Issue no: 981 • SEPTEMBER 15 - 18, 2017 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... FOCUS Barbecue Festival to be Held ON GEORGIAN at Sairme Resort NEWS PAGE 2 WINE From being Guest of Honor at La Cité du Vin Wine Exhibition in France to winning Gold at the Mundus Vini, Georgian wine is looking to be the next big thing... PAGE 3, 8

What Makes Him Tick? POLITICS PAGE 5 OMV Head: Nord Stream-2 Financing Scheme Must Change BUSINESS PAGE 6 Winery Khareba Chief Winemaker on What Makes the Brand a Winner BUSINESS PAGE 8 Photo source: Georgian Wine Association Georgian Mountains Wine Company Zurab Pololikashvili Appointed as SOCIETY PAGE 10 Batumi to Host 3rd Int’l Secretary-General of UNWTO Advertising Festival CULTURE PAGE 13 BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI Griboedov Russian Theater

urab Pololikashvili, Georgia's former Takes the Gulags on Tour Ambassador to Spain, has been appointed CULTURE PAGE 14 as UNWTO Secretary General for the period 2018-2021, the Ministry of For- eign Affairs of Georgia reports. ZPololikashvili was selected by the UNWTO Gen- eral Assembly within its 22nd session taking place in Chengdu, China, from September 12 to Septem- ber 15. The Ministry claims this is the fi rst time that a Georgian candidate has been selected to such a high-ranking post within the international organ- ization. The Georgian delegation, headed by Mikheil Janelidze, Georgia’s Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister, attended the ceremony while participat- ing in the UNWTO’s General Assembly. GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS SEPTEMBER 15 - 18, 2017 10th International Forum for Local Economic Development Opens in Tbilisi

sions, seminars, training and outreach BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI by municipalities, NGOs and other par- ties. Bruno Balvanera talked about the he International Forum of importance of using renewable energy Local Economic Develop- for the sustainable development of cit- ment commenced at The ies. He stated that energy effi ciency is Biltmore Hotel, Tbilisi on one of the primary goals, as many years Wednesday, a two-day event ago the EBRD started an energy effi ciency Torganized by the Tbilisi Municipality. plan which “has expanded and is set to The conference was attended by hun- become more ambitious in the future”. dreds of top international speakers from “Georgia is a very special country for USA, Austria, Germany, England, Spain, the EBRD; it is the country with the larg- Italy, France, Moldova, Ukraine, Sweden, est investment of capital, it is the place the Netherlands, Slovakia, Poland, Bel- that we see as leading in the second wave gium, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, of reforming countries, after the fi rst Israel and Turkey in order to discuss wave in central Europe, and clearly Geor- topics ranging from governance, cities gia is leading these efforts by means of for economic growth, urban resilience, transparent elections, clear policies and smart environment, energy effi ciency, Regional Policy and Self Government partners, and noted that the conference to Georgia and that includes our ongo- priorities,” Balvanera said. entrepreneurial opportunities in global Committee at the Parliament of Georgia. offers a platform to share experience ing efforts to support local governance,” “Tbilisi is one of the fi rst cities in the trade, international relations, city tour- “Part of our agreement is discovering that will benefi t the development not Elizabeth Rood told the audience. She EBRD area that is going to be supported ism, open government partnerships, new investment destinations and areas only of Georgia’s capital, but other cities underlined the importance of transpar- in the green cities framework,” he added, integrated approaches for territorial of the world that have potential for future as well. ency, accountability and citizen partici- highlighting that on the second day of development and many other subjects. development and investment,” said Bambang Susantono, the keynote pation in order to sustain a good level the conference, a detailed report would The forum was opened with welcome Courtney Fingar. “We’ve had an eye on speaker, underlined the importance of of local governance, noting the assistance be presented that the EBRD has been speeches from Courtney Fingar, Editor Georgia for quite some time because of resilience for cities, and went on to note of the United States’ Agency for Inter- closely working on with Tbilisi Munic- of FDI Magazine within the Financial the exiting reforms that are taking place. the projects realized with the fi nancial national Development (USAID), which ipality, regarding how Tbilisi can afford Times; Tbilisi Mayor Davit Narmania; Of course, the government places a huge assistance of the ADB in Tbilisi and