U.S., Russia may equally benefit from Armenia-Turkey border opening, expert says

July 28, 2011 - 15:08 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Opening of Armenia-Turkey border, which, Americans believe, will weaken Russia’s influence on Armenia, is in the interests of U.S., according to Turkish studies expert.

As Artak Shakaryan told a news conference in Yerevan, the opening of the border will trigger the export of Armenian goods to Middle East counties, especially those with Armenian population, which, in turn, will lead to the weakening of Russia’s regional position.

However, the expert believes Russia will gain economic benefit from the opening of Armenia-Turkey border, as Armenia’s electric power, with the majority of it belonging to Russia, will be the first thing to be exported. Also, export goods will be transported through railway; in case of Armenia, Russia’s South Caucasus Railways will be in charge of transportation.

The Armenian-Turkish Protocols

The Protocols aimed at normalization of bilateral ties and opening of the border between Armenia and Turkey were signed in Zurich by Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu on October 10, 2009, after a series of diplomatic talks held through Swiss mediation.

On January 12, 2010, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia found the protocols conformable to the country’s Organic Law.

Commenting on the CC ruling, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that “it contains preconditions and restrictive provisions which impair the letter and spirit of the Protocols.” ”The decision undermines the very reason for negotiating these Protocols as well as their fundamental objective. This approach cannot be accepted on our part. Turkey, in line with its accustomed allegiance to its international commitments, maintains its adherence to the primary provisions of these Protocols. We expect the same allegiance from the Armenian government,” the Ministry said.