Economic Relations Can Initiate Yerevan-Ankara Political Dialogue

15.01.2007

YEREVAN (YERKIR) - Normalization of economic relations between Armenia and Turkey can initiate political dialogue, Co-chair of the Turkish-Armenian Business Development Council (TABDC) Kaan Soyak told PanARMENIAN.Net.

In his words, economy is a priority line for normalization of cooperation. “I do not know who will derive greater benefit from opening of the Armenian-Turkish border. Istanbul businessmen target at the West. They are not interested in cooperation with Armenia.

But it’s very important for the residents of near-border regions. We work and do not lose hope that Armenia and Turkey will come to agreement sooner or later. Our organization has appealed to the Turkish Foreign Ministry. If you do not want to open the border tell us not to make our work purposeless, we say. Nevertheless, we do not lose hope,” Soyak said.

Note: Above are excerpts from the article. The full article appears here. Clarifications and comments by me are contained in {}. Deletions are marked by [...]. The bold emphasis is mine.