Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BAKU1407
2006-09-26 12:15:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Baku
Cable title:
FM MAMMADYAROV DISCUSSES STRONG U.S.-AZERBAIJAN
how-toVZCZCXRO0619 PP RUEHDBU DE RUEHKB #1407/01 2691215 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 261215Z SEP 06 FM AMEMBASSY BAKU TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1325 INFO RUCNCIS/CIS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHAK/AMEMBASSY ANKARA PRIORITY 1742 RHMFISS/CDR USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC PRIORITY RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS PRIORITY RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO PRIORITY 0475 RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE PRIORITY 0481 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 0175
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 04 BAKU 001407
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
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/25/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR NATO ENRG KDEM IR RU AJ
SUBJECT: FM MAMMADYAROV DISCUSSES STRONG U.S.-AZERBAIJAN
TIES, ENERGY AND REGIONAL ISSUES WITH DEPUTY EUCOM GENERAL
WARD
REF: BAKU 1316
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 001407
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
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/25/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR NATO ENRG KDEM IR RU AJ
SUBJECT: FM MAMMADYAROV DISCUSSES STRONG U.S.-AZERBAIJAN
TIES, ENERGY AND REGIONAL ISSUES WITH DEPUTY EUCOM GENERAL
WARD
REF: BAKU 1316
Classified By: Ambassador Anne E. Derse per 1.4 (b,d).
1. (C) SUMMARY: In a September 21 meeting with the Ambassador
and visiting Deputy EUCOM Commander General Ward, Azerbaijani
Foreign Minister Mammadyarov discussed the strength of
U.S.-Azerbaijan relations and the Government of Azerbaijan's
steady progress on democratic reform. Mammadyarov praised
U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan, noting the country's
"difficult neighborhood." General Ward raised the importance
of Azerbaijan's UN vote regarding Venezuela and Guatemala and
told Mammadyarov bluntly that bilateral relations would
suffer if Azerbaijan voted for Venezuela. FM Mammadyarov
appeared to get the message. Mammadyarov told Ward that
Azerbaijan needed to be part of NATO -- "joining the big club
is our long-term foreign policy objective" -- but that it
also needed to do "more homework" regarding NATO and to
prepare the population regarding NATO membership.
Mammadyarov told Ward that Armenia needed to cooperate and
work with Azerbaijan to find peace. If it did not, however,
Mammadyarov warned that Azerbaijan could take military action
to resolve the impasse. Ward cautioned that peaceful
negotiation through diplomacy was the only path. Mammadyarov
briefed on Azerbaijan's relations with Russia and Iran,
noting that both Iran and Azerbaijan are competing for
similar energy resources in the Caspian Sea. Mammadyarov
expressed concern that Iran could provoke a conflict over the
disputed Alov field to distract attention from its nuclear
programs. END SUMMARY.
U.S.-AZERBAIJAN BILATERAL RELATIONS
--------------
2. (C) During a September 21 meeting with the Ambassador and
Deputy Commander of USEUCOM, General Ward, Azerbaijani
Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov discussed the continuation
of strong U.S.-Azerbaijan relations, NATO, energy, Iran,
Russia and other regional issues. Mammadyarov stated that
General Ward's meeting with President Aliyev the previous day
had been "successful." Ward told Mammadyarov that he
appreciated the president's efforts to manage and use
Azerbaijan's energy resources. Mammadyarov told Ward that
Azerbaijan's priorities included continuing integration
efforts in the Euro-Atlantic alliance and European sphere.
He said that these efforts were key to the country's national
security and for stable development. Mammadyarov noted that
as a secular, Muslim country, Azerbaijan's cooperation with
the U.S. was extremely important. Mammadyarov stated that
President Aliyev had a good visit to Washington in April,
including meetings at the Pentagon. He reinforced the
importance of the U.S.-Azerbaijan relationship and that the
two country's were "standing on the same line."
