Azerbaijan, Baku / corr. Trend S.Ilhamgizi / The constituent assembly of the Israeli-Azerbaijani International Association on 12 April in Tel-Aviv was attend by the Vice Prime Minister of Israel, the Minister of Strategic Planning, Avigdor Liberman, the Minister of Tourism, Isak Aranovich, and the Transport Minister, Shaul Mofaz, and a number of outstanding figures of the country and representatives from the media. Azerbaijan was represented at the meeting by the delegation headed by the State Committee for Work with Azerbaijanis Residing Abroad. The Ambassador of Turkey to Israel, Mehmet Tan and a delegation headed by the President of the Marmara Foundation for Social-Political Research, Akkan Suver, attended the meeting as guests. In addition, the meeting was attended by representatives of the European Communities of USA, Switzerland, Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, Uzbekistan and other countries.
In his speech, the Head of the State Committee for Work with Azerbaijanis Residing Abroad, Nazim Ibrahimov, assessed the creation of the Israeli-Azerbaijani International Association as a significant event in the life of the Azerbaijani Diaspora. He said that for over 2500 years the Jews have been full legal members of Azerbaijan and lived in safety.
Remembering that Azeri and Jewish peoples have historically been victims of genocide and deportation, Mr. Ibrahimov highlighted the great demand for the support of the Jewish Diaspora. Transport Minister, Shaul Mofaz, stressed that the unification of Azerbaijanis and Jews is a demonstration of love towards Israel.
The Minister of Strategic Planning, Avigdor Lieberman, voiced his hope that the Association will play a significant role in the development of Azerbaijani-Israeli relations. He highlighted the tolerance towards the Jews residing in Azerbaijan. The Minister of Tourism, Isak Aranovich, referred to the Jews coming from Azerbaijan as a bridge between Azerbaijan and Israel. President of the Marmara Foundation for Social-Political Research, Akkan Suver, stressed that participation of three Israeli Ministers in the event speaks of the importance Israel attaches to the congress.
Thereafter, discussions were held over organizational issues, and program and regulation of the Association were confirmed and the Deputy of the Israeli Parliament, Josef Shagal, was elected as a Chairman of the Israeli-Azerbaijani International Association. In addition, twelve committees were created under the organization. At the end, the Congress' Resolution was passed and an appeal was made to the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan.