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Knesset vice-speaker Amnon Cohen: Regrettably, Armenia has not yet realized the importance of peace in the South Caucasus.

02 May 2007 10:31 (UTC +04:00)

- What was the aim of your recent visit to Azerbaijan?
- It was my third visit to Azerbaijan. Sokhnut Jewish agency invited me along with colleagues Gidon Saar, Robert Ilatov and Ran Kohen. The aim of my visit was to contribute to deepening of Azerbaijan-Israel interparliamentary relations and meet with leaders of Jewish community in Azerbaijan. We witnessed that Azerbaijani Jews enjoy freedom of religion. They can freely celebrate their customs and traditions, national and religious holidays and learn Torah. We were pleased to see Jewish religious school in Baku. The then President Heydar Aliyev allowed opening of the school and studying principles of Judaism. He always respected Azerbaijani Jews. Every time when I visit Azerbaijan I witness cardinal changes in the country led by young President Ilham Aliyev. It should be noted that Azerbaijan is the leader for the amount of GDP. Though oil plays the main role here, Azerbaijan is the leader for its economic growth.
- What were your impressions after you met with Azerbaijani officials?
- First of all, I would like to mention Ilham Aliyevâ€™s team composed of people sharing common values. I met with minister on Diaspora affairs Nazim Ibrahimov, Minister of Social Security Fuzuli Alekberov, Foreign Minster Elmar Mammadyarov. I think that these people will achieve real peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. I am sure that they want peace with Armenia. I regret that the opposite side has not yet realized the importance of maintenance of peace in the South Caucasus. I saw that both Azerbaijani President and Foreign Minister do their best to achieve peace, development in the South Caucasus and welfare of future generations.
- How do you assess current level of relations between Azerbaijan and Israel?
- First of all, I want to note that Jewish people and Israeli government respect Azerbaijani people and government. We realize that Azerbaijan is situated in geopolitically complicated region. We also know that Baku worries about Azerbaijanis living in Iran, who constitute 40 percent of the Iranian population. Azerbaijan borders with Iran. We realize Azerbaijanâ€™s position which undergoes diplomatic pressure both from Iran and Russia. I think if Azerbaijanâ€™s southern neighbor possesses nuclear weapons, it will first of all pose a strategic threat to Azerbaijan. As to bilateral relations, though Azerbaijan has no embassy in Israel we have serious business relations. I hope that Azerbaijani will open its representation in Israel soon. It can be a consulate. Israel is prepared to cooperate with Azerbaijan in the spheres of high technologies, agriculture, security and other spheres. There should be diplomatic office of Azerbaijan in Israel. For example, ambassadors of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to Israel have effective activities. I assist their activity. Israel has an embassy in Azerbaijan for 15 years. Ambassador Arthur Lenk fulfils his duties well enough. In this case, it would be welcoming if Azerbaijan is at last determined to open a diplomatic office in Israel. Both countries need it. Azerbaijan is our important strategic partner.
- Israel-Azerbaijan International Association (AZIZ) has been established recently. What is your assessment of that?
- I welcome the establishment of this association. It is the success of 100,000 Azerbaijani Jews. Azerbaijan has 100,000 ambassadors in Israel. These people love Azerbaijan and continue to follow its customs and traditions. They were born and brought up, got education in this country. The graves of their relatives are in Azerbaijan. The new association will contribute to their union and deepening of relations between Azerbaijan and Israel. /APA/