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www.georgiatoday.ge Issue no: 845 • MAY 20 - 23, 2016 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... Lincoln Mitchell on Georgian Politics and Power Struggles POLITICS PAGE 3 Mountains out of Molehills: Angry Baleful Politics

POLITICS PAGE 4 Wilson: No FOCUS dramatic changes ON GEORGIAN POLITICS for Georgia at AND POWER STRUGGLES Warsaw Summit Exclusive interviews, expert opinions and more in the lead up to the POLITICS PAGE 6 electoral campaigns PAGE 3-7 Egypt’s Tourism Authorities Visit Georgia to Endorse its Vacation Industry Georgian Court Jails Former Defense BUSINESS PAGE 9 Ministry Offi cials CoE Dept. Secretary General Speaks out on Women BY NICHOLAS WALLER and Minorities Situation in Georgia Georgian court on Monday sentenced seven former defense ministry offi - cials to fi ve years in prison for mis- managing nearly USD 2 million. The court found the accused guilty Aof misspending more than 1.8 on a fraudulent ten- der to lay fi ber optics cables in 2013. According SOCIETY PAGE 10 to court documents, the fi ve were charged with manipulating the bidding process, which resulted in Silknet – the country’s largest telecommunica- The 2nd International Festival tions company, with ties to the convicted offi cials –gaining an unfair advantage during the auction. of Literature Starts in Tbilisi Continued on page 2 CULTURE PAGE 13 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS MAY 20 - 23, 2016 Inmates in Georgian Prison Stage Hunger Strike

issues with the prison staff. They are only demand- BY NICHOLAS WALLER ing an amendment to the Amnesty Law that was previously adopted by Parliament. They’ve only just begun their hunger strike and haven’t yet shown everal dozen inmates currently serving signs that they are suffering any physical affects. life sentences in a Georgian prison near We will continue to supervise their condition,” said the capital Tbilisi began a hunger strike the Corrections Ministry. late Wednesday, according to news site Giorgi Geladze, one of the inmates taking part in Vestnik Kavkaza. the hunger strike and who is acting as the protestors’ SThe country’s Corrections Ministry said Wednes- spokesman, disputed the Ministry’s claims regarding day that 42 inmates currently serving life sentences the number involved in the demonstration. Accord- in the Gldani Prison began to protest after demand- ing to Geladze, 55 inmates at the prison have refused ing that their prison sentences be reduced in accord- food or water until their demands are met. ance with Georgia’s 2012 Amnesty Law which The Georgian Parliament passed the 2012 law on reduced prison sentences by 25 percent. the reduction of sentences as part of a drive to The law, however, did not include life sentences reduce the country’s inmate population, which had in the amnesty clause. spiked signifi cantly under former President Mikheil Offi cials at the corrections ministry said the Saakashvili. inmates are constantly monitored by the prison By the end of Saakashvili’s decade in power, Geor- staff. gia had one of the largest per capita prisoner pop- “Thus far the prisoners have no complaints or ulations in the world.

Georgian Court Jails Former Defense Ministry Offi cials

Continued from page 1 Following his dismissal, Alasania publicly casti- gated former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili of The court said the offi cials then signed a grossly ordering a politically motivated crackdown on infl ated USD 3.1 million contract with Silknet to those who criticized the court’s decision to charge lay cables and procure networking equipment. At the fi ve offi cials involved in the Silknet case. the time of the tender, an independent auditor had Alasania – now seen by many analysts as a top estimated the project to be worth USD 1.2 million. contender to lead the next government following Court prosecutor Nino Aglemashvili said the the upcoming elections in October – claimed at verdict was “proof that the country’s law enforce- the time that Garibashvili ordered the arrests and ment offi cials had adequately reacted to illicit mis- his subsequent dismissal after the defense ministry spending of budget funds.” openly pursued Georgia’s goals of deepening its The former offi cials involved in the case include cooperation with the NATO military alliance and former Defense Ministry Procurement Department moving closer towards full Euro-Atlantic integra- head, Gizo Glonti, his colleagues Giorgi Lobzha- tion. nidze and Archil Alavidze as well as General Staff Alasania and his Free Democrats party immedi- Communications and IT chiefs Nugzar Kaishauri ately quit the ruling Georgian Dream coalition in and David Tsipuria. November 2014 and moved into opposition with Four of the convicted offi cials held positions in former President Mikheil Saakashvili’s staunchly the defense ministry at the time of their October pro-Western United National Movement. 28, 2014 arrest. The incident came less than a month Immediately after the fi ve offi cials were sentenced, before the sacking of then-Defense Minister Irakli Alasania announced he would organize mass street Alasania, who’d come under fi re for the controversy protests calling for the end of politically motivated caused by the arrest of the offi cials. court cases. GEORGIA TODAY MAY 20 - 23, 2016 POLITICS 3

Lincoln Mitchell on Georgian

Politics and Power Struggles Lincoln Mitchell, American specialist in political development if the country is not on the brink of Alli- undecided voters. BY ZVIAD ADZINBAIA and author of a book, ance membership. In fact, we should also Meanwhile, we see other parties emerg- ‘Uncertain recognize that this accomplishment is ing. Thus, there is a situation where the Democracy: US what both the previous and current gov- block that gets these undecided votes Foreign Policy and eorgia is on the cusp of ernment should get credit for. wins the elections. However, we have Georgia’s Rose entering the offi cial cam- no reason to automatically assume that Revolution’ paign for the October 2016 WHAT WERE GD’S MAJOR one political force will attract all of the parliamentary elections SHORTCOMINGS AND undecided voters, which means that Samadashvili, who not only has a smart meddling in Georgia’s affairs, it keeps and there are a number of WHAT COULD HAVE there is a real possibility to have more foreign policy mind, but is also a good Georgia distanced from NATO acces- Gunanswered questions whether the cur- BEEN DONE BETTER? than two parties in parliament and no speaker and political thinker. The UNM sion. Can Georgia solve this problem? I rent government will stay in power or The major weakness for the current party with a majority of seats. can really have an infl uence with such think it can, and there are several ways: if the political process will be more government is their inability to really people in parliament. one, with the Substantial Package NATO diversifi ed for the next 4 years. The ques- revive Georgia’s economy. SINCE 2012 PEOPLE HAVE gave to Georgia and also the on-going tions also concern Georgia’s real pros- Georgia, regardless of who is in power, BEEN WAITING FOR THE IF NO ONE GAINS A MAJORITY drills of Noble Partner. pects for joining NATO in order to secure has a tough problem with regards to UNITED NATIONAL MOVEMENT OF SEATS, HOW CAN THE Georgia is doing well in defense reforms her future development. Russia. This government came to power (UNM) TO REBRAND. HAS DECISION-MAKING PROCESS and contribution to international mis- To answer some of the commonly asked with a lot of forces in the West very sus- IT DONE SO? WHAT ARE GO ON IN THE LEGISLATIVE sions. At the same time, doing the same questions, GEORGIA TODAY talked picious of them. But, if not accomplish- THEIR MAIN CHALLENGES? OR THE EXECUTIVE BODIES? thing Georgia has always done is not with Lincoln Mitchell, an American spe- ing fully, GD did stay out of confl ict and I think it is half a rebrand. The challenge If you put Roman Gotsiridze and PM enough, but it makes it harder for NATO cialist in political development and author did not back down from the core prin- the UNM faces is three-fold: One is the Kvirikashvili together, they would agree to say no to Georgia. of ‘Uncertain Democracy: US Foreign ciples of territorial integrity and western problematic side of the party which with each other a lot in their economic Finally, in the presence of Russia’s Policy and Georgia’s Rose Revolution.’ orientation. Back in 2010 or 2011, people concerns its time in power, when a positions. Or if you put Salome Sama- increased infl uence on Georgia’s internal Due to his expertise in US-Georgia rela- in Georgia were really scared of Russia’s number of negative events and facts dashvili and Minister David Bakradze and foreign affairs, integrating more into tions, political development in the former possible aggression. Now, it doesn’t feel were seen. Second, crafting an image together, they would only make Georgia’s a global economy is of utmost impor- Soviet Union and the role of democracy that way anymore. and position that is positive and forward- EU and NATO course stronger. tance for Georgia. In fact, having more promotion in American foreign policy, looking. And third, distancing itself The UNM can play a very productive countries connected to Georgia eco- Lincoln Mitchell is a frequent commen- CAN GD REGAIN POWER IN from the leader, ex-president Saakash- role in the next parliament, but that nomically greatly increases Georgia’s tator of Georgia’s interior and foreign THE ELECTIONS THIS YEAR? vili, who can no longer play a produc- requires a totally different thinking on security, and Russia’s power to hinder affairs. From what I see, and what can be seen tive role in the party. both sides. If there are real coalitions Georgia’s western course will gradually in public opinion data, several key issues In reverse order, the UNM is rather within parliament, the cabinet will be reduce. HOW DID THE GEORGIAN can be emphasized. First, this election fortunate that Saakashvili is pretty busy composed of diverse ministers from As for the domestic politics, Russia has DREAM (GD) COALITION is not going to be like any previous one, in Ukraine, but he is not so busy not to several parties. Although it is much soft power in Georgia, but I believe that PERFORM WITHIN ITS when a single party gets 70% of votes turn his attention toward Georgia. If I harder to govern the country that way, the western soft power is stronger and 4-YEAR TERM? or more. I would be extremely surprised were a GD strategist, every time Saakash- this would be a big step forward for the Russian one cannot be prevalent. GD has a mixed record. On the one hand, if that happens. In 2012, there were two vili talks about coming back to Georgia, Georgia. the country is freer than it was before, major blocks in the electoral rally with I would be happy, because that’s not the ZVIAD ADZINBAIA is an Analyst at Georgia including in speech and assembly. And other forces concentrated around them; association the UNM wants right now. TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU Today, covering security, foreign policy, as Georgia is still in a condition of informal this year, we see something different. In the meantime, UNM has introduced THINK RUSSIA CAN EXERT ITS well as domestic politics of Georgia. He is governance, formally ruled by a Prime People are not wildly satisfi ed with what its top 10 candidates who can play a very INFLUENCE IN THE ONGOING academically affi liated with the Georgian Minister. But it has to change if GD stays they have seen in almost 4 years with positive role for the party’s future role PRE-ELECTORAL AND POLITICAL Foundation for Strategic and International in power. In terms of foreign affairs, they GD in power, but some people also have in Georgia’s political life. For instance, PROCESSES IN GEORGIA? Studies (GFSIS). From the fall 2016, Zviad have the EU Association Agreement and no desire to go back to where they were. Roman Gotsiridze is one of the sharpest Russia has been able to hamper Georgia’s will be joining the Tufts Fletcher School as a the on-going progress toward NATO, even That leads to a substantial block of economists I know in Georgia, and Salome NATO aspirations. It is aware that by Master’s student in Law and Diplomacy. GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS MAY 20 - 23, 2016 Mountains out of Molehills: Angry Baleful

