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Issue no: 867 • AUGUST 5 - 8, 2016 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... Georgian Dream Accuses Opposition of Meddling in Constitutional Court NEWS PAGE 2 The Russian Principle: What is Mine is Mine, What is Yours Can Be Discussed FOCUS ON THE MOD Former Minister of Defense Tinatin Khidasheli discusses her replacement and her POLITICS PAGE 4 achievements to date PAGE 5 ORBI Group Project Gains World Recognition Three White Lion Cubs Born at Tbilisi Zoo BUSINESS PAGE 10

BY TAMAR SVANIDZE Safe and Healthy – Tusheti Greets First Emergency Car bilisi Zoo on Tuesday welcomed the birth of SOCIETY PAGE 15 three rare white lion cubs, the Zoo’s Face- Georgian Filmmakers against book page announced Twhile posting pictures of the new- National Film Center System borns. According to a press release, this is a fi rst addition to the zoo’s big cat family following a devastating fl ash fl ood in June 2015 that left most of the zoo’s animal inhabitants dead and destroyed the lower portion of the park. CULTURE PAGE 17 The zoo’s announced via Facebook that Cleopatra, a female African lion, WHERE to Go, Stay, Eat, and her three newborn cubs were all healthy and have recovered. Drink and Buy in August Continued on page 2 CULTURE PAGE 19 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS AUGUST 5 - 8, 2016 Massive Explosion Wounds Georgian Dream At Least 12 in Restive Accuses Opposition Dagestan Region of Meddling in Constitutional Court ing the Constitutional Court started on July 21 when BY THEA MORRISON the Court Chair, Giorgi Papuashvili staid certain judges were being pressured in order to make them rule out in favor of government. embers of the ruling Georgian The Prosecutor General’s offi ce launched an Dream (GD) coalition have immediate investigation into the incident and ques- accused the main opposition tioned each member of the nine-seat court. United National Movement According to a report earlier this week, all of the (UNM) party of former President judges who were questioned deny that they are MikheilM Saakashvili of colluding with sitting mem- being pressured. bers of the judiciary to change the country’s Con- In late July, fi ve judges of the Court released a stitution. letter that accused Papuashvili of trying to speed dition, and we plan to transfer them to burn “These are secret relations, but the UNM’s plot up politically connected rulings and not giving BY NICHOLAS WALLER centers in Moscow," Kavkaz-uzel quoted Dag- to infl uence the court will not come true,” GD Chair judges enough time to properly consider certain estan’s Health Minister Tank Ibragimov in the Gia Volski said while accusing the UNM of illegally high-profi le cases. hours after the explosion. attempting to change the constitution. According to Parliament Speaker and leader of massive explosion at a hospital in The cause of both explosions remains unknown, Volski and the Head of the Parliamentary Human the opposition Republican Party, David Usupash- Russia’s restive North Caucasus though the possibility that both were acts of ter- Rights Committee, Eka Beselia held a vili, the Constitutional Court is undergoing a major republic of Dagestan wounded at ror remains high. press conference on August 3, saying crisis. least a dozen people, news portal Dagestan, a Scotland-sized Muslim republic in the situation in the Constitutional “I lost hope that something positive might hap- Kavkaz-uzel reported Thursday. Russia’s volatile North Caucasus region, has suf- Court is “extremely diffi cult.” pen in the current Constitutional Court,” Usupash- AAccording to Dagestan’s health ministry, fi ve fered from a low-level by increasingly violent According to Beselia, the investi- vili said. of the 12 injured by the blast are in critical con- anti-Moscow insurgency since the late 1990s. gation will show that members of He added that the Court needs new appointments dition. Much like neighboring Chechnya, elements of the UNM put pressure on consti- to the bench before the current group’s The incident comes only three days after a huge Dagestan’s society have taken up arms against tutional court judges to overlook term expires in September. explosion caused by a gas leak at a banquet hall direct rule from Moscow. politically connected cases. in the regional capital Makhachkala left 27 peo- While initially less active than their Chechen None of the judges involved ple seriously injured. counterparts, the insurgency in Dagestan has in the investigation have The victims of Thursday’s blast reportedly grown in recent years as rebel fi ghters and Islamic responded to the accu- include two 14-year-old schoolgirls, who suffered militants from Chechnya, Ingushetia and Geor- sations. severe burns on most of their bodies. gia’s Pankisi Gorge have joined forces to fi ght The scandal involv- "At this point, the patients are in critical con- the local Russian-backed authorities. Three White Lion Cubs Born at Tbilisi Zoo Continued from page 1 albino lion family, the zoo’s main attraction is Begi the Hippo, who gained international fame as he “Currently, the newborn babies are being kept roamed through the streets of central Tbilisi in a in a closed cage and away from the public so they daze after last year’s fl ood washed away his enclo- can adapt to the calm environment. Their mother sure. will most likely let them out in the coming days, European zoos have donated new animals to the and everyone will have a chance to come and see zoo, including wildebeests, mongoose and por- them for the fi rst time,” the zoo’s Facebook page cupines, to help rehabilitate and repopulate the said in its announcement. number of residents at the park. The cubs have yet to be named by the zookeepers as they are still waiting to determine all of the gen- ders of the litter. In addi- tion to the GEORGIA TODAY AUGUST 5 - 8, 2016 NEWS 3 Activist Group Has Enough Signatures for Referendum

Photo: Mikhail Metzek/TASS on Defi ning Marriage Russia’s Putin to Visit Baku for Talks

BY THEA MORRISON with Azeri, Iranian Presidents two decades. BY NICHOLAS WALLER Russia is Armenia’s closest political fter validating more than and economic ally, with huge swathes 200,000 signatures gath- of the Armenian economy controlled ered by a conservative ussian President Vladimir by Kremlin-connected businesses. activist group, Georgia’s Putin is to visit Azerbaijan’s Yerevan joined the Russian-led Eura- Central Election Commis- capital Baku for talks with sian Customs Union in January 2015, sionA of Georgia (CEC) approved a motion Azeri President Ilham Ali- thinking the economic, military and to hold a referendum on defi ning mar- yev and Iranian President diplomatic cover Moscow would pro- riage as a union of a man and a woman RHassan Rouhani, the Kremlin announced vide the small Christian nation of 3 in the Georgian Constitution. on its offi cial website Thursday. million with solid security guarantees The group wants a referendum to be not put to a vote in May during its fi rst tion that marriage is a voluntary union Putin’s visit came at the personal invi- against its historic Muslim arch-rivals held simultaneously with parliamentary reading due to a lack of quorum in Par- of a man and woman and the State. This tation of Aliyev, who has in recent years Turkey and Azerbaijan. elections scheduled for October 8. liament. is the position of the current govern- tried to forge closer economic and Russia, however, infuriated Armenia The conservative group has proposed The referendum issue was met with a ment,” Beselia said. military ties with Moscow. after it sold billions of dollars’ worth of a single question vote that will ask those lukewarm response by sitting parliamen- According to legal expert Vakhushti The three leaders will discuss current highly sophisticated weaponry to Azer- going to the polls if they agree that mar- tarians and opposition party leaders. Menabde, a referendum cannot be held issues on the international and regional baijan in the run-up to a four-day con- riage should be defi ned as a union between Parties opposed to the Georgian Dream as it contradicts the standards of the political agenda and prospects for estab- fl ict in Nagorno-Karabakh in April. a man and woman for the purpose of have publicly stated they think the issue Constitution. lishing practical cooperation, particu- The clashes, the worst in 20 years, left starting a family. was initially raised in order to cover up “Existing laws strictly forbid referen- larly in energy and transport. hundreds dead and wounded; with The CEC registered the request of the issues that are plaguing the country and dums to be held with the purpose of According to Russia’s state-run news Azerbaijan in control of territory previ- group and sent their recommendation the ruling coalition before the October changing the Constitution. Only the agency ITAR-TASS, the three sides will ously held by ethnic Armenian forces to Georgian President Giorgi Margve- elections. parliament can make amendments to specifi cally discuss the future North- since the end of hostilities in 1994. lashvili. Following its registration, Marg- The Georgian Dream fl atly reject the the Constitution,” Menabde said. South transportation corridor, which Russia has historically been the main velashvili has a month to approve the accusations, saying they fully support According to Article 36 of the Georgian will connect Northern Europe and mediator between Azerbaijan and Arme- bid, which then has to be approved and the idea of defi ning marriage along tra- Constitution, marriage is defi ned as being South-East Asia via existing railway nia, and Putin’s visit will likely catch signed by Prime Minister Giorgi Kviri- ditional social lines. based on the equality of rights and free systems in Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia. the attention of Armenia, which has kashvili. The head of Parliament's Human Rights will of spouses. Putin and Aliyev will also likely dis- undergone major civil unrest as a group The idea of constitutionally defi ning Committee, Eka Beselia, says the issue The new proposal offers to replace the cuss the current situation in neighbor- of radical Karabakh War veterans marriage as a union between a man and of clearly defi ning marriage in the Con- term “spouses” with “a man and woman.” ing Armenia and the breakaway region recently seized a police station in Yere- woman in was fi rst raised by the ruling stitution remains too vague to bring to However, Georgia’s civil code already of Nagorno-Karabakh, where Baku and van and demanded the resignation of Georgian Dream coalition. A draft reso- a vote. specifi es that marriage is a “voluntary Yerevan have been at war over the eth- close Russian-ally, President Serzh lution on amending the Constitution was “It should be defi ned in the Constitu- union of a man and woman”. nic Armenian enclave for more than Sargsyan. GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS AUGUST 5 - 8, 2016 The Russian Principle: What is Mine is Mine, What is Yours Can Be Discussed a security strategy for the it across the BY JUKA VAKHTANGIDZE centuries, which made Russia one of the Georgian citizens protest Russian largest empires in the world. Soon after occupation in their country. Photo: news.yahoo.com Georgievsk, in 1801, Eastern Georgia tto von Bismarck once said: became a Russian satellite. “Russia will sign any agree- This short historical overview clarifi es ment, but the value of the the well-maintained strategic concept treaty will be lower than of Georgia’s northern neighbor: Eurasian of the papers on which it domination, which has its roots in the isO drafted”. For every Georgian citizen, period of Tsar Ivan the Terrible (16th the wording of the fi rst German Chan- century). Georgia’s geographically stra- cellor has been relevant since 1783, the tegic location has always challenged the date of signatory of the ’Georgievsk country to endure continual invasions Treaty’ between the Kingdom of Kartli- from a number of empires, and Russia Kakheti and the Russian Empire. The is no exception. Treaty was aimed at establishing Russia’s The same geographic factor has actively protectorate on the eastern part of Geor- motivated Putin’s modern Russia to gia, thus purporting to guarantee the endeavor to prevent Georgia from becom- territorial integrity and protect the land ing a member of the European and Euro- from invasion by the Persians and Turks. Atlantic family. Despite numerous This treaty represented the beginning attempts to fully subordinate the coun- of Russia’s exertion of force over Geor- try, ranging from 70-year Soviet occupa- gia by breaching further agreements tion to provoking a civil war (1990s) and between the two sides throughout the occupying 20 percent of the country’s centuries. Russia fi rst reversed from the sovereign territory today, Georgia still 1811 abolishment of autonomy), has dnadze’s presidency in terms of trusting gia, the aftermath of all the endeavors commitment of the Georgievsk at the maintains its laborious route to the Euro- actively been utilized as a tool for dis- Russia (e.g. ceasefi re in the war of Abk- faced deadlocks once talks about Geor- Krtsanisi Battle (1795) of Georgia-Persia. Atlantic space. couraging Western values in Georgia. hazia, 1993), can be attributed to the gia’s sovereignty and European integra- The collapse of stable Russia-Georgia To discourage Georgia from its EU and Today, when Georgia is on its transi- government’s lack of understanding of tion took place. relations began when the Russian Empire NATO aspirations, Russia has activated tional standing, it should be pragmatic Russian diplomacy. Such actions are Assuming the risky historical path then gave fi nancial backing to the Per- its historically known “Fifth Column”, and rational in its assessment of his- reminiscent of those of King Heraclius Georgia has undergone for its last two sians against Eastern Georgia to subor- the ideological machine and information torical facts, in order to improve the II (1762-1798) of Georgia, who signed the centuries of cohabitation with its north- dinate the entire country, instead of propaganda in Georgia. Notably, some future prospective of Georgia-Russia historical Georgievsk Treaty. ern neighbor, the lessons of history are supporting the Georgian side as prom- elements of the Georgian Orthodox political and diplomatic relations. Despite the fact that normalizing pol- worth heeding for the entire Georgian ised. Church, which Russia transformed into Furthermore, some crucial mistakes itics with Russia has been the primary nation to prevent itself from falling into Territorial enlargement of Russia was a machine of its intelligence (since the Georgia has made since Eduard Shevar- issue for every new government of Geor- the same historical trap once again. Welcome to Indian Restaurant

