Washington has set Azerbaijan a firm ultimatum: Karabakh independence will be recognized, should Azerbaijan attempt to launch military operations in NKR, Yeni Musavat Oppositional Azeri Party official website reported on Tuesday, followed by other Azeri media representatives.

Baku asserts US Deputy Assistant Secretary, Tina S. Kaidanow was the one to express US position on Baku's increased militaristic statements on Karabakh conflict settlement. Moreover, US assert possessing information on Azerbaijan's secret preparations for a war.

In observer's opinion, Baku's military rhetoric is caused by the fact Azerbaijan's territorial integrity is not included in agenda of Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations on Karabakh status, mediated by Russia, US and France, NEWSru.com reports.