Issue no: 887 • OCTOBER 14 - 17, 2016 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... Harvest Starts in Racha-Lechkhumi Region NEWS PAGE 3 Sophisticated Politics: Ogden on The Aftermath FOCUS POLITICS PAGE 4 ON THE AFTERMATH UNM Claims Ruling Team Street fi ghts, resignations and Physically Abused Their Members conspiracy theories. The week after the Georgian Parliamentary Elections POLITICS PAGE 6 PAGE 1 - 7 What Currency Should We Choose for Our Mortgage? POLITICS PAGE 6 Do We Now Have a Better Parliament?

Putin Orders Russians to Return Home Amid New Cold War POLITICS PAGE 7 Georgia’s Min of Energy Hosts BY NICHOLAS WALLER Presentation on EU Renewable

n an unprecedented move that has alarmed Energy Directive many in the international community, Rus- SOCIETY PAGE 8 sian President Vladimir Putin reportedly issued an order early this week for all Rus- sian offi cials and their relatives living abroad INTERVIEW: Romaine Ito fl y home amid heightened tensions with the West and the prospect of a global war. Audrerie - London’s Top According to reports in the international and local media, Russian politicians, administrative Sommelier Discovers Georgia staff and employees of public corporations have been ordered to take their children out of foreign CULTURE PAGE 10 schools immediately. If true, the move comes after a stormy week in Russian-Western relations. Putin cancelled a planned visit to France amid Griboedov Theater Opens a furious row over Moscow's role in the Syrian 171th Season with Finnish confl ict and just days after it emerged the Krem- lin had moved Iskander nuclear missile batteries Collaboration ‘Frozen Images’ to the Polish border. The unprecedented cancellation of a visit so feared-FSB security service has been engaged in their nuclear weapons for use against Russia." CULTURE PAGE 15 close to being fi nalized is a “serious step and an intense campaign of cyber warfare against key Despite the claims of the Russian media, West- reminiscent of the Cold War”, said Russian for- Western countries for the better part of two years. ern offi cials have been reluctant to deem the eign policy analyst Fyodor Lukyanov. Russia has been ratcheting up talk of an armed recent events as anything more than a rise in ten- “This is part of the broader escalation in the confrontation with the West since early October. sions between the two sides. tensions between Russia and the West, and Rus- On October 7, the Kremlin launched a massive Despite Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, occupa- sia and NATO,' he told AFP. nationwide civil defense training exercise to ensure tion of Georgian territory and actions in Syria – The Kremlin’s indignation towards the inter- the country is properly prepared forna nuclear, offi cials in Washington and London refuse to clas- national community was on full display earlier chemical and biological attack from NATO. sify Russian offi cials’ open threats of armed confl ict in the week accusing the US, UK and France of Lasting three days, the exercise involved 200,000 or a nuclear exchange as a New Cold War. spreading anti-Russian hysteria after each said emergency personnel and the co-operation of 40 Russia recently unilaterally pulled out of two Russia should face war crimes for its role in the million civilians. key nuclear arms treaties and bombed a UN aid Syrian Civil War. The exercise came after the popular Defense convoy in Syria that killed dozens – actions that Putin was further incensed when US President Ministry-run Zvezda TV network announced. UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said “were Barack Obama cited CIA reports that Russia’s "Schizophrenics from America are sharpening turning Russia into a pariah state.” GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS OCTOBER 14 - 17, 2016

Agriculture Minister Levan Davitashvili and Lower Svaneti Governor, Papuna Margvelidze in Racha Harvest Starts in Racha- Lechkhumi Region

“The harvest is underway in an organized man- BY THEA MORRISON ner. The demand for local grapes is very high, particularly from entrepreneurs,” Governor Margvelidze stated. ollowing on from the Kakheti region, Harvest Coordination staff in Racha-Lechkhumi the annual grape harvest has begun in will be led by the Head of the National Wine mountainous Racha-Lechkhumi. Agri- Agency, Giorgi Samanishvili. culture Minister Levan Davitashvili At this stage, 15 wine companies are registered and Lower Svaneti Governor, Papuna at the Ambrolauri Harvest Coordination head- Margvelidze,F arrived in the region to open the quarters. Coordination Headquarters of Grape Harvest Initially, six grape receiving centers were opened 2016 in Ambrolauri Municipality. - three in Ambrolauri and three in the villages: The Minister noted that harvest preparatory Chrebalo, Bugeuli and Khvanchkara. The centers works have been completed and the government receive grapes from 10 am to 6pm. is ready to successfully conduct the harvest pro- In order to promote grape growing, the govern- cess. ment has subsidized the harvest and will issue The Minister himself participated in the harvest 0.45 GEL per kilogram for Rkatsiteli grapes, 0.20 in Saketsia village before heading to Bugeuli vil- GEL per kilo for Saperavi and 0.45 GEL per kilo lage to visit the grape processing factory there. for Kakhetian Green as subsidies. “At present, 100 tons of grapes have been pro- The highest price is on Mujuretuli and Alek- cessed in Racha. The harvest here will be con- sandrouli grapes with wine factories having to ducted as successfully as in Kakheti,” stated the pay 2 GEL per kilo within the state subsidies Minister, going on to promise the locals that each program. farmer’s harvest will be purchased. After delivering the grapes to the factories, the The local farmers expect around 500-600 tons village farmers will receive their money within of Aleksandrouli and Mujurouli grapes this year. 15 working days by presenting their ID cards. Georgian Dream Has Strong Showing in Adjara’s Local Elections

dates stood for both Parliament and the Supreme BY MARIKO NATSARISHVILI Council in the region, only one of which – a mem- ber of the Georgian Dream – crossed the 50 per cent threshold needed to avoid a second round run oters in Georgia’s western Adjara off. region on the Black Sea coast went If the Georgian Dream fares well in the next round, to the polls on October 8 to cast their winning all the majoritarian seats, the ruling coali- ballot for the country’s next parlia- tion will have a constitutional super majority in ment, but unlike the rest of Saturday’s the 21-member Supreme Council. Vvoters, Adjaran residents were also voting for their As it currently stands, the Georgian Dream will region’s autonomous legislative body. have eight members, United National Movement By all accounts, the elections went smoothly and – 5; and one spot each for the Democratic Move- peacefully as 162,076 Adjaran residents – 52.5 per- ment and Patriotic Alliance. cent of the region’s population – cast their vote. Adjara’s Supreme Council is the foundation of According to preliminary results from the Adja- the region’s status as an autonomous republic inside ran Autonomous Republic Central Election Com- Georgia. The members of the Supreme Council are mission, the ruling Georgian Dream party garnered elected to four-year terms. 44.91 percent of the vote and the main opposition United National Move- ment received 29.63 per- cent of the ballots cast. The only other parties to cross the 5 percent threshold needed to enter Adjara’s Supreme Council were the two staunchly pro-Russian parties – vet- eran lawmaker Nino Burd- janadze’s Democratic Movement (6.08 percent) and the Patriotic Alliance (5.71 percent), led by Irma Inashvili. Six majoritarian candi- GEORGIA TODAY OCTOBER 14 - 17, 2016 NEWS 3 Tbilisoba Kicks Off This Weekend

