Issue no: 1169 • JULY 19 - 22, 2019 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... FOCUS Georgian Gov’t Offers Help to Tourism Sector after ON RUSTAVI 2 Russian Travel Ban OWNERSHIP NEWS PAGE 2 The ECHR releases its verdict PAGE 2 Sabkultura: Saba’s Subsidiary Brand for Contemporary Generations NEWS PAGE 3 On Some Issues of the History of Georgia POLITICS PAGE 4 What Are Moscow's Preconditions for Abolishing a Ban on Flights with Georgia? POLITICS PAGE 6 Meet Italian Chef Enzo Neri – Restaurateur, Philanthropist, Designer Delegation of Israel Supports Tourism in Georgia

TRANSLATED BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA BUSINESS PAGE 7 ithin the scope of an offi cial invitation from Israeli House, Capacity Building Trainings the members of the Knesset of Israel and Likud Party of on the Topic of WaSH the Prime Minister Netan- Wyahu, along with the representatives of the Israeli SOCIETY PAGE 12 business sector and media, are paying a visit to Georgia. The delegation, comprising 25 delegates, is headed by Davit Bitan, the Leader of the rul- Nenskra Hydro Launches ing coalition of the Knesset. The aim of the visit is to hold business meet- Info Campaign to Promote ings and explore the tourist potential of Georgia on site. There has been an impressive increase Domestic Tourism in Svaneti in the Israeli tourist infl ow in Georgia in recent years. According to offi cial data, in comparison SOCIETY PAGE 13 with the fi rst half of 2018, in 2019 the number of tourists increased by 28.4%. Itsik Moshe, Presi- dent of the Israel-Georgia Chamber of Business Georgia to Host World- and Chair of the Israeli House, states that the number of travelers from Israel might reach Famous Verdi Festival 200,000 this year. Continued on page 8 CULTURE PAGE 15 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS JULY 19 - 22, 2019 ECHR Decides Rustavi 2 Ownership Issue

cerned the judge deciding the case at According to the judgment, the Euro- BY GT TEAM fi rst instance; pean Court of Human Rights: Unanimously, that there had been no 1. Declares, unanimously, the second violation of Article 6 § 1 of the European to fourth applicants’ complaints under oday, the European Court Convention as concerned the court Article 6 § 1 concerning the independ- of Human Rights delivered deciding the case on appeal; ence and impartiality of Judges T.U., a verdict in the ownership By six votes to one, that there had N.G. (in so far as the latter’s proximity case of one of Georgia’s been no violation of Article 6 § 1 as to the former judge was concerned), largest TV channels, concerned the composition of the bench M.T. and the President of the Supreme RustaviT 2. deciding the case during the cassation Court admissible and the remainder of According to the Court’s judgment, proceedings before the Supreme Court. the application inadmissible; there were no violations of any Article The Court found in particular that all 2. Decides, unanimously, to discon- of the European Convention on Human but one of the allegations of bias had tinue the application of Rule 39 of the Rights in the case of Rustavi 2, nor were either been unsubstantiated or uncon- Rules of Court; the rights of Rustavi 2 or its owners vincing. 3. Holds, by six votes to one, that there violated in the Georgian courts. Rustavi The involvement of Rustavi 2’s Direc- has been no violation of Article 6 § 1 of 2 has been told it can appeal this in the tor-General in disciplinary proceedings the Convention in so far as the inde- Grand Chamber of Strasbourg. against the President of the Supreme pendence and impartiality of the single- The Strasbourg Court also ceased a Court some years previously, leading to judge composition of Tbilisi City Court temporary measure suspending the her dismissal from her judicial post at (Judge T.U.) was concerned; Tsulukiani, Minister of Justice of Geor- plaint refers to the relationship between judgment of the Supreme Court of Geor- the time, had raised an arguable claim 4. Holds, unanimously, that there has gia, noting that the verdict of the Court R2 and advertising house Intermedia. gia. Accordingly, the TV company will of a lack of impartiality. However, the been no violation of Article 6 § 1 in so has not yet come to force and the TV According to Kavlashvili, the TV Com- be re-registered to shareholder Kibar Supreme Court had extensively assessed far as the independence and impartial- channel must not be re-registered to pany Rustavi 2 signed a contract with Khalvashi, as was decided by the courts any fears in that regard and had convinc- ity of the bench of Tbilisi Court of Kibar Khalvashi, the former shareholder the advertising house on a fi xed amount of three instances in Georgia. ingly dissipated them in a thoroughly Appeal, which included Judge N.G., was of Rustavi 2 until the completion of all of money, which was not in accordance The applicants were Rustavi 2 Broad- reasoned ruling. In coming to those con- concerned; the relevant procedures. "Such a move with the interests of the channel and casting Company Ltd and its current clusions, the Court bore in mind in par- 5. Holds, by six votes to one, that there will be a violation of the law." this caused fi nancial damage and loss owners, TV Company Sakartvelo Ltd ticular that Rustavi 2’s owners had sys- has been no violation of Article 6 § 1 in Established in 1994, broadcasting com- to the TV Company. Nizharadze's posi- and Levan and Giorgi Karamanishvili, tematically introduced ill-founded recusal so far as the independence and impar- pany Rustavi 2 changed ownership many tion is that Rustavi 2 is accumulating two brothers who are Georgian nation- requests against many different judges tiality of the bench of the Grand Cham- times between 2004 and 2012. money in Intermedia deliberately. als living in Tbilisi. at all three levels of jurisdiction in a ber of the Supreme Court, which included In March 2017, Georgia’s Supreme Rustavi 2's lawyers say that the above- The dispute led to a ruling in March probable attempt to paralyse the admin- the President of the Supreme Court and Court delivered a verdict in favor of its mentioned is untrue and the company 2017 by the Supreme Court of Georgia istration of justice, while Rustavi 2’s Judge M.T., was concerned. former shareholder (2004-2006) Kibar did not see fi nancial damage and loss fi nding that a former owner of Rustavi Director General had made gratuitous Nika Gvaramia, the former CEO of the Khalvashi. while having a business relationship 2 had been coerced into giving up the and virulent attacks in the media against Georgian TV channel Rustavi 2, imme- The European Court of Human Rights with Intermedia. According to them, television channel and that the current the domestic judges involved in examin- diately commented on the ECHR deci- suspended the enforcement of the Geor- such appeal to the Prosecutor's Offi ce owners were not, therefore, bona fi de ing the ownership row and against the sion. gian Supreme Court’s verdict. just two days before the European Court third-party acquirers. Pending those Georgian judiciary in general. “The decision was certainly shocking Prior to the release of the verdict on of Human Rights delivers a verdict in proceedings, Rustavi 2’s corporate assets The Court unanimously rejected as and absolutely unimaginable,” stated Monday, Rustavi 2 was owned by LTD the broadcaster’s ownership issue is “a and all of the owners’ shares in the inadmissible the remaining complaints Gvaramia, outlining that he does not TV Sakartvelo (51%) and businessmen signature of the Georgian Dream gov- company were frozen. In the case before brought by Rustavi 2’s owners as well agree with the verdict of the Strasbourg brothers Levan (22%) and Giorgi (18%) ernment”. the European Court of Human Rights, as those brought by Rustavi 2 (the fi rst Court and has the right to criticize, Karamanishvili. On Monday, businessman Kibar Khal- the current owners of Rustavi 2 alleged applicant) itself, including in particular regardless as to which court it concerns. The remaining 9% of the channel vashi was offi cially registered as the in particular that the judges examining their allegations that the proceedings “It is terrible that the TV channel has belonged to Nino Nizharadze, who this owner of Rustavi 2 TV, the change the ownership row had lacked inde- had been a State-led campaign to silence been given an opportunity to appeal week demanded an investigation into already appearing in the Public Regis- pendence and impartiality. the television channel. Given those only in one case," he said, noting that former Director General Nika Gvara- try data and showing that 60% of Rustavi In today’s Chamber judgment, the inadmissibility findings, the Court he does not question the impartiality mia’s activities. Nizharadze and her 2 broadcasting company is owned by European Court held: decided, unanimously, to lift the interim of the European Court and that the rea- lawyer believe that Gvaramia abused Kibar Khalvashi, while 40% is registered By six votes to one, that there had measure under Rule 39 of its Rules of son for such a decision was surely a his offi cial authority and made decisions to the Company Panorama, which is been no violation of Article 6 § 1 (right Court indicating to the Georgian Gov- misinterpretation of the facts of the which were harmful to the TV Channel. owned by Khalvashi. Gvaramia was soon to a fair trial by an independent and ernment that it should among other case. Gvaramia said the team of Rustavi According to the lawyer, this is visible after dismissed as Director-General of impartial tribunal) of the European things suspend enforcement of the deci- 2 will use its right to appeal. from the fi nancial documents belong- the TV Company, replaced by Khalvashi Convention on Human Rights as con- sion of March 2017. He then directed comments to Tea ing to the channel. Nizhradze's com- with his lawyer, Paata Salia. Georgian Gov’t Offers Help to Tourism Sector after Russian Travel Ban Sustainable Development, Natia Turnava, nava said by the end of July, up to 800 BY THEA MORRISON said the new program of grants will be journalists and bloggers will be brought launched from September for the own- to Georgia to tell the world about it. ers of small and family-type hotels. “We have an ongoing contract with he Georgian government Turnava says the new program will be CNN, Bloomberg and National Geo- has decided to assist the just one of the mechanisms used to assist graphic where Georgia is advertised and country’s tourism sector the tourism sector affected by the Rus- popularized as being a safe and attrac- by partially paying their sian sanctions. tive country for tourists. Marketing plans bank loan interests in order The Minister said that work is ongoing and campaigns have been activated for Tto help the fi eld develop after the Rus- to co-fi nance the interest rates on bank the Baltic States, Saudi Arabia and sian ban on fl ights with Georgia. loans and fi nancing of marketing activities Ukraine,” she said. The statement was made by the Prime and added that the Ministry of Economy Bloggers and journalists will come to Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze who said is working with the Ministry of Finance Georgia from the United States, Germany, the government will help entrepreneurs to do so. The service will also be utilized Holland, Great Britain, Czech Republic, involved in tourism, in particular own- by the "Produce in Georgia" project. Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Bulgaria, as well ers of small and medium hotels, in co- Turnava says that apart from helping as from the Republic of Korea, Kazakhstan, fi nancing loans. to pay the interest on loans, the Credit- Ukraine, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Qatar “The most important thing for us is to Guarantee Scheme introduced by the and the United Arab Emirates. support our citizens who are employed government gives guarantees to the banks The guests will visit various parts of in the tourism sector, among them the when owners of small and medium hotels Georgia and fi lm resorts and tourist most vulnerable group - owners of small Image source: reginfo.ge want to expand their businesses and attractions, to prepare videos, reports and medium hotels. Many of them have “Consequently, the mechanism we have Bakhtadze also noted that the govern- need loans. and articles about Georgia as a tourist bank loans, taken to develop the appro- created with the European Union, in ment will activate marketing campaigns “The Credit Guarantee Scheme will be attraction and a safe country, with unique priate infrastructure, and we will help cooperation with European institutions, abroad and contribute to launching new fully oriented to these types of businesses culture and diverse nature. them co-fi nance the interest of these is a credit warranty scheme that will be fl ights to Georgia. and will offer an additional guarantee Georgian tourism faces challenges after loans,” he announced. directed to those entrepreneurs employed "I have daily communication with the to banks, not only supporting existing Russian President Vladimir Putin The PM highlighted that these entre- in the tourism sector. All projects that representatives of the tourism sector. businesses but also promoting their imposed an embargo on direct fl ights preneurs took out loans in response to have been planned and which now face The Ministry of Economy has developed expansion and fi nancing interesting pro- with Georgia, which signifi cantly reduced the fact that tourism was the fastest grow- obstacles [due to the Russian fl ight ban] this working plan based on the informa- jects,” she explained. the infl ow of tourists and visitors to the ing sector, and many of them planned to will be assisted. No hotel construction tion they provided,” he added. Regarding advertising Georgia abroad country- Russian tourists amount to expand their hotels or to build a new one. should be stopped,” he stressed. Georgia’s Minister of Economy and and attracting more foreign tourists, Tur- around 25% of the total visitors annually. GEORGIA TODAY JULY 19 - 22, 2019 NEWS 3 Sabkultura: Saba’s Subsidiary Brand for Contemporary Generations

BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE

n Wednesday, July 17, ‘Saba’ presented a new initiative, project ‘Sabkultura’ (საბკულტურა). Saba is famous in Georgia for uniting two parts of the literary world, the Saba Literary Prize andO Saba ebook platform. Now Saba has presented Sabkultura – a new educational platform made specifi cally for the new generation. Sabkultura aims to give literature a new life, bringing it to youth in a way that is currently popular in Georgia. Sabkultura unites a free and open space where will be more affordable. socializing over books and the knowledge they give “We wanted to make the relationship between to readers will be easy in both digital and real spaces. the reader and the author more integrated and “This is a new movement of book lovers and read- make our platform more valuable. To make that ers, members of which believe that reading changes possible we knew that we had concentrate all con- thoughts, thoughts change actions, and actions tent in one place,” said Vakho Vakhtangishvili from change the environment,” noted the presenter of Leavingstone. “For that reason, Sabkultura will Sabkultura during its public presentation in Fabrika offer not only books to its users but educational on Wednesday. radio programs as well. Subkultura will be equipped Saba aims to make reading more inviting and with a unique audio format. The audio books will interesting, and to accomplish that they plan to be read by artifi cial intelligence (AI) which sounds organize numerous projects and activities. An just like a human. This is a great step in techno- updated, improved version of Saba Reader is a good logical development, putting Georgia forward in starting point. “Sabkultura” is a joint project of the fi eld and much more effi cient than using human Saba and Communicational Agency Livingstone. resources, 1200% more effi cient to be exact.” After implementing Sabkultura, the Saba Reader The presentation of Sabkultura concluded with has some new functions: giving the best possible Levan Berdzenishvili’s lecture on the importance experience with modern technology, making read- of literature. Levan Berdzenishvili is a Georgian ing a pleasant, accessible process for everyone. politician, author and academic who served as the The platform of Sabkultura will be available via Director of the National Parliamentary Library of an app. The app will have monthly payment and Georgia from 1998 to 2004. in turn, readers will be able to download three Saba is the biggest Literary Prize in Georgia and books. The updated version allows a library format a leading innovative web-platform. Saba also man- – it will be possible to “return” the books after hav- ages many social-literary projects. Saba was founded ing read them. After deleting the ebooks, users will with the support of TBC Bank in 2012. Today, it has be able to download new ones. What’s more, imple- over 190,000 users and 6,000 ebooks in its cata- menting Sabkultura means that the prices of ebooks logue. What Are Moscow's Preconditions for Abolishing a Ban on Flights with Georgia?

