Georgian President Slammed for Supporting Possible Visit of Russian Delegation

Issue no: 1223 • JAN. 31 - FEB. 3 , 2020 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... FOCUS Police Find British Traveler's ON CORONAVIRUS Stolen Bicycle 7700+ infected in 17 countries and 170 dead. We ask- is Georgia ready? PAGE 3

NEWS PAGE 2 Atlantic Council's Kalensky on the EU, Russia & the Disinformation Campaign POLITICS PAGE 4 The US’ Strategic Intent in Georgia Image source: moh.gov.ge POLITICS PAGE 5 Georgian President Slammed for Supporting International Maritime Group: Investing in Possible Visit of Russian Delegation Georgia’s Maritime Future BUSINESS PAGE 8 BY TEA MARIAMIDZE Space Constraints: Etseri, he Georgian opposition and non- governmental sector assessed the Svaneti statement of President Salome SOCIETY PAGE 9 Zurabishvili as “incompetent,” “shameful” and “totally unaccep- table”T when she suggested she would support Paul Kalkbrenner to Perform a possible Tbilisi visit from a Russian delegation. in Georgia The controversy started on Wednesday after the President delivered a speech at the Parlia- CULTURE PAGE 11 mentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), saying despite the Law on Occupied Territories of Georgia, her country will host the The New Nutcracker Russian Federation delegation at the CoE Min- isterial to be held in Tbilisi in May 2020. During her speech on January 29, Zurabishvili explained that while Georgia does not like the declared policy of the Russian authorities, it Image source: publica.ge respects its international obligations and we will accept [all delegations of] the Parliamentary cized by the opposition. Gigi Ugulava, one of gey Lavrov, will have a very bad impact on Geor- Assembly because we respect the regulations the leaders of the European Georgia party, said gia. He added that if the Russian delegation and the principles of the organization, Zurabish- that Zurabishvili has “become a traitor to her enters Georgia, it will be followed by large-scale vili said. own country” and that the visit of the Russian protests countrywide. The President’s comments were harshly criti- delegation, including the Foreign Minister Ser- Continued on page 2 CULTURE PAGE 11 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 3, 2020 Police Find British Traveler's Stolen Bicycle stolen near his home in Tbilisi. As the for their support, noting that he already BY ANA DUMBADZE owner said, a helmet and two bags were knows what Georgian hospitality really attached to the bike. Upon receiving the means. notiﬁ cation, the police responded imme- “Hey everyone! I got my bike back!!!" he employees of the Min- diately and an investigation was launched he wrote on Facebook, in the group istry of Internal Affairs of under Article 177 of the Criminal Code 'Spend Your Summer in Georgia'. Georgia have found the of Georgia. Police, as a result of search "I just wanted to say a HUGE thank stolen bicycle of British and investigation activities, found the you to each and every one of you beau- traveler Rowan Campbell British traveler's bicycle on Tsotne tiful people who helped me. From the Tand have returned it to its rightful owner. Dadiani Street in Tbilisi and returned messages of support to the generous Campbell, who is traveling from Sin- the vehicle to its rightful owner. The offers to buy me a new one to just mak- The traveler received various gifts, includ- private sector. A new bicycle from bikes. gapore to the UK, had his bike stolen in investigation continues under Article ing my case more well known. The last ing a new bicycle, as compensation from ge; two nights and traditional Georgian Georgia's capital. 177 for a fact of theft which caused sig- 72 hours have been incredibly emotional. ordinary citizens and private sector rep- dinner at the Hotel Best Western Gudauri; “On January 25, we were informed that niﬁ cant damage,” reports the Ministry I now know what GEORGIAN hospital- resentatives, who took the case to heart. and two nights at Hostel Fabrika,” Head a bicycle belonging to British citizen of Internal Affairs of Georgia (MIA). ity is! If you see me out and about, don't “This is Georgian hospitality! Our Brit- of the National Tourism Administration, Rowan Campbell, a temporary resident After getting his bike back, Campbell hesitate to come up to me, I would like ish guest, Rowan Campbell, has received Mariam Kvrivishvili, wrote in social of Brothers Zubalashvili Street, had been publicly expressed gratitude to everyone to thank you personally." many gifts from our citizens and the media. Georgian President Slammed for Supporting Possible Visit of Russian Delegation

Continued from page 1 during the clashes. is not exercised within the framework and not as an individual state, so in this it is a fact that Russia has regained its “Granting permission for Sergei Lavrov clearly defi ned by the law. Disregard of case preventing the Russian delegation membership of the Council of Europe. “We cannot block the borders and pre- to come will be a reaffi rmation of the the legislation by a high-rank offi cial entering Georgia might negatively affect No-one will be able to violate the Geor- vent the Russian delegation from making Georgian authorities' obedience to Rus- serves as a message to both the interna- the country’s image on the international gian legislation, the time will come and a visit, but everyone, including the Rus- sia and an insult to the souls of dead tional and Georgian society that the law arena. everything will be done in accordance sians themselves, should know that in Georgian warriors who were protecting is a formality and the offi cials themselves “This is an extremely complicated with that legislation,” the PM stated. Georgia they will only get an aggressive their country in the 2008 Russia-Georgia decide when it can be violated,” the topic...Not allowing Lavrov to enter Georgia will host the 130th meeting of and unfriendly welcome,” he said. war,” Gotsiridze stated. statement reads. Georgia can anger our European part- the Committee of Ministers of the Coun- Member of the United National Move- NGOs released a joint statement which Expert Nika Chitadze says that given ners, who protect us from Lavrov, and cil of Europe on May 14-15. It is not yet ment Roman Gotsiridze claims that the reads that making statements in favor the fact that Georgia holds the Council those who reinforce our non-recognition known whether Russian Foreign Minis- Georgian President’s statement was of the aggressor country’s delegation are of Europe's presidency at this stage, policy,” he said. Although he said he ter Sergey Lavrov plans to come to Geor- “irresponsible.” He believes that if a “alarming and contradictory to the state’s Zurabishvili expressed her readiness to recognized that it is a matter of dignity gia to attend the event and what the Russian delegation does visit, there will national interests.” receive the Russian delegation within for Georgia not to let the occupant coun- composition of the Russian delegation be a massive public outcry which will The organizations explain that the Law this format, but he agreed it raised a lot try’s representatives in, he underlined will be. According to the Law of Georgia cause even more of a stir than last sum- of Georgia on Occupied Territories of questions because Russia recognizes that it would ultimately endanger Geor- on Occupied Territories, foreign citizens mer, when a Russian delegation came strictly defi nes that foreign citizens are Georgia’s occupied Abkhazia and South gia’s image not to do so. are allowed to enter the occupied ter- to attend a session of the Inter-Parlia- allowed to enter the occupied territories Ossetia as independent states. The government’s position on the topic ritories only from Zugdidi municipality mentary Assembly on Orthodoxy in only through Georgia, adding the mem- “I assess the President’s statements has yet to be clarifi ed. However, Geor- to Abkhazia and Gori municipality to June. The visit was followed by large- bers of the Russian delegation, and Lav- negatively. It is a shame that she made gian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia Tskhinvali region. Accordingly, members scale protests which were ultimately rov himself, have reportedly violated such irresponsible comments regarding said that such decisions are to be made of the Russian delegation, who visited dispersed by riot police with the use of this law many times. such a sensitive topic,” the expert said. in accordance with Georgian legislation. breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia tear gas, rubber bullets and water can- “The President's statement contradicts Former President of Georgia Giorgi "No-one can override the Georgian by violating this rule, are subject to the non. 240 individuals, including 32 jour- the principle of a rule of law. The idea Margvelashvili noted that Georgia is to legislation. Georgia is the President of Georgian Criminal Code if they come nalists and 80 law enforcers, were injured of a legal state is useless if the state power host the event as a CoE chair country the Council of Europe, and unfortunately, to Tbilisi in May. GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 3, 2020 NEWS 3 Coronavirus Updates