Every once in a while, momentarily incensed and then gradually aggravated at some unlikely matters of routine political debates, the male politicians of Georgia get into a scuffl e, mostly before the TV cameras, awkwardly but fi ercely throwing their fi sts, hands Politics and feet into each other’s not-especially-athletic bodies but also of those nonaligned innocents Georgia get into a scuffl e, mostly before sibly oriented, reasonably thinking and we may very well succumb to it if we OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE who have nothing to do with the game. the TV cameras, awkwardly but fi ercely rationally functioning politicians do not are not equipped with enough immunity Fury and irritation between our poli- throwing their fi sts, hands and feet into need to be so spitefully emotional and to resist the effect. ticians have stood as the most traditional each other’s not-especially-athletic bod- viciously indignant at everybody and Political argument is part of culture have never seen anything angrier values in the political arena since the ies. One can also see the ladies of the everything when they fi nd themselves anywhere, but why the cruelty? Why this or louder than current Georgian great change which took place as a result same ground, profusely barking at each in the arena. Yet they can’t be fake because much offence, fume and strain? Who politics, thrown off kilter and fall- of the soviet collapse, bringing freedom other choice epithets, full of vehemence our permanent players in political games needs that rant and rave in the 21st cen- ing to pieces as it is right now. and democracy to our shores. With and bitterness. As a consequence, in both look so genuinely truthful in their acri- tury of balanced and civilized exchange Parties stand apart miles from these values, there came the political cases, the growing tension augments the monious meanness and vicious forceful- of thoughts and emotions? The provoc- Ieach other, smaller groupings within ethics of resentment and exasperation, cantankerous politicians’ aversion for ness that I almost come to believe in ative hassling that has taken deep root those parties are radically distanced, dominating our political heads, who each other so much that the stench of their theatrical sarcasm and mockery, in our deafening political life causes a with the individual politicians within can’t probably be as sinister and intol- the fi ght becomes too bothersome to lavishly displayed in almost every pub- lot of spiritual trauma on an everyday those bunches are also drastically erant as they seem to be when publicly stick around. lic appearance. basis. The foolish unwanted anxiety and opposed. The shockingly messy move- in action. If I conventionally called myself a Where do they get so much aggression, agitation keep triggering disappointment, ment of political fi gures back and forth, I sincerely hope and believe that they slightly educated observer of those impatience and hostility from? Why are disturbance and inconvenience that are marked with nervous impulsiveness, is are much better than this! Often, it is politically motivated and vainly insti- they nursing this despicable sense of hard to overcome later. Incidentally, the becoming commonplace within the not quite comprehensible why politi- gated ludicrous scenes, my frustration belligerence towards each other? Who entire political performance in Georgia utterly disparate and sharply contrasting cians should demonstrate their exces- would grow even further when I start has told them that their offensive style is executed in a stentorian tonality. Are political spectrum, which is usually sive fury at regular discussions over imagining that our politicians are not and violent animosity helps the country we not getting tired of screaming all the accompanied by irrational antagonism trivial issues without which this nation learning much in their numerous pro- and improves life? Don’t they know that time? Why can’t we talk in a lower voice among those fi gures. could easily survive. Why do they always longed trips to Euro-Atlantic structures, their irrelevant excitement and zeal to save our ears and nerves? This is all Ours is the kind of politics where hatred entertain the vexing proclivity of mak- where they are expected to coach them- makes them look a plain nuisance, and very embarrassing but not just that! This reigns as if no other vital substance runs ing a mountain out of a molehill without selves not only in contemporary tech- only points to their detrimental image sounds like an ominous harbinger for in our political blood. Here, stressful reason? nique and content of doing useful poli- in our truly sharp and subtle public eye? further political pitfalls and failures, passions are the main prerequisites in The clear waste of time and energy is tics but in commonly known elementary We all know that temper has a propen- which Georgia does not need at all. Bile, decision-making processes. overwhelming at times when wits and ethics too, indispensable for affecting sity in this culture to be quickly and derision, malice and brutality are found Watching these processes, one gets the imagination need to be in place, ready clever politics. easily displayed, but why the venom, wrong and objectionable in any political impression that the fi eld of political to work. Every once in a while, momen- I have always wondered if those oral spewed so abundantly? And it is also culture, and destructive for any noble activity is mined so precariously that it tarily incensed and then gradually aggra- and physical clashes within our edgy true that the discharged poison is not human activity. It is a shame that we can explode at any time, taking with it vated at some unlikely matters of routine and odious political elite are real or always innocuous. The ubiquitously dis- should fall victim to such monstrous the lives not only of immediate players political debates, the male politicians of feigned. They can’t be real because sen- gorged toxic substance harms us all and extremes. GEORGIA TODAY MAY 20 - 23, 2016 POLITICS 5 Kadyrov Militia Surrounds Chechen Whistle The Last anti-Russian Supper, or Blower’s Keeping the Neighbors Happy Village boring Dagestan, saying he’d fled BY NICHOLAS WALLER Azerbaijani soldiers to the Vaziani Pol- “faces” of Georgian Dream suspiciously Chechnya after Kadyrov’s militia burned OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA ygon, the infrastructure of which already changed their attitude towards the Min- his house to the ground and threatened satisfi es the standards set by NATO. ister of Defense and the Republicans, to kill him and his family unless he apol- It is not yet known when the mutual connected with the Western orientation nterior Ministry troops controlled ogized for the original video addressed he military trainings of trainings of the three countries will take of the latter. “We want the European by Chechen President Ramzan to Putin. American, British and Geor- place in Vaziani. However, 2017 is already Council, but we do not want NATO” Kadyrov have reportedly sur- Under Kadyrov, Chechnya has become gian militaries Noble Part- marked on the agenda of the Ministry were the charges against them. The chief rounded the village of an outspo- a republic of fear, known for forced dis- ner 2016 taking place on of Defense of Georgia. This is truly an “face” of the governmental party, Tamaz ken resident who publicly called appearances and arbitrary justice as local the Vaziani Military Poly- unprecedented event, as this is the fi rst Mechiauri, blamed the Minister of Ifor a crackdown on the corrupt practice pro-Moscow offi cials have spent the last Tgon are on-going and our Special Forces case in the last 25 years when Georgia’s Defense for irritating the Russians. “We of local offi cials. decade stamping out what remains of already plan on participating in military military partnership has turned towards are irritating Russia with these military In a video posted on the Internet on the Chechen resistance to Russian rule. trainings in Turkey called ‘Caucasian Azerbaijan. Although Minister Khidasheli trainings and if something goes wrong April 14, Chechen resident Ramazan Chechnya fought two devastating inde- Eagle’ and planned for May 31st to June says that it is not aimed against Armenia, our Defense Minister will be personally Dzhalaldinov pleaded for assistance from pendence wars against Russia in the 10th. Soldiers from Azerbaijan will also it is hard to predict whether Yerevan responsible for it,” said Mechiauri. Appar- Russian President Vladimir Putin, say- 1990s that killed an estimated 100,000 join the Georgians in Turkey. It is easy will perceive it that way. Offi cial Yerevan ently, at that time the MP was not informed ing Putin needed to intervene personally people. Initially a secular independence to imagine what the Kremlin’s reaction was informed well in advance of the about the planned trainings in Turkey, in his native village of Kenkhi to stop movement led by former President will be as it has not yet recovered from decision personally by Minister Khi- otherwise he would have mentioned local government bureaucrats and police Dzhokhar Dudayev, the tiny republic’s the Vaziani “nightmare” and already dasheli, who visited the capital of Arme- Armenia together with Russia in the list offi cials from extorting bribes from the drive to break free from Moscow later Turkey has been added to all of this. nia earlier this year. “I was in Yerevan of potentially irritated countries. area’s impoverished residents. descended into a brutal insurgency Most importantly this “nightmare” now in January 2016 and I told them plainly Offi cial Yerevan was truly alarmed by Kadyrov, who rules Chechnya with an dominated by radical Islamists. features Azerbaijan. that Azerbaijan and Turkey are the stra- the trainings to be held in Turkey. How- iron fi st and tolerates no dissent in the Kadyov’s father, Akhmad, had served The fact that Georgian and Azerbaijani tegic partners of Georgia. Armenia made ever, the announcements made by the restive North Caucasus republic, as the Grand Mufti of Chechnya under militia will take part in these trainings a different choice and joined the Eurasian Minister of Defense of Armenia are responded to the video by ordering armed Dudayev. By the end of the 1990s, he and was announced by Reuters on May 16th, Union, we do not plan on doing so. Hence, clearly aimed at their internal politics personal militia forces – known collo- his father had switched sides and allied the day after a ministerial meeting took this determines the level of our relation- rather than foreign. For sure Yerevan quially as “kadyrovtsi”- to surround the with Russia. Using men from the same place in Gabala, Azerbaijan, between the ships with Armenia. We will maintain will not be able to put a stop to the pro- village and hunt down Dzhalaldinov. armed groups that now carry out orders defense ministers of Turkey, Georgia friendly connections, but without stra- cess and spoiling relationships with Local residents told media outlet Kavka- to crush dissent, Kadyrov successfully and Azerbaijan. Interestingly, the biggest tegic cooperation,” Khidasheli said. Georgia will equal a disaster not only zky Uzel that Kadyrov’s feared para- assisted the Russians defeat the rebel Russian anti-missile radar used to work While the governmental party was busy for Armenia but for its ally Russia as militaries have surrounded the village Chechens and restore Moscow’s author- in this city which hosted the “Last anti- composing the election lists and dealing well. The economic life of Armenia fl ows since May 14, detaining and interrogating ity over the region. Russian Supper.” Similar military train- with the Georgian Dream Congress, truly directly through Tbilisi and any milita- residents as they attempt to locate Dzha- Since coming to power in 2004, Kady- ings will also be conducted on Georgian signifi cant tremors were rumbling away rist actions will result in this road clos- laldinov. rov has been accused of mass human territory. Minister of Defense of Georgia, in the foreign policy of the country. Per- ing for them, just as 30 years ago it closed The 56-year-old Dzhalaldinov posted rights abuses by both Russian and inter- Tina Khidasheli, invited Turkish and haps this was behind the fact that the for Baku. an online video on May 13 from neigh- national organizations. GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS MAY 20 - 23, 2016 Wilson: No dramatic changes for Georgia at