ENERGY RELATIONS
--------------
3. (C) Mammadyarov told General Ward that the
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline had recently been completed
and would eventually pump more than 1 million barrels of oil
per day. In addition, Azerbaijan would finish the Shah Deniz
natural gas pipeline in the fall. Regarding the export of
Azerbaijani natural gas to Europe, Mammadyarov felt that
Washington is more understanding than the EU. Mammadyarov
indicated that U.S. support is critical to securing
Azerbaijani gas to Europe. Mammadyarov raised the
Kars-Akhalkalaki-Baku railroad and its importance as a
follow-on to the pipelines and its significance in linking
Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. General Ward told
Mammadyarov that Azerbaijan's pipelines reinforced the
country's stability.
AZERBAIJAN'S DEMOCRATIC PROCESS
--------------
4. (C) Mammadyarov stated that Azerbaijan's friends needed to
have patience with the country's development "processes." He
BAKU 00001407 002 OF 004
noted that the GOAJ has much work to do to prepare the
population and that he appreciated the U.S.'s support on
Azerbaijan's democratic development. He emphasized that
Azerbaijan has made steady progress on its democratic
reforms, noting the country's cultural and regional values.
Ward said that how the government handled its efforts to
inform and develop the population was important in ensuring
long-term stability. Mammadyarov stated that President
Aliyev took a strategic view concerning investing in the
country's energy revenues, and also wanted to develop the
country's human capital through investing in education. He
noted that First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva - through the Heydar
Aliyev Foundation - was active in building new schools. In
addition, the government had plans to connect the country's
4,500 schools to the Internet by 2008. Mammadyarov
reiterated that Azerbaijan is making steady progress and
would have to invest time and money to modernize the country.
U.S.-AZERBAIJAN MILITARY COOPERATION
--------------
5. (C) Mammadyarov raised the importance of developing
Azerbaijan's military and stated that Azerbaijan wanted to
send more military officers to the U.S. for language and
other training. He highlighted the value of international
training for Azerbaijani military officers. Mammadyarov said
that Azerbaijan hopes there will be a full repeal of the
section 907 sanctions, adding that Azerbaijan understands
that the annual waiver of sanctions can always be in "peril."
Mammadyarov highlighted the need for the U.S. to work with
Armenia and others to ensure that they are the "winners and
not losers." Mammadyarov stated that the Ministry of Defense
will continue the military-to-military relationship with the
U.S., noting its importance to Azerbaijan's national security
strategy.
UNSC VENEZUELA AND GUATEMALA
--------------
6. (C) General Ward raised with Mammadyarov the importance of
securing Azerbaijan's vote at the UN in favor of Guatemala
and not Venezuela for a rotating seat on the UN Security
Council. Ward said that if Azerbaijan voted for Venezuela,
the U.S.-Azerbaijan relationship will suffer. From his
facial expression, Minister Mammadyarov appeared to get the
message, and he noted that of all the Ministers dealing with
this issue, he "had the toughest job." (NOTE: Regarding the
Venezuela/Guatemala UNSC issue, the GOAJ had in fact long ago
traded its vote to Venezuela in exchange for Venezuela's vote
for Azerbaijan for the new Human Rights Council. Venezuela
did in fact vote for Azerbaijan for the Human Rights Council
and as such the FM said Azerbaijan felt "honor-bound" to vote
for Venezuela on this isue. (REFTEL). We continue to press
Aliyev to suport Guatemala.
CASPIAN SEA, IRAN AND RUSSIA
--------------
7. (C) Mammadyarov noted that Azerbaijan is keen to exploit
the energy resources in the Caspian Sea. He added that
Azerbaijan had agreed on Caspian delimitation with Russia and
Kazakhstan. Discussions with Turkmenistan had gone nowhere
and would be paused until a later time. Mammadyarov stated
that the BTC pipeline had capacity for 1.75 million barrels
of oil per day and that Azerbaijan's energy resources could
play a stabilizing role in international markets.
Mammadyarov said that the Russians are using gas as political
pressure, and therefore it is good that Azerbaijan is
developing its domestic gas supplies.
8. (C) Mammadyarov said that the Russians have told
Azerbaijan that if Azerbaijan supplies Georgia with Russian
gas, Russia will cut off all gas supplies to Azerbaijan.
