Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BAKU1398
2006-09-25 09:05:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Baku
Cable title:
PRESIDENT ALIYEV TELLS GENERAL WARD THAT
how-toVZCZCXRO8708 PP RUEHDBU DE RUEHKB #1398/01 2680905 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 250905Z SEP 06 FM AMEMBASSY BAKU TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1307 INFO RUCNCIS/CIS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHAK/AMEMBASSY ANKARA PRIORITY 1728 RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC PRIORITY RHMFISS/CDR USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHDC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC PRIORITY RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC PRIORITY RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS PRIORITY RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO PRIORITY 0466 RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE PRIORITY 0474 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 0168
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 04 BAKU 001398
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR EUR A/S FRIED AND DAS BRYZA; EB FOR A/S SULLIVAN;
PM FOR A/S HILLEN; DRL FOR A/S LOWENKRON; OSD FOR DAS
MACDOUGALL; NSC FOR MATT PALMER
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/25/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR NATO ENRG KDEM IR RU AJ
SUBJECT: PRESIDENT ALIYEV TELLS GENERAL WARD THAT
AZERBAIJAN WANTS TO "INCREASE AND DEEPEN" ITS COOPERATION
WITH THE UNITED STATES
Classified By: Ambassador Anne E. Derse per 1.4 (b,d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 04 BAKU 001398
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR EUR A/S FRIED AND DAS BRYZA; EB FOR A/S SULLIVAN;
PM FOR A/S HILLEN; DRL FOR A/S LOWENKRON; OSD FOR DAS
MACDOUGALL; NSC FOR MATT PALMER
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/25/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR NATO ENRG KDEM IR RU AJ
SUBJECT: PRESIDENT ALIYEV TELLS GENERAL WARD THAT
AZERBAIJAN WANTS TO "INCREASE AND DEEPEN" ITS COOPERATION
WITH THE UNITED STATES
Classified By: Ambassador Anne E. Derse per 1.4 (b,d).
1. (C) SUMMARY: During a September 20 meeting with the
Ambassador and Deputy EUCOM Commander General Ward, President
Aliyev said that Azerbaijan wants to "increase and deepen"
its relationship with the United States. He argued that US
and Azerbaijani regional interests and goals "coincide," and
that a "strong partnership with the US creates new
opportunities for US diplomacy through Azerbaijan to address
various issues." Aliyev noted that "a partnership today can
be more instrumental and lead to accomplishment of goals that
were not possible before." Azerbaijan's overwhelming goal is
to safeguard its independence, Aliyev said, adding that the
United States' role in supporting Azerbaijan's independence
is vitally important. Azerbaijan "needs to do more in the
bilateral relationship" to feel more secure vis-a-vis its
powerful neighbors. Aliyev noted that a strengthened
bilateral relationship would further the United States' and
Azerbaijan's shared regional security goals; it also is
critical to our shared goal of increasing Caspian gas exports
to Europe. Aliyev added that Azerbaijan could play an
important role in advancing US diplomatic interests,
particularly in the Muslim world. He also made a plea for
more military training programs, stating that Azerbaijan's
troops lacked the language and specialized skills needed to
modernize. Aliyev told Ward that Azerbaijan's long-term
stability depends on an integrated approach that includes
democratic reform, social and economic reform, and security
cooperation. We believe that formalized strategic
partnership with Azerbaijan that addresses Aliyev's security
concerns would create the framework necessary to secure US
goals in security, energy, and political and economic reform.
END SUMMARY.
--------------
ALIYEV WANTS INCREASED TIES TO U.S.
--------------
2. (C) Deputy EUCOM Commander General Ward and Ambassador
paid an office call on President Aliyev September 20.
Welcoming General Ward, President Aliyev said that Azerbaijan
wants to "increase and deepen" its relationship
with the United States, building on existing cooperation and
generating new areas of bilateral cooperation, particularly
in the military and energy spheres. Azerbaijan is "strongly
committed" to cooperation with the United States, Aliyev
said. Azerbaijan "does and will do everything necessary to
promote ties" with the United States. Aliyev also noted the
importance of Azerbaijan's partnership with NATO and the EU,
agreeing with Ward that Azerbaijan's NATO Individual
Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) covers not only military but
all areas of reform. Aliyev noted that the European
Neighborhood Policy also is a very good framework for
"cooperation and political reform." Much has been done, but
"more reform is to be made," Aliyev pledged. "Partnership
with the EU and the US helps us to create a modern country,"
he said.