fur- has been providing support to a number medium and long-term policies to have Bambang Susantono, Vice President of priority on business reforms and improv- ther afi eld in Georgia. of cities in Georgia including Batumi, green and sustainable development. Knowledge Management and Sustain- ing the investment environment”. “It is essential for cities to respond to Kutaisi and Akhaltsikhe to introduce “One of the main challenges we’re fac- able Development at the Asian Develop- “The main focus of the forum this year economic change in such a fast chang- participatory budgeting, and to improve ing is the migration process from rural ment Bank (ADB); Christian Danielsson, is Progressive Cities: cities that aim to ing world, and to inject new dynamics service delivery. parts of our country to the bigger cities, Director General for Neighborhood and be sustainable, active and economically to sustain economic development,” “We have also seen positive effects and we aim to develop both the rural Enlargement Negotiations at the Euro- developed,” Narmania said in his open- Christian Danielsson said. He also under- from the efforts made in making govern- and urban centers equally. There are pean Commission; Elizabeth Rood, ing speech, going on to talk about the lined the importance of active munici- ments more responsive. Entrepreneur- numerous projects realized in this regard, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US many infrastructural projects realized palities and cities in order to facilitate ship is booming in Georgia; more small and I would like to thank our interna- Embassy in Georgia; Bruno Balvanera, with the fi nancial support of interna- sustainable economic development and businesses are operating now than ever tional partners for that,” said Grigol European Bank for Reconstruction and tional organizations such as the EBRD growth, while local authorities need to before,” she said, further citing the assis- Liluashvili, pointing to the fact the forum Development (EBRD) Regional Director and ADB. Tbilisi's Mayor then thanked engage with the private sector and with tance provided by USAID, with the open- on local economic development enables for the Caucasus, Moldova and Belarus; the guests and participants attending public organizations and civil society. ing of 10 civic engagement centers in the sharing of the vast experience of the and Grigol Liluashvili, Chairman of the event, as well as the international “The United States remains committed Georgia that are used for public discus- countries in attendance. Georgian Foreign Minister Participates in UNWTO Barbecue Festival to be 22nd General Assembly Held at Sairme Resort International Year of Sustainable Tour- BY THEA MORRISON ism for Development. The UNWTO, the United Nations Spe- cialized Agency for Tourism, has been ikheil Janelidze, Geor- mandated to facilitate the organization gia’s Vice-Premier and and implementation of the International Foreign Minister, is tak- Year, in collaboration with governments, ing part in the 22nd relevant organizations of the United General Assembly of Nations system, international and regional theM UN World Tourism Organization organizations and other relevant stake- (UNWTO). holders. The event takes place on September Janelidze described as historical the 12-15 in Chengdu, China and gathers decision to appoint Georgia’s candidate around 1500 delegates from 150 countries to such high position. "Georgia remains across the world. committed to the mission and principles Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs of this organization and is well aware (MFA) reports that on the sidelines of that respect of international rules and the General Assembly, Mikheil Janelidze obligations is a key for the success of held a brief meeting with representa- every country, nation and every citizen," tives of the Chinese Authorities. he said. “Highlighting the importance of devel- The Georgian MFA reports that the oping people-to-people contacts and 105th session of the UNWTO Executive co-operation in tourism, the Chinese Council, meeting in Madrid, Spain, on side thanked the Georgian delegation 12 May, recommended Zurab Pololikash- for participation in the General Assem- vili, Ambassador of Georgia to Spain, as bly,” the Ministry stated. a nominee for the post of Secretary- The 22nd session of the General Assem- General for the four-year-period starting The Barbeque Festival is supported Director of Tegeta Motors; Dachi Cha- BY TAMZIN WHITEWOOD bly is themed “Tourism and the Sustain- January 2018. The Head of the Georgian by the National Tourism Administra- nadir, Food and Veberage Manager of able Development Goals: Journey to 2030”. National Tourism Administration Giorgi tion. Residential Hooling; Gia Elizbarashvili, The United Nations 70th General Chogovadze is also attending the Gen- Within