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