SIGNS OF LIFE IN AZERBAIJAN'S NEW PARLIAMENT

UNCLAS BAKU 000323 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT PLEASE PASS USAID E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM KDEM PGOV EAID PREL PINR AJ SUBJECT: SIGNS OF LIFE IN AZERBAIJAN'S NEW PARLIAMENT REF: 05 BAKU 1846 SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED -- NOT FOR INTERNET DISTRIBUTION. ¶1. (SBU) On February 27, Ambassador called on new Deputy Speaker of Parliament Valeh Alasgarov (reftel). Alasgarov is a new MP who has been elected by the 41 independents in Parliament to serve as their focal point. Alasgarov appeared overwhelmed at the numerous balls he has been assigned to juggle, but eager to take on what he clearly saw as defining work for the Parliament. In his role as head of the Natural Resources, Energy, and Environment Commission (committee), Alasgarov said he would not accept members on his committee who did not intend to work. Under this condition, he told Ambassador he was prepared to accept opposition MP and former Prime Minister Panah Huseynov on his committee. Unlike the US Congress, Azerbaijan's parliamentarians choose the one committee on which they would like to serve, regardless of party affiliation or balance. An agreement is then brokered with the chair of the commission (and presumably the leadership of the Parliament). ¶2. (SBU) In a departure from the previous parliament, Alasgarov said he will engage in consultation with other MPs, other GOAJ entities, and the private sector on relevant legislation. While he said his informal "hearings" would not be public, this method would create stronger legislation and at least dent the Executive Branch's monopoly on lawmaking. He admitted that this would create delays in passing legislation, but ultimately would be to the benefit of Azerbaijan. He referenced the new pensions bill, which he said he and other MPs worked on intensively for more than a month, but the result was 69 amendments agreed to by the Parliament. He reported the same process was ongoing for the Law on Banking, on which he had consulted not only with GOAJ structures but also with the International Bank of Azerbaijan and 14 commercial banks. In his role as Deputy Speaker, Alasgarov is well-placed to introduce hearing-like structures for other committees, which could be the nascent signs of substantive internal deliberation and full-fledged public debate. ¶3. (SBU) COMMENT: While elected as an independent MP, Alasgarov has strong ties with the GOAJ from his former position at SOCAR. He clearly understands his elected role (he asked to be first on the list to receive USAID's help in setting up constituency offices) and intends to undertake substantive work during his tenure at Parliament. With his apparent ability to work with the full political spectrum from the staunchest YAP members all the way through to vocal opposition MP Panah Huseynov, Alasgarov could be well-placed to lead transformational changes in the stagnant legislative branch. We are heartened by his efforts to seek out broader input in legislation, and hope this idea will catch on, particularly as USAID's parliamentary assistance program takes shape. In the meantime, we will continue to cultivate contact with Alasgarov and others positioned to assert a stronger role for the Parliament. HARNISH