March 19, 2008 - 16:22 AMT
Any resolution becomes PR-weapon for conflicting sides
All discussions about occupation of Azerbaijan will be productive only in case of renouncement of formal-juridical determinism, said Sergei Markedonov, head of the Interethnic Relations Department of the Institute for Policy and Military Analysis.

"Resolution of complicated problems, like the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, urges trust between the sides," he said.

"Stepanakert, which was completely destroyed in 1991-92, was reconstructed later. Meanwhile, Shushi which was once predominantly inhabited by Azeris has remained unsettled so far. The fact is that Armenians fear 'a peaceful resolution' that will result in return of 'Shushalars'," he noted. "Are Armenians ready to receive Azeri passports? Are Azeris ready to recognize their rival, Armenians, as their citizens?"

"Any adopted resolution becomes a PR-weapon for the conflicting sides," Markedonov resumed.