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