AMBASSADOR'S INTRODUCTORY CALL ON SPEAKER OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAKU 001146 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/03/2016 TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM KDEM EAID AJ SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S INTRODUCTORY CALL ON SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT OGTAY ASADOV Classified By: CHARGE D'AFFAIRES JASON P HYLAND PER 1.4(B,D) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: In her introductory call on Speaker of Parliament Ogtay Asadov, the Ambassador discussed the importance of Parliament in democratic reform, the need for Members of Parliament (MPs) to be provided with sufficient resources, and the importance of communication between MPs and their constituents. She also affirmed USG intent to help strengthen Parliament as an institution through a new USAID program. The Speaker outlined the system of introducing and adopting draft legislation in Parliament, and said a new law on education would be discussed in the fall session. The Speaker agreed to continue working with USAID to finalize GOAJ commitment for the Parliamentary Assistance Program, and expressed his desire to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the Azerbaijani Parliament and the U.S. Congress. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) During her July 31 introductory call on Speaker of Parliament Ogtay Asadov, the Ambassador reviewed U.S. priorities for the bilateral relationship: cooperation in the Global War on Terror and regional and global security and stability, global energy security, and advancing democracy through political and economic reform. She highlighted the important role played by Parliament in democratic reform, particularly in increasing transparency through public comment on draft laws, quick publication of new legislation, and public access to voting records. She emphasized the need for MPs to be provided with sufficient resources, such as adequate office space, access to computers, and a staff, and highlighted the importance of communication between MPs and their constituents to ensure accountability. Referring to President Aliyev's comments regarding his goal for Azerbaijan to develop as a modern, market-oriented democracy, the Ambassador said that Parliament plays a critical role in developing laws to strengthen the confidence of potential foreign investors, particularly in Azerbaijan's non-oil sector. The Ambassador also reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to working with Parliament to strengthen the body and make it more efficient through the USAID Parliamentary Assistance Program, and solicited further commitment from the Speaker to be outlined in the form of a letter of understanding. ¶3. (C) The Speaker outlined Azerbaijan's system of introducing and adopting draft legislation in Parliament. He said that on the floor of Parliament and in sessions of the eleven commissions, constructive opinions are heard, and mentioned that in the fall, there will be around forty pieces of draft legislation on the agenda. The biggest of these, according to Asadov, will be the draft Law on Education. (Note: This law would create an independent accreditation body and adjust Azerbaijan's current system of graduate work to conform to international standards, particularly the Council of Europe's Bologna process.) He also mentioned that debate over the new budget will be quite time-consuming, perhaps taking up an entire month. Asadov explained that in Parliament, a draft law is read aloud three times, and is automatically adopted after the third reading. He said that legislation typically originates in the Presidential Apparat, is approved by Parliament, and then returns to the President's office for a signature. However, he continued, in accordance with international standards, Parliament has its own power to create legislation. (Note: Very little legislation originates in Parliament, and the body is viewed as extremely weak.) ¶4. (C) In response to the Ambassador's comments on the USAID Parliamentary Assistance program, Asadov said that he has already been working extensively with USAID officers and will continue to do so. He said that plans are in the works to provide each MP with two staff members: one to work in Baku, and one in the MP's district, but that the main focus is on office space, as there are currently three MPs per office. (Note: A member of the Presidential Apparat had previously indicated to an AID officer that funding would be approved for two staff members per MP. This has apparently not been communicated to the Parliamentary Secretariat. AID is looking into the matter.) He continued, saying that the problem of office space will be resolved upon the completion of renovations on the Parliament building, and extended an invitation to the Ambassador to attend the grand opening ceremony. Asadov designated Safa Mirzoyev, the Head of Parliament's Secretariat, to follow up with USAID on the creation of a letter formalizing Parliament's commitment to the USAID Parliamentary Assistance program, specifically outlining the GOAJ's financial commitment. ¶5. (C) Asadov discussed the bilateral relationship between the Azerbaijani Parliament and the U.S. Congress. He noted that in March 2004, a working group had been established between the two legislatures. Asadov expressed his desire to BAKU 00001146 002 OF 002 strengthen the relationship through this group, and asked the Ambassador to invite U.S. Senators and Congressmen to visit Azerbaijan. He also complained that most foreign officials that visit Azerbaijan only visit with opposition party leaders and with members of civil society, and not with GOAJ officials. He said that it is important to have a balanced perspective in looking at Azerbaijan's political situation. HYLAND