Damon Wilson, Executive Vice-President of the US Atlantic Council Warsaw Summit

There are voices that oppose and we want more United States; we want is already incredibly robust. BY NANA SAJAIA, VOICE OF AND UK LAUNCHED JOINT MILITARY EXERCISES, NOBLE voices that say what we are doing is stronger commitment. There are res- I don’t think we’ve ever seen a coun- AMERICA, GEORGIAN SERVICE PARTNER, OUTSIDE TBILISI provocative, as much in Georgian par- ervations on both sides that we could try as far along as Georgia in building ON MAY 11. WHAT IS THE liament as in US political classes. I potentially be in a diffi cult period up a real substantial relationship with PROMINENCE OF SUCH JOINT believe it’s a false argument. The fact because there is a degree of ambiguity. the Alliance before membership. That o discuss the NATO-Geor- EXERCISES FOR GEORGIA? that a country has to take care of its There is ambiguity because the US and is a testament to Georgia’s commitment, gia Partnership and the The US and Georgia have had a long own security is not provocative. The our NATO allies have not yet made a and I think it really will begin to sway upcoming summit in War- military relationship, a long relation- more a country is able to stand on its committed security guarantee to Geor- and convince the Alliance of the valid- saw, Voice of America ship of training, partnering and secur- own, have defense capabilities and be gia. I agree it’s a pretty strong argument. ity of what was done in Bucharest. Today, Georgian Service sat down ing cooperation. And in some respects able to be a serious actor is a demon- When you have clarity of security politically, we are not there yet and we withT Damon Wilson, Executive Vice- each chapter of our security relation- stration, I think, of a stabilizing factor arrangements, everybody understands aren’t going to see a dramatic change President of the US Atlantic Council ship is focused on a particular objec- in the region, and this relationship con- the rules of the game, and it’s a stabi- in that status come out of the Warsaw for an exclusive interview in Washing- tive, from Pankisi Gorge to pairing in tributes to that. lizing factor. Right now, we are navigat- summit. ton DC. Afghanistan deployments. This has led ing this degree of uncertainty and I to a sustained continued US military HOW DO THE AMBIGUOUS think these exercises in that regard WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHAT’S THE ULTIMATE security commitment and engagement COMMENTS COMING FROM serve as a stabilizing factor themselves. AFTER THE SUMMIT? GOAL OF THE 10TH in Georgia, which I think is construc- DIFFERENT BRANCHES OF THE What we’re going to see is the Alliance ANNUAL GEORGIA tive for stability and security in the GEORGIAN GOVERNMENT THE US ENVOY TO NATO adopting a greater posture of deterrence, DEFENSE AND SECURITY region. AFFECT GEORGIA’S RECENTLY SAID HE SEES NO greater clarity, recognizing that the CONFERENCE (GDSC) AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS? EXPANSION OF THE ALLIANCE position Russia is taking right now as OF GEORGIA’S PARTNERSHIP SOME PUBLICLY STATE THAT We wouldn’t be there without the sup- IN THE NEAR FUTURE. HAS an adversary to the Alliance and there- WITH THE ALLIANCE? SUCH DRILLS CREATE “A port or invitation of the government- THE US GOVERNMENT fore it will have to be deterred. However, We aim to continue to anchor Georgia SERIOUS THREAT” TO GEORGIA that is not how the US deals with its CHANGED ITS STANDPOINT? it’s going to be a work in progress and in the trans-Atlantic security commu- We don’t do this on our own, we don’t allies and partners. This is not a rela- The position of the US government has work will need to be done to continue nity by building a community of infl u- do this because we want to; we do it tionship, like that of the Soviet Union, not changed. It’s clear that US policy to draw Georgia into the Alliance- this, ence around those knowledgeable of, simply because there is a strong demand based on coercion, intimidation, or remains committed to the concept of of course, will continue well after the educated and supportive of the US- from Tbilisi, demand seen across Geor- tactics that Russians pursue today. an open door policy as well as the Warsaw Summit. Georgian relationship and Georgia’s gian governments, to see the US and It is clear that the overwhelming Bucharest statement that Georgia will relationship with NATO allies. NATO allies exercising, training, and majority of Georgian people and the be a member one day. That’s not going To read the Georgian version of this article, cooperating with the Georgian military- responsible Georgian political actors to change dramatically before Warsaw, go to: http://www.amerikiskhma.com/a/ UP TO 1,300 TROOPS this has been a consistent message com- are supportive of the US-Georgian rela- but I think we’ll see continuing growth damon-wilson-on-joint-drills-and- FROM THE US, GEORGIA ing from Georgian leaders. tionship. In fact, what we hear is that in the Georgia-NATO relationship, which nato/3329345.html GEORGIA TODAY MAY 20 - 23, 2016 POLITICS 7 Fighting for Fighting’s Sake: Ogden on Street Violence

