The presence of Armenian peacekeeping forces in the conflict zone provides the peace maintenance in the region, Noravank Scientific Educational Fund director Gagik Harutyunyan told NEWS.am. Foreign mediators’ involvement in the negotiations on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement also assists unfavorable situation for Azerbaijan to resume hostility. However peace cannot be maintained without Armenian peacekeeping forces’ presence.

Gagik Harutyunyan considers if Azerbaijani tries to break ceasefire, Armenian troops will be able to repulse accordingly and as a result: “Azerbaijan might find itself in unenviable position for the second time, like during the previous war.” But who will replace Armenians in the conflict zone? This matter is left abeyance.

As for the possible referendum for Nagorno-Karabakh people to establish their will, Harutyunyan stated, for some reason it is forgotten that similar referendum was conducted in early 90s.

“One can conduct referendum even every day and expect a response”, the expert said. “The matter is whether Azerbaijan accepts the results. Azerbaijani side hopes that the whole state can participate in the referendum, whereas this approach is definitely unacceptable”, the expert concluded.