Yerevan /Mediamax/. Senior associate at Russia and Eurasia Program at Carnegie Endowment, author of "Black Garden" book Thomas de Waal presented the supplemented version of his "Black Garden: Armenia and Azerbaijan between Peace and War" book today.

"Black Garden" book was published in 2003. The book is written based on about 120 interviews which were taken by the author during his work in Karabakh conflict zone in 2000-2001.

The British journalist noted that the backbone of the book is unchanged, Mediamax reports. According to the author, about 10 years have already passed since the moment the book was published that's why he thought it necessary to add chapters concerning developments for this period including the oil boom in Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev's coming to power in 2003 and Serzh Sargsyan's presidency in 2008, arms race, Madrid Principles etc. Besides, new photos which weren't published earlier and edited conclusion were added to the book. 

"At the same time, the main thing is unchanged - the conflict hasn't been settled so far and the trust between the sides is even less", said Thomas de Waal.

He noted that there is very little literature on NK conflict in English and the book may help Western readers understand the essence of the conflict. According to him, he also tried to disperse some myths and particularly those on Sumgait disorders, Khojaly events and Shushi seizure. At the same time, the expert thought it normal that this or that side will dislike some excerpts from his work.

Thomas de Waal mentioned mutual fear to changes of status-quo, lack of interest from the outer world, taboo in both societies which "often live with the same ideas as 20 years ago" as reasons for the unsettled conflict.