Image source: nationalturk.com sentiments and to drive a wedge between our peo- BY THEA MORRISON ples," Lavrov said, adding that these people “cannot even realize their actions and the damage that they infl ict on their own country, on the well-being of ussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov their people, which to a signifi cant extent depends says there is a possibility that Moscow on the quality of economic and humanitarian ties will reconsider its ban on fl ights with with Russia." Georgia if Tbilisi stabilizes the situa- The politician added that certain Georgian tion in the country and ensures the politicians are trying to outclass each other in safetyR of Russian citizens. anti-Russian rhetoric to achieve their “selfi sh In an interview with Russian media outlet Argu- goals.” menti i Fakti, Lavrov said Moscow expects the Geor- Lavrov underlined it is important that Offi cial gian government to realize the "danger and ineffec- Tbilisi fi nd the strength to condemn the “shameful tiveness of continuing to fuel the anti-Russian act by a local TV station, which aired assaults aimed hysteria" as soon as possible, he said, referring to at the President of Russia, resulting in an outcry anti-Russian and anti-occupation rallies underway in Georgian society itself." Here, he referred to in Georgia since June 20. private TV station Rustavi 2 whose TV anchor “We cannot help but remain concerned about the Giorgi Gabunia verbally assaulted President Putin attempts of several radically-minded members of during his live show earlier this month. the Georgian political elite to foster Russophobic Continued on page 6 GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS JULY 19 - 22, 2019 On Some Issues of the History of Georgia was subsequently established, it fi rst was district, without any legal grounds what- GEORGIAN NATIONAL a part of Single Georgia, then of the Kar- soever. ACADEMY OF SCIENCES tli Kingdom and fi nally of the Kartl- As for North Ossetia, historic homeland Kakheti Kingdom. of Ossetians, after two years (July 1924), The materials attached to the Treaty it was granted the status of an autono- e have to touch some of Georgievsk of 1783 allow us to assert mous republic and remained in Russia. utterance on the his- that the northern part of Shida Kartli, The “South Ossetian autonomous dis- tory of Georgia that with its northernmost edge Dvaleti, was trict” was made up of more-or-less President of Russia a province of the Kartli-Kakheti Kingdom Ossetian-settled lands and “supple- V. Putin made in Yeka- (in XVII century Giorgi Saakadze was mented” with a Georgian city of Tskh- Wterinburg on July 9. Unfortunately, in his the Governor of Dvaleti). Following the invali (according to the “Кавказский speech there were some incorrect pres- annexation of Georgia by Russia in 1801, календарь” of 1900, Tskhinvali by that entations of the history of Georgia, in the northern part of Shida Kartli, together time was settled with Georgians, Geor- particular, those concerning relations with Dvaleti, was joined to the Imereti gian Jews, and Armenians) together with with Abkhazia and the so-called South Governorate, then to the Gori district of several Georgian villages around the city. Ossetia. And this is not the fi rst time this the Tbilisi Governorate. In 1858, by the This happened with use of force and has happened- and each time it has, decree of the Viceroy of Caucasia Alex- caused the fair outrage of the Georgian Georgian scientists have repeatedly given ander Bariatinski, Dvaleti was transferred population (materials from the book the proper response. to the Okrug Ossetia. Thus, to the North ‘History of Relations between Georgian The territories where the Ossetians Ossetia was joined only Dvaleti and not and Ossetian Peoples,’ Tb., 1991, pp. 56-73). and Abkhazians now live are historically the entire territory of Shida Kartli, where The creation of an autonomous district Georgian. Ivane Javakhishvili researched the “South Ossetian Autonomous Dis- in which the Georgian population became the issue of Georgia's borders thoroughly trict” was subsequently formed. a minority in its own homeland was a (see, Georgian Borders in Historical and It is noteworthy that the term "South gross violation of both human and national Contemporary Terms, Tb., 1919). Based Ossetia" began coming into use in the rights and freedoms. on historical sources, it is clear that the 1860s. Before, in all the offi cial documents We should emphasize here that in eastern border of the medieval state of of Russia, Ossetians residing in Georgia Georgia, Ossetians had been granted all Georgia ran on the White Waters or were referred to with the quite correct the conditions necessary for the devel- Chaghan Usun (Chronicler). term - Ossetians of North Kartli. opment of their culture and economy. The title of David IV The Builder was After the establishment of the Demo- In the years of 1990-91, before the col- "The King of Abkhazians, Georgians, cratic Republic of Georgia in 1918, as the lapse of the Soviet Union, there were Rans, Kakhetians, Armenians, the Shar- October Revolution demolished the Rus- 100 Ossetian high schools in Georgia, navashah and the Shahanshah". These sian Empire, Dvaleti reentered Georgia. with 90 of them in South Ossetia. Edu- are the lands that belonged to his great By the agreement signed between Russia cation in each was given in the Ossetian kingship. David The Builder emphasized and the Democratic Republic of Georgia language, with the Ossetian language in his last will that his "won" lands on May 7, 1920, the Georgian-Russian and literature taught as independent extended “from Nikophsia to the Wall border was delimited as passing along subjects. In Tskhinvali there was a Ped- of Daruband and from Ovseti (Ossetia) the main ridge of the Caucasus and, agogical Institute, an Institute of Teacher to the Aragats". Queen Tamar's title is naturally, Dvaleti, the northernmost part Retraining, an agricultural college, med- the same as that of David The Builder. of Shida Kartli remained part of Georgia. ical, musical and art schools, vocational This refl ects the political strength and Russia intended to annex the Shida and technical schools, and more. Accord- geographical size of Georgia. Kartli region and for that reason tried to ing to the 1979 census, South Ossetia was Perhaps we should not have gone into stir up a confl ict between Ossetians and ranked second in the Soviet Union by so much detail about Georgia's histori- Georgians. Soviet Russia managed to the number of university graduates per cal boundaries, but let it be known that provoke an armed uprising in Ossetia capita. any attempt to falsify the history of Geor- and Shida Kartli with the aim of estab- In 1927, the Institute of Regional Geog- gia will be met with true and verifi able The title of David IV The Builder was "The King of Abkhazians, Georgians, Rans, lishing Soviet power in "South Ossetia," raphy was established, to be later trans- Kakhetians, Armenians, the Sharnavashah and the Shahanshah" historical data. Abkhaz and Ossetian wresting it from Georgia and annexing formed into the Institute of South Osse- scholars should also be well-aware of statement in an interview to CNN, made abandoned by those who want peace it to Russia. After that, they could occupy tian Language, Literature and History this. when you were Prime Minister, where between Georgia and Russia. Such is the the entire Republic of Georgia. (within the Academy of Sciences of Dimitri Gulia, the founder of Abkhaz- you said that once there was a single reality.” (`Nezavisimaya Gazeta, 1992, In 1920, Soviet Russia and the Bolshe- Georgia). In Tskhinvali several volumes ian literature and historiography, empha- Ossetia in Russia, that consisted of the 22. I., # 13). viks supported rebellious Ossetians in of the History of Ossetia (documents sized: “Abkhazia, which has always been current North and South Ossetia; that This is the opinion of a true Ossetian establishing the Soviet power in South and materials), two volumes of the His- an integral part of Georgia, has lived one Stalin divided Ossetia and gave South patriot, great scholar and public fi gure. Ossetia and declaring the territory part tory of South Ossetia, a four-volume life with it through all her history, organ- Ossetia to Georgia, where an autonomous No comment needed. Sadly, neither of Soviet Russia. This act went against Explanatory dictionary of the Ossetian ically participated in the creation of region was made of it; that the same Sta- Ossetian nor Russian functionaries have all international standards: the territorial language, a three-volume collection of Georgian culture and statehood, having lin handed over the territory of Abkha- taken this wisdom into consideration. integrity of Georgia was blatantly vio- Ossetian tales, several volumes of the played a signifi cant role in the struggle zia to Georgia to set up an autonomous Recently, the Russian media has been lated and the opinion and will of the History of Ossetian literature, and a col- for freedom and independence of the republic of Abkhazia. Obviously, those spreading an absurd statement that in Georgian population ignored. The decree lection of Ossetian songs (with musical country, in the struggle to unite indi- who provide you with such information 1774, by the force of the Kuchuk-Kaynarji by the Caucasus Committee of the Rus- notes) were prepared and published. vidual Georgian tribes and regions into do you a disservice. When making loud peace treaty signed between Russia and sian Communist Party (Bolshevik) of Functioning in Tskhinvali were a State a powerful national state of Georgia (D. statements, one should use only verifi ed the Ottoman Empire, Russia was joined March 23, 1920 reads: National Theater, the Museum of Regional Gulia, About my book `History of Abk- information. Unfortunately, much of the by Ossetia, which in their interpretation "1. Organize a revolutionary committee Geography, an Art Gallery, and a Public hazia ). history of Russian-Ossetian relations has included also the northern part of the in South Ossetia ... 2. Declare Soviet Library, as were associations of writers, It is well-established that Ossetians recently been falsifi ed. Georgian province Shida Kartli, the sub- power ... 3. Immediately form an armed artists, composers; a musical and cho- settled in the North Caucasus (on the It is enough to read the research by the sequent “South Ossetian Autonomous detachment. 4. Get in touch with North reographic society, and a national ensem- territory of present-day North Ossetia) Ossetian historian, Professor G. Togo- Region.” On July 10, 2004, the Russian Ossetia ... release 100 thousand rubles ble of song and dance. centuries ago, along with the Scythian- lashvili, his articles for Georgian Ency- Duma made an irresponsible and absurd (one hundred thousand rubles) at the In South Ossetia, the radio was broad- Sarmatian tribes (note that the Ossetian clopedia, especially the special volume statement that in 1774, Ossetia voluntar- disposal of the Revolutionary Commit- casting in the native language; newspa- language belongs to the North-East group "Georgian SSR", the chapter ‘South ily joined Russia and therefore it was the tee. pers, magazines, and fi ction were pub- of Iranian languages). In the X-XII cen- Ossetian Autonomous District, South Russian government's duty to protect The documents include this report: lished also in Ossetian. In 1988, in the turies, the Kingdom of the Ossetia had Ossetia’ (1981, pp. 337-339), to get an idea the rights of citizens of Ossetia. ” Moscow, Central Committee of the autonomous district of South Ossetia relations with different countries, includ- of the real history of South Ossetia. From Here, we are dealing with at the very RCP (B), Comrades Lenin and Chicherin. had published about 5 times more books ing Georgia (in XI-XII cc Ossetia was this perspective, it is interesting to get least the ignorance of history. The fact In compliance with the order of the Cau- for each 10 thousand Ossetians than in Georgia's vassal country). The invasions acquainted also with the works by V. is that the geographical notion of "Osse- casian Regional Committee of March 23, North Ossetia, with 3 times more copies. of Tamerlane ended the unifi cation of Abayev, b. Pliev, o. Tedeeva, Z. Gagloitti, tia" did not exist at that time and, of confi rmed by special couriers of the same As we see, the Georgian state and people the Ossetians, and they were dispersed p. Doguzov and others. course, there was no such state. The Committee ... Soviet power was pro- provided Ossetians every opportunity in different directions (Hungary, the Vasil Abaev, the patriarch of the Osse- Ossetians who lived in the Kartli moun- claimed on June 8 in South Ossetia.” for national-cultural, socio-political and Balkans, etc.). Some Ossetians tried to tian science writes: tains considered themselves fugitives. There are other documents too, which economic development. settle in Kartli, but were stopped by the “The main Caucasian ridge is the nat- Russian offi cials had been trying to intro- make clear who was inciting Ossetians As for the autonomous republic of Georgians and forced back. In XVII-XVIII ural border between Georgia and Osse- duce the invented terms "North Ossetia" to a fratricidal war. Thus, accusing the North Ossetia, which was a part of Rus- cc., Ossetians came to the foothills and tia, and any attempt to blur this border and "South Ossetia" from the late 19th Georgian "nationalist chauvinist" gov- sia, here is a small excerpt from a pub- a narrow strip of the plain of Georgia will entail a state of permanent confl ict century. Until the 19th century, there was ernment of the genocide of the Ossetian lication by A, Galazov, the Chairman of (north of Kartli). A small part (Kudaro between Georgians and Ossetians ... we no document to prove that the Shida people is immoral, to say the least. the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Ossetians) settled in the Imereti King- must fi rst talk about South Ossetia's Kartli mountains might have been called In February 1921, the insidious plan of Republic of North Ossetia, that describes dom. secession from Georgia. No Georgian Ossetia. In reality, in 1774, the Russian Soviet Russia and the Bolshevik Party the state of affairs: “I am always sincerely In Kartli, the Ossetians settled on the government will ever agree with this and Empire was joined by just the Ossetian against the will of the Georgian people sorry for young people of my national- lands that belonged to the Georgian it will be right because it would mean a communes of the three Caucasian val- was implemented, which was, in fact, ity, when, despite a knowledge of foreign princes Machabeli and Eristavi of Aragvi violation of Georgia’s territorial integrity. leys: Alagir, Kurtat and Tagauri. The another annexation of Georgia (for the languages and world civilization, they and Ksani. They served feudal lords as He who wants peace between South fourth commune, Digoria, was in Kabarda second time). Thus, Soviet Russia vio- feel uncomfortable at home due to the Georgian serfs did. Ossetians fought Ossetians and Georgians, must forever and joined Russia in 1781. As for the lated the agreement of May 7, 1920. In ignorance of the elementary foundations against invaders together with Georgians. reject the idea of joining South Ossetia northern part of Shida Kartli, where the April 1922, Bolsheviks granted so-called of Ossetian culture ... It was very surprising to read your to North Ossetia. This idea must also be Autonomous District of South Ossetia South Ossetia the status of autonomous Continued on page 6

GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS JULY 19 - 22, 2019 Iran-US Tensions Are Unlikely to Spill into War This comes on top of what happened harsh climate of Afghanistan and Paki- OP-ED BY EMIL AVDALIANI last month when Iran came close to war stan. Turkmenistan’s semi-barren steppe- with the US after Tehran’s unprecedented lands keep Iran’s provinces more or less decision to shoot-down a US drone with safe (barring occasional attacks by o the south of Georgia trou- a surface-to-air missile. Back then, the nomadic peoples). ble is brewing as Iran and US offi cials, including President Donald The fact of being both geographically the US (and its allies) are Trump, said that this could trigger retal- contained and geographically defended almost openly engaged in iatory strikes. According to various has defi ned the Iranian grand strategy a military competition sources, Trump green-lighted a limited from the ancient Persian empires to Taround the Persian Gulf and the Strait air-strike against Iran’s surface military modern Iran. The country’s mountains of Hormuz. capabilities but cancelled the decision and deserts have made it almost impos- True, Georgia does not share a border some minutes later when fi ghters were sible to conquer and then keep under with Iran, but its close economic and in the air. control. Consider, for example, several cultural relations with Tehran might be The root of Iranian-American tensions of history’s greatest conquerors. The further endangered. It is unlikely that lies in the differences regarding Tehran’s Mongols and, later Tamerlane success- the US will tolerate Georgia’s neutral nuclear program. Washington abandoned fully invaded the Iranian plateau, but to position in a potential confl ict between the nuclear agreement the world powers keep it, they either had to deploy tens the two states. Therefore, the Georgian reached in 2015 and Iran recently of thousands of troops (which they were government will fi nd itself in a diffi cult announced it has reached a high level of unable to do) or co-opt the local popu- position but will most likely act accord- uranium production. lation (which they did) by allowing them ing to wider US interests in the South The tensions, as said above, induced to participate in the country’s govern- Caucasus. Even if a military confl ict does the US and its allies, primarily in the ance. The same goes for Alexander the not ensue (as explained below), Geor- Persian Gulf, to create a coalition. This Great, Iran’s most successful conqueror. Image source: inhomelandsecurity.com gian-Iranian relations will take a hit. is a very good example of what kind of Following his conquest of the land, he The US recently announced plans to future naval coalitions the US will be for the country’s economy, leading to A look at the map shows that Iran’s co-opted the local elites to hold onto the set up a multinational military coalition able to muster to prevent a certain group potential unrest in various regions. Sec- major population centers are surrounded state – and after he died, Iran quickly to protect the waters around Iran and of countries from controlling vital eco- ond, a military confrontation with the by almost impregnable mountains and regained its independence. Yemen, particularly commercial routes nomic choke points such as the Strait of US is simply beyond the Iranian resource deserts as well as water barriers. In the Iran and the US want to avoid a direct where about $554 billion worth of trade, Hormuz or the Strait of Malacca in Asia. base. However, it is also true that the US west and northwest are the Zagros Moun- military clash, but also do not want to mainly oil and gas, passes through the But this also raised an alarm among does not want to engage Iran as the lat- tains, which bar Iran from Iraq. In the lose their face among their respective Straits of Hormuz each year. The mili- politicians and the world’s analytical ter is a completely different story from north, the Elburz Mountains as well as allies. Still, the attempts to diminish ten- tary confrontation between Iran and the community that we might see a military what the American forces did during the Armenia’s mountainous lands serve as sions between the two powers become US could cause disruption, costing the confrontation between the US (and its invasion of Iraq in 2003. And it is not a defensive shield. The Caspian Sea to less and less effective as Iran grows its biggest trader, Saudi Arabia, $3.5 billion allies) and Iran. First, it should be empha- about Iran’s far superior military capa- the north and the Arabian Sea to the nuclear-related capabilities and the US a week, but also negatively impacting sized that Iranians understand well that bilities than those of Iraq: the major dif- south are yet more impregnable barri- sees less and less room to entice Tehran many Asian shippers. a military confrontation would be deadly ference lies in geographic factors. ers. To the east and northeast lie the into a mutually benefi cial understanding. What Are Moscow's Preconditions for Abolishing a Ban on Flights with Georgia? Continued from page 3 normalizing their ties. lizing the socio-political situation in channels where Georgian society freely onstrations were sparked by a session of Georgian journalists asked the founder Georgia. Khatia Dekanoidze, member of expresses its position. Their position is the General Assembly of the International “We hope that the Georgian authorities and Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream the United National Movement, which is also similar regarding Rustavi 2,” party Assembly on Orthodoxy (IAO). Follow- will be able to stabilize the socio-political (GD) party, Bidzina Ivanishvili to com- often linked with Rustavi 2, says that MP Zurab Chiaberashvili said. ing the approved protocol, Head of the situation in the country and eliminate the ment on Lavrov’s statements. Moscow directly tasked Georgia to attack Head of the National-Democratic party Russian delegation, State Duma MP Ser- existing threats to the security of Rus- “What happened in Rustavi 2 is a shame the pro-western opposition and silence in Georgia, Bachuki Kardava, says the gey Gavrilov, who is the IAO president, sians. If this happens, the necessary con- not only for that TV company but for our TV station Rustavi 2. Kremlin’s target at present is Rustavi 2, took the Speaker’s seat in the Georgian ditions will be created to consider the whole country and our culture and iden- “Lavrov’s statements see an interference pro-western opposition and anti-occu- parliament. Outraged by this action, the possibility of abolishing the precaution- tity… Of course I condemn Gabunia’s in the domestic affairs of Georgia. The pation rally participants of Georgian Georgian opposition disrupted the event ary measures taken by Russia, including action and it was judged by the whole of government should give him a proper society. and outside protests ended in an attempt the ban on air transportation to Georgia. Georgian society,” Ivanishvili said. He did response,” she said. “Lavrov believes his ally in Georgia is to break into the parliament building. The We want to be friends and cooperate for not comment on Lavrov’s other state- Opposition European Georgia also Ivanishvili and his government. The Russian MPs had to leave the country the benefi t of the citizens of Russia and ments. believes that Lavrov’s statements are authorities have become the puppets of and the assembly was wrapped up. Georgia.” A number of Georgian opposition par- synchronized with the Georgian govern- the Kremlin,” Kardava stressed. On June 21, 2019, Russian President Earlier this month, Lavrov also said ties claim the ruling party and Kremlin ment’s comments. Large-scale anti-Russian protests were Vladimir Putin signed a decree banning Moscow suspects that Washington is try- have a similar narrative in demanding a “For both the Georgian government and launched in Tbilisi on June 20 on the visit Russian airlines from fl ying to Georgia ing to inhibit Russia and Georgia from proper response to Rustavi 2 and stabi- Moscow, it is important to silence all free of Russian parliamentarians. The dem- which took effect on July 8. On Some Issues of the History of Georgia Continued from page 4 that Abkhazia has always been independ- the autonomous status of Abkhazia within The recognition of Abkhazia as being the will to secede and not just some. If ent, separatists and their supporters the Democratic Republic of Georgia. part of Georgia by Russia, as well as by even one of these three requirments is National youth, for example, deprived claim that Abkhazia joined Russia vol- This provision, in turn, was enshrined the Soviet Union, is supported by the not met, the UN believes that self-deter- of their native language. Until last year, untarily in 1810, whereas Georgia joined in the Constitution of the Democratic very important fact that the communist mination cannot be considered. In the in North Ossetia there was in fact not a in 1801. This is a deception. It is well Republic of Georgia, adopted by the party of Abkhazia has never been con- case of Abkhazia, all three principles single school with the Ossetian language known from history that in 1801, Russia Constituent Council on February 21, 1921. sidered as an independent branch, but were violated. The fourth principle was of education.” (Pravda newspaper, 1989, annexed only the eastern part of Georgia After the overthrow of the independent only within the Communist Party of violated too, of the international law this 11 – XI). No comments. - the Kingdom of Kartli and Kakheti. Georgian government and the establish- Georgia; as a party organization of auton- time: the principle of inviolability of ter- Against the historical truth goes the Western Georgia, the Kingdom of Imereti, ment of Soviet power on December 16, omy, with its regional committee subor- ritorial integrity of the country. allegation by the secessionists that Geor- the principalities of Guria and Samegrelo, 1921, Abkhazia entered Georgia under a dinated to the central committee of the It is surprising to hear open statements gia, or even only Western Georgia, was were annexed by Russia separately, in special "Union Agreement," as a "Treaty Communist Party of Georgia. made by various high and top-level Rus- ever part of Abkhazia. The history falsi- different years, over the course of more Republic," although from the very begin- After the dissolution of the Soviet sian offi cials that Abkhazia’s independ- fi ers argue allegedly that in the 70s of than 30 years. Russia annexed Abkhazia ning it was actually considered an auton- Union, independent Russia recognized ence was a symmetric response to the the seventh century, Leon II, Prince of in parts: Samurzakano in 1805, Abkhazia omous unit of Georgia. In 1931, Abkhazia the territorial integrity of Georgia with recognition of Kosovo's independence Abkhazia, who at last broke free from proper in 1810, Tsebelda in the 1830s. was transformed into an autonomous Abkhazia as part of it. Despite the fact by the UN. But how could that relate to Byzantine rule, declared himself the King Interestingly, the 1810 appeal to the Rus- Soviet Socialist Republic (ASPR) of that after the confl ict in Abkhazia, the Georgia? Why should Georgia be pun- of Abkhazia and shifted the capital from sian Emperor to join Abkhazia to Russia Georgia. de facto authorities of the breakaway ished if Georgia never supported Koso- Anakophia to Kutaisi. In reality, at that was written in the Georgian language. Until August 2008, Russia recognized region held various elections, until 2008, vo's independence? We believe that this time, as well as for many centuries before, When Georgia became Soviet in 1921, Abkhazia as integral part of Georgia. In the hand of Russia signed the recogni- is not a symmetrical, but obviously an Kutaisi had been one of the strongest Abkhazia was a part of Georgia and 1864, the last ruler of Abkhazia, Mikhail tion of the territorial integrity of Geor- inadequate and unfair response. political and cultural centers of Georgia. remained so thereafter. Therefore, nobody Shervashidze, and his posterity were gia in many documents, international The separatist movement began in In reality, the announcement of Leon could transfer this territory to Georgia, permanently deprived of the right to ones among them. Among the most sig- Abkhazia in the 1950s and was supported II and the transfer of the capital became be it Russia or Stalin. The treaty of May govern Abkhazia, the Principality was nifi cant are documents signed by the by the Soviet leadership. The peak came possible only due to the strong support 7, 1920 recognized Abkhazia as an inte- abolished, and Abkhazia was named the President of the Russian Federation and in the late 80s and early 90s when the of Georgian political circles. All in all, gral part of Georgia. Sukhumi Military Department. However, other high-level offi cials within the Com- separatists managed to stir up a fratri- we can boldly state that: 1. The Kingdom The territory of modern Abkhazia, the Russian Emperor left Abkhazia as monwealth of the Independent States, cidal war. In the autumn of 1993, largely of Abkhazia was a Georgian kingdom 2. despite the well-known unfounded claims part of Georgia, within the Kutaisi gov- which recognized Abkhazia as an inte- due to the support of regular Russian The kings of Abkhazia were Georgians (approved by Russian offi cials), has his- ernorate, while the military department gral part of Georgia. military units, Abkhaz secessionists won by their cultural belonging and 3. Their torically always been an organic part of was subordinated to the governor-general Separatists often argue that they were a "victory" in the armed confrontation strategic political course had always been the Georgian ethnic and political state of Kutaisi. allowed to secede from Georgia by a UN with Georgia. For the past 20-25 years, in line with Georgian domestic and for- (see Z. Papaskiri, ‘On the Social-State Abkhazia was recognized as part of Declaration of 1970, which reads self- as Georgian authorities could not control eign policy. For centuries, they worked Image of Abkhazia / Georgia,’ Tb. 2003). Georgia throughout the 20th century. determination as one of the main polit- them, Abkhazia and Tskhinvali have for the unifi cation of the Georgian state. On June 11, 1918, an agreement was signed In December 1922, Georgia was incor- ical-legal principles of democratic regu- remained beyond Georgian jurisdiction. On the basis of this, we can conclude between the People’s Council of Abkha- porated into the Soviet Union, not Abk- lation of national relations. This is true, We are convinced that we can handle that the declaration of Kutaisi as the zia and the leadership of the Democratic hazia. Abkhazia was part of the Soviet but they forget that the United Nations the current global challenges our coun- capital of the Kingdom of Abkhazia was Republic of Georgia, by which Abkhazia Union only as part of Georgia. Abkhazia also declared three political-legal require- tries are facing only with a fair assess- not indicative that Kutaisi, Imereti, and was united with the rest of Georgia with never had a separate treaty with Russia, ments that must be met: 1. Find out to ment of history, our rich common history all Western Georgia were part of Abk- the right to autonomy. This decision was never had a representative in Russia and whom the territory belongs on which fi rst of all, through unbiased and fair hazia, but just the other way around: it approved by the newly elected People’s Russia never had an offi cial representa- the self-determination is requested; 2. analysis of historical facts. once again proves that Abkhazia was Council of Abkhazia on March 20, 1919. tion in Abkhazia, whereas in Georgia it Defi ne the ethnic composition of the The Georgian nation has a long and part of the Kingdom of Georgia. On October 16, 1920, the Constitution of did, and Georgia had its offi cial repre- inhabitants of said area; 3. All the nation- proud history, and it will protect it no About another falsifi cation. As proof Abkhazia was adopted, which emphasized sentation in Russia. alities inhabiting the area should express matter what happens. GEORGIA TODAY JULY 19 - 22, 2019 BUSINESS 7 Meet Italian Chef Enzo Neri – Restaurateur, Philanthropist, Designer dients together.” EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Enzo is now turning his attention to BY AMY JONES charitable causes in Georgia. Recently, he helped Nina Gagua to organize a char- ity project in Dzegvi shelter to help the eeting Italian chef Enzo local community. “People call me the Neri on a hot summer’s philanthropist chef,” he says. “There was morning in Vake, it is nothing like this when I came to Georgia, impossible not to be I wanted to help.” won over by his infec- Enzo worked together with chefs from Mtious Italian fl air. He enthusiastically the Biltmore Hotel in Tbilisi for the tells his story in an accent loaded with event. “I cooked for 78 people including Italian and British tones – a testament 15 kids with Nina Gagua,” he explains. to his career which has taken him around “I used to do some charity work in New the world. York and London. I wanted to give some- From working in Michelin starred res- thing back but I couldn’t fi nd a way to taurants in his native Italy, to heading do any charity. I couldn’t believe it, I see restaurants on Broadway in New York many people who need help on a daily and Park Lane in London, to establish- basis.” They also distributed toys to chil- ing the kitchen at Sofi tel Dubai Jumeirah dren in the village. Beach and RIVA Beach and setting up a Following the success of the fi rst event, restaurant in Montenegro, Enzo’s CV is he plans to hold more charitable events impressive. in other towns in Georgia in future. He Since coming to Georgia for the fi rst also hopes to complete the construction time in 2015, invited by Gia Piradishvili of a kitchen at the shelter in Dzegvi. to hold a masterclass event, after which But that’s not all. Enzo spotted a gap he decided to make the move more in the market for chef’s wear in Tbilisi: permanent in 2017, Enzo has left his “There is no company creating decent mark on the Georgian hospitality scene. chef jackets,” he explains. “I do some- He has worked with some of the coun- thing cool with new designs, as well as try’s top restaurants, including La classic.” Boheme, Andropov’s Ears, Radisson Enzo paired up with textile designer Blu Iveria Hotel, and Bioli Medical Sofi Zukakishvili to create chef’s cloth- Wellness Resort in Kojori. Currently, ing for the Georgian market. Together, he is working to develop the food at Image source: Enzo Neri they have established ‘Zook’s Uniforms George Pirahashvili’s ‘II Cortile by Finding the right service has also been ation in Georgia.” opening a string of successful restau- by Chef EnZo,’ using quality fabrics and Chef Enzo’ in Kakheti. diffi cult. “Nobody wants to work in hos- Over time, he has built a network of rants, Enzo has cemented his name on design to create comfortable and stylish Entering the hospitality industry in pitality – coming from New York, it was people that he trusts, even sending a the Georgian culinary scene, especially chefwear. Georgia has not always been easy. “There’s a shock to see the service in Georgia,” team of Georgian staff to run a new res- after creating his signature chocolate With so many projects on the go in a lack of ingredients,” Enzo explains. Enzo tells GEORGIA TODAY. “In New taurant in Kotor in Montenegro. khinkali. “There are no borders in food Georgia, GEORGIA TODAY asks Enzo “Radicchio, fennel… I can’t fi nd it here. York, people could earn $400 a day in By adapting his menu to suit both – khinkali, ravioli, it’s the same, just if he plans to stay: “I think I’m settling Nobody wants to eat it.” tips. It was a completely different situ- Georgian and international tastes and different shapes. I just put two ingre- down a little bit,” he says with a grin. GEORGIA TODAY 8 BUSINESS JULY 19 - 22, 2019 Big Idea Challenge 2019

