U.S. Department of State

   

United States Department of State
Office of the Coordinator of U.S. Assistance to Europe and Eurasia
Foreign Operations Assistance Fact Sheet, April 2012  *

AZERBAIJAN

United States Government (USG) assistance to Azerbaijan aims to encourage reforms that promote regional security, the development of democratic institutions and processes, and sustainable economic growth. The USG is partnering with the Government of Azerbaijan (GOAJ) to co-finance some assistance programs, particularly in the areas of economic growth and regional socio-economic development.

Recent Successes by Areas of Focus:

Peace & Security

• A USG initiative led to the establishment of 17 scientific collaborations between teams of U.S. and Azerbaijani researchers, with six of these projects engaging 18 former weapons researchers. All 17 projects were co-financed (50/50 cost-share) with the Government of Azerbaijan.
• U.S. assistance enabled two Migration Information Centers to resume operations in Baku and Mingachevir. These centers provide free of charge and anonymous counseling and referral assistance to individuals (nationals and non-nationals alike) who seek information on migration opportunities to make right decisions. The USG also trained approximately 70 lawyers and NGO representatives in domestic and international law on trafficking.
• With U.S. funding and support, the Ministry of Defense relocated its Naval Command and Control Center. This has created a common maritime operational picture between the State Border Service and Coast Guard, enhancing capacity for better terrorist interdiction and reduction of threats to Caspian infrastructure.

Governing Justly and Democratically

• BY ACCOUNT	FY 2011 ACTUAL	FY 2012 ESTIMATE	FY 2013 REQUEST
  TOTAL ($000s)	$26,400	$20,865	$16,330
  Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia	$20,000	$16,600	0
  Economic Support Fund	0	0	$11,029
  Foreign Military Financing	$2,994	$2,700	$2,700
  Global Health Programs - USAID	$1,248	0	$0
  International Military Education and Training	$943	$700	$600
  International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement	0	0	$1,226
  Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining and Related Programs	$1,215	$865	$775

  The USG trained 45 candidates to prepare for the judicial qualification examination. The increased expertise of potential judges contributed to a more effective implementation of the Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code.
• In FY 2011, the USG trained over 300 defense attorneys on the new administrative code; the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) judgments involving Azerbaijan and related ECHR procedures, the protection of property, civil claims; and trial advocacy skills with a mock trial component. These trainings helped develop a more effective, professional legal community in Azerbaijan and are essential for young lawyers who do not receive education on these topics while in law school.
• USG assistance increased progress in the use of new media as a forum for journalists and civil society to discuss social issues. For example, US funding supported the website “Women’s Forum”, which has become a popular forum for bloggers discussing women’s issues. The site, which receives 170 visits daily on average, engages female writers from across the country who have limited opportunity for publishing articles.

Investing in People

• Combined with efforts by international donors, substantial, measurable progress was made to strengthen the national health system during the 2011. Accomplishments include significantly advancing introduction of an innovative electronic health management system and developing and rolling out new Clinical Practice Guidelines on TB, Maternal/Child Health, Family Planning and Reproductive Health, MNCH, FP/RH, and non-communicable diseases.

Economic Growth

• BY OBJECTIVE	FY 2011 ACTUAL	FY 2012 ESTIMATE	FY 2013 REQUEST
  TOTAL ($000s)	$26,400	$20,865	$16,330
  Peace and Security	$5,653	$4,421	$4,301
  Governing Justly and Democratically	$9,449	$9,330	$8,000
  Investing in People	$4,605	$0	$0
  Economic Growth	$6,633	$6,644	$4,029
  Humanitarian Assistance	$60	$470	$0

  USG programs partnered with Azerbaijani counterparts to draft and revise several major pieces of legislation that will significantly and positively impact the legal and regulatory environment for businesses in Azerbaijan.
• U.S. technical assistance resulted in Azerbaijan advancing its WTO commitments; last year, Azerbaijan adopted a WTO compliant Customs Code; held the eighth WTO working party meeting in October 2010; and held a round of bilateral negotiations on market access in July 2011 on goods and services.
• The USG provided assistance to train over 300 farmers/companies in good agricultural practices, pest management, and post-harvest handling; train more than 15 cold storage operators in proper operations; provide over 1,000 farmers in all target sectors with training, technical assistance, extension services and market linkages; and support over AZN 3.3 million in increased sales in the agricultural sector.

Humanitarian Assistance

• USG assistance to vulnerable populations in 2011 supported six small reconstruction projects, including five schools and a water well system for an IDP community in Gara-Demirchilar. The USG delivered 17 surface containers of emergency and medical supplies valued at $2.88 million.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Coordinator's Office Annual Reports
U.S. Embassy Website
www.foreignassistance.gov

*This fact sheet does not reflect Peace Corps funding or centrally managed or regional Foreign Operations funding that is not specifically budgeted for Azerbaijan.