Compiled and edited by the NATO Contact Point Embassy (NATO CPE) in – 10th Edition, December 2013 –

IN THIS EDITION :

• N A T O – GEORGIA

– NATO-GEORGIA COMMISSION AT THE LEVEL OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTERS – ALLIED FOREIGN MINISTERS PRAISE GEORGIA’S REFORM EFFORTS – MEETING OF THE STATE COMMISSION OF GEORGIA ON NATO INTEGRATION

– MOD’S REPORT ON GEORGIA’S NATO INTEGRATION – MEETING OF THE PUBLIC ADVISORY COUNCIL ON GEORGIA’S NATO INTEGRATION

• P U B L I C D I P L O M A C Y

– WORKSHOP FOR JOURNALISTS: “GEORGIA ON THE NATO MEMBERSHIP PATH” – NATO WORKSHOP FOR COMMUNICATION EXPERTS – 1 st SOUTH CAUCASUS SECURITY FORUM HELD IN – JAMIE SHEA ’s VIDEO-CONFERENCE WITH GEORGIAN NGO s

– STUDENTS OF THE COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLLEGE BRIEFED BY MINISTER PETRIASHVILI – CYBER AND INFORMATION SECURITY SEMINAR IN NATO LIAISON OFFICE – MEETING AT AKAKI TSERETELI KUTAISI STATE UNIVERSITY

• N A T O H Q – NATO SECRETARY GENERAL ANNOUNCED DATES FOR 2014 SUMMIT – 2013: NATO’S YEAR IN REVIEW

1 N A T O – GEORGIA

NATO-GEORGIA COMMISSION AT THE LEVEL OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTERS

NATO-Georgia Commission at the level of Foreign Affairs Ministers was held in Brussels on 4 December 2013. In his opening remarks, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen welcomed the meeting and stated the following: “The timing is particularly important, so soon after the inauguration of the new . We have achieved a lot since the NATO-Georgia Commission was created five years ago.

We have come closer to fulfilling the promise of the Bucharest that Georgia will become a member of the Alliance. We have developed a strong partnership, founded on common values, and a robust programme to support Georgia’s reform process. Over the past years, Georgia has made a remarkable contribution to our common security. You have been among the leading contributors to our mission in Afghanistan. You have pledged financial support for the Afghan forces after 2014. And you have committed to our mission to train, advise and assist them. Georgia has also decided to contribute to the NATO-Response Force in 2015. You have done a lot at home, too. Impressive defense reforms. And a more mature democracy, after free and fair presidential elections this fall. There is still work to be done, but overall, you have moved much closer to NATO. The Alliance remains committed to supporting you. And we remain firm in our support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Today, we will discuss how we can make our partnership stronger”. Within the visit, Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze met with NATO Secretary General Rasmussen and held bilateral meetings with the Foreign Ministers of NATO member and partner states. Date: 4 December 2013 Source: http://www.nato.int/

ALLIED FOREIGN MINISTERS PRAISE GEORGIA’S REFORM EFFORTS

NATO Foreign Ministers met with their Georgian counterpart for the first time since the inauguration of Georgia’s new president. They agreed that much has been achieved since the NATO-Georgia Commission was created five years ago. In his statement, Secretary General Rasmussen said “Georgia is a unique and highly valued partner for NATO, and there is a lot that the Georgian people can be proud of. This year’s elections, and the parliamentary elections last year, were free, fair and inclusive. Georgia’s democratic process continues to mature, and in that way, Georgia serves as a model for the wider region.” Georgia has been among the leading contributors to the Alliance’s mission in Afghanistan, and has committed to contribute to the NATO-led mission to train, advise and assist Afghan forces after 2014. “Georgian soldiers are serving their country and protecting our shared values in Afghanistan, side by side with Allied troops. And Georgia has offered to contribute 2 to the NATO Response Force in order to keep our troops connected for the future. In the five years since we created the NATO-Georgia Commission, Georgia has moved closer to NATO, and together, we have made Georgia and the wider region a safer place”, the Secretary General said. Ministers encouraged the new government to continue to strengthen democracy and noted that cooperation between government and opposition will remain essential to carry on reforms. “We recognize Georgia’s achievements in making its democracy stronger, its judiciary more independent, and its defense and security sectors more transparent and accountable. We also look to the Georgian authorities to uphold the rule of law for all citizens and to avoid even the perception of selective justice,” the Secretary General said. Ministers welcomed Georgia’s continued and patient commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and reaffirmed support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders. They also expressed strong concern about the resumption of activities to erect fences and other obstacles along the administrative border lines within Georgia. Ministers called for their removal, as they affect the lives of people and hamper conflict resolution. “Georgia’s ambitious reform agenda has an ambitious goal: integration into the Euro- Atlantic family, where Georgia naturally belongs,” the Secretary General said. “So I am confident that that the new government will bring a new energy and a new momentum to our cooperation. We stand firm by our decisions at the Bucharest Summit and will continue to support the Georgian people in fulfilling their aspiration for NATO membership,” he added. Source: http://www.nato.int/ Date: 4 December 2013

