“There can be no success in negotiations if violence continues, and there can be no peace without a negotiation process. We reiterate that there is no military solution to the conflict”
The possible eruption of war between Azerbaijan and Armenia would therefore certainly have a negative effect on the energy infrastructure (such as oil and gas pipelines, and hydroelectric plants) and facilities of the region, notably that of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan continued violating the ceasefire agreement overnight May 10-11 by firing various caliber weapons, 60mm and 82mm mortars and shoulder-launched antitank grenade launchers.
“Azerbaijani authorities have already become a hostage in the hands of their population. For the love of God, who do we deal with?—With the society playing with the head of beheaded soldier and authorities awarding them.”
“No country recognizes Nagorno-Karabakh,” he said. “We continue to urge the sides to come to the negotiating table in good faith in order to reach a lasting settlement.”
“Any victory can’t be conditioned by the factor of armaments only, human factor is existent as well. Which they completely lack. They lack specialists, they aren’t able to productively handle armaments.”
Azerbaijani forces continued violating the ceasefire agreement by firing various caliber weapons, 60mm and 82mm mortars, RPG-7 and AGS-17 grenade launchers.
Given the massive arsenals of weaponry both sides now possess, new fighting could easily escalate into an all-out conflict far more destructive than the 1991-94 war. Baku and Yerevan could invoke their military assistance treaties with Turkey and Russia respectively. Neither wants to get involved, but would be under big pressure to honor their commitments in the region.
The April war brought sharp change of game rules, created totally new situation, where there is no any factor or mechanism for deterrence. The legend, that the international community won’t allow resumption of conflict, has vanished.
The United States, Europe, and their partners must officially recognize the Mountainous Karabagh Republic within its constitutional frontiers.
