Azerbaijan’s strategy lies in increasing military potential and achieving absolute superiority over Armenia, RF State Duma member, political scientist, Sergey Markov stated in an interview with NEWS.am. In fact, without resorting to large-scale military hostilities, Azerbaijan will force Armenia to make significant concessions.

“It is important to understand that 20 years ago the problem was solved due to force. Then the odds were in Armenia’s favor. However, the balance of forces has radically changed within the recent 20 years. Today, Azerbaijan is much more powerful than Armenia,” the expert said, however, stressing hostilities are unlikely to resume in the near future.

“Despite Azerbaijan cries for a war, the country’s political elite perfectly realizes the hostilities will undermine the foundations of the state and plunge it into a chaos. No investments will be made in a country at war and Azerbaijan’s power will come to naught,” Markon noted.

Referring to Sargsyan-Aliyev-Medvedev meeting in Astrakhan, Markov stressed no breakthrough is expected in the Karabakh peace process at the meeting. “Meetings, talks, exchange of opinions contribute to reducing misunderstanding and easing the tension. At the moment, the sides should think for the situation not to worsen, but not improve,” he stated.

Asked whether a successful conclusion to Karabakh peace process is likely, the MP said: “I do not understand what solution may be given to Karabakh problem. Does anyone know how to resolve it?”

As to the statement by Fiona Hill, expert on Russia and Eurasia at Brookings institute, that Azerbaijan is actively getting ready for a new war, Markov emphasized: “Fiona Hill lives in a blessed state and has little knowledge on consciousness of nations involved in the conflict,” the political scientist concluded.