MEETING OF THE STATE COMMISSION OF GEORGIA ON NATO INTEGRATION On December 23, 2013, a meeting session of the State Commission of Georgia on NATO Integration was held at the Chancellery of the Government of Georgia. The meeting was led by Irakli Gharibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia and Chairperson of the State Commission of Georgia on NATO Integration. On the agenda of the Commission were: NATO Assessment Document for 2013 year and the draft of the Annual National Program for 2014. Georgian ANP priorities and preparation works for 2014 year were also defined with a view to reaching Georgia's goals at the upcoming NATO Summit in the United Kingdom. As State Minister of Georgia on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Alex Petriashvili pointed out during the discussion on the NATO Assessment Document, 2013 the Annual National Program implemented by the Georgian Government had been assessed by NATO as the best performance in the past five years. It was announced that in the first Semester of 2014 Prime Minister of Georgia will pay an official visit to NATO HQ. Source: http://eu-nato.gov.ge/index.php?que=eng/news&info=872 Date: 27 Dec.2013

3 MOD’S REPORT ON GEORGIA’S NATO INTEGRATION On 28 December, Deputy Defence Minister M.Darchiashvili summed up NATO-Georgia cooperation during 2013 with MPs. Permanent Representative of Georgia to NATO L.Dolidze focused on Georgia’s aspiration to North-Atlantic Alliance at the meeting with the members of Defence and Security Committee. Deputy State Minister of Georgia on European and Euro- Atlantic Integration, D.Dondua and Director of Security Policy and Euro-Atlantic Integration Department of MFA, G.Dolidze delivered information to the MPs on Georgia’s progress achieved to NATO integration path and the future plans. While reviewing Georgia’s NATO membership, the progress achieved in Georgian Armed Forces was paid a special attention that is underlined in NATO Annual Assessment. Future plans of cooperation with NATO were the topics of the discussion as well. “We spoke Georgia’s path to NATO 2014 Summit. Georgian MPs’ engagement in this process is very essential. I’d like to extend my gratitude to our deputies for expressing attention and interest towards the process ongoing in the MoD. Parliamentary oversight is one of the important components of democracy development. We achieve effective progress in this direction” – outlined Mikheil Darchiashvili. Chairman of Defence and Security Committee Irakli Sesiashvili positively assessed cooperation between Defence Ministry and NATO. As he stated, Georgia has positive expectations at NATO 2014 Summit. Chief of General Staff of GAF, Major-General V. Kapanadze and Deputy Defence Minister I.Gegechkori also attended the meeting on NATO issues with the members of Defence and Security Committee held in General Staff HQ. Source: http://mod.gov.ge/?newsid=2586&lang=en#sthash.Z1td0apI.dpuf Date: 28 Dec. 2013

MEETING OF THE PUBLIC ADVISORY COUNCIL ON GEORGIA’S NATO INTEGRATION On December 20, 2013, the State Minister of Georgia on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Alex Petriashvili conducted a meeting with Public Advisory Council on Georgia’s NATO Integration. The State Minister informed the members of the Public Advisory Council on the outcomes of the work performed by the Office of the State Minister in the direction of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration. Alex Petriashvili particularly emphasized the NATO-Georgia Commission (NGC) meeting held on November 27, 2012 at the level of Ambassadors and a meeting with the Secretary General of North Atlantic Alliance, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, where the Annual National Program (ANP) of Georgia was highly assessed. Significant issues of Georgia’s NATO integration, as well as important aspects of the preparation for the 2014 NATO summit were also touched upon. The State Minister emphasized the importance of cooperation with the representatives of the civil society and their engagement in the process of raising public awareness. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Public Advisory Council on Georgia’s NATO Integration was established in 2005. Representatives of non-governmental organizations, academia and independent experts participate in the working process of the council. With an objective to have an active dialogue with society the meetings of the council are held periodically on the ongoing and key issues of Georgia’s NATO integration. Source: http://eu-nato.gov.ge/index.php?que=eng/news&info=874 4 • P U B L I C D I P L O M A C Y

On 9-12 December 2013, Brig. Gen. Ivan CARUSO, Deputy Director of NATO International Military Staff - Cooperation & Regional Security Division held a working visit to Georgia, meeting officials from Ministry of Defence and General Staff of Georgian Armed Forces. In the framework of his visit, NATO Liaison Office in Georgia, organized a meeting with representatives of Georgian NGOs and defence experts to discuss NATO-Georgia Cooperation in Defence and Security Area and reform of Georgian security sector. NATO CPE – Georgia representative attended also the event.

