With extrapolation of the current situation to the future without taking into account the possibility of a miracle, the future of the South Caucasus seems sad. Without the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict on the basis of a compromise our nations and states will keep on hostility. No regional or continental integration will break through the strong redoubt of national myths and corporate interests of the ruling elite. There is no hope for "an imposed peace" either. Over the availability of conflicts the waters in the South Caucasus are troubled and economic and geopolitical fish is easily caught here The normalization of the Armenia-Turkey relations will have a positive impact not only upon the economy and internal political and ideological situation in Armenia but also upon the Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. The more Armenians benefit from the cooperation and good neighbor relations with Turkey the less political forces in Armenia will build the policy of hostility towards Turkey and Azerbaijan. In this case those, who specialize in "the eternal Armenian-Turk animosity" in Baku and Turkey, will have to fall silent. Integrating Europe is a good example. But counter steps are essential. Armenians are convinced that Turkey should acknowledge the events of 1915 with all the consequences. Turkey for its part considers that Armenia should stop being an instrument in the hands of anti-Turkish forces, first of all the Russian special services and right-wing conservative parties in Europe. I am a cautious optimist and I set hope upon the reason and the sense of historical prospects of the Armenian people. Presently Armenia's position doesn't give ground for optimism. Naturally, I do not only think, but I am convinced in it. Availability of Armed Forces of Armenia in the territory of Azerbaijan is a direct proof of those claims. I will add: [another proof is] Robert Kocharian of Karabakh origin being the President of Armenia, in spite of the law. I hope that an agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, according to which Armenia will refuse from interference in Azerbaijan's domestic affairs, will come first. After that it will not be hard to find ways and forms of adjustment of common peaceful life of Azeri citizens, all residents of Karabakh irrespective of their ethnic identity. Naturally, provided guarantees from superpowers (how can one do without these?) and the UN… I am convinced that people's diplomacy has done much good to our people (just recall release of prisoners of war and hostages). However, its efficiency is low at the current stage, as united powers of Armenian and Azeri authorities are against it. People's diplomacy is a pioneer, hacking through a path in the jungles of animosity. No one knows whether the society will follow a handful of idealists, or well-organized criminal community of the strong. Greed of elites of superpowers had a strong impact on all this (in the Middle East, as well as the South and North Caucasus). I personally do not believe in resumption of large-scale hostilities soon. However, I am often mistaken, as I do not take into account the degree of greediness and silliness of important players. It is a question to be answered by Mr. Mann. I am sure that peoples of Armenia and Azerbaijan are capable to solve the conflict - if Mr. Aliyev and Mr. Kocharian admit it.