--------------
SECURITY LINKED TO DEVELOPMENT AND REFORM
--------------
3. (C) Aliyev noted that the Caspian region, including the
Black Sea and the Caucasus, is becoming increasingly
important in world affairs, and said that key issues of
mutual concern are inter-related. Regional development is
linked to energy, for example, but we cannot discuss energy
without discussing security. Security and stability, Aliyev
continued, cannot exist without political development.
Cooperation with the United States, he said, is very
important for progress in all of these areas. It also sends
a signal to other countries in the region, Aliyev said.
4. (C) Ward agreed that all aspects of Azerbaijan's
BAKU 00001398 002 OF 004
development and security are inter-related. He noted that
continued democratic development was particularly important
for Azerbaijan's security. Azerbaijan needs an integrated
approach -- that covers economic development, rule of law,
anti-corruption measures and social and education programs --
to implement President Aliyev's vision of a modern,
democratic and open state. Aliyev agreed that an integrated
approach to all of these areas was critical, and noted that
Azerbaijan's existing cooperation mechanisms - particularly
the NATO IPAP and the new European Action Plan -- create a
framework for cooperation on reform that will create a modern
society in Azerbaijan.
5. (C) Reviewing the tumultuous early years of Azerbaijan's
independence, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan struggled under
civil war, coup attempts and military occupation before
finally achieving some degree of normalcy in 1996-1997. For
this reason, Aliyev said, Azerbaijan at this point has had
only seven or eight years of practical reform. The future of
Azerbaijan is being determined now, he said. "It will depend
on us." Aliyev added that he seeks to create a stable, open
and democratic state that has good ties with the United
States and with its neighbors.
--------------
U.S. KEY TO AZERBAIJAN'S INDEPENDENCE
--------------
6. (C) Azerbaijan's overwhelming goal is to safeguard its
independence, Aliyev said, and the United States has played
and will continue to play a key role in helping Azerbaijan
achieve this goal. Azerbaijan secured its real political
independence through energy security and that energy security
was achieved only through hard work over the course of many
years, conducted in partnership with the United States. U.S.
support was crucial at every step of the process, Aliyev
said, adding that completion of the BTC pipeline would have
been impossible without U.S. financial, technical and
political support. Thanks to U.S. support, total Caspian oil
production will total four million barrels per day within
five or six years, among the largest oil production in the
world. Looking to the future, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan
could be "the only new supply of gas to Europe" and, for this
reason, Azerbaijan seeks renewed cooperation with the United
States on energy. The first step, Aliyev said, is to
assemble all regional players.
-------------- --------------
ALIYEV OFFERS TO HELP ADVANCE U.S. DIPLOMATIC GOALS
-------------- --------------
7. (C) Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan's cooperation with the
United States could extend into other areas beyond energy and
the Global War on Terror. "A strong partnership with the US
creates new opportunities for US diplomacy through Azerbaijan
to address various issues.... A partnership today can be more
instrumental and lead to accomplishment of goals that were
not possible before," he said. Aliyev noted in particular
that Azerbaijan plays a leading role within the Muslim World
-- and within the OIC -- and could create "new opportunities"
for its partners in this regard. Azerbaijan, Aliyev said, is
a country that can influence the political process in the
region and beyond. GUAM, for example, is a revitalized
organization that spans the increasingly important
Caspian-Black Sea region. Azerbaijan, Aliyev said, is a
country that is increasingly self-sufficient and organized, a
country that "can influence many things." A good bilateral
partnership could create opportunities for the United States
to achieve its diplomatic objectives through Azerbaijan,
Aliyev pointedly said. "We need to address these issues."
--------------
MILITARY REFORM AND ASSISTANCE
--------------
BAKU 00001398 003 OF 004
8. (C) Turning to the defense sector, Ward thanked Aliyev
for Azerbaijan's significant cooperation in the Global War on
Terror. Ward said that the United States looks forward to
enhancing our cooperation with Azerbaijan, but noted that
Azerbaijan's continued progress on military reform is
essential. Military reform -- particularly the creation of a
legitimate civilian authority over Azerbaijan's defense
establishment -- is central to President Aliyev's vision of a
modern, open and democratic society. The United States
Government is ready to assist Azerbaijan as it makes this
transition, Ward noted.
