PRESIDENT ALIYEV PITCHES AZERBAIJAN AS STRONGER

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAKU 000602

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/CARC

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/29/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV PBTS KDEM PHUM AM AJ
SUBJECT: PRESIDENT ALIYEV PITCHES AZERBAIJAN AS STRONGER
PARTNER FOR THE U.S. THAN ARMENIA

REF: BAKU 447

Classified By: Ambassador Anne E. Derse per 1.4 (b,d).


1. (C) Summary: In a May 24 meeting with CODEL Schiff,
President Aliyev outlined Azerbaijan's cooperation with the
U.S., highlighting contributions in security,
counter-terorrism and energy security, and contrasting them
to Armenia's continuing dependence on Russia. He said
Azerbaijan seeks greater cooperation with the U.S. and "is
ready to go as far as the U.S. is willing to go." Aliyev
affirmed his commitment to the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process
and characterized the Minsk Group's Basic Principles as "more
or less acceptable," with important differences still to be
agreed. He made a plea for Azerbaijan's partners to adopt a
"just approach" to all three Caucasus countries and
encouraged "those who support Armenia" to also be friends of
Azerbaijan. In response to Representative Schiff's concerns
about media freedom, Aliyev said Azerbaijan does not practice
censorship and that the four Azerbaijani journalists were
jailed on charges unrelated to their profession. End
summary.


2. (U) On May 24, President Aliyev reviewed the bilateral
relationship and regional issues in a warm, hour-long meeting
with CODEL Schiff and Ambassador Derse. Representatives Adam
Schiff (D-CA),Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) and Wayne Gilchrest
(R-MD),and staff, as well Ambassador Derse and Pol/Econ
chief (notetaker) attended the meeting. President Aliyev was
accompanied by his International Relations Advisor Novruz
Mammadov.


3. (C) Schiff explained that the Members of Congress were
visiting Azerbaijan in their capacity as members of the House
Democracy Assistance Commission, which works with 12 emerging
democracies around the world to promote inter-parliamentary
exchanges. He thanked Aliyev for Azerbaijan's
counter-terrorism cooperation, assistance in Iraq and
Afghanistan, and efforts to diversify global energy sources
and routes.

BROAD BILATERAL COOPERATION
--------------


4. (C) Aliyev responded that Azerbaijan's cooperation with
the U.S. was very broad. He was glad to see new developments
in the bilateral relationship and said it was necessary to
continue our cooperation. He noted that he had just returned
from Kyiv and characterized the May 22-23 energy summit as a
success. The Baltic states, Poland, Georgia and Ukraine had
discussed new routes for Caspian oil and gas. Aliyev
commented that energy cooperation is the main catalyst for
development in the region. Azerbaijan had achieved its main
goal - developing its own energy resources - and was focused
on the development on new transportation routes. Hinting
broadly at Russia's grip on European energy markets, Aliyev
noted that dependence on one major supplier leads to
dependence in other areas. Azerbaijan has enormous reserves
and the requisite transportation infrastructure, he said.
"Without our participation, none of these new Caspian
projects can be realized."


5. (C) Aliyev stressed the importance of our bilateral
cooperation in other areas. He highlighted our
counter-terrorism and security cooperation, noting that
Azerbaijan had recently doubled its troop presence and
introduced new training and humanitarian assistance programs
in Afghanistan. He also noted our bilateral economic
cooperation, stating that he was "satisfied" by the overall
level of bilateral cooperation.

INDEPENDENCE IS OUR PRIMARY GOAL
--------------


6. (C) Aliyev said that he is striving to create a modern
country. Noting that Azerbaijan had lived for centuries as a
colony, "independence is our primary goal." Azerbaijan had a
very short period of independence in 1918 and faced an
almost-similar scenario in 1993, when the country was wracked
by separatism, civil war and near total economic collapse.
Now, however, Azerbaijan has the most rapidly developing
economy in the world, with 96 percent GDP growth over the
last four years. The Azerbaijani Government seeks to build a
strong, independent country, developing projects that advance

regional and global security, particularly against the
"serious threat" of "energy blackmail."


