KEY MPS DISCUSS AZERBAIJAN'S FUTURE, BILATERAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAKU 000862 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/09/2017 TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM KDEM IR AJ SUBJECT: KEY MPS DISCUSS AZERBAIJAN'S FUTURE, BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP WITH CODEL TIERNEY REF: BAKU 400 Classified By: A/DCM Jonathan Henick per 1.4 (b,d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: In a July 3 meeting with Representative Tierney, Chair of Parliament's International Relations Commission Samad Seyidov and Members of Parliament Asim Mollazade and Nasib Nasibli noted that Azerbaijan has chosen western orientation, explaining that this is difficult under increasing pressure from Russia and Iran. The three expressed their desire for a stronger relationship with the U.S. Representative Tierney outlined the important balance between the executive and legislative branches, and the Azerbaijani MPs briefed him on their progress towards making Parliament a stronger, more independent institution. Representative Tierney explained that many Congressmen are only exposed to "one side of the story," and said that he would encourage more Congressmen to visit Azerbaijan. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) Chair of Parliament's International Relations Commission - and Rector of the University of Languages - Samad Seyidov opened the July 3 meeting with Representative Tierney by noting that the Azerbaijani Parliament must be pragmatic in its relationship with the U.S. Congress. He explained the role of Azerbaijan's International Relations Commission, and said that many members of the commission also are members of parliamentary friendship groups with other countries. For example, all three Members of Parliament (MPs) present at the meeting are members of the U.S.-Azerbaijan Inter-Parliamentary Working Group. Seyidov said that he sees the U.S. as a "real partner" and friend, and highlighted Azerbaijan's partnership in the War on Terror as an example of the GOAJ's commitment to this partnership. This is particularly important, Seyidov continued, in light of the pressure that Azerbaijan receives from its neighbors to the north and south, the complicated situation to the east, and the conflict with Armenia to the west. ¶3. (C) Asim Mollazade, MP and Chair of the independent Azerbaijan Democratic Reforms Party, said that visits like Representative Tierney's were important to developing a strategic partnership. He noted that the U.S. has been supportive of Azerbaijan since its early days of independence, and that Azerbaijan has selected western orientation as its "strategic choice." Mollazade said that �A;he is "not happy" with the situation in the U.S. Congress, because of intense lobbying from "certain interest groups," referring to the Armenian lobby. Rather than asking the U.S. to consider Azerbaijan's position, Mollazade said he asked Representative Tierney to consider U.S. interests, which he believes would be better served through a stronger relationship with Azerbaijan. Mollazade said that he realized democratization in Azerbaijan is the responsibility of Azerbaijanis, but he said that more support from the U.S. and Europe would help. He concluded that Azerbaijan also needs U.S. help in solving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. ¶4. (C) Opposition Musavat Party MP - and former Azerbaijani Ambassador to Iran - Nasib Nasibli outlined the domestic situation in Azerbaijan, blaming oil for some of the country's problems on the democracy front. He said that the U.S. and Europe are Azerbaijan's "natural allies," and that there is great potential to strengthen these relationships. For example, Nasibli said it is time for Azerbaijan to take its NATO commitments seriously. Referring to the GOAJ's stated "balanced" foreign policy, Nasibli asked, what would Azerbaijan have to do to receive U.S. assistance in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, when it was already assisting the U.S. in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo? ¶5. (C) Seyidov explained that the GOAJ is trying to use the economic tools at its disposal to further democratization. While Azerbaijan has chosen western orientation, he said that it is difficult with threats from Iran and Russia (a country that Seyidov said "pretends to be democratic"). Seyidov noted concern over what he perceives as a growing relationship between the U.S. and Russia, which he believes is evidenced by Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the U.S. According to Seyidov, Russia does not want to see Azerbaijan as a secular, democratic, western-oriented country. ¶6. (C) Representative Tierney thanked the MPs for Azerbaijan's support in the War on Terror, although he noted that he has differences with the Administration's policy in Iraq. He explained his work in Congress, and said that he is a member of the Armenian Caucus. According to Representative Tierney, most members of the Armenian Caucus are only exposed to "one side of the story," but that he would do his best to educate his colleagues and to encourage them to visit Azerbaijan. "There is no reason that we cannot be friends BAKU 00000862 002 OF 002 with both Armenia and Azerbaijan," he said. The Congressman said that it is important to find a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, but pointed out that in the U.S., many lawmakers do not know about Azerbaijan's efforts to achieve peace. Representative Tierney noted that Congress is also concerned about Iran and Russia, which he said is using energy "almost as a weapon." ¶7. (C) The Congressman turned to the role of a legislature, noting the tension that exists between the Executive branch and the U.S. Congress, particularly since the Democratic Party gained majority status. But, he said, this tension fosters debate and is healthy. Seyidov said that Azerbaijani MPs are working to strengthen Parliament as an institution, but since Parliament is still a relatively new concept in Azerbaijan, some MPs do not fully understand their role. He briefed Representative Tierney on Parliament's progress, highlighting in particular the hiring of one staff member per MP. Mollazade said that Parliament is trying to create a "real separation of powers," explaining that it still does not function like a "real Parliament." COMMENT -------------- ¶8. (C) Seyidov has shared with us many times his desire to develop informal ties with U.S. Congressmen, and has expressed his gratitude for meetings with Representatives Tierney and Hoekstra. We believe that greater ties between the two legislatures would help Parliament strengthen as an institution, and would welcome further Congressional visits. ¶9. (U) Representative Tierney did not clear this message. LU