Mammadyarov stated that the country's energy supplies play a
critical role in Azerbaijan's economic development, noting
the 36 percent GDP growth rate. Mammadyarov said that
negotiations with Gazprom were continuing, adding that
BAKU 00001407 003 OF 004
Gazprom had unexpectedly raised gas rates despite a contract
with Azerbaijan. Mammadyarov stressed energy supplies should
not be made a political issue for short-term gains and that
Russia needs to see the long-term interests. General Ward
stated that as Azerbaijan moves forward, its coalition
building efforts will be critical to counter these kinds of
"threats," noting the need for intense political will.
Mammadyarov commented that Russia needed to be sent a message
regarding its treatment of former Soviet republics.
AZERBAIJAN-ARMENIA RELATIONS
--------------
9. (C) Turning to the conflict with Armenia, Mammadyarov
stated that Armenia would be "stronger" if it joined
Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has taken this message to Armenia but
President Kocharian is not in a position to make a deal.
Mammadyarov noted that Armenia has to realize that the world
"has changed." Mammadyarov stressed the importance of
Armenia getting educated and receiving the message that it
should "join the club." He added that the GOAJ feels
tremendous amount of political and social pressure to assist
Azerbaijan's internally displaced persons and to eliminate
tent camps.
10. (C) Mammadyarov stated that as Azerbaijan becomes more
wealthy and stable, the population's mood will change. He
stated that Azerbaijan could resolve its conflict with
Armenia unilaterally by military force. He added that this
prospect "scared him." Ward stressed that only a fair,
negotiated diplomatic solution would ensure long-term
regional stability. Mammadyarov agreed and noted that the
international community needed to send the same message to
Armenia, stating that Armenia needed to "catch the train or
it will be hard." Mammadyarov briefed Ward on the GUAM
group's effort to promote regional stability. Ward praised
Azerbaijan's role in GUAM and stated that Azerbaijan's
progress toward NATO accession would reinforce the group's
efforts.
AZERBAIJAN-NATO
--------------
11. (C) Mammadyarov told Ward that Azerbaijan needed to be
part of NATO -- "joining the big club is our long-term
foreign policy objective" -- but that it also needed to do
"more homework" regarding NATO and to prepare the population
regarding NATO membership. In addition, Mammadyarov stated
that Azerbaijan would hold a referendum vote on NATO
membership with Azerbaijani citizens' support. Mammadyarov
stressed the need "to prepare the population" on eventual
NATO membership.
REGIONAL CONCERNS - IRAN
--------------
12. (C) Mammadyarov said that Iran remains a concern and we
are "working every day on NK and Iran, even more than the
U.S.," adding that Azerbaijan is "sandwiched" in a tough
neighborhood. He added that Azerbaijan had good relations
with Iran during the previous Khatami government, citing the
long discussions with the Government of Iran that eventually
led to the opening of an Azerbaijani consul general in the
northern Iran city of Tabriz, which Mammadyarov called
"Southern Azerbaijan." Mammadyarov also explained that Iran
helped Azerbaijan by opening a land route to the exclave of
Nakhchivan. Mammadyarov noted that the Azeri-Iranians in
Iran was an important bilateral issue and that Iran takes a
careful approach to Azerbaijan on this issue.
13. (C) Mammadyarov stated that the GOAJ continues to work
closely with Iran's new President Ahmedinejad and that the
leadership of the Iranian-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental
Commission had recently been transferred from the respective
Ministries of Economy to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs.
Mammadyarov noted that this shift indicates that the Iran
wants to shift the dialogue to more political issues.
BAKU 00001407 004 OF 004
14. (C) Turning to Iran's activities in the Caspian Sea and
the disputed area around the Alov field, Mammadyarov said
that this was a particular concern of the GOAJ. He explained
the discussions regarding delimitation with the other Caspian
Sea countries and said that Iran and Azerbaijan had not yet
been able reach an agreement. Mammadyarov noted that Iran
appeared to be changing its attitude on the issue and that
Azerbaijan and Iran will continue negotiating. In the
meantime, they had agreed neither country will exploit energy
resources in the disputed area, according to Mammadyarov.
