To prevent spread of terrorism in the Nagorno-Karabakh, there is a need for international assistance, believes Mathieu Deflem, a famous American anti-terrorism analyst. “There is a need for international assistance to prevent the increase of terrorism in Nagorno-Karabakh area,” Deflem told Trend News.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts. Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France, and the U.S. – are currently holding the peace negotiations.

The expert pointed out that the Azerbaijani authorities are often stressing that Nagorno-Karabakh – the uncontrolled and occupied Azerbaijani territory by Armenians – is open for free terrorism activity. “It would indeed be an excellent opportunity for Azerbaijan to cooperate with the international community to control this area,” he said.

The expert believes it is important that by actively soliciting the help from the international community shows that Azerbaijan is not isolated from the rest of the world. “A cooperative spirit should bear fruits,” he said.

According to Mr. Deflem said that it is the nature of present-day terrorist groups that just almost any country can become involved as a target in terrorism, because terrorist organizations are internationally organized and they also select targets across the world for a variety of reasons.