Opening of Armenian-Turkish border to bankrupt Armenian businessmenSeptember 25, 2009 - 16:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Mitk Analytical Center opposes the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border based on economic reasons, Edgar Helgelyan , expert at Mitk center, told a news conference in Yerevan today. "We have concerns in respect to certain provisions of the Protocols on normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations. Besides, we are seriously concerned that opening of the border will considerably damage the Armenian economy," the expert said. According to his data, the imports from Turkey to Armenia 168 times surpass the volume of exports from Armenia to Turkey. "Imports from Turkey to Armenia reach about USD 178 million, while exports from Armenia to Turkey do not surpass USD 1.8 million. Armenia's economy cannot withstand Turkish commodities, " Edgar Helhelyan said. "It is naive to think that Turkey can agree to the reducing role of Georgia, its partner, in the region," the expert said. According to Edgar Helhelyan, opening of the Armenian-Turkish border will bankrupt Armenian businessmen, while Turkish companies will be able to take control of critical and strategic spheres of the Armenian economy. The Mitk center has already submitted its observations on this subject matter to the Government of Armenia. Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | Armenian, Iranian foreigh policy chief talk over the phone The Foreign Minister of Armenia once again expressed condolences to his counterpart on the death of the President of Iran. Armenia, U.S. customs authorities to boost assistance with new deal The government has approved an agreement with the U.S. government on mutual assistance between the customs authorities. Armenian government besieged by protesters Protesters led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan poured into Yerevan’s Republic Square to try to surround the seat of Armenia’s government. EU calls on Azerbaijan to release all political prisoners The European Union calls on Azerbaijan to release all those imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights. |