The recently renovated Agmashenebeli BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI Avenue, “The New Tifl is,” will be the epicenter of the city festival, with exibi- tions, literature and musical events he annual city festival Tbi- packed into the area. lisoba is set to be something Tbilisoba will open this Saturday at massive this year. On the Legvtakhevi (Abanotubani district) and weekend of October 15 -16, end on Ocober 16 with a concert of pop- the city of Tbilisi will ular Georgian singers, but in between, becomeT a center of many cultural, sports, additional to the above, there will be an children’s activities, food and agricultural exhibition of old cars, an old Georgian fairs, concerts, exhibitions and live per- bazaar on Europe Square with popular formances- all at different spots through- Georgian gardener Zura Shevardnadze out the capital. as host, several open air concerts, wine Rikhe Park will be transformed into a and food tastings and much, much more, children’s city, with concerts and theatrical all promising to bring a vibrant weekend performances to be held over the two dys. to the town. Veteran Georgian Politician Alasania Resigns to qualify for the second round of elec- gia and for the people who voted for BY THEA MORRISON tions later this month. me,” said Alasania, promising he would Alasania thanked all his supporters always stand by his country and peo- while saying his decision was based ple. he leader of Georgia’s on the Free Democrats inability to cross Alasania is a former soldier and opposition Free Demo- the 5 percent threshold needed to enter prominent diplomat who founded the crats party Irakli Alasania into the next parliament. Free Democrats in 2009. announced that he plans “At this time, I do not see a way for- In early 2012, his party joined the to temporarily leave pol- ward where my team and I will be able Georgian Dream Coalition and he iticsT after his party’s poor showing in to infl uence the current political pro- served as Defense Minister until 2014. Saturday’s parliamentary elections. cesses in the country," he said. He and his party later broke with the While addressing the media at a press The Free Democrats will continue Georgian Dream and moved into the conference on Monday afternoon, Ala- their political activities and will pre- opposition camp. sania said he would withdraw his pare better for the following local or Alasania’s fellow party member Alexey majoritarian candidacy in the central parliamentary elections. Petriashvili also said he was leaving Georgian city Gori, where he received “I am going to do interesting work politics after the Free Democrats’ dis- 19.38 percent of the vote, allowing him that will help me to do more for Geor- mal showing in the polls. GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS OCTOBER 14 - 17, 2016 Sophisticated Politics: Ogden on The Aftermath UNM to Take Part in Run-Off Elections and Georgia’s New Parliament ticipate in the second round and enter BY THEA MORRISON parliament to prevent self-isolation and the establishment of one-party rule by their bitter political foes, Georgian Dream, eorgia's main opposition according to UNM Council member party - former President Sergi Kapanadze. Mikheil Saakashvili's “There were many violations during United National Movement the elections, but we have to respect the (UNM), which came in people who voted for us,” said Kapanadze. Gsecond after the ruling party Georgian David Bakradze, the UNM’s leader in Dream (GD) in the October 8 elections, Georgia, said he would not allow bil- has opted to take part in the second lionaire oligarch and founder of the rul- round voting and will enter the new ing Georgian Dream party Bidzina Ivan- parliament. ishvili to establish one-party rule. The decision was made late Tuesday “The UNM has remained the only at a meeting of UNM council members. viable pro-Western opposition force in The UNM captured 27.111 percent in the country…we accept this honor. The Saturday’s election but originally claimed party will participate in the second round that the results were falsifi ed by Geor- of voting and also enter the new parlia- gian Dream. ment once it is seated,” Bakradze said. Hardliners with the UNM, including Preliminary data shows that the second Saakashvili, claimed the government round for majoritarian MP seats is rigged the elections and called for a boy- expected in 50 out of a total 73 single- Normally, I do not even like to acknowl- and while I agree that Bidzina Ivanishvili cott of the next parliament. mandate constituencies. GD and UNM OP-ED BY TIM OGDEN edge the Georgian love of conspiracy has far too much infl uence in the Geor- The absolute majority of members, candidates are expected to face each theories, since they are nearly always gian Dream party, if GD really were pro- however, believed the party had to par- other in runoffs in 44 districts. taken as truth beyond all doubt by their Russian – as the UNM and Saakashvili eorgian Dream claimed a proponents and slammed by detractors claim – I can't help but think that they victory in last Saturday's without either side engaging in any might have worked a bit harder to derail elections, but I really feel meaningful debate. Various opposition Georgia's EU and NATO ambitions. The Kyrgyz President Visits as though this was a loss parties – Saakashvili and his UNM party fact that Georgia has not been given its for the opposition rather being the most prominent – have this visa liberalization with the EU or NATO Gthan a win for the ruling team. No oppo- week said that the elections were rigged membership is no fault of Georgia's, and sition party managed to persuade the by the government, despite all evidence if GD wanted to abandon the country's Georgia public that they might do better behind to the contrary presented by local and Western course I don't believe it would the reins of power, and so the people foreign observers. Radical members of be too hard. Political ties between the two countries BY THEA MORRISON seemed to think that they might as well the UNM even suggested taking to the I have written elsewhere of how the were discussed at the meeting and both just stick with what they've got. streets, and a fi erce internal debate was West needs to fi nd the courage to make parties agreed that intensive dialogue Oddly enough, I am inclined to agree. held on whether to actually enter Parlia- a decision over Georgia, and how the between Georgia and Kyrgyzstan should I have minor reservations; the classy and ment with the seats the party did man- Georgian people have every right to be he President of the Kyrgyz always be supported. intelligent David Usupashvili, for exam- age to win (they have since decided to furious at both NATO and the EU, and Republic, Almazbek Atam- The Georgian president noted that ple, will be replaced as Speaker, and I fulfi l their parliamentary mandates). with this in mind I don't think it would bayev, is paying an offi cial agreements signed in the fi elds of secu- can only hope that the government fi nds If the UNM had come back into power, be too hard for GD to say 'We have ful- visit to Georgia. Atambayev rity, economy, and education will create someone to fi ll the post who is not from we would have witnessed a purge of the fi lled all our obligations for visa liber- arrived in Tbilisi with the new cooperation opportunities between the Kakha Kaladze school of politics (by former government, with mass arrests alization; our troops have died in point- TKyrgyz First Lady and his delegation late the two countries. which I mean a football pitch). Georgia and reprisals for Georgian Dream hav- less NATO campaigns. Enough is enough'. on Wednesday. Moreover, the offi cials discussed the needs no more actors, singers or athletes ing imprisoned various UNM members I'm not a GD politician, but I think I Georgia’s President Giorgi Margve- situation in the occupied territories of in positions of power. since coming to power. Saakashvili would could make it stick. Nino Burjanadze no lashvili and the First Lady Maka Chichua Georgia and the incidents of human I am no fan of the Georgian Dream have returned, and likely taken control longer has the public's trust (or the style, welcomed the guests in the Presidential rights violations. party. Bidzina Ivanishvili is far too once again. Georgian Dream's rule has sorry Nino) to carry it off. Palace. Margvelashvili pointed out that Geor- involved with the party he founded and been far from perfect, with such won- I was glad to see that Irakli Alasania As part of the ceremony, the two pres- gia still faces Russia’s creeping occupa- has since claimed to distance himself derful disasters as Kakha Kaladze and had the sense to quit his Free Democrats idents introduced one another to national tion in Georgia’s breakaway regions of from, despite his behaviour and actions David Narmania being given positions party; a fresh face is what's needed. I delegation members and the diplomatic Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which suggesting the contrary. However, their of responsibility and power, but if any- believe that the UNM would have done corps. complicates the humanitarian situation staying in power now is essential for the thing could make Georgia's foreign part- rather better if Saakashvili had done the The welcoming ceremony was also of the local population. nation's stability. ners reconsider their involvement with same. Many voters were turned off by attended by Georgian governmenta offi - The regional role of Georgia and the the country, it would be a vengeful UNM the thought that a vote for the UNM was cials: the Minister of Economic and Sus- development of the trans-regional col- running the government again. a vote for his return; ironically, if he had tainable Development, Dimitry Kum- laboration were also discussed at the I have the utmost respect for how stepped back the UNM might have won sishvili, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, meeting. President Saakashvili dragged this coun- and then his return would have been Mikhail Janelidze, Education Minister, Margvelashvili thanked Atambayev for try out of the Dark Ages and turned it assured. Alexander Jejeleva, the Minister of Inter- supporting Georgia’s sovereignty and into a model that almost every former I admire Saakashvili as a reformer, but nal Affairs, Giorgi Mghebrishvili, the territorial integrity. Soviet republic outside of the Baltic for all his iron purpose he remains too Minister of Finance, Nodar Khaduri, the Atambayev paid tribute to the memory No opposition party states has failed to emulate. But I believe volatile, emotional, and impulsive to Head of the Presidential Administration, of soldiers who died fi ghting for that managed to persuade the that is what he is best at; taking a broken lead. Both the former President and the Giorgi Abashishvili, the Acting Secretary territorial integrity by laying a wreath nation and fi xing it. Running it, however, UNM must