Gideon Sa'ar: "Azerbaijan is strategically important country for Israel"

What was the aim of your visit to Azerbaijan?

This was my first visit to Azerbaijan. I and my colleagues Amnon Koen, Robert Ilatov and Ran Koen were invited to Azerbaijan by Sokhnut World Jewish Agency. There were two goals of the visit- strengthening of bilateral interparliamentrary relations and ties with the community of mountain Jews of Azerbaijan. We met several Azerbaijani officials- Nazim Ibrahimov, minister in charge of Diaspora affairs, Social Protection Minister Fuzuli Alakabarov, Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and deputy parliament chairman Ziyafat Asgarov. I myself was very pleased to see that Muslim country Azerbaijan is liberal European country and keeps friendship relations with Israel and Jewish nation. We have common interests with Azerbaijan. Today Azerbaijan is the leader in Caucasus and initiator of all big geopolitical projects. I think Azerbaijan is a true friendship bridge between Europe and Asia. Most Israelis have no idea about Azerbaijan , but I want to tell them that prosperous Azerbaijan is a country where Jewish people are loved.

Within your visit to Guba you also visited the mass graves which are the result of Armenians' genocide committed against Azerbaijanis and against Jewish people of Guba. What are your impressions?

We got thorough information about this tragedy and were given a lot of materials concerning this issue. But it is difficult for me to express an objective position on the issue. I think that historians should clarify it. I want to mention that Knesset has recently rejected the proposal of Merets Party member Khaim Oron on debating the problem of 'Armenian genocide.' This fact demonstrates the official position of the Israeli government on the problem called Armenian genocide. I consider Knesset's decision right. It could ruin strategic relations between Turkey and Israel.

What is Israel's position on the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan and occupation of Azerbaijani lands?

I want to say that Israel does not ignore interests of friendly Azerbaijan and hopes that official Baku will also take into account Israel's interests. Azerbaijan is a strategically important country for Israel. We understand the country’s problems and interests.

What is Israel's position on the nuclear program of Iran which is neighboring with Azerbaijan?

We understand that Azerbaijan is situated in a very complicated geopolitical area. And we also know that Baku is anxious about the life of Azerbaijanis who comprise 40 percent of Iranian population. Israel considers that Iran's nuclear program poses a threat to not only to Israel but also to the entire world. Iranian atom will influence not only the Middle East but also the whole region and Asia as well. Iranian mullahs can sell the nuclear weapons to a number of terrorist organizations and they can use these weapons against different countries. Israel and Azerbaijan have to do their best to prevent this.

Israel-Azerbaijan International Association has recently been founded and this organization united the people moved from Azerbaijan. How do appreciate this fact?

I welcome this organization. This is a great event for 100,000 people of Azerbaijani origin. This great force will contribute to the strengthening and development of the relations between Israel and Azerbaijan. I am ready to support this organization as a member of Azerbaijan-Israel Interparliamentary Friendship Group.