October 16, 2020 - 12:42 AMT
Armenia mulls banning import of Turkish products

The Armenian Ministry of Economy has proposed to temporarily ban the import of goods of Turkish origin to the country, according to a draft bill submitted to the government.

If approved, the decision will enter into force on December 31 for a six-month period.

According to the Ministry, besides the economic side of the issue, restrictions on the import of Turkish products presuppose, first of all, a security component, as Turkey is openly supporting Azerbaijan in its terrorist operations against Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).

The ban, the Ministry explains, not only imposes economic sanctions on Turkey, but also suspends the financial flow from Armenian sources to the Turkish state treasury, which Ankara then uses to support Azerbaijan.

The move will also prevent dangers that may emerge with the import of consumer goods from a hostile country, the document adds.

Azerbaijan, with help from Turkey and Syrian and Libyan mercenaries deployed by Ankara, started a war against Karabakh (Artsakh) in the morning of September 27. The Armenian side has reported deaths and injuries both among the civilian population and the military. Foreign and local journalists too have been injured in Azeri shelling of towns and villages.

Donations can be made to Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, which has launched a fundraising campaign to support humanitarian efforts in Karabakh.