EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE JEWISH INSTITUTE FOR NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS: AZERBAIJAN HAS THE AMERICAN JEWISH COMMUNITY’S SUPPORT
APA
June 11 2009
Azerbaijan
Washington. Zaur Hasanov – APA. Tom Neumann, Executive Director of the
Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA), interviewed
by APA’s US bureau
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
Azerbaijan’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 can’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 community’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
doesn’t fit into Iran’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.