acknowledge that the party of the National Security Council, Levan at the national memorial at Heroes Square public they might do should be the responsibility of someone is now better off without him at this Bodzashvili and the President’s Foreign in Tbilisi. better behind the reins of else, and while Georgian Dream have stage; while mass arrests were what was Affairs Secretary, Tengiz Pkhaladze. Further, the Georgian and Kyrgyz sides been far from perfect, no government needed thirteen years ago, a more sophis- After the ceremony the presidents held signed an agreement to prevent double power, and so the ever is, and they have not been the dis- ticated type of politics is in play now. a face to face meeting in which Margve- taxation and evasion of income and people decided they aster that UNM voters thought they The smaller opposition parties, mean- lashvili expressed hope that the fi rst-time capital taxes. The agreement is expected would be back in 2012. while, have a simpler (but not easier) visit of Almazbek Atambayev to Georgia to increase economic cooperation might as well just stick I mentioned the Georgian love of con- task ahead of them, in trying to attract would further strengthen relations between Georgia and Kyrgyzstan and with what they've got spiracy theories a few paragraphs ago, voters to their causes. between Georgia and Kyrgyzstan. attract more foreign investments. GEORGIA TODAY OCTOBER 14 - 17, 2016 POLITICS 5 Constitutional Changes Ahead: Will The President Keep His Palace? into the basis for his impeachment, adds OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA to all of this. It all depends on whether Ivanishvili decides to carry out the plan he had four years ago when he started lthough a second round of talking about the constitutional changes elections is due, the Geor- and suggested voting for Republican gian Dream (GD) party has Vakhtang Khmaladze. already started discussing The billionaire was unable to fulfi ll his possible constitutional aim then simply because he was unable Achanges. Some of their representatives, to bribe the “blood-sucking” UNM. Yet, elected through the proportional list, in order to attain the full carte blanche have announced plans their political now, he will need to bribe completely party will carry out upon the meeting different people, which in such a poor of the new Parliament. The fi rst one is country as Georgia, isn’t that hard. an insertion to be added to the law about But it is unlikely President Margve- the defi nition of the family, the second lashvili will face the preparation for his concerns moving the parliamentary ses- impeachment without having done some sions from Kutaisi to Georgia, while the “homework” himself. As little as the third is about the constitutional law pardon of political prisoners ex-Interior regarding the general elections of the Minister Vano Merabishvili and ex-Mayor president. No other constitutional Gigi Ugulava would be enough- having changes have so far been announced, them out of prison would turn the polit- but they will. ical status quo created after these elec- According to the main law, constitu- tions completely upside down. tional changes in parliament require the These doubts are enhanced even fur- support of 113 MPs. The latest data from ther if we recall the closed meeting that the Central Election Commission sug- was held between President Margve- gests that Georgian Dream is quite close lashvili and one of the leaders of the to this result- 50 Majoritarian candidates UNM – Giga Bokeria, who is becoming will compete in the second round, which more and more infl uential within the does create the prospect for a constitu- political party of ex-President Saakash- tional majority. However, it is only a this are increasing, though, as their ally and the whole Presidential institute in quite good at it. But is this argument vili. The information that leaked through prospect at this point, since it is quite party the Patriotic Alliance has overcome Georgia in case the constitutional changes enough for Ivanishvili? I guess not. Not media suggested that they discussed the hard to foresee the course in which the the barrier, shortening their road towards are made. At fi rst glance, it might seem while the Presidential Palace exists, possible pardon of Merabishvili and full oppositional electorate votes will be the “constitutional goal” by 6 mandates. comical: why would the GD threaten which Ivanishvili once described as a Ugulava. directed: Georgian Dream or the United Therefore, the UNM and the rest of the President Margvelashvili? What sort of “nest of perversion.” But it is too early to predict how many National Movement (UNM). Already opposition will be facing quite a severe existential problem should the presiden- Margvelashvili refuted this statement “risks” Margvelashvili is ready to take. confi rmed data suggests that GD has battle next week. tial institute carry for billionaire Ivan- and, despite prohibitions and warnings, So far the second round of elections is won 44 mandates through the propor- Although the GD chances are good, ishvili, when there is just one year left moved into the Residence, by doing so underway, where the Georgian Dream tional system, and 23 through majoritar- nobody knows what will happen on the until the elections? Let him stay there keeping the name of ex-President Mikheil has big, though not 100 percent perfect, ian. In total this means that the Georgian day of the elections - October 22nd. for another year, let him shake hands Saakashvili alive in the memory of the chances. Therefore, as one of the Geor- Dream lacks 46 mandates to win the However, we do know exactly what pros- with the offi cial guests arriving to the people. Moreover, the partisan pardon gian sayings goes “They should fi rst jump constitutional majority. The chances for pect threatens President Margvelashvili country... as experience suggests, he’s of his brother-in-law, which might turn and only afterwards shout hurray.” GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS OCTOBER 14 - 17, 2016 What Currency Should We UNM Claims Ruling Choose for Our Mortgage? Team Physically Abused Their n order to be able to easily repay the loan, the customer needs to consider a number of factors. One of them is the loan currency. Members The borrower has to weigh his/ BY THEA MORRISON Iher abilities and needs. Usually, in Georgia, there are two basic alterna- tives: GEL or foreign currency. Even though taking out a loan in dol- wo members of the Geor- lars has advantages such as lower and gia's main opposition party stable average interest rate and more - former President Mikheil chance of getting the loan amount, as Saakashvili's United well as signifi cantly less interest pay- National Movement (UNM) ment for the total period, still the ben- Twere taken to hospital Tuesday night, efi ts do not always justify the expecta- having been allegedly beaten by ruling tions. Currency fluctuations, very party Georgian Dream (GD) members. diffi cult to predict, especially in Geor- The incident took place in Vazisubani, gian reality, involve the risk of a price near the offi ce of GD majoritarian can- increase within the loan. It should be didate Irakli Abuseridze. The police have GD released a photo, saying the two considered the fl uctuations might also launched an investigation. people in red circle are the UNM generate gains for the creditor, but the According to UNM majoritarian can- members who started the provocation at risks, especially in long-term, are too didate Giorgi Oniani, the abused men GD offi ce in Vazisubani. Source: 2030 high to justify the possible profi t. were his team members and were “bru- they were drunk and very aggressive. Therefore, the main advice in any tally beaten by around 30 GD men armed The GD offi ce has also released a photo country, for any citizen, is to match the with batons” at the GD offi ce, when his allegedly showing those UNM members currency of income and credit. This is team members came out of a nearby that were involved in the incident. the only way when risks are minimally supermarket. Oniani says that the inci- “This is not the fi rst provocation from dependant on currency fl uctuations. dent had a political background. the United Movement… My team mem- In order to widen the choice of cus- “After falsifi cation of the parliamentary bers have absolutely nothing to do with tomers and ensure their maximal pro- elections, GD started revenge instead of this incident. We went out when the fi ght tection from fi nancial risks, residential keeping their promises given to citizens,” was over,” Abuseridze explained. complex Dirsi, jointly with TBC bank Oniani stated. Irakli Kobakhidze, GD Executive Sec- is offering potential customers mort- apartments. Main priority of the con- The complex is specifi cally designed Oniani asked the investigators to release retary, said the UNM members wanted gage loans in national currency (GEL) struction process was maximal focus to provide healthy living environment videos taken by street surveillance cam- to provoke Abuseridze and his team and for the lowest interest rate – 9 %. on quality of the buildings. Therefore, and maximal comfort for its residents: eras, in order to prove the UNM did not started throwing stones at the GD offi ce. Dirsi is an innovative urban space buildings are built with innovative fresh air, greenery, car-free zones for provoke the GD members. “This is provocation… Oniani himself initiative by daughter company of one monolithic technology, designed to children, boulevard for relaxation, 3 The UNM says the two affected men is a zonder who used to raid people when of the largest developers of the region withstand a 9 magnitude earthquake stadiums and more than 1 km. cycling had been discharged from the hospital. the UNM was in power,” Kobakhidze - Azerbaijani company AS Group Invest- The 46-hectare Dirsi complex is lane, in unison with additional services The ruling team responded to the alle- stressed. ment. Main project of AS Georgia is located within just 7 minutes of the such as 24 hr. security, concierge within gations, saying this was “a staged prov- Georgia’s Interior Ministry launched development and construction of the city center, in the historical part of every building, kindergarten and school ocation by the UNM.” an investigation under Article 125. The largest residential complex of the region Tbilisi, district Isani, between Monk provide for the carefree, pleasant place GD majoritarian candidate Irakli Abu- police have not arrested anyone yet but – only the fi rst, completed stage, com- Gabriel Salosi Ave and the river Mtk- that has already become home for more seridze says the clash was initiated by they say the people involved in the inci- prising 11 buildings, 22 blocks, and 2,680 vari . that 400 people. the two members of the UNM, saying dent have already been identifi ed. GEORGIA TODAY OCTOBER 14 - 17, 2016 POLITICS 7 Do We Now Have a Better Parliament?

OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE

he now almost bygone 2016 Russian Speakers parliamentary elections in Georgia have gobbled up tons of money, depleted I cringed to learn that some truly knowledgeable, well-weathered and sharp-thinking hardly ticking-by electoral Georgian politicians with extremely valuable skills and experience found themselves only at the doorstep of the parliament building to Have Simplifi ed energyT and consumed time, which is never suffi cient and productive enough, to cre- It seems strange that we are formally so Who knows, this could in fact work a ate an adequate amount of gross domes- closely approximated to giving birth to a little better, but healthier it would have tic product for our future survival. bipartisan political system but so distanced been to see several political forces forg- Procedure for And the result is not overwhelmingly from it by content. The two-party elec- ing the national fate in reasonable con- fortunate– many good and wise people toral system takes much more in the frontation on the fl oor. It might at least were left outside Parliament’s weighty and introduction than we can provide for at have been more interesting to listen to meaningful walls, thus immobilized and this time. To function effectively, as it hot and prudent debates in the famous rendered impotent to contribute further does, for instance, in the USA, the two- arena. Obtaining Russian to productive legislature in the country. party system needs to be developed against Personally, I cringed to learn that some Why should we consider the entire a background of two confrontational truly knowledgeable, well-weathered and effort as optimal as it is thought to be in ideologies that people are ready to accept, sharp-thinking Georgian politicians with its dramatic fi nale? And most signifi cantly as it is in America with the liberalism of extremely valuable skills and experience Citizenship and curiously, has the nation received a democrats and the conservatism of repub- found themselves only at the doorstep of better legislative body, the wisdom and licans. the big glassy parliament building, with effectuality of which will guarantee that The people of Georgia have defi nitely broken hearts, teary eyes, too frustrated Russian on a daily basis and use it at Georgia continues walking the right walk voted and expressed their political faith for further politicking. They could have BY DIMITRI DOLABERIDZE home and in the cultural sphere. to prospective development? with good will and reasonable judgment, honed together the main spear of national Also eligible for interview will be peo- Most people say that this election was having used slightly reserved enthusiasm, politics, pointed it at a good economy ple whose relatives in the direct ascend- one of the best in history, judging by par- though, when making a fi nal decision at and wholeness of the country. ussian President Vladimir ing line (i.e. parents, grandparents, etc.) ticipation, discipline, vote giving and the ballot-box. A vote is nothing without All right, let’s stop crying over spilled Putin signed a law on the live or previously lived in the Soviet counting, ballot handling, psychological relevant electoral education and clear-cut milk and think of making better of what simplifi ed issuance of Rus- Union or the Russian Empire within the climate, behavioral pattern, negligent political philosophy. Unless a vote giver we actually have. Nothing will help more sian citizenship to compa- borders of the state of modern Russia. number of excesses, observer apprecia- knows exactly why he or she wants to than the model of parliament, based on triots who are fl uent in the "In order to create favorable condi- tion, international evaluation, public atti- give that vote, no electoral process can the never-tried-in-Georgia wisdom of RRussian language and live or have lived tions for the acquisition of said persons tude and governmental professionalism. produce a satisfactory representation. ‘deeds-not-words’. If all the new boys and in the Soviet Union or the Russian of the nationality of the Russian Fed- This would sound highly satisfactory Now that the elections are fi nished and girls of the new law-making citadel are Empire within the borders of the mod- eration are established favorable condi- for any civilized country with all demo- gone into a four-year hibernation, nobody by any sacred chance prepared to listen ern Russian Federation. tions for entry into the Russian Fed- cratic values in place to guarantee the can say until the end of those four years to this indispensable wisdom, then the A foreign national or a stateless per- eration, the extension of the period of fairness of the process and the quality of whether we have received a better parlia- new trivially built talking-house of Geor- son will have to undergo an interview temporary stay in the Russian Federa- the consequence. Isn’t this a real triumph ment or not because we currently have gia might really douse the fi re of doubts, in a special commission on recognition tion and a simplifi ed procedure for of representative democracy? the same powers with faintly changed indignation and dissatisfaction that we of an alien native Russian language. To obtaining a residence permit," the offi - But the question is, whether the devil faces, the same linguistics, same style, still hearing around. Otherwise, we are be eligible, interviewees need to speak cial statement reads. is indeed as snow-white as it is painted? same everything. . . doing OK. GEORGIA TODAY 8 SOCIETY OCTOBER 14 - 17, 2016 Return to Ushguli

Georgia’s Min of Energy Hosts Presentation on EU Renewable Energy Directive the gaps in the Georgian legislation on energy in BY NATIA LIPARTELIANI terms of conformity with this EU directive. During the presentations of research results and discus- sion of its limitations, several recommendations n Wednesday, October 12, PMC were provided on how to mitigate gaps between Research, together with the Konrad Georgian legislation and EU directive to override Adenauer Foundation, hosted a pres- problems concerning compliance with the direc- BY TONY HANMER entation and public discussion of the tive. research fi ndings ‘Challenges and As research results suggest, in order to ensure OpportunitiesO of Renewable Energy in Georgia.’ compliance, Georgia needs to elaborate a Renew- The presentation took place at the Ministry of able Energy Action Plan. Further, current sources don't get the chance nearly often enough for Energy of Georgia. of energy consumption and transport energy con- my liking, so when it comes I tend to grab Mariam Valishvili, Deputy Minister of Energy, sumption should be evaluated and future consump- it and not let go. The last one was just over opened the presentation. A researcher at PMC tion patterns should be forecasted. three years ago, but having one's own car, Research presented the research outcomes, while Another important recommendation suggested and the best one in one's life so far at that, researcher Nikoloz Sumbadze further elaborated that one of the major obstacles in the proper devel- Idoes improve the possibilities. on research implications. The presentation was opment of renewable energy resources is admin- Off to my former hosts, Dato and Nanuli Ratiani, followed by a discussion, moderated by Ms. Val- istrative measures which represent risks for poten- in their expanding guest house in Ushguli, taking ishvili. tial investors. a pair of American women with me (Peace Corps The representatives of the Georgian National During the discussion, the Deputy Minister also Georgia veterans) who were paying the all too will- Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission, highlighted the signifi cance of EU grants, high costs ing piper and thus calling the tune. This was actu- the Georgian State Electro system, the Electricity of logistics and other obstacles in relation to meet- ally the very fi rst time I had driven the whole way, and had supper. Then, after breakfast, I was the System Commercial Operator, electricity distribu- ing EU directives. in my car, and an automatic transmission yet. And driver again. This time to the Tetnuldi ski resort, tion companies, and non-governmental organiza- In accordance with the research fi ndings, Valiash- the fi rst visit of my new very wide angle zoom lens, still under construction, although phase I is open tions all participated in the discussion. vili also stressed the importance of clear adminis- too. for the upcoming winter season. This will defi nitely The research aimed to provide analysis of the trative measures in order to avoid bureaucracy, as The road, once you leave the smooth comfort of be the most spectacular ski resort in the whole concept of compulsory measures of the EU Renew- well as improving procedures related to RES devel- the cement road between Mulakhi and Ipari, remains Caucasus in terms of run choices, altitude and able Energy Directive (2009/28/EC) and to identify opment and implementation. as rough and potholed as ever. It's as easy as it can length. You drive up to 3.2 km above sea level, stare be in a big automatic car with high clearance, but Tetnuldi's peak in the face, see Ushba in the dis- there's only so much you can do when contact with tance, and can also spot the villages of Mulakhi, the ground remains a requirement of the transport Adishi and Ipari, all in one view. Magnifi cent. mode. So we lurched and swerved slowly along. Although it was rather cloudy, and indeed snow- Never mind staying on one's side of the road: that's fl akes threatened, we reveled in the gorgeous only for the instants when you cross paths with autumn landscapes on every side. another vehicle. Otherwise you choose only the Mestia Museum and a climb inside the Margiani best bits of the road, wherever they are. Tower on the way home. Having a 4x4 to use has (I just heard a rumor from my Etseri neighbor, made a huge difference in our available offerings also a driver, that the renovation of the road from to our guests, and this trip was a sample. Tetnuldi ski resort all the way to Ushguli, some 24 km, is being held up because... the local "Delica Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti (minivan) mafi a" wants a bad road so that their since 2007, and been a weekly writer for GT since early 4x4s will rule it... Scary if true, and not unthinkable 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook either.) group, now with over 1350 members, at www.facebook. The trees, the trees... full on gold, the bushes com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ bright red, grass brilliant green, and a light upper He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: snow level to complete the postcard scenes. Plus www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti cloudless weather, achingly blue skies. My passen- gers and I were all delighted with the opportunity anytime anyone wanted to stop for a "photo op", instead of being bound to the whims of an unsym- pathetic marshroutka driver. Stop we did, many times; what was the rush? Entering Ushguli shortly before sunset, another unique sight appeared: someone painting the sec- ond hamlet, sitting on a rock! He was from St Petersburg, Russia, where I also lived for most of the 1990s. When I introduced myself, he asked if I was from Canada: he had heard of me in Mestia... Dato and Nanuli have been very busy in the three years since Imedi TV channel briefl y reunited me with them. They have greatly enlarged the humble house I had a room in near the top of the village, and now Villa Lileo has three fl oors, the largest dining hall in the village, an indoor fi replace and much more. Spectacular, and I wish them every success. Nanuli also proudly displays an award certifi cate from Oxfam for "Promoting Healthy Eating in Georgia", well deserved. A No Smoking sign and a high-speed WiFi password completed the impression that we were in a happening place. https://www.facebook.com/Dato-RatianiS-Ushguli- Villa-LiLeo-160595187339077/ Next morning, after a sumptuous breakfast true to my memories, I took my guests to the Queen Tamar Summer Fortress. Up the steeper but shorter way from Chazhashi hamlet, mostly shaded by for- est. Down, the longer, sunny but less steep route Read. Learn. Enjoy. ending near Murqmeli hamlet. The view from the fortress, I told them a number of times en route, Pick up a copy of Georgia Today Education would really make up for the trudge, which was far at any BIBLUS shop or phone 229 59 19 from easy for pension-age people! They managed it, and had to agree with me. Late lunch, and we returned to Etseri, met Lali Price: 2 Gel

