Russia is seeking good relations with both Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Russian leadership is trying to prevent a situation when they have to choose between the two nations. Should such a situation arise, it would be most hard for Russia, Dennis Sammut, Executive Director, LINKS NGO (Great Britain), said in an interview with 1news.az, commenting on the Russian President’s latest visit to Baku.

Speaking of the present stage of the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, he pointed out that the present negotiations are believed unlikely to ensure a settlement of the conflict. However, much work has been done within this format, which must not be lost.

The question is if the present format is the best for passing to the next. It is not an academic question. Armenia and Azerbaijan are on the brink of war. So the peace process must be revitalized immediately, Sammut said.

Commenting on the latest incidents on the line of contact, he said that the incidents are now so frequent that any talks of ceasefire will soon be out of the question. The situation on the line of contact must be immediately stabilized. However, neither the conflicting parties nor the international community should mix ceasefire with peace. Incidents should be viewed as a signal of impending danger. It is a shame that such a situation still exists in Europe in 2010, Sammut said.

Commenting on the opinion voiced by Amanda Poll that the U.S. gives carte blanche to Russia in the Caucasus, Sammut said that talks about “areas of influence” and “cartes blanches” are out of date. Russia is unable to resolve the South Caucasus problems. The region needs a modern security regime, which is the only way of resolving regional problems.