Freedom from Georgian dominance
The opening of the Turkish-Armenian border will especially favor the solution of issues facing Armenians of Javakhk, said president of the "Javakhk" Patriotic Union Shirak Torosyan, adding that the alternative roads will help Armenia become stronger.
"I definitely believe that we will get at least something out of this and that is freedom from Georgian dominance. A considerable sector of Armenians, the Armenians of Javakhk, will benefit from this," said Torosyan and added that whereas Armenia is forced to go along with the illegal actions against the Armenians of Javakhk due to dependence on Georgian roads, there will no longer be dependence after the border opening.
Torosyan also believes that the realization of the signed bilateral protocols will contribute to prevention of the emigration of Armenians from the Armenian-populated territories. "Today we are trying to do the same thing in a kind of virtual reality by trying to stand up for the lands of Western Armenia; meanwhile, we are losing the Armenians of Javakhk," said Torosyan.
Besides seeing the positive sides, the chairman of the "Javakhk" Patriotic Union has certain concerns and sees risks in the Turkey-Armenia Protocols. But he is still optimistic. "We must also remember that we take risks in life as well."