GEORGIA TODAY 10 CULTURE OCTOBER 14 - 17, 2016 INTERVIEW: Romaine Audrerie - London’s Top Sommelier Discovers Georgia

open your eyes, you want to promote BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI your wines; you become an ambassador of the country and promote its wine. I think there are huge opportunities for ordon Ramsay, Martin Blu- Georgia to start promoting its wines, nos, Nuno Mendes, all like Japan is doing with Kyushu wines, those Michelin-starred like Spain is doing in New York, or what celebrity chefs and their Austria did with Grüner Veltliner 15 restaurants have been part years ago. They did such a good job that Gof Romaine Audrerie’s amazing career everybody wanted it everywhere. It is journey. Now a head sommelier of wines a ten-year job, and to start we have to at one of London’s iconic restaurant’s, fi nd the right suppliers who will be keen Chiltern Firehouse, Audrerie came to to take the risk to buy quantities, to get Tbilisi this month to discover more about the best price and send sommeliers. the Georgian wine culture, possibly add- Georgian wine has something practical ing some new wine brands to his port- for sommeliers- it tells the story of itself. folio. His trip was organized by Mako And pairing Georgian wine with food is Abashidze, Founding Director of the so easy! Today, I had Kvevri Rkatsiteli British Georgian Chamber of Commerce. with salmon; the best new pairing I’ve As a part of their marketing strategy found for a long time. Georgian wine in partnership with the Georgian National needs to get out into the world. It needs Wine Agency, the British Georgian to show! When I tasted it today I thought: Chamber of Commerce often brings head Aquavit London! sommeliers, food and wine writers to Georgia to promote the country through York market and the differences between then study the latest trend list sent to that all the wine culture is been adapted. DO YOU ALREADY HAVE its wine and cuisine. it and the UK, as well as their vastly dif- you by email. You go to work, you go GEORGIAN WINES GEORGIA TODAY met Romaine ferent portfolios. You know, New York- to wine tastings and you come back late HOW DID YOU COME ON YOUR LIST? Audrerie at Rooms Hotel Tbilisi, which ers are always ahead of London and ten and think about all the new amazing TO BE IN GEORGIA? Yes, we do. Saperavi and Tsolikauri he described as very comfortable and years ahead of everybody. things you have discovered. I cannot I knew a few brands from my New York from Lagvinari winery. Georgia is bring- homely, to fi nd out more about his career, recount the hours I’ve spent in guide- experience. I knew some wines that I ing exclusivity and as a sommelier you his trip to Georgia and Georgian wines. WHY DO YOU THINK books, making sure I know the portfo- liked, and some that I didn’t like at all. need to surf in the way of trends of IT HAPPENS SO? lio of each winemaker. However many The perception of Georgian wines is only exclusivity because it will bring value HOW DID YOU END UP Because it has that cosmopolitan vibe. doors you open and the more questions refl ected through the eyes of some very to your wine list. CHOOSING THE PROFESSION Because of the communities there- Turk- you answer, the more questions that hipster sommeliers who want natural OF SOMMELIER? ish, Greek, Italian; all bringing their come- it’s endless. You need to be wines whereas I wanted to show variety. WHICH GEORGIAN DISH I was passionate about my studies in wines to New York. I really benefi ted addicted to that endless learning curve. I think we need to show Georgian wines DID YOU LIKE MOST? University in political sciences and com- from this obsession New York Somme- You need to be entertaining, you’re on for how good they are and how well they Wild mushrooms in Kakheti, at Shumi, munication lobbing. I graduated after liers have of getting the latest new things. show, and you’re on stage. You need to pair with food. It’s not just an exotic thing, with beautiful herbs and parsley- it fi ve years in Bordeaux and Paris. It was That is also what I want to show in my put on your costume and entertain. it’s a cultural thing that needs to be brought, was amazing and with an accompany- in Bordeaux I suddenly discovered my wine list at the moment; the best from That’s the second part. You also need shown and explained to the western ing view over the Caucasus Mountains! passion for wine- I was just a happy everywhere, whether it’s from Crete or to make sure you’re not intimidating countries, because it’s worth it. It’s very It’s all about a systemic approach of drinker. But I really got into the trend of Nappa Valley, Languedoc in France or your customer or pushing him for sales. sophisticated and luxurious, well-balanced the experience you’re having. learning the details of names and dis- South Africa. After 10 years as a wine and surprisingly good. covering the new things happening in director, I know who can bring me the WHAT IS YOUR MOST WHICH WINERIES the wine world when I was still in Bor- best things. I’ve extended my portfolio AMBITIOUS PROJECT? WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE? DID YOU VISIT? deaux. After my studies I couldn’t get of suppliers to 45 so now I can cherry- To be the Head of Wines for Andre Kakhuna, by Lagvinari. I visited Badagoni, Shumi and Maran- the job I wanted because my English pick the best of everybody. I’m also Balazs Hotels. I want to go to Los uli. We had a very interesting wine wasn’t good enough, so I went to London using some suppliers to source things Angeles to see the wine list, wine WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR tasting and I’m expecting to receive to learn. Within a year of living in the outside the country, importing for res- facilities, cellars; to check out the GEORGIAN WINE TO BE MORE more samples soon. UK I found myself working with Martin taurants. I think the wine list at Chiltern training that’s being given, look at the PROMOTED AND POPULAR? Blunos in my fi rst Sommelier position Firehouse can talk to anyone. I really wine culture in the restaurant and I think a much more simplistic approach DO YOU PLAN TO COME at the Lygon Arms. Soon, I became the wanted to have a wine list as democratic than diffuse and spread what I’ve cre- is needed in the visual characterization TO GEORGIA AGAIN? Head Sommelier at the Savoy for Marcus as possible in a luxury environment. ated in London. All the waiters in a of the labels. And it’s very easy to do. Yes, I would very much like to see Wareing, in the Gordon Ramsay group- team want to attend my trainings. I Labels must be readable- grape, pro- Imereti region. I need to see western a Michelin star restaurant with an exten- WHAT DOES A SOMMELIER want to activate that curiosity in wait- ducer, region, country. It has to be sim- vineyards, because, as I said, once you sive group of sommeliers and a big wine NEED FOR SUCCESS? ers. My ambition, of course, is to be ple, beautiful and elegant. But we want open the doors, there another ten doors list. I then spent a year in New York To be completely crazy! You have to the director of a company and go from to see your beautiful alphabet, too. That’s to open in front of you. I’ve only just selling wine, so I got to know the New wake up with your passion for wine and one branch to another and make sure very important. As a sommelier you entered the world of Georgian wine! Fabrika Hosts Acclaimed German Band ics that we, two peoples, share. saw guests from 40 countries coming together BY MAKA LOMADZE The band has had good feedback in the foreign under the theme ‘inclusion and diversity.’ It is a press, with ROLLING STONE writing: “No other huge event, with workshops, seminars, daytime German band can so well display the intricate exhibitions and a musical program in the evening. n October 7-8, Fabrika, a former stories of human destiny through tender pop- Band members Felix Weigt, Max Schröder, sewing factory, premiered the Ger- songs,” while SPIEGEL ONLINE gave them 9 Moritz Kramer and Francesco Wilking hardly man youth band ‘The Highest Rail- points out of 10. think of anything but music. In their songs they way’ to the Georgian audience with On October 7, together with the renowned Ger- raise questions: “Who will bring me to others their new album ‘Who will bring man band, the Georgian band Mebo Ranard also now?” “When will it end?” all accumulated together meO to others now?’ The show was organized by played. “This is a wonderful event to share our with those real people to whom they dedicate the German Embassy in Georgia and the organ- different cultures and experiences. Our joint the songs. Here is Luis, who does not understand ization MitOst. performance is based on improvisation. Music why his sweetheart never gets tired, also Kete, Before the concert, band members Francesco is an international language,” Mebo Nutsubidze who wishes to throw everything against the wall, Wilking and Moritz Kramer held a workshop said. Tim, who is torturing himself without any reason with the same title as that of the album, referring “These concerts are held within the framework and Lizbeth who blushes like a culprit when she to the musical meeting between East and West. of the MitOst – the 14th festival of non-formal hears the words: “I love you.” Within the framework of the workshop, the guests education,” Tako Dzagania-Baramidze, local From October 29, ‘The highest Railway’ will of MitOst Festival and German-speaking Geor- organizer of the MitOst festival told GEORGIA start touring in Rostock, Bremen, Munich, Frank- gian students shared impressions with one another TODAY. furt, Koln, Hanover, Dresden, Leipzig, Essen, and created texts for new songs about those top- The 2016 Tbilisi hosting of the annual contest Berlin, Hamburg, and more. GEORGIA TODAY OCTOBER 14 - 17, 2016 CULTURE 11 ‘The English Teacher’ Highlights Failings of the Education System

