ICG: AZERI LEADERSHIP SHOULD STOP CONVINCING PUBLICS IN POSSIBILITY TO WIN THE WAR

PanARMENIAN.Net
24.12.2007 15:37 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ There is a possibility of resumption of hostilities
between Armenia and Azerbaijan, said Sabine Freizer, the International
Crisis Group Director of the Europe Program.

The oil incomes inspired confidence in Azerbaijan and offered a chance
to modernize the army, according to her.

"Azerbaijan seems to drag out a peaceful resolution unless the military
balance is in its favor. Official Yerevan, which has achieved real
economic progress, is also inflexible and keeps on building up defense
expenses," she said.

"Armenian leaders also think that time works for them and de facto
independence of Nagorno Karabakh will become a reality that can’t be
neglected. However, the wait-and-see policy represents a menace. The
year of 2012, when Azerbaijan’s oil income can reduce and the military
adventure can seem a tempting way to distract popular attention from
the economic crisis, promises to become the most dangerous year. Vital
oil and gas pipeline stretching nearby Karabakh will be the first
victims of the new war. This is a scenario Europe and the United
States want to prevent," Ms. Freizer underscored.

"The Azeri leadership should stop convincing the public in the
possibility to win the war with a Blitzkrieg," she said, Day.az
reports.