WORKSHOP FOR JOURNALISTS “GEORGIA ON THE NATO MEMBERSHIP PATH”

On 7-8 December 2013, the Information Centre on NATO and EU in cooperation with the Office of the State Minister on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Romanian Embassy in its capacity of NATO Contact Point Embassy (CPE) in Georgia organized a workshop on the topic: “Georgia on NATO Membership Path”. Over 26 journalists from main TV, News Agencies and printed outlets, as well as public servants from the Office of the State Minister on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and the Ministry of Defense of Georgia took part in this event addressing the topics of Georgia – NATO current cooperation and prospects. Deputy Head of the Romanian Mission to Georgia highlighted the support by Romania for the European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Georgia and main public diplomacy activities of the Embassy of Romania in the host country within its NATO CPE mandate (2013-2014). The director of the Information Centre on NATO and EU and talked about Georgia – NATO cooperation and public involvement in the NATO integration process. Deputy Minister of Defense of Georgia explained the reforms process undergoing within the Defense Ministry and Georgia’s active participation in peacekeeping mission. Deputy Head of the Euro-Atlantic Integration Coordination Department of the Office of the State Minister on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration focused on priorities and mechanisms set for deepening NATO – Georgia cooperation and integration process, while the Ambassador of Georgia to NATO addressed participants, through a video conference from Brussels, a message about Georgian vision for getting closer to Alliance at NATO 2014 Summit. The Head and Deputy Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia touched upon ANP 2013 positive assessment, public diplomacy and opportunities offered to journalists to use NATO communication tools. Source: Embassy of Romania to Georgia website

NATO WORKSHOP FOR COMMUNICATION EXPERTS

On 11 - 12 December 2013 three participants from Georgia attended a NATO workshop for Communication Experts from ANP/IPAP countries, held at NATO HQ. Agenda included briefings and discussions on NATO’s Current Political Agenda, Partnerships, Emerging Security Challenges, Public Diplomacy and other topics.

5 The Workshop was organized by NATO Public Diplomacy Division with logistical support of NATO Liaison Office in Georgia. Source: NATO CPE Georgia

1 st SOUTH CAUCASUS SECURITY FORUM HELD IN TBILISI

Centre for European and North Atlantic Affairs together with Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies (GFSIS) organized international “1st South Caucasus Security Forum”. The conference was held in Tbilisi on 10th-11th December 2013. Thrasyvoulos Terry Stamatopoulos, NATO´s Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy and William Lahue, Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia presented NATO’s view of security in South Caucasus region. The conference was attended by experts from more than 20 countries, including Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, Romania, , Ukraine, the , the V4 countries, Moldova, Greece and others. The conference has ambition to become an annual main forum in the South Caucasian region for political elites, experts, academics and journalist with focus on foreign and security policy and international relations. Date: 15 December 2013 Source: http://www.cenaa.org

CYBER AND INFORMATION SECURITY SEMINAR IN NATO LIAISON OFFICE

On 18 December 2013, NATO Liaison Office hosts the Cyber and Information Security Seminar. Deputy Defence Minister Irakli Gegechkori, Head of NATO Liaison Office William Lahue and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Estonia in Georgia, Priit Turk opened the seminar. Irakli Gegechkori welcomed the participants of the seminar and thanked the Estonian experts for cooperation in development of cyber security policy. The seminar is held under the aegis of MoD Professional Development Center and NATO- Georgia Professional Development Program. The Estonian experts in cyber security shared their experience to the Georgian counterparts during three days. Source: http://mod.gov.ge/index.php?newsid=2553#sthash.ybpAx9Vz.dpuf

JAMIE SHEA ’s VIDEO-CONFERENCE WITH GEORGIAN NGO s On 18 December 2013, the Information Centre on NATO and EU organized the video-conference with representatives of non-governmental organization. Jamie Shea, the Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges talked from Brussels. The main topic was NATO-Georgia relations, results of NAC Foreign Affairs Ministerial and expectations of the NATO London Summit. The video-stream was supported by NATO Liaison Office in Georgia and NATO's Public Diplomacy Division (PDD). Date: 18 December 2013 Source: www.eu.natoinfo.ge