Along with other top fi gures from gov- creative category, was Sapo from BTU, BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE ernment and the private sector, Deputy represented by Naili Vakhania and Tengiz Head of Mission from the UK, Alexandra Kavkasidze. The digital technology cat- Cole, attended the competition’s fi nale egory was won by startup iWant from the his week, the British Coun- on Wednesday, July 17. “Creative Spark Tbilisi State Art Academy (TSAA), rep- cil in Georgia organized an is one of the most practical programs resented by Levan Tkemaladze, Giorgi enterprise video pitch com- we run here. It helps young people turn Sheshaberidze, and David Paichadze. petition for the participants ideas into income. I’m really glad that I Another startup from TSAA won the of the Creative Spark: can be here this evening for the fi nal as social impact category – Chu, represented THigher Education Enterprise Program. part of the UK’s support for Georgia’s by Salome and Guram Tsikvadze. Fans The Creative Spark program is a fi ve- continued, inclusive economic growth,” voted online for the People’s Choice award year initiative that began in 2018. In 2019, said Cole. until July 14, choosing Virtual Tickets it will fund 12 international partnerships “Creative Spark is a program we are from Ilia State University’s Mariami between universities and creative insti- most proud of...Even at the end of the Devnosadze, Sopo Kardenakhishvili, and tutions with up to GBP 40,000. fi rst year, we are already observing the Revazi Shalashvili. All winners took home The program aims to develop entrepre- development of the creative industry prizes of packaged marketing, business neurship skills and the creative economy infrastructure in the country,” added support and mentoring for their startups, across seven countries: Kazakhstan, Zaza Purtseladze, Director of the British and receive access to a series of programs, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Council in the South Caucasus and Geor- opportunities, and information on pro- Armenia, Georgia, and Ukraine. The pri- gia. fessional development. The Country mary benefi ciaries are university students, Nino Enukidze, Dean of Faculty at BTU, Champion, Sapo, won a study visit to the graduates and young entrepreneurs. noted that her university was “very hon- UK to participate in the upcoming World “We believe this initiative will signifi - ored to have an opportunity to host the Championship. cantly support the development of the fi nal event of the project,” and that “the The British Council is the UK’s inter- creative economy in Georgia, and young project itself was very useful and inter- national organization for cultural rela- Image source: British Council creative entrepreneurs will acquire new esting because it helped creative indus- tions and educational opportunities. skills which will, in the longer term, make tries in the country to promote them- and Technical University (BTU) to pitch 53 of which came from Georgia alone. Since 1934, they have been working in them competitive for local and interna- selves, develop themselves, and position their startups for the Big Idea Challenge. The Big Idea Challenge had three cat- the fi elds of arts and culture, English tional markets. Moreover, the program themselves as fast growing international Young people from participating countries egories: digital technology, social impact language, education and civil society in will support the establishment and devel- startups, not only on the local market were invited to develop innovative start- and creative. One winner in each category over 100 countries. Last year the Coun- opment of the British-Georgian Univer- but also on the international market.” ups and share their ideas with the world. and an overall champion were selected cil reached over 75 million people directly sity/institutional partnerships,” said the On Wednesday evening, selected pro- The call received more than 300 submis- by an international panel. In Georgia, the and 758 million people overall including British Council. gram participants gathered at Business sions from the seven program countries, country champion, and winner of the online, broadcasts and publications. Delegation of Israel Supports Tourism in Georgia

