armenia does not have any territorial claims towards Turkey”. Besides, Armenia as a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is obliged to be respectful to the territorial integrity of Turkey. The publication author also emphasized that the World Community including the US would with satisfaction accept the resolution on the frontier opening between the two countries. Such resolution can be adopted by the Turkish government, the activity of which aims at securing the national interests of the country, American diplomat said.
ԻմPANը
