YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 12, ARMENPRESS. OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair James Warlick (USA) says there is a risk of escalation in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

“Many people call it frozen conflict, but, as we see, especially recently, it is not so, it is rather active. In early April we saw how the events can be dangerous. When I assumed my post, the snipers were the most dangerous. And it was very sad that so many people died in skirmishes. Today the situation is more dangerous taking into account the existence of rockets and heavy weapons. I think there is a conflict escalation risk which can lead to negative consequences”, Warlick said adding that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict requires huge attention from all sides. He said if someone considers the Nagorno Karabakh conflict manageable, he is mistaken.

“That’s why the search for the way of settlement is the field where Russia, the US and France can jointly work”, he said.

As for the dates of the negotiation process and the peaceful settlement deriving from it, Warlick couldn’t make predictions stating that they have solutions for progress. “We hope the peaceful settlement process will not last long, but, of course, one should not expect sudden breakthrough in this issue. The negotiations require time and numerous discussions. The Presidents are involved in this issue. I cannot predict whether we will reach settlement tomorrow, after a week or a month, but if the Presidents show political will for progress, all elements exist for settlement”, he said.

Concerning the US’s selling weapons to Armenia and Azerbaijan, Warlick said they do not arm any side. “We provide defensive weapons in limited quantities to both sides. As for Azerbaijan, a legal mandate exists by the Congress which doesn’t allow us to supply such weapons which can be used during the attack against Nagorno Karabakh. We have provided limited military assistance to both sides. But we don’t have weapon supply mutual relationship with any of them”, Warlick said.