whatever the result. I was raised by two OP-ED BY TIM OGDEN criminal lawyers who fi lled me with true horror stories of upstanding young men who were picked on in the street, t’s a sad fact that street violence assaulted, but then turned the tables on in England is almost completely their attackers…and were then arrested out of control. For a few years, for assault or manslaughter. I started my family lived in a historical boxing when I was 12 - I still put the riverside tourist town famous for gloves on and get in the ring a few times itsI old buildings and the little steam a week – so the prospect of being punched train that trundled up the valley; the in the face isn’t a new thing for me, but kind of place that Americans wander the idea that my future could be ruined around saying “Oh my God, Hogwarts!” by getting into a fi ght and earning a before asking if anyone knows where criminal record terrifi ed me. Private the Queen is. You’d never guess that school? Expulsion. University? Forget such a place would witness almost it. A decent job? No chance. nightly brawls between drunken louts When I left England years ago, the and car vandals, interspersed with the government were trumpeting the fact occasional stabbing. You might expect that crime rates had decreased, but their that sort of thing in the worst parts of claim didn’t stack up to what I saw a big city – why, I believe it’s almost a around me. My parents and their lawyer pastime in Glasgow – but not in a small friends explained that their fi gures are scenic town like that. Having travelled taken from reported crimes, meaning the length and breadth of our island, it those that the police actually respond I’ve never got used to) on street with Georgian cops; street on the International Day against Hom- didn’t seem to be too different anywhere to and record. Unless it results in a corners, muttering to each other and violence would be a thing of the ophobia activists a few years ago; I doubt else. fatality, street fi ghts aren’t considered swigging from two liter bottles of beer, past in a week), or if they only feel the the priests would have been quite so Calling the police never solved any- crimes anymore. staring at passers-by through half-closed need to attack for what they deem to ready to lead their congregations into thing, as I recall the dispatcher telling I was surprised to fi nd that things lids; it’s enough to think they’re looking be good reasons, or when they know battle if every man there had been the me in an apologetic voice that there couldn’t be more different in Georgia, for trouble, but it isn’t often the case. they’re not likely to get hurt in return. size of a Marine. However, I would like simply weren’t enough police offi cers a country run by moronic politicians If things do become hostile, it’s mostly My brother-in-law is a lovely chap, but to think that Georgians just recognize to send; they were too busy in neigh- and constantly under threat from Rus- a bit of shouting and swearing. Things he’s small and was undoubtedly an easy that fi ghting for the sake of fi ghting is boring towns, where the violence was sia; hardly the sort of place one might rarely get physical until someone men- target for the four men who beat him pointless. even worse. Why, just this week police consider a good deal safer than England. tions someone else’s mother. The Geor- to within an inch of his life for seem- Whatever the reason, violence in in Somerset told a man who was attempt- To hear Georgians talk about Georgian gian Oedipus Complex is something I ingly no reason a few years ago. I can’t Georgia is not especially common; it ing to apprehend a would-be drunk fi ghting spirit and their confrontational still don’t understand. help but wonder if they’d have been so certainly isn’t as mindless as it is in driver that they were ‘too busy’ to help. way of speaking, you’d be forgiven for I’m not sure if that’s because they ready to attack my friend Robert, a giant England. However, as ever I have fi rmly Violence is an even more frightening thinking that they’re a violent people. know just how good the Georgian police boxing Texan who looks as though he mounted my hobbyhorse and am riding prospect in Britain since defending Groups of young men stand (or squat are (if I was in power in Downing Street might burst out with ‘fee-fi -fo-fum’ at dangerously close to my word count. yourself invariably leads to trouble – even after all these years, it’s a sight I’d populate every British town and city any moment. Likewise with the attacks Still, I’m damn glad I live where I do.

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Just let us know when and where on: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY 8 BUSINESS MAY 20 - 23, 2016 Launch of Trans-Adriatic Pipeline Makes Georgia Key Transit Country for EU A past ASEAN summit. Among the main topics for discussion today will be issues of global and regional agenda, the results of the Russia-ASEAN cooperation over 20 years, and the main directions of further cooperation BY TAMAR SVANIDZE

he 5 billion euro Trans- Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) Putin Kicks off project designed to deliver Caspian Sea gas to Europe via Georgia was launched Ton Tuesday in Thessaloniki, Greece. The 870-km pipeline project is part of Russia-ASEAN the so-called Southern Gas Corridor that will bring additional volumes to Europe, via Georgia, from the giant Shah Deniz II fi eld in Azerbaijan. The corridor crosses seven countries Summit and involves more than a dozen major agenda, the results of the Russia-ASEAN energy companies in several separate BY DIMITRI DOLABERIDZE cooperation over 20 years, and the projects worth USD 45 billion. main directions of further cooperation. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras The Business Forum will be held within said at Tuesday’s inauguration ceremony fi nally terminating in Southern Italy. The deeper economic cooperation with the he two-day summit ‘Rus- the summit, attended by, in particular, that the TAP project would be a major TAP will promote the economic devel- participating countries. sia - Association of South- the Minister of Economic Development, boost to Greece’s beleaguered economy. opment along the pipeline route and will “We are proud to be a reliable part of east Asian Nations’ Alexei Ulyukayev, the President of the He also added that the opening of the be a major source of foreign direct invest- the transit corridor. Thanks to Georgia’s (ASEAN) opened on May Chamber of Commerce of the Russian corridor makes the country a regional ment. advantageous geographical location, we 19th attended by Russian Federation, Sergey Katyrin, Secretary- energy hub. Initial gas sales to Georgia and Turkey lie at the heart of the intertwined inter- PresidentT Vladimir Putin who person- General of ASEAN, Le Luong Minh, the “Ensuring Europe’s energy supply and are scheduled for late 2019, with the fi rst ests of gas suppliers and consumers and ally welcomed guests in a ceremony Shanghai Cooperation Organization diversifying its energy sources, as well deliveries to Europe coming in early are therefore an integral part of the South- to highlight the 20th anniversary of (SCO) Secretary General, Rashid Ali- as the routes it uses to transport oil and 2020. ern Corridor,” PM Kvirikashvili said. Moscow’s cooperation with the Asso- mov, as well as businessmen from Rus- gas, is the foundation of both for our Once at full operation level, Georgia In recent years Georgia, Azerbaijan ciation. sia and countries of the Association. country’s energy strategy and for Europe will receive an additional 1 billion cubic and Turkey have successfully built a The fi rst working session of the sum- President Vladimir Putin, in the lead as a whole,” Tsipras said. meters of gas from the South Corridor strong regional strategic partnership that mit is scheduled for May 20 and will up to the Russia-ASEAN summit, has The multi-billion dollar project links project. has resulted in the creation of 30,000 see the leaders of 10 countries meeting held a series of bilateral meetings with Georgia, Turkey, Greece, Albania and Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kviri- new jobs in the region. with representatives of the Business leaders of countries and members of the Adriatic Sea. The pipeline will con- kashvili attended the launch with more According to the National Democratic Forum followed by a plenary meeting. the Association around a central theme nect with the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline than 300 prominent guests. PM Kviri- Institute’s most recent poll, about 65 Among the main topics for discussion of development of trade and economic (TANAP) at the Greek-Turkish border kashvili said the TAP project would percent of Georgians consider themselves will be issues of global and regional cooperation. and cross into Greece and Albania before strengthen energy security and foster to be unemployed. Alpina Watches for Sports Enthusiasts Available at Arttime Stores line. “I believe the price and the quality details and design allows them to be worn PREPARED BY EKA KARSAULIDZE will make Alpina a very popular brand everywhere, from mountains to sea. for Georgian customers,” said Van Der “Alpina has great potential in Georgia,” Bruggen. said George Sharashidze, Publisher and egional Sales Manager of Alpina is a world-renowned Swiss General Manager of Georgia Today Alpina, Daan Van Der sports watch brand by Frederique Con- Newspaper. “Its watches are ideal for Bruggen, recently visited stant. It has been offering its customers people with a strong spirit, who have Tbilisi to announce that the a unique concept and mechanism in the ability to endure and who have a entire collection of the brand watches since 1883. sense of purpose. I hope there are many willR soon be presented in Georgia, avail- The watches are known for their qual- people with this kind of spirit in Georgia able exclusively at Arttime stores and ity and endurance and are ideal for sports which in turn will affect the brand’s suc- including both the men and women’s lovers. Their mechanisms, functional cess here.” GEORGIA TODAY MAY 20 - 23, 2016 BUSINESS 9 Egypt’s Tourism Authorities Visit Georgia to Endorse its Vacation Industry