6 STUDENTS OF THE COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLLEGE BRIEFED BY MINISTER PETRIASHVILI

On 25 December 2013, State Minister of Georgia on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Alex Petriashvili held meeting with the military servicemen of Command and Staff College. State Minister delivered a lecture on the priority directions of foreign policy of Georgia. Alex Petriashvili focused on Annual National Program, NATO-Georgia Commission and the meetings held within the Commission. Minister also referred to Free Trade Agreement concluded between Georgia and EU. Following the lecture, the meeting continued in interactive format. Military of SGSC asked questions to the Minister on advantages and disadvantages of visa free travel with the EU, the circumstances in the Ukraine and the existing situation in Georgian breakaway regions. Source: http://mod.gov.ge/index.php?newsid=2566#sthash.k4hN7V40.dpuf Date: 25 Dec.2013

MEETING AT AKAKI TSERETELI KUTAISI STATE UNIVERSITY On 20 December 2013 the representative of Kutaisi Office of the Information Centre on NATO and EU met with the students and professors of Akaki Tsereteli Kutaisi State University. NATO-Georgia current relations and perspectives issues were discussed at the meeting. The representative of the Centre answered the students’ questions. At the end of the meeting the NATO and EU information materials were handed out to the participants. Date: 20 December 2013 Source: www.eu.natoinfo.ge

• N A T O H Q

NATO SECRETARY GENERAL ANNOUNCED DATES FOR 2014 SUMMIT

I am pleased to announce that the next NATO Summit will take place on September 4-5, 2014. I also welcome the recent announcement by the British Prime Minister David Cameron that the UK will host NATO Heads of State and Government in South Wales. This Summit will be an important opportunity for NATO. We will mark the conclusion, at the end of 2014, of our ISAF mission, as well as a new phase of our engagement in Afghanistan. We will take further steps to modernise our Alliance so that it remains strong, flexible and ready to face any security challenge. And we will reaffirm the bond between Europe and North America that is the source of our strength, our security and our success.

7 In 1949, the United Kingdom was one of NATO’s twelve founding members and the seat of its first Headquarters. From the start, the United Kingdom has been a staunch Ally, and a strong contributor to NATO operations as well as to our political debate. As we plan for the Alliance’s future, I warmly welcome the United Kingdom's offer to be our host, and I look forward to a successful Summit in September 2014.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: NATO summit meetings provide periodic opportunities for Heads of State and Government of member countries to evaluate and provide strategic direction for Alliance activities. These are not regular meetings, but rather important junctures in the Alliance’s decision-making process. For instance, summits have been used to introduce new policy, invite new members into the Alliance, launch major new initiatives and build partnerships with non-NATO countries. From the founding of NATO in 1949 until today there have been twenty-five NATO summits. The most recent one took place in Chicago, United States, 20-21 May 2012. Date: 15 November 2013 Source: Press Release (2013)127

2013: NATO’S YEAR IN REVIEW The top priority for the Alliance this year has been to build the capacity of the Afghan security forces so that they can take the lead for security throughout their country ahead of the withdrawal of the NATO-led force there in 2014. Detailed preparations for the post-2014 new NATO-led mission, which will train, assist and advise the Afghan forces, also got underway. But Afghanistan was not the only item on NATO’s agenda. From deploying Patriot missiles to Turkey as a defensive precaution, to countering pirates off the Horn of Africa, to strengthening NATO’s capabilities and deepening its cooperation with partner countries, it has been another busy year for the Alliance. Read the full article at: http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_106073.htm Date: 30 Dec. 2013

------This Newsletter is compiled from the news posted on the official webpages of NATO and affiliate Institutions, as well as of the Georgian institutions, being edited by NATO Contact Point Embassy (CPE) in Georgia. The news does not express necessarily the official positions of NATO, Georgia or Romanian Embassy in Georgia. Within 2013-2014 years, the Embassy of Romania fulfills its responsibilities as NATO CPE in Georgia.

The Newsletters can be also downloaded from the Embassy website: http://tbilisi.mae.ro/node/894 Contact address: Embassy of Romania, 7, Kushitashvili (Lvov) street, Tbilisi, Phone: +995 32/238-53- 10, Fax: +99532/238-52-10, E-mail: [email protected], www.tbilisi.mae.ro « If you wouldn't like to receive any more this Newsletter, please feel free to reply us with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject »

8