Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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08YEREVAN818 | 2008-10-08 10:43:00 | CONFIDENTIAL | Embassy Yerevan |
1. (C) During their October 6 meeting, FM Nalbandian told Ambassador that Turkish FM Babacan had invited him to visit Turkey in late October in connection with the Davos Forum. Nalbandian reported that President Sargsian's Tbilisi visit had made good progress at warming the strained relationship with Georgia. He also quoted Russian FM Lavrov as regretting both the Georgian conflict and subsequent Russian recognition of the separatist provinces as against Russia's interests, but unavoidable. Nalbandian also recycled reftel complaints about Azerbaijan's stance on NK. End Summary. 2. (C) Ambassador's October 6 meeting with Foreign Minister Nalbandian covered a range of current issues. The Ambassador's discussions with Nalbandian on Turkey and RFE/RL have been reported separately. PRESIDENT SARGSIAN'S VISIT TO GEORGIA A SUCCESS -------------------------- -- 3. (C) Nalbandian described both his and President Sargsian's recent visits to Tbilisi as a success, noting that the GoG did much to welcome the Armenian President--including awarding him an honorary doctorate--and heal the rift that developed during the height of the Russia-Georgia crisis. Sargsian tried to make clear to the GoG that despite Armenia's close ties to Russia, the GOAM had not taken any steps to act against Georgia in the conflict or to support Russia's position on South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and continues to place great value on strong bilateral ties with Georgia. Russia has not yet expressed any concern about the two countries improving their ties, he said. Asked about this during his visit to Armenia last week, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov responded to a RFE/RL reporter that it is Armenia's right to decide on its relationships, though he expressed the hope that in doing so Armenia will not create future problems for Russia. 4. (C) Georgian President Saakashvili continues to take a hard line with regard to reconciliation with Russia, although at times he shows signs of softening, Nalbandian commented. In an earlier meeting, Saakashvili initially told Nalbandian that Georgia cannot have any dialogue with Russia. Nalbandian said he told Saakashvili that that kind of position is not helpful. During President Sargsian's subsequent visit, Saakashvili's attitude about Russia was more conciliatory. The GoG has also used its position in the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) forum to advance measures against Russia and block measures favorable to Russia. Nalbandian criticized the GoG's use of that institution as a tool against Russia, and said it now appears the GoG has relented to some degree. 5. (C) While in Georgia, President Sargsian discussed a number of economic projects, including building a better road to connect Batumi to Yerevan. Saakashvili announced the project as a done deal at a press conference, but it has not yet been concluded. However, the Georgian Minister of Economy will be coming to Yerevan this week to discuss the project. During Nalbandian's visit, he also discussed the economic situation of Georgia's ethnic Armenian population in Javakheti. The community is in poor economic condition, and Nalbandian noted that Saakashvili should be sensitive to the needs of the people in this area. GEORGIA CONFLICT NOT IN RUSSIA'S INTEREST -------------------------- 6. (C) Russian FM Lavrov visited Yerevan the week of September 29, primarily to prepare for a visit to Armenia by President Medvedev October 21. The situation in Georgia was a major topic of discussion. Lavrov reportedly told Nalbandian that neither the conflict in Georgia nor the recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia were in Russia's interest, and that Russia has other issues with which to concern itself. However, the GOR felt that Georgian actions in South Ossetia were unacceptable and that it had no choice but to respond. Nalbandian argued that it is now simply "not an option" for Russia to retract its recognition of those territories. Nalbandian said that he has spoken frankly with Lavrov about Georgia, emphasizing that escalating the situation is in nobody's interest. NAGORNO-KARABAKH - RUSSIA OFFERS MEDIATION -------------------------- 7. (C) Nalbandian reminded of Russian President Medvedev's YEREVAN 00000818 002 OF 002 intention to host Presidents Sargsian and Aliyev in Moscow for talks on NK, and said that Lavrov had renewed this offer. He once again commented (reprising reftel) that he understood President Aliyev had first suggested the Moscow meeting. While Nalbandian indicated he was in favor of such a meeting, he made clear this was not intended as a replacement of the Minsk Group process, which the GOAM still supports--as, he said, does Russia--and he confirmed as much to the co-chairs at the UNGA. He noted, however, that the details of the Moscow meeting had not yet been clarified by the Russians. 8. (C) Nalbandian also repeated his doubts (see reftel) about Azerbaijan's willingness to participate in such a meeting, reiterating his complaint about FM Mammadyarov's UNGA remarks calling on the latest UNGA resolution as "the basis of negotiations." Nalbandian commented that the Azerbaijani government is at times refusing better settlement terms than it had been ready to accept several years ago, but is hopeful the GOAJ will be more accommodating following the upcoming election. TURKISH INVITATION -------------------------- 9. (C) Nalbandian mentioned that Turkish PM Babacan has invited him to visit Turkey at the end of October, in conjunction with the Davos Forum, October 31 to November 1. Nalbandian noted the tentative electricity agreement concluded in connection with Turkish President Gul's visit to Armenia on September 6, and also indicated that Turkey would be a welcome participant in Armenia's proposed new nuclear power plant. (Note: We had been told previously by Deputy FM Kirakossian that the electricity deal signed between the GOAM and a private firm in Turkey has been put on hold by Turkish energy regulatory authorities. End note.) CIS SUMMIT -------------------------- 10. (C) Nalbandian confirmed that both he and President Sargsian will participate in the upcoming CIS Summit, although he does not expect much to occur. He expects there to be a resolution about Georgia on the agenda, and added that there is relatively little sympathy for Georgia--and especially President Saakashvili--among the CIS heads of state. He noted that if Saakashvili boycotts the Summit, it is likely the resolution will be tougher, but he said that Armenia would play the same helpful role it played at the CSTO Summit.He commented that President Nazarbayev has been very critical of Saakashvili publicly, and others more quietly. YOVANOVITCH |