Optimism of the US Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Steven Mann is ungrounded, as before Rambouillet and after there seemed to be optimism, but it was not supported by certain prerequisites, expert, political scientist Stepan Grigoryan stated in an interview with a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. In his words, at present the settlement of the NK conflict is delayed. «Optimism in the Karabakh issue is due to OSCE MG co-chairs and US State Department officials having incorrect notion of political processes in the region. I know for sure that no progress can be made in the Nagorno Karabakh settlement in 2006: neither the society, nor the authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan are ready even to intelligent dialogue, to say nothing of compromises,» he remarked. In his opinion, world developments display new processes, which coincide with Armenia's interests, e.g. Kosovo or Transnistria. «In different specific cases we should find our own field and play in it,» the expert emphasized.

When commenting on the latest statement of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan, the political scientist remarked that hysteria over the cultural and historical legacy is inappropriate. He, nevertheless, recognized certain diplomatic success in propaganda war against Armenia. «Unfortunately, we still yield to the adversary in international organizations. Armenia should find new ways for its propaganda,» Grigoryan said.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan had sent a letter to Eurovision organization committee, expressing outrage with the official site of the contest publishing information that Andre, a singer from Armenia, was born in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. «The fact should be viewed as disrespect of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, provocation and support of Armenia's aggressive policy,» the letter noted.