Soyak: Armenian Diaspora Ready for Cooperation with Turkey

SATURDAY, 03 APRIL 2010 10:38

Stressing that there is political will towards normalization of relations both in Armenia and Turkey, Soyak said, “The most important factors for normalization of relations between two countries are considered as genocide resolutions and Nagorno-Karabakh problem. We want the economical dimension of the ties to come to the surface in shaping the relations between two countries.”

Pointing out that the volume of trade between two countries is about $200 mln despite closed borders, Soyak implied that Armenian diaspora is ready to cooperate with Turkey and said, “It is important that a big part of Armenian diaspora supports opening of borders. In that case, businessmen of Anatolia will be able to cooperate with Armenian diaspora in Russia, Middle Asia, Arabian countries, Europe, North and South America and even Far East without having any communication problem.” Stressing that volume of trade between Turkey and Armenia might reach to $1 bln with opening of state border, Soyak said, “It would be inevitable for the region to turn into a trade center with the opening of borders. Commercial relations will be the factor that provides reconciliation between two communities.”

Underscoring that Turkey should not ignore influence of Russia over Armenia and Azerbaijan in its efforts towards resettlement of Nagorno-Karabakh problem, Soyak said, “In my opinion, resettlement of Nagorno-Karabakh problem may be achieved in two years. Russia may solve the problem in some extent to relieve Turkish community on Nagorno-Karabakh problem, which would make normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia possible. On the other hand, even if such formula can be implented, the comprehensive solution to the problem will be dependent to the other developments in Caucasus, especially to the resolution of S. Ossetia and Abkhazia issues. Such a temporary solution for Nagorno-Karabakh is towards the interests of Russia as investments of Russia in Armenia cannot be operated because of closed borders.”

The full text of the interview of Co-chairman of the Turkish-Armenian Business Development Council Kaan Soyak can be found in Turkishny.com in Turkish language.