Image source: The Hill with the latest on georgiatoday.ge]. BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE Dr Michael Ryan, Executive Director, WHO Health Emergencies Program, stated that "the whole world needs to be on alert" to fi ght the coronavirus, the long with Ebola and Zika, the world BBC reported. He also praised China's response has faced many outbreaks of danger- to the deadly outbreak, saying: "the challenge is ous viruses in the past fi ve years, and great but the response has been massive." the end of 2019 and beginning of 2020 Dr Ryan reported on Wednesday that an interna- took a less-than-festive turn when a tional team of experts is being assembled to go to Anew mysterious virus emerged in the region of China and learn more about how the disease is Wuhan, China. The coronavirus, also known as transmitted, while working next to the experts 2019-nCoV, has now spread to all regions of China, there. and has reached 17 countries beyond, among them Scientists worldwide, from the United States to Thailand, France, the US and Australia, according Australia, are working on creating a treatment. to the most recent reports. Australian scientists have managed to recreate the The BBC presented the kickoff of the coronavirus new coronavirus outside of China, raising hopes spread as follows: that it could be used to develop an early-diagnosis 31 December 2019 - China alerts the World Health test. Organization (WHO) about a spate of pneumonia- With Tibet confi rming its fi rst Coronavirus case, like cases in Wuhan; the disease has offi cially touched every region in 1 January 2020 - The seafood/animal market China. All but 68 of the 7,711 infection cases have believed to be at the center of the outbreak is closed; been in mainland China. 1,737 new cases were 9 January - WHO says the infection is caused by recorded in the past 24 hours for a total of 7,711 a new type of coronavirus; worldwide, according to Chinese offi cials and the 10 January - China shares the genetic code of the World Health Organization. The real number is new virus; likely to be higher. Most of the recent deaths, 37, 11 January - Scientists start working on a vaccine, occurred in Hubei Province, the center of the out- as the fi rst death is confi rmed; break. Deaths so far, none of which have been The virus spreads - Virus spreads abroad for the reported as having occurred outside of China, are fi rst time, with a case in Thailand. said to have come to the elderly or those with pre- Many things can change in a day. In Tuesday’s existing illnesses affecting their immunity. edition of GT Business, we reported 100 deaths Countries are taking the necessary measures to caused by the new coronavirus. By Wednesday, it guarantee the health of their citizens. The USA, had hit 130 in China and up to 6000 infected. Early for one, has evacuated 200 citizens from China, morning on the day of going to print, we have heard landing them in a California military base to be that the death toll stands at 170 and the number of monitored for at least a few days. Australia plans people infected with 2019-nCoV amounts to over to do the same, except Australians coming from 7700. Chinese territories will be evacuated to Christmas China now has more cases of the coronavirus than Island to be isolated for two weeks. it had of SARS, its last worrying viral outbreak. Passenger-checks in Georgian airports started SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, which last week and on January 29, Georgia temporarily hit China in 2002-2003, ultimately killed 774 people stopped direct fl ights with China. At Thursday’s in 17 countries. The Chinese authorities were severely government meeting, the Prime Minister of Geor- criticized for their feeble response to the epidemic. gia, Giorgi Gakharia, commented on the possibili- But comparing the two viruses is not so easy. ties of the virus spreading to Georgia. According to current data, the new coronavirus “If the new coronavirus is detected in Georgia, is less likely to result in deaths than SARS, which our healthcare system is fully prepared to respond killed 1 in 10 infected patients. However, experts to it,” he said. are concerned with new evidence that the corona- He then called on the relevant agencies to coor- virus can be transmitted before a person shows dinate actions with the Ministry of Health in terms any signs of illness, rendering it possible that the of taking preventive measures against the coronavirus spreads seamlessly throughout the world to virus. reach the most vulnerable people- ultimately result- "I would like to emphasize the effective moves ing in even more deaths. made by the Ministry of Health against the coro- The World Health Organization met on January navirus. First, we decided to suspend direct fl ights 30 to discuss whether the alarmingly fast-spreading with the People's Republic of China, and this was virus in fact presents a global health emergency. the most effective step we could take. However, At its previous meeting, WHO had said it was too the healthcare system is fully prepared to effec- soon to declare the virus a global risk. Dr. Tedros tively respond to this challenge if such a virus is Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, detected in Georgia," Gakharia noted. has since stated that WHO "deeply regrets" refer- To date, cases of coronavirus have been reported ring to the worldwide risk from the virus as "mod- in 17 countries worldwide: China (including Hong erate" in three reports last week instead of "high". Kong and Macau), Taiwan, Australia, Cambodia, He particularly described the person-to-person Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, spread of the illness in Germany, Vietnam and Japan Sri Lanka, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, USA, as worrying. Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates. Cases The results of the WHO meeting are scheduled recorded in Taiwan, Germany, Vietnam and Japan to be published for the public shortly [keep updated involved patients who had not been to China. GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 3, 2020 Atlantic Council's Kalensky on the EU, Russia & the Disinformation Campaign

