Turkologist: The opening of the Armenian-Turkish border is a threat to our statehood

The issue of opening the Armenian-Turkish border, which was
brought back on the agenda in 2018, has become more relevant after the
depopulation and occupation of Artsakh. Considering that one of the
preconditions, i.e. the Artsakh issue, has been “satisfied”, Turkey seemingly
agrees to open the border. According to Turkologist Tiran Lokmagyozyan, the
other two preconditions, regarding border issues and the recognition of the
Armenian Genocide, are no longer being considered.

“The border opening will first of all harm farmers. Working
in agriculture will become pointless, as all kinds of fruits and vegetables
grow in Turkey. They will sell their agricultural produce at low prices, while
our local produce, being relatively expensive, will rot in sacks. Thus, we will
eat Turkish tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, in a word, everything,” Lokmagyozyan
said to ABC Media.

The potential opening of the Armenian-Turkish border also
excites traders, who think they will be able to import low-priced goods.

“Wherever Turkey enters, it first captures the market. The
vivid example of this is the city of Batumi in Georgia. In that part of
Georgia, many people speak Turkish, people gradually assimilate into Turkish
culture. Unlike Georgia, Turkey considers us an enemy. As someone who knows
that country from the inside, I can surely say that all other interpretations
are merely political moves,” he said.