Today.Az » Politics » Azerbaijan to open embassy in Israel soon, MP says
12 May 2006 [21:36] - Today.Az
The embassy of Azerbaijan will open in Israel shortly, says head of the Azerbaijan-Israel parliamentary friendship group, MP of Jewish decent, Yevda Abramov.

As AssA-Irada informed, he said the issue was discussed during President Ilham Aliyev's meeting with representatives of the Jewish community in the United States during his recent visit to Washington and the meetings were very beneficial.

Abramov said the opening of Israel's embassy in Azerbaijan in 1993 has promoted the relations between the two countries. "The opening of the embassy can be assessed as Tel-Aviv's particular interest in the South Caucasus region."

The parliamentarian said the opening of Azerbaijan’s embassy in Israel may contribute to further boosting bilateral ties.

With regard to the absence of an Azeri embassy, Abramov said the procedure is rather complex, as opening diplomatic representations requires funding, as well as qualified staff with the knowledge of the history and culture of the country where they will work.

"The other reason is that official Baku is unwilling to spoil its relations with Iran. However, the Azeri embassy will definitely open in Israel in the future," he said.

Political analyst Rasim Musabayov told AssA-Irada that Azerbaijan has all the opportunities to open an embassy in Israel, which is the most developed country in the Middle East. "Azerbaijan may benefit from its relations with this country."

The pundit explained the absence of an Azeri embassy in Israel by Iranian influence. Baku's relations with Iran are of great importance and it can't break off its ties with the Islamic Republic due to the needs of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and other joint projects, he said.

"However, Azerbaijan must open an embassy in Israel," Musabayov added.

/BakuTODAY.net/



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