Opening of Armenian-Turkish border to bankrupt Armenian businessmenSeptember 25, 2009 - 16:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Mitk Analytical Center opposes the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border based on economic reasons, Edgar Helgelyan , expert at Mitk center, told a news conference in Yerevan today. "We have concerns in respect to certain provisions of the Protocols on normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations. Besides, we are seriously concerned that opening of the border will considerably damage the Armenian economy," the expert said. According to his data, the imports from Turkey to Armenia 168 times surpass the volume of exports from Armenia to Turkey. "Imports from Turkey to Armenia reach about USD 178 million, while exports from Armenia to Turkey do not surpass USD 1.8 million. Armenia's economy cannot withstand Turkish commodities, " Edgar Helhelyan said. "It is naive to think that Turkey can agree to the reducing role of Georgia, its partner, in the region," the expert said. According to Edgar Helhelyan, opening of the Armenian-Turkish border will bankrupt Armenian businessmen, while Turkish companies will be able to take control of critical and strategic spheres of the Armenian economy. The Mitk center has already submitted its observations on this subject matter to the Government of Armenia. Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |