June 23, 2009 - 16:48 AMT
Free trade relations will be established between Armenia and Turkey in two years
''Possible opening of Turkish-Armenian border will signal a start for significant changes in Armenia,'' ARF Dashnaktsutyun representative, ex-Minister of Agriculture David Lokyan said adding that the opening of Armenian -Turkish border will initiate free trade relations between Yerevan and Ankara and further Armenian economy development.

"To receive EU membership, Turkey has changed its legislation to bring it in compliance with European standards, which can't be said about Armenia. To begin successful collaboration with neighboring countries, we should change a lot in our legislation. Armenia has enough time to prepare for new trade relations with Turkey," ex-Minister of Agriculture noted. According to Lokyan, collaboration with Ankara will give Yerevan a chance to enter international market.

"To initiate trade relations, we should prepare accordingly by properly studying the Turkish market. We have two years before we introduce free trade relations with Turkey,'' David Lokyan said. He also noted that the only shortcoming to the opening of Turkish -Armenian border might be its negative effect on tourism sphere in Armenia.