What Is Behind the Emergence of New Diaspora Organization?

The Azerbaijan State Committee for Diaspora Affairs issued a statement condemning the creation of the Union of Azerbaijani Organizations in Russia (UAOR). The State Committee considers it unnecessary to create a new organization, as the All-Russian Azerbaijani Congress (RAC) was created in Russia in 2001. The current structure has 73 regional offices in 67 regions of Russia, and is one of the most powerful and influential Azerbaijani Diaspora organizations in the world, according to the statement of the State Committee. RAC is very active in the integration of Azerbaijanis into Russian society, as well as in protecting the rights and freedoms of compatriots in Russia.

The State Committee considers the creation of UAOR a step that "does not serve the unity and solidarity of Azerbaijanis living in the Russian Federation." The statement of the State Committee can be considered as an expression of concern by official Baku about the loss of influence on the Azerbaijani Diaspora in Russia. According to unofficial sources, Russia is home to about 2 million Azerbaijanis who are closely connected with their homeland. The consolidation of these people around a new structure that is outside the control of official Baku could have far-reaching consequences. In particular, this force can influence political processes in Azerbaijan.

It is noteworthy that among the founders of the UAOR are oligarchs and well-known public figures: Abbas Abbasov (former deputy prime minister), Soyun Sadikhov (head of the Cultural Autonomy of Russian Azerbaijanis "Azerros"), Natig Agamirov (President of the Guild of Notaries of Russia), Rustam Ibrahimbekov (screenwriter and film director), Vaghit Alekperov (President of Lukoil), Araz Agalarov (head of the holding Crocus), Telman Ismailov (holding AST), businessman Iskander Khalilov and even State Duma deputy from Dagestan Ramazan Abdulatipov.

This entity brought together people with different ideologies, politics and business interests. Among them are people loyal to the ruling regime in Azerbaijan and a close relative of President Aliyev (Agalarov). All this suggests that the initiative came from the Kremlin. If so, then it is possible that UAOR in the future could be used against official Baku. -06D-