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{{Short description|Non-profit organization}}
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The '''Azerbaijan America Alliance''' is a non-partisan, non-profit organization providing information broadly about the people, culture, society, industry, history and current events of the [[Azeri]] people. The purpose includes research and advocacy on issues of interest to the alliance.
The '''Azerbaijan America Alliance''' is a non-partisan, non-profit organization providing information broadly about the people, culture, society, industry, history and current events of the [[Azerbaijanis|Azeri]] people. The purpose includes research and advocacy on issues of interest to the alliance.


==Mission==
==Mission==
The mission of the alliance is to foster an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect between the people of [[Azerbaijan]] and America. Through academic discussion, cultural programming, and political discourse, the alliance aims to become the premier organization dedicated to promoting a lasting partnership between Azerbaijan and the [[United States]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/mission |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508133332/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/mission |archivedate=2012-05-08 }}</ref>
According to the alliance's website: "The mission of the alliance is to foster an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect between the people of [[Azerbaijan]] and America. Through academic discussion, cultural programming, and political discourse, the alliance aims to become the premier organization dedicated to promoting a lasting partnership between Azerbaijan and the [[United States]]."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/mission |title=About the Azerbaijan America Alliance |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508133332/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/mission |archivedate=2012-05-08 }}</ref>


==Involvement==
==Involvement==
The Azerbaijan America Alliance advocates for Americans to contact elected representatives to educate them on issues related to Azerbaijan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/get-involved-us-congress |title=Get Involved &#124; Azerbaijan America Alliance |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614014450/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/get-involved-us-congress |archivedate=2012-06-14 }}</ref>
The Azerbaijan America Alliance hopes to educate [[U.S. Congress|congressional representatives]] on the growing significance of Azerbaijan's relationship with the United States – politically, economically and militarily.

Through this program of education, the alliance hopes to bring renewed focus on the [[South Caucasus]] region and, in particular, the role that Azerbaijan plays in the [[War on Terror]] - providing troops and allowing free movement of American troops through their territory - and as a market for American businesses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/get-involved-us-congress |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614014450/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/get-involved-us-congress |archivedate=2012-06-14 }}</ref>

==Azeri diaspora in the U.S.==
The alliance recognizes and respects the important work that existing [[diaspora]] groups have done over past decades, building a core community through a variety of grassroots events. The alliance is dedicated to the diaspora.

The alliance intends to, working alongside existing groups, expand and improve the Diaspora`s grassroots efforts - building a community to support the alliance's political initiatives.


==Key issues==
==Key issues==


===Section 907===
===Section 907===
The alliance has opposed a provision of the 1992 [[Freedom Support Act]], an aid package which excludes Azerbaijan pending Congressional approval.<ref>http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cpquery/?&dbname=cp106&sid=cp106Ynxmk&refer=&r_n=sr045.106&item=&sel=TOC_88285&{{Dead link|date=August 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/section-907 |title=Key Issues: Section 907 |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120521122732/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/section-907 |archivedate=2012-05-21 }}</ref>
In 1992 Congress passed the [[Freedom Support Act]], which was designed to assist [[former Soviet republics]] in their transition to [[democracy]]. The only republic excluded from this aid package was Azerbaijan, which was singled out in Section 907 of the Act.

Section 907 bars direct American aid to the Government of Azerbaijan unless the President of the United States certifies to Congress that Azerbaijan is "taking demonstrable steps to cease all blockades and other offensive uses of force against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh." <ref>http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cpquery/?&dbname=cp106&sid=cp106Ynxmk&refer=&r_n=sr045.106&item=&sel=TOC_88285&</ref>

The alliance believes this provision is unfair and illogical.

====Position of the alliance====
Alongside the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, the alliance educates members of Congress about Section 907 and working towards expanding the number of Members who support its repeal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/section-907 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120521122732/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/section-907 |archivedate=2012-05-21 }}</ref>


===Nagorno-Karabakh conflict===
===Nagorno-Karabakh conflict===
Beyond the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the prospect of renewed military conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh poses a threat to regional security, the global energy market and the political stability of the South Caucasus.

