US positions itself as a country concerned with issues of the world, an expert at St. Petersburg Center for Middle East Studies Alexander Sotnichenko told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, commenting on the information of Azerbaijan's starting a war in case US recognizes NKR independence. "US is most probably concerned over Russia's and Turkey's increasing influence in the region. Besides, the presence of Iran makes South Caucasus a strategic region. There's no country in the world whose policy is not influences by US," Sotnichenko noted, adding that by its statement US is not trying to support positions of either Armenia, Karabakh or Azerbaijan, but rather aims to ensure its position in region.

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.