Yerevan /Mediamax/. British analyst, senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment Thomas de Waal presently sees no objective preconditions for achieving progress in the peace process of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

As Mediamax reports, during discussions on “Developments over Karabakh Conflict and Possible Prospects” topic in Yerevan today the expert stressed that over the past 20 years much has changed in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict peace process, however, the main issue, which is the settlement of the conflict, remains unsolved.

“Despite the formal meetings of the Presidents, the parties do not discuss truly important and strategic issues. Whether a framework agreement will be signed and whether it will be carried out based on Madrid principles or not still remains a philosophic issue. I see no real discussion and dialog between the Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents or the societies of the two countries. There is rhetoric and propaganda but there is no any discussion of strategically important issues – on compromises”, Thomas de Waal said.

The expert believes that Armenia and Azerbaijan are mutually interested in working on their common future. “What matters for Azerbaijan more is to get rid of the influences of Iran and Russia, while in case of Armenia the opening of borders and economic development bear strategic importance. The solution of these tasks depends on the mutually beneficial settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which is unreal in current situation”, the expert stressed.

Thomas de Waal is convinced that the crisis in Ukraine has also had its negative impact on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, in particular, on the exacerbation of the situation on the contact line.

“The crisis in Ukraine created a downbeat backdrop. Instead of resolving the conflicts, new ones emerge and we see that the level of cynicism and mistrust has increased between the sides”, he added.

The expert urged the parties to establish new communication contacts and to encourage people’s diplomacy.

“Along with formal negotiations, people’s diplomacy should be encouraged. Besides that, it is desirable that the Presidents appoint special advisors on Karabakh. New channels and platforms should be created for the leaders and societies to communicate and build trust. The parties should have better comprehension of one another’s positions”, Thomas de Waal noted.

“The real peace process is very complicated and risky for the Presidents of both countries. They do not feel any external support. And under such circumstances, the Presidents will not take any risky steps. External incentives are required, however, as of now, they are only negative”, the expert summed up.