Richard Giragosian: Baku can frustrate Armenian-Turkish process by unleashing war in Karabakh

April 15, 2010 - 14:58 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Baku can frustrate the ongoing Armenian-Turkish process by unleashing a new war in Karabakh, according to Richard Giragosian, Director of the Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS).

“Neither West nor East is interested in war. Azerbaijan knows that it will lose, once launching hostilities, but unfortunately decisions in this country are made by ignorami like Safar Abiyev,” Mr. Giragosian told a news conference on April 15.

“Meanwhile, the Armenian side takes all essential measures to prevent resumption of hostilities, which may burst out with a trifle incident at the contact line,” he said. “On the one hand, Armenia demonstrates its military might; on the other hand, it assures Baku that there is no reason to start war.”

“A new war will entail deployment of Russian troops in the conflict area, what will have negative consequences for Armenia. Karabakh is one of the regions where there are no Russian forces. And we don’t need them,” Mr. Giragosian concluded.

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out as result of the ethnic cleansing launched by the Azeri authorities in the final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994 (when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions are now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now.