7. (C) Stressing that Azerbaijan is a friend of the U.S. and
of Europe, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan has the opportunity
and the political will to contribute to U.S. and European
security goals. Azerbaijan is a member of the EU's
neighborhood program and seeks to become closer to Europe
"not with empty hands." Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijan does
not seek financial assistance from Europe; instead it wants
European "standards," particularly with respect to "life,
political systems and security."


8. (C) Aliyev said that Azerbaijan's unique geography
contributed to its unique approach to security. Hinting
again at Russia's powerful reach, Aliyev said that unlike
other post-Soviet countries, Azerbaijan is not a member of
any military organizations. Instead, "we work on our
security ourselves." Azerbaijan's increasing ties to Europe
builds confidence and protection, Aliyev said; project in all
areas are aimed to strengthen Azerbaijan's ties with
Euro-Atlantic institutions.

"READY TO GO AS FAR AS THE U.S.
IS WILLING TO GO..."
--------------


9. (C) Aliyev said that Azerbaijan is "ready to go as far as
the U.S. is willing to go" to further expand the bilateral
relationship. Azerbaijan made a strategic choice in the
mid-1990s to pursue Euro-Atlantic integration and seeks
guidance from the U.S. on ways to deepen and expand the
relationship. Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijan's neighbors,
with a "different history, different culture and different
political system" do not pursue close ties to the U.S. He
said that Azerbaijan is the only country with both Russia and
Iran as neighbors and Azerbaijan had spent much of its
history divided between these two powers. Now, 25-30 million
ethnic Azeris live in Iran out of a total, global Azeri
population of 50 million. We are a big but divided nation,
Aliyev said, and we must keep in mind our history. As a
matter of policy, Azerbaijan seeks to ensure that the rights
of ethnic Azeri populations in Iran, Dagestan and Georgia are
protected; Azerbaijan also strives to be a model of
prosperity and modernity for its diaspora population. "We
must prove that our path is the right one." Aliyev noted
that "from a self-defense point of view, the Russia or
Islamic model would have been easier," yet Azerbaijan made a
difficult choice to pursue close ties with the West. "Our
willingness to be close to the West is not properly
evaluated."

ARMENIA IS DEPENDENT ON RUSSIA
--------------


10. (C) Turning again to Azerbaijan's "difficult
neighborhood," Aliyev said that the "other part of our
neighborhood sits on our land. They conducted ethnic
cleansing, leaving one million refugees." This situation has
continued for almost 20 years, Aliyev said, yet Azerbaijan
has managed to develop under these difficult circumstances.
Aliyev said that Azerbaijan is starting to feel "jealousy"
from its neighbor, as the prospects in Azerbaijan are "much
brighter." He noted that having "80 percent of our territory
independent is better than having 100 percent of the
territory dependent. Our neighbor is 100 percent dependent
on its former boss." Aliyev noted that U.S. relations with
Azerbaijan's neighbors were an important factor in
Azerbaijan's own foreign policies. He said Azerbaijan
understands U.S. concerns with Iran's nuclear program.
However, given Azerbaijan's 800-kilometer border with Iran,
"any destabilization in the region undermines all that we
have achieved."

THE NK PEACE PROCESS
--------------


11. (C) In response to Representative Schiff's query about
the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, Aliyev affirmed his
commitment to the peace process and said "I think we can find
a solution." Noting Azerbaijan was continuing negotiations a
full 14 years since the cease-fire, Aliyev commented that
events in Armenia on several occasions had prevented the two
sides from reaching a solution. An act of terrorism in the

Armenian parliament in the late 1990s had ruined prospects
for peace at that time. Then-Armenian President Kocharian
had told Heydar Aliyev that he "couldn't do anything as the
situation is out of control." In Key West, Aliyev said that
the Armenians made last-minute changes to the proposed peace
deal.


