The normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations will positively affect the situation in the region, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies (GFSIS) expert and politician Archil Gegeshidze stated in the interview with NEWS.am.

The expert supposes that in case of Armenia-Turkey full reconciliation and border opening the volume of investments will grow, turnover will increase and economic upturn will be registered in the region. Meantime, Gegeshidze stated that the West’s empowerment on Armenia is inevitable: “Russia is obviously concerned over the situation and taking into account that factor it may cause some tension.”

As to weakening of Georgia’s influence on Armenia (it is the single transit country for Armenia) Gegeshidze underlined that Georgia does not lose this much of the border opening: “Russian gas will be supplied to Armenia through Georgia. It can lead to unloading of Georgian ports, but the country will not lose much as a result,” he said, adding he does not consider Armenia-Turkey reconciliation is enough for Karabakh conflict settlement.

According to him, unlike in the past Armenia will heave a choice of strategic directions. They can decide that western direction and western democracy model can bring to well-being and stability, Gegeshidze stated.

The expert considers that western model of democracy does not mean alienation from Russia. It arouses Russia’s concern, as Russians interpret it as military-strategic confrontation, the expert concluded.