the framework of this project, Hotel Biltmore's F & B Assistant; Salome Assembly has designated 2017 as the eral Assembly. n September 16, the Sairme the Sairme Resort will host represent- Chachua, Chief Specialist of Georgian resort in Bagdati, Imereti, atives of Armenian Diaspora living in Relations with Service Providers in the will host a Barbeque fes- Georgia, leading tourist companies, as fi eld of Tourism; and Sedrak Mamoulian, tival. well as Armenian media. famous chef, head of the public organ- For the first time in Participant restaurants of the Barbeque ization "Development and maintenance OGeorgia, the best Georgian chefs will Festival include: Sami Saukune, Begheli, of Armenian cuisine traditions". showcase their talents. The specially Tsiskvili, Sharbati, Sakhli madatovze, The Barbeque Festival will also offer invited jury will judge the food prepared Dzveli Sakhli, Kolkhuri Sakhli, Mais entertainment at the event, which will by the participants to reveal a winner. Restaurant, Crown Palace and Mtsva- be led by Niko Kankia. The honorable guest of the festival and diauri. Media Partners: Where.ge, Georgia of the jury is the well-known Armenian The festival participants will be judged Today, Radio Fortuna, Radio Palitra, TV Chef Sedrak Mamuliani, who organizes by a special jury consisting of Jaba Tsu- Company Mir, TV Company Alike Media, gastro-festivals and cultural events in ladze, General Director of the Sairme Newspaper Vrtan Terti, Culture House many European countries. Resort; Koba Bazidze, Procurement Hayartun, Ambralejoe, and Sputnik. GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 15 - 18, 2017 NEWS 3 Prime Minister of Georgia Offi cially Opens Wine Exhibition in Bordeaux

gold winner of the Mundus Vini Inter- BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI national Wine Award 2017. According to Zautashvili, Winery Khareba’s cha- cha was served at the offi cial dinner n September 14, Giorgi which is a great honor for the company. Kvirikashvili, Prime Min- “I would like to thank the Georgian ister of Georgia offi cially government for supporting such an opened the 'Georgia- ambitious project aiming to promote Cradle of Wine' Exhibi- Georgian wine culture. Hundreds of tionO at La Cité du Vin, the Center of world renowned wine masters, wine Wine Civilization in Bordeaux, France. exporters and wine industry stakehold- Other Georgian government offi cials ers have learned directly from the were also in attendance at the offi cial presentations made by Georgia’s Prime opening. Georgia is the fi rst country Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and min- to be invited to open a cycle of exhibi- isters of Economy and Agriculture, tions dedicated to winemaking, and is Giorgi Gakharia and Levan Davitashvili, the honorary guest of the museum. about Georgia’s unique Qvevri wine- Cité Des Civilizations Du Vin is spread making tradition and the potential the out over 14,000 square meters and aims Georgian wine industry has today. As to introduce the history and traditions a result of the Bordeaux wine expo, we of wine to its visitors from ancient expect a signifi cant increase in our methodologies to ultra-modern tech- export numbers in such important nologies. markets as China, Europe and the US,” In honor of the ancient Georgian tra- Zautashvili concluded. ditional Qvevri winemaking method "The country's greatest success is being on the List of Intangible Cultural that the wine industry specialists, Heritage of UNESCO, a large Qvevri experts and wine companies represent- vessel, specially made for the exhibi- ing Georgia will be presented as the tion, is situated at the main entrance, heritage of winemaking,” Georgian and will remain there as part of the Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili permanent exposition. said of the event. “This is a result of The Georgian National Museum has many years of research and hard work. prepared an exposition that will show- We prepared well for this exhibition. case Georgian wine culture and its There will be cultural events, as well 8000 year history, displaying Qvevri as high-level meetings. This very impor- vessels that were found in Georgia dat- Photo source: La Cité du Vin tant event opens a completely new ing back to the VI-V centuries BC. perspective of Georgia not only in Ancient ethnographic and archeolog- Until the exhibition ends on Novem- tation. Figures show that for the fi rst Zautashvili, CEO of Winery Khareba terms of wine but also in the cultural ical materials from the National Museum ber 5, events will be hosted regularly- week of the exhibition alone, almost which is representing the full assort- world, as a homeland of wine and the are also being presented at the exhibi- from scientifi c seminars and cultural 4,000 people attended. ment of Khareba wines in Bordeaux, country's ancient culture and civiliza- tion in Bordeaux. events to conferences and wine degus- GEORGIA TODAY contacted Nika including Mukuzani Dry Red Wine, tion". GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS SEPTEMBER 15 - 18, 2017 Georgia Denounces OSCE/ODIHR Starts Military Training in Occupied Abkhazia Election Observation Mission in Georgia