INTERVIEW BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE FOR GISP

r Jakub Kalensky, a Sen- ior Fellow at the Atlan- tic Council's Digital Very often, the lie Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) based in the is more appealing CzechM Republic, wrote a testimony for the US House Foreign Affairs Subcom- than the truth mittee on Europe, in which the fi rst Brexit along, and I think they will be important point he makes is that the very happy with how it is developing. hybrid warfare intensifi ed after the Have a look at Italy where the Russians Maidan events, although the information tried to meddle information-wise in the warfare had likely been around for cen- 2016 constitution referendum and then turies. The testimony, however, failed to in the 2018 parliamentary elections. The mention Georgia, particularly the 2008 Russians did basically anything they war. The Georgian Institute for Security could in Italy and what was the reaction? Policy (GISP) met him to ask if this was Where is the red line? Very good ques- a sign that Russia was successfully sell- tion, I don't have the answer. ing the world its narrative. “What I mentioned there is that this WHY ARE THE KREMLIN’S FAKE on-going, daily disinformation campaign NEWS TACTICS SO PERSUASIVE? began with the Maidan events, but I also WHAT MAKES THE KREMLIN'S said that there have been some isolated SPEECH SO POWERFUL AND incidents before,” Kalensky told us. “I SO HARD TO RESIST? would defi nitely say that the 2008 war Very often, the lie is more appealing than in Georgia was one of these incidents the truth. Sometimes the lie is simply and they defi nitely tried to spread lies, sexier. Garry Kasparov says that disin- but from what you read in reports, arti- formation has a comparative advantage cles or studies, it looks like Russian to the truth because the truth is only leadership evaluated this information one, whereas there are hundreds of ways operation not entirely successful. But to lie about it. So this is one of the advan- yes, if there are Westerners saying that tages for the liar. You can have much Georgia was the aggressor then obvi- more benefi t for lower cost. You need ously that's a victory for Russian propa- to simply fi nd people who want to believe ganda”. the lies because they do not want to blame themselves for their miserable DO YOU THINK THE lives and they want someone else to WEST REALIZED THAT IT blame- “it's not my fault that I'm jobless IS TAKING PART IN AN and that I can't speak any other foreign INFORMATION WAR? language”. You would still fi nd the peo- That's actually a question I keep asking ple who are nostalgic for the soviet times. myself. I think we have to understand You could fi nd such people in the EU, the fact that whereas the Russians under- probably around the communist parties, stand that they are in an information war but then you could fi nd people who are with the West, the West or most of the ideologically aligned to Russia because West doesn't understand it. Europe still it's defending traditional values. likes to play chess with the Kremlin, while the Kremlin is already punching WHAT ABOUT THE them in the face. Obviously you can pre- PUTINVERSTEHER tend we are still playing chess because PHENOMENON IN EUROPE? IS Image source: respekt.cz we are gentlemen and we do not punch IT THE MAN’S CHARISMA? THE countering disinformation, trying to so adamant on. I worked so hard; I wanted our partner, but if the other one is punch- “IDEALS” HE STANDS FOR? connect the experts and journalists in to be in the European Union for so long; ing you, it's going to have only one rather Many people think Putin is a strong Europe working on this topic. We were I made so many reforms; and I see coun- violent outcome. leader and you can't deny that if you simply trying to collect and give more tries in there that haven't made so many don't mind the fact he is a dictator and exposure to all that these organizations reforms, which are lower on the democ- IS THE WEST RELUCTANT mass murderer, a kleptocrat who has had found. If we could connect fi fty, sixty racy index, lower on the corruption TO SEE THE GRAVITY stolen the country from Russians, then cases of disinformation per week, we index. And yet you imposed on me these OF THE SITUATION? yes, he is a strong leader, but I believe could already see a trend: that this week seven stages of accession that might We do not have On meeting a European counterpart, a that he would run the country more they’re focusing more on Syria, that week delay my membership indefi nitely. How Russian will not openly state “we are in effectively if he had no opposition and they’re focusing on MH 17. So in the do you sell that idea? a Putin problem, an information war.” I don't think the journalists covering him. People are beginning it was really connecting peo- “I don't want to sell it to you because West has perceived this message and I attracted to strong people: this is human ple who were willing to help us for free I don't want to defend them,” Kalensky we have a Russia don't think the West would draw any nature. It might be that some people just because of the cause, and that's answers. “I think the position is inde- consequences from it. The wording of really believe the nonsense that he’s where I spent most of the time- fi nding fensible. Real strategic communication problem the European Union does not use words protecting their traditional values. You these people. actually infl uences the political decisions. IN RUSSIA IS TIED TO PUTIN like information war or information would see some still thinking about Rus- If you can't communicate the decision, BUT WHEN PUTIN IS GONE confl ict. The West clearly doesn’t see sia as this great literature and ballet ONE OF THE MAIN TOOLS TO it's probably a very bad decision, right? THE SITUATION MIGHT GET itself in a confl ict with Russia, whereas somewhere in the 19th century. But I’m COMBAT DISINFORMATION IS People at Stratcom might be forced to BETTER. WE JUST HAVE TO Russia does. This is an asymmetrical not a hundred percent sure that Gogol RAISING THE AWARENESS OF communicate this and I don't envy them. WAIT. WHAT DO YOU THINK? relationship and that is actually a hor- would agree with Russian activities in THE GENERAL POPULATION. I wouldn't want to communicate it I am afraid this is too optimistic. We do rible part of this situation. The cost is Ukraine. HOW ARE THINGS FARING because I think it’s one of the worst mes- not have a Putin problem, we have a being paid by Ukrainians and Georgians, ON THAT FRONT? sages the EU could assign its Eastern Russia problem. Putin is actually very and this confl ict is costing these coun- WHAT IS STOPPING THE EU The direction is right, but the movement and Southern neighbours and I cannot consistent, he acts like a typical tsar, he tries their territories. What price does FROM TAKING ACTION? YOU should be faster. You can see that more imagine how disappointed these nations behaves like typical communist parties. the West pay? Well you can say that Rus- USED TO WORK FOR THE EAST people are acknowledging that this is a must be.” But this new “Medvedev”? I think we sian efforts to divide Europe are being STRATCOM - DO THE SUITS IN problem; you can see more initiatives INTERVIEWER: Then there was this will hear how he is much more pro-West very successful. They try to meddle in BRUSSELS REALLY BELIEVE THAT starting in particular member states and NATO being “braindead” comment from and he is not like Putin at all, and in fi ve US affairs, they are even trying to help EAST STRATCOM, ONE SMALL this is truly important. I even mentioned French President Macron, followed by years we will have the same problem. If DEPARTMENT, CAN TACKLE that people in suits who speak English his recent statement that he doesn’t see you don't get out of Crimea, if you don't RUSSIAN DISINFORMATION? have very limited audiences. We have Russia as an enemy of NATO. Sell that get out of Ossetia and Abkhazia, there If I am not mistaken, East Stratcom was to have law collectors talking to pension- idea now to Georgians who wanted to is no difference. I am not sure whether created by the European Council, the ers, to people in the village, to local stu- be in NATO. We have sent the largest we will ever have political leaders who European heads of states themselves, dents, and these are not people from component to Afghanistan among all are strong enough. If Europe doesn't act not EU offi cials sitting with the heads Brussels: these are Georgians talking to NATO member countries. according to the situation, doesn't under- of states, in March 2015. Apparently, the Georgians and Czechs talking to Czechs. “I cannot. I wouldn't be able to explain stand that we are in a confl ict with Rus- The direction is EU has acknowledged they have a prob- So I am really happy to see that there it to Georgians, I wouldn't be able to sia, then no, Russia has no reason to lem; understood that something new are more and more of these initiatives. explain it to Ukrainians and North Mac- change. right, but moves had to be tried. I came to Brussels when The more local the reaction, the better edonians. I simply think this shouldn't this team was launched in Autumn 2015. and the more persuasive it will be. How- have happened. That is the only thing I against Some of the people who were in Brus- ever, I still say we need much more. can say.” sels said that one of the major turning INTERVIEWER: Here is a scenario for disinformation points was the MH 17 incident, which disinformation. Imagine I'm an Albanian A LARGE SEGMENT OF SOCIETY was actually mostly driven by Poles and and you explain to me the seven stages HERE IN GEORGIA THINKS should be faster the Baltic nations. I was responsible for of EU accession that France seems to be THAT WHAT WE SEE NOW GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 3, 2020 POLITICS 5 The US’ Strategic Intent in Georgia

