YEREVAN. - The group of Turkish journalists that arrived to Gyumri from Istanbul and Ankara stressed the importance of the opening the Armenian-Turkish border.

“We must not have closed borders in 21st century. Moreover, there must not be closed borders for journalist, since all of us work for one cause, all of us advocate the free and just word and want to live freely,” said the correspondent of Turkish Taraf newspaper Ozgun Ozcer to Armenian News-NEWS.am.

He added that the group will visit other Armenian cities but they started from Gyumri because of its much spoken resemblance to Kars. Turkish journalists visited several city neighborhoods and called on the people.

“We are very much interested in the current life and problems of the people as well as the issues Gyumri faces after the catastrophic earthquake. We also get acquainted with the activities of media in Armenia,” added Narot Marashyan, an Istanbul based journalist of Armenian origin. “A pressure on freedom of expression and independent journalists also exists in Turkey.”

“This is my third visit to Armenia,” noted the journalist, who communicated with our correspondent in Armenian.

He shared his plans about teaching his children Armenian, which will is not appreciated in Turkey.