September 8, 2009 - 16:09 AMT
Tatul Manaseryan: Armenia should be aware of what is awaiting it
Economic ties between Turkey and Armenia first of all implies legalization of existing relations, Professor, Doctor of Economy Tatul Manaseryana told a press conference in Yerevan. According to him, trade-economic circulation between two countries is gradually increasing. "By our estimations, one fourth of Armenia's good exchange falls to Turkey. By saying that, we first of all mean import, because we do not currently have competitive products to export to Turkish market," the speaker said. The economist characterized Armenian-Turkish border opening a predictable phenomenon testifying to normal mutual ties.

"A question arises as to which party is mostly interested in establishing such relations," the expert said, adding that Armenia should be aware of what is awaiting it. "Striving for EU integration for many years, Turkey wants to show the world that apart from being a civilized state it also has open economy and open borders," the expert added. Besides, he said, Turkey should to explain to international community why it imports electric power from Armenia, thus partially covering its energy costs. Manaseryan also noted that Turkey should be more interested in opening the border which was closed by itself. So there's nothing depending on Armenia.