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Iosif Shagal: I wish to attend the ceremony when Azerbaijani ambassador presents his credentials to Israeli President

08 June 2007 12:00 (UTC +04:00)

- What is your assessment of the activity of IAIA?
- I regard that the Association has done its best within two months. We have a lot of prospective plans. I hope that Azerbaijani Embassy will be opened in Israel before my tenure expires. This is my wish. I wish to participate in the ceremony held on Azerbaijani ambassadorâ€™s presenting his credentials to Israeli President.
- You have visited the US recently. We would like you to inform us about this visit and your meeting with the leaders of Jewish lobby?
- We are closely cooperating with the State Committee of Azerbaijani Diaspora. The issue on the role of the US Jewish Diasporaâ€™s in annulling Section 907 against Azerbaijan was debated while the chairman of the Committee Nazim Ibrahimov was visiting Israel. Foreign Ministry Deputy Director General Mark Sofer also participated in the meeting and told him that Azerbaijan demonstrates friendship and tolerance towards Israel. I said that the establishment of Israeli-Azerbaijan International Association shows that this countryâ€™s positive approach to us and coincidence of our interests. It was decided at the meeting that Mr. Ibrahimov should come to an agreement with the leaders of Jewish organizations which impacts the US domestic and foreign policy. We met with the leaders of Jewish lobbies in the US a month later. Nazim Ibrahimov and Azerbaijani permanent representative to the UN Agshin Mehdiyev represented Azerbaijan and Israeli ambassador to Azerbaijan Artur Lenk represented Israel. There was a very constructive talk, and I think we will achieve progress.
- What is Israelâ€™s official position regarding the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan?
- Israel wants peaceful solution to the conflict. We support international efforts for the peaceful solution of the problem and we are ready to assist. As to the official position, it should be said that Both Israel and Azerbaijan are in the same situation actually. We do not ask Azerbaijan why it supported Lebanon during the 2nd Lebanon war. But it did not caused any tension and objection between the two countries. Azerbaijan never publicized its position regarding the Israeli-Palestine conflict. Not having position or not publicize it is the position itself. Therefore, I would like my Azerbaijani counterparts to realize the coincidence of our situations. Our approach toward the war, occupation of Azerbaijani lands does not rise a question. I will closely follow Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidentsâ€™ planned meeting in St. Petersburg. I do not think that the sides want war. All of us want peace. We solve our problems with war and know the damages of it. We want to live peacefully, and as Azerbaijani mothers we do not want death of our children either. /APA/