Continued from page 1 countries to each other, as this is “the only way to establish strong and fruit- On July 17, the Israeli delegation par- ful ties.” ticipated in a discussion on the topic On July 18, the Israeli delegation trave- ‘Georgian-Israeli Relations,’ organized led to the city of Batumi to hold a meet- by Diplomat Magazine, in the Biltmore ing with Davit Gabaidze, the Chairman Tbilisi hotel. At the meeting, the speak- of the Supreme Council of the Autono- ers Davit Bitan, Hila Mark, Member of mous Republic of Ajara. At the meeting, Knesset from the ruling party Likud, the parties discussed the prospects in and Itsik Moshe, spoke about the rela- terms of increasing the tourist infl ow tions between the two countries and from Israel to the region of Ajara, as strongly focused on the untapped poten- well as the number of fl ights. In addi- tial. The speakers gave thorough tion, the Israeli businessmen also spoke responses to attendees’ questions on regarding interest in Ajara’s potential. the possibilities for enhancing ties The meeting was attended by Itsik between Georgia and Israel. Moshe. “I always say to the members of the Further, within the scope of the visit, government that Georgia is a safe coun- guests discovered the sights of Ajara, try, where tourists can walk around among them the Batumi Sinagogue, event at night,” Bitan stated, going on which holds the status of Cultural Her- to address the future Georgian diplo- itage. The public demands, it be reno- mats attending the event. “Your work vated and given its original appearance. is crucial, while your purity is to be The delegation from Israel then par- directly reflected on the relations ticipated in an agreement signing cer- between the two countries.” emony between Israeli House and the Moshe noted that the visit of high level Grigol Robakidze University. The agree- Israeli guests in Georgia is of vital ment envisages starting teaching ‘Hol- importance when there is such high ocaust History’ at the University. potential for the further cooperation In addition, the Israeli guests attended between the two countries. Currently, the offi cial ceremony of the launch of tourism and investments represent one the international company MyWay Air- of the most successful directions within lines, mostly serving tourists traveling this collaboration. The aim of the Israel- from Israel to Georgia. It is also planned Georgia Chamber of Business and Israeli to open a representation offi ce of the House is to better introduce the two company in Israel soon. SUBSCRIBE!

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presentation and the fi rst “Cercle”. The joint event Polo & Pan The A zone, with a separate entrance and event of the event company (live) is scheduled for July 20 at the bar, will also be ready to serve at the event, Origami was held at Silk Electro Carriage Building Factory. How- ensuring maximum comfort for guests. Factory Studio on May 3, ever, this is not the end of the collabora- Aside from various events, Origami is seeing Artbat and Marc tion between the two companies. Along also engaged in the charity auction ARomboy among the major headliners with the Polo & Pan concert, Origami is #ჩვენვაშენებთთეატრს (#WeBuildTheater), there who brought together over 2,000 also set to present the masterclass of which aims to support the Movement listeners. Georgian performers Gio “Cercle” on the same date, where the Theater and collect resources for the con- Shengelia and 9EYE also took to the team members of the latter, Derek Bar- struction of a new theater building. stage at the event. bolla and Philip Tuchman, will share The event company Origami was The Origami Company is actively coop- their experience on event organizing launched in 2019 and plans to offer diverse erating with the livestream platform and the musical industry. events and master classes in future.

The Moscow Times on Demand of Russian Communists to Ban Georgian Food cussions on imposing restrictions on meni, a Russian dumpling; and the cheese BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA importing Georgian wine and mineral bread khachapuri would go by pyshki, water to Russia are also ongoing. or fried dough,” reads the article, repre- The Moscow Times recently published senting the comment of Yaroslav Sidorov, he visit of the Russian law- an article on yet another suggestion from the Deputy Chief of the Party. maker to Georgia and his the Communists of Russia about Geor- “We submitted this demand because addressing from the seat of gia. This time, they demand the banning we want adequate responses to the dis- the Speaker of the Georgian of the most outstanding dishes of the respect emanating from Georgia,” stated Parliament has become a Georgian cuisine: khinkali and khachapuri, Sidorov, noting that it is unlikely that the Tmatter of strong debates and even con- also very popular among Russians, or to appeal will be approved but that there frontations in the last month, leading to rename them. is a hope “it will spark a reaction”. the deepening of tensions between the “The Communists of Russia party, The Moscow Times also introduces two countries. which split from the better-known Com- the results of a study by the RBC, accord- Following large-scale demonstrations munist Party in 2012, proposed last week ing to which, the demand for khinkali in the Georgian capital, Russia tempo- to rename popular Georgian dishes with dropped by 19%, and by 13% in the case rarily banned direct fl ights from Moscow their Russian approximations. That way, of khachapuri, in Russia between July 1 to Tbilisi, claiming it to be a decision the traditional Georgian dumpling and July 10, in comparison with the same for the sake of the Russian citizens. Dis- khinkali would instead be branded pel- period of 2018. GEORGIA TODAY 12 SOCIETY JULY 19 - 22, 2019 Capacity Building Trainings on the Topic of WaSH

ithin the EU-funded project, “Water for the Poor,” CENN organized three ses- sions of WaSH Capac- Wity Building trainings in the months of June and July. About 100 local actors from seven municipalities in the Kakheti and Kvemo Kartli regions attended the trainings. Participants included active citizens, municipality and NGO repre- sentatives, journalists, teachers and stu- dents. The aim of the workshop was to build the capacity of stakeholders and target groups regarding their understanding of WaSH topics and techniques for writing project proposals. The fi rst day of the out the workshop, participants should releasing a grant competition related to training was devoted to discussions and be better equipped to engage in active WaSH topics. Municipalities from the lectures on topics ranging from access lobbying and advocating for WaSH issues trainings will be allowed to participate to clean water to the intersectionality of in their communities. and the grant will be an opportunity for WaSH topics with other human rights. The Mayor of Lagodekhi Municipality, the seven municipalities to implement Lectures were coupled with activities, Jondo Mdivnishvili, refl ected on the the technical skills they developed dur- case study analyses, and visuals intended trainings, stating that: “Municipalities ing the workshop. to deepen the attendees’ understanding play a big role in trying to solve WaSH- The aforementioned capacity-building of WaSH as a human right. related problems. Therefore, attending events were organized under the EU- “At CENN, we believe that access to events like the WaSH Capacity Building supported project “Water for the Poor,” clean water that is safe, drinkable and Trainings is important for us. The expe- which is implemented by CENN in part- physically and economically accessible riences gained by myself and other mem- nership with the Human Rights Center for personal and household needs is a bers from Lagodekhi Municipality will (HRC) and the Women and the World basic human right,” stated Melano Tkab- help guide us in responding to questions (WW) Association. ladze, Project Manager of the “Water for relating to water accessibility as a human the Poor” initiative.. By working with right. After the trainings, we made the local communities at the municipal level, conscious decision to continue working we hope to mainstream WaSH topics more actively in this fi eld to ensure and build the capacity of vulnerable Lagodekhi Municipality residents have groups and other stakeholders in our the right to clean water, sanitation and target regions.” hygiene.” During the second day of the session, In the upcoming week, CENN will be participants were presented with a grant manual addressing the following WaSH topics: healthcare and social welfare, education and awareness raising, small infrastructure project implementation, and environment and natural resource management. Participants were then divided into teams and started to work within the context of their municipalities and learned about and developed project proposals addressing WaSH issues in their com- munities. Upon the conclusion of the workshop series, participants had pro- duced 15 distinct proposals. With the knowledge and skills obtained through- GEORGIA TODAY JULY 19 - 22, 2019 SOCIETY 13 Wedding Dash: Jasper, Canada

