September 10, 2009 - 19:24 AMT
Diplomatic relations do not require open border, Ruben Tovmasyan says
Communist party is against opening of Armenian-Turkish border, Communist Party leader Ruben Tovmasyan told a news conference in Yerevan. Politician finds that closed borders do not prevent Yerevan and Ankara from having diplomatic relations. "We maintain diplomatic ties with countries whose geographical location is unknown to us, let alone having direct borders,» Communist leader said.

Tovmasyan believes that border opening poses threat to Armenian people, as that paves the country's way to NATO. «Turkey and NATO seek to separate Yerevan from Moscow, but if Armenia conducts reasonable policy, Russia will not ignore its interests,» he noted.

«Armenian people should be attentive to what is going on so as not to be swindled into Turkey's tricks. Turkey will be Turkey. It will never change its policy, especially in relation to Armenia. We and Turkey are not neighbors; we are just countries living next to each other. Even if they give us a ton of biscuits, we can't be said to be friendly states,» Communist leader said, adding that Turkey in this way is paving way to Karabakh, conducting a «moleskin policy».