US AZERIS NETWORK EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT HAS SPOILED ITS ALREADY TARNISHED REPUTATION

Today
Feb 11 2010
Azerbaijan

Day.Az interview with candidate of political sciences and Executive
Director of the US Azeris Network Adil Bagirov.

In your view, what political moves Armenia may make towards Turkey
in run-up to April 24, date of the so-called "Armenian genocide"?

I think the Armenian government will step up efforts to further accuse
Turkey of violating certain agreements in terms of ratification of the
protocols, and at the same time, encouraging its diaspora and lobby,
especially in the United States, will put pressure on Ankara and
President Barack Obama with the help of Congress. Given that almost
all leaders of Democratic majority in the U.S., such as Speaker Nancy
Pelosi, Majority Leader Harry Reid and others have long supported
the Armenian lobby, the Armenian diaspora will find it easy to use
the Congress to put pressure on the U.S. government.

In early 2010, Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian said that he does not
expect any progress and agreement on the Karabakh conflict settlement
this year. In your opinion, what is behind this statement?

Nalbandian became the fastest-criticized Armenian foreign minister
in the country’s history – the citizens and the diaspora have begun
to criticize him everywhere since the first year of his appointment.

Also, because of the protocols with Turkey, Serzh Sargsyan government
spoiled its already tarnished reputation. I think now the Armenian
government has decided that it no longer makes sense to take any
radical steps and status quo is better than instability and an
active critics.

Can we say that following negative reaction of Azerbaijan and
Azerbaijanis in the United States to the U.S. Congress aid to the
separatist Nagorno-Karabakh, influence of Armenian lobby in the
Congress will reduce?

It will reduce to some extent in the sense that the influence of
Azerbaijani Americans is increasing thus balancing the influence
of the Armenian diaspora. It must be remembered that all politics
is local in America, that is, small countries such as Azerbaijan
cannot have some strong influence on the Congress. It may happen if
only there is a strong diaspora. For example, the main "culprit"
of the bill with the direct help of $8 million Congresswoman Nita
Louey did not know about Azerbaijan’s note of protest. She learned
about it and much from the representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora.

I would like to touch Iranian issue which is rather painful for United
States. In your opinion, what further steps the U.S. administration
can take against Iran? May Iran face a new wave of sanctions or the
U.S. will revise its policy in this direction?

On the last Sunday, at meeting with a dozen congressmen and senators
a lot was said about Iran and members of Congress promised more
sanctions. The Senate has already done its work, now it is turn of
the House of Representatives.