VZCZCXRO2773
RR RUEHCD RUEHDBU RUEHFL RUEHLA RUEHMRE RUEHSR
DE RUEHKB #0323 0600753
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 010753Z MAR 06
FM AMEMBASSY BAKU
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9752
INFO RUCNOSC/ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY COOPERATION IN EUROPE

UNCLAS BAKU 000323 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT PLEASE PASS USAID 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PHUM KDEM PGOV EAID PREL PINR AJ
SUBJECT: SIGNS OF LIFE IN AZERBAIJAN'S NEW PARLIAMENT 
 
REF: 05 BAKU 1846 
 
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED -- NOT FOR INTERNET DISTRIBUTION. 
 
¶1. (SBU) On February 27, Ambassador called on new Deputy 
Speaker of Parliament Valeh Alasgarov (reftel).  Alasgarov is 
a new MP who has been elected by the 41 independents in 
Parliament to serve as their focal point.  Alasgarov appeared 
overwhelmed at the numerous balls he has been assigned to 
juggle, but eager to take on what he clearly saw as defining 
work for the Parliament.  In his role as head of the Natural 
Resources, Energy, and Environment Commission (committee), 
Alasgarov said he would not accept members on his committee 
who did not intend to work.  Under this condition, he told 
Ambassador he was prepared to accept opposition MP and former 
Prime Minister Panah Huseynov on his committee.  Unlike the 
US Congress, Azerbaijan's parliamentarians choose the one 
committee on which they would like to serve, regardless of 
party affiliation or balance.  An agreement is then brokered 
with the chair of the commission (and presumably the 
leadership of the Parliament). 
 
¶2. (SBU) In a departure from the previous parliament, 
Alasgarov said he will engage in consultation with other MPs, 
other GOAJ entities, and the private sector on relevant 
legislation.  While he said his informal "hearings" would not 
be public, this method would create stronger legislation and 
at least dent the Executive Branch's monopoly on lawmaking. 
He admitted that this would create delays in passing 
legislation, but ultimately would be to the benefit of 
Azerbaijan.  He referenced the new pensions bill, which he 
said he and other MPs worked on intensively for more than a 
month, but the result was 69 amendments agreed to by the 
Parliament.  He reported the same process was ongoing for the 
Law on Banking, on which he had consulted not only with GOAJ 
structures but also with the International Bank of Azerbaijan 
and 14 commercial banks.  In his role as Deputy Speaker, 
Alasgarov is well-placed to introduce hearing-like structures 
for other committees, which could be the nascent signs of 
substantive internal deliberation and full-fledged public 
debate. 
 
¶3. (SBU) COMMENT: While elected as an independent MP, 
Alasgarov has strong ties with the GOAJ from his former 
position at SOCAR.  He clearly understands his elected role 
(he asked to be first on the list to receive USAID's help in 
setting up constituency offices) and intends to undertake 
substantive work during his tenure at Parliament.  With his 
apparent ability to work with the full political spectrum 
from the staunchest YAP members all the way through to vocal 
opposition MP Panah Huseynov, Alasgarov could be well-placed 
to lead transformational changes in the stagnant legislative 
branch.  We are heartened by his efforts to seek out broader 
input in legislation, and hope this idea will catch on, 
particularly as USAID's parliamentary assistance program 
takes shape.  In the meantime, we will continue to cultivate 
contact with Alasgarov and others positioned to assert a 
stronger role for the Parliament. 
HARNISH