Mammadyarov stated that Iran's activities in the Alov field
may be an attempt to distract the international community
from the nuclear issue by involving different parties.
15. (C) Regarding the nuclear issues, Mammadyarov stated that
Azerbaijan has told Iran it must resolve the dispute by
diplomatic means. General Ward said that it was good to
reinforce this message. At the end of the meeting,
Mammadyarov stated that Azerbaijan is ready for increased
U.S. cooperation.
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
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/25/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR NATO ENRG KDEM IR RU AJ
SUBJECT: FM MAMMADYAROV DISCUSSES STRONG U.S.-AZERBAIJAN
TIES, ENERGY AND REGIONAL ISSUES WITH DEPUTY EUCOM GENERAL
WARD
REF: BAKU 1316
Classified By: Ambassador Anne E. Derse per 1.4 (b,d).
1. (C) SUMMARY: In a September 21 meeting with the Ambassador
and visiting Deputy EUCOM Commander General Ward, Azerbaijani
Foreign Minister Mammadyarov discussed the strength of
U.S.-Azerbaijan relations and the Government of Azerbaijan's
steady progress on democratic reform. Mammadyarov praised
U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan, noting the country's
"difficult neighborhood." General Ward raised the importance
of Azerbaijan's UN vote regarding Venezuela and Guatemala and
told Mammadyarov bluntly that bilateral relations would
suffer if Azerbaijan voted for Venezuela. FM Mammadyarov
appeared to get the message. Mammadyarov told Ward that
Azerbaijan needed to be part of NATO -- "joining the big club
is our long-term foreign policy objective" -- but that it
also needed to do "more homework" regarding NATO and to
prepare the population regarding NATO membership.
Mammadyarov told Ward that Armenia needed to cooperate and
work with Azerbaijan to find peace. If it did not, however,
Mammadyarov warned that Azerbaijan could take military action
to resolve the impasse. Ward cautioned that peaceful
negotiation through diplomacy was the only path. Mammadyarov
briefed on Azerbaijan's relations with Russia and Iran,
noting that both Iran and Azerbaijan are competing for
similar energy resources in the Caspian Sea. Mammadyarov
expressed concern that Iran could provoke a conflict over the
disputed Alov field to distract attention from its nuclear
programs. END SUMMARY.
U.S.-AZERBAIJAN BILATERAL RELATIONS
--------------
2. (C) During a September 21 meeting with the Ambassador and
Deputy Commander of USEUCOM, General Ward, Azerbaijani
Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov discussed the continuation
of strong U.S.-Azerbaijan relations, NATO, energy, Iran,
Russia and other regional issues. Mammadyarov stated that
General Ward's meeting with President Aliyev the previous day
had been "successful." Ward told Mammadyarov that he
appreciated the president's efforts to manage and use
Azerbaijan's energy resources. Mammadyarov told Ward that
Azerbaijan's priorities included continuing integration
efforts in the Euro-Atlantic alliance and European sphere.
He said that these efforts were key to the country's national
security and for stable development. Mammadyarov noted that
as a secular, Muslim country, Azerbaijan's cooperation with
the U.S. was extremely important. Mammadyarov stated that
President Aliyev had a good visit to Washington in April,
including meetings at the Pentagon. He reinforced the
importance of the U.S.-Azerbaijan relationship and that the
two country's were "standing on the same line."
ENERGY RELATIONS
--------------
3. (C) Mammadyarov told General Ward that the
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline had recently been completed
and would eventually pump more than 1 million barrels of oil
per day. In addition, Azerbaijan would finish the Shah Deniz
natural gas pipeline in the fall. Regarding the export of
Azerbaijani natural gas to Europe, Mammadyarov felt that
Washington is more understanding than the EU. Mammadyarov
indicated that U.S. support is critical to securing
Azerbaijani gas to Europe. Mammadyarov raised the
Kars-Akhalkalaki-Baku railroad and its importance as a
follow-on to the pipelines and its significance in linking
Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. General Ward told
Mammadyarov that Azerbaijan's pipelines reinforced the
country's stability.