====Position of the alliance====
The alliance supports [[UN General Assembly]] [[United Nations General Assembly Resolution 62/243|Resolution 62/243]], adopted on March 14, 2008, which reaffirmed the "continued respect and support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Azerbaijan "within its internationally recognized borders."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://undocs.org/A/RES/62/243 |title=Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 14 March 2008 – The situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan |date=14 March 2008|id=A/RES/62/243|publisher=[[United Nations]]|accessdate=18 March 2017}}</ref>

At the same time, the alliance believes that this conflict can only be solved by the elected leaders on all sides. Accordingly, they are working to educate elected officials in the United States and [[Europe]] on the need to mediate a resolution to the conflict. The alliance hopes to end the bloodshed which has occurred inNagorno Karabakh for decades, to help [[refugees]] – both [[Armenians|Armenian]] and Azeri, and to foster stability and economic development for the region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/nagorno-karabakh |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614014204/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/nagorno-karabakh |archivedate=2012-06-14 }}</ref>

==Areas of focus==

===Grassroots and NGOs===
While the alliance also works alongside political leaders and business executives, it remains essentially a [[grassroots]] organization – serving and relying heavily on the [[Azeri-American]] community for its success. The alliance hopes that through their efforts they can bring together Azeris to agree with them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/grassroots-ngos |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614014142/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/grassroots-ngos |archivedate=2012-06-14 }}</ref>

===Academia and think tanks===
The alliance is engaging influential members of the academic community in order to highlight the growing importance of the Caucasus region in 21st century geopolitical conflicts. In this way, they hope to expand the number of centers which cover Azerbaijan and the Caucasus region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/academia-think-tanks |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614014118/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/academia-think-tanks |archivedate=2012-06-14 }}</ref>

The alliance will also work with them to expand the number of fellowships, internships and exchanges available to students and academics who wish to study the region.


The alliance supports [[United Nations General Assembly Resolution 62/243]] from 2008, which reaffirmed the Azerbaijan's territorial sovereignty as related to [[Nagorno-Karabakh conflict]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://undocs.org/A/RES/62/243 |title=Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 14 March 2008 – The situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan |date=14 March 2008|id=A/RES/62/243|publisher=[[United Nations]]|accessdate=18 March 2017}}</ref> The organization has advocated for elected leaders to resolve this conflict.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/nagorno-karabakh |title=Key Issues: Nagorno Karabakh Conflict |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614014204/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/nagorno-karabakh |archivedate=2012-06-14 }}</ref>
===Business and economy===
The alliance works to strengthen Azeri-American business ties through the development of formal relationships between businesses in each country, as well as working with existing multinationals to expand their footprint in Azerbaijan.


==Activity==
The alliance has also begun to engage with institutional investors and executives who are less familiar with Azerbaijan in order to highlight available opportunities in the Azerbaijani economy. In doing so, they hope to expand and diversify Azerbaijan's share of foreign direct investment which comes from the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/business-economy |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614014132/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/business-economy |archivedate=2012-06-14 }}</ref>


The alliance has described itself as a [[grassroots]] organization.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/grassroots-ngos |title=Areas of Focus: Grassroots & NGOS |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614014142/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/grassroots-ngos |archivedate=2012-06-14 }}</ref>
===Politics and decision-makers===
The Azeri diaspora has allies on Capitol Hill in the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/uploads/files/pdf/Caucus%20Membership%20website%20content.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140616225742/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/uploads/files/pdf/Caucus%20Membership%20website%20content.pdf |archivedate=2014-06-16 }}</ref> whose members will play a role in helping the alliance achieve their stated goals. Congressmen [[Bill Shuster]] (R-PA) and [[Dan Boren]] (D-OK) serve as the co-Chairs of the Caucus and are notably supportive of the Azerbaijani community in America.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/politics-decision-makers |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614014711/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/politics-decision-makers |archivedate=2012-06-14 }}</ref>


The alliance promotes academic on Azerbaijan and the larger Caucasus region,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/academia-think-tanks |title=Areas of Focus: Academia & Think Tanks |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614014118/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/academia-think-tanks |archivedate=2012-06-14 }}</ref> and promotes Azeri-American business ties, such as through foreign investment,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/business-economy |title=Areas of Focus: Business & Economy |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614014132/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/business-economy |archivedate=2012-06-14 }}</ref> specifically the energy sector.<ref name=energy/>
The alliance will work with Congressmen Shuster and Boren to expand the Caucus's membership and promote a greater degree of engagement from existing members. In particular, the Alliance intends to make progress towards repealing Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, as Azerbaijan has aided the United States in the War on Terror.


The organization has promoted ties to the [[Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/uploads/files/pdf/Caucus%20Membership%20website%20content.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140616225742/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/uploads/files/pdf/Caucus%20Membership%20website%20content.pdf |archivedate=2014-06-16 }}</ref> co-chaired by Congressmen [[Bill Shuster]] (R-PA) and [[Dan Boren]] (D-OK).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/politics-decision-makers |title=Areas of Focus: Politics & Decision Makers |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614014711/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/politics-decision-makers |archivedate=2012-06-14 }}</ref>
===Energy and regional security===
As the core component of its economy and one of its strongest links to the United States and Europe, Azerbaijan's energy sector plays an integral role to its international relations. The Alliance has begun to develop relationships with industry leaders in each area to ensure that Azerbaijan's relations with each continue to develop.