year we see his energy and enthusiasm BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES dim. “I don’t feel like I’m making a differ- ence here. It’s a joke,” he tells the docu- ineClub, in partnership with mentary makers following a discovery CineDoc and in advance of that his resident colleague is faking the CineDoc Tbilisi festival English-language test results- tests which, which kicks off this month, as far as Bradley knows, the children screened the well-appraised never even took. He looks decidedly 2012C docu-drama ‘The English Teacher’ glum as he is forced to sign graduation at Amirani cinema this Monday. certificates that few children truly The story follows Bradley, a South Afri- deserve. can who has volunteered as part of then- In an interview after the screening, president Saakashvili’s ambitious plan director Nino Orjonikidze said that it (‘Teach & Learn with Georgia’ [TLG]) to was never her intention in making the have every citizen of Georgia speaking fi lm to create a scandal or cause any of English. The program is widely known to the teachers shown to lose their jobs. have been a spontaneous and little-thought- “I was curious about the new TLG sys- out endeavour based on the principal of tem. I wanted to open my people’s eyes “speak English and you can teach it!” to the reality of the education system And so the enthusiastic youth came in here- not least those so entrenched in their hundreds to be shipped off to ran- that system they are unable and at times dom isolated villages in worst cases, fearful to change.” semi-civilized regional towns at best. It is precisely that fear of change that They were given the National Curricu- resulted in the fi rst “experimental” year lum coursebook and, with the translation of the TLG program to be widely con- help of the resident English teacher, were sidered a fail. told to teach with it. even offer Bradley that. I am hoping to have an interview with They were also expected to passively “Where would you like to go outside representatives of TLG for the next issue “retrain” the resident teachers in modern Georgia?” he asks them, changing tack. of GEORGIA TODAY to fi nd out how the and unconventional methods, bringing He shows them a map of the world but system looks now; how it has adapted and new life and motivation to the tired Soviet they are unable to identify Georgia let been adapted to; how the TLG teachers classrooms. But, facing staunch tradi- alone stick a pin in possible future travel are now prepared and how it has strength- tionalists, some of whom had been teach- “What do you want to do when you do in Tbilisi?” Bradley asks. She shrugs destinations. ened in its admirable aim to revolutionize ing for over 25 years in one and the same fi nish school?” Bradley asks a group of and sits. Other pupils repeats the exact Despite knowing little Georgian, Brad- the English language knowledge of the style (and probably in one and the same 15 year olds who he has been teaching same “dream,” though it’s clear they have ley tries to inspire them with song, with people of this tiny Caucasus country. classroom), and severely uneducated for some months. They look at him no idea what exactly “going to Tbilisi” music (bad internet connection and no As always, the monthly CineClub pro- children with little-to-no dreams, many blankly until the teacher translates. Then means- perhaps education, streets paved working electricity socket in the class- vided another cultural eye-opener. If you of the untrained and psychologically they look at him with half-smiles. One with gold and endless opportunities to room for speakers made anything beyond haven’t been along to one of their monthly under-prepared teachers fl ed on the fi rst girl stands up. “Go to Tbilisi,” she says escape the humdrum agricultural-unem- blackboard and book nearly impossible) screenings, please do. It is well worth fl ights home. with a shy giggle. “What do you want to ployment cycle. Some children don’t and with energy. But over the school the 5 GEL! GEORGIA TODAY 12 CULTURE OCTOBER 14 - 17, 2016

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]

INTERVIEW: LevanTIFLIS Tsutskiridze 7.5x6cm ING.indd 1 13/06/16 15:16 on Creation & Inspiration

Awarded with international prizes both THE ART OF ILLUSTRATION BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI for his book illustrations (Hans Christian HAS LOST POPULARITY? Andersen Award in 1974) and for his I guess the epoque itself has changed, works (prize winner of Bogliasco Inter- the time is different… Maybe younger EORGIA TODAY, together national Foundation in 2002) Tsutskiridze artists are in search of new ways to with BI Auction for Art, is is undoubtedly the infl uencer himself express themselves. introducing a regular who brought Georgian Arts to interna- monthly feature about tional acclaim. WHAT INSPIRES YOU MOST famous Georgian painters. Yet he is a standalone artist, famous, WHEN YOU WORK? GMeet Levan Tsutskiridze, Georgian yes, but with no grandeur, as if he had I’m from a beautiful village in Imereti artist, painter, monumentalist, and illus- never worked on some of Georgia’s most and it has always been an inspiration for trator. Expressive, tender, and enigmatic, iconic cultural assets or imageries. Illus- me. It still is, even now. It gave me eve- his admiration for Georgian literature trations for Shota Rustaveli’s The Knight rything, all through my childhood and and poetry is deeply rooted in his works, in the Panther’s Skin, Vazha-Pshavela’s youth. Monumental painting, classical especially in his monumental art. works, Galaktion Tabidze’s poetry, and painting, the art of Renaissance, and Tsutskiridze entered the Georgian painting the Sioni Cathedral frescoes… Georgian frescoes; they are all very artistic scene at the end of the 1950s with all of them gained familiarity through important to me. I think it is the highest a unique artistic taste and style formed the prism of his talent. representation of art, and art at its best. and infl uenced by prominent Georgian Even now, at 90 years of age, his artis- Sculpture, impressionism - I greatly painters David Kakabadze and Sergo tic spirit is still young, as his grandson and literature, Vazha-Pshavela, being I start, I never like the sketch. Then admire it all and it defi ned me as a painter Kobuladze, the latter being his teacher told us before the interview. When you one of his favourites. slowly the work forms and gains char- in many ways. at the Academy of Arts in Tbilisi. talk to him in his cozy apartment, sur- GEORGIA TODAY spoke to Levan acter. Generally, it’s both the process and Tsutskiridze truly has an amazing, rounded by his paintings, with his fam- Tsutskiridze. the fi nal result that is pleasurable, if you HOW DID YOU END UP DOING intense, artistic biography. His works ily around, you instantly feel wrapped get to the end of it of course. THE FRESCOES FOR SIONI have been exhibited worldwide through in the charm, layers and layers of wisdom, WHICH IS MORE INTERESTING- CATHEDRAL IN TBILISI? the years- in Tbilisi, Moscow, Belgium, knowledge and talent of his persona. As THE PROCESS OF CREATION MANY OF YOUR WORKS The Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II invited Luxemburg, Germany, Austria The Neth- his spouse Dali told us, Levan’s major OR THE FINAL RESULT? RELATE TO BOOK many of us painters and monumentalists erlands and the US. inspiration comes from music, poetry I usually work long and hard, but when ILLUSTRATIONS. DO YOU THINK to meet with him. He said he wanted the Sioni frescoes to be done, and asked who would want to work on it. Everyone pointed at me, probably because from the fi rst year of my studies at the Acad- emy of Arts in Tbilisi, my passion for monumental art was known amongst my colleagues.

HOW DO YOU THINK TIME AND ENVIRONMENT AFFECT AN ARTIST? It is a huge factor, of course. Everything that happens around an artist infl uences his works. Today, unfortunately, people do not have time for art.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME, WHEN NOT WORKING? I love to read, and I love to write. I often put down my thoughts on paper, as I did for this book [shows me a beautiful book that his family published], which intro- duces a system of learning the art of painting through Geometric construc- tions.

WHICH ARTISTS INFLUENCED YOU AS A PAINTER? Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Masaccio, Giotto. I saw Velazquez’s works in Spain… I couldn’t stop look- ing for hours; I was truly mesmerized And, of course, I loved books- they helped me to enrich my fantasy and inspired me in choosing the themes I worked on in my paintings.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR YOUNG ARTISTS? Education and lots of practise to master the skill! GEORGIA TODAY OCTOBER 14 - 17, 2016 CULTURE 13 See a World in a Grain Sand – Irakli Bugiani’s Expo at National Gallery

