    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [March 28, 2003]
    [Pages 309-310]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting a Report on Assistance to
    Azerbaijan
    March 28, 2003

    Dear _____ :
        On January 17, 2003, I exercised my authority to extend the waiver
    of section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, concerning assistance to
    Azerbaijan. In accordance with paragraph (g)(6) of the heading
    ``Assistance for the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union'' in
    title II of the Kenneth M. Ludden Foreign Operations, Export Financing,
    and Related Programs Appropriations Act, Fiscal Year 2002 (Public Law
    107-115), I am providing a report prepared by my Administration that
    concerns assistance provided pursuant to this waiver. As required, the
    report describes the status of:

        All training and assistance provided to the Government of
                Azerbaijan pursuant to the extension of the waiver of
                section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act;
        The military balance between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the
                impact of U.S. assistance on that balance; and

    [[Page 310]]

        Negotiations for a settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh
                conflict and the impact of U.S. assistance on those
                negotiations.

        My Administration remains fully committed to continue working with
    the Congress and all concerned parties to bolster peace, prosperity, and
    freedom in the South Caucasus.
            Sincerely,

                                                              George W. Bush

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Ted Stevens, chairman, and Robert
    C. Byrd, ranking member, Senate Committee on Appropriations; and C.W.
    Bill Young, chairman, and David R. Obey, ranking member, House Committee
    on Appropriations.