"The only chance for breakthrough in Karabakh, including soonest liberation of territories is complete exclusion of the chimera of settling the conflict by use of force. That is, joint agreement on non-resumption of hostilities with the assistance of the international community should be signed. Neither the sole decision of the sides nor "help from outside" can produce effect. The issue demands combination of endeavors," said Vladimir Kazimirov, the Russian mediator on Nagorno Karabakh in 1992-1996.

"The sides have many times obliged to resolve the conflict peacefully. So, what keeps them from concluding an agreement on non-resumption of hostilities?" he said.

Amb. Kazimirov is confident that the sides could sign an agreement on settlement of the conflict by exclusively peaceful means. "It will be hard for Baku to change its position but no one is to blame. The document should be signed under the aegis of the UN Security Council, or at least the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chair states. One more thing, Baku-Stepanakert talks should start as soon as possible. Baku hampers the negotiation process by keeping Nagorno Karabakh aside," he wrote in an article "Is there is a wayout of Karabakh deadlock?" published by Russia in Global Politics magazine.