born multimedia artist Levan Mindiash- Irakli is mainly interested in painting; BY MAKA LOMADZE vili who lives and works in both New its capacities, existing world experience York and Tbilisi. In 2008-2012 while and painting history. Our aim was to working at the Laguanacazul Gallery accentuate not so much the paintings as he Georgian National (Buenos Aires, Argentina) he organized their physical essence, which becomes Museum Dimitri Shevard- several collaborative projects with local something of a sculpture. They are rep- nadze National Gallery and international emerging artists. His resented as statues, rather than pictorial opened the exhibition ‘See current curatorial project includes ‘Her- fl at bodies hanging on the walls.” a World in a Grain of Sand’ itage,’ fi rst presented at the Georgian The project is supported by the Tbilisi Tby Irakli Bugiani on October 6. National Museum (2013) and later at City Hall Cultural Events Center. Irakli Bugiani is a Georgian artist who RichMix, London (2015). Where: Dimitri Shevardnadze National Gal- lives and works in Germany. This is his Mindiashvili shared his experience of lery, 11 Rustaveli Ave. Tbilisi, Georgia. fi rst solo exhibition in Georgia, bringing Bugiani with GEORGIA TODAY: “I fi rst When: Until October 23 together his pivotal works. connected with Irakli as a curator and Tickets: GEL 5 for adults, GEL 1 for students, The title of the exhibition is inspired artist in 2013 when I made the project GEL 0.50 for children, free for the socially by the poetry of William Blake. Irakli ‘Heritage’ at the Museum of Fine Arts. unprotected. Bugiani's abstract paintings contain hints of representation that reveal the artist's attempts to accentuate unknown, mysti- cal aspects of the universe. Bugiani has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions, including Weltkunstzimmer, Hans-Peter-Zimmer Foundation, Dusseldorf (2015); RichMix, London (2015); Salon Des Amateurs, Macharashvili, ArtBeat representative: Dusseldorf (2014); and at the Georgian “We support Georgian artists working National Museum, Tbilisi (2013). in contemporary art to organize exhibi- “I use canvas and oil which conveys tions inside and outside Georgia. We the sense of unity in the universe. We also have exhibitions abroad, at Saatchi chose the exhibition title accordingly,” Gallery for instance, as well as at Volta, the painter said. a very important international art exhi- The exhibition is organized by project bition in Basel. We believe that our col- ArtBeat which aims to promote contem- laboration with Irakli Bugiani and the porary Georgian art worldwide and to fos- Georgian National Gallery has proved ter cultural activities within the country. very successful.” GEORGIA TODAY spoke to Nino The curator of the exhibition is Tbilisi- CineDoc 2016: Show, Educate, Enjoy!

“And while we have chosen a lot of BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES award-winning fi lms to screen at 2016 CineDoc Tbilisi, we selected those which we found most interesting and diverse ctober 21st will see the kick and best connected with this year’s off of the 4th Tbilisi doc- theme- ‘Relationships’.” umentary fi lm festival by We asked the energetic duo about the CineDoc, in coordination educational aspect of CineDoc festivals. with the Georgian National “With our CineYouth section, in which FilmO Center. Once again the packed pro- we dub fi lms, we hope to encourage more gram promises screenings of both award- young people to get involved,” Stan- winning and new directors, carefully culescu said. “Many young people come chosen from the best fi lm festivals around along to the festival who are curious Europe, and workshops for interested about what is happening outside of Geor- youth, fi lmmakers and NGOs. gia. They may not necessarily have an Screenings are to be held in Rustaveli understanding of what a documentary negotiation but at present, the situation and Amirani cinemas, with the Frontline is- especially as such fi lms don’t tend to unfortunately stands as it is.” Club, the Goethe Institut Tbilisi and the be shown on TV here- but they get to “We have a novelty this year,” Stan- Caucasian House also among the venues see the wider world, to meet visiting culescu enthused. “CivilDoc - which for the fi lm retrospectives. fi lmmakers and to engage in discussions covers the themes of human and social GEORGIA TODAY spoke to CineDoc with them.” rights. There’s also a pitch forum (Civ- Director Archil Khetaguri and Ileana We asked why such fi lms rarely – if ilPitch) in which local NGO representa- Stanculescu, Festival Coordinator, to fi nd ever- get shown on Georgia television, tives get to introduce their latest projects out more. to which Khetaguri replied that TV chan- hoping to inspire the fi lmmakers to take FOR SALE “We chose 45 fi lms out of hundreds of nels just don’t have the budgets for it. up the topic in a future documentary applications over around fi ve months,” “They go for well-known European or fi lm. 9,8 ha non-agricultural, privately owned parcel for Khetaguri said. “Nearly all those invited American successes but are reluctant to The CineDoc Tbilisi 2016 festival cer- have agreed to come.” pay the necessary fees to show a lesser- tainly seems as packed with as much industrial use “We scoured all the major documen- known but equally valuable CineDoc educational and entertainment value as tary fi lm festivals,” Stanculescu told us. fi lm. We have tried to engage them in ever. Don’t miss out! (cadaster code # 01.19.26.004.088) located next to Tbilisi Airport Friends of Georgian Ballet Give 11 (It is possible to divide it into several parts)

Scholarships to Future Georgian Ballet Dancers Address: Airport settlement, Samgori district, Tbilisi Tel: +995 599 529 529 BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES [email protected]

ast Friday saw the now-annual FOR SALE: BMW – 321 model ceremony of scholarship- Date of issue 1936 giving whereby members of the Friends of the Georgian PRICE 10.000 USD Ballet (see below) kindly gave scholarshipsL to the youngest members of the V. Chabukhiani Tbilisi Ballet Art State School to help and inspire them ballet snippets performed by the season opening reception and scholar- with a full year of study. This year’s extremely talented children of the School. ship awarding ceremony, Opera House donors included the American Ambas- About the Friends of the Georgian Bal- tour, book presentations) where they sador Ian Kelly his wife, and FGB board let: The Friends have a special relation- can meet and interact with Nina and the member, Rebecca, and Andreas Heiid- ship with the Georgian Ballet – they Ballet Company’s soloists in person and ingsfelder, General Manager of the receive information on the Ballet Com- get to know more about the life of the Sheraton Metechi Palace hotel. pany’s news, upcoming performances Georgian Ballet. For more information Nina Ananiashvili headed the ceremony and other events on a regular basis, invi- or to join, contact: friends.georgianbal- and entertained attendees with classic tations to special celebrations (e.g. the [email protected] CONTACT PERSON 557 12 38 90 GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE OCTOBER 14 - 17, 2016

