Despite increased international interest, including the personal involvement of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, the prospects of a resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict now seem at its lowest point in years, says the report issued by International Crisis Group (ICG).

“The failure to secure a “Basic Principles” agreement before the December Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) summit in Astana – the first in a decade – was deeply troubling. The political deadlock was accompanied by an increase in violence over the summer – fall,” the report says.

In a report the experts note they will issue several reports on Nagorno-Karabakh. One of them will focus on worrying developments on the ground, including the rise in violent incidents, violations of the ceasefire, belligerent rhetoric and failure in the negotiations process.

The Crisis Group also plans to follow up its briefing on the potential for conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh with a second report that will propose ways to decrease tensions and, through incremental steps, move the negotiations process forward. Another one will be dedicated to displaced persons.

As to Armenia-Turkey relations, the Crisis Croup plans an update briefing to explain how the initial optimism felt in 2009 has faded and to recommend ways forward.