Sanjha Chulha Website www.sanjhachulha.ge Indian Restaurant Mail [email protected] Agmashenebeli Avenue, 130 Tbilisi 0112 Georgia

Mobile + 995-596-03-1313 + 995-596-56-1313 Phone +995-322-95-96-14 Skype: SANJHA.CHULHA Facebook: sanjha chulha Indian Cusine GEORGIA TODAY AUGUST 5 - 8, 2016 POLITICS 5

“The PM Made a Mistake,” Georgia Ex-Def Minister on her Replacement and Future Plans

personally, describing him during our chat for years were demanding concrete steps BY RUSA SHELIA as “a virtuous man, a good citizen and from the Ministry, but my predecessors, lawyer, with good education, who had due to the task being openly thankless signifi cant human resources”. But there and an incredibly arduous one at that, eorgia’s Ministry of Defense was a big, unsaid But – Khidasheli believes were constantly opting for more populist has a new head with Tinatin that successful management of the defense solutions which would benefi t them at Khidasheli, the country’s ministry requires many more political elections.” One such step was the aboli- fi rst ever lady defense min- skills, especially on the foreign front. tion of mandatory military service, which, ister being replaced by “I hope during these last three months, being a huge change affecting thousands GLevan Izoria, former deputy at the State that is, before the elections, that nothing of lives, went through relatively unno- Security Service. We asked her of her will go wrong, nothing will undermine plans for the looming elections and why what I did during my 15 months at the she thinks that Izoria’s appointment was helm,” she says, clearly proud of the ticed and unheralded. who is faithfully trying to change Geor- a mistake on the Prime Minister’s part. legacy she is leaving behind. Her only Being a career politician, Khidasheli gia’s future for the better.” When asked “I know why he’s been appointed, but regret? Not to be in offi ce when the UN also has to think about her future. Whether what chances her own party has, Khi- I’m averse to talking about that with sends its offi cial apologies on the Central she will return to governmental admin- dasheli underlined the Republicans’ media yet,” she says, implying there’s Africa case (where Georgian soldiers istration after the elections is entirely a proven track record of political resil- more to the story and, keeping fi ngers were falsely accused of child molesta- Izoria is “a matter of her party’s resources. The ience. “During my tenure, we were crossed, she might spill the beans in the tion, and proven innocent through inves- Republicans, she says, “will do their getting lots of undeserved stick; from near future. tigation), which, Khidasheli insists, it’s virtuous man, a utmost to keep the promise and not to Gregory Karasin and Stalin fans all the The appointment of Izoria came as a bound to do, as the Georgian side went turn the pre-election period into politi- way to some representatives of Geor- surprise to the ex-Minister, who appar- through every detail and sent an apol- good citizen and cal warfare.” She’s calling for responsi- gian Dream, but we are used to that, ently expected either David Zalkaliani ogy request to every responsible body. bility from every actor involved as “turn- and for years now, our unyielding nature (former deputy MoF, Free Democrats) Speaking further on her legacy, Khi- lawyer, with good ing this into an uncontrollable mess will has shown through,” she declares. There or David Bakradze (incumbent EU Inte- dasheli claims she essentially cleared of benefi t no-one.” is no legitimate political accusation gration Minister) to succeed her. the dust – that is, took on matters that education, who As for the ruling party and their that can be reasonably addressed at According to Khidasheli, it was “a spe- remained unresolved for almost a dec- potential cooperation, despite earlier the Republicans, Khidasheli believes, cifi cally institutional mistake” from the ade. “A complete structural overhaul – had signifi cant criticism, the ex-Minister was gener- and content with how things stand for PM, especially on the eve of the elections. that’s what we did,” she says. “There ous when talking about the Prime Min- now, she seems hopeful about the com- She claims she has nothing against Izoria were dozens of foreign consultants who human resources” ister, dubbing him “a political partner, ing elections. GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS AUGUST 5 - 8, 2016 Draculas and Defectors: It’s Political Silly Season!

