Expert on opening of Armenian-Turkish border

I am doubtful that the Armenian-Turkish border will be opened in September, but I have no doubt that the Turkish authorities have such plans on the eve of the Armenian Genocide centenary since it will be a nice gesture showing the world that Turkey has no problem with Armenians, Turkish studies expert Artak Shakaryan told reporters Monday, commenting on Turkish media reports saying that the Armenian-Turkish border will be opened soon. 

In Shakaryan’s words, currently, for Turkey, it is easier to open the border than to ratify the Armenian-Turkish Protocols.

“Erdogan cannot even put the Protocols to vote since he does not have the sufficient number of MPs, while opening the border is easier since there is a possibility to close it after some time on any pretext when the noise around the Genocide centenary will be in the past,” he noted.

According to the expert, the Armenian side should not be satisfied with the opening of the border, but should demand diplomatic relations and other actions to reinforce the decision to open the border.

“We must show the world that the opening of the border is a positive but not sufficient move,” he said, adding that the opening of the border will not solve any economic problem and besides, it is known that Azerbaijan is opposed to the opening of the border.