US Azeris Network Executive Director: Armenian government has spoiled its already tarnished reputation

In your view, what political moves Armenia may make towards Turkey in run-up to April 24, date of the so-called “Armenian genocide”?

I think the Armenian government will step up efforts to further accuse Turkey of violating certain agreements in terms of ratification of the protocols, and at the same time, encouraging its diaspora and lobby, especially in the United States, will put pressure on Ankara and President Barack Obama with the help of Congress. Given that almost all leaders of Democratic majority in the U.S., such as Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Harry Reid and others have long supported the Armenian lobby, the Armenian diaspora will find it easy to use the Congress to put pressure on the U.S. government.

In early 2010, Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian said that he does not expect any progress and agreement on the Karabakh conflict settlement this year. In your opinion, what is behind this statement?

Nalbandian became the fastest-criticized Armenian foreign minister in the country’s history - the citizens and the diaspora have begun to criticize him everywhere since the first year of his appointment. Also, because of the protocols with Turkey, Serzh Sargsyan government spoiled its already tarnished reputation. I think now the Armenian government has decided that it no longer makes sense to take any radical steps and status quo is better than instability and an active critics.

Can we say that following negative reaction of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis in the United States to the U.S. Congress aid to the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh, influence of Armenian lobby in the Congress will reduce?

It will reduce to some extent in the sense that the influence of Azerbaijani Americans is increasing thus balancing the influence of the Armenian diaspora. It must be remembered that all politics is local in America, that is, small countries such as Azerbaijan cannot have some strong influence on the Congress. It may happen if only there is a strong diaspora. For example, the main "culprit" of the bill with the direct help of $8 million Congresswoman Nita Louey did not know about Azerbaijan’s note of protest. She learned about it and much from the representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora.

I would like to touch Iranian issue which is rather painful for United States. In your opinion, what further steps the U.S. administration can take against Iran? May Iran face a new wave of sanctions or the U.S. will revise its policy in this direction?

On the last Sunday, at meeting with a dozen congressmen and senators a lot was said about Iran and members of Congress promised more sanctions. The Senate has already done its work, now it is turn of the House of Representatives.

T. Teymur