tant to a regular outsider, but for us reversing the process of OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE locals it could mean something decisive democracy in Georgia, in the country’s political life because thus selling out the hard- we are going to be faced with a totally hammered western values his is a silly season – call it new style of managing the nation. So offhand; and Russia is look- the cucumber time if you the general excitement in Georgia is ing for favorable moments wish – in most countries of overwhelming. This is at least the We have no desire in the process to pounce on the civilized world. In Geor- impression we are getting from our tel- Georgia’s preponderance gia, this political season of evision screens: the government is to be bothered by towards Euro-Atlantic senti- Tthe year should also be qualifi ed as one focused on making shuffl es in the cab- ments, having her favorites in but it seems like we are still active in inet; the disgruntled ministers are chang- the zone and feeding them sur- political bouts and contests. Politics in ing their political orientation and the eager political reptitiously. Georgia never enjoys a break. We are content of their comments momentar- So the ideological war is still always on with political sweat pouring ily; the irritated head of the administra- wannabes and their on about Georgia and in Georgia. out in smelly, sticky and oozy fl oods- we tion is trying hard to be as reserved and Ideologies clash on this territory, are up to our necks in it. On the other balanced in his remarks as he possibly nonstop ballot- whatever is left of it. Meanwhile, hand, this is quite understandable – the can; the ruling party is lining up the most of us future electors are country is right now headed for the next parliamentary membership candidates mania, who never exhausted and spaced out, hav- parliamentary elections, to determine and doing their presentations to respec- ing no desire to be bothered by whether Georgia is going to be ruled in tive electorates ubiquitously, the accom- get tired of eager political wannabes and their the same old one-party fashion or by an panying speeches reminding me of some nonstop ballot-mania, who never intra-parliamentary coalition of motley very remote times of my socialist youth; pestering us for get tired of pestering us for votes political forces. the most prominent opposition powers in order to stay in business or to This might not sound terribly impor- are trying to eat the ruling party alive, votes in order to come into it at any cost. doing their utmost to suck the govern- One of the reasons, as I see it, mental blood more viciously and pro- stay in business or for the political heat not subsid- fusely than any Dracula – if in politics ing in Georgia even in the sum- –could; courts are unrecognizable in to come into it at mer time is that the political the worst sense of the word; the econ- arena is very densely populated omy is simply left to its own miserable any cost in general, and I suspect that devices; the newly-born players in the this is happening because pol- electoral game are eating their hearts to new political nests and platforms; itics is one of the most popular We could be faced out to prove they are suggesting some- the leaders in the heavily and perilously specialties here. There should thing new and more practicable to save mined political fi eld are becoming be something enticing and lucra- with a totally new the almost perished day for the Nation; increasingly boring and unattractive, tive in the trade. Why would I the party turncoats are multiplying fast having stereotyped themselves to the bother myself, and spend my style of managing and are eager to rid themselves of the point of zero discernibility; the West is money into the bargain, if there stigma of defectors, but are still taken watching the process with a keen eye is no axe at all to grind in the the nation as traitors, easily adapting themselves not to miss anything that might be entire deal? GEORGIA TODAY AUGUST 5 - 8, 2016 POLITICS 7 What About All Those Undecided Voters? ican electorate has not yet decided for BY LINCOLN MITCHELL whom they will vote for President in November. Signifi cantly, NDI’s polling gives vot- he Georgia Analysis is a ers the option to choose not just between twice monthly analysis of the two major parties, the GD and the political and other major UNM, but from a myriad other parties developments in Georgia. as well. Thus, those voters who are unde- Lincoln Mitchell is a polit- cided are not just unsatisfi ed with the Tical development, research and strategic two main parties, but are equally unim- consultant who has worked extensively pressed with Georgia’s other political in the post-Soviet space. He has agreed parties. to share some of his analyses with GEOR- The large number of undecided voters GIA TODAY. to some extent represents a failure on The most recent poll by NDI is not the part of Georgia’s political parties, radically different from previous polls particularly the major ones, but is also by NDI and other organizations. The evidence of a disconnection between two central fi ndings of these polls, that Georgian political parties, and Georgian the election will be close and that a very political institutions more broadly, on large number of Georgian voters are one hand, and the Georgian people on the GD and UNM are unequivocally part same parties that fi nished in the top two tor is that the Georgian electorate may undecided, remain unchanged. The new the other. Ironically, this disconnection of the political class, the same political in 2012. This is new in Georgia and is be losing faith in the notion that some poll shows the Georgian Dream (GD) is exacerbated, or at least revealed more, class that many Georgians feel has failed evidence of the strengthening of Georgia’s larger than life fi gure, like Bidzina Ivan- opening up a slight lead over the United by the growing stability, even normality them in recent years. Neither party can political party system. However, it appears ishvili in 2012 or Mikheil Saakshvili for National Movement (UNM), but also of Georgian political life. pick up voters simply by being the alter- that both major parties have enough sup- much of the decade before that, can be shows that they may not win a majority During periods of instability the loom- native to the other, nor can they make port to create what looks a lot like a two their political savior. The failure of other of votes in the coming parliamentary ing sense of crisis sharpens political progress by simply offering platitudinal party system, but not enough support to familiar political faces like Irakli Alasania election. differences and strengthens partisan statements about creating jobs or improv- bring in voters who are not already strong and the Free Democrats or newer polit- It is the persistently high number of allegiances. As stability increases, voters ing the economy. Additionally, several supporters of their parties. ical fi gures like Paata Burchaladze and undecided voters that is most signifi cant. may rightly conclude that there is less other parties such as the Free Democrats Georgia may be transitioning from a his Georgia Development Foundation According to this poll, 57 percent of all at stake in the election, so their general (FD) and the Republicans are part of party system where important new par- Party, to move to the top of the polls is voters still have not made up their mind discontent begins to outweigh the imper- that political class as well. Those parties ties appear every election cycle to one further evidence of this. about how they will vote in an election ative for one political party or another. that are more outside that class have also where the same parties compete against Over the next few months as the elec- that is two months away. This number Thus, in previous elections that were not generated suffi cient excitement or each other with regularity. The latter tion approaches it is likely that the num- has fl uctuated slightly over the last driven by a strong dynamic of govern- energy to win substantial numbers of tends to produce more consolidated ber of undecided voters will decline, but months, but remains surprisingly con- ment and opposition, the choice for vot- undecided voters. democracies as voters can choose many voters will remain unpersuaded stant, and represents a very high number ers was simple. Moreover, the large Ironically, Georgia’s transition to what between familiar political forces and are by all of the political parties. Some vot- of undecided voters. At this point in the number of voters who were frustrated looks like a more stable and recognizable more able to hold political parties account- ers who are still undecided in the days election cycle, if half that percentage of by political life or angry at the political multi-party system has contributed to, at able. This may be happening in Georgia, leading up to an election will make up voters were undecided, it would still be class could fi nd their way to the opposi- least on the surface, greater disillusion- but the critical caveat is that neither their minds at the last minute, but many a very high number. One way to put this tion relatively easily. This was particu- ment with political processes. It is note- party is very popular. This contributes more simply will not vote. in perspective is that most recent polls larly true in 2012. worthy that in 2016, the top two fi nishers to the large number of undecided voters, show that only 5-15 percent of the Amer- This year, however, is different. Both in the campaign are very likely to be the but an equally relevant contributing fac- Continued on page 9 GEORGIA TODAY 8 POLITICS AUGUST 5 - 8, 2016 Georgian Society’s Perception of the West after Terrorism Menace

northwestern Syria. These entities will Vladimir Putin. But no matter the pres- social and economic conditions; and BY DR. VAKHTANG MAISAIA continue their reliance on terrorism as sure, the “Due West” course is still a when there is not enough space yet for the weapon of choice against what they dominant feature for the Georgian audi- Georgia’s full-pledged participation into broadly understand as their nemesis – ence – considering last week’s NDI poll the Euro-Atlantic structures – by and t’s better to look the truth in the The West, and further, given the right results which revealed that more than large, the above four key historic and face: after a series of hazardous circumstances and opportunities, could 52 percent of Georgians support the pro- strategic priorities are being shelved, terrorist acts have covered the subsequently gravitate towards other Western foreign policy tendency for undermining Western orientation. European continent, and a certain means of waging a war of attrition. joining NATO and the EU. What drives There are a number of questions every air of vulnerability and insecurity Considering that the Euro-Atlantic the Georgian community to “Go West” ordinary citizen of Georgia would very Ihas become affi liated with the Western security landscape has been changed in even such an uncertain security envi- much like to ask “those nosy EU people”, community. For Georgia, which always and security provisions are being forced ronment is indeed a curious matter to such as – how secure is it to travel in EU expressed very pro-European sentiments to deal with asymmetric military chal- research. There were and remain several member-countries? Why are we deprived since restoring its sovereignty in 1991, lenges posed by ISIS (the recent NATO key factors why Georgians opted (and of the chance to travel without visa this means a tumultuous spell of fear Warsaw Summit acknowledged the exist- will continue to opt) for that geopoliti- regulations and why are we suffering in and uncertainty in an already quite addled ence of the threats and counted ISIS as cal path, including: lines to get these visas? And here goes foreign policy agenda. a chief threat to the whole Euro-Atlantic • Having a solid security “umbrella” the philosophical one my neighbor, an After the occupation and annexation of community – see fi nal Communique), to be protected from real military 80 year old man asked the other day – if Crimea by the Russian Federation, a new from Western society a demonstration as well as non-military threats and Europe (he has trouble grasping the label has emerged - the “New Cold War” of vulnerability and inability to cope challenges to its sovereignty; concept of the EU) is so good, why did - thanks to well-known journalist and with these challenges is very much trou- • Having an opportunity to promote Dr. Vakhtang Maisaia the British leave? scholar Eduard Lucas and yet another bling to those states aspiring to become democracy and rule of law provi- NATO Strategic Concept, the Alliance Nobody seems to be in much of a hurry term, “New Terrorism” (terrorism asso- an indispensable part of the Western sions for strengthening nation- should, when affected by developments to answer these questions, and, unfor- ciated with religious frustration), has community – and Georgia is a prime hood; beyond its borders, engage in attempts tunately, when the new and shiny future been taken up by keynote experts and example of this. • Having the ability to build-up and to enhance international security via a proves to be a murky one, “a devil we scholars. Since its fi rst days of independence, develop a society with strong eco- network of partnerships with third coun- know” sentiment always emerges. Around Western society has been facing up to the Georgian community has been declar- nomic and social welfare; tries (including, fi rst of all, Georgia). 29% of the Georgian population, accord- new challenges and threats the scale of ing in very strong terms an adherence • Having a chance not to miss However, these positive responses and ing to the recent NDI sociological poll which it clearly never anticipated. Paris, to liberal democratic values. One could another historic chance to join the reactions to Georgia’s loud aspirations research – prefers the very sad and out- Brussels, Istanbul, Nice, Munich, and argue that these aspirations were what European community as an entity might not be enough to persuade people dated chanson: “Go North”… And don’t Paris again – there are few clues as to prompted a severe (and mutually shared) of true European origins. that they have chosen right path for much expect many of those 29% percent (or how far it will go. Individual suicide- dislike between Georgia and its northern It can be argued that the West has also longer. At the moment, when European the pro-Western 56 percent for that mat- terrorists and special units of trained neighbors, or, to narrow it down, to the been responding to a certain level, for security lies in a fragile shambles due to ter) to realize that it would be a catas- terrorist groups have exacted severe authoritarian rulers in the Kremlin - instance, the recently released EU Global the looming terrorism “shadows;” when trophe for Georgian statehood. psychological menace and fear on the starting from predominantly “liberal” Strategy highlights the importance of Georgian citizens are dismayed with the European community as part of a Global President Boris Yeltsin, his cozy Oligarch states to the east and the south, and the rather disappointing protraction of the Dr. Vakhtang Maisaia holds a Ph.D. in poli- War of Terror. “Semibankirshina Republic” rulers, and contribution those societies (where visa liberalization process; when there tics and geostrategic studies. His sphere of NATO now borders two quasi-state ending with what is perhaps an annals- Georgia holds key position) make to are no real plans from the European interests and expertise are - international entities: the “Caliphate” declared by ISIS worthy classic example on non-restricted Europe’s security. As for NATO’s per- community to cope with massive illegal politics, international security, politics and and Al-Qaeda’s emerging “emirate” in authoritarian governance of “Tsar” spective, under the aegis of the 2010 migration, hybrid warfare, worsened geostrategic studies. GEORGIA TODAY AUGUST 5 - 8, 2016 POLITICS 9 What About All Those Undecided Voters?

