At the end of August, the California State Senate passed a resolution on recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh. Many experts said the document did not follow the approach of U.S. authorities in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and was passed under great pressure from lobbyists in the state. Joshua Noonan, an alumnus from John Hopkins SAIS MA in Russian and Eurasian Studies; Azerbaijan and Caucasus News Analyst; International Economics and is a Presidential Management Fellowship Finalist, has expressed his opinion about the developments in an interview with Vestnik Kavkaza.
Are you surprised that such (Californian AJR-32) resolution on Karabakh has been adopted?The passage of AJR-32 is not surprising due to its non-binding and local nature. It is representative of some constituents in California while posing no obligation to the state government. The lobby representing the certain constituents is strong and organized. Moreover, the government of Azerbaijan and local opposed groups do not show any serious interest in properly mounting an opposition. Can this vote have any serious political implications?There are no real implications for the vote. It is simply a public relations victory which demonstrates the organized nature of a certain portion of the constituents in California. What was its goal?Historically, interest groups seek to demonstrate their value to their patrons by passing non-binding resolutions. This is simply another example of such an action.Can it affect the relations of Azerbaijan with the United States?As this is a non-binding resolution at a state level, there are no real implications for Azerbaijan-US relations. Can it affect somehow the process of resolving of the Karabakh crisis?No. The resolution of the conflict is the mainly the responsibility of the two involved parties, Azerbaijan and Armenia. What or who prevents the resolution of the Karabakh crisis today?Unwillingness of the parties’ leadership to compromise.
- Are you surprised that such (Californian AJR-32) resolution on Karabakh has been adopted?
- The passage of AJR-32 is not surprising due to its non-binding and local nature. It is representative of some constituents in California while posing no obligation to the state government. The lobby representing the certain constituents is strong and organized. Moreover, the government of Azerbaijan and local opposed groups do not show any serious interest in properly mounting an opposition.
- Can this vote have any serious political implications?
- There are no real implications for the vote. It is simply a public relations victory which demonstrates the organized nature of a certain portion of the constituents in California.
- What was its goal?
- Historically, interest groups seek to demonstrate their value to their patrons by passing non-binding resolutions. This is simply another example of such an action.
- Can it affect the relations of Azerbaijan with the United States?
- As this is a non-binding resolution at a state level, there are no real implications for Azerbaijan-US relations.
- Can it affect somehow the process of resolving of the Karabakh crisis?
- No. The resolution of the conflict is the mainly the responsibility of the two involved parties, Azerbaijan and Armenia.
- What or who prevents the resolution of the Karabakh crisis today?
- Unwillingness of the parties’ leadership to compromise.
