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Tomris Azeri: Azerbaijani-Americans called for legislators not to support resolution on false Armenian genocide

23 February 2007 12:46 (UTC +04:00)

- Who stand behind the idea of establishing of Azerbaijan Society of America 50 years ago?
- I understand that ASA is actually the second oldest Azerbaijani Diaspora organization in the world. The first one was established in Ankara, Turkey in early 1950â€™s, just a few years before ASA was established in the United States. The founding fathers of the Azerbaijan Society of America wanted to create an organization that would help their children and grandchildren who were born in America to learn about Azerbaijanâ€™s history and culture. They were devoted to the dissemination of important cultural and historical information about Azerbaijan and they dedicated their time and energy to cultivate the language, the culture and the history of Azerbaijan. In 1957, the goal of the organization was to bring together all the young Azeri children who were growing up in the U.S. and make it possible for them to learn about their shared history and culture. Of course, ASAâ€™s goals and perspectives have expanded since Azerbaijanâ€™s independence in 1991. Azerbaijanâ€™s occupied lands, the plight of the refugees, and the importance of informing the world community of the aggression our people endure are also high priorities now.
- Your ancestors were among of first tycoons of ADR. Did this fact play role in creating the ASA?
- The founding fathers of the ASA understood what independence was all about and the overwhelming importance of an independent republic. Even though they resided in the U.S., they continued to support the fight for an independent Azerbaijan. They prayed for it, they wrote about it, they talked about it to their children and grandchildren. They knew that one day Azerbaijan would again be the free and independent republic of which they had, although ever so briefly, been a part of. Sadly, they also knew that they would not live to see it, but that their children would. That is why they prepared us, and made us ready to be a part of it when independence returned to Azerbaijan.
I remember my grandfather Nagi Seykzamanli, who was the minister of National Security of ADR, saying, â€œI firmly believe that any Russian or other domination of Azerbaijan will not take root and last in our country. The Azerbaijani people, who hold their freedom above all else, will rise and gain their independence again. My mortal body and eyes longing for freedom may not see this glorious day, but my children and grandchildren will,â€? he said. Those were strong and inspiring words for a child like me to hear.
- What kind of events you already scheduled because of anniversary of ASA?
- The Azerbaijan Society of America will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. This important date will be marked by a glittering black-tie Anniversary Gala in the Broadway Ballroom of the famous New York Marriott Marquis hotel in Times Square, the heart of Manhattan. The date is Friday, May 11, 2007 and the theme is â€œHands across the Ocean.â€? In keeping with this theme, we expect many dignitaries in government, business and the arts from both Azerbaijan and the United States to attend. Additionally, we are planning to bring in the mayors of the three US - Azerbaijan sister cities
Additionally, we will be presenting our Guest of Honor with a special award and will be bringing in some fantastic Azerbaijani entertainers. It also will help U.S. legislators to see that there is a strong Azerbaijani-American community here in the United States.
- What we see is that since last elections in Congress, positions of Armenian Diaspora have become more powerful in the USA. How in this reality Azeri Diaspora may help our Turkish friends, for example, in blocking the â€œgenocide resolutionâ€??
- No one can deny that the Armenian Diaspora in the United States is well organized. They have a firm agenda and everyone in their Diaspora community believes and follows this agenda. The Armenian Diaspora communities and businesses see it as their duty and obligation to finance and support their organizations. And, therefore, everyone takes pride in the accomplishments that are achieved by hard work. These organizations do not depend on the Armenian government for support. Rather, their strength lies in the fact that each Diaspora member supports the organizations individually. Over many years, they focused on achieving goals that they believed in, and these goals became a reality. Azerbaijani-Americans need to constantly work to inform and educate our legislators about matters that are important to us. ASA worked vigorously within the Azeri-American community to block the â€œgenocide resolutionâ€? in the U.S. by organizing writing campaigns and by calling our district representatives. As a result, I believe that some of the original representatives who signed this resolution withdrew their name from it.
- Donâ€™t you think that in this year we have a real threat of adoption of false Armenian genocide resolution by the House?
- Over many years, the Armenian Diaspora attempted to get such a resolution passed and every year they failed, and I do hope the result will be the same again this year. Turkey is also a strategically important ally of the United States and this fact has not escaped many members of the U.S. Congress, not to mention the Administration.
The U.S. Administration and the Congress have many important issues before them for consideration. On these issues they may agree or disagree, but at the end of the day they all work for the best national interests of the USA.
- On March we expect a first Azeri-Turkish Diasporas forum will be held in Baku. What kind of practical benefits it will bring both Azeri and Turkish lobbies in the USA?
- As Vice-President of the World Azerbaijanis Coordinating Committee and as President of ASA, I am truly looking forward to attending this event. It is a wonderful idea to gather these two communities together in 2007, but we have been working together for many years. ASA has been a member of both The Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) in Washington DC and of The Federation of Turkish American organizations (FTAA) in New York. I am proud to have served on the Boards of both of these organizations as Vice-President many times and both organizations have been supporters of our cause for many years. We will continue to work together. At the same time, we also need to be involved with other ethnic communities in the United States. The ASA is building good relations with the Pakistani-American groups, since Azerbaijan and Pakistan also have excellent relations. Pakistani and Azerbaijani-American communities are working on plans to reach out to each community and organize joint events. The ASA has excellent relationships with many Jewish-American communities and organizations, including the American Jewish Committee. We have many shared plans for future activities together. These kinds of involvements are vital for the future.
- What are main impediments in creating Assembly of Azeri Associations of America (AAAA)?
- In theory, forming an assembly is a very simple step. The structure of the assembly must be addressed by the various Azerbaijani-American organizations and Board of Directors of all the organizations must be involved in the process. They must be professionally organized and administered, focused on a common agenda, and intent on working for the common good and goals of both America and Azerbaijan. I am disturbed to see some new organizations without a solid agenda and program, but only with personal purpose and gain in mind. The concept of an Assembly must emanate from the U.S. not overseas. I believe the foundation of such an Assembly must be built on strong ground, with solid bylaws and agenda on which all the organizations could agree. If such a coalition does not succeed, it will damage all the successful Diaspora-building that has been achieved. We can not afford this. /APA/