Officially established 2010. Mission: Represent NATO in Georgia Facilitate political/military dialogue and

practical cooperation under the NATO-Georgia Commission in support of Georgia’s efforts to join NATO.

Enhance civil and military cooperation between NATO and the Government of Georgia in support Euro-Atlantic integration goals described in the Annual National Plan (ANP)

Provide advice and assistance to the Government of Georgia in support of civilian and military reform efforts required for NATO integration.

Provide advice to Georgian and NATO authorities on the planning and implementation of cooperation programs and activities

Conduct liaison with Georgian, NATO, Allied, and Partner Authorities to enhance cooperation and understanding in pursuit of the NATO/Georgia goal of Georgia becoming a full NATO member.

Facilitate NATO and Allied bilateral and multilateral projects, events and visits.

Strengthen Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration reform process:

Assist Georgia in planning and implementing the civilian and military reform goals defined in the Annual National Program (ANP)

Advise and assist Georgia’s reform of the armed forces in the framework of the PfP Planning and Review Process

Support the planning and implementation of military reforms defined in the Georgia annual Work Plan developed by Georgia and the Military Committee

Enhance NATO-Georgia political and practical dialogue

Engage Georgian leadership at the senior political level

Engage and inform Georgian society through intensified public diplomacy outreach to increase public awareness of NATO and NATO-Georgia Relations.

Support transformation and democratic oversight of the defense and security sector:

Engage parliament and the executive regarding the armed forces;

Engage Nongovernmental organizations interested in defense and security oversight in order to strengthen the role of civil society in national security and defense issues

In October 2010, the NATO/PfP Trust Fund project was established to help Georgia to safely dispose of explosive remnants of war, (ERW) resulting from the August 2008 conflict with Russia. The project is providing training and equipment to an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) company, as well as providing equipment for the medical rehabilitation centre at the Military Hospital in Gori for treating ERW wounded military and civilian personnel. The Lead Nations of the project are the Czech Republic, Estonia and Lithuania.

In 2009, NATO and Georgia launched the Professional Development Programme with the objective of enhancing the professional skills of civilian officials to strengthen the capacity for effective democratic management and oversight in defence and security institutions. Training and education provided in the framework of this programme is closely aligned to Georgia’s defence and security sector reform objectives outlined in the ANP.

In November 2012, there was established new position at NLO – Military Liaison Officer. But this position was and is for only Georgia. German colonel Maximilian Eder was appointed to Military Liasion Officer.

That time the head of NLO for Georgia William Lahue

said :

"The tenure of a permanent military representative in Georgia demonstrates NATO's support towards Georgia. This contributes to the deepening of our bilateral relations.”

Officially established in 2007. - Represent NATO in Azerbaijan and Armenia - Facilitate political/military dialogue and

practical cooperation - Provide advice and assistance to the

Government of Azerbaijan and Armenia in support of civilian and military reform

- Provide advice to Azerbaijanian and Armenian authorities on the planning and implementation of cooperation programs and activities

He has twenty-five years of success in demanding leadership and management positions in private business and the U.S. military. Broad experience planning, organizing and managing business and government projects internationally as business consultant, entrepreneur, and as a U.S. Army Officer.

Over 15 years of international work experience in Germany, Japan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Korea. Experienced in business development, government liaison and client relations. Retired from the U.S. Army in 2004 as a Lieutenant Colonel with particular expertise on U.S. international security programs providing equipment and training. Fluent Russian speaker.

He is Head of NATO Liaison Office Georgia and also NATO Liaison Officer for South Caucasus Region from October 2011 – Present (1 year 5 months)Tblisi, Georgia

Education: Indiana University Bloomington MA, Russian Area Studies 1995 – 1996 Southern Illinois University, Carbondale BA, Soviet Studies 1979 – 1983

- Common issues:

- 1. What is the NATO’s main goals related with South Caucasus region? Before 2008 Georgian candidacy for NATO membership was serious, but now it is disputable. What is and will be main influence tool of NATO against Russia?

- 2. Does NATO have any exact strategy for South Caucasus and Middle Asia? What is the main approach to provide these regions with stability?

- 3. NATO’s role in solving the conflicts in this region

- 1. Military Reforms in 3 South Caucasus Republics

- 2. PFP, IPAP and different documents. Comparison of implementation.

- 3. Defence budget and transparency. How NATO can help South Caucasus republics to be accountable in front of the society?

- 4. Democratic control on the Armed Forces. What is the NATO’s main criterion in this field?

- 5. The role media and NGO’s in military reform. What is the NATO’s approach in this field?

- Political and democratization process in region. Elections, human rights, freedom of speech.

- Economical problems, corruption….

- NATO’s approach.

- 3. The stabilization process in Afghanistan and Georgian, Armenian and Azerbaijanian perspective role in this process.

- 4. Energy security and NATO’s future role. - 5. Iran’s nuclear activity and South Caucasus

concerns.