May 5, 2009 - 12:25 AMT
Turkish-Armenian border should first be determined, then opened
It's essential to determine the state border between the Republic of Armenia and Turkey and only then to speak about opening it, an Armenian expert said.

"There is not state border between the two countries but a dividing line set by the treaty of Kars which was not ratified by the Republic of Armenia. It means that official Yerevan doesn't recognize the status quo," David Davtyan told PanARMENIAN.Net.

Turkey is well aware of the situation. "If Armenia doesn't recognize the Treaty of Kars, it alone is to blame," Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan threatened in 2005.

"Turkish media tell tall tales about road map and it's quite strange that Armenian political forces, which call on the population not to believe Turks, do swallow the bait," Davtyan said, adding that under complete secrecy, we can nothing but trust in diplomatic competence of our authorities and hope that our national interests will be maximally protected.