AZERBAIJAN'S DEMOCRATIC PROCESS
--------------
4. (C) Mammadyarov stated that Azerbaijan's friends needed to
have patience with the country's development "processes." He
BAKU 00001407 002 OF 004
noted that the GOAJ has much work to do to prepare the
population and that he appreciated the U.S.'s support on
Azerbaijan's democratic development. He emphasized that
Azerbaijan has made steady progress on its democratic
reforms, noting the country's cultural and regional values.
Ward said that how the government handled its efforts to
inform and develop the population was important in ensuring
long-term stability. Mammadyarov stated that President
Aliyev took a strategic view concerning investing in the
country's energy revenues, and also wanted to develop the
country's human capital through investing in education. He
noted that First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva - through the Heydar
Aliyev Foundation - was active in building new schools. In
addition, the government had plans to connect the country's
4,500 schools to the Internet by 2008. Mammadyarov
reiterated that Azerbaijan is making steady progress and
would have to invest time and money to modernize the country.
U.S.-AZERBAIJAN MILITARY COOPERATION
--------------
5. (C) Mammadyarov raised the importance of developing
Azerbaijan's military and stated that Azerbaijan wanted to
send more military officers to the U.S. for language and
other training. He highlighted the value of international
training for Azerbaijani military officers. Mammadyarov said
that Azerbaijan hopes there will be a full repeal of the
section 907 sanctions, adding that Azerbaijan understands
that the annual waiver of sanctions can always be in "peril."
Mammadyarov highlighted the need for the U.S. to work with
Armenia and others to ensure that they are the "winners and
not losers." Mammadyarov stated that the Ministry of Defense
will continue the military-to-military relationship with the
U.S., noting its importance to Azerbaijan's national security
strategy.
UNSC VENEZUELA AND GUATEMALA
--------------
6. (C) General Ward raised with Mammadyarov the importance of
securing Azerbaijan's vote at the UN in favor of Guatemala
and not Venezuela for a rotating seat on the UN Security
Council. Ward said that if Azerbaijan voted for Venezuela,
the U.S.-Azerbaijan relationship will suffer. From his
facial expression, Minister Mammadyarov appeared to get the
message, and he noted that of all the Ministers dealing with
this issue, he "had the toughest job." (NOTE: Regarding the
Venezuela/Guatemala UNSC issue, the GOAJ had in fact long ago
traded its vote to Venezuela in exchange for Venezuela's vote
for Azerbaijan for the new Human Rights Council. Venezuela
did in fact vote for Azerbaijan for the Human Rights Council
and as such the FM said Azerbaijan felt "honor-bound" to vote
for Venezuela on this isue. (REFTEL). We continue to press
Aliyev to suport Guatemala.
CASPIAN SEA, IRAN AND RUSSIA
--------------
7. (C) Mammadyarov noted that Azerbaijan is keen to exploit
the energy resources in the Caspian Sea. He added that
Azerbaijan had agreed on Caspian delimitation with Russia and
Kazakhstan. Discussions with Turkmenistan had gone nowhere
and would be paused until a later time. Mammadyarov stated
that the BTC pipeline had capacity for 1.75 million barrels
of oil per day and that Azerbaijan's energy resources could
play a stabilizing role in international markets.
Mammadyarov said that the Russians are using gas as political
pressure, and therefore it is good that Azerbaijan is
developing its domestic gas supplies.
8. (C) Mammadyarov said that the Russians have told
Azerbaijan that if Azerbaijan supplies Georgia with Russian
gas, Russia will cut off all gas supplies to Azerbaijan.
Mammadyarov stated that the country's energy supplies play a
critical role in Azerbaijan's economic development, noting
the 36 percent GDP growth rate. Mammadyarov said that
negotiations with Gazprom were continuing, adding that
BAKU 00001407 003 OF 004
Gazprom had unexpectedly raised gas rates despite a contract
with Azerbaijan. Mammadyarov stressed energy supplies should
not be made a political issue for short-term gains and that
Russia needs to see the long-term interests. General Ward
stated that as Azerbaijan moves forward, its coalition
building efforts will be critical to counter these kinds of
"threats," noting the need for intense political will.
