Without thinking first
There has been no comprehensive study on the appropriateness of opening the Turkish-Armenian border. If the Turkey-Armenia Protocols were not frozen, the National Assembly would have to vote. In general, the decision on normalizing relations between both countries was taken without an economic study.
"We didn't manage to implement comprehensive studies," deputy of "Bargavach Hayastan" (Prosperous Armenia) party, economist Vardan Bostanjyan told "A1+".
He considers the study by the ARF to be the only comprehensive, fundamental study which presents the kinds of legislative reforms that should be made in the case of the border opening. Based on the ARF's study, the opening of the border will bring 55 challenges that make the opening of the border inappropriate and unfavorable in case of no resistance and not taking measures.
"The opening of the Turkish-Armenian border is so clearly positive that we will save nearly 30% of transportation expenses that we can use for other expenses," Bostanjyan told "A1+". How did you come up with "30"? In response, Bostanjyan said that it was based on "approximate calculations".
Bostanjyan informed that studies are currently being conducted and, according to him, "we will have a summarized, comprehensive study at our disposal" before the Protocols reach the parliament.
Wasn't a year enough for studies? "Work is underway," said Mr. Bostanjyan who says the study will be ready within three months.
If there is no study, how did the Security Council give a positive conclusion on the signing of the Protocols?
Vardan Bostanjyan said: "All powerful, democratic countries did not reproach the initiative to open the border and that is due to the fact that we are very aware and led the policy very correctly from the angle of human values. The positive evaluation was given for continuation of processes."
Let us remind that the procedure of ratifying the Turkey-Armenia Protocols has been suspended, but the Protocols remain on the National Assembly's grand agenda and can be "activated" at any given moment.