9. (C) Aliyev said that he would like to explore additional
military-military cooperation programs, adding that training
programs would be particularly important. In general, Aliyev
said, Azerbaijan's military needs more investment and more
trained people. The military lacks language and specialized
skills. U.S. and Azerbaijani goals in the region coincide,
Aliyev said, as the two countries share a major interest in
preventing terrorist attacks. Aliyev wryly noted that
Azerbaijan has perhaps an even greater interest in regional
security, as Azerbaijan is far more vulnerable than the
United States. "Look at our geography," Aliyev said, "this
region is very difficult."
--------------
A FINAL PLEA
--------------
10. (C) In conclusion, Aliyev told Ward that US and
Azerbaijani "goals coincide, the regional agenda is the same
for both of us." Azerbaijan's concern about its neighborhood
is "substantial." Azerbaijan is "more vulnerable than then
US," given its location, but "our concerns are the same, we
need to be prepared and, in our case protected," Aliyev said.
11. (C) Azerbaijan's goal is to create a modern and fully
independent society. "Developing the country in a
diversified way and strengthening our independence is a
matter of our future political existence," Aliyev said.
Azerbaijan's future depends on its ability to remain
independent from regional forces, Aliyev added, noting that
independence is Azerbaijan's "most cherished value." Real
independence includes the ability to do what a country
believes is right, to fulfill its people's expectations, and
to "lead the country into the civilized world." Azerbaijan's
policy of independence creates "irritation in many places,"
Aliyev said, and for that reason Azerbaijan's bilateral
relationship with the United States is very important.
Aliyev underscored that we need to do more in the bilateral
relationship for Azerbaijan to feel itself more secure,
stating that "our relationship needs a component to feel
ourselves more protected and secure, then we'll (both) be
more active in doing what we want to do."
--------------
COMMENT
--------------
12. (C) Since his April 2006 visit to Washington, Aliyev has
told us repeatedly and clearly that he seeks a strengthened
and deepened relationship with the United States -- which he
argues will offer the US a new opportunity to advance
important USG objectives and interests in the increasingly
strategic Caspian region, and will provide Azerbaijan the
security it needs to both pursue its broader development and
cooperate with US regional efforts. As evidenced by his
conversation with General Ward (and echoed in Aliyev's other
meetings with recent USG visitors),Aliyev understands that a
strengthened relationship with the United States must reflect
all three areas of our mutual concern: security, energy, and
political and economic reform. Aliyev is eager to secure new
USG assurances on security, and we believe that establishing
BAKU 00001398 004 OF 004
a formalized partnership reflecting shared goals and
anticipating progress would, by addressing his concerns,
create the framework necessary to advance broader US
objectives in security, energy, and reform. It is strongly
in our interest to provide a positive, substantive response
soon to Aliyev's expression of interest.
DERSE
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR EUR A/S FRIED AND DAS BRYZA; EB FOR A/S SULLIVAN;
PM FOR A/S HILLEN; DRL FOR A/S LOWENKRON; OSD FOR DAS
MACDOUGALL; NSC FOR MATT PALMER
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/25/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR NATO ENRG KDEM IR RU AJ
SUBJECT: PRESIDENT ALIYEV TELLS GENERAL WARD THAT
AZERBAIJAN WANTS TO "INCREASE AND DEEPEN" ITS COOPERATION
WITH THE UNITED STATES
Classified By: Ambassador Anne E. Derse per 1.4 (b,d).
1. (C) SUMMARY: During a September 20 meeting with the
Ambassador and Deputy EUCOM Commander General Ward, President
Aliyev said that Azerbaijan wants to "increase and deepen"
its relationship with the United States. He argued that US
and Azerbaijani regional interests and goals "coincide," and
that a "strong partnership with the US creates new
opportunities for US diplomacy through Azerbaijan to address
various issues." Aliyev noted that "a partnership today can
be more instrumental and lead to accomplishment of goals that
were not possible before." Azerbaijan's overwhelming goal is
to safeguard its independence, Aliyev said, adding that the
United States' role in supporting Azerbaijan's independence
is vitally important. Azerbaijan "needs to do more in the
bilateral relationship" to feel more secure vis-a-vis its
powerful neighbors. Aliyev noted that a strengthened
bilateral relationship would further the United States' and
Azerbaijan's shared regional security goals; it also is
critical to our shared goal of increasing Caspian gas exports
to Europe. Aliyev added that Azerbaijan could play an
important role in advancing US diplomatic interests,
particularly in the Muslim world. He also made a plea for
more military training programs, stating that Azerbaijan's
troops lacked the language and specialized skills needed to
modernize. Aliyev told Ward that Azerbaijan's long-term
stability depends on an integrated approach that includes
democratic reform, social and economic reform, and security
cooperation. We believe that formalized strategic
partnership with Azerbaijan that addresses Aliyev's security
concerns would create the framework necessary to secure US
goals in security, energy, and political and economic reform.
