Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BAKU816
2008-08-28 11:20:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Baku
Cable title:  

AZERBAIJAN: GEORGIAN AMBASSADOR HIGHLIGHTS

Tags:  PREL PGOV GG AJ 
pdf how-to read a cable
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DE RUEHKB #0816/01 2411120
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 281120Z AUG 08
FM AMEMBASSY BAKU
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5908
INFO RUCNCIS/CIS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHMZ/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE PRIORITY 1072
RHMFISS/CDR USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L BAKU 000816 

SIPDIS

FOR EUR/CARC

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/27/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV GG AJ
SUBJECT: AZERBAIJAN: GEORGIAN AMBASSADOR HIGHLIGHTS
AZERBAIJAN'S ASSISTANCE DURING CONFLICT

Classified By: Ambassador Anne E. Derse for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAKU 000816

SIPDIS

FOR EUR/CARC

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/27/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV GG AJ
SUBJECT: AZERBAIJAN: GEORGIAN AMBASSADOR HIGHLIGHTS
AZERBAIJAN'S ASSISTANCE DURING CONFLICT

Classified By: Ambassador Anne E. Derse for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Summary: Georgian Ambassador Nikoloz Natbiladze told
the Ambassador on August 26 that Russian President Medvedev's
recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia was a "shocking"
figleaf for an "occupation." Natbiladze argued that Russia's
goal is to change Georgia's government and gain influence
over the oil and gas infrastructure on Georgian territory.
Throughout the conflict, Natbiladze said, Baku has provided
important behind-the-scenes economic assistance to Georgia,
including sending money overland from the Azerbaijani central
bank while the airport in Tbilisi was closed. Georgia
understands why Azerbaijan has maintained a low profile and
limited its public posturing during the conflict, he said.
End Summary.


2. (C) Georgian Ambassador Nikoloz Natbiladze met with the
Ambassador on August 26 to discuss the situation in Georgia.
Natbiladze several times noted Tbilisi's deep gratitude for
U.S. assistance.

Russia's Strategy
--------------


3. (C) Natbiladze told the Ambassador that Russian President
Medvedev's August 26 recognition of South Ossetia and
Abkhazia was "shocking" and was the legal figleaf of an
"occupation." Medvedev's decree shows the "real Russian
face," as Moscow's goal is to control the two territories.
Natbiladze said Georgia hopes to work with the international
community to fight the Russian measure legally. Natbiladze
suggested EU sanctions against Russia, public condemnations
of the Russian decision, and moving western navies offshore
of Abkhazia to grant international legitimacy to Georgia's
claims to sovereignty over Abkhazia would be welcome.
Natbiladze expects the Georgian Parliament to take up a
counter law to Medvedev's decree, as "Georgia will not allow
these territories to leave." The Georgian Foreign Minister
also will be hosting a meeting of all Georgian Ambassadors in
Vienna in the coming days to discuss Georgia's options in
dealing with Russia.


4. (C) Natbiladze argued that Russia's goal is to change
Georgia's government and gain influence over the oil and gas
infrastructure on Georgian territory. Natbiladze said
Georgian intelligence supported his view. Russias military
actions have caused a rallying effect ithin Georgian
society, with 90 percent of the ppulation supporting
President Saakishvili. Speaking about Russia's military
presence in the conflict zone, Natbiladze said Georgia
possesses unconfirmed information that Russia plans to
increase its military presence, probably under the guise of
"peacekeepers," in South Ossetia. Natbiladze also noted a
recent Russian Ministry of Defense announcement that Russia
will bring some naval forces to Abkhazia, ostensibly to help
withdraw Russian peacekeepers.


5. (C) Natbiladze noted that Russia could apply a similar
scenario -- provoking a conflict in a disputed territory and
citing the need to protect Russian citizens -- in Ukraine.
Natbiladze also said Russia could use the conflict to
pressure Azerbaijan, noting an upcoming military exercise in
Armenia.

Azerbaijan Provided Important Assistance
--------------


6. (C) Natbiladze said Tbilisi appreciates the GOAJ's strong
assistance to Georgia throughout the conflict. Tbilisi also
appreciates why Azerbaijan has needed to maintain a low
public profile and values the fact that the GOAJ has taken
concrete steps -- particularly in the economic sphere -- to
assist Georgia. Natbiladze said he has met three times with
Prime Minister Artur Rasizade and once with Deputy Foreign
Minister Khalafov during the conflict. He noted they were
immediately responsive to Georgia's request for assistance.


7. (C) Natbiladze said Baku has provided important economic
assistance, as Georgia had been totally reliant on
Azerbaijani petrol and diesel from August 7-15. The
Azerbaijani central bank provided cash overland by truck to
Georgia while the airport was still closed; Natbiladze said
this was critical to stopping an incipient run on Georgian
banks. Azersun -- a private company widely rumored to be

linked to the Aliyev family -- provided basic consumer
products which helped prevent a rush on Georgian shops, and
Baku also sent wheat flour to Georgia. Azerbaijan
facilitated the travel of the 5 Baltic/CEE presidents to
Georgia through Ganja, which Natbiladze referred to as an
important show of moral support.


8. (C) Natbiladze said Azerbaijan is "scared" of Russia,
however, citing the fact that the MFA "informed" the Russian
Ambassador here it would facilitate the 5 presidents' travel
to Georgia, so Russia would not assume it was providing
military assistance.
DERSE