American International Relations Expert Mankof stated that it is probable for Turkey-Armenia state border to be opened before the resettlement of Nagorno-Karabakh problem.

According to the expert, Armenia will economically benefit from opening of borders. “It is easy for Armenian diaspora to criticize negotiations towards resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh problem as the isolation of Armenia does not affect them. On the other hand, benefits of resolution of the problem for Armenian people cannot be questioned. And for Turkey; opening of borders will increase the influence of Ankara in the region and will strengthen its hand in the negotiations for EU membership.”

According to Mankof, establishment of even a limited cooperation is possible by leaving Nagorno-Karabakh problem to a side.

“When we consider the pressure that Armenian government is exposed to, it seems that the probability for Armenia to make concession in Karabakh issue is weak. We need time to be able to foresee the debates in the parliaments of Turkey and Armenia on protocols. On the other hand, plenty of time is required for resettlement of Nagorno-Karabakh problem because of the structure of the conflict,” American expert said.