An expert at the Institute of Political and Social Studies of the Black Sea and Caspian Region believes Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement will be continued in OSCE Minsk Group format.

Dwelling on Russia’s involvement, Andrey Areshev noted that Moscow’s adopting a clearer position on the issue would promote regional stabilization. “The stronger Russia’s presence at South Caucasus is, the more are chances for stability in current status quo,” the Russian expert said.

“Any attempt to force questionable principles for settlement on conflicting parties is doomed to failure. Both Yerevan and Baku realize that an attempt to fulfill settlement principles where there’s lack in mutual trust spells suicide for all parties involved.

“I doubt current military balance will be violated, nor is there any chance for a diplomatic breakthrough, with Armenia and Russia entering upon a complicated election period. As far as settlement goes, no progress is to be expected for at least a halfyear,” the expert concluded.