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Executive Director of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs: Azerbaijan has the American Jewish communityâ€™s support â€“ EXCLSUIVE

Executive Director of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs: Azerbaijan has the American Jewish communityâ€™s support â€“ <font color=red> EXCLSUIVE </font>

11 June 2009 08:35 (UTC +04:00)

Information. The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA) is one of the leading Jewish search centers of the US. JINSA’s advisory board includes such notable figures as former Vice Resident Dick Cheney, former U.S. Representative to the United Nations John Bolton and others. More than 200 American Admirals and Generals have participated in the trips and programs of JINSA since 1976.

-Mr. Peres, the President of Israel is to visit Azerbaijan. What does this mean to you as the Executive Director of JINSA?

-It reaffirms what we’ve always believed, there is a natural and historical relationship between Israel and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is basically a western type of country; it has many of the same values and morals as Israel and the USA; it’s also a democracy. The world is divided into two sides. One is the side who wants to be set back 3,000 years, not moving forward. Azerbaijan belongs in the second part of the world, which wants to move forward and continue to modernize. They want to move into 21st, 22nd, 23rd century. Israel to is a forward and modernized country. So both countries have this natural alliance. Azerbaijan has relations and borders Iran. Iran has a strong relationship with Armenia. Israel has a problem with Iran. Iran is the foremost spoke person of the dark side of the issue. You have two small countries, Azerbaijan and Israel, where the existence of one benefits the existence of another.

-What will Mr. Peres visit bring to Azerbaijan? Experts believe there is an invisible triangle between Azerbaijan-Israel-Turkey. Will this visit straighten this triangle?

-I don’t believe this triangle exist as it was before. If you asked me this question 2-3 years ago, I would say, yes there was a great future in the region built around this trilateral relationship. However, in the last year and half, two years, Turkey has changed its position, its directions. Turkey now has a direct relationship with Armenia to resolve their problems. Will Turkey take and continue to support Azerbaijanâ€™s position in resolving their problems with Armenia? This is the question. Leaving Azerbaijan "holding the bag."

-The Jewish lobby in the USA played a critical role in freezing the Freedom Support Act amendment 907. Do you think the visit of Mr. Peres will continue to enhance these relations?

-Azerbaijani relation with the Jewish community is strong right now. It is not widespread, but strong. We have a great deal of respect towards the Azerbaijani’s. We think it is important that Azerbaijan does well. We also think it contributes to American interests, this interest of the West and Israeli interests as a secular Muslim country, energy resource, security and economic growth to the region. It is also demonstrates that you can have both East and West at the same time. There is no conflict. Iran demonstrates there canâ€™t be a coexistence of east and west the same time. You have to have one or other. If one wins the other loses. It is not true for Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a great example of two cultures living simultaneously incorporating both the East & Western culture. Azerbaijan has the American Jewish communityâ€™s support.

-Iran is sensitive to the visit of Mr. Peres to Azerbaijan. Can they act in some way to prevent the visit?

-If they, Iran does something it is not because of the visit of President Peres. Iran has no great love for Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan doesnâ€™t fit into Iranâ€™s plans in the region. If Azerbaijan doesn’t invite the Israeli President for an official visit because of Iran, you change the character of the country, its independence. Policy, alliances and friendships based on what Iran says or might do, will question the countries own independence. You no longer are an independent Azerbaijan. It will be a fruitful and successful visit, both countries have much to gain from each other beyond their historical ties moving into the future.