November 26, 2002 - 19:31 AMT
RESUMPTION OF HOSTILITIES IN KARABAKH UNLIKELY UNDER POWER BALANCE ESTABLISHED, NKR DEFENSE MINISTER SUPPOSES
The cease-fire in the zone of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict exists due to the balance of power established, and resumption of hostilities under the present conditions is unlikely. As reported by "Arminfo" agency, Nagorno Karabakh defense minister Seyran Ohanian stated it when commenting on the creation of an assistance fund for the Azeri army and thereupon the opportunity of resumption of hostilities. He noted that being in a situation of "neither war, nor peace" Nagorno Karabakh continues enhancing the power of its army. "Undoubtedly, Heydar Aliyev does not abstain from such urges as regards the Azeri army, but this does not mean anything. We have already become used to the threats by Azerbaijan," - Ohanian noted. In his words, the morale of the Karabakh army is rather high and it is ready to relevantly repulse any adversary.