Section 907 Action - 10.29.2001

 

PRESS RELEASE

JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS WELCOME U.S. OPENING TO AZERBAIJAN

Agudath Israel of America
American Jewish Committee
American Jewish Congress
Anti-Defamation League
B’nai B’rith International
Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations
Hadassah – The Women’s Zionist Organization of America
Jewish Council for Public Affairs
Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs
NCSJ: Advocates on behalf of Jews in Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States & Eurasia
Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America

Eleven Jewish groups, representing the organized Jewish community in the United States, have welcomed the inclusion of language to the Senate Foreign Operations appropriations bill that will ease restrictions on US assistance to Azerbaijan, a critical American ally in the war against international terrorism.

In particular, the organizations commended Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), a longtime advocate of US engagement in the Caspian region and Central Asia and the primary sponsor of the measure.

Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, passed in 1992, precludes the United States, among other things, from accepting Azerbaijan’s offer to allow US military overflight rights and the use of its military bases, as well as access to medical facilities and intelligence cooperation.  Secretary of State Colin Powell, writing on behalf of President Bush, stated recently that Section 907 “severely constrains our ability to provide most support to the Government of Azerbaijan including assistance needed to support our operations in the ongoing war against terrorism.”

The new language will enable the President of the United States to waive the restrictions, in the interests of the global war against terrorism, as well as to protect Azerbaijan’s border security.

In a letter to senators, the Jewish groups observed that an easing of Section 907 “advances America’s immediate defense needs and long-term strategic objectives in the Caspian Basin....  As such countries as Azerbaijan look to the West, it is incumbent upon the United States to engage them and their societies, to add credibility to their road toward democracy and promoting of human rights, and reduce any pressure from other powers – Iran in particular – that seek opportunities to expand strategic influence and instill a very different world view than our own.”

The governments of Azerbaijan and Israel have had productive bilateral relations for several years, thereby providing further evidence that moderate Muslim nations can enjoy friendly ties with the Jewish State.  Azerbaijan’s recent announcements that it will open an embassy in Israel next year and the foreign minister’s planned visit to Israel are additional demonstrations of Baku’s staunch support of the Western world.

The organizations supporting this development are: Agudath Israel of America; American Jewish Committee; American Jewish Congress; Anti-Defamation League; B’nai B’rith International; Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations; Hadassah – The Women’s Zionist Organization of America; Jewish Council for Public Affairs; Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs; NCSJ: Advocates on behalf of Jews in Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States & Eurasia; and Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America.

A copy of the organizations’ letter is below.

 

Agudath Israel of America
American Jewish Committee
American Jewish Congress
Anti-Defamation League
B'nai B'rith International
Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations
Hadassah
Jewish Council for Public Affairs
Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs
NCSJ: Advocates on behalf of Jews in Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States & Eurasia
Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America

October 24, 2001

Dear Senator:

       As Jewish organizations representing the consensus of Jewish communities and national leadership across the United States, we urge you to support S. 1521 which advances America’s immediate defense needs and long-term strategic objectives in the Caspian Basin.

       Secretary of State Colin Powell, on behalf of President Bush, wrote on October 15 to Senator Jesse Helms in support of this legislation,.  According to Secretary Powell, Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act of 1992 “severely constrains our ability to provide most support to the Government of Azerbaijan including assistance needed to support our operations in the ongoing war against terrorism…This type of assistance is a critical element of the United States fight against global terrorism.”  The Administration now seeks a national security interest waiver of Section 907, which Senator Brownback has introduced in the form of S. 1521.  We join in supporting this urgent measure.

       We supported similar legislation in 1999, believing that genuine independence, peace and prosperity for the nations of the southern Caucasus and Central Asia will benefit the national interests of the United States and of Israel, as well as other regional allies.  S. 1521 will strengthen U.S. ties to the strategically vital Caucasus and Central Asia.

       As such countries as Azerbaijan look to the West, it is incumbent upon the United States to engage them and their societies, to add credibility to their road toward democracy and promoting of human rights, and reduce any pressure from other powers – Iran in particular – that seek opportunities to expand strategic influence and instill a very different world view than our own. These states nervously watch as powerful neighbors maneuver for influence, sometimes at their expense.

       Building on the rich heritage of Azerbaijan’s diverse peoples, including ancient Jewish communities, it is a positive sign that Israel has developed productive bilateral relationships with the emerging, mostly secular Islamic republics adjacent to its own hostile neighborhood.  The announcement that Azerbaijan will open an embassy in Israel next year is just one more indication of Azerbaijan’s commitment to be included in the pro-West, modern coalition of states that look to the industrialized, secular democracies for leadership.

       Our original reasons for supporting a waiver of Section 907, including the strategic imperative, have only intensified since the tragic events of September 11.  We urge you to support Senator Brownback’s initiative. 

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