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Ambassador reveals reason for putting Azerbaijan at list of dangerous countries for Israeli nations - INTERVIEW

Ambassador reveals reason for putting Azerbaijan at list of dangerous countries for Israeli nations - <span style="color: red;">INTERVIEW

24 September 2014 15:42 (UTC +04:00)

– How do you appreciate your visit to the United States where you held a number of meetings together with Azeri envoy Elin Suleymanov?

– First I have been to Washington, Philadelphia and New York and most of tour was with Azerbaijani ambassador Elin Suleymanov. The aim was to bring to the decision makers to united states which is government, congress, the general public, the Jewish organizations, the private sector two issues that are not known- Special relations between Israel and Azerbaijan at all the segments and second Azerbaijan is a role model for tolerance especially when it comes to the Jewish community. My feeling from so many meetings and public speeches that we had we succeeded and people didn’t know all this story. I think it was very important

– As it is known, you as an Ambassador and representatives of Jewish community in Azerbaijan always state that Azerbaijan is a land of tolerance and especially when it comes to Jews living here, despite this Israel Security Agency every here puts Azerbaijan in the list of dangerous countries for Israeli nations, how it comes?

– This is a different story. Historically, look at Azerbaijan already before the Communist’s time Jews were living here for hundreds of years, they always lived safely with neighboring Azerbaijanis as part of Azerbaijan society and this is not a new story. Those special relations and special attitude Azeris always treat Jews as brothers, as part of them. Also at the first Azerbaijani government in 1918 there was a Jewish Minister of Health. This is totally separate thing every Jewish New Year and Easter this is a time when Israel come to tell recommendations, we put Azerbaijan at this list not because of Azerbaijan, but because of threats that come from neighboring country.

– Baku has recently hosted the International Defense Industry, Israel took active part there with one of the biggest delegation, what are your impressions of this event?

– First it was combined with historic visit of Israel defense Minister Moshe Yavlon. We had 16 the biggest Israeli Defense Industries. We congratulate Azerbaijan because it was the first Defense Industry Exhibition organized by Azerbaijan. It was well organized, high level participation, we were very satisfied.

– When the visa facilitation agreement will come onto force?

– It will come into force from December 12 this year. We ratified it recently. There is no need to obtain visa. I would like to underline that generally we do not put much obstacles any one can get visa.

– There is news in Israeli media that new Israeli Ambassador has already been appointed to Azerbaijan, do you have any comments on that?

– I am here until August 25th, there is one more year. Israel appoints lot of ambassadors they do it one year in advance. It is long process.