OP-ED BY EMIL AVDALIANI

he US’ interests in the South Caucasus are as long-lasting as they are characteristic to other major powers such as Turkey, Russia and the Euro- peanT Union. There might have been vacillations in Washington’s position towards Georgia in past years or decades, but overall the American strategic thinking has remained intact. One of the geopolitical imperatives of the US since the breakup of the Soviet Union was to enable newly independent Georgia use its geographic position as a nodal point in the nascent South Cauca- sus energy and transport corridor. More- over, the effectiveness of the Georgian corridor would also underpin a bigger project, the Trans-Caspian Corridor (to consist of a pipeline, port-to-port contacts, etc.), which is still only an idea with some minor success, but could, under altered circumstances, become a geopolitical reality. This would inevitably increase Georgia’s independence vis-à-vis Russian transportation networks. This vision has proved to be successful and in the almost US congressmen encourage the US Trade Representative to launch negotiations of a bilateral trade agreement with Georgia, summer 2018. Image source: mfa.gov.ge 30 years that have passed since the end One of the important future tasks for various parties should be carried out. and the Caspian Sea. This also means that nomic developments. In other words, this of the Soviet Union, big steps have been the US is supporting the successful con- From the US perspective, the most pop- Ankara is averse to Russia strengthening help will be more fundamental for the made to limit Russia’s energy and infra- struction of the Anaklia Port, as the port’s ular parties in Georgia are in fact pro- its positions in the South Caucasus. Thus, US’ position in the South Caucasus over- structural presence in the country. location and size would increase not only western. This serves as a good basis for in broader terms, Turkey and Azerbaijan’s all. Though, for many, a determining factor Georgia’s transit capabilities but also the the composition of a long-term strategy. strategic interests over Georgia are more In retrospect, it can be argued that is the US military presence near Georgian implementation of the US strategy in An important pillar of the US policy in aligned than they at times might seem. Washington’s policy towards Georgia has borders or in the country itself, military Georgia: helping Tbilisi be less depend- the South Caucasus and Georgia in par- Another crucial sphere where the US not been changed since the end of the protection is not as long-lasting as it might ent on alternative transit routes. ticular would be Washington’s deeper could provide vital expertise and assis- Soviet Union. There were periods of low- always seem. Of a more tangible essence Despite Georgia’s being a geographi- cooperation with Turkey. Though the two tance is in the economy. Still, no long-term intensity cooperation, alternated by deep- have been the US aid programs to improve cally small country with limited military states have experienced some troubles stability for Georgia would be possible ening of bilateral relations, but overall Georgia’s infrastructure, which is tradi- and economic potential, still it is impor- in recent years, Ankara and Washington unless the country enjoys considerable the US strategic intent towards Georgia tionally hampered by diffi cult geography tant for the US to analyze the internal are still strategically aligned. It is in Tur- economic growth based on industrial and has remained the same: improving the (a factor which always limited Georgia’s political developments. As Georgia gears key’s utmost interest to uphold Georgia’s manufacturing capabilities. Georgia dearly infrastructure as a basis for the country’s political power and ability to control far- up for crucial parliamentary elections security, as the latter serves as the only lacks these elements, making the country strengthened sovereignty against external fl ung territories). this October, extensive cooperation with land link for Turkey to reach Azerbaijan vulnerable to regional political and eco- geopolitical odds. GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 3, 2020 East StratCom’s Ahonen on Explaining the EU to Georgians center in their village that actually allows job creation and showing EU support in INTERVIEW BY VAZHA them to apply for a passport without local cooperatives coming together, pro- TAVBERIDZE FOR GISP having to go to Tbilisi. So, showing very ducing something, getting new equip- practical things that they can see them- ment. selves. he Georgian Institute for THE RUSSIANS WOULD WASTE Security Policy (GISP) met IS THERE ENOUGH OF THAT NO TIME IN INFORMING Anneli Ahonen, Head of HAPPENING IN GEORGIA? THESE PEOPLE THAT "THE the European Union Exter- Not yet, but we are working on it. This EU STANDS AGAINST THEIR nal Action Service’s East is the most diffi cult and most expensive TRADITIONAL VALUES.” HOW TStratCom Taskforce, to talk about the form of communication: being there, CAN YOU COUNTER THIS? strategic communication challenges the talking to these people. I don’t mean EU I would aim to get them to believe that EU faces in Georgia and ways to over- people being there, but really the infor- actually the European Union is some- come them. mation being there where those people thing that could be valuable somehow can access it: in the newspaper they read, to their personal life in Georgia, that it LOOKING AT OUR REGION in their local village hall, in the local can help them in some way. The other IN GEORGIA, IN PARTICULAR church, in all of the places where they way is what we are doing with the Church, FROM BRUSSELS, WHAT go and communicate, this information explaining the more diffi cult concepts DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR must be there. Our challenge is getting of how we work, what it means to rebut MAIN CHALLENGES? the information there. Here’s the Esto- the myths of the other side. The challenge is that Georgia is tor- nian example: Take an elderly man in mented by the Kremlin’s disinformation Estonia- he listens to the radio, and HOW MUCH WILLINGNESS and that makes the problem much tougher believes that whatever the radio says is HAVE YOU SEEN FROM to tackle, and there is no easy solution. “true”. So we know that we have to be THE CHURCH? Our team was set up in 2015 and since on the radio, in programs he can relate A lot. We’ve been at it for three years then, we have been working together to. We just have to know where this per- now. We’ve had substantially better with local community leaders in coun- son is and how we can reach him. cooperation in terms of study, dialogue tries we are trying to assist. So, our team and youth projects. We have EU clubs will explain in Georgian, the language MANY AMONG OLDER in schools, but so much more needs to that the local community leaders under- GEORGIAN SOCIETY ARE BOTH be done. Nothing happens overnight. stand, in the ways that Georgian society RELIGIOUS AND CONSERVATIVE. The only key to successful communica- understands, what the EU is about, what Image source: twitter.com/EUvsDisinfo HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN tion is its consistency over the years. European integration means and what THE BENEFITS OF VOTING You have to do the same thing non-stop, the benefi ts are. MEMORIES OF SOVIET TIMES. ily or village. The only way to show this FOR PRO-WESTERN PARTIES year after year. HOW WOULD YOU EXPLAIN is how the EU has helped to create jobs TO PEOPLE LIKE THAT? ONE OF THE MORE VULNERABLE TO THEM THE BENEFITS OF or some kind of programs for whatever Well, I can say how I wouldn’t do it: I SEGMENTS OF SOCIETY, WHEN THE EU AND EUROPE? their interests are. There are projects wouldn’t go through the values which IT COMES TO DISINFORMATION, Well, the only way to sell the EU to them and programs working in the communi- are very distant for them and very dif- IS THE OLDER POPULATION, is to explain how their community has ties on different types of engagement fi cult to understand. I would use the ESPECIALLY IN RURAL AREAS, benefi ted from such things. What are with older people. We need to show tangible things that they recognize and MANY OF WHOM HAVE FOND the main benefi ts for them, for their fam- them that the EU has built a community which are somehow related to their life: Will Georgian Dream Let Lavrov Back in?

OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA

eorgian Dream (GD) is facing a new dilemma. This time, it is not the scandal- ous Gavrilov that is the reason, but another Sergey Gwith a much higher offi cial status. Instead of the MP from the Russian Duma, GD will have to deal with the Russian Min- ister of Foreign Affairs. What makes the situation even more diffi cult is that where on June 20, 2019, MP Sergey Gavrilov was invited by the Georgian Dream, Sergey Lavrov will likely be able to visit Tbilisi even without their invitation. The glass palace hasn’t decided yet if they should violate Georgian legislation and stick with the responsibility they’ve taken on internationally. Three months from now, around May 14-15, Georgia, as the Chair of Council of Europe’s (CoE) Committee of Ministers, will be hosting the 130th CoE Committee of Ministers in Tbilisi. The ministerial will consist of Foreign Affairs Ministers, among them a delegation from Russia and its fi xed head Sergey Lavrov. And this is where the main puzzle begins. Russian minister Lavrov has violated the Georgian ‘Law Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Source: AP on Occupied Territories of Georgia’ a into Vladika Kalantarian’s family and pied, it was Lavrov who coordinated the lomatic relations between Russia and rov’s visit to Tbilisi would take place number of times by travelling to the named Sergo. His father died when he issue, as he did the whole Russian policy Georgia were terminated. In the 12 years peacefully. The opposition claims quite occupied territories directly, not through was six, which is when he moved from with regards to the former Soviet coun- since, not one of Lavrov’s high-level offi - the contrary, saying that there is no place the lands controlled by Offi cial Tbilisi. Tbilisi to Moscow, where his mother tries. The war of 2008, as well as the cials has visited Georgia proper. The for Lavrov in Georgia. It is hard to tell Not only has he violated Georgian leg- started her second family. It is still phone discussions between Lavrov and visit and the speech of Gavrilov last June, whether the opposition will in fact be islation, but he is also regarded by many unknown where the future Minister of US State Secretary Condoleezza Rice in the framework of the Orthodox Forum, able do anything about it. as one of the main architects of the 2008 Foreign Affairs got his surname Lavrov, that went public, have somehow turned was met with thousands protesting out- While nothing is certain about the occupation. whether from his mother or stepfather, into the symbolic crown of Russian side Parliament and the ultimate resig- upcoming May events, the only thing Minister Lavrov, just like his predeces- since the Russian media is purposely imperialistic politics. To put it bluntly, nation of its head Irakli Kobakhidze. that is clear is that the ministerial that sors Yevgeny Primakov and Igor Ivanov quiet on the issue, especially about his Lavrov is the éminence grise and the Whether Lavrov’s visit will be followed was to have brought “bonus points” for was born in Georgia. Before his school Georgian roots. right hand of President Putin, and per- by any resignations will become known the Georgian Dream’s electoral campaign years, Lavrov lived in the Sololaki dis- And yet he has kept up his connection haps this is why his persona is such a in May. President Zurabishvili spoke and serve as a visible illustration of the trict of Tbilisi, in the house at the corner with Georgia in his political career, just headache to the Georgian Dream gov- from behind the CoE tribune about tak- party’s foreign affairs success has turned of Chaikovski and Iashvili streets. On as Primakov and Ivanov did. As early as ernment. ing on the responsibility of CoE chair- into a disaster that will be hard to over- March 21, 1950, the baby boy was born 1993, when Abkhazia was already occu- Following the 2008 August War, dip- manship, and gave guarantees that Lav- come. GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 3, 2020 POLITICS 7 Two More US Senators Write Critical Letters to the Georgian PM