assess how the process is relevant to two to monitor the opening of polling BY THEA MORRISON local legislation,” she stated. stations, the voting, the counting of bal- The OSCE/ODIHR mission consists lots, and the tabulation of results. of 14 international experts based in Tbi- The OSCE web page reports that the SCE/ODIHR has begun lisi. In addition, 22 long-term observers ODIHR, together with its partners, will its observation mission for will be deployed throughout the country issue a statement of preliminary fi ndings the October 21 local elec- from 20 September. and conclusions at a press conference. tions in Georgia. Moreover, around 350 short-term A fi nal report on the observation of the The Head of the mission, observers will arrive in Georgia on Octo- entire electoral process will be issued OCorien Jonker, stated at the press-con- ber 17. They will be deployed throughout approximately eight weeks after the end ference on Wednesday that the observ- the country in multinational teams of of the electoral process. ers are not interested in the election results but the electoral process itself the Minister stated. and the level that democratic principles BY THEA MORRISON Head of General Staff of Georgia, are followed during the elections. Vladimer Chachibaia, says the drills in She said the main role and function of occupied Abkhazia are unconstitutional. the mission is to observe the elections eorgia’s Defense Minister, He claims the 49th army of the occu- and prepare a report afterwards, on the Levan Izoria says that the pation troops is involved in the training basis of the revealed facts. joint military drills of Rus- process, which has declared combat Jonker added the mission will also assess sia and de facto Abkhazia, readiness. Military action is underway the electoral legislation, activities of the being carried out on the at the 7th military base. Central Election Commission, how the territoryG of the occupied region, repre- “There are more than 2000 service- election campaigning is fi nanced and how sent a violation of international stand- men and 300 pieces of military equip- the media covers election-related issues. ards. ment. The training serves to check the “Our mandate envisages assessment “Any such activity within breakaway combat level of the troops. This is of the elections as it happens in all OSCE territories is anti-constitutional and unconstitutional and the norms of inter- participant countries. We will evaluate illegal. They have been criticized severely national law are being violated. Of how the process corresponds to the by the international community. We course, this training is a threat for Geor- OSCE as well as other international com- perceive all this as a threat and declare gia,” the Head of General Staff of Geor- mitments and standards that imply con- that it violates international legal norms,” gia stressed. duction of democratic elections. We also Dept of State: US to Continue Improving Georgia’s Military Readiness

gia, who stated that the United States to strengthen Black Sea security coop- “The United States expressed strong which has been exceptional over the past BY THEA MORRISON stands by the 2008 NATO Bucharest eration, and recognized Georgia’s role concern about ongoing so-called ‘bor- year.” statement and strongly supports Geor- as a special partner in the region. derization’ and closure of crossing points,” The US government noted the Strate- gia’s aspirations to become a member The US side expressed appreciation the statement reads. gic Partnership Commission was "the he United States (US) of NATO. for Georgia’s signifi cant contributions Moreover, the group members discussed primary mechanism for organizing and Department of State says “The Vice President also noted that to NATO’s mission in Afghanistan. the US-Georgia defense and security prioritzing the broad and deepening the USA will continue to Georgia, a key strategic partner, already Recent developments in Georgia’s partnership and agreed that bilateral cooperation between the US and Geor- work with Georgian lead- exceeds NATO’s goal of spending two occupied regions of Abkhazia and South defense cooperation will help enhance gia”. ership to improve Georgia’s percent of gross domestic product on Ossetia were also discussed at the meet- the readiness and self-defense capabili- The fi rst meeting of the Strategic Part- Tmilitary readiness and resilience within defense,” the statement reads. ing, with the United States emphasizing ties of the