END SUMMARY.
--------------
ALIYEV WANTS INCREASED TIES TO U.S.
--------------
2. (C) Deputy EUCOM Commander General Ward and Ambassador
paid an office call on President Aliyev September 20.
Welcoming General Ward, President Aliyev said that Azerbaijan
wants to "increase and deepen" its relationship
with the United States, building on existing cooperation and
generating new areas of bilateral cooperation, particularly
in the military and energy spheres. Azerbaijan is "strongly
committed" to cooperation with the United States, Aliyev
said. Azerbaijan "does and will do everything necessary to
promote ties" with the United States. Aliyev also noted the
importance of Azerbaijan's partnership with NATO and the EU,
agreeing with Ward that Azerbaijan's NATO Individual
Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) covers not only military but
all areas of reform. Aliyev noted that the European
Neighborhood Policy also is a very good framework for
"cooperation and political reform." Much has been done, but
"more reform is to be made," Aliyev pledged. "Partnership
with the EU and the US helps us to create a modern country,"
he said.
--------------
SECURITY LINKED TO DEVELOPMENT AND REFORM
--------------
3. (C) Aliyev noted that the Caspian region, including the
Black Sea and the Caucasus, is becoming increasingly
important in world affairs, and said that key issues of
mutual concern are inter-related. Regional development is
linked to energy, for example, but we cannot discuss energy
without discussing security. Security and stability, Aliyev
continued, cannot exist without political development.
Cooperation with the United States, he said, is very
important for progress in all of these areas. It also sends
a signal to other countries in the region, Aliyev said.
4. (C) Ward agreed that all aspects of Azerbaijan's
BAKU 00001398 002 OF 004
development and security are inter-related. He noted that
continued democratic development was particularly important
for Azerbaijan's security. Azerbaijan needs an integrated
approach -- that covers economic development, rule of law,
anti-corruption measures and social and education programs --
to implement President Aliyev's vision of a modern,
democratic and open state. Aliyev agreed that an integrated
approach to all of these areas was critical, and noted that
Azerbaijan's existing cooperation mechanisms - particularly
the NATO IPAP and the new European Action Plan -- create a
framework for cooperation on reform that will create a modern
society in Azerbaijan.
5. (C) Reviewing the tumultuous early years of Azerbaijan's
independence, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan struggled under
civil war, coup attempts and military occupation before
finally achieving some degree of normalcy in 1996-1997. For
this reason, Aliyev said, Azerbaijan at this point has had
only seven or eight years of practical reform. The future of
Azerbaijan is being determined now, he said. "It will depend
on us." Aliyev added that he seeks to create a stable, open
and democratic state that has good ties with the United
States and with its neighbors.
--------------
U.S. KEY TO AZERBAIJAN'S INDEPENDENCE
--------------
6. (C) Azerbaijan's overwhelming goal is to safeguard its
independence, Aliyev said, and the United States has played
and will continue to play a key role in helping Azerbaijan
achieve this goal. Azerbaijan secured its real political
independence through energy security and that energy security
was achieved only through hard work over the course of many
years, conducted in partnership with the United States. U.S.
support was crucial at every step of the process, Aliyev
said, adding that completion of the BTC pipeline would have
been impossible without U.S. financial, technical and
political support. Thanks to U.S. support, total Caspian oil
production will total four million barrels per day within
five or six years, among the largest oil production in the
world. Looking to the future, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan
could be "the only new supply of gas to Europe" and, for this
reason, Azerbaijan seeks renewed cooperation with the United
States on energy. The first step, Aliyev said, is to
assemble all regional players.