protests that followed are a visible sign BY ANA DUMBADZE that there is dissatisfaction with this failure. The government's violent suppression of these protests is a violation of S Senators Jim Risch Georgians' democratic rights and of the (R-Idaho), Chairman of government's duty to protect its citizens. the Senate Foreign Rela- "In addition, the recent political target- tions Committee, and ing of opposition leaders through both Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), formal and informal methods is further Uranking member of the Subcommittee evidence of Georgia's democratic back- on Europe and Regional Security Coop- sliding. Reports that opposition leaders eration, sent a letter to Georgian Prime have been physically assaulted or har- Minister Giorgi Gakharia on January 29, assed by individuals linked to the ruling in which they expressed “concern over party are disconcerting. So too is the recent events that indicate a backsliding reopening of criminal cases against from Georgia’s commitment to building opposition fi gures that have been closed the institutions of their democracy.” for years. Politicians must be permitted “…In the 29 years since Georgia's inde- to exercise their right to speak freely, pendence from the Soviet Union, we have and Georgia's judicial system should not watched democracy take root, the econ- be used as a tool to limit this freedom. omy grow, civil society fl ourish, and gov- "Finally, we are particularly concerned ernance improve dramatically. Georgia's that the independence of Georgia's judi- commitment to a peaceful transition of cial system is being undermined by the power and consensus-based politics has appointment of 14 new Supreme Court sions within Georgia will only open the ter sent by four Congressmen, together course, everybody will use these letters been an impressive example in your justices for lifetime tenures before their door for increased Russian meddling in with a letter from Congressman Mullin in the political context, given the elec- region. We both observed the 2012 par- qualifi cations were fully evaluated, as the country and throughout the region. and a comment from Congressman Pete tion cycle," Gakharia said. liamentary elections and were impressed noted in the January 2020 Organization The longer these actions continue, the Olson, which mentioned the dispute He told journalists that all the letters with how Georgia had embraced these for Security and Co-operation in Europe more Georgia's security will be jeopard- between the Georgian Oil and Gas Cor- the administration received had been core tenets of democracy. For decades monitoring report. Installing political ized, and we may be forced to reevaluate poration and the US-based company immediately disclosed to the public and now, the United States has been eager to allies into the highest court, instead of our partnership. Frontera Resources. were not concealed. support Georgia as it developed. impartial judges with robust credentials, "An independent, democratic Georgia In response, the ruling party Georgian “Whatever tough questions emerge "However, we are increasingly concerned undermines the very democratic institu- has many international supporters, and Dream members' common position is between strategic partners, we are always by recent events that indicate a weaken- tions that have made Georgia the envy we are eager to continue to assist your that the US congressmen "are not prop- ready to sit down and talk about them. ing of Georgian democracy and govern- of the region. Mr. Ivanishvili's recent country. However, we are motivated to erly informed, and have one-sided infor- We are ready to do so both inside and ance. Two of the most pressing matters statement that many more protestors support Georgia's economic and politi- mation about recent developments in outside the country, whenever serious are Parliament's failure to uphold its will have to go to prison is a further cal development only as long as we can the country". They say they plan to questions are asked about Georgia's commitment to electoral reform and the troubling development. We hope it is rely on Georgia to be a stable, trustwor- inform them of their arguments regard- democratic development, foreign orien- government's violent suppression of not an indication that the Georgian gov- thy, and democratic partner in this effort. ing the open letters during regular meet- tation, strategic relations between coun- peaceful protests. We understand that ernment is willing to misuse the courts We sincerely hope that you will work ings scheduled for February. Chairman tries. Everyone understands that Geor- the promised electoral reform was and police for political gain. quickly to reverse this decline and fulfi ll of Parliament Archil Talakvadze stated gia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations and expected to give proportional represen- "We have been strong advocates of the the promises made to the Georgian peo- Wednesday that "the government is ready development are irreversible. Our col- tation to Georgian voters to ensure the US partnership with Georgia for years ple,” the letter reads. to answer all the questions that the con- leagues may have some questions and I system did not unduly favor any one and still believe you have a strong dem- The above letter is one of a series of gressmen asked in their letters." assure you that we are not afraid of this. political party. Your government's deci- ocratic foundation. However, these events critical statements made by American Georgia's Prime Minister Giorgi Gakh- We are not afraid of tough questions or sion to prevent that change indicates a give us pause and raise questions about congressmen of late, in particular, letters aria said he understands the controversy tough answers, both at home and abroad. backsliding from commitments to build Georgia's commitment to our shared sent by Adam Kinzinger and Gerald E. generated by the Congressmen’s letters Every question will be answered quietly, the institutions of Georgia's democracy. values. Further, we fear that a lack of Connolly, Co-Chairs of the US Congres- in Georgia. without unnecessary excitement," he Furthermore, the massive yet peaceful progress on reforms and increased ten- sional Georgia Caucus and the joint let- "There is a political context, and, of stated.

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Address: 17 Wine Ascent Tbilisi, Georgia Tel: (+995) 322 22 11 16 www.facebook.com/BricksTbilisi/ GEORGIA TODAY 8 BUSINESS JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 3, 2020 International Maritime Group: Investing in Georgia’s Maritime Future

