Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan does not exclude the possibility of resumption of hostilities in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone.

“I think there is such a possibility, since I cannot understand why Azerbaijan drags out the negotiation process. Probably, there are plans with respect to greater accumulation of forces and means to unleash a new military adventure at a well-chosen moment. It is a wrong approach, since the developments may have two scenarios. The first one is all-out warfare and further occupation of Nagorno Karabakh that is possible only in case of complete annihilation of the Karabakh people. The second one is Azerbaijan’s defeat, its loss of new territories that will be followed by Azerbaijan’s complaints concerning the loss of five, six or more regions. What’s then? Again truce, agreements, violations of ceasefire, new war… All these scenarios are unpromising,” Sargsyan said in an interview as part of RIA Novosti, Moskovskie Novosti paper and Russia in Global Politics magazine project dated to the 20th anniversary of the USSR collapse.

Responding to a question whether Armenia considers the possibility of Nagorno Karabakh recognition, Mr. Sargsyan said the Armenian side cannot but view such possibility. For example, according to the Armenian leader, it may happen in case of resumption of hostilities.

“We are asked another, more direct question - why does not Armenia recognize Nagorno Karabakh? We conduct negotiations, while recognition of Nagorno Karabkah would mean their breakdown. It is better to negotiate,” he said.