12. (C) Noting that he had spent many hours with Kocharian
since 2003, Aliyev said he concluded that Kocharian would not
sign a peace deal. However, the two sides made progress and
"agreed on many issues;" equally importantly, "war did not
start." Aliyev said that Kocharian "walked out" at crucial
moments, including Rambouillet where Aliyev said Kocharian
told him "If I knew we would go so far I would have stopped."
Aliyev said it took six months for the talks to resume
following Rambouillet, a pause Aliyev attributed to
Kocharian's desire to ensure his political succession in
Armenia. Aliyev said Kocharian achieved this at the cost of
the "loss of innocent lives."


13. (C) Aliyev characterized the Minsk Group's Basic
Principles as "more or less acceptable" with important
details still to be agreed. Aliyev stressed that a solution
which does not recognize the territorial integrity of
Azerbaijan is "out of question." There will not be
independence for Nagorno-Karabakh in 10, 15 or 100 years.
Under the current proposal, there is no mechanism for the
separation or independence of Nagorno-Karabakh. All
territory will be returned to Azerbaijan, five provinces
immediately and two later. Azerbaijan's refugees and IDPs
will have the right of return, and Nagorno-Karabakh will be
granted an interim arrangement that is "more or less
legalized."


14. (C) Aliyev said that if the two sides can agree on
sensitive details - especially the corridors - "we can sign."
He believes that Nagorno-Karabakh should have direct land
access to Armenia; however, the status of those land
corridors should be "integral to the territory of
Azerbaijan." Aliyev stressed that "that land never was part
of Nagorno-Karabakh." Aliyev said he was very pleased that
the Basic Principles document appears to be supported by new
Armenian President Sargsyan. "If the new President behaves
like a statesman and not a politician, then we can agree."
Aliyev confirmed that he "probably" will meet new Armenian
President Sargsyan on the margins of the June informal CIS
summit.

ARMENIA WOULD BENEFIT FROM PEACE
--------------


15. (C) Aliyev noted that Armenia's geopolitical positions
is difficult. Surrounded by Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia,
Armenia needs peace for its security. He pointed to
Armenia's position on a recent UN resolution on Georgian
refugees and on the independence of Kosovo as evidence that
Armenia "obeyed Putin's orders." Aliyev commented that
Armenia hasn't taken full advantage of its independence,
relying instead on Russia to ensure its security and energy
needs. Armenia also pursues close ties with Iran, Aliyev
said, and pointed to Gazprom's recent purchase of the
Iran-Armenia gas pipeline as further evidence of Armenia's
dependence on Russia.


16. (C) Azerbaijan's political, economic and financial
position is becoming stronger, Aliyev said. "We are becoming
a rich country," and work with the EU and GUAM as partners.
Armenia, on the other hand, has the backing of its diaspora
and its defense partners - Russia, Uzbekistan and Belarus.
Armenia "pretends to work with NATO" and "sent drivers to
Iraq one year after we sent soldiers." Armenia must decide
what it will be in 3-5 years, Aliyev said. "Settlement of
the NK conflict is our number one priority," Aliyev said.
"We'll never give up and will do our best to find a solution.
And if Armenia doesn't agree, we'll continue our efforts.
The economic might of Azerbaijan will help us. They could
benefit by being friend with us." If the two sides reach a
deal on Nagorno-Karabakh and the seven surrounding
territories, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan would provide
hundreds of millions of dollars to reconstruct
Nagorno-Karabakh, "as much as needed."

THE ROCKY ROAD TO DEMOCRACY
--------------



17. (C) In response to media freedom concerns raised by
Representative Schiff, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan is
committed to democratic principles. Azerbaijan is a
"voluntary member of the Council of Europe, where we are
always criticized." "This is normal," Aliyev said, "We need
to reform." Neither Azerbaijan nor Armenia ever had a
political system; we were always governed by "shahs, khans or
communists." Aliyev said that Azerbaijan today has "all the
attributes of a political system" but the political system is
not very strong. "Azerbaijan didn't choose the way of
Central Asia or the Middle East; no one talks democracy with
those countries. We chose the democratic way," Aliyev said,
"and we have good results."