Continued from page 7 and the broader Georgian population. This will be a diffi cult task, but one of A low turnout election will have sev- great importance to the future of democ- eral different impacts on politics in racy in Georgia. Creating programs Georgia. First, parties will win a much that genuinely seek the input of ordi- higher proportion of votes than current nary citizens, requiring MPs to spend polling suggestions. For example, accord- time in their districts discussing issues ing to the NDI poll, among all voters the with voters, of if they are from the GD has a slight lead of 19-15 percent over party list fi nding other ways to interact the UNM. However, fully 57 percent of with citizens, promoting a politics the respondents were either undecided, where elected offi cial and candidates supported no party or refused to answer. spend more time listening to voters Photo: EUMM Thus among the 43 percent who are than talking at them, and otherwise decided, the GD lead is 44-35 percent. breaking down the barriers between Of course, some of those undecided vot- those who govern and those who are ers will vote, but the point should be governed are all ways this relationship clear. Lower vote turnout will increase can be changed. Fatal Incident on Georgia-Abkhaz the overall proportion of votes for the In Georgia’s recent past, these kinds leading parties and increase the margins of projects have been the bailiwick of between these parties from what the democracy promotion organizations, Border Again Dominates IPRM Talks polls currently suggest. but it is now time for Georgian political The second, and more signifi cant, parties to do this on their own. Unfor- impact of low turnout is that the discon- tunately, there is little time to do this The Georgian side has repeatedly and the Abkhaz side are rare as contact BY TAMAR SVANIDZE nection between the electorate and well between now and the election, but demanded that the Abkhaz rebel author- between the two were suspended in political institutions could become there will be time after October. The ities hand over the separatist border March 2012. greater. It is very possible that, following parties that do this, rather than get pulled guard who is accused of carrying out the In April 2012, Abkhazia’s Foreign Min- a low turnout election, politics will con- back into the older more comfortable monthly meeting of the shooting. istry opted out of the talks after it accused tinue to be seen by most Georgians as habits of partisan bickering and broad Incident Prevention and The deputy of the head of the analyti- the European Union Monitoring Mission something that involves a few people in unrealistic promises, will not only be Response Mechanism cal department of Georgia’s State Secu- ignored their requests and continued to the capital, but in which they have little helping Georgian democracy, but will (IPRM) took place Tuesday rity Service, David Kobakhidze said the carry out independent checks without interest or stake. This is not a good foun- also increase their own popularity and at the UN Offi ce in Gali, a Abkhaz side refuses to extradite the notifying the separatist government and dation on which to consolidate democ- support. Atown located between Georgia and its accused individual as they want to use their Russian patrons. racy. Regardless of who wins the election, It is likely that the large number of Russian-backed breakaway region of the incident as political leverage. Immediately following the collapse of by what margin or what the eventual undecided voters will not upend this Abkhazia. According Kobakhidze, the separatist the Soviet Union, Russian-backed rebels ruling coalition looks like, if turnout is election. Some will not vote. Others will Georgian, Abkhaz, Russian and repre- government in Abkhazia is requesting a in Abkhazia broke away from Georgia. low, the new government will have to cast a protest vote of some kind and sentatives of the European Union Mon- tit-for-tat legal cooperation, which the Moscow occupied and effectively annexed govern a population that has little faith some will return to one of the major itoring Mission (EUMM) participated Georgian side fl atly rejects. the area, as well as Georgia’s other in either the new government or the parties. In this respect Georgia will very in the meeting chaired by the United Representatives of the meeting also breakaway South Ossetia region. institutions of government. likely get through this election smoothly, Nations. discussed the issue of discrimination of Moscow recognized South Ossetia and The post-election government, how- but failing to address the causes of this According to the EUMM press release, ethnic Georgians living in Abkhazia, the other occupied Abkhazia region as ever, will not be powerless in the face large number of undecided voters would the discussions were constructive and including restrictions on their freedom independent states following the 2008 of voter discontent following a low be a mistake, because as long as more professional in nature. of movement and the right to an educa- war. International law and the United turnout election. The new government than half the voters are dissatisfi ed with The fatal incident that took place on tion in Georgian. Nations continue to state that the regions can address this by working not just the numerous party options, the possi- May 19 in the village of Khurcha that left The IPRM meetings are regularly held remain part of Georgia. on governance, but on changing the bility of a destabilizing political event one Georgian citizen dead was the main with Georgia’s other breakaway region, The next IPRM meeting will be held relationship between the political class will be present. topic of discussion at the meeting. South Ossetia. Meetings between Tbilisi in Gali on September 8. GEORGIA TODAY 10 BUSINESS AUGUST 5 - 8, 2016 ORBI Group Project Gains World Recognition

he Orbi Twin Tower is the FIABCI PRIX D’EXCELLENCE new grand project built on FOR GEORGIA? the coast of the Black Sea The fact that the Orbi Twin Towers has in Batumi. With 4,500 been acknowledged as the best invest- rooms, it will be the sixth ment project in the world is of course a Tlargest hotel by capacity. The project great success not only for our company, was awarded The Best Investment Pro- but a very signifi cant accomplishment ject 2016 in Panama which means Orbi for the whole country. Group was awarded an “Oscar” in the As for the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence real estate sphere. – it is the most prestigious award, the We talked with the General Director same as the Oscars but in the real estate of Orbi Group – Irakli Kvergelidze about industry. FIABCI is an international real the project, the prize and its signifi cance. estate federation founded in Paris in 1948 by the leading developers and real estate specialists of Europe and America. In WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO Irakli Kvergelidze, General Director of Orbi Group BUILD THE 6TH LARGEST HOTEL 1954, FIABCI was awarded offi cial con- COMPLEX AND WHO ELSE IS sultant status in the United Nations projects. The award is so important that Orbi Twin Towers has prepared a spe- which would be interesting for locals as IN THE WORLD’S TOP TEN? Economic and Social Council. It is the every such company is proud of this cial offer, as is our tradition, at the begin- well as foreigners. That is why Orbi Group The world’s top ten: only organization in the industry which recognition and it has become one of ning of every project Orbi Group sells has up to 30 offi ces in 7 countries and by 1. Las Vegas - The Palazzo Resort Hotel had the privilege of making a speech the most signifi cant bases for their future apartments for the best price. Until Sep- the end of 2016, another 50 representa- & Casino - 8108 rooms; from the UN Tribune. success. To this day no company from tember 1, 2016, an apartment in Orbi tional offi ces will open across the world. 2. Moscow – Izmailovo’s Hotel Complex Throughout the history of the FIABCI, the post-Soviet territory was able to get Twin Tower costs just USD 17,500. The Apartments purchased in Orbi Group’s -7500 rooms; Prix d’Excellence awardees were such the prize apart from us – the Orbi Group. fi rst contribution amounts to USD 1700, multifunctional hotel complex are not 3. Las Vegas - The Signature at MGM large-scale projects as the Trump Tower Mega companies from the US, China, while monthly payment will be just USD only real estate, but a business which Grand - 6772 rooms; in NYC, the Guggenheim Museum in Singapore, Dubai, Malaysia, Japan and 250. The owner can purchase the apart- guarantees secure income. The system 4. Malaysia - First World Hotel - 6118 Bilbao, Petronas Towers in Kuala Lum- other European countries whose budg- ment with Italian furniture, renovation of payments is very fl exible and simple, rooms; pur, Disneyland – Paris, Millennium Park ets exceed not only that of our company made according to European standards therefore, those who live in Georgia can 5. Las Vegas - Encore Las Vegas - 4570 - Chicago, Republic Plaza - Singapore, but of Georgia by 15 and 20 times, were and built in appliances. invest only 1700 USD initially and pay rooms; The Palace - Taiwan, Sinar Mas Land also participating in the competition. There are standard as well as lux and just 250 USD monthly. Because of this 6. Batumi - ORBI Twin Tower - 4500 Plaza – Indonesia, Norwest Business The jury comprised of 70 competent, even higher class apartments in the com- fl exible offer we have many clients from rooms; Park – Sydney and many more famous international experts, who studied the plex. Some of which cost USD 500,000, larger cities of Georgia as well as differ- 7. Las Vegas Luxor Hotel&Casino – 4400 successful architectural and real estate presented projects from more than 40 USD 1 million and even USD 1,500.000. ent regions. rooms; counties for six months, decided that As for the benefi ts I would like to say Apart from this there are a lot of cases 8. Las Vegas - Mandalay bay – 4337 rooms; Orbi Twin Towers is the best investment that while investing in the real estate of immigrants purchasing apartments 9. Thailand - Ambassador City – 4210 project of 2016. There has been no such two factors should be taken into consid- for their parents or other family mem- rooms; precedent in the history of FIABCI that eration: bers in order to provide them with stable 10. Las VEgas - The Venetian – 4027 a project has won unanimously, which 1. What kind of stable income the rent income. Moreover, the apartments are rooms. was highlighted by the President of of the real estate will bring great for spending holidays. Orbi Group is proud of carrying out a [This] FIABCI at the award ceremony. 2. How the price of the purchased real Apartments are interesting for busy project which will put Georgia on the estate will increase after completion people working in their industries (e.g. world map in the real estate market. This acknowledgement... ORBI GROUP TRADES Purchasing a standard apartment in lawyers, accountants, auditors, doctors, project goes far beyond regional sig- APARTMENTS IN THE ORBI Orbi Towers will bring an annual income etc.) everyone who does not have time nifi cance and gives our company, and is... a very TWIN TOWERS. WHAT MAKES of about USD 5 or 6 thousand. As for the or opportunity to run a personal busi- Batumi as a touristic destination, a com- THESE APARTMENTS DIFFERENT increase of the price of the purchased ness independently. By purchasing apart- pletely new importance. More informa- FROM TRADITIONAL FLATS? apartment, by the end of the construc- ments in hotels, they secure stable income tion about the Orbi Twin Towers can be signifi cant Our apartments, just like any ordinary tion it will approximately double. Orbi and can at the same time continue their found at www.orbigroup.net. fl ats, are private property, documented Twin Towers construction will last 24 career. As I mentioned before, rent and accomplishment for in the Public Register. There is no dif- months. operation of apartments is provided by HOW IMPORTANT IS THE ference between our apartments and any How actively do the Georgian citizens Orbi Group and the buyer just receiving the whole country apartment owned by a private owner in buy apartments in real estate constructed the monthly amount from the rent straight terms of legislation. What makes it unique by Orbi Group and what are the dynam- in their bank account. is that it is built in an multifunctional ics of purchases by international clients? The interest from other countries like hotel complex, having a complete 5-star- Orbi Group was able to create a project Germany, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Lat- hotel level infrastructure and service: via, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Israel, reception, concierge service, room ser- America, Dubai, Qatar and others is also vice, security, technical support, casino quite high. spa center, open and closed swimming Since the Orbi Twin Towers was named pools, cafes, restaurants, shopping zones, as the best investment project of 2016, kids playgrounds, medical center, etc. awareness has increased dramatically The owners can live in their apartments on an international scale and we already permanently, only on holidays or just rent Since the Towers have clients from 35 countries. it out. If the owner wants to rent out, Orbi Group will provide full support and the were named the PLEASE TELL US ABOUT ORBI owner will receive a monthly, stable GROUP’S FUTURE PLANS income. It should be noted that a multi- Best Investment Orbi Group plans to start a large-scale functional complex with 5 star hotel ser- project in Tbilisi. Apart from us being vice and infrastructure is high in demand, Project of 2016, the fi rst Georgian company to begin which means the apartments can be rented development projects beyond our coun- very often and at high prices. awareness has try, we also plan to develop many other projects and directions locally and inter- HOW CAN AN INTERESTED increased nationally. CLIENT PURCHASE AN APARTMENT IN ORBI TWIN dramatically on an HOW CAN INTERESTED TOWERS? WHAT ARE THE PARTIES CONTACT ORBI FOR TERMS AND BENEFITS? international scale- FURTHER INFORMATION? Orbi Towers has a unique architecture Toll Free Number: 0800 100115; +995 and location; constructed near the danc- we already have 555330000, +995 555320000, +995 ing fountains in Batumi, 50 meters from 555350000; the sea with every apartment having an clients from 35 website: www.orbigroup.net e-mail: batumi@ amazing view. countries orbi.ge GEORGIA TODAY AUGUST 5 - 8, 2016 SOCIETY 11

