Despite the international community’s repeated warnings and statements on the unacceptability of resuming the military conflict, the things have gone as far as that the possibilities of neutralizing the external threats that may arise in case Azerbaijan resumes hostilities are being discussed. Specifically, the Baku-based Zerkalo (Mirror) newspaper writes: “One can be entirely sure that Russia, the USA and European Union, for different reasons, will unanimously pronounce against Azerbaijan’s attempt to restore its territorial integrity by force.”

The newspaper points that the Western states, particularly the United States, have no military presence in the region, which means they have no way of influencing the developments using force. The West is well aware of the fact that any attempts to settle the conflicts in the South Caucasus by force will enable Russia to strengthen its politico-military presence in the region.

“No one can guarantee Russia’s neutrality in case of hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Nikolay Bordyuzha has repeatedly stated that in case of war the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) will fulfill its commitments under a treaty of alliance with Armenia,” the newspaper writes.

Thus, without external threats averted, “even the liberation of some occupied territories will turn into a Pyrrhic victory for Azerbaijan.”

Moreover, in this case Azerbaijan cannot rely on the politico-military support of Turkey, its only ally in the region. “First, the relations between the two allies have, to put it mildly, been showing signs of a rift recently. Secondly, it should be admitted that Turkey’s potential is not so great for it to oppose the combined efforts of the USA, Russia and European Union…”

In conclusion, the author points out the need for a clear answer to the question concerning Azerbaijan’s ability to avert the subsequent “international threats,” otherwise “resuming hostilities means a suicide.”