Georgian Armed Forces. nership Commission, held on June 22, the framework of the Memorandum on The Department of State reports that its unwavering support for Georgia’s It was noted that Georgia’s best secu- 2009, launched four bilateral working Deepening the Defense and Security each side confi rmed its commitment to sovereignty, independence, and territo- rity asset is its continued pursuit of groups on priority areas identifi ed in the Partnership. the full implementation of the Substan- rial integrity within its internationally democratic and economic reforms. The Charter: democracy, defense and secu- The statement was released by the tial NATO-Georgia Package, which recognized borders, and calling on Rus- US noted Georgia’s progress in this rity, economic, trade and energy issues, Department of State’s Offi ce of the advances Georgian preparation for NATO sia to withdraw its forces from Georgia’s regard, particularly highlighting the and people-to-people and cultural Spokesperson on September 13, saying membership and affi rmed the additional occupied regions, in accordance with “remarkable progress in defense reforms, exchanges. the Security and Defense Working Group cooperation activities discussed in Brus- the 2008 ceasefi re agreement. of the US-Georgia Strategic Partnership sels to prepare Georgia for membership. Commission met in Washington last The sides also expressed commitment week. The Department of State acknowledges Georgia’s role as a strategic partner in the region, and as a steadfast partner promoting stability and security around the globe. The statement reads that both parties will continue to build on the success of Exercises Noble Partner 17 and Agile Spirit 17, adding they increased the scope of cooperation and improved interoper- ability. The sides exchanged perspectives on the regional security situation and reviewed updates to national strategy documents in response to emerging challenges. The working group also underscored the importance of a durable and strate- gic approach to defense and security cooperation, adding it increases the security of each country and strengthens regional stability and global security. The meeting participants also men- tioned the July 31-August 1 visit of the US Vice President Mike Pence to Geor- GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 15 - 18, 2017 POLITICS 5 What Makes Him Tick?

of a situation instigate my misgivings OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE that there must be more, much more, to all that we see on our screens day and night? Yes, indeed! I don’t sense concern opular ideas like free market, among the ruling elite of Georgia about democracy and personal lib- Saakashvili’s momentary political erty have changed the world. upsurge, albeit on a foreign soil. There One of the most outspoken might be some latent unease out there, instances of that change is the but our poker-faced politicians reveal thirdP Georgian president’s recent cross- nothing of the kind. As far as I’m con- ing of the Polish-Ukrainian border of his cerned, I can say straight out that Misha own will and without any relevant doc- has lost Georgia and I strongly doubt uments in his pocket, supported by his that he’ll ever fi nd it again in his erst- Ukrainian adherents and political bud- while capacity. dies. His problem is that he has, maybe In the last couple of months, the former unwittingly, eliminated the love and trust Georgian president, who is a person of most of our people. Misha is talented without citizenship, has been striding and smart enough to have found other from one European country to another important employments outside his in the accompaniment of his beloved beloved homeland, but that is not at all family members. There is no other ex enough for him. He dreams to be a come- or current leader of a nation in the entire back kid some day. He needs Ukraine, world today who has made such a splash and the rest of the world into the bargain, in the news. Meanwhile, his Georgian only to fi nally embrace his motherland opponents are shooting from the hip again and to reinstate his people’s con- some of their sedate and self-confi dent sideration for him. I hate to know that comments that Saakashvili has lost his my ex-president is desperately trotting political topicality. And so he may have, the world and sweating in search of new in this country, but not in Ukraine. Ukraine Photo source: www.japantimes.co.jp opportunities beyond his own mother- is overwhelmed with what he is suggest- land, doing this without even a legal ing by his totally unbridled, unexpected ian co-fi ghters against crime and cor- Do things like this happen in real life? Ukraine to Georgia is expected any day passport in hand. I have no idea what and adventurous political movements. ruption; he is loudly revealing his plans What does Misha