1
4' -1-1
BLOOMFIELD
`4
ACCEPTANCE
Azerbaijan Sanctions
Remain
A coalition of Jewish activists lost a
battle on the issue of sanctions against
Azerbaijan, but they promise to con-
tinue the fight, which they say is a
matter of urgent U.S. and Israeli inter-
est, in the next Congress.
The issue centers on a 1994 law
imposing sanctions on Aierbaijan
because of its blockade of Armenia
and the disputed area of Nagorno-
Karabakh.
The administration, backed by oil
companies and other business inter-
ests, wants the ban lifted; so does
Israel, even though Jerusalem is pru-
dently staying out of the wrangling in
Washington.
Recently, the National Conference
on Soviet Jewry, the American Jewish
Committee, the American Jewish
Congress, B'nai B'rith and the Anti-
Defamation League banded together
to support a lifting of the ban.
Nations such as Azerbaijan serve as
a critical buffer zone in a volatile area,
said Barry Jacobs, assistant director of
international relations for the
American Jewish Committee. "We
collectively believe that it's critical to
work with moderate Islamic nations
that have strong relations with Israel."
The groups also argued that the
large Jewish population in Azerbaijan
is being hurt by the aid ban. Oil is a
factor in the debate, as well. Oil corn-
panies claim that the ban means they
can't build a major oil pipeline
through Azerbaijan and Turkey.
Instead, they say, the pipeline carrying
Caspian Sea oil might be built
through Iran, a situation that they
argue would give Teheran the ability
to cut off the supply.
For the Jewish groups,. the decision
to lobby against the ban was particu-
larly difficult because the Armenian-
American community, traditional allies
of Jewish groups in Washington, were
determined to maintain sanctions.
"It's a painful change for the Jewish
community, taking a position that irri-
tates the Armenians," Jacobs said.
"But we did it because it is the right
thing for the U.S., for Israel and for
the security of the region."
But the House rejected repeal of
the aid ban by a 231-182 vote.
Jewish Democrats were split. Some,
including Rep. Nita Lowey (D-New
York) voted to maintain the sanctions,
while Rep. Tom Lantos (D- Calif.)
and others voted to lift the ban. ❑
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Detroit Jewish News
10/2
1998
29