as it was COOL outside! The rain con- BLOG BY TONY HANMER tinued, but not for long. Speeches began, with two of my other younger relatives as MCs. I inserted an impromptu toast aving been supposed to using the long, spiraling “leader goat” alternate Canada and drinking horns I had brought just for Svaneti articles while away this event and as a gift. The guests added for a few weeks, I fi nd “JOS!” to my “Gaumar…” (cheers) nice myself mixing the themes and loudly three times as required. My Hup in this one, simply because that’s present also included a selection of the where I’m at. best Georgian food products in a hamper- I was asked by my niece and her fi ancé bag: churchkhela, spices, sauces, wine to offi ciate at their wedding a while ago in a Svan tower clay bottle, wine vinegar, near Jasper, in Alberta’s Rocky Moun- a Barambo chocolate box and more. tains. This was a huge honor, my fi rst There had to be a Georgian element in such. Because I am not licensed to per- the proceedings! form ceremonies resulting in a legally Food was a buffet taken table by table; defi ned marriage anywhere, the couple there was no wedding cake this time. It had the legal side performed a bit earlier, was all very light-hearted, fun, joyous, and left the rest up to me. meeting new people as our two families We arrived the day before for a rehearsal, came together, mixing primarily German dodging further reports of the wet weather ancestry (the groom) with British (bride’s which has plagued summer here thus mother) and Chinese (her father), rather far. The setting: a spot on the Athabasca typical for multicultural Canada. It was River bank, at the end of the road of Jas- a weekend I will never forget, and I wish per airbase for small planes, with wooden the lovely happy young couple, now seats and a plank gazebo which reminded camping around British Columbia on me of a Japanese Shinto shrine. All around their honeymoon, all the best as they us was the glory of the mountains, a embark on this new adventure. 360-degree panorama of splendor. Back of a dark suit for a multicolored silk vest We had all been instructed to take do this for weddings, not considering at our hotel, elk does came around graz- over reds and purples, with a traditional umbrellas, looking at weather reports. myself a professional in the genre and Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since ing. We had already seen mountain goats gray felt Svan hat nodding to my chosen Indeed, the clouds had been amassing. fi nding it quite stressful. We departed 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a on the main road, and a bear off it not homeland of the last 20 years. The bride But, kindly, they held off releasing their for the reception party. weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He far away: typical for the area. I would was hardly late at all, and we began. I load until I was unhurriedly fi nished. Once more a divergence from the Geor- runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook also see a loon, most haunting of birds, received the bride from her parents; gave This was the time for me to step aside gian traditions I’ve grown used to. We group, now with nearly 2000 members, at with chick on its back on the lake the a short speech about the event and rela- and let the chosen photographer do her went to a horse-riding facility near Pyr- www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- next day. tionship; led them through their vows job, with the main wedding party hoist- amid Lake and entered a large-roofed sance/ 4 pm was the big moment. I had been and exchange of rings (hers of gold, his ing clear umbrellas, a lovely, lighthearted gazebo with fold-down partial walls, a He and his wife also run their own guest house allowed to dress as I wanted, within rea- of black silicone, engineer’s choice) and event as the spitting began. I was most fi re in the center and gas heaters hang- in Etseri: son, and eschewed the strict formality allowed them to kiss. It was over. relieved not to be shooting, as I rarely ing from the conical ceiling: just as well www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti Nenskra Hydro Launches Info Campaign to Promote Domestic Tourism in Svaneti

The company will construct a high-dam annually provide Georgia with total HPP in Mestia Municipality, in the val- energy generation of 1'200.00 GWh which leys of the Nenskra and Nakra. The HPP will be fully consumed by the local energy with 280 MW of installed capacity will market.

enskra Hydro JSC, the our project improves the internal infra- villages of Mestia Municipality - Chuberi Nenskra Hydropower structure, local small businesses will and Nakra, where many social projects Plant (HPP) project com- develop and various tourist attractions are being implemented, including pro- pany, has launched an will be created, changing the situation jects which support tourism develop- information campaign to entirely. At present, there are about 20 ment (English language and computer Npromote domestic tourism in Svaneti. guesthouses operating in both valleys. classes, guesthouse management train- The campaign will last three months and Generally, people employed by the Nen- ing, land registration support and will include activities in the media, as skra HPP project live there. Since the improvement of internal infrastructure). well as on social media. promotion of domestic tourism became Since 2017 to date, JSC Nenkra Hydro “Nenskra and Nakra valleys, where the relevant this summer, we decided to has spent around $400,000 on social Nenskra HPP project is being implemented, contribute to it and, as our project is projects. is little-known to Georgian and foreign being implemented in Svaneti, we will JSC Nenskra Hydro was founded in tourists,” said Teimuraz Kopadze, Chief dedicate our information campaign to 2015 as an outcome of cooperation Operating Offi cer of JSC Nenskra Hydro. this beautiful region.” between K-Water, Korea Water Resource “I believe that within a few years, when JSC Nenskra Hydro operates in the Corporation, and JSC Partnership fund. GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE JULY 19 - 22, 2019

