YEREVAN. – Russia is a key player in the process of Karabakh settlement, British journalist, senior fellow with Carnegie Europe Thomas de Waal stated at a press conference on Wednesday.

Waal noted that the both sides believe that it is Russia that provokes and at the same time reconciles the parties to the Karabakh conflict, since Russia has concrete interests while dealing with both parties.

However, it is obvious also that not only Russia should undertake a role of the peace maker, as the format of the OSCE MG is also important for France and for the United States, the journalist said.

He added that it is disappointing that France has weak position, while and the U.S. weakened its positions because of political will.

The analyst also expressed hope that Washington and Moscow could cooperate on the settlement of the Karabakh conflict.