Resumption of hostilities in Karabakh is unlikely, according to Sergey Minasyan, head science department at Caucasus Institute.

“It is my opinion. Although, we can’t exclude the possibility of war. The main guarantee of peace is the military and political balance of forces in the region,” he told a news conference in Yerevan on July 7.

As to persistent bellicose statements by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Minasyan said, “Aliyev has driven himself into the corner. He must explain to his people why he threatens war but doesn’t start it.”

“Azerbaijan will avoid war, as will cause both political and economic damage,” he added.