Azerbaijan, Baku, Dec. 28 /Trend, A.Akhundov/
Azerbaijan has always been concerned and continues to be concerned by the situation in the Middle East, the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said in an interview with the Lebanese Al Havadis magazine.
The minister said the steps aimed at peacefully resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and restoring the direct negotiating process assume great importance for stability in the region.
Mammadyarov said Azerbaijan has always supported the efforts of the fraternal people of Palestine to create a stable, free and sovereign state.
According to Mammadyarov, experiencing deep concern caused by the suffering of the inhabitants of the occupied Golan Heights, Azerbaijan supports Syria's efforts to restore the sovereignty in the occupied territories and maintaining a sustained and comprehensive peace in the region.
However, he said, a large Jewish community has been living in Azerbaijan for centuries, which plays an active role in the socio-political life.
"Despite that many Azerbaijani citizens of Jewish origin have emigrated to Israel, they have not broken ties with their historic homeland. It should be noted that Israel is one of the first countries recognizing Azerbaijan's independence," Mammadyarov said.