TBILISI-BATUMI BATUMI-TBILISI KUTAISI AIRPORT

Another Death by TBILISI CENTRAL BATUMI CENTRAL 09:00, 12:00, 20:00, 01:00 09:00, 12:00, 19:00, 01:00 2 Station Square TAMAR MEPE AVE. Domestic Violence: 595 99 00 00 www.eurobus.ge Ombudsman Calls for If police had reacted adequately, Gunay Better Risk Assessment would still be alive

report to the police or cancel their statements BY GULNUR KAZIMOVA Source: listsurge.com once given. For that reason, the police need to be particularly cautious and take all measures to combat such tragedies as Gunay’s. The MIA unay was murdered by her husband should have a well-established mechanism to on July 13th, 2016. evaluate and identify risks. Unfortunately, we “Gunay had an argument with her have not yet achieved that and hope the MIA husband and came to me. We were will create a special unit to work on gender- alone at home. Gunay’s husband based violence.” Gcame and beat both of us and threatened to mur- According to the MIA, in 2015 the police issued der us. I immediately called the police. If the 2,726 restrictive orders in the cases of domestic police had reacted adequately, Gunay would be violence. The majority of aggressors (2,283) were alive now,” said Minakhanim, grandmother of men and 185 aggressors were women. In the same Gunay and a resident of Ponitchala settlement. period, 2,301 victims were women and 337 were According to the investigation results, early in men. the morning, Novraz A, 26, cut Gunay’s throat According to the MIA, most facts of domestic and disappeared. The young woman died in hos- violence happen because of jealousy, alcohol pital. infl uence and property dispute. In 2015, because Gunay was 19 years old and had two small chil- of domestic violence, criminal prosecution was dren. Her husband had kidnapped her at the age begun against 949 persons. of 13. Nurlana H, the aunt of the murdered girl, Law enforcement offi cers arrested Novraz A said Gunay and her husband lived in poverty and soon after the murder of 19-year-old Gunay. The often quarreled. Due to these disagreements, investigation was launched under Article 108 of Gunay several times returned to the family home the Criminal Code of Georgia for premeditated but each time had to go back to her husband murder. because she was afraid. “Last year they had a serious argument but Gunay was so afraid that could not arrest the aggressor based on the grand- she returned to his family again. She told me mother’s statement. repeatedly that he would kill her and leave her The Public Defender of Georgia also responded children without a mother.” to the murder of the young woman in Ponitchala. Gunay’s grandmother said the couple had their In his statement http://www.ombudsman.ge/en/ last quarrel 20 days before the murder. After that news/public-defender-echoes-cases-of-gender- she came to her father’s home together with the based-violence-against-women.page the Ombuds- children. The grandmother and Gunay were man wrote that “the victim had appealed to the alone together with the children as Gunay’s par- law enforcement agency, which limited its actions ents live in Russia. only to the use of a warning letter. Despite a “Gunay’s husband came and started beating number of appeals made by the Public Defender, her. He demanded she go home and threatened the vicious practice of application of warning to kill her if she refused. I stood between them letters has not been eliminated. This is also proved and he beat me too. I have bruises on my arms by the cases studied by the Public Defender's to prove it. When he left I called the police, but Offi ce. In addition, no individual risk assessment they didn’t arrest him. In the evening he came is carried out so as to prevent the recurrence of and cut my granddaughter’s throat,” Minakhanim cases.” said. According to the MIA, eight women have died The neighbor of the murdered woman, S.K., as a result of domestic violence since January said the police just took the aggressor’s written 2016. promise not to abuse the women but did nothing Representative of the organization Partnership to prevent the murder. for Human Rights, Ana Arganashvili, said the Representatives of the Public Relations Depart- State has yet to develop effective mechanisms ment of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) to protect the victims of femicide and domestic said after the threats and abuse were reported, violence. “When there is risk of violence and police offi cers went to Novraz A.’s home and murder, the State and Police have an obligation questioned him. The police could have arrested to interfere and protect life. Often, domestic him on the statement of Gunay but the latter violence is hidden from society; sometimes the refused to sign against her husband; the police victims are afraid of the aggressor and do not GEORGIA TODAY 12 SOCIETY AUGUST 5 - 8, 2016 Respect for Women: Ogden on the Georgian Flirt

OP-ED BY TIM OGDEN

his is a post I've been hesitant to write for a while, since it will invar- iably lead to the kind of comments and arguments commonT to the 21st century, a time in which pointing out obvious truths is somehow unacceptable. Yet the fact remains there is a prob- lem with Georgian male culture, espe- cially with regards to their attitudes towards women. I have diffi culty explaining this coun- try to outsiders, especially as Georgian women occupy a number of senior government positions in a country wherein sexism is so rampant, they say, surely females wouldn't be able to get those sorts of jobs. I can only put it down to females being driven towards attaining better qualifi cations. I work as a lecturer, and most of my MA stu- dents are young women, and of almost I'd hate for Georgians to destroy their reputation after being granted visa liberalization this year and then doing this sort of thing in Europe. Western tolerance – particularly all the Georgians I've known who've where women are concerned – has a limit gone on to study abroad have been female. she went back the man told her 'Oh, on earth these men expect the result you see) start a fi ght with an American However, I doubt if Georgian men you're so beautiful, you have such won- to be. friend of mine. They were, however, are any lazier (or Georgian women any derful eyes'. I recall a similar incident Did the driving instructor really expect unaware that he was a member of the harder working) than other nationali- when we had to have our taps fi xed a married woman to suddenly realise United States Army Special Forces. I ties of the species, but attitudes towards and the workman told my wife she was just how attracted she is to him, despite don't usually feel sorry for Georgian women are like nothing else I've seen 'So delicious, if she was a cake [he] the fact she'd already reprimanded him men, but I confess in those moments elsewhere. It's something I've found After six years would eat her.' He'd been before but for being inappropriate? Do Georgian when they painfully regretted their impossible to get past, since after six said nothing while I was there. men really believe that following a girl actions, I felt a bit of a pang. years here, I still have precious few here, I've realized Further misadventures involving my in a car and saying 'Come here' will (I should quickly add the disclaimer Georgian male friends. wife was when she was walking home work? And what is it about grabbing that yes, I am aware that not all Geor- Yesterday, a friend of mine went for that the national from work and a car followed her, the someone's arm while she's walking gian men are like this, many are perfect a driving lesson. She told me she had driver and his friend calling out 'Girl. away that they think leads to success? gentlemen, and a lot of foreigners are already had problems with the instruc- male persona is an Girl. Come here. Girl,' and more recently Perhaps it's a result of most men here also awful. Right? Fine.) tor making clumsy attempts to fl irt when she went out to a bar with her losing their virginity and getting most As you might know, I'm not a big fan with her despite knowing she was mar- aspiration rather friends and a man grabbed her arm of their experience from prostitutes of the term 'European', but I will admit ried, but yesterday he took it further while she was trying to leave. which has fostered this, but even so, that there are things Britain and the by touching her. Naturally, she screamed than a description. I have many more stories of the same one would have thought that their lack vast majority of European countries and shouted at him and then fl ed the ilk told me by Georgian women, so I of success with these borderline rapist have in common, among them being car and ran down the street. Unde- But what I would could go on, but the idea is, I think, techniques might have convinced them the fact that the kind of behaviour terred, the instructor follows her in his fi rmly established. to go back to the drawing board. I've described above would be considered car telling her to get back in. Eventu- dearly love to As much as it amuses me that the seen Georgian men in bars popular the actions of borderline rapists. As ally, she boarded a bus to escape. macho, aggressive, 'warrior' Georgian with foreigners brooding angrily when someone who still has something of a About two months ago, I went with know is what on men are only brave enough to try this they see Georgian women talking to high opinion of this country, I'd hate my wife to get my phone fi xed. The stuff when husbands and boyfriends foreign men, and then become furious for Georgians to destroy their reputa- man there barely glanced at me, seeing earth these men aren't around, it isn't overly surprising; when their attempts at fl irting tion after being granted visa liberalisa- that I was a foreigner, but told my wife after six years here, I've realized that (which usually constitute something tion this year and then doing this sort that it would be ready in an hour and expect the result the national male persona is an aspira- like 'You are so beautiful' repeated ad of thing in Europe. Western tolerance a half. I couldn't collect it myself since tion rather than a description. But what nauseam) fail. I even saw a few (no – particularly where women are con- I had to work that afternoon, but when to be I would dearly love to know is what one-on-one challenges in this country, cerned – has a limit.

