"AZERBAIJAN PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN SECURITY MATTERS"

Throughout his intensive activity in the Jewish community, David Harris has repeatedly visited various countries of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America. The purpose of his visits was to study the life of Jewish communities, counter anti-Semitism, strengthen the diplomatic status of Israel, protect human rights and promote interreligious and intercultural understanding.

Since 1990, David Harris has been executive director of the American Jewish Committee, one of the most influential Jewish organizations in the world.

Visiting Azerbaijan at the head of a delegation, David Harris was received by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

We met with him, and Mr Harris kindly agreed to answer questions from Region Plus.

- What progress and failure has the American Jewish Committee, which was established in 1906, experienced so far?

- Since AJC was established 106 years ago, we have witnessed much progress in the world. More Jews live in freedom and security today than at any point in our long history. Israel has been re-established, and is now 64 years old and continuing to grow and prosper. And more nations enjoy respect for democratic values and human dignity than ever before.

But there have been dark clouds as well. The Holocaust, resulting in the murder of one-third of the Jewish people, including 1.5 million Jewish children, was the lowest point in Jewish (and, I would say, human) history. Anti-Semitism once again appears to be a growth industry in some parts of the world. So is denial of the Holocaust, including by the president of neighbouring Iran. And there are still too many countries that trample on the rights of religious minorities and other communities. So, there is still much work to be done.

- In general, a lot of offical persons like US State Secretary Hillary Clinton, Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Moratinos and authorities of other countries participate in your committee's meetings. Is it right to consider that your community has a say? Can the Committee influence the global processes in the world?

- Through the power of reason and persuasion, we seek to stress the importance of advancing human dignity, mutual understanding, and democratic values, as well as pursuing peaceful conflict resolution. The Jewish people have been associated with the power of these ideas for millennia. We travel the world with those messages, reaching the leaders of over 100 countries each year. Often, we find common purpose and shared concerns. We persist because the stakes could not be higher - not just for us as Jews, but for all humanity. 

- In one of your interviews, you mentioned that Azerbaijan was an important country for the Jews. What is the basis of such an attitude?

- Azerbaijan is important for the Jewish people. There has been a Jewish presence in Azerbaijan for a very long time, and it has been an integral part of the country. Unlike too many other nations, Azerbaijan, to its credit, has been largely free of anti-Semitism. Also, Azerbaijan is a country friendly with Israel. The relationship serves the interests of both nations and is a model of the potential for ties between the Jewish state and, in this case, a predominantly Shiite Muslim country. And, with six million Jews in the United States, it is gratifying to know that Azerbaijan has a pro-Western orientation and welcomes close ties with Washington.

- A few years ago, you met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the Davos forum in Switzerland. Just that time Ilham Aliyev invited you to Azerbaijan. And you have visited Azerbaijan several times. What issues did you discuss with Azerbaijan's officials?

Yes, we have now met President Aliyev four times, first in Davos at the World Economic Forum, then three times in Baku. Each time, we have had a very full and open discussion on timely issues, including US-Azerbaijani bilateral relations, Azerbaijan's immediate neighbourhood, energy, and developments in the Middle East, where Israel, like Azerbaijan, finds itself in a tough area. 

- It's obvious that the Jewish and the Azerbaijani communities closely cooperate in the USA. What could you tell about the Jewish-Armenian relationship?

- We have many friends in the Armenian American community. They are our neighbours, our professional colleagues, and our fellow citizens. As a Diaspora community with a long, and at times painful, history as well as a strong attachment to Armenia, there is much to discuss, since we know something as well about painful history and about the Diaspora experience.

- In July, US State Secretary Hillary Clinton paid a visit to the region for the second time.  How do you think will Azerbaijan benefit from it?

- There is a growing appreciation in Washington of the key role played by Azerbaijan in advancing regional and global security interests, whether it be in the field of energy, or counter-terrorsm, or assisting the US/NATO effort in Afghanistan, or preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb. Secretary Clinton's visit - and this was not her first, as you note - underscores the point. Azerbaijan's election to the UN Security Council adds another critically important dimension to the country's importance. And the appointment of such a distinguished American ambassador as Richard Morningstar speaks volumes about how Washington views Baku today.

- Azerbaijan is one of the closest strategic allies of the USA. It takes part in anti-terrorist operations, signs joint projects, etc. Could you say why the USA doesn't back Azerbaijan in the resolution of the Karabakh conflict?

- I am not an expert on the subject, but, from our conversations, I know that Washington would like nothing more than to help find a solution, at long last, to the issue of Nagornyy Karabakh. In pursuing the issue, Washington absolutely needs to take into account the view of Azerbaijan, a strategic ally, but it also listens to the voice of Armenian Americans, who are an active community in our country and, as you know well, have a different outlook.

- Do you think Azerbaijan can be considered a dangerous country for the Jews?

- Having just been to Azerbaijan for the third time, I felt perfectly safe. I would urge more people, Jews and non-Jews, to visit what is one of the most fascinating countries in the world. I am already looking forward to the next chance to return to Baku.

- Thank you for the interview.