AMBASSADOR'S INTRODUCTORY CALL ON FIRST DEPUTY

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAKU 000991

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/11/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV PBTS PARM PTER KNNP AJ
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S INTRODUCTORY CALL ON FIRST DEPUTY
PRIME MINISTER YAQUB EYYUBOV

Classified By: AMBASSADOR ANNE E. DERSE PER 1.4 (B,D)


1. (C) SUMMARY: In her introductory call on First Deputy
Prime Minister Yaqub Eyyubov, the Ambassador discussed the
U.S.- Azerbaijani bilateral relationship. She urged the
Cabinet of Ministers to move forward quickly on a letter
designating the Azerbaijani Navy as a partner in the Weapons
of Mass Destruction Proliferation Prevention Initiative
(WMD-PPI). Eyyubov said that he needed more time to gather
information regarding the letter, and invited the Embassy to
meet with the involved parties, on which the Ambassador
agreed the Embassy would follow up as soon as possible. The
Ambassador also discussed the need for democratic and
economic reform, particularly in Azerbaijan's economic
liberalization and development strategy. After the meeting,
Eyyubov's assistant told DTRO and DAO that the problem with
the letter is an internal GOAJ issue. He said that the GOAJ
will sort through the issue and will provide the letter. END
SUMMARY


2. (C) During her July 5 introductory call on First Deputy
Prime Minister Yaqub Eyyubov, who is responsible for
coordination of the WMD-PPI, the Ambassador highlighted U.S.-
Azerbaijani cooperation in the areas of energy and defense,
while emphasizing the need for economic and democratic
reform. She thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for the GOAJ's
cooperation on Weapons of Mass Destruction and
non-proliferation issues, and expressed interest in expanding
this cooperation.


3. (C) The Deputy Prime Minister discussed Azerbaijan's
cooperation with the U.S. on security issues. He outlined
Azerbaijan's contribution to the War on Terror and pointed
out that Azerbaijan has signed all relevant treaties. He said
that Azerbaijan places great importance on Weapons of Mass
Destruction and non-proliferation issues, and that he is
pleased with the bilateral relationship in this area.


4. (C) The Ambassador raised the issue of the WMD-PPI and our
desire to increase cooperation on this program. She mentioned
that the Cabinet of Ministers had not yet provided a letter
designating the Azerbaijani Navy as an implementing agent for
the WMD-PPI. She stressed that this letter is a legal
requirement to enable the USG to move forward with this key
initiative.


5. (C) Stating that he wants to cooperate, the Deputy Prime
Minister asked the Embassy to meet with the involved parties
- Azerbaijan's Navy, State Border Service, and Ministry of
Defense. He stressed that in his opinion, there would be no
problem, but that he needed time to consult with the involved
parties and to review the matter. The Ambassador agreed that
the Embassy would follow up with Eyyubov's staff as soon as
possible.


6. (C) Expressing her interest in Azerbaijan's WTO pursuit,
the Ambassador shared her goal for U.S. businesses in all
sectors to come to Azerbaijan. The Deputy Prime Minister
stated that the current presence of U.S. business in
Azerbaijan indicates that the investment climate is already
secure. The Ambassador pointed out that the GOAJ's economic
liberalization and development strategy is key, and said that
she is willing to help. The Deputy Prime Minister said that
there were already numerous large British and Norwegian
companies in diverse sectors, but expressed his willingness
to attract more U.S. businesses.


7. (C) After the meeting, in discussions with DTRO and DAO,
Agadai Agayev (Eyyubov's assistant) said that another meeting
between the Embassy and the involved GOAJ parties is not
necessary. According to Agayev, the problem is an internal
GOAJ issue between the State Border Service and the Navy. He
stated that the GOAJ will sort through the issue and will
provide the requested letter. We will continue to press the
GOAJ to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
DERSE