The Alliance hopes to emphasize the role that Azerbaijan plays as a stable, pro-Western democracy in a hostile region. Furthermore, it states that its material and rhetorical backing for the War on Terror is deserving of greater recognition and support from its allies in [[NATO]] – particularly the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/energy-regional-security |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614014137/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/energy-regional-security |archivedate=2012-06-14 }}</ref>
The Alliance has advocated for "greater recognition and support from [Azerbaijan's] allies in [[NATO]] – particularly the United States".<ref name=energy>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/energy-regional-security |title=Areas of Focus: Energy & Regional Security |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614014137/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/energy-regional-security |archivedate=2012-06-14 }}</ref>


According to the alliance's website, it "supports the development of closer ties between the [[European Union|EU]] and Azerbaijan."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/international-focus |title=Areas of Focus: International |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014014334/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/international-focus |archivedate=2012-10-14 }}</ref>
===International===
While primarily focused on US-Azerbaijani relations, the alliance supports the development of closer ties between the [[European Union|EU]] and Azerbaijan. It will be working with like-minded diaspora groups in Europe to find areas of cooperation which can advance their shared ambitions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/international-focus |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2012-07-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014014334/http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/international-focus |archivedate=2012-10-14 }}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 22:02, 17 October 2023

The Azerbaijan America Alliance is a non-partisan, non-profit organization providing information broadly about the people, culture, society, industry, history and current events of the Azeri people. The purpose includes research and advocacy on issues of interest to the alliance.

Mission

[edit]

According to the alliance's website: "The mission of the alliance is to foster an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect between the people of Azerbaijan and America. Through academic discussion, cultural programming, and political discourse, the alliance aims to become the premier organization dedicated to promoting a lasting partnership between Azerbaijan and the United States."[1]

Involvement

[edit]

The Azerbaijan America Alliance advocates for Americans to contact elected representatives to educate them on issues related to Azerbaijan.[2]

Key issues

[edit]

Section 907

[edit]

The alliance has opposed a provision of the 1992 Freedom Support Act, an aid package which excludes Azerbaijan pending Congressional approval.[3][4]

Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

[edit]

The alliance supports United Nations General Assembly Resolution 62/243 from 2008, which reaffirmed the Azerbaijan's territorial sovereignty as related to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.[5] The organization has advocated for elected leaders to resolve this conflict.[6]

Activity

[edit]

The alliance has described itself as a grassroots organization.[7]

The alliance promotes academic on Azerbaijan and the larger Caucasus region,[8] and promotes Azeri-American business ties, such as through foreign investment,[9] specifically the energy sector.[10]

The organization has promoted ties to the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus,[11] co-chaired by Congressmen Bill Shuster (R-PA) and Dan Boren (D-OK).[12]

The Alliance has advocated for "greater recognition and support from [Azerbaijan's] allies in NATO – particularly the United States".[10]

According to the alliance's website, it "supports the development of closer ties between the EU and Azerbaijan."[13]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "About the Azerbaijan America Alliance". Archived from the original on 2012-05-08. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
  2. ^ "Get Involved | Azerbaijan America Alliance". Archived from the original on 2012-06-14. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
  3. ^ http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cpquery/?&dbname=cp106&sid=cp106Ynxmk&refer=&r_n=sr045.106&item=&sel=TOC_88285&[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ "Key Issues: Section 907". Archived from the original on 2012-05-21. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
  5. ^ "Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 14 March 2008 – The situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan". United Nations. 14 March 2008. A/RES/62/243. Retrieved 18 March 2017.
  6. ^ "Key Issues: Nagorno Karabakh Conflict". Archived from the original on 2012-06-14. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
  7. ^ "Areas of Focus: Grassroots & NGOS". Archived from the original on 2012-06-14. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
  8. ^ "Areas of Focus: Academia & Think Tanks". Archived from the original on 2012-06-14. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
  9. ^ "Areas of Focus: Business & Economy". Archived from the original on 2012-06-14. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
  10. ^ a b "Areas of Focus: Energy & Regional Security". Archived from the original on 2012-06-14. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
  11. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-06-16. Retrieved 2012-07-24.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  12. ^ "Areas of Focus: Politics & Decision Makers". Archived from the original on 2012-06-14. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
  13. ^ "Areas of Focus: International". Archived from the original on 2012-10-14. Retrieved 2012-07-24.