18. (C) Aliyev claimed that Azerbaijan has no problems with
media freedom. Azerbaijan has "no censorship" and "criminal
cases against journalists are not related to their
profession." Aliyev said that Azerbaijan is the most
democratic country in the region. Undemocratic events
surrounding Georgia's recent election - including street
clashes, the closure of media outlets and the imposition of a
state of emergency - were not criticized by the West. "We
know why and we support this," Aliyev said. Armenia's
election was even worse, with the "brutal suppression" of
protests, "massive killing of people" and arrest of members
of parliament. Yet the international community's reaction
was "very muted due to the Armenian lobby," Aliyev said.


19. (C) Aliyev assured the CODEL that events in Georgia and
Armenia are "not an excuse for us; the situation here is
stable." However, the contrast between the international
community's reaction to events in Georgia and Armenia, and to
"small episodes" in Azerbaijan "hurts us," Aliyev said.
Aliyev said that he had released "all Council of Europe
political prisoners" but that the four jailed Azerbaijani
journalists - including one convicted on bribery charges -
"must be brought to justice." (Comment: Three Azerbaijani
citizens identified by the Council of Europe as political
prisoners remain in jail.) Journalists are not beyond the
legal framework, Aliyev emphasized, pointing to "hundreds of
newspapers" including opposition papers that publish
"aggressive attacks on me" as evidence of Azerbaijan's
commitment to media freedom. Aliyev also argued that
Azerbaijan's commitment to introducing internet technology in
schools was not compatible with alleged media restrictions.

A "JUST APPROACH"
--------------


20. (C) "We are a friendly country and we expect from the
West - and particularly the U.S. - a just approach to all
three countries," Aliyev said. "There shouldn't be different
ratings for the Caucasus countries," Aliyev continued. "And
if these ratings were fair, Azerbaijan would be number one,
not number three." Aliyev urged the U.S. to adopt a "unified
approach and a proper assessment" of the South Caucasus. He
stressed that it is important to express views in a "sincere
way;" to that end, it is important for Azerbaijan to have
more contact with the U.S. Congress - "particularly those who
are friends of Armenia. Being a friend of Armenia is not
being not a friend to us." Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijan
has not harmed Armenia: "The tragic events of the beginning
of the 20th century have no relation to us." We hope to see
more Congressmen here, Aliyev said, and proposed that the
Azerbaijani and Armenian Ambassadors to Washington host a
joint meeting of the two Congressional Caucuses. He noted
that the joint visit of Armenian and Azerbaijani
intellectuals to Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh had
generated greater understanding and good will. "We want
those who support Armenia to be friends of Azerbaijan,"
Aliyev concluded.

COMMENT
--------------


21. (C) Throughout the warm, cordial meeting, Aliyev was
careful never to criticize Armenia by name and to emphasize
the benefits to Armenia in terms of securing independence and
development if the NK conflict is resolved and Azerbaijan and
Armenia can cooperate. However, he clearly saw this meeting
as an opportunity to make the case that Azerbaijan is a
stronger partner for the U.S. than Armenia, and to make clear
his desire to strengthen and expand the bilateral


relationship "as far as the U.S. is willing to go." Aliyev's
closest advisors have told us that he is deeply disappointed
by recent public criticisms by the U.S. of Azerbaijan's human
rights record, particularly in light of recent events in
Georgia and Armenia (reftel). This information was supported
by Aliyev's plea for a "just approach" to all three Caucasus
countries. Aliyev's insistence that Azerbaijan does not have
media problems is incorrect and steps to accelerate economic
and political reform remain important to strengthening our
overall relations. Azerbaijan must acknowledge and begin to
deal with its human rights problems in order for this
relationship to move forward. Further high-level dialogue
with Aliyev is needed to underscore this point.


22. (U) Representative Schiff cleared this message.
DERSE