GEORGIA TODAY 14 SOCIETY AUGUST 5 - 8, 2016 Wheels, Next Round

responsibility for whatever happened when he was BY TONY HANMER behind the wheel. And he blew off the top of the radiator. Took him six weeks to have the replace- ment handmade in Tbilisi. The car was never the n my life I can count on one hand the num- same after that, and my generosity cost us far more ber of powered vehicles I have owned. First, than I could have imagined. a 1977 Honda Civic which my father helped Having the village shop at home in Etseri, expertly me buy when I was 18, in Canada. It died the run by my wife, enabled us to add considerably to month I paid off the bank, because I failed our savings. And now here we are again, able to be Ito check the oil and its engine seized up. Bad start. in motion! I've just taken ownership of a 2008 Most memorable moment? Taking my then-girl- Toyota 4Runner, nice big manual patrol 4x4, clean, friend to my high school prom in it. Having learned quiet and smooth, and a beast for the off roads. My to drive in an automatic transmission car, this brother in law joined me from Kakheti in Tbilisi manual one was like trying to control someone and, after a few hours' checking things out at the with constant seizures. All we could do was laugh, massive Rustavi car market, we came away with which was better than her being upset with me. this. I had researched the vehicle type and reviews Next, a two-door Toyota truck, which I had for of it online extensively beforehand, and we were several years before selling it on the eve of begin- even to do an internet discovery of the particular ning a planned seven-year biking trek around the candidate car's entire history, which revealed noth- world. Good little vehicle, and I didn't kill it. Learned ing alarming. The buying process took an hour or something. Hiatus of several years. I moved to the so once we were confi dent of my choice, and off I UK with my bike in late 1989, aged 22, didn't drive drove, pleased as could be in my fi fth ever vehicle. there at all, just cycled everywhere or took public Oil change, brake pad and tire change, and I'm transport for the longer trips. Years in Russia, ready to make the triumphal entry into Etseri. A months in Austria and Azerbaijan, then fi nally set- few friends will fl y in and I'll take them up with tling in Georgia, which recently became the coun- me, where my wife is waiting to celebrate this try I've lived in longer than anywhere else in my momentous occasion. We will be better equipped life. to meet, send off, and drive our guests anywhere Here... a Niva from the end of the Soviet period, locally, as well as just having the freedom we've because apparently those were better made than missed for a while now to just get away on our own early post-Soviet. "Niva qvelgan miva" means "A somewhere for a bit. What a luxury, when you don't Niva goes anywhere" in Georgian. This one took have it! me and friends to Ushguli three times, once even by the back way, via Lentekhi. Pretty good! More Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti carless years followed. since 2007, and been a weekly writer for GT since early Marriage... and the need to be wheeled again. The 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook 1999 Hyundai Galloper, big manual diesel 4x4, group, now with over 1300 members, at www.facebook. which I paid an acquaintance to fl y to Germany, com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ buy and drive back for us. I had agreed with a friend He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: in Svaneti that he could drive it once, if he accepted www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti

Photo: UNDP

UNDP, Georgian Government Launch Euro 2.63 Million Rural Development Project

he United Nations Development Union provide 95 percent of the funds needed for Programme (UNDP) and the Gov- the project. ernment of Georgia on Tuesday This initiative will assist in the development of pledged to invest Euro 2.63 million a national Rural Development Strategy for Geor- (GEL 6.8) into a project aimed at gia and a specifi c strategy for the Adjara region. assistingT rural development in Georgia’s western According to the UNDP’s press release, the Adjara region on the Black Sea. two-year initiative is part of an EU-funded Euro- Shombi Sharp, the UNDP’s Resident Represent- pean Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture ative in Georgia, and Tbilisi’s Agriculture Minis- and Rural Development (ENPARD) that launched ter, Otar Danelia, signed the relevant fi nalized its second phase in Georgia just over a month agreement on Tuesday, which sees the European ago. GEORGIA TODAY AUGUST 5 - 8, 2016 SOCIETY 15 Safe and Healthy – Tusheti Greets First Emergency Car

BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE

sk every tourist agency, private or public, anywhere in the world, what the must have factors are for a tour- We can’t access every ism industry to develop and they will be bound to mention safety among village by car, Athe very fi rst and most vital ones. No matter how extreme and adventurous some of us are, it’s always sometimes we are gratifying to know that if something bad happens where you are going, you will be in the hands of running, panting… experienced and professional people, instead of just those of your comrades-in-travel. Alongside Svaneti, Tusheti can be considered as “We’re Ministry of Defense staff, from the medi- one of the “wilder” areas among Georgia’s touris- cal department. I’ve seen lots of fi eld work, but this tic destinations. One look at the road from Alwani one sure beats it all – it’s as extreme as it can get to Tusheti makes some people dizzy. Despite all in Georgia. To carry out our duties we come against preconditions, however, for years, Tusheti remained numerous primal forces, lack of roads being the medically obsolete, its only viable remedy to fl y biggest problem. We can’t access every village by people over in helicopters if a health situation was car, so we often have to run, panting, cursing and Contact: www.edelbrand.ge deemed severe enough, or oftentimes, embarking sometimes end up in not much better shape than Phone: 599 461908 on a rather bumpy and in no way pleasant journey the patient waiting for us. Thankfully, the Emer- lasting 4-5 hours in a car. One should give due credit gency Situations Agency has been lending a help- to the solitary doctor living in Bochorna village, ing hand in particularly hardcore situations. And who, for nearly a quarter of a century, has been it would be ungrateful not to mention how helpful administering his craft travelling by horse up and the locals have been. We’re all working in good down Tusheti villages. Exotic as they may be, nei- faith and the team spirit is extra high. Considering ther option enthused locals and tourists with much what we went through for the fi rst 20 days, some relief of what might come if they were injured. quite serious cases, we handled them quite profi - Taking account all of this, it was a matter of joy ciently, if I dare say. Two weeks ago, we saved the and pride when recently the fi rst emergency car life of a Swedish tourist who had an unexpected appeared in Tusheti, fully upgraded for the moun- heart attack. If not for our help, she would prob- tainous region’s uncompromising conditions and ably have died. The applause, cheers and the eyes the very fi rst one since the fall of the Soviet Union. of the patient full of endless gratitude, the feeling As with so many of the latest positive developments that we’d passed such a serious test already so early in the Tusheti region, this one also owes its exist- on– it was all very satisfying,” Patarkatsashvili said. ence to Czech involvement. The multipurpose However, challenges still remain. While the fi rst vehicle was purchased by the Czech Development aid services will only be available in Tusheti dur- Agency and upgraded by another Czech organiza- ing the tourist season (6 months), it is already a tion, Caritas Czech Republic in Georgia, which also great step forward. To build upon this means solv- oversaw the training of doctors and nurses who ing yet another nagging problem in Tusheti, a block are posted in the newly built Tusheti ambulatory every government has stumbled on to date – the on a three-week tenure. Safe Tusheti, as the project abysmal road conditions which practically isolate has become known online, where it proceeded to Tusheti from the rest of the country throughout become a minor media hit, proved itself a success the long winter months. Solve this, however, and story in the very fi rst month of its existence, and there are yet other, unexplored riches Tusheti can one should look no further than the impressions offer – that of winter tourism. And safety will be of the First Aid Unit, the head of which, Field Doc- as important then as always – Safe Tusheti means tor Misha Patarkatsashvili, shared his recollections more and more tourists, which is exactly what the of the fi rst month with GEORGIA TODAY. region needs. GEORGIA TODAY 16 CULTURE AUGUST 5 - 8, 2016 Europa Donna Georgia Addresses Government for Support of Metastatic Cancer Patients

he campaign against breast cancer is ongoing in Georgia. From 2016 the State is providing countrywide fi nanc- ing of pharmaceuticals for patients with fi rst, second and third stage can- Tcer, for which GEL 9 million has been allocated. Despite this, issues related to the treatment of patients with metastatic cancer still remain unre- solved. Therefore, Europa Donna Georgia has addressed the Ministry of Healthcare and Tbilisi City Hall to provide assistance and fi nance the medical treatment of such patients. Europa Donna Georgia organized a press confer- ence at the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel to inform and once again remind the public about the cam- paign that promotes effective targeted therapeutic treatment of breast cancer and improvement of its accessibility. The press conference was attended by Marina Darakhvelidze, Head of the Healthcare Department of the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia; Gela Chiviashvili, Head of the City Offi ce of Health and Social Service of Tbilisi City Hall; Giorgi Alibegashvili, Chairman of Tbilisi City Council; Ana Mazniashvili, President of Europa Donna Georgia; as well as oncologists, specialists working in the fi eld, patients, campaign supporters and others. “We would very much like the State to fi nance medical treatment of patients with metastatic and fourth stage cancer because these are the people most in need of such assistance,” said Ana Mazni- ashvili. Mammologist Giorgi Dzagnidze talked about the increase it even up to 20 years.” surgery, radio therapy, chemotherapy, and combined cancer can be cured. The goal of the campaign is necessity of providing expensive medication and The Ministry of Healthcare stated that together and targeted therapy. During targeted therapy the to fi nd the funds necessary for preserving the lives therapeutic treatment to patients with terminal with Tbilisi City Hall it already fi nances such drug is directed immediately to the cancer cells of those women who cannot afford medical treat- cancer. He believes that the treatment course will patients on an individual basis. “We already have and inhibits the main processes which lead to can- ment. All gathered funds will be fully transferred improve the condition of terminal cancer patients the possibility to study the situation of each patient cer development and growth. This is why the to the charity foundation Europa Donna Georgia by 25 percent: “If the life expectancy of terminal individually. Namely, we fi nance them through a therapy was called “Targeted Therapy”. Since tar- in order to fi ght breast cancer.” cancer patients is six months, treatment may referral program. The State is also supporting them geted therapy is specifi cally aimed at cancer cells, The charity campaign rules are as follows: in this case. At the same time I believe that the it is very effective, less damaging for normal cells 1) Take a photo – with you in a blue T-shirt / future belongs to preventive medicine,” said Marina and has fewer side effects compared to the stand- details / make up Darakhvelidze. ard chemotherapy. Thanks to the assistance pro- 2) Upload it to Facebook or Instagram with hash- In 2015, Europa Donna Georgia started an infor- vided by the State, the quality of life of 320 patients tug - #BluForPink mation dissemination campaign called “Targeting has improved signifi cantly. The life of these women 3) Invite three of your friends or a partner com- for Life” which exactly refl ected this goal. The main has become less stressful, too, which makes the pany focus was made on provision of expensive drugs treatment more effective. Now the time has come 4) Transfer money – cell phone: 0 901 700 002 which are effective but less accessible for patients. to think about patients with metastatic cancer and Bank of Georgia: GE 82 BG 0000 0001 6254 9800 Every year in Georgia A petition was drafted in which the signatories start looking for solutions to ensure their timely TBC Bank: GE 42 TB 7168536020100002 asked the State to increase accessibility to biolog- treatment. The goal of the second phase of our more than 1,500 new ical pharmaceuticals, especially for breast cancer campaign is still that of saving lives. Unfortunately, Europa Donna Georgia is an organization which peri- patients within the healthcare program. in Georgia, targeted therapy is inaccessible for the odically carries out charity activities. They are “Patients cases of breast cancer Later, Tbilisi City Council, City Hall, and corre- majority of patients.” for Patients”. Their main goal is life, while for oncology sponding departments of the Ministry of Health- Within the framework of the campaign “Target- patients life is a chance given as a result of targeted and are identifi ed and care made an extremely important decision and ing for Life,” Radisson Blu Iveria came up with a proper medical treatment. During the past years the fi nanced the medical treatment of 320 patients with new initiative for assisting breast cancer patients organization has implemented a number of projects help- more than 900 fi rst, second and third stages of breast cancer. and began a campaign “BluforPink” in which any ing many women. Active participation of the Georgian “New fi ndings and innovations over the past 50 company and person can participate. Every year population, private sector and society in this charity activ- women die from this years signifi cantly increased our knowledge about in Georgia more than 1,500 new cases of breast ity is important because this way we can jointly fi ght breast cancer,” said Mazniashvili. “Important pro- cancer are identifi ed and more than 900 women against and overcome a very dangerous disease - breast disease gress has been achieved in diagnostics, screening, die from this disease. If diagnosed on time, breast cancer.

