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

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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