Mammadyarov commented that Russia needed to be sent a message
regarding its treatment of former Soviet republics.
AZERBAIJAN-ARMENIA RELATIONS
--------------
9. (C) Turning to the conflict with Armenia, Mammadyarov
stated that Armenia would be "stronger" if it joined
Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has taken this message to Armenia but
President Kocharian is not in a position to make a deal.
Mammadyarov noted that Armenia has to realize that the world
"has changed." Mammadyarov stressed the importance of
Armenia getting educated and receiving the message that it
should "join the club." He added that the GOAJ feels
tremendous amount of political and social pressure to assist
Azerbaijan's internally displaced persons and to eliminate
tent camps.
10. (C) Mammadyarov stated that as Azerbaijan becomes more
wealthy and stable, the population's mood will change. He
stated that Azerbaijan could resolve its conflict with
Armenia unilaterally by military force. He added that this
prospect "scared him." Ward stressed that only a fair,
negotiated diplomatic solution would ensure long-term
regional stability. Mammadyarov agreed and noted that the
international community needed to send the same message to
Armenia, stating that Armenia needed to "catch the train or
it will be hard." Mammadyarov briefed Ward on the GUAM
group's effort to promote regional stability. Ward praised
Azerbaijan's role in GUAM and stated that Azerbaijan's
progress toward NATO accession would reinforce the group's
efforts.
AZERBAIJAN-NATO
--------------
11. (C) Mammadyarov told Ward that Azerbaijan needed to be
part of NATO -- "joining the big club is our long-term
foreign policy objective" -- but that it also needed to do
"more homework" regarding NATO and to prepare the population
regarding NATO membership. In addition, Mammadyarov stated
that Azerbaijan would hold a referendum vote on NATO
membership with Azerbaijani citizens' support. Mammadyarov
stressed the need "to prepare the population" on eventual
NATO membership.
REGIONAL CONCERNS - IRAN
--------------
12. (C) Mammadyarov said that Iran remains a concern and we
are "working every day on NK and Iran, even more than the
U.S.," adding that Azerbaijan is "sandwiched" in a tough
neighborhood. He added that Azerbaijan had good relations
with Iran during the previous Khatami government, citing the
long discussions with the Government of Iran that eventually
led to the opening of an Azerbaijani consul general in the
northern Iran city of Tabriz, which Mammadyarov called
"Southern Azerbaijan." Mammadyarov also explained that Iran
helped Azerbaijan by opening a land route to the exclave of
Nakhchivan. Mammadyarov noted that the Azeri-Iranians in
Iran was an important bilateral issue and that Iran takes a
careful approach to Azerbaijan on this issue.
13. (C) Mammadyarov stated that the GOAJ continues to work
closely with Iran's new President Ahmedinejad and that the
leadership of the Iranian-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental
Commission had recently been transferred from the respective
Ministries of Economy to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs.
Mammadyarov noted that this shift indicates that the Iran
wants to shift the dialogue to more political issues.
BAKU 00001407 004 OF 004
14. (C) Turning to Iran's activities in the Caspian Sea and
the disputed area around the Alov field, Mammadyarov said
that this was a particular concern of the GOAJ. He explained
the discussions regarding delimitation with the other Caspian
Sea countries and said that Iran and Azerbaijan had not yet
been able reach an agreement. Mammadyarov noted that Iran
appeared to be changing its attitude on the issue and that
Azerbaijan and Iran will continue negotiating. In the
meantime, they had agreed neither country will exploit energy
resources in the disputed area, according to Mammadyarov.
Mammadyarov stated that Iran's activities in the Alov field
may be an attempt to distract the international community
from the nuclear issue by involving different parties.
15. (C) Regarding the nuclear issues, Mammadyarov stated that
Azerbaijan has told Iran it must resolve the dispute by
diplomatic means. General Ward said that it was good to
reinforce this message. At the end of the meeting,
Mammadyarov stated that Azerbaijan is ready for increased
U.S. cooperation.
DERSE