The remarks came from Head of the International Crisis Group Sabine Freizer in an interview with Armenia-based Zhamanak.
She said the latest statement issued by the presidents of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing countries was much more clear, specific and more powerful.
The statement clearly indicates the expectations of the heads of state that the parties will agree on basic principles at a Kazan meeting soon.
“It is also noted that if an agreement is reached, all three countries will watch implementation of these principles by providing financial and other kind of assistance.
If the sides fail to reach an agreement and one of the sides uses force, this will be perceived by co-chairing countries as a negative step and will not be accepted as a way to solve problems,” Freizer noted.
She noted that all the co-chairing countries have a common position on Karabakh issue. Saying that the co-chairing countries can do much, Fraser pointed out that parties to the conflict will say the final word. "I do not think that France, the United States and Russia can exert pressure on Aliyev and Sargsyan," she added.
Fraser found it difficult to predict whether a Kazan meeting will mark a progress or not. "I can only say that there are high hopes for this. It is also linked to fears that if no agreement is reached, the question will arise whether this process will continue or not. Armenia and Azerbaijan will hold elections soon. Electoral processes are also planned in mediator countries.
If the sides fail to reach agreement this year, it will be difficult to achieve compromise in 2012-2013,” she said adding that the likelihood of war will grow if agreement is not reached.
“It is hard to predict whether there will be a war or not. We actually believe that Azerbaijan is preparing for war by arming and making military rhetoric. Armenia is already strengthening its military capabilities,” she underscored.
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