U. S. trade boards stand for open border between Armenia and TurkeyNovember 10, 2008 - 17:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U. S. trade boards in both Armenia and Turkey have announced they are in favor of an open border between the two countries, as they believe this will foster economic growth and improved living conditions on both sides.In a recent joint statement, the chairmen of the American Chamber of Commerce in Armenia and the American Business Forum in Turkey, both affiliates of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, voiced strong support for, "the unprecedented efforts recently undertaken by President Serzh Sargsyan and President Abdullah Gul to normalize relations between Armenia and Turkey." Turkey should have taken steps toward the normalization of relations with Armenia 10 years ago, Galip Sukaya, chairman of the American Business Forum in Turkey, or ABFT, told the "Turkey is one of the biggest countries in the region and due to its position, can assume an important role," he said. Explaining how he and David Atanessyan, chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Armenia, came up with the idea of engaging in joint activities, Sukaya said they had met frequently at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "If Turkish-Armenian diplomatic relations are normalized, we could work together in a consortium of regional states, including Georgia," he said, adding that during meetings they also exchanged opinions with Azerbaijani representatives. "Products exported from Turkey to Armenia are carried via Georgia. This results in a major economic loss. Another important point is that the development of good neighborly relations and trade between Turkey and Armenia would also contribute to the development of east Turkey," Sukaya said. "Undoubtedly this will have a tremendous economic and political impact on the region. These developments encourage increased economic cooperation while fostering greater regional security and engagement among business, political, economic, cultural, and social spheres," it said, Hurriyet Daily News reports. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |