In accordance with the tasks carried out in relation to the project as well as the duration of the project, costs for staff of consular and other services of Member States in third countries competent in the management of flows of third-country nationals into the territory of the Member States, such as consular officers, air liaison officers and immigration liaison officers, are considered as direct eligible costs, provided that the purpose of the project is to improve the co-operation between Member States and involves the sharing of tasks and responsibilities for the benefit of more than two participating Member States.

In accordance with the tasks carried out in relation to the project as well as the duration of the project, costs for staff of consular and other services of Member States in third countries competent in the management of flows of third-country nationals into the territory of the Member States, such as consular officers, air liaison officers and immigration liaison officers, are considered as direct eligible costs, provided that the purpose of the project is to improve the co-operation between Member States and involves the sharing of tasks and responsibilities for the benefit of more than two participating Member States.

4. The Head of Mission will appoint Area Security Officers in the provincial and regional Mission locations, who, under the authority of the SMSO will be responsible for the day-to-day management of all security aspects of the respective Mission elements.

Since cooperation with the Member States is an essential element for the successful performance of the tasks of the Agency, it should cooperate closely with the Member States through its different bodies, for the purpose of which the Member States should nominate National Liaison Officers, as primary contact points for the Agency in the Member States.

The Agency should, in particular, communicate with the National Liaison Officers as regards reports and other documents drawn up by the Agency.

22. In terms of partnerships with third countries, the Commission Decision on the format for report on the activities of immigration liaison officers networks and on the situation in the host country in matters relating to illegal immigration, adopted in September 2005, will make a helpful contribution to the management of immigration liaison networks in relevant third countries.