July 28, 2011 - 15:08 AMT
U.S., Russia may equally benefit from Armenia-Turkey border opening, expert says

Opening of Armenia-Turkey border, which, Americans believe, will weaken Russia’s influence on Armenia, is in the interests of U.S., according to Turkish studies expert.

As Artak Shakaryan told a news conference in Yerevan, the opening of the border will trigger the export of Armenian goods to Middle East counties, especially those with Armenian population, which, in turn, will lead to the weakening of Russia’s regional position.

However, the expert believes Russia will gain economic benefit from the opening of Armenia-Turkey border, as Armenia’s electric power, with the majority of it belonging to Russia, will be the first thing to be exported. Also, export goods will be transported through railway; in case of Armenia, Russia’s South Caucasus Railways will be in charge of transportation.