The Nagorno-Karabakh problem may develop into a situation when war will be the only means of resolving it, Konstantin Sinomov, Director General of the Russian National Energy Security Fund (NESF), told NEWS.am.

War in the region is not in the interests of either the European Union (EU) or the U.S. However, the superpowers should not be expected to interfere in case of war. According to the expert, Azerbaijan, which has enormous energy resources and, therefore, financial profits directed to re-armament, will not put up with the status quo and will try to resolve its problems before 2020. “Why before 2020? Azerbaijan is well aware it will exhaust its energy resources by that time. So it must resolve the remaining problems within 20 years,” Simonov said. On the other hand, Azerbaijan is well aware that, with the funds running out, it will not be able to manage them as it likes – hydrocarbons are not only money, but also a means of pressure on other states and demanding concessions on Nagorno-Karabakh.

It is not strange at all if Azerbaijan plays the Nagorno-Karabakh card in its relations with Russia. “We supply more gas to you, and you, Russia, yield Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh to us. However, Azerbaijan is well aware it is playing a dangerous game by making numerous promises. But they must be kept. If things happen this way, Russia will try to offer Azerbaijan more – financially, not politically,” the expert said. He pointed out that it is not only Russia’s position that is in question, but also Azerbaijan’s consent to economic benefits – Azerbaijan may make it clear it is the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, not money it is interested in.

As regards Armenian-Turkish rapprochement, it is not a matter of near future thanks to the same Azerbaijan. The transit of Azerbaijani gas through Turkey is a serious argument for Ankara’s pro-Azerbaijani position on the issue.