reating a sustainable envi- leadership skills. ronment for the maritime IMG is working in the direction of industry is an important increasing the number of competent enabler for fostering trade, seafarers. We have now developed a economic growth and gen- special program that will allow us to eralC prosperity in Georgia. Opened in increase the number of jobs and thereby 2008, International Maritime Group provide an opportunity for fi nancial (IMG) has lately become the country’s development to all regions of Georgia. most signifi cant community in the mar- We are now focused on the search for itime fi eld and gained its authenticity at resources to fi nance a program of free the international level too. Over the maritime education. years, IMG has gained respect by pro- viding their partners with quialifi ed crew, TELL US ABOUT IMG’S comprehensive support and immaculate FUTURE PLANS. service contributing to the Georgian For us, crewing is not only a business maritime industry. IMG is doing its best but also a national cause. One of our to maintain and strengthen maritime most signifi cant initiatives is aimed at traditions in Georgia and promote its offering free study options for young seafarers at an international level. aspiring seafarers’ from Abkhazia and To learn more about IMG, GEORGIA Ossetia, which would help foster the TODAY talked to Dias Jalagania, the CEO relationship between Georgia and its of the company. breakaway territories. I believe that creating tangible opportunities for our fel- TELL US ABOUT THE low young people in these regions would COMPANY. WHAT VALUES be the only defi nite and fruitful step DOES IMG UPHOLD? toward reconciliation. IMG is a company established to serve We are also cooperating with certain the international industry in the supply companies to create employment oppor- of ship’s personnel. Our special focus is tunities for women as housekeepers on to provide access to maritime education board. This would further increase high- and training in order to supply the best salary employment opportunities and qualified seafarers. Our work ethic benefi t Georgia’s economy as a whole. involves managing all available resources Our more distant goals include the to continually increase the number of establishment of a Maritime University Georgian seafarers. The picture taken at Orion Bulkers, Hamburg, Germany that will offer free specialized education The maritime industry is unique, and and training for Georgian seafarers; once for the people working in it, it is often WHAT IS THE SITUATION between Europe, Asia and the Middle EU members. With continued effort and they fi nd employment, they will have a much more than a job: it’s a passion. We NOW IN THE GEORGIAN East, can be seen as a vital connecting the right perspective, the industry can chance to re-pay this via small amounts have a true understanding of the indus- MARITIME INDUSTRY? IS THERE hub. With due effort, Georgia can soon be turned into one of the crucial eco- taken from their salary on a monthly try and will guide an aspiring seafarer SPACE FOR DEVELOPMENT? become one of the key players in the nomic treasures for Georgia. basis. seamlessly through the training process. The maritime sector, often acknowledged region. There are concrete initiatives The opportunities which the industry IMG cooperates with many foreign part- as the life blood of global economy, is of that Georgia can take to further facilitate WHAT MAKES A GEORGIAN is facing requires long-term efforts from ners, including European ship-owners. crucial importance to modern societies. sustainable development of the maritime SEAFARER INTERESTING FOR the various players. Creating a sustain- Only the most carefully-selected and Nevertheless, the general public has a industry and with it, benefi t the Geor- THE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING able environment for the development determined seafarers will fi nd employ- limited perception and appreciation of gian economy as a whole. MARKET? WHAT ARE THEIR of maritime industry should be a joint ment with good European shipping its infl uence and role as an essential ele- It is true that Georgia’s maritime sec- COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES? goal. We are always looking to deepen companies. ment in terms of social and economic tor is evolving, which on one hand has Seafaring is one of the world’s oldest cooperation and establish partnerships Enthusiasm, sincerity, identifi cation of development, and as one of the best been refl ected in the increasingly suc- professions. Over the past half century, with the government, international asso- objectives, commitment and a strategic sources of high-salary employment. To cessful employment of Georgian seafar- employment patterns have shown the ciations and private corporations to approach are some of the crucial factors raise awareness and promote maritime ers, and on the other hand in the devel- challenge the seafaring profession faces facilitate the exchange of know-how and needed to achieve success in the mari- careers in Georgia we are now imple- opment of Georgia’s port infrastructure today, namely a shortage in the supply together promote a healthy maritime time industry. We aim to consistently menting the "Adopt A Ship" school pro- and services. Georgia is among the of skilled seafarers worldwide. What industry in Georgia. Together we can uphold these values and detect and fos- gram, a free educational program initiated countries on the IMO’s white list and distinguishes Georgian seafarers and ensure the effi cient and sustainable ter them in impassioned seafarers as by the Cyprus Shipping Chamber. Georgian certifi cates of competency are makes them interesting for the world is development of Georgia’s maritime well. The Black Sea, strategically located recognized by 50 states, among them 19 high professionalism and deep-rooted industry. Dozens of Social Workers Fired in Georgia with full information at almost every BY TEA MARIAMIDZE stage. Letters were sent to them in the past and they also received information directly from me. I am always available round 30 social workers in when they need me to clarify any issues,” Georgia were informed that he said. they will not have jobs from Tsotskolauri noted that during the February due to the reor- reorganization process, a special com- ganization launched by the mission was created which met all AMinistry of Internally Displaced Persons employees before deciding who needed from the Occupied Territories, Labor, to go. Health and Social Affairs. The statement further highlights that Keti Khutsishvili, a representative of the ministry plans to strengthen the the Social Workers' Trade Union, says direction of childcare, merging Care, that the Ministry did not explain the Child and Family Violence Manage- reason for the dismissal to those employment, with the State Fund for Care and ees who received a letter on January 29. Assistance to Victims of Human Traf- According to her, the Ministry of Health fi cking. had an obligation to explain in detail The Fund Director, Meri Maghlaperidze, why those social workers were fi red. says a new agency will be created as a “About 30 social workers have been result of the reorganization: the Agency dismissed. According to the agency, these for State Care and Assistance to the Vic- people were fi red as part of the reor- tims of Human Traffi cking. ganization but were only informed of “It will be a positive event as several the fact three days prior. There was no service providers will unite. Of course, other reason listed in the notifi cation vacancies will be created within the but ‘reorganization’. They should have reorganization and a competition will explained why exactly these people were be announced throughout Georgia accord- chosen to leave the agency,” she said. Image source: Netgazeti ing to the law,” she said. Khutsishvili says that as of December social workers will take the case to court number of social workers and, on the during the reorganization process, they The statement of the Ministry explains 2019, there are 239 social workers in to protect their rights. contrary, various sectors will be strength- communicated with the staff about the that the social workers who lost their Georgia, but under the Social Work Law, The Ministry of Health claims the social ened. ongoing reorganization and those affected jobs will have an opportunity to apply the state has undertaken an obligation workers were informed about the planned Giorgi Tsotskolauri, the Deputy Min- knew about the changes in advance. for the new vacancies created within the to raise that to at least 285 social work- reorganization, and were given two ister of Internally Displaced Persons “The reorganization of the social ser- new Agency for State Care and Assis- ers in the country. months' compensation. According to the from the Occupied Territories, Labor, vice agency has been ongoing since tance to the Victims of Human Traffi ck- She added that most likely the dismissed ministry, there is no plan to reduce the Health and Social Affairs, explained that March 1, 2019, so the staff were provided ing. GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 3, 2020 SOCIETY 9

Space Constraints: Etseri, Svaneti in our guest house, unusual for winter the air-drying, tarpaulin-covered lot in BLOG BY TONY HANMER months but getting more normal. They the yard. He even brought some of his are Here to Help, cooking and washing own preferred tools from Tbilisi, battery- up for themselves, giving the local chil- powered things which are highly con- wo things North Americans dren all sorts of fun things to do in a venient. Plus, his tool belt and best work are infamous for: a garage twice or thrice weekly club, and helping gloves. He has been here several times full of junk with no space us and the neighbors with odd jobs. before, knows the ropes now, and is for a vehicle, and (more They come from all over the world. This always a great asset for getting done so particularly Canadians with time one is even a speaker of the next many of those odd jobs which just need Tsome land) owning a yellow school bus, language to go into our guest book! a spare pair of hands other than my wife’s not likely in running order, as packed as Xhosa, a language with clicks, from (she has hers full with school and shop the aforementioned garage. From there, South Africa. anyway). Knowing he would come, I we branch out to rented storage contain- At the moment I have them helping have been making a list and checking it ers: these may be auctioned off to people tidy out my garage. Yes, the big 4x4 twice so as to be ready for this couple who have no real idea aside from a look Toyota 4Runner does fi t into it still. But of weeks of intense work together. in through the doors what they’re really only just. I have accumulated several I don’t feel that we own vastly more getting with their purchase, but it is a years’ worth of tools and supplies to than too much junk or even stuff; we try gamble for treasure. The latter storage make myself as self-suffi cient as possible to limit it to what is necessary across the possibility, of course, televised for the in a rural setting far from good profes- widely divergent seasons of Upper Svaneti enjoyment of vicarious watchers of Real- sional help or materials (the exceptions in a Do-it-Yourself atmosphere. It’s tricky ity TV. in Svaneti being wood, stone and their having the good tools which I like, though, Every now and then, one of the buyers byproducts). Plumbing and electrical as neighbors always want to borrow them does strike gold, and it might be the most parts, power tools, a welding unit, nails and they may not return in the same outlandish thing you could imagine. 16th and screws of many sizes, leftover dry- condition as they went out in. My elec- century gold coins! 1st editions of van- wall and insulation, and overfl ow from tric chainsaw is so much quieter, and ishingly rare comics in mint condition The Shop which threatens to take over being that powers here is free, is a great (this one especially dear to me heart as more and more of the house. buy! So far no one has asked for it; I will a former collector)! A painting or sculp- We have taken out all sorts of things only let it go out accompanied by me. ture by someone famous, or a photo of which won’t be spoilt by the intermit- We aren’t millionaires, in the end, to someone such! You never know. tent snow of the moment, such as plas- constantly replace that which others I am reminded of all this with the cur- tic hose, to make space for work. My damage. But we do want to be helpful rent crew of nine young people staying main guy is hauling shelving wood from when we can, especially in a village the name of which means help in Hebrew! A somewhat delicate balancing act. All tied back into the balance of having enough Stuff here to survive reasonably well, and not too much to make everyone jealous and bitter. Nor enough sheer Junk, useless and cluttering. At least Georgia has the collectors of Jarti, scrap metal, who even go door to door! Now, if I could just persuade my wife to part with the old iron bathtub sitting in the yard…

Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group, now with nearly 2000 members, at www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- sance/ He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti GEORGIA TODAY 10 CULTURE JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 3, 2020

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER February 2 discovered by Georgian National COLLECTION XIX – XX CENTURY MUSIC MAGICAL NIGHTS Museum's Tsutskvati Cave Directed by Ioseb Bakuradze Until February 29 TBILISI ZAKARIA Archaeological Expedition. REPUBLIC Composer: Sandro Nikoladze, Davit Georgian National Museum and the PALIASHVILI OPERA AND 1sr Republic Sq. BALLET THEATER Kakulia Until February 9 Embassy of Italy in Georgia present 25 Rustaveli Ave. Choreographer: Lasha Robakidze EXHIBITION the exhibition ROMA AETERNA. Jenuary 31 TEL (+995 32) 2 99 04 56 Starring: Jonathan Rousselle, "CHINESE ART IN GEORGIAN MASTERPIECES OF ROMAN NIKAKOI AND EREKLE Ekaterine Gabashvili, NATIONAL MUSEUM" dedicated SCULPTURE FROM THE DINO DEISADZE’S February 1, 2 Niniko Avaliani, Viqtoria Kosova, to the 70th anniversary of the AND ERNESTA SANTARELLI CONCERT SUPPORTING THE NUTCRACKER Tazo Kikalishvili People's Republic of China and a FOUNDATION NANIKO CHEISHVILI A new version of the Christmas Start time: 13:00 book by Irina Koshoridze, Marina National Gallery features 33 Start time: 23:00 fairytale Price: 10 GEL Dgebuadze, Natia Demurishvili, sculptures depicting the stages Ticket: 40 GEL Pyotr Tchaikovsky Nino Simonishvili of artistic or stylistic evolution Ballet in two acts February 2 from the Roman Republic to Choreographers: Alexey Fadeechev MONOHALL THE STORY OF A MURDERER IOSEB GRISHASHVILI Neoclassical era. and Nina Ananiashvili 2 D. Bakradze Str. Directed by Kakh Bakuradze TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM Tbilisi Z. Paliashvili Opera and Composer: Sandro Nikoladze, Davit - KARVASLA Until February 20 Ballet State Theater Orchestra January 31 Kakulia 8 Sioni St. VALERIAN SIDAMON-ERISTAVI Conductor- Papuna Ghvaberidze TIVI SESSION #01: Artist: Bidzina Sidiani, Nikolaus TEL (+995 32) 2 98 22 81 ANNIVERSARY-RETROSPECTIVE Start time: February 1- 19:00, Hipp EXHIBITION CHRISTIAN LÖFFLER / February 2- 14:00 PARRA FOR CUVA Start time: 20:00 Until February 4 Eristavi’s works include theater Ticket: 10-200 GEL Start time: 23:00 Price: 10, 15 GEL THE HARMONY OF SEASHELLS and cinema painting, and Ticket: 30-80 GEL GABRIADZE THEATER Artworks by Arch-Priest Dimitri iconography; he created copies 14 Shavteli Str. February 5 Sukhitashvili of medieval frescos; decorated A LO CUBANO NIGHT'S museum expositions and parades; LENØ RECORDS 10a Lubliana Str. January 31 Every Wednesday MUSEUM OF SOVIET created illustrations for various STALINGRAD Cuban dancer’s masterclass OCCUPATION manuals, and worked on newspaper February 1 Revaz Gabriadze Start time: 20:00 4 Rustaveli Ave. caricatures and furniture sketches. Directed by Revaz Gabriadze Ticket: 10 GEL TEL (+995 32) 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 LOUDSPEAKERS LIVE- English Subtitles www.museum.ge NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF LENO SESSIONS #2 Start time: 20:00 MUSEUM GEORGIA Start time: 21:00 Ticket: 20, 30 GEL The exhibition hall is equipped 1 Vaja Pshavela Ave. Ticket: 15 GEL GEORGIAN NATIONAL with monitors, where visitors February 1 MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA can see documentaries of various Untill January 31 DJ. KAKHIDZE TBILISI RAMONA MUSEUM historical events. MOUNTAIN PEAKS OF GEORGIA CENTER FOR MUSIC & Revaz Gabriadze 3 Rustaveli Ave. PHOTO EXHIBITION CULTURE Directed by Revaz Gabriadze TEL (+995 32) 299 80 22, 293 48 21 MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS 123a D. Agmashenebeli Ave. English Subtitles www.museum.ge 10 Betlemi Str. SPHERO Start time: 20:00 City Mall Saburtalo, February 1 Ticket: 20, 30 GEL Exhibitions: Discover the Museum of Illusions Veranda, II Floor TBILISI SYMPHONY GEORGIAN COSTUME AND Be brave and jump into an illusion ORCHESTRA AND February 2 WEAPONRY OF THE 18TH-20TH created by the Vortex, deform the A domed cognitive-entertainment GEORGIAN STATE CHOIR THE AUTUMN OF MY CENTURIES image of yourself in the Mirror space where you can become Conductor: Revaz Djavakhishvili SPRINGTIME NUMISMATIC TREASURY Room, free yourself in the Infi nity part of an impressive 360-degree Program: Revaz Gabriadze EXHIBITION STONE AGE Room, resist the laws of gravity panorama image. For all ages. Ludwig van Beethoven’s “D-Dur Directed by Revaz Gabriadze GEORGIA and size, and take selfi es in every Mass” English Subtitles ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE possible pose. Enjoy the collection TBILISI DIGITAL SPACE Soloists: Marika Machitidze Start time: 20:00 NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL of holograms and discover optical Tbilisi Mall (soprano), Ticket: 20, 30 GEL COLLECTIONS illusions. Irina Sherazadishvili (mezzo The fi rst museum of digital art soprano), MOVEMENT THEATER GALLERY 182 Agmashenebeli Ave. Until February 1 in Tbilisi. See Vazha-Pshavela's Badri Adamia (tenor) and Exhibition "Dried beech", a world of torches, Gocha Datusani (bass). February 1 NEANDERTHALS IN THE THE NATIONAL GALLERY and a digital space decorated with Alexander Scriabin’s concerto for INTRO SOUTH CAUCASUS – 11 Rustaveli Ave. various graphic and visuals effects. piano and Directed by Kakha Bakuradze TSUTSKVATI CAVE, OLD AND TEL (+995 32) 215 73 00 In the main hall, through video symphony orchestra No.1 Sandro Nikoladze's Musical Alegry NEW DISCOVERIES projections and mirrors, you will Pianist Tamar Makharadze Composer: Sandro Nikoladze The exhibition displays the GRAND MASTERS FROM THE discover that there is no boundary Maurice Ravel’s “Spanish Start time: 20:00 latest fi ndings of archeological GEORGIAN between Man and nature. Rhapsody”. Ticket: 10, 15 GEL and paleontological excavations NATIONAL MUSEUM Ticket: 10-30 GEL Start time: 19:30 Ticket: 10-30 GEL

MOVEMENT THEATER 182 Agmashenebeli Ave.