Together with the offi cial delegation, represent- BY TAMAR SVANIDZE atives of 10 leading Egyptian tour operators were among those who participated. “We are here not only to boost our relationship he Ambassador of Egypt in Georgia with Georgia in the tourism sector, but to foster and Armenia, accompanied by tour- friendship between our two countries,” Maati ism offi cials, came to Georgia’s cap- said. Contact: www.edelbrand.ge ital city Tbilisi this week with the “It is the fi rst time we have held such an event Phone: 599 461908 aim of endorsing Egypt as a holiday in Georgia. We have travelled to Azerbaijan and destination.T after Georgia we are heading to Kazakhstan. Soon, For a long time, due to its oriental culture, ancient we will start a tourist campaign here in Georgia, archeological sites, Red Sea resorts, proximity which includes negotiations with local travel agen- and affordable prices, Egypt was one of the most cies to offer them special packages, and an increase popular holiday destinations for Georgians. How- in direct fl ights,” Mohamed Ayoub said. ever, its tourism industry was badly hit following From this summer season low fare Egyptian air- the downing of a Russian jet last year with 224 line AirCairo, which carries out one weekly direct people on board, the on-going Islamist insurgency fl ight from Tbilisi to Egypt’s two Red Sea resort and a string of bomb attacks in the region. cities Sharm-el-Sheikh and Hurghada, will increase Ahmed Shokri, Head of the Planning Depart- fl ights to fi ve per week, twice for Sharm el-Sheikh ment of Egypt`s Tourism Offi ce has claimed that and three times for Hurghada. The average price one of the reasons for this week’s conference is for the fl ight will be approximately USD 350. to showcase that Egypt is no longer a dangerous Head of Egyptian Tourist Authority Prague Offi ce, place for tourists. Mohamed Desouky, emphasized that the peak for Regarding safety, Mohamed Ayoub, Chairman Georgian tourists looking for leisure in Egypt was of the Egyptian Hotel Association told GEORGIA in 2014, when it reached 17,000 Georgian visitors, TODAY that since 2010 Egypt can claim that not compared to the following year (2014) when it one tourist has been injured. dropped to 7,000. “We have increased security measures and any Egypt’s tourist business has fallen signifi cantly trouble we do have occurs far from typical tourist since 2011, when the country was immersed in destinations. Everyone can feel safe in Egypt,” anti-government protests. Up until then, Egyptian Ayoub insisted. resorts were hosting up to 15 million tourists per Egypt’s Ambassador in the South Caucasus, Tarek year, as opposed to 2014, when only 9.9 million Maati, and dozens of tourism offi cials, held a day- tourists visited Egypt. long conference in Tbilisi on Wednesday to dis- However, for Georgians it still the most suitable cuss what Egypt can offer Georgian holidaymak- and affordable country, shown by the fact that this ers to encourage them to visit the country, just a month alone, 5,000 Georgian holidaymakers have 3-hour fl ight from Georgia. visited the country. GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY MAY 20 - 23, 2016 CoE Dept. Secretary General Speaks out on Women and Minorities Situation in Georgia

Daniel Mitov, Foreign Minister of Bulgaria and the current head of the Ministers Committee, and Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe presenting the CoE Action Plan for Georgia out the Europe and sadly, Georgia is no exception. BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE WHAT ARE THE PLANS TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION? ast week, Deputy Secretary General of Firstly, we need to convince the authorities to work the Council of Europe (CoE), Gabriella on the Istanbul Convention preventing and com- Battaini-Dragoni, together with Foreign bating violence against women, and domestic vio- Minister of Bulgaria and the current head lence. Georgia ratifi ed it, but needs to do much of the Ministers Committee, Daniel Mitov, more to stop women being victims of violence. paidL an offi cial visit to Georgia. The visit was Proper prosecution in such cases would prove intended to present the Council of Europe’s action invaluable as a preventive measure. The reason plan for Georgia for the period 2016-2019, adopted violence against women and children is so com- during Bulgaria’s Chairmanship of the Committee mon is quite straightforward – because there is of Ministers of the CoE. impunity and women are afraid to speak out. We While in Tbilisi, esteemed guests met with the would very much like to see this changed. President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, as well as Foreign Minister WHAT ABOUT THE MINORITY GROUPS? Mikheil Janelidze and Parliamentary Speaker Davit Georgia acceded to the CoE in 1999. At the time Usupashvili. GEORGIA TODAY was privileged to they had to take on a number of commitments - have an exclusive interview with the Dept. Secre- one of those commitments was to ratify the Char- tary-General, whereupon she kindly provided us ter of Minority and Regional Languages. And while with her insights on various challenges that Geor- Georgia announced it would soon be ready to gia is facing on its way to consolidate its place ratify, they still haven’t done so. We already made among the European democracies. some attempts during the fi rst action plan, but we haven’t gone very far. THE NEW COE ACTION PLAN FOR GEORGIA IS MORE COMPLEX AND ARE ANY SANCTIONS EXPECTED AMBITIOUS THAN ITS PREDECESSOR. IF GEORGIA DOESN’T FULFIL WHAT ARE THESE NEW HORIZONS ITS OBLIGATIONS? YOU HAVE SET YOUR SIGHTS ON? To be honest, the situation here is incredibly dif- One sector where we want to be more ambitious fi cult because on one side we have minorities, yes, and proactive is the acceleration of reform pace in and Georgia really should prepare itself to ratify the fi eld of judiciary, because there are still impor- the Charter and put it into practice, yet at the same tant steps to make and we want to use these next time there are other substantial language-related years to reach almost the end of the reform process problems, too, which may affect that decision - for – and it really needs to be transparent, impartial instance, in Abkhazia you have the problem of and effi cient. learning the Georgian language at schools. And I Another important sector we want to see grow can understand that for the moment these issues in the future is confi dence-building measures. The might seem more urgent than others, so we are CoE has this extraordinary opportunity to be able indulgent, but we can’t be indulgent forever, at one to go into Abkazia and South Ossetian regions – it’s point something has really to be done, a strong an opportunity not so easily granted to everybody. message should be sent to all the different minor- And we want to do more because we realize how ities that live in the country, so it’s very important important it is to organize these CBM measures. that this commitment remains, and I do hope that We need to bring people together - sometimes in after the elections the authorities will consider this Abkhazia, sometimes in Georgia or South Ossetia, as an important milestone. or even outside the country, as long as every side gets together to interact and have a conversation, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM THE we are happy. We’re already doing this, but in a UPCOMING ELECTIONS? HOW CAN limited manner- we need and plan to increase the THEY IMPROVE ON THE LAST? scope. It’s very important that these people have The major issue is what’s happening now between the opportunity to talk to each other and not feel the majority and opposition- debates on what kind estranged and forgotten. of electoral law Georgia has to use, majoritarian Yet another important fi eld that we want to improve or proportionary. As long as people can vote inde- upon is the protection of human rights in Georgian pendently, without any interference, and the author- society. Take women as an example. The issue of ities don’t ask for the opinion of Venice Commis- violence against women is a terrible problem through- sion, we don’t enter that debate. But for us, what is very important is that after the elections, two or three groups of people, who are not suffi ciently represented now, who do not really participate in elections, do so. The fi rst category is women – do Georgians fi nd it normal and acceptable that only 8 % of women are represented in their parliament? They could do so much better! It means that when they make up their list for elections, they have to We are indulgent, but include more women. Second point – young people voting for the fi rst time. It is a very important expe- we can’t be indulgent rience – you have to be included, and you have to realize what a responsibility it is, which I don’t forever. – CoE Dept. think is the case right now. They need to be moti- vated. Third group – minorities. They also need to participate more. The issue of the methodology is Secretary General up to Georgian people to decide, but we, the Coun- cil of Europe, through our action plan want to pro- Battaini-Dragoni mote and bolster the groups I mentioned. GEORGIA TODAY MAY 20 - 23, 2016 SOCIETY 11 Stand United, Says

European European Commissioner Dimitris Commissioner Avramopoulos

tion for many people all around the fear of terrorism,” he said, on behalf of BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES world.” all citizens of the EU. “Terror attacks only strengthen our determination to FREEDOM, EQUALITY, fi ght. Now is the moment to move ahead uropean Commissioner DIVERSITY, SOLIDARITY in order to create a real secure union Dimitris Avramopoulos on The Commissioner emphasized the in the EU.” May 9th gave a positive mes- core values of the EU, but recognized Further emphasizing the need to stand sage which can well be the challenges faced daily in trying to united, he said: “We have to understand applied to Georgia and hold on to these values. “We have to that it is crucial to share information Eshould certainly be heard by its citizens. always keep in mind that we achieve to strengthen our cooperation, and to Europe Day, held annually on 9 May, more together than we do alone,” he trust each other.” celebrates peace and unity in Europe. said. “Today this common EU house is Moving to the hot topic of migration The date marks the anniversary of the fragile because of the numerous chal- and refugees, the Commissioner told historical ‘Schuman Declaration’. At a lenges we are confronted with. The EU the audience of the need to face reality speech in Paris in 1950, French Foreign has to prove that it is close to its citi- head on as the common European Minister Robert Schuman, laid out his zens and their real needs. It is important endeavours are brought under ques- idea for a new form of political coop- to stay on the course of reforms.” tion. “Last week the EU Commission eration in Europe which would make One need, felt most by Greece but presented a proposal to reform and war between Europe’s nations unthink- also by many other EU member states, establish a common approach.” It is able. is a boost to economy and employment. important, the Commissioner says, that His vision was to create a European To that end, the Commissioner gave the burden of dealing with the infl ow institution that would pool and manage his audience the latest numbers: of migrants in not borne by frontline coal and steel production. A treaty cre- “InnovFin aims to mobilize at least EUR member states, like Greece and Italy, ating such a body was signed less than 315 bln in new investments in areas of alone. This is why, in 2014-2020, the EU a year later. Schuman’s proposal is con- strategic importance to the EU economy Commission is giving EUR 83 mln to sidered to be the start of what is now over the next three years. So far we Greece to improve the living conditions the European Union. have mobilized more than 18 bln EUR of refugees with funding available “66 years later, the EU remains the across 25 EU member states. 57 ambi- immediately and is ‘working hand in most ambitious democratic project in tious large scale projects have been hand with Greek authorities to manage a very uncertain world,” said Commis- approved for fi nancing and 165 agree- the situation on the ground. sioner Avramopoulos, speaking in the ments have been approved, benefi ting context of the Thessaloniki ‘Realising some 136,000 small and medium enter- SOLIDARITY & RESPONSIBILITY the Potential of the Region- SMEs Join prises (SMEs) and midcaps across the “The EU is based on two principles: Forces’ conference and B2B meetings EU.” solidarity and responsibility. These are organized by ProCredit Bank, and just not moral issues but legal issues and before witnessing the signing of the SECURITY A PRECONDITION explicitly stipulated,” the Commissioner fi rst European Fund for Strategic Invest- FOR GROWTH AND said. “Xenophobia, populist national ments InnovFin Guarantee between DEVELOPMENT wars, moving fences, and mind-sets EIF and ProCredit Group. “The global The Commissioner, recognizing his make it diffi cult to convince others of EU project gave a defi nite end to long- prime responsibility for migration, the need for more Europe. This is the standing wars, creating a stable and security, and home affairs, ‘top issues moment for all of us- the member states, safe social and economic environment,” on the EU and global agenda,’ went on the Commission, to prove what we the Commissioner said. “That’s why to mourn the ‘tragic loss of human life really mean when we talk about these Europe has become the main destina- in Paris and Brussels.’ But, “we have no principles.”

