BAKU: Strong Armenian Lobby Is A Myth

STRONG ARMENIAN LOBBY IS A MYTH

news.az
Dec 18 2009
Azerbaijan

Nazim Ibrahimov Azerbaijani diaspora has intensified its work in
various directions in the recent years.

This statement was made by chairman of the State Committee for Diaspora
Nazim Ibrahimov at today’s news conference in Baku .

"We have almost managed to break the old stereotypes, but still much
is to be done. Many argue that the Armenian lobby is strong but it
is not true. This is a myth. Therefore, we should to intensify the
work to propagandize our country in the international arena ", said
N. Ibrahimov.

Head of the State Committee condemned the decision of the US Congress
to allocate financial assistance to Karabakh separatists.

"Representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora in the United States have
sent letters, telegrams, conducted explanatory work in this regard.

But, despite the fact that we carry out democratic reforms, reforms in
the economic field and are moving closer to Europe, double standards
are still applied to our country", he said.

Nazim Ibrahimov also noted that the work on the formation of the
Azerbaijani diaspora abroad can be considered complete.

"We used to say that the establishment of diaspora consists of several
phases but now we say that this work was completed and it is time
for action", said N. Ibrahimov at a news conference Friday.

"Activities of the Azerbaijani diaspora have become real", he added.

The chairman noted that "we sometimes face certain difficulties."

"Therefore, we demand from the diaspora to be savvy and ready to
debates. I can say that the diaspora organizations are headed by the
people of this type ", said N. Ibrahimov. In his view, the activities
of the Azerbaijani diaspora have become indispensable in bringing
the truth about Azerbaijan to the world community.

"The Azerbaijani diaspora felt the care and attention of Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliyev and began active steps. It has already gained
a great influence on the American, European and Asian continents
", stated Ibrahimov. According to him, a tangible impact of the
Azerbaijani diaspora is felt in the issue of Turkish-Armenian
reconciliation, and problems of Azerbaijanis in Georgia and Dagestan.