Georgia is unwilling to see the Armenian-Turkish border opened

PanARMENIAN.Net - "The possible opening of the Armenian-Turkish border will affect Georgia, which has served as a transit for Armenian cargo so far," said Jemal Inaishvili, Chairman of the Georgian Chamber of Commerce. "Opening of the border is a positive phenomenon in itself - two countries normalize relations between each other. However, establishment of direct trade relations between Armenia and Turkey will inflict losses on our economy. The flow of cargo destined for Turkey will decrease. Besides, the freight turnover in Poti and Batumi ports will be cut," said Inaishvili. The Chairman is right: it would cost Armenia much cheaper to railroad goods through Turkey to the Black Sea ports, as, for example, to the port of Trabzon. Georgian frontier guards will be deprived of great sums too. In a word, the close Armenian-Turkish border means much to Georgia. However, if Azerbaijan has some chances to play on the «brotherly feelings of Turkic nations», Georgia can find no such «consolation» at all. Though, who knows, a feeling of solidarity might arise in Tbilisi authorities and, following the example of Baku, they may launch an inquiry among the population, trying to find out who benefits from opening the Armenian-Turkish border.

However, there are also sober-minded politicians in Georgia. "Opening of the Armenian-Turkish border will undoubtedly affect Georgia's economy and bring forth some difficulties. However, these difficulties will be temporary. Opening of the border will bring peace and stability to the Caucasus and will outweigh disadvantages for Georgia," said Georgian expert Paata Zakareishvili, Head of the Center of Development and Cooperation. "I welcome the possible opening of the border as it would be a serious guarantee of peace and stability in the Caucasus, as well as will offer opportunities to expand economic cooperation between the countries of the region."

Georgia faces great difficulties presently: opposition has decided to overthrow Mikhail Saakashvili, who has lost the tiniest remains of trust and respect he had in the West. And no matter how often the Georgian MFA repeats that «the West will help as before», it's already a long-forgotten category for Georgia.

Thus, Georgia is in a way involved in stirring up the Armenian-Turkish relations: if it were not for the August war, there would be no Caucasus Platform of Stability, consolidation of Turkey in the position of a regional power, and much more. However, as it is known, history is like a boomerang, and Georgia has begun to reap the fruits of her own reckless moves and lack of foresight. By the way, the weakening of dependence on Georgia will urge Armenia to reconsider some clauses of her foreign policy, particularly her position towards limitless encroachments of the Georgian Orthodox Church on the Armenian churches.

"Opening of Armenian-Turkish border is very important to Armenia, as the country is greatly dependent on Georgia," said CIMERA Geneva Center representative, expert Viken Cheteryan. According to him, Armenian economy will see many benefits from open borders. "Transportation through Turkey will be faster and less expensive, than through Georgia, which is very important, considering current political situation in Georgia. Moreover, it is in Armenia's national interest to have neutral Turkey rather than hostile Turkey as a neighbor. Positive aspects prevail in establishing diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey," Cheteryan emphasized.

It is simply interesting to see what Saakashvili will say when his favourite West orders to keep silent and withhold her point of view on the issue. Most likely, he will oblige his state officials to praise Turkey for her prescient and peacemaking policy in the region.