The international community has much more serious problems than the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Alexander Rahr, Director of the Russian/Eurasia Program, German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), told NEWS.am. According to him, Europe in interested in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict being resolved some day, but it is not taking any serious steps now.

As to why the international community did not strongly condemn Azerbaijan’s military provocation, the expert pointed out that no one wants to make any more steps in this direction. Europe is too far from that, as it has numerous problems. No one is interested in Nagorno-Karabakh. The powers that be are only interested in transport corridors. “It is not so important which one wins or loses, but the region’s general stability is of importance – even if it is not absolutely fair,” Rahr said. He noted that the Nabucco issue is currently on the agenda. It is of paramount importance for Europe , which needs good relations with Azerbaijan. As for Russia, it is playing a double game, as it objects to the construction of transit corridors without its control. “Should Russia exert too much pressure on Azerbaijan, the latter will turn its back on it,” Rahr said.

As to the possible resumption of hostilities, the expert considers it unlikely. “I think that the warlike statements are probably an attempt to see the international community’s reaction, especially that of the mediator-countries. If anyone plans anything like this in Azerbaijan, that one must realize he will not get any support. Georgia can serve an example – it is in isolation because of Sakashvili’s ill-considered steps,” the expert said.

On the night of June 19, an Azeri task force intruded into the Nagorno-Karabakh territory. A resultant encounter claimed five lives (four Armenian and one Azeri soldier), with four other Armenian soldiers wounded. The Azeri task force had to retreat.