June 14, 2008 - 15:22 AMT
U.S: most influential countries in Karabakh process are the conflicting parties
Public affairs officer at the U.S. embassy in Azerbaijan, Mr Jonathan Henick said he sees no alternative to a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

Status-quo was not to the advantage of Azerbaijan, according to him.

"War may be a tragedy for the sides. That's why we should work for a peaceful settlement of the conflict and will see the effect of our endeavors," he said.

Settlement of the conflict depends on the level of mutual confidence between the sides. Mediation of influential countries having interests in the region may help increase the level of confidence between the sides. However, I think neither Azerbaijan nor Armenia will accept peacekeeping forces from Turkey and Russia only. The co-chair countries bring opportunities to mobilize the international community. It is necessary for humanitarian assistance, for organization of peacekeeping forces, etc. Certainly, the most influential countries in this process are the conflicting parties," Mr Henick said, the Azeri Press Agency reports.