New Border Pass To Be Opened To Bulgaria

TUZMEN: ''HAMZABEYLI-LESOVA BORDER PASS TO BE OPENED IN JUNE''

SOFIA - ''Hamzabeyli-Lesova border pass, which will be an alternative to Kapikule border pass will be opened by beginning of June,'' Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen said on Wednesday.
Briefing the journalists about his meetings in Sofia, Bulgaria where he visited together with a crowded delegation including businessmen, bureaucrats and parliamentarians, Tuzmen said his meetings were very fruitful.
Tuzmen said this would contribute to the trade and investment relations between the two countries.
State Minister pointed out that arrangements pertaining to Kapikule border pass, where there were long queues especially in summer, were discussed.
''We discussed formation of a commission which will carry out studies to reduce bureaucracy in border gates, coordinate studies of different state institutions from one unit, accelerate customs procedures, and reinforcement of personnel,'' Tuzmen said, noting that the studies would be completed at the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting that would take place in Ankara on May 31st.
Tuzmen said there was difficulty in border passes with increasing trade volume, stating that this difficulty further increased especially in summer during the arrivals of Turkish kinsmen to Turkey.
Tuzmen said the two border gates should rapidly reach automation, their technical equipment should be provided, and domestic equipment should be increased.
Tuzmen pointed to the importance of alternative border passes appropriate to Turkey's growing foreign trade volume.
''Among the alternative border passes appropriate to foreign trade volume, we think Hamzabeyli border pass can be used to ease the burden. Studies about this border pass have been concluded. Hamzabeyli border pass can start to be used by the beginning of June following completion of technical works. Prime ministers of the two countries will join the opening ceremony,'' Tuzmen noted.