Rabbi: Armenian lobby behind US State Department decisions on Azerbaijan

Director of the Baku Jewish School, Chairman of the Georgian-Sephardic Jewish Religious Community of Azerbaijan, Rabbi Zamir Isayev has said that the US seeks to ruin Azerbaijan’s international image.

“The Jewish lobby in Washington is well aware of the level of tolerance in Azerbaijan,” Isayev told Report.

He noted that the Azerbaijani and US Jewish communities are trying to convey their indignation to the White House regarding the US Department of State's decision to include Azerbaijan in the watchlist of countries where freedom of religion may be violated.

“This is the result of the influence of forces that do not want to see our country strong and are dissatisfied with the restoration of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty,” the rabbi said.

Isayev noted that the Armenian lobby is behind these activities.

“It is clear that the matter rests in the Armenian lobby in the US, I say this openly. I regret that there are politicians who depend on lobbying, including the Armenian lobby,” he said.

The Rabbi expressed hope for restoring justice and the triumph of truth.

“We are not discouraged, we know where the truth lies. I, as a believer, as a rabbi, am sure that justice will prevail, only time is needed,” he said.

“In turn, we, as the Jewish community of Azerbaijan, have always supported and will support our Motherland in international relations, as well as lobbying for Azerbaijan’s interests here, as well as at the international level. We are always ready and will continue doing our best,” he added.