Caucasus nations most interested in peaceful development of the region

Surely, no. Both the U.S. and EU hope for successful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations. Nevertheless, they want it to happen through their mediation. European countries and organizations, such as NATO, EU and OSCE want to be direct intermediaries in settling conflicts in the Caucasus in order to expand their influence throughout the region.

There is no system of international relations which could regulate the world politics on the basis of universally recognized international law. Each event is interpreted from the position of strength and benefit. Since 1991, the ideas of "state sovereignty" and "right of nations to self-determination" have been interpreted one-sidedly by the world powers. Both Nagorno Karabakh and Transnistria can be internationally recognized if their longing for independence will coincide with strategy of one or several world players. The case with Nagorno Karabakh is demonstrative: I can't name a power which is interested in recognition of this territory.

Such projects demand an "open game". As a rule, cooperation becomes possible if the sides waive their national interests to combat a common enemy or if there is a necessity of diversification of economic relations. Under the global financial and energy crisis, the Caucasus states could reach an agreement to resolve the existing conflicts and secure beneficial economic cooperation. However, there are some irrational historical factors that hamper normalization of relations.

Armenia could officially renounce territorial claims against Turkey and stop the worldwide campaign calling for recognition of the Armenian Genocide. In response, Turkey could reconsider its position on Nagorno Karabakh and open the border with Armenia.

A similar precedent was in case with Syria. As soon as Damask recognized territorial integrity of Turkey and stopped laying claims to the province of Hatay that was annexed to Turkey in 1838, the relations between the two states considerably improved, not to mention the economic factor.

Presently, Turkey is mediating for the Syrian-Israeli reconciliation, what is convenient for both sides. I am hopeful that the Caucasus nations will overcome their historic hostility and establish fruitful political and economic cooperation.

All depends on the countries' willingness to maintain friendly ties. Moreover, they should stop building their national policy dependently from the powers beyond the region. The August conflict demonstrated that Washington's power is not universal. With Russia mediating for the Nagorno Karabakh conflict resolution and with Turkey alleviating tensions between Georgia and Russia, the Caucasus states will be able to implement their economic and political strategic for the glory of the region. However, if some of the countries orient for the West, like Georgia does, new conflicts are possible. Deployment of NATO troops in Georgia will aggravate tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Escalation will involve Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, Georgia may provoke a new war in an attempt to take back Abkhazia and Ossetia with the help of the U.S. forces.

I do not see vivid parallels. Religion is the key factor between Arabs and Jews. Besides, Israel enjoys support of a superpower - the United States, while majority of the UN member states recognize Palestine as an independent entity.

I think a decision that will satisfy all parties to conflict will be the reasonable one. The notion of justice is absent in the international law, all the more so in present days, when sovereignty of states is violated so often. Certainly, the borders between the soviet republics were outlined proceeding from the interests of the empire. Actually, the USSR decline provided the people living in the Caucasus with a possibility to decide their fate themselves.

As result of the unfair soviet policy, we received three unrecognized republics, dozens of thousands of victims of inter-ethnic conflicts, hundreds of thousands of refugees, destroyed infrastructure and agriculture. The policy of nationalists, who came to power in Caucasus states in 1991, yielded deplorable results.

I am confident that territorial and national problems can be resolved through dialog, multilateral meetings and agreements. Caucasus people are most interested in a peaceful development of the region. Meanwhile, the goal of mediators from outside is to strengthen their positions. If peace is established in the Caucasus, no one will need American bases.