"In my view, information on 'Washington's recognizing NKR independence' is far from plausible," Caucasus Institute Director, political scientist Alexander Iskandaryan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. "Perhaps, it's beneficial to Russia, but nothing can be said for sure since the source is unreliable," Armenian expert noted.

In the meantime, an anonymous Armenian expert said such information might have been disseminated by Russian intelligence
services.

Washington has actually imposed a tough ultimatum on Azerbaijan, saying that "US will recognize Nagorno Karabakh's independence in case the country attempts to resume military operations," Yeni Musavat Azerbaijani pro-opposition party's official Web site reported. The information was later disseminated by other media.

Baku claims that Washington, in the person of Deputy Assistant Secretary Tina Kaidanow, responded to Baku's bellicose statements on Karabakh conflict settlement. Furthermore, Americans insist that they possess information on Azerbaijan's making secret preparations for war.

Observers believe Baku's rhetoric is accounted for by the fact that territorial integrity issue is not included in the agenda of talks over Karabakh status, NEWSru.com reports.