AHMADINEJAD IN BAKU

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAKU 001052 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/21/2017 TAGS: PGOV PREL IR AJ SUBJECT: AHMADINEJAD IN BAKU BAKU 00001052 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: Ambassador Anne E. Derse for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary: Iranian President Ahmadinejad's August 21-22 visit to Baku received extensive positive coverage, with Ahmadinejad's "peace for all" message coming across well with the Azerbaijani press. While we have not yet obtained information on the full range and nature of agreements reached between the two countries, initial press reports indicate that most were centered on transportation. Embassy contacts and political commentators believe that Ahmadinejad's visit is driven by Iranian security concerns, with Iran likely seeking further assurances that Azerbaijan will not allow the U.S. to use its territory against Iran. While differences between the two countries remain - including the unresolved legal status of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijani concerns over Iranian attempts to export radical Islam, and Iran's treatment of its sizable ethnic Azeri minority - both sides seem intent upon showcasing good neighborly relations. End Summary. TV and Official Press Give Extensive Positive Coverage -------------- -------------- ¶2. (U) Iranian President Ahmadinejad's first official visit to Azerbaijan received extensive positive media coverage, with the news programs of all six national television networks leading with the visit on August 21. Television coverage featured a range of the day's events, including the two presidents' warm greeting outside the Presidential Apparat, and the signing of five bilateral agreements and a joint declaration. Official newspapers dedicated three to four full pages of coverage to the visit. ¶3. (SBU) Ahmadinejad's "peace for all" message at a joint press conference with President Aliyev came across especially well with the Azerbaijani press, with Ahmadinejad reiterating Iran's support for Azerbaijan's "just" position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In doing so, Ahmadinejad directly addressed Azerbaijan's top foreign policy priority and the widespread public skepticism regarding Iran's position on this issue. Agreements Reached - and Drivers - of the Visit -------------- -- ¶4. (SBU) While the full range and nature of agreements reached between the two countries remains unclear, initial press reports indicate that the joint declaration was a "very wide ranging and comprehensive" document which included a provision on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The five bilateral agreements appear to be centered on transportation improvements, including the establishment of a Baku-Nakhchivan-Baku bus service and building of a road bridge at the primary border crossing between Nakhchivan and Iran at Culfa. Concerning energy, an agreement to construct a hydroelectric power plant on the Araz River was also reached according to press reports. (Note: The joint declaration has been published in Azerbaijani. Post will provide an English translation. End Note.) ¶5. (C) Embassy contacts and political commentators believe that Ahmadinejad's visit is driven by Iranian security concerns, with Iran likely seeking further assurances that Azerbaijan will not allow the U.S. to use its territory against Iran. Local analysts note that Iranian concerns likely were heightened by Russia's recent proposal to make the Qabala radar station available for a joint missile defense project. Commentators also speculate that Ahmadinejad was seeking renewed support from Baku on Iran's nuclear program and against any new, harsher UN Security Council resolutions directed against it. Atmospherics -------------- ¶6. (U) During public appearances, both leaders were all smiles and appeared unusually relaxed. As in other head of state visits, the national flags of Azerbaijan and the visiting head of state adorned the light posts along all of Baku's major roadways, dozens of policemen manning each major intersection to ensure an orderly flow of traffic. All of Baku's major fountains were also functioning, another tell-tale sign that a significant event was underway. Comment -------------- BAKU 00001052 002.2 OF 002 ¶7. (C) While differences between the two countries remain - including the unresolved legal status of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijani concerns over Iranian attempts to export radical Islam, and Iran's treatment of its sizable ethnic Azeri minority - both sides seemed intent upon showcasing their good neighborly relations. Embassy media contacts noted that the Presidential Administration took the unusual precaution of limiting questions from journalists during the signing ceremony and calling key media contacts and requesting questions before the event, actions they interpreted as a sign that the government did not want to leave anything to chance. We are seeking meetings with a range of senior GOAJ contacts for a readout of the visit, and will provide further comment. DERSE