ROUTING FLIGHT NUMBER WEEK DAYS DEPARTURE ARRIVAL TK 379 02:35 04:05 TBILISI - ISTANBUL ATATURK AIRPORT TK 387EVERYDAY 06:35 08:05 TK 383 22:55 00:30+1 TK 386 01:40 04:55 ISTANBUL ATATURK AIRPORT - TBILISI TK 382EVERYDAY 18:10 21:30 TK 378 21:15 00:30+1 TK 381 1/2/4/5/6/7 04:25 05:50 TBILISI - ISTANBUL SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT TK 381 3 05:05 06:30 ISTANBUL SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT - TBILISI TK 380 EVERYDAY 19:40 22:55 TK 391 1/2/4/6/7 10:35 11:40 BATUMI - ISTANBUL TK 393 1/3/4/5/7 20:15 21:20 TK 390 1/2/4/6/7 06:25 09:20 ISTANBUL - BATUMI TK 392 1/3/4/5/7 16:20 19:20 Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected]

TIFLIS 7.5x6cm ING.indd 1 13/06/16 15:16 GEORGIA TODAY AUGUST 5 - 8, 2016 CULTURE 17

Georgian Pupils Win at IT Competition shashvili both taking bronze. chance to make it as far as international BY EKA KARSAULIDZE “I took part in the Olympiad for the tournaments. As such, we always get second time and can say that this time good results – since 2000 we have won the competition was more diffi cult. How- at least two medals in each international school team in Informatics ever, the fact that only four countries, competition,” said Mandaria, summariz- from Georgia took three including Georgia, were able to take ing that at the moment the country has medals at the Central Euro- three medals can be considered an impor- 2 gold, 7 silver and 35 bronze medals. pean Olympiad (CEOI), tant achievement for us,” said Skhirtladze. “In general, it is a really strong test for showing one of the best The contest consisted of several stages, young people and is a great achievement Aresults and entering the top four teams. where for two days over fi ve hours chil- for them. Most of the winners of the The Georgian school team has been win- dren had to solve three tasks on algo- Olympiad easily enter leading world ning international competitions for more rithmic and computer programming. universities, and then go on to be hired than 15 years, positioning itself as one The head of the Georgian team, Gocha by the best IT companies,” he added. of the strongest in the fi eld. Mandaria, noted that before International After a successful performance at the The Central European Olympiad in Olympiads, the students take part in CEOI, the team will go to get their new FOR SALE: BMW – 321 model Informatics was held in the city of Piatra local tournaments, after which the top medals at the International Olympiad in Date of issue 1936 Neam, Romania, on July 18 – 23. Georgia four, as the national team, compete with Informatics (IOI), which will take place PRICE 10.000 USD competed with the best students from other countries. in Kazan, Russia, on August 12-19. 11 countries in the region, with Giorgi “The competition, even within the “Last year, all four of our members took Skhirtladze winning the silver medal, country, is huge; each year we have about medals at IOI, so we hope to repeat the and Giorgi Kldiashvili and Bakur Tsut- 150 participants, but only four have a result or even improve on it,” said Mandaria. Georgian Filmmakers against

National Film Center System CONTACT PERSON 557 12 38 90

to the next stage of the competition. noted in the VPFM’s statement. BY EKA KARSAULIDZE Reviews of the jury ranged from outright As a solution, representatives of the insulting to the director to politically Movement carried out a study and now incorrect and abusive toward the mentally want the proven international system of oung Georgian fi lmmakers handicapped character of the screenplay,” fi lm and jury selection to be taken on. face various obstacles while stated rpresentatives of the VPFM. "We want to meet Director Maghalash- coordinating with the Geor- Tskvitinidze, who is famous for direct- vili, but our mandatory condition is that gian National Film Center ing the award-winning ‘I am Beso’ movie, this meeting should be open to the media. (GNFC), which is now the said that the manner of speech of char- Over the years we have conducted a lot onlyY institution helping them in fi lm acters in his new work corresponds to of meetings with the GNFC behind closed funding. Representatives of new fi lm their roles, and it cannot be considered doors, and these have never led to any movement Vake Park noted that besides as abuse or obscene language. results," said Rati Oneli, director and the existing long-term problems, most The VPFM said that the above happened participant of the VPFM. recently, they have had to face the issue due to the new lottery system of jury selec- The director of the GNFC, in conver- of censorship and incompetent assess- tion brought in by new director of the sation with the media, said he was satis- ment from the jury. GNFC, Zurab Maghalashvili. “The lottery, fi ed with the lottery system, but he has The Vake Park Film Movement (VPFM) or random, selection of jury members for said he agrees to meet with representa- claim that the crucial moment for the funding competitions completely liberates tives of movements and is open to their movement’s creation was the jury’s incom- Maghalashvili and the GNFC from any suggestions. The fi rst meeting with a petent evaluation of Lasha Tskvitinidze’s responsibility of ensuring the quality of media presence, is due to take place fi lm ‘Armatura’. “Members of the jury the selected jury, as well as the quality of today (August 5th). demonstrated exceptionally unprofes- the evaluation of the projects presented Representatives of The Vake Park Film sional, incompetent and unethical behav- in competitions. The lottery selection Movement highlighted that they do not ior in their attempt to censor the project process is not automatic, but a very con- belong to any political party or organi- based on its “vulgar” content and the voluted one, which at the end gives the zation. They represent a like-minded form of the script. The reviews and the director of the GNFC an opportunity to independent group which fi ghts not scores given by the jury members were appoint jury members based on his per- against individuals, but against the extremely biased and designed to simply sonal preference in an unchecked, uncon- GNFC’s system and wants to solve exist- unfairly ban the project from advancing trolled environment, behind closed doors,” ing problems in the Center. GEORGIA TODAY 18 CULTURE AUGUST 5 - 8, 2016

