ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationG.W. Bush · R Quiet signal

Presidential Determination

Waiver of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act With Respect to Assistance to the Government of Azerbaijan

President George W. Bush waived Section 907 of the 1992 FREEDOM Support Act, which had restricted U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan, citing counterterrorism needs, military readiness, and Azerbaijan's border security. The waiver requires notification to Congress and Federal Register publication.

Federal Register Open PDF 67 FR 5921

Impact dates

  1. Notify Congress and arrange Federal Register publication

Key directives

  • Waive Section 907 of FREEDOM Support Act
  • Notify Congress of determination
  • Arrange Federal Register publication

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Waiver takes effect upon determination

Near term (90d)

  • Congressional notification and Federal Register publication

Long term

  • Potential shift in regional security assistance dynamics in South Caucasus

Risks & tensions

  • Balances Azerbaijan assistance against Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process; text asserts waiver 'will not undermine' negotiations but this is a political judgment
  • Waiver authority derived from appropriations act, creating tension between legislative conditions and executive flexibility
  • Regional arms race risk if assistance perceived as offensive capability by Armenia
Presidential Determination: Waiver of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act With Respect to Assistance to the Government of Azerbaijan · Executive Orders