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER Under the joint initiative of Discover the Museum of Illusions July 23 ADJARA Georgian National Museum and Be brave enough to jump into an Jam Session BLACK SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL Georgian Post, illusion created by the Vortex, Pantomime Festival 2019 Musical art director- Sandro Batumi Tennis Club Exhibition: STORY TOLD BY deform the image of yourself in a Nikoladze July 19 Mirror Room, be free in the Infi nity GEORGIAN STATE POSTAGE STAMPS Start time: 20:30 Kraak & Smaak / MOKUMOKU room, resist the laws of gravity and PANTOMIME THEATER Dedicated to the 100th anniversary Ticket: 5 GEL Start time: 20:00 size ratio, and take selfi es in every 37 Rustaveli Ave. of the fi rst Georgian stamp. Ticket: 100-200 GEL possible pose. Enjoy the collection TEL (+995 32) 2 99 63 14 RIKE of holograms, and discover optical Until August 31 Touristic center "Gamarjoba", July 19 Multimedia technology exhibition- illusions. July 19 Next to Bridge of Peace Black Sea Jazz Festival AFTER IMMAGICA. A JOURNEY INTO Opening of festival PARTY BEAUTY MUSEUM OF BROKEN July 25 "The Wishing tree" Start time: 23:55 An impressive journey within RELATIONSHIPS Ethnic Dinner Show "Gaumarjos" Young Georgian Artists Ticket: 40 GEL Start time: 20:00 time, introducing us to Italian 10 Betlemi Str. Introducing cultural performance Venue: Alphabet Tower Ticket 5 GEL paintings of the XIV-XIX centuries; on the history of Georgia, traditions a combination of voice, lighting, THE MUSEUM OF BROKEN and culture, performed by July 20 immersive visual and multimedia. RELATIONSHIPS professional dancers and singers, July 20 Polo&Pan (live) Giotto– ‘Ognissanti Madonna’ and The unique collection of the along with a culinary performance INCOGNITO museum aims to provoke Start time: 20:00 the ‘Scrovegni Chapel,’ Leonardo by an executive chef, pairing Start time: 20:00 feelings of understanding among Ticket 5 GEL da Vinci– ‘Annunciation,’ Botticelli– delicious Georgian cuisine and Ticket: 100-200 GEL individuals and serve as some ‘The Birth of Venus’ and ‘Spring,’ wine. kind of therapy for those who have July 21 Raffaello– ‘The Madonna of the Start time: 19:00 July 20 experience break-ups. Closing of festival Goldfi nch, Bellotto– ‘Piazza San Ticket: 120 GEL Black Sea Jazz Festival AFTER "Premiere" Marco,’ ‘Castello Sforzesco,’ GALLERY PARTY Start time: 20:00 Canaletto– “The Chapel of Eton FOLKLORE CONCERTS FOR Start time: 23:55 Ticket 5 GEL College”, Canova– ‘Amor e Psyche’ TOURISTS Ticket: 60 GEL and ‘The Graces’. THE NATIONAL GALLERY 11 Rustaveli Ave. Sanapiro Str. Bldg 2. Venue: Alphabet Tower GABRIADZE THEATER Every Sunday 13 Shavtelis St. TEL (+995 32) 215 73 00 IOSEB GRISHASHVILI SECTOR26 TEL (+995 32) 2 98 65 93 TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM Until February 26 (2020) Every Sunday Seafront Promenade - KARVASLA July 21 July 19, 20 GRAND MASTERS FROM THE 8 Sioni St. Folklore Evenings of Ensemble THE AUTUMN OF MY GEORGIAN July 20 TEL (+995 32) 2 98 22 81 EGARI SPRINGTIME NATIONAL MUSEUM Aquarius Heaven live, Bacho Ensemble offers folklore events in Revaz Gabriadze COLLECTION XIX – XX Svanidze DJ (Svansikh) Until September 10 order to popularize Georgian folk Directed by Revaz Gabriadze CENTURY Start time: 22:00 The Georgian National Museum music with tourists. The concerts English Subtitles Ticket: 40 GEL within the project "Contemporary MUSIC will present songs, trisagions, Start time: 20:00 Venue: Alphabet Tower Art Gallery" presents instrumental music, dance, urban Ticket: 20, 30, 40 GEL Vakho Bugadze's exhibition: SOUNDS OF GEORGIA folklore from diferent parts of ‘Three, Four" Georgia and ethno-jazz music. UP2YOU July 21 Together with Vakho Bughadze are Seafront Promenade STALINGRAD July 19, 20, 24, 25 Guest will hear live polyphony artists Gogi Okropiridze and Katrin Revaz Gabriadze SING AND DRINK and a diversity of instruments Bolt. Within the framework of the July 19 Directed by Revaz Gabriadze Mini concerts in the cozy (Salamuri, Panduri, Chonguri, exhibition, documentary fi lm about English Subtitles atmosphere of Old Tbilisi, a mix Chiboni, Doli). DJ SPILLER Vakho Bugadze will be presented. Start time: 20:00 of traditional Georgian music of Start time: 20:00 Start time: 22:00 Ticket: 20, 30, 40 GEL different genres: folklore, a capella, Ticket: 50 GEL Ticket: 50 GEL MUSEUM OF SOVIET guitar, and Georgian pop and city MUSEUM OCCUPATION songs. GEORGIAN FOLK SHOW BATUMI SUMMER THEATER 4 Rustaveli Ave. Start time: 17:00 10 Rustaveli Ave. Batumi Boulevard TEL (+995 32) 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 GEORGIAN NATIONAL Ticket: 24 GEL Every Tuesday, Friday, Sunday www.museum.ge MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA Venue: July 14- 10 Erekle II Sq., Tekla July 20 MUSEUM Palace Hotel, July 15- New Tifl is, July 19, 22, 25 MISA The exhibition hall is equipped 3 Rustaveli Ave. 9 Agmashenebeli Ave., Wine bar The fi rst full and systematic folk with monitors, where visitors Gala concert TEL (+995 32) 299 80 22, 293 48 21 ‘Wine Station’, July 17- Corner of 2 show for tourists. can see documentaries of various Pianist Shorena Tsintsabadze, www.museum.ge Turgenev Str., and 37 Javakhishvili Visit Georgia’s regions in one historical events. The exhibition founder and ideological inspirer, Str. July 18- Europe Square, 2 D. hour through its world-renowned also includes one of the train presents the International Summer Exhibitions: Megreli Str., Hotel “Nata” folklore. carriages in which the participants Academy of Music (MISA) GEORGIAN COSTUME AND Start time: 20:00 of the national uprising of 1924 Conductor- Georgy Revishvili WEAPONRY OF THE 18TH-20TH MOVEMENT THEATER Ticket: 40 GEL CENTURIES were executed. It is also dedicated 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave. Start time: 19:00 to the history of the anti- Free entry NUMISMATIC TREASURY TEL (+995 32) 598 19 29 36 MTATSMINDA PARK EXHIBITION STONE AGE occupational, national-liberation GEORGIA movement of Georgia and to the July 20 July 21-25 July 19 ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE victims of the Soviet political DADE BITI TREEBAL & AHOORA FESTIVAL: The art school of M. Balanchivadze NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL repression throughout this period. LINE UP: PROMO PARTY will host the second international COLLECTIONS Michèl DJ Set LINE UP: pianist competition MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS Start time: 20:00 Earthling [Zero1 Music] MISA GRAND PRIX Until September 10 10 Betlemi Str. Ticket: 5 GEL Acidwave [TREEBAL] Start time: 19:00 Arishtat [Katayy Records] Free entry Obri & Zen [TREEBAL] SkyVibes [Occulta Records] BATUMI TENNIS CLUB Common Tense [2to6 Records] Batumi Boulevard Tranquilogen [Ahoora Festival] Start time: 23:00 July 20 Ticket: 30-40 GEL INCOGNITO After Party: SPACE LOUNGE Georgian pioneer DJ Machaidze– 22 Bakhtrioni Str. enjoy harmonic house music, a selection which contains: Funky July 20 House, Disco House, Jazz House Master and Soulful House. Start time: 21:00 Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10 GEL BATUMGORA ELECTRO CARRIAGE Venue: Cable car Argo BUILDING FACTORY 30/32 Dadiani Ave. FOLKLORE SHOWS EVERY DAY July 20 All summer, you can attend Polo and Pan traditional folk shows every Hedonistic dance music with a day from 8 pm. Enjoy UNESCO taste of solar pop. recognized traditional folk dances French artist and the and songs, a Georgian drum show Art director of ''Cercle''- Phil Dark and masterclasses in dancing 250 Start time: 00:00 meters above sea level. Ticket: 70-200 GEL Start time: 20:00 GEORGIA TODAY JULY 19 - 22, 2019 CULTURE 15 Georgia to Host World- Famous Verdi Festival the festival, the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet tigious festivals in the world,” Giorgi BY LIKA CHIGLADZE Theater obtained the exclusive right to Andzguladze, Deputy Artistic Director hold the festival in Georgia, which is a of the Tbilisi Opera, told us. “Classical historic fact. Giuseppe Verdi is a com- music enthusiasts will be able to enjoy or the fi rst time, Georgia will poser whose pieces are performed most spectacular productions of the world’s host the Verdi International often in the world’s different theaters. leading theaters in Georgia. Such inter- Opera Festival as a tribute to Moreover, last year, the Verdi Festival national stars as Daniela Barcellona the great Italian composer claimed the prize of the Best Festival. It (Mezzo soprano), Susanna Branchini Giuseppe Verdi. Every year, has never been held in other countries (soprano), Gabriele Viviani (baritone) Verdi’sF hometowns of Parma and Bus- before in the entire course of its exist- and many others will be part of this seto vibrate with unique colors and fra- ence. So, this is a great honor and pres- amazing festival.” grances when the Verdi Festival comes tigious occasion, something our theater The Festival is supported by Mediaset to life, attracting millions of opera enthu- and country should be very proud of.” (an Italian media outlet) which is mak- siasts to Italy from all over the world. The Verdi Festival program is as fol- ing a documentary about it that will be This time, and for the fi rst time, the fes- lows: broadcast in 15 European countries. Win- tival is moving beyond the borders of August 16 - The festival opens with a ners of a number of prizes, the broadcast Italy and traveling to Georgia, something premiere of Teatro Regio di Parma’s team will visit Georgia to cover the fes- some say is an unprecedented phenom- production of Un Ballo In Maschera (A tival and the country in line with the enon. Masked Ball) at Tbilisi Opera Theater, highest standards. On August 23, 2018, Opera and Ballet involving Georgian artists of the venue. “This festival is equally important for Theater Artistic Director Badri A masterpiece in the world of opera, the Georgia as well as for our theater, since Maisuradze signed a 3-year contract with performance was staged in Georgia many such projects are essential for the pro- the Verdi International Festival, giving years ago and now the Georgian audi- fessional development of the troupe,” the Tbilisi Opera Theater the exclusive ence will have the chance to enjoy the Eka Gelashvili, the Deputy Artistic Direc- right to hold the Festival in Georgia’s amazing show once again. tor of Tbilisi Opera Theater, told us. “I capital as well as other cities across the August 23 – The Black Sea Arena will would like to thank each member of the country. The joint initiative of the two see the fi rst-ever opera performance held theater, who, throughout the entire sea- countries is supported by the Govern- at its venue after hosting such big names son, has committed themselves to their ment and Senate of the Republic Italy. as Black Eyed Peas, Aerosmith, and Rob- job. Thanks to their signifi cant effort, “For the fi rst time, the festival will be ert Plant. The audience will be able to the Tbilisi Opera Theater saw a number opened in Georgia, since we host the enjoy well-known classic Aida by the of opera and ballet premieres as well as festival in August, while the event takes Arena di Verona Festival of Italy. The important concerts and many projects.” place in Italy in September,” Maisuradze show in Georgia will be performed by Festival Verdi in Georgia is aimed at told GEORGIA TODAY. “The century- foreign guest actors. positioning Georgia as a cultural center event which annually takes place at the Kharchilava, Director of Black Sea Arena old festival kicks off in Tbilisi Opera August 25 – The festival closes with in the region and will foster the devel- Arena di Verona allows thousands of told GEORGIA TODAY. Theater on August 16 and ends on August the grand Opera Gala presenting pieces opment of cultural tourism in the coun- people to listen to opera performers from The festival is implemented with the 25 in the Black Sea Arena, Shekvetili. by Verdi at the Black Sea Arena. The try as well as promote Georgia as a tour- different countries of the world. This is assistance of the Ministry of Education, The Verdi Festival was founded under fi nal concert will include foreign opera ist destination on the world map. the fi rst time Georgia, in particular the Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia the patronage of the great maestro’s fam- stars. “The show will be held at its best and Black Sea Arena, is to host such a huge within the framework of the European ily. At the decision of the commission of “Festival Verdi is one of the most pres- will be technically well-organized. The crew. And we are eager for more!” Tato Union program "Georgia, Europe." Biennale Art 2019 & Georgian Artist Anna K.E. theater, and historical archives. Artists sive among the whole exhibition and has Tbilisi-born Anna K.E.’s work, which from 79 countries are presenting their grabbed many a visitor eye so far. has already been shown in New-York at illustrations, paintings, drawings, sculp- The history of modernism, feminism the Queens Museum and Simone Subal tures, immersive illustrations, videos, and technologies can also be seen in Gallery. designs, innovative technologies, mod- ernized old goods, and more. The Venice Biennale is very important for Georgians because among those 79 countries, Georgian artist Anna K.E. was chosen to represent Georgia this year. Her contemporary art presentation titled ‘RearMirrorView, Simulation is Simula- tion, is Simulation, is Simulation….,’ was picked for the list, alongside works for the national pavilions of Latvia, Lithu- ania, Serbia, Poland, Ukraine and Roma- nia, each of which boast a truly distinct context. Anna K.E presents a new large- scale architectural environment, which encompasses her work in video, sculp- ture, performance and installation. Anna K.E.’s videos, illustration and sculpture are based on the original Geor- Rugoff, organized by La Biennale di Ven- gian alphabet, Asomtavruli. Water cir- BY MARIAM MERABISHVILI ezia, and chaired by Paolo Baratta. The culates through the letters, which spell central international exhibition is located in English the word “deranged,” referring in two separate points: at the Giardini to something that has become disturbed, enice, Italy, is in the spot- and Arsenale (parts of Venice) and irrational or unstable. Her works remind light once again for its encompasses participants from 79 coun- us of the fundamental idiosyncrasies we annual Biennale Art Exhi- tries. share which keep us human. The two- bition. The 58th edition, The Biennale 2019 presents contem- part work is formed with a combination in 2019, titled ‘May You porary artworks in huge pavilions, devot- of different colors and levels and gener- VLive in Interesting Times,’ is on from ing increased attention to learning ates a pleasant mood in visitors. The May 11 to 24 November. One of the most activities and innovations from young- artist’s dedication, Georgian spirit and prominent and important exhibitions in sters. Exhibits for Biennale 2019 include professionalism are clearly seen. The the art world, it is curated by Ralph art, architecture, cinema, dance, music, Georgian work is one of the most exclu-

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