-------------- --------------
ALIYEV OFFERS TO HELP ADVANCE U.S. DIPLOMATIC GOALS
-------------- --------------
7. (C) Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan's cooperation with the
United States could extend into other areas beyond energy and
the Global War on Terror. "A strong partnership with the US
creates new opportunities for US diplomacy through Azerbaijan
to address various issues.... A partnership today can be more
instrumental and lead to accomplishment of goals that were
not possible before," he said. Aliyev noted in particular
that Azerbaijan plays a leading role within the Muslim World
-- and within the OIC -- and could create "new opportunities"
for its partners in this regard. Azerbaijan, Aliyev said, is
a country that can influence the political process in the
region and beyond. GUAM, for example, is a revitalized
organization that spans the increasingly important
Caspian-Black Sea region. Azerbaijan, Aliyev said, is a
country that is increasingly self-sufficient and organized, a
country that "can influence many things." A good bilateral
partnership could create opportunities for the United States
to achieve its diplomatic objectives through Azerbaijan,
Aliyev pointedly said. "We need to address these issues."
--------------
MILITARY REFORM AND ASSISTANCE
--------------
BAKU 00001398 003 OF 004
8. (C) Turning to the defense sector, Ward thanked Aliyev
for Azerbaijan's significant cooperation in the Global War on
Terror. Ward said that the United States looks forward to
enhancing our cooperation with Azerbaijan, but noted that
Azerbaijan's continued progress on military reform is
essential. Military reform -- particularly the creation of a
legitimate civilian authority over Azerbaijan's defense
establishment -- is central to President Aliyev's vision of a
modern, open and democratic society. The United States
Government is ready to assist Azerbaijan as it makes this
transition, Ward noted.
9. (C) Aliyev said that he would like to explore additional
military-military cooperation programs, adding that training
programs would be particularly important. In general, Aliyev
said, Azerbaijan's military needs more investment and more
trained people. The military lacks language and specialized
skills. U.S. and Azerbaijani goals in the region coincide,
Aliyev said, as the two countries share a major interest in
preventing terrorist attacks. Aliyev wryly noted that
Azerbaijan has perhaps an even greater interest in regional
security, as Azerbaijan is far more vulnerable than the
United States. "Look at our geography," Aliyev said, "this
region is very difficult."
--------------
A FINAL PLEA
--------------
10. (C) In conclusion, Aliyev told Ward that US and
Azerbaijani "goals coincide, the regional agenda is the same
for both of us." Azerbaijan's concern about its neighborhood
is "substantial." Azerbaijan is "more vulnerable than then
US," given its location, but "our concerns are the same, we
need to be prepared and, in our case protected," Aliyev said.
11. (C) Azerbaijan's goal is to create a modern and fully
independent society. "Developing the country in a
diversified way and strengthening our independence is a
matter of our future political existence," Aliyev said.
Azerbaijan's future depends on its ability to remain
independent from regional forces, Aliyev added, noting that
independence is Azerbaijan's "most cherished value." Real
independence includes the ability to do what a country
believes is right, to fulfill its people's expectations, and
to "lead the country into the civilized world." Azerbaijan's
policy of independence creates "irritation in many places,"
Aliyev said, and for that reason Azerbaijan's bilateral
relationship with the United States is very important.
Aliyev underscored that we need to do more in the bilateral
relationship for Azerbaijan to feel itself more secure,
stating that "our relationship needs a component to feel
ourselves more protected and secure, then we'll (both) be
more active in doing what we want to do."
--------------
COMMENT
--------------
12. (C) Since his April 2006 visit to Washington, Aliyev has
told us repeatedly and clearly that he seeks a strengthened
and deepened relationship with the United States -- which he
argues will offer the US a new opportunity to advance
important USG objectives and interests in the increasingly
strategic Caspian region, and will provide Azerbaijan the
security it needs to both pursue its broader development and
cooperate with US regional efforts. As evidenced by his
conversation with General Ward (and echoed in Aliyev's other
meetings with recent USG visitors),Aliyev understands that a
strengthened relationship with the United States must reflect
all three areas of our mutual concern: security, energy, and
political and economic reform. Aliyev is eager to secure new
USG assurances on security, and we believe that establishing
BAKU 00001398 004 OF 004
a formalized partnership reflecting shared goals and
anticipating progress would, by addressing his concerns,
create the framework necessary to advance broader US
objectives in security, energy, and reform. It is strongly
in our interest to provide a positive, substantive response
soon to Aliyev's expression of interest.
DERSE