An expert at the Institute of Political and Social Studies of Black Sea and Caspian Region Andrei Areshev commented on current stage of Karabakh settlement talks.

“Direct negotiations between Azerbaijan and Karabakh would have been more logical; by yielding its place to Karabakh at negotiating table, Armenia would still remain a guarantor of NKR's safety,” the expert said.

“However it's hard to say, if the option suggested is viable in current circumstances. Not only Yerevan and Stepanakert, but also sides willing to avoid loss of current balance of forces are interested in preserving present state of things, ” Areshev believes.

The expert characterized the guarantee of NKR safety as an important element of conflict settlement, especially in current international situation, where even the status of a UN member can't save the country from bombings.