“There are many manipulative elements in Hrant Bagratyan’s speech. For example, the period of January-February, when they need it, is compared to the entire year. When necessary, the Statistical Committee lies, when it is not necessary, those numbers are credible,” Babken Tunyan, the chairman of the National Assembly Committee on Economic Affairs, told Aravot Daily in reference to former Prime Minister Hrant Bagratyan’s statements during the Homeland Salvation Movement rally.
When asked if the authorities are consistent regarding opening the borders with Turkey and if they see economic risks there, such as how second President Robert Kocharyan said that Armenia can become the second Adjara, Tunyan said, “Our authorities are not consistent with opening the borders with Turkey at all costs. Our authorities are simply speaking about potentially beginning dialogue with Turkey, which we have always spoken about. As far as I remember, including when I was a journalist, we have always said that Armenia must be prepared to open the border without any pre-conditions and establish relations. Those people who are saying that this is a problem must understand where we can cooperate, and they also must understand why it wasn’t an issue then, but it is now. We have economic relations with Turkey whether we want to or not because thousands of business owners import products to sell here. Despite the fact that it has been banned since last year, raw materials have not been banned.”
Aravot Daily tried to clarify that he does not see risks if the borders open. Tunyan said that he is not thinking about that now due to the fact that there is still the issue of the prisoners of war and issues with mutual trust. “But if the issue is based on pragmatic economic benefits and whether or not it is worth opening the border, a clear analysis needs to take place so we can understand what we gain, what we lose, etc.”
Hripsime Jebejyan