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Pick up a copy of Georgia Today Education at any BIBLUS shop or phone 229 59 19 Price: 2 Gel GEORGIA TODAY 12 CULTURE MAY 20 - 23, 2016 Leuville in my Heart

BY REDJEB JORDANIA

s we celebrate the 98th anniversary of our declara- tion of independence pro- claimed by my father, Noé Jordania, on 26 May 1918, Athe plans are nearing completion for the modernization of the Domain of Leuville, near Paris, and its perpetuation as a museum of our First Republic and a liv- ing Franco-Georgian cultural center. On that occasion, I would like to share with my fellow Georgians and friends my feelings and thoughts about the impor- tance and meaning of this national treas- First Night of ure. The domain of Leuville is extremely close to my heart, since it was the site of my childhood, my teens, my youth; and beyond this personal aspect, Leuville remains a mystical entity of the utmost the Georgian historical and vital importance for all Georgians, wherever they might be. The renewal of interest for our fi rst republic that we are witnessing in Geor- gia corresponds to a sociological phe- nomenon unique in our history: for the Museums fi rst time in centuries there is now a whole generation of young Georgians cultural values. who have never known the soviet, or for BY EKA KARSAULIDZE The Georgian National Museum (GNM) that matter any other foreign domina- kicked off Museum Week with the open- tion. As they assume their rightful place Redjeb and grandson, circa 2009 Leuville ing of the 120th anniversary exhibition we can see appearing in Georgia a whole he now-traditional night of famous portraitist Ketevan Magalash- social layer fi nally freed from the visible preneurial rights (including privatization ing the United States, function on the when all the museums open vili at the Dimitri Shevardnadze National and invisible constraints of soviet com- in the countryside) with state responsi- basis of socialist-inspired institutions their doors to visitors free Gallery. The artist played a signifi cant munism that strongly distorted the world- bilities to its poorest citizens …State that were established in the 20th century: of charge until the small role in developing Georgian portrait art view of so many generations of Georgians support for industry, combined with the by the labor party of Ramsay McDonald hours has already become and created chronicles of Georgian art and prevented them, unaware, from see- principles of economic liberalism, was in Great Britain, the Front Populaire in Ta popular phenomenon around the world. and the scientifi c elite. ing clearly and appreciating the true widely practiced...” France, all the Scandinavian countries, Georgia will be taking part in it for the GNM’s Shalva Amiranashvili Museum worth of the great patriots who created Democracy does not reside only in Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal in the fi rst time this year on May 21 and con- of Fine Arts opened the ‘Avant-garde modern and democratic Georgia from texts and government institutions; it US; institutions such as Social Security, ducting a series of large-scale events in 1900-1937’ exhibition on International the chaos of the fi rst world war. resides primarily in the minds, the com- Paid Holidays, Medical Insurance, Wel- advance of the night in the framework Museum Day on May 18, giving visitors As Professor Stephen Jones reminds prehension of all citizens – which is not fare, Unemployment Insurance, and of Museum Week. the chance to see the unique paintings us: “the Democratic Georgian Republic yet the situation in Georgia. The proof many others. Political maturity is not Throughout Georgia 40 museums will and drawings of Georgian, Russian, introduced the vote for women, the can be seen in the confusion between reached just like that, one needs time be presenting performances and other Ukrainian, Polish and Italian avant-garde separation of church and state, the estab- Stalinist communism and western social- for the evolution of thoughts and mores. activities alongside their permanent artists like Vasily Kandinsky, Niko Piro- lishment of a multiparty parliament, ism, despite the fact that they are so Hence the extreme importance of the exhibitions: tours, lectures, concerts of smanashvili (Pirosmani), David Kak- private property, free and universal edu- clearly and profoundly antithetic, as well domain of Leuville: as the physical site classical and folk music, scientifi c and abadze, Lado Gudiashvili, Kazimir cation, unemployment pay and a mini- as the complete lack of understanding of the perpetuation of our fi rst republic, educational games, public readings, per- Malevich, Robert Falk, Osvaldo Lichin mum wage, the redistribution of land in among the Georgians – and in general it represents an essential part not only formances, debates, conferences, poetry and many others. Some of them are being the countryside, and a free press…Geor- all former Soviet denizen – of the simple of the national patrimony but also of our readings and more. exhibited in public for the fi rst time. gia’s new leaders tried to balance entre- reality that all Western countries, includ- national political health, demonstrating Preparation for the fi rst ‘Night of the A number of museums all around Geor- through its physical existence the essen- Museums’ in Georgia began with the gia also supported International Museum tial validity of the democratic and West- traditional meeting of Mikheil Giorgadze, Day, offering free entrance to visitors. ern-oriented destiny of our country. the Minister of Culture and Monument The David Baazov Georgian Jew Rela- All Georgians, whatever their political Protection of Georgia, with representa- tions History Museum, Giorgi Leonidze inclination, should be proud that Geor- tives of the country’s museums on May17 State Museum of Georgian Literature, gia was the fi rst social-democratic coun- where he awarded representatives of the Georgian State Museum of Theater, try in the world. The domain of Leuville museums guidebooks and introduced Music, Cinema and Choreography (Art will remain for always a witness of this them to a new online platform which is Palace), State Silk Museum and many essential phase of our national evolution. set to become a unique repository of all others held discussions, tours, new exhi- Gaomarjos Sakartvelo! museum exhibits. bitions, city games and sales. “You will fi nd there all the information A similar program but more extended The Georgian Government fi rst acquired the about the exhibits we have, where they will be presented at the fi rst Georgian Leuville Chateau at the beginning of the 20th are stored, as well as their condition and ‘Night of the Museums’ this Saturday. The century, when members of the Menshevik restoration procedures. Moreover, muse- museums in Tbilisi and regions will be government left Georgia due to the Sovietiza- ums often change their exhibits and on opened from 9 pm to 1 am free of charge, tion of the country, emigrating to France in this website you will also be able to see entertaining visitors with a variety of March 1921. The Georgian Offi ce of the their current shows,” the Minister said. activities and educational programs. State Minister of Georgia for Diaspora Issues The Minister claimed that the online Museum Week has been held in Geor- in February announced that the Leuville Cha- platform, to be launched at the end of gia since 2009. International Museum teau is to be turned into a Georgian academy June, would be useful for specialists, Day has been celebrated worldwide since for Georgian artists and historians. The Gov- ordinary citizens and tourists who want 1977 and last year more than 35,000 ernment of Georgia has allocated more than to fi nd out more about the country’s museums in 145 countries took part. Redjeb, Nathela and Noe Jordania, circa 1926 Leuville EUR 100,000 to this aim.

Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY MAY 20 - 23, 2016 CULTURE 13

‘Felicita’ tells of a migrant Georgian woman, whose husband has died in a car crash. As she cannot leave her post in Italy as a babysitter, instead she calls him to mourn his death in loud and at times both amusing and upsetting terms via mobile Cine Club Touches on Hardships New and Old

audiences in London, New York and mentary, it is clear that in those 30 min- BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES elsewhere. utes we have a preserved cultural treas- ‘Buba’ shows combined- and sometimes ure. cleverly overlaid- fi lm clips fi rst to pre- The second fi lm, ‘Felicita,’ touches on packed hall at the Amirani sent the religion and nature of Georgia, the modern theme of female migrant cinema on Tuesday saw and then with a focus on the true lifestyle workers. Of the population of around audience members of all of the Rachan villagers of the 1930s, a 4 million Georgians, 1 million, Salome ages and nationalities come far cry from the Soviet ideal. As I watched Alexi, the fi lm director and granddaugh- together to get a taste of the villagers working in their fi elds and ter of Nutsa Gogoberidze states, live AGeorgian culture and cinema heritage. homes, relying on nature and bare hands and work abroad. 62% of those working The presence of the director of one fi lm and feet to survive, it raised the question out of the country are women. Most are and the daughter of the deceased direc- within me- was life happier or unhap- women who cannot return home due tor of the second, ready to answer ques- pier back then, when times were harder, to their illegal immigrant statuses. Filmed tions, added to the feel of something when a harvest could fail at the hand of in Ananuri, a riverside village outside special and unique. God (ie, a landslide or unexpected snow- Tbilisi, ‘Felicita’ tells of one such woman, The monthly Cine Club, organized by fall), when children started work at the whose husband has died in a car crash, Nonna Sagaan Gubler and Tobi Walsh, age of two, collecting nettles for the leaving behind three young children. FOR SALE: BMW – 321 model hosted the screening of two thought- community soup, when the men had to As she cannot leave her post in Italy as Date of issue 1936 provoking mini-fi lms. The fi rst, a black- leave the village for an entire season to a babysitter, instead she calls him to PRICE 10.000 USD and-white silent fi lm (overlaid with a cut and sell wood because the harvest mourn his death in loud and at times strange composition of spacy 1980s had failed? Times were certainly tough- both amusing and upsetting terms via instrumental) was called ‘Buba.’ It was but communities worked together, mobile and loudspeaker while the directed by the fi rst female director in respected one another; worked for the straight-faced villagers look on. As I the Soviet Union, Nutsa Gogoberidze common good. Children were worked understand Georgian, I could see a lot who, following this and a second – fea- hard by their elders, knowing only the of detail was lost in the simple English ture – fi lm, was named an ‘enemy of the land, perhaps receiving little or no school- subtitles. Otherwise, I found the fi lm people’ and sent to the wastes of a Sibe- ing. But I can’t help but compare their poignant- a sad reality presented in an rian prison for 10 years. Her fi lms were healthy strong sun-kissed bodies and almost banal way. banned and buried in the Moscow smiles to those drawn pale faces with This was my fi rst visit to a Cine Club archives. ‘Buba’ was found by chance eyes glued to screens we so commonly screening. I’ll defi nitely be going again two years ago by her daughter, Lana see these days. Whatever a modern audi- to enjoy this powerful window into the Gogoberidze who, upon retrieving it, ence may think of the lifestyles portrayed past and present reality of the wonder- CONTACT PERSON 557 12 38 90 began a world tour showing the fi lm to by Gogoberidze in her masterful docu- ful country in which I live. The 2nd International Festival of Literature Starts in Tbilisi

and literature in general. “This is not a to many foreign writers accepting with BY EKA KARSAULIDZE simple communication between the great interest the invitation to Tbilisi reader and the book, the author is also this year. “First of all, our Festival aims here and helps to bring the story to life, to familiarize readers with new modern he success of the fi rst Tbi- even give it quite a different content,” authors. For example, Ukrainian writer lisi International Festival said the Festival organizers. Serhiy Zhadan was a true eye-opener of Literature (TIFT) gave Based on readers’ wishes, TIFL invited for the Georgians last year. And today impetus to continue this popular and interesting writers for we are happy to host his great friend, annual meeting of Geor- Georgians, such as a well-known Israeli poet and translator Yuri Andrukhovych,” giansT with modern foreign literature. writer, screenwriter and playwright, said Shota Iatashvili, consultant of the This time, the festival brought together Etgar Keret, whose second book was Festival. 19 poets, prose writers and translators recently published in the Georgian lan- TIFL pays attention to its discussion from 16 countries, as well as 16 local guage, as well as the Australian author panel and holds a traditional Caucasian writers. The festival started on May 16 Peter Warren Finlay (DBC Pierre) who Evening with representatives of Geor- and will last until May 21. won the Man Booker Prize in 2003. Just gia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. This year, Literature discussions, poetry jams, for the Festival a new edition of the this featured Lela Samniashvili, Hasmik books presentations, workshops for stu- author’s book was released, as the pre- Simonian and Seymur Baycan. The Fes- dents, poetry evenings, photo exhibitions, vious had sold out. tival plans to host a discussion about fi lm screenings and many other events In addition, the organizers said that Soviet Inheritance in Post-Soviet Lit- allow readers to take a fresh look at books the fi rst Festival was successful, leading erature with Yurii Andrukhovych (Ukraine), Dmitry Bykov (Russia), Sey- mur Baycan (Azerbaijan) and Levan Berdzenishvili (Georgia). “The USSR no longer exists but it will be interesting to understand how that time’s tradition still affects the work of writers,” said Davit Gabunia, one of the Festival’s organizers. In addition, the TIFL intends to raise the important social issue of women’s rights and to talk about the role of female writers. At the same time, young read- ers will get to know the works of Shake- speare, whose 400th anniversary is being celebrated around the world. “We are pleased to know that the Fes- tival is becoming more important for people. That gives us confi dence that it will be successful in future. We’ve already started to work on the program Shota Iatashvili, Kristian Carlsson and Davit Gerasime Gabunia speaking at the Tbilisi for 2017,” said the organizers. International Festival of Literature 2016 GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE MAY 20 - 23, 2016

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER GEORGIAN STATE CINEMA OUR KIND OF TRAITOR Georgian National Museum week PANTOMIME THEATER Directed by Susanna White dedicated to International Museum GABRIADZE THEATER Address: 37 Rustaveli Ave. AMIRANI CINEMA Genre: Thriller Day. Address: 13 Shavtelis St. Telephone: 2 99 63 14 Address: 36 Kostava St. Cast: Ewan McGregor, Damian IOSEB GRISHASHVILI TBILISI Telephone: 2 98 65 93 Telephone: 2 99 99 55 Lewis, Stellan Skarsgård HISTORY MUSEUM - May 24 www.kinoafi sha.ge Language: Russian Start time: 14:30, 19:30, 22:20 KARVASLA May 21 SONNETS Address: 8 Sioni St. Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 Lari Ticket price: 9-16 Lari RAMONA William Shakespeare Telephone: 2 98 22 81 Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Directed by Davit Shalikashvili May 20-26 MUSEUM English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 May 21 Start time: 20:00 Ticket price: 15 Lari NIGHT OF THE MUSEUMS CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR GEORGIAN NATIONAL Ticket price: 10, 15 Lari MUSEUM Directed by Anthony Russo, TRAVELLING IN THE TBILISIAN TBILISI VASO ABASHIDZE SIMON JANASHIA MUSEUM HISTORIES AND EAST May 26 Joe Russo MUSIC AND DRAMA STATE Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. Pariticipants: Giorgi Lobjanidze, THE AUTUMN OF MY SPRINGTIME Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi THEATER Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 Manana Dumbadze, Nomad Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Cast: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Address: 182 D.Agmashenebeli Ave. www.museum.ge Bartaia, Zezva Medulashvili, English Subtitles Jr., Scarlett Johansson Telephone: 2 34 80 90 Language: Russian Maia Tsetskhladze, Mamuka Start time: 20:00 PERMANENT EXHIBITION: www.musictheatre.ge Start time: 17:00 Tsetskhladze, Lia Shvelidze, Oleg Ticket price: 10, 15 Lari GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY Ticket price: 12-13 Lari Timchenko, Vakho Bugadze and FROM 8TH MILLENNIUM B.C. others. GRIBOEDOVI THEATER May 20 TO 4TH CENTURY A.D Start time: 21:00 Address: 2 Rustaveli Ave. CARMEN X-MEN: APOCALYPSE Directed by Bryan Singer Free Entry Telephone: 2 93 43 36 Directed by Konstantin Purtseladze THE CAUCASUS NATURAL Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy Language: Georgian HISTORY MUSEUM Cast: James McAvoy, Michael GALLERY May 21, 22 Musical COLLECTION RENEWED Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence FROZEN IMAGES Start time: 19:00 EXHIBITION Language: English THE NATIONAL GALLERY Directed by Jari Juutinen Ticket price: From 8 Lari Start time: 19:10 Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. Language: Russian EXHIBITION OF GEORGIAN Language: Russian www.museum.ge Start time: 18:00 WEAPONRY May 22 Start time: 14:00, 16:00, 19:10, 19:15, 22:15 Ticket price: 5 Lari NUMISMATIC TREASURY MACBETH Ticket price: 9-16 Lari The exhibition showcases a long PERMANENT EXHIBITION William Shakespeare Niko Pirosmanashvili, David MOVEMENT THEATER history of money circulation on the Directed by Davit Doiashvili A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING Kakabadze, Lado Gudiashvili and Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., territory of modern Georgia from Language: Georgian Directed by Tom Tykwer sculptor Iakob Nikoladze Mushthaid park the 6th century BC. to 1834. Genre: Comedy, Drama Telephone: 599 555 260 Musical Start time: 19:00 Cast: Tom Hanks, Alexander Black, MUSEUM OF SOVIET May 17 – June 22 Sarita Choudhury May 20, 21 Ticket price: From 8 Lari OCCUPATION KETEVAN MAGALASHVILI – 120 Language: Russian Address: 3 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. Exhibition is dedicated to the PERFORMANCE Start time: 22:05 MATRIARCHY May 22 120th anniversary of Ketevan Ticket price: 15-16 Lari PERMANENT EXHIBITION Directed by Kakha Bakuradze DIVORCE Magalashvili - remarkable Here, visitors can enjoy the State’s Start time: 21:00 Giorgi Eristavi representative of Georgian art. RUSTAVELI CINEMA personal fi les of “subversive” Ticket price: 15 Lari Directed by Davit Doiashvili Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. Georgian public fi gures, orders to MUSIC Language: Georgian Telephone: 2 55 50 00 shoot or exile, and other artifacts May 22 Musical www.kinoafi sha.ge representing Soviet-era cultural ABRACADABRA MOVEMENT THEATER Start time: 19:00 and political repression in Georgia. Directed by Ioseb Bakuradze Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., Ticket price: From 8 Lari Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 Lari The exhibition hall is equipped Artist: Kakha Bakuradze Mushthaid park with monitors where visitors can Cast: Irakli Saralidze, Salome Telephone: 599 555 260 TBILISI NODAR DUMBADZE May 20-26 watch documentaries of various Kavtaradze, Ucha Mjavia, STATE CENTRAL CHILDREN’S X-MEN: APOCALYPSE historical events. Ioseb Bakuradze (Info Above) May 21 THEATER One-act illusion Language: Russian HULEMENT Address: 99/1 Agmashenebeli Ave. SHALVA AMIRANASHVILI Start time: 14:00 Start time: 13:30, 16:30, 19:30, 22:35 MUSEUM OF ART #ForGirshel Telephone: 2 95 39 27 Ticket price: From 10 Lari Ticket price: 9-16 Lari Address: 1 Lado Gudiashvili St. Music Video Debut and Live Telephone: 2 99 99 09 Concert May 22 May 20 CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR www.museum.ge Start time: 21:30 RECITATIVE IN THE CITY KOLOBOK (Info Above) Ticket price: 10 Lari Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Directed by Anatoli Lobov Language: Russian May 18 – July 18 Start time: 21:00 Start time: 12:00 Start time: 14:05, 22:35 AVANT-GARDE 1900-1937 May 24, 26 Free Entry Ticket price: 7, 10 Lari Ticket price: 9-16 Lari The exhibition is opened within the JAM SESSION WITH RESO KIKNADZE QUINTET Start time: 21:00 Free Entry