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER Alexander Grin Language: English June 11 – March 11 (2017) SHINDISI SCREENS KETUTA Directed by Avtandil Varsimashvili Start time: 22:15 EXHIBITION "MEDIEVAL ALEXI-MESKHISHVILI GEORGIAN Language: Russian Ticket: 13-14 GEL TREASURY" IN COLLABORATION WITH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL Start time: 18:00 LEVAN CHOGOSHVILI OF ARTS GIFT IN TBILISI Ticket: 5 GEL RUSTAVELI CINEMA June 16 – December 16 October 15 – November 25 Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. THE EXHIBITION INFORMATION CENTER ON MOVEMENT THEATER Telephone: 2 55 50 00 “NEW DISCOVERIES - October 15 NATO AND EU Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., www.kinoafi sha.ge GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY” LLUVIA Address: 1 Freedom Sq. Mushthaid park Eva Yerbabuena Telephone: 599 555 260 September 27 – September 22 (2017) Ballet Flamenco Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL October 14-20 EXHIBITION "STONE AGE Sevilia, Spain October 7-13 EXHIBITION "GEORGIAN GEORGIA" Start time: 20:00 October 14 PHOTOGRAPHS" Address: Tbilisi State Opera RECITATIVE IN THE CITY INFERNO By Maurice Wolf and Ballet Theater Directed by Kakha Bakuradze (Info Above) MUSEUM OF SOVIET 25 Rustaveli Ave. Start time: 21:00 Start time: 22:35 OCCUPATION CHAOS CONCEPT STORE Free Entry Ticket: 13-14 GEL Address: 3 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. Address: Chovelidze Str. October 16 DON QUIXOTE October 15, 16 MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PERMANENT EXHIBITION October 11-18 Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra *Premiere PECULIAR CHILDREN ANDRO ERADZE - Tumanishvili Theater / Art Lab THE TEMPEST (Info Above) SHALVA AMIRANASHVILI SOLO EXHIBITION (Mystery Play by Puppets) Start time: 20:00 Start time: 22:35 MUSEUM OF ART FIREWORKS Directed by Giorgi Apkhazava Ticket: 15 GEL Ticket: 13-14 GEL Address: 1 Lado Gudiashvili St. Fireworks is Andro Eradze's Tbilisi – Georgia Telephone: 2 99 99 09 fi rst solo show of photography. Start time: 20:00 TBILISI NODAR DUMBADZE MASTERMINDS www.museum.ge It showcases 14 works from Address: Tumanishvili Film STATE CENTRAL CHILDREN'S Directed by Jared Hess his current project of the same Actors Theater THEATRE Cast: Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, October 7-20 title. The exhibition presents 164 Agmashenebeli Ave. Address: 99/1 Agmashenebeli Ave. Jason Sudeikis SOLO EXHIBITION photography both as light recording Telephone: 2 95 39 27 Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime BY LALI ZAMBAKHIDZE and as means of presentation. October 18, 19 Language: Russian GALLERY MUSIC THE WIND IN THE POPLARS October 16 Start time: 17:15 by Gerald Sibleyras ROYAL COW Ticket: 11-12 GEL Directed by Rimas Tuminas Directed by Guram Bregadze THE NATIONAL GALLERY TBILISI ZAKARIA Theater Vakhtangov, Moscow Language: Russian MORGAN Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. PALIASHVILI OPERA AND Start time: 20:00 Start time: 13:00 Directed by Luke Scott www.museum.ge BALLET THEATRE Address: Marjanishvili State Ticket: 6-12 GEL Cast: Kate Mara, Anya Taylor-Joy, Address: 25 Rustaveli Ave. Rose Leslie PERMANENT EXHIBITION Telephone: 2 99 04 56 Drama Theater CINEMA 8 Marjanishvili Str. Genre: Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi Niko Pirosmanashvili, David Language: Russian Kakabadze, Lado Gudiashvili and October 14 October 21 AMIRANI CINEMA Start time: 12:45, 15:00 sculptor Iakob Nikoladze. DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH A LONG BREAK Address: 36 Kostava St. Ticket: 8-10 GEL Symohony #10 By Data Firtskhalava Telephone: 2 99 99 55 June 24, 2016 – June 24, 2017 Georgian Philarmonic Orchestra, Directed by Vano Khutsishvili www.kinoafi sha.ge BLAIR WITCH NIKO PIROSMANASHVILI’S Ariel Zuckermann, Griboedov Theater Directed by Adam Wingard WORKS “YARD CLEANER” AND Sandro Nebieridze Start time: 20:00 Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 Lari Cast: James Allen McCune, “EAGLE SEIZING A HARE” Start time: 19:30 Address: 2 Rustaveli Ave. October 14-20 Callie Hernandez, Corbin Reid Both paintings were in the Ticket: 10-40 GEL Genre: Horror, Thriller ownership of Ilya and Kirill GEORGIAN STATE INFERNO Language: Russian Zdanevich until 1930 when Dimitri TBILISI CONCERT HALL PANTOMIME THEATRE Directed by Ron Howard Start time: 22:15 Shevardnadze bought part of Address: 1 Melikishvili St. Address: 37 Rustaveli Ave. Cast: Tom Hanks, Felicity Jones, Ticket: 8-14 GEL their collection (39 paintings) Telephone: 2 99 00 99 Telephone: 2 99 63 14 Ben Foster including the "Yard Cleaner" and MUSEUM Genre: Mystery, Thriller "Eagle Seizing a Hare". Today, both October 20 October 15 Language: English paintings are among the collection IZMIR STATE SYMPHONIC HOST AND GUEST Start time: 19:30 GEORGIAN NATIONAL of the Shalva Amiranashvili ORCHESTRA LIVE Vazha Pshavela Language: Russian MUSEUM Museum of Fine Arts. Celebrating 25 years of Georgian Directed by Amiran Shalikashvili Start time: 22:00 SIMON JANASHIA MUSEUM independence and renewal of Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 13-14 GEL Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. September 28 - September 28 (2017) Turkish-Georgian relations. Ticket: 10 GEL Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 PIROSMANI’S ROE AT A STREAM Start time: 19:00 FRANTZ www.museum.ge Kept by the Tsitsishvili- Ticket: 10-30 GEL GRIBOEDOVI THEATRE Directed by François Ozon Gedevanishvili family from 1949 Address: 2 Rustaveli Ave. Cast: Pierre Niney, Paula Beer, PERMANENT EXHIBITION: until 2011, the painting has never INTERNATIONAL MUSIC Telephone: 2 93 43 36 Ernst Stötzner GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY been exhibited to the public before. FESTIVAL “AUTUMN TBILISI” Genre: Drama FROM 8TH MILLENNIUM B.C. In 2011, the artwork left Georgia October 14, 15 Language: Russian TO 4TH CENTURY A.D and was sold at Sotheby's auction. October 15 CHERRY ORCHARD Start time: 22:10 It appeared at the same auction KETEVAN KEMOKLIDZE Anton Chekhov Ticket: 13-14 GEL EXHIBITION OF GEORGIAN again in 2016 where it was bought Program: Directed by Andro Enukidze WEAPONRY by Bidzina Ivanishvili and Cartu Symphony No.3 by Camille Language: Russian MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR Fund and donated to the Georgian Saint-Saens, The Death of Start time: 18:00 PECULIAR CHILDREN NUMISMATIC TREASURY National Museum. Cleopatra’ by Hector Berlioz for Ticket: 5 GEL Directed by Tim Burton The exhibition showcases a long mezzo soprano and symphony Cast: Eva Green, Asa Butterfi eld, history of money circulation on the October 5-26 orchestra, October 16 Samuel L. Jackson territory of modern Georgia from THE CONTEMPORARY ‘Bolero’ by Maurice Ravel Start time: 19:30 SCARLET SAIL Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy the 6th century BC. to 1834. CERAMIC ARTISTS' EXHIBITION "CLAY WALL PIECE" Ticket: 5-20 GEL The exhibition is participated October 20 by: Lia Bagrationi, Nato Eristavi, THE MILITARY BAND OF THE Otar Vepkhvadze, Aleksandre GEORGIAN NATIONAL ARMY Kakabadze, Gigisha Pachkoria, The program consists of works Merab Gugunashvili, Malkhaz by different composers especially Shvelidze and the Author of the written for military bands conception and Project Art Curator Start time: 19:30 - Lali Kutateladze. Ticket: 5-20 GEL

October 7-23 MOVEMENT THEATER THE EXHIBITION “TO SEE A Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., WORLD IN A GRAIN OF SAND” Mushthaid park BY IRAKLI BUGIANI Telephone: 599 555 260 The title of the exhibition - “To See a World in a Grain of October 18, 20 Sand” - is inspired by the poetry JAM SESSION of William Blake. Irakli Bugiani’s Leaders: abstract paintings containing hints Reso Kiknadze (sax) of representation reveal artist’s Nika Gabadze (guitar) attempts to accentuate unknown, Misha Japaridze (bass) mystical aspects of the universe. Irakli Choladze / Gio Kapanadze Curator of the exhibition (drums) is multimedia artist Levan Start time: 21:00 Mindiashvili. October 19 NECTAR GALLERY TANGO EVENING Address: 88 Bochorishvili Str. Milonga La Kumparsita Start time: 21:00 October 11 – November 5 Ticket: 5 GEL GEORGIA TODAY OCTOBER 14 - 17, 2016 CULTURE 15 Griboedov Theater Opens 171th Season with Finnish Collaboration ‘Frozen Images’

“The playwright won a big prize for Mrs. R.M. a Georgian lady in her mid- BY MAKA LOMADZE ‘New Theatrical Realities,’ won by fi fties seated in the audience told GEOR- many such excellent creators,” Jari GIA TODAY after the show: “Having Juutinen told GEORGIA TODAY. “This seen this performance, I realize that I n October 7, the Tbilisi co-production comes from a two year am too mature for such sharp feelings. Alexander Griboedov relationship with Georgia theater- I My perception is totally different towards Russian Drama Theater directed a play in Liberty Theater, reality now. I think it would have touched opened its 171th season ‘Juliet, Juliet,’ and my performance ‘Sad me more 20 years ago. At my age, much with the performance Songs from the Heart of Europe’ was more simple things make me happy. I O‘Frozen Images’ within the framework presented at the Tbilisi International understand it all but I judge things much of the Georgian showcase of the Tbilisi Theater Festival two years ago. Finns more rationally now.” International Theater Festival. will see the show based on the original Written in 1996 while Smeds worked Frozen Images is a co-production of Finnish version, staged 20 years ago. I in the Baltics, the play has been trans- the Griboedov Theater with Finnish love the strong aesthetics of Georgian lated into English, German, Danish, theatrical company Sadsongscomplex:fi . theater and the adaptation of this play Russian, Estonian, Catalan and Hun- Directed by Jari Juutinen, and with for co-production; it works- the strong garian. In addition to numerous Finn- playwright Kristian Smeds, it was per- way you do classics and the way I do ish productions, Frozen Images has formed by the students of Shota the contemporary,” he said. been performed by the Associacio Rustaveli State University of Theater This is the play about alienation within Artitistica IndiGest in Spain. and Cinema: Kristine Beruashvili, society, fi lled with sorrowful people: Shortly after the opening of the theater, Khatia Beruashvili, Mikheil Gavasheli, a single mother who works extremely the performance “Frozen Images” went Davit Kotov, Demetre Nakopia, Vladi- hard and still struggles, drinking in on to tour Finland, where the local mer Novosardov, Sopi Chalashvsili and despair; a priest who wears no cassock audience will attend it in three theat- Gvantsa Sharvadze (Avtandil Varsi- and attempts to console the people ers in of Helsinki. hashvili’s Atelier). that Christ loves each of them. “But Such guest performances are made Frozen Images is a typical story: Frus- until God himself wills to summon possible with the support of the Tbilisi tration, deeply emotional experience, somebody, he/she will not be able to City Hall Cultural Events Center. indifference, lost years and searching approach the Lord.” He points out that Frozen Images can be seen on Gri- for the sense of life in daily vanity. people misuse their logical gift and are boedov Theater’s Small Stage as a part Everything has its own name… And on the path to degradation rather than of its repertoire. The grand stage is still, it is all about love, which is supreme evolution. “However, there is an way: still undergoing repairs and is expected and the strongest of all. you have to awaken,” he concludes. to re-open at the end of November.

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