February 4 JAM SESSION Improv music Every Tuesday Musical director- Sandro Nikoladze Start time: 21:00 Price: 10 GEL

TBILISI STATE CONSERVATOIRE 8 Griboedovi Str.

February 29 Artists Union Concept Art presents a project created by THE SYNTHESIS OF MUSIC AND SPEECH: SCARLET ANGELS Collaboration of renowned artists- Giorgi Zagareli (viola), Giorgi Gigashvili (piano), Erekle Deisadze Program: Sergei Prokoﬁ ev, Arvo Part, Dmitri Shostakovich, Ioseb Bardanashvili, Giya Kancheli, Nikoloz Rachveli, William Shakespeare, Paul Celan and Erekle Deisadze. Start time: 20:00 Price: 15-35 GEL GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 3, 2020 CULTURE 11 Paul Kalkbrenner to Perform in Georgia

weekly grind, into rapture: into art, BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE ecstasy, absurdity friendship, hope and love,” the organizers of the event say. Kalkbrenner who was just 12 years old eorgia is exploring elec- when the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, found tronic music, and the his self-expression, like many others, in capital’s nightlife is Techno music. As he himself would later becoming ever brighter, say, techno music to him sounded some- with more people fi nding thing like the soundtrack of Germany’s themselvesG wanting to join the rave reunifi cation. culture. Indeed, Georgia’s touristic In the autumn of 1992, together with attractions are no longer limited to the his friend Sascha Funke, he started DJing country’s cuisine, lasting traditions, and at local youth clubs. Very quickly, Paul thousands of years of history, as Tbi- and Sascha were either DJing or pas- lisi’s night scene increases in popular- sionately collecting records, as electronic ity. And now Paul Kalkbrenner is com- dance music’s fi rst tidal wave spilled ing here is to help the cause. over dance fl oors in Berlin’s soon-to-be Event series Monument on March 6 legendary clubs Tresor, Planet, Walfi sch Image source: Monument on Facebook will present Paul Kalkbrenner, the Ger- and e-werk. Kakbrenner’s ambitions soon In 2004, his career took an upturn when and a German cult movie in its own right. produced eight studio albums and is a many-based artist famous for his live grew, and the desire to play his own Berlin-based fi lm director and self-con- It drew audiences all around Europe and constant feature on musical charts world- acts and who has received a lot of pres- music live emerged. His fi rst tracks were fessed Kalkbrenner fan, Hannes Stoehr, stayed on the big screen at Berlin’s Cen- wide. He has headlined numerous fes- tigious awards. The German artist, per- released on Ellen Allien’s newly founded got in touch with him. Stoehr was plan- tral Kino for several years. The soundtrack tivals, among them Tomorrowland (BE), forming in the Georgian capital for the Bpitch Control label in 1999. In contrast ning to make a movie about an electronic went platinum and the single ‘Sky and Lollapalooza (FRA, DE), Coachella (USA), fi rst time, is unique in his artistic approach, to the darker, monotone sounds that musician in Berlin’s techno scene and Sand’ spent over 121 consecutive weeks Ultra Miami (USA), and Glastonbury for which he is extremely appreciated characterized techno at the time, Kalk- wanted the German emerging artist to in the German singles charts, a German (Exit Festival). in the electronic music industry. brenner’s music was more melodic and produce the soundtrack. As the script record. Unsurprisingly, Kalkbrenner’s The Tbilisi show will have an age con- “Kalkbrenner’s demanding productions enriched the listeners with a warm feel- for the fi lm developed, Hannes suggested contribution to contemporary music trol of 18+. Tickets are already on sale, are full of energy; they exist to take lis- ing, attracting more and more to his rave Paul might be perfect starring in the fi lm. grew thanks to the commercial success with prices starting from 50 GEL on tkt. teners away from the everyday, from the scenes. ‘Berlin Calling’ became a surprise hit, of the movie. The musician has already ge. The New Nutcracker stepped out on stage, the audience paid couldn’t get it. homage to the orchestra, conducted by Yonan Takano’s transformation from the great Papuna Ghvaberidze. Sitting wooden nutcracker to human was excel- there, drinking in the rainbow details of lently choreographed, as were the the giant painting while listening to mechanical mice which dashed across Tchaikovsky (and fi elding all the “What the stage before the ensuing energetic is that? What will happen? What’s the fi ght between the tin soldiers and the story about? questions from my young Mouse King. ones) was the perfect warm-up to the The scenery continued to wow as we evening ahead. shrank down to the size of mice (the And then the scenery was revealed: effect achieved by raising the height of fi rst the snow-covered rooftops and ice- the painted Christmas tree and the fur- fi lled streets of the town, with some niture I mentioned earlier), and watched notable Tbilisi landmarks that had my as snow fell in droves backstage but lot whispering in excited recognition, as never actually hit the stage. the Dadiani family’s party guests arrived; The dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy then the ballroom, with its giant Christ- (soloist Nina Samadashvili) left us mas tree, grandfather clock, table with stunned and then clapping vigorously, a bowl of fruit, etc., positioned at the as did Barbare and The Nutcracker’s edges (that were to cleverly transform fl ight off into the wings on the back of from life-size 3D objects, to 2D paint- a giant ladybird. ings, to giants as the scene changes, and The ending left us grinning and the character sizes dictated). children eager for more. And we were The costumes (designer: Ana Kalatoz- lucky enough to get a peep backstage to ishvili), their color, texture and combi- explore the magical tree and ladybird nations, were truly wondrous to behold – my sincere thanks to the organizers as the guests greeted one another in a and Friends of the Georgian Ballet for by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, is being presented superb team at the Opera house, lead by dance, and we were introduced to Bar- that treat! REVIEW BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES at the Tbilisi Z. Paliashvili Opera and David Popiashvili. It showed, in the style bare and her brother Levan (Fritz) and All in all, a brilliant evening away from Ballet State Theater, and it is well worth of the posters that fi rst caught my eye their magical and charismatic Uncle reality in the already magical setting of going for that magical escape to child- in the Tbilisi streets, the young Clara Drosselmeyer (played by David Ananeli). the Tbilisi Opera House. Beautiful scen- hile for most non- hood magic (for adults) and as a bright, Stahlbaum [renamed Barbare Dadiani My children met the dancing dolls from ery, a local setting, excellent costumes, Georgians, the festive colorful adventure to feed the imagina- for the Georgian version] with a cast of Spain, France, China, Russia and India- and superb dancing, choreographed by season ended as soon tion (for young ones). animals, animated dolls, fairies and party the youngest laughing at their funny Georgia’s own Prima Ballerina Nina as the champagne I took my three children, aged 10, 8 and guests around her and, of course, the moves and the eldest studying them Ananiashvili, and Alexey Fadeechev. bottles were thrown 6, to the ballet, shown in two acts, mid- Christmas tree. At the bottom of the carefully to put into practice at her own Wout and the tree taken down, for some January before school restarted. Aside curtain, as the lights dimmed and a spot- ballet classes. We could well-relate to On this weekend. February 1, 19:00, Febru- the magic goes on. from the huge, twinkling tree in the foyer, light fell, was the cheeky face of The Barbare and Levan’s squabble over the ary 2, 14:00 On February 1 and 2, a new version of the fi rst treat to be revealed was a fl oor Nutcracker. best toy (a common event in our house!) Limited tickets left. Apply to the Box Offi ce the Christmas fairytale ‘The Nutcracker,’ to ceiling stage curtain painted by the As per tradition, before the dancers and Levan’s attempt to break it when he directly.

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