May 25 TANGO MILONGA Start time: 20:00 Tango Lesson: 5 Lari

BUDDHA BAR Address: Rike Park Telephone: 557 99 92 22

May 20 FRANCK ROGER (GOGI DZODZUASHVILI) Start time: 22:00 Ticket price: 50 Lari

CLUB 33A Address: Vake Park Telephone: 577 44 33 13, 577 47 98 89

May 21 REGGAEON New Project Presentation Concert Start time: 21:00 Ticket price: 10 Lari

LOLITA Address: 7 Chovelidze Str. Telephone: 2 02 02 99

May 20 YOUNG GEORGIAN LOLITAZ Concert Start time: 21:00 GEORGIA TODAY MAY 20 - 23, 2016 CULTURE 15 Fire Walk with Me: Olaf Nicolai Work on Show in Tbilisi

that have been waved in this part of BY MJ RIQUELME DEL VALLE the city. The location was chosen by Nikolai because the now Rose Revolu- tion Square was built by Soviet offi cials t’s up to the viewer how to read to receive marching crowds during Olaf Nicolai’s circular neon parades. installation at the Café Iveria in But there is also a time dimension to Rose Revolution Square. Nicolai’s work in Tbilisi: the inaugura- Nicolai’s creations can be seen tion date, 17th of May. The wall paint- Iin New York’s Museum of Modern Art ing alludes to the rainbow fl ag that is Merab Oniani, art therapist at The Center of Psychological Aid. Photo: Giorgi Pridonashvili/GT and the Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid typically waved in demonstrations in and for the next three months, passers- support of the LGBT community, to by will be able to enjoy his work in this day a sadly controversial issue. Tbilisi, too. Nicolai’s brother, Alva Noto, is another His installation is presented here by artist invited by the SOU Festival. The the SOU (Stream Of Unconsciousness) works of prominent contemporary Festival (featuring contemporary music musicians and artists will be presented Art-Therapy: Cured and visual arts) and by the Popiashvili from the 18th to 28th May. Gvaberidze Window Project, which After Nicolai, the Popiashvili Gva- aims at changing how contemporary beridze Window Project aims to bring art is perceived by opening the venues the works of other renowned interna- where it is shown. tional artists to Tbilisi. “Our project wants to take art out of the galleries and bring it to the streets” by Creativity Irena Popiashvili told GEORGIA TODAY. Nicolai’s works refl ect his interests unconscious traumatic feelings. It is have a person with infantilism and a lack in a wide ranging series of topics: pol- BY MAKA LOMADZE based on mobilizing creative potential, of sense of responsibility. This may lead itics, contemporary culture, architec- self-control and inner mechanisms of to unhealthy escapes from reality – to ture, natural science, and more. curing. Art-therapy provokes positive drug-addiction, alcoholism, etc. For each In his installation at the Café Iveria, rt-therapy is no new thing emotions and helps a patient to over- and every person, psychological knowl- his interest in politics is subtlety and yet it is little heard of come apathy and return to an active edge is very important. Education is vital refl ected by the striped wall behind in Georgia. Through art, mode of life, which leads to further and will help us solve such problems. the neon sign. The iris painting tech- people who are talented or development of one’s own intellectual, nique used - the borderline between not can gain insight into emotional and personal traits. Art-ther- DO YOU RECEIVE FOREIGNERS stripes of color undefi ned, and colors Atheir own unconscious world. The Center apy is knowledge about oneself, a safe AT THE CENTER? melting into each other where they of Psychological Aid under the Georgian means to free oneself from tension. It is Yes. There are cases when patients come meet, as in a rainbow – was often used Patriarchate has existed for 15 years now. a kind of service for people to get in from neighboring countries. We receive in political fl yers in the 1960s and 70s. Art-therapy is the mainstream, but they touch with themselves and others, fi nd- representatives of all confessions. The The neon sign text harkens back to also apply to different schools of psy- ing an honorable life and combating language of our communication is Rus- David Lynch’s Twin Peaks. Fire Walk chology, trying to help a person in every narrow-minded visions that bring about sian. However, in case of English-speak- with Me, a TV series turned fi lm. possible way. GEORGIA TODAY talked illness. Participation in the creative pro- ing patients, we would happily try to Together with the striped background, to Merab Oniani, one of the beginners cess gives individuals extra strength to fi nd an interpreter. it aims to resemble a fl ag, like the many of this trend in Georgia. solve internal and external confl icts, as “My colleague and I studied the Ger- creative experience boosts new personal man school of art-therapy. Art is very skills. interesting as it gives us a chance to see a lot about a person’s traits and as such THE CENTER WAS CREATED BY it is very informative. This technique THE CATHOLICOS-PATRIARCH. enables one to raise adaptive skills and DOES THIS MEAN THAT YOU change behavior stereotypes. We basi- ALSO USE THEOLOGY? cally follow Erikson and Virginia Satir. Yes. My second profession is theology. “It is often hard to verbalize problems, One of our main directions is a psycho- and the fi rst move towards art as an therapy based on spirituality. This is answer to this came when 19th century most commonly applied when we deal doctors observed Tuberculosis patients with drug-addicts. who preferred to paint rather than talk. When patients were overloaded with WHAT ARE THE emotion, they tried to express it on can- MAIN PROBLEMS IN vas. By the 1920s the art-therapy direc- GEORGIAN SOCIETY? tion was already being implemented in We are dealing with a wide spectrum of all large clinics throughout the US and problems, such as neurosis, phobias, Europe, and it had very good results.” family therapy, alcoholism, etc. The problems are increasing and the number HOW DO YOU GUESS of people coming to us is higher. This is THE NATURAL STATE OF A probably stipulated by a stressful envi- PERSON’S INNER BEING? ronment, social background and negative Based on the knowledge of symbols and news. A typical Georgian problem is too the nature of colors and lines a person much attachment between mothers and uses, we can tell a lot about their inner children to such extent that people state. However, this is not everything. become independent very late in life. Art helps people to start talking, which Abroad, adolescents normally leave the is the real key to therapy. Art is only a family and start living separately younger, means. Art-therapy itself is wider and which is paramount to becoming an implies the use of all creative skills – independent person. This is again attrib- music, bibliotherapy, drama-therapy, uted to hyper-parental care, which is the dancing. Our aim is to free a person from same as lack of care, as in both cases we

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