Tweet
OPENING OF BORDER MAY CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR ARMENIA - EXPERT
http://tert.am/en/news/2013/01/11/artak-shakaryan/
11.01.13
At a press conference on Friday, Artak Shakaryan, an expert in Turkic
studies, addressed the White House online petition for Armenia-Turkey
border opening.
He stressed the importance of the Armenian side's actively raising
the issue. On the other hand, Mr Shakaryan notes that Arabs may flood
into Armenia if the Armenian-Turkish border is opened.
If succeeds, the initiative will be a precedent. Otherwise, it is one
more opportunity for discussing Armenian-Turkish relations at a high
international level, the expert said.
"We should not discuss only one issue - the Armenian Genocide -
with our opponents. We also have the issue of border opening," Mr
Shakaryan said.
He also spoke of the negative aspects of possible opening of the
border.
"Is Armenia ready for opening of the border? Are the relevant bodies
ready to receive refugees? We should also consider the fact that Arabs
may enter Armenia along with Syrian Armenians," Mr Shakaryan said.
"Finally, if the border is opened, will Turkey not make use of it to
send elements to Armenia to destabilize the country?"
The initiative has aroused keen interest in Turkey, and different
Turkish media outlets responded.
The author of the initiative, Daniel Ioanissyan (Heritage party),
has thought of all the negative aspects. He is sure that Armenia is
not so attractive to refugees as Turkey.
"Turkey has shelters for refugees and offers better conditions. Arabs
do not know Armenian and, therefore, cannot find jobs. So I do
not think a problem may arise. We all are well aware that one fine
day the border will open, and we will face numerous problems," Mr
Ioanissyan said.
He noted he did not consult any government agency, including Armenia's
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, before initiating the collection of
signatures. The reason is he does not think highly of Armenia's
diplomacy.
http://tert.am/en/news/2013/01/11/artak-shakaryan/
11.01.13
At a press conference on Friday, Artak Shakaryan, an expert in Turkic
studies, addressed the White House online petition for Armenia-Turkey
border opening.
He stressed the importance of the Armenian side's actively raising
the issue. On the other hand, Mr Shakaryan notes that Arabs may flood
into Armenia if the Armenian-Turkish border is opened.
If succeeds, the initiative will be a precedent. Otherwise, it is one
more opportunity for discussing Armenian-Turkish relations at a high
international level, the expert said.
"We should not discuss only one issue - the Armenian Genocide -
with our opponents. We also have the issue of border opening," Mr
Shakaryan said.
He also spoke of the negative aspects of possible opening of the
border.
"Is Armenia ready for opening of the border? Are the relevant bodies
ready to receive refugees? We should also consider the fact that Arabs
may enter Armenia along with Syrian Armenians," Mr Shakaryan said.
"Finally, if the border is opened, will Turkey not make use of it to
send elements to Armenia to destabilize the country?"
The initiative has aroused keen interest in Turkey, and different
Turkish media outlets responded.
The author of the initiative, Daniel Ioanissyan (Heritage party),
has thought of all the negative aspects. He is sure that Armenia is
not so attractive to refugees as Turkey.
"Turkey has shelters for refugees and offers better conditions. Arabs
do not know Armenian and, therefore, cannot find jobs. So I do
not think a problem may arise. We all are well aware that one fine
day the border will open, and we will face numerous problems," Mr
Ioanissyan said.
He noted he did not consult any government agency, including Armenia's
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, before initiating the collection of
signatures. The reason is he does not think highly of Armenia's
diplomacy.