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER THE NEON DEMON THE CAUCASUS NATURAL DAY” BY TAMAR MELIKISHVILI August 5-6 Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn HISTORY MUSEUM The exhibition showcases 70 ID: EXHIBITION BY GIORGI MOVEMENT THEATER Genre: Horror, Thriller COLLECTION RENEWED paintings depicting people united GACHECHILADZE Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., Cast: Elle Fanning, Christina EXHIBITION by emotions: passion, melancholy, Mushthaid park Hendricks, Keanu Reeves alienation, and mystery. MUSIC Telephone: 599 555 260 Language: Russian EXHIBITION OF GEORGIAN Start time: 17:15 WEAPONRY SHALVA AMIRANASHVILI MOVEMENT THEATRE MUSEUM OF ART August 5 Ticket: 13-14 GEL NUMISMATIC TREASURY Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., Address: 1 Lado Gudiashvili St. RECITATIVE IN THE CITY The exhibition showcases a long Mushthaid park Telephone: 2 99 99 09 Directed by Kakha Bakuradze RUSTAVELI CINEMA history of money circulation on the Telephone: 599 555 260 www.museum.ge Start time: 21:00 Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. territory of modern Georgia from Telephone: 2 55 50 00 Free Entry the 6th century BC. to 1834. August 9, 11 www.kinoafi sha.ge May 18 – September 11 JAM SESSION AT MT AVANT-GARDE 1900-1937 CINEMA June 11 – March 11 (2017) LEADERS: Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL Georgian National Museum and RESO KIKNAZE QUINTET AND August 5-11 August 4-14 Korneli Kekelidze National Center PAPUNA SHARIKADZE AMIRANI CINEMA STAR TREK BEYOND GIORGI CHALADZE PERSONAL of Manuscripts present Free Admission Address: 36 Kostava St. Directed by Justin Lin EXHIBITION THE EXHIBITION “MEDIEVAL Start time: 21:00 Telephone: 2 99 99 55 Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi TREASURY” DEDICATED TO HIS 85TH www.kinoafi sha.ge Cast: Anton Yelchin, Zoe Saldana, ANNIVERSARY August 16 Idris Elba June 16 – December 16 The exhibition showcases 40 Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 Lari Language: Russian paintings and sculptures created TANGO EVENING THE EXHIBITION “NEW “MILONGA, LA CUMPARSITA” August 5-11 Start time: 22:15 DISCOVERIES - GEORGIAN from the 1960s to present day. ARGENTINE TANGO DANCE SUICIDE SQUAD Ticket: 13-14 GEL ARCHAEOLOGY” Giorgi Chaladze is a painter and NIGHT Directed by David Ayer The exhibition will be held in sculptor, and the founder of the Start time: 21:00 Genre: Action, Crime, Fantasy THE PURGE: ELECTION YEAR the frame of the international Union of Artists from Rustavi. He Ticket: 5 GEL Cast: Margot Robbie, Will Smith, Directed by James DeMonaco conference On Salt, Copper, and was awarded the Medal of Honor of Cara Delevingne Genre: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi Georgia. Gold: The Origins of Early Mining HIPPODROME PARK Language: English Cast: Frank Grillo, Elizabeth and Metallurgy in the Caucasus" Address: Tamarashvili Str. Start time: 19:30 Mitchell, Mykelti Williamson GALLERY Language: Russian Language: Russian June 12 – August 20 August 6, 7 Start time: 14:00, 16:45, 19:15, 22:00 Start time: 20:00, 22:35 GEORGIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM THE NATIONAL GALLERY LISI WOOD AT HIPPODROME Ticket: 9-14 GEL Ticket: 13-14 GEL AND ART CENTER " FOLIANT " Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. www.museum.ge PARK PRESENT VINCENT & SPRING JULIETA LIGHTS OUT EXHIBITION "I SEE WITH MY PERMANENT EXHIBITION NIKA J LIVE Directed by Pedro Almodóvar Directed by David F. Sandberg FINGERS" Niko Pirosmanashvili, David COBERT LIVE Genre: Drama Genre: Horror The exhibition showcases artworks Kakabadze, Lado Gudiashvili and TOMMA Cast: Adriana Ugarte, Rossy de Cast: Teresa Palmer, Gabriel by the professors and students sculptor Iakob Nikoladze FERNANDO COSTANTINI Palma, Emma Suárez Bateman, Maria Bello from Tbilisi State Academy of Arts, Language: Russian (BROUQADE/BE) Language: Russian and students and teachers from a June 24, 2016 – June 24, 2017 Start time: 17:40, 20:00, 22:35 BACHO & PASHA Start time: 19:45, 22:00 variety of creative and educational NIKO PIROSMANASHVILI’S Ticket: 8-14 GEL Start time: 18:00 Ticket: 13-14 GEL institutions. Most of the artworks WORKS “YARD CLEANER” AND Ticket: 20 GEL were inspired by "The Knight “EAGLE SEIZING A HARE” CAFÉ SOCIETY GHOSTBUSTERS in the Panther's Skin" and are VITAMIN CUBES Directed by Woody Allen (Info Above) dedicated to the 850th anniversary August 5-25 Start time: 22:35 Address: Turtle Lake Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance of Shota Rustaveli. TEMO JAVAKHI'S Ticket: 13-14 GEL Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION August 5 Stewart, Steve Carell MUSEUM OF SOVIET The exhibition will showcase about MUSEUM OCCUPATION VITAMIN CUBES INVITES: Language: Russian 140 artworks by Temo Javakhi Address: 3 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. CLAUDIO PRC / ROMAN Start time: 22:15 performed in different media GEORGIAN NATIONAL including signs, separate letters VITAMIN CUBES INVITE: Ticket: 13-14 GEL MUSEUM PERMANENT EXHIBITION of the alphabet, contextual texts, CLAUDIO PRC SIMON JANASHIA MUSEUM numbers, mapping silhouettes, ROMAN GHOSTBUSTERS Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. IOSEB GRISHASHVILI symbolic images. He attaches Start time: 23:00 Directed by Paul Feig Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM particular importance to the word Ticket: Green List - 10 GEL Genre: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi www.museum.ge - KARVASLA and creates "word objects" which Regular - 20 GEL Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Address: 8 Sioni St. have become his hallmark. Wiig, Kate McKinnon PERMANENT EXHIBITION: Telephone: 2 98 22 81 BATUMI Language: Russian GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY GENERATOR 9.8 Start time: 16:30 FROM 8TH MILLENNIUM B.C. July 6 – August 30 Address: 29 Atoneli Str. BATUMI TENNIS CLUB Ticket: 10-11 GEL TO 4TH CENTURY A.D EXHIBITION “QUARTER OF THE Telephone: 557 22 99 98 Address: Batumi Boulevard

August 6 ELECTRONIC BAND THE QEMISTS’S CONCERT Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 20-40 GEL

August 7 DATO KHUJADZE AND GOOFY LAND Start time: 21:00 Ticket: 20-40 GEL

August 9 DAVIT SHANIDZE’S CONCERT Start time: 21:00 Ticket: 10-25 GEL

August 9 KAKHABERI AND KHANUMEBI’S CONCERT Start time: 21:00 Ticket: 20-50 GEL

August 11 VAKIS PARK’S CONCERT Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10-15 GEL

BATUMI ART CENTER Address: 1 O. Dimitriadis Str.

August 6 MASTER AND MARGARITA Mikhail Bulgakov GEORGIA TODAY AUGUST 5 - 8, 2016 CULTURE 19 WHERE to Go, Stay, Eat, Drink and Buy in August

in its 2nd edition. On to the Where to EAT section, and a trip to the Dry Bridge open air mar- Where to GO is introduced this month Mariam Kvrivishvili, General Manager ket for some unforgettable and afford- by Mako Abashidze, Founder Director of Fly Dubai Georgia, shares with us able old treasures. Check out our photo of the British Georgian Chamber of where she’d take guests with an appe- reportage on page 98-99 to inspire you! Commerce, sharing with us her personal tite for something magical, chic and And what would any self-respecting travel recommendations in Georgia- truly Georgian. guide be like without a map of the city from the famed Tbilisi Opera House to On the topic of truly Georgian, our and a guide to the most needed ser- a hidden culinary delight in the capital Editor Katie Ruth Davies sacrifi ces her vices- banks, pharmacies, clinics and city- with canyons and wine in between! waistline to fi nd out three of the top real estate companies? Where has it More on the Opera House on page 36, places to grab that seaside special, all! but before you get that far in, you have Adjaruli Khachapuri, in Tbilisi and also Pick up your free copy of the monthly a whole Georgian experience to delve reveals her tips for making your very Where magazine- the essential guide into- from the National Treasury at the own Turkish coffee. Following that, to WHERE to Go, Stay, Eat, Drink and Georgian National Museum Simon Tim Ogden this month introduces you Buy in Georgia. Janashia Musem of Georgia, a vast gold to his top 6 Art-Cafes to inspire you as Want more? Where magazine is offer- and numismatic collection, to the heights you dine. Find out more on page 74. ing an exclusive discount voucher of the Svaneti and Adjara mountains and Thirsty after all that? package. Buy 10 cards for only 10 Laris the magnetism of the Black Sea coast. In our Where to DRINK section, Maya (1 Lari per card) and enjoy 130 Laris Dolphins, gardens, cocktails, beaches Sidamonidze, owner of Hotel The Ter- worth of free gifts and extra discounts and food- fi nd out everything you need race, offers her list of the best venues up to 20% from locales carefully selected to know to have a relaxed, fun and edu- to taste exclusive wine and signature by the WHERE team to make sure that cational experience in Georgia’s favour- cocktails such as Culinarium’s Thai readers receive excusive offers from ite seaside city- Batumi! You may learn Bloody Mary (Tbilisi) and the decep- the best of attractions in each sections some things that even your tour guide tively light Mexican Watermelon Cock- of WHERE to Go, Stay, Eat, Drink, Buy. doesn’t know! tail served at Fanfan in Batumi. Interested? Head on down to the sou- Where’s cultural guide to Batumi takes On that theme, we recommend the venir shops in the Old Town- on Lesel- you on a comprehensive tour of the best best Batumi cocktail venues on page 89. idze Street and in the Abanotubani and museums and galleries. Discover Geor- We then whisk you away to the unique Sharden areas for your copy of WHERE. gia’s archaeological treasures dating back suggestions of Nata Gogoladze, Head Otherwise, grab your free copy of to the Byzantine era, the best works of of Marketing at Tbilisi Mall, who not WHERE (without discount cards) at the 20th century Georgian artists- includ- only gives you the low-down Mall-side one of the hotels or café-bars in central ing world renowned Rusudan Petviash- but also of a number of her favourite Tbilisi. Feel free to call WHERE HQ vili- and fi nd out more about what the concept stores as an introduction to anytime to order your copy of WHERE Nobel brothers did for Georgia. this month’s Where to BUY. & WHERE Discount Cards. TEL +995 Our events calendar will tell you all While in Tbilisi, be sure not to miss 032 2295919. you need to know about the latest theater performances, art exhibitions and con- certs and, if you’ve still got energy, check out our list of casinos and nightclubs in o you arrived in Georgia and And you want discounts for the best our Nightlife section. you’re now wondering WHERE dishes, tourist venues, jewelry, wine and In the Where to STAY section, Man- to Go, Stay, Eat, Drink and Buy. more. ager of Travelshop, Nick Manjgaladze, You want to know what’s on Then let us introduce you to Where, shares his choice of hotels around the the latest events calendar and the latest and best tourist guide to Geor- country and we extend that with our Swhere the nearest bank, clinic or wine gia, brought to you by the Georgia Today feature on Medical Tourism, with a full bar is. You want the best recommenda- Group in partnership with the Georgian list of resorts and hotels to satisfy every tions from the most qualifi ed people. National Tourism Administration, now desire.

PUBLISHER & GM Journalists: Photographer: ADDRESS Reproducing material, photos George Sharashidze Tony Hanmer, Tamar Svanidze, Giorgi Pridonishvili 1 Melikishvili Str. and advertisements without Zviad Adzinbaia, Beqa Tbilisi, 0179, Georgia prior editorial permission is COMMERCIAL Kirtava, Meri Taliashvili, Eka Layout: strictly forbidden. DEPARTMENT Karsaulidze, Zaza Jgarkava, Misha Mchedlishvili Tel.: +995 32 229 59 19 The author is responsible for Commercial Director: Maka Bibilashvili, Karen E: [email protected] all material. Rights of authors Iva Merabishvili Tovmasyan, Dimitri Webmaster: F: GeorgiaToday are preserved. The newspaper Marketing Manager: Dolaberidze, Maka Sergey Gevenov is registered in Mtatsminda Mako Burduli Lomadze, Tim Ogden, ADVERTISING & district court. Ana Akhalaia, Robert Isaf, Circulation Managers: SUBSCRIPTION EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT: Joseph Larsen, Will Cathcart, David Kerdikashvili, +995 595 279997 GEORGIA TODAY Editor-In-Chief: Vazha Tavberidze, Nugzar B. David Djandjgava E-mail: marketing@ Reg. # 06/4-309 Katie Ruth Davies Ruhadze georgiatoday.ge