actually rely on? Who now, meaning he might very well be the best-case scenario for Misha is: stay- The guy forcefully stepped over the offi - on further massive advent towards the is telling him to behave the way he is indicted and tried for unlawfully cross- ing in Ukraine and making a new revo- cially delineated frontier of his former capital city; he looks blissful and vigor- and saying he will survive? Is he really ing Ukraine’s state border; he is deprived lution, or coming back home to stand and supposed citizenship; he has happily ous, ready to carry on with his political on his own? What makes him tick? I will of citizenship; and the governments of the intended trial and then live happily put himself up in a wonderful hotel in cause and schedule thereof; he openly never know the answers to these ques- three United Nations member countries ever after…or going to the United States one of the biggest cities in the country, denounces the current Ukrainian gov- tions. And my doubts will stick, because (Russia, Ukraine and Georgia) have to lecture audiences on making America together with his wife and son; he is ernment and emphasizes that they will in the country of his former presidency, adverse sentiments towards him. a better place to live. After all, it is not doing populous press-conferences and have to go, making room for new and a court case against him is pending on Could the internationally unbridled only Georgia and Ukraine that need holding consultations with his Ukrain- honest national political forces. several grave counts; his extradition from political behavior of a person in this kind assistance, but America too. GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS SEPTEMBER 15 - 18, 2017 Expecting Major Geopolitical

Map of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Photo source: Shifts in Asia commons.wikimedia.org confi dence building. The effective work of the organization OP-ED BY EMIL AVDALIANI To understand the major drawbacks of would be further constrained by Pakistan the SCO as an organization before the and India’s different understandings of current expansion, we need to look at the terrorism. For instance, they have differ- his year has seen a string of geopolitical imperatives of the organiza- ent views on whether cross-border attacks important political develop- tion’s most powerful states, Russia and in Kashmir are considered terrorism. In ments, among which the China. Russia envisioned the SCO to 2016, Pakistan accused India of working expansion of the Shanghai eventually develop into a military alliance to sabotage China's plans to build an eco- Cooperation Organization that would rival NATO. China, on the nomic corridor through the country. (SCO)T is arguably the largest. Following other hand, wanted to organize the SCO Beyond the Pakistan-India confronta- years of negotiations on accession, this as a future economic platform for expand- tion, there are also serious constrains year India and Pakistan were fi nally admit- ing its economic and political clout in on India-China relations. India tacitly ted as full members of the organization. Central Asia. The stalling of the organi- supports the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan The expansion broadens the geopolitical zation was primarily conditioned by these government, which causes irritation in potential of the organization. A look at differing visions of China and Russia. Beijing. The latter, from its side, persis- the Eurasian map reveals that now more Thus, the geopolitical imperatives of tently defends Pakistan’s actions in than 2/3 of the landmass is in the SCO Russia and China have been quite dif- Kashmir militancy, which complicates and all major ports and economic routes ferent. What is worrisome is that the relations with India. now belong to the member states. inclusion of India and Pakistan could Any potential cooperation between There are other advantages, too. For further complicate the potential for China and India is quite limited, as the instance, China will gain from India and evolving the organization into a more developing Doklam dispute, with Chi- Pakistan’s accession to the SCO in the serious regional player. nese and Indian troops facing each other, security sphere. Pakistan, due to its loca- India’s entry could especially frustrate is yet another example of tense relations tion and involvement in Afghanistan’s Beijing because of rising geopolitical between the two powers. Beyond Kash- RUSSIA’S POSITION signifi cant pressure from the West. internal affairs, offers China and the SCO competition between the Asian giants mir, India and China also confront each From its announcement in 2001, the Therefore, Russia’s decision to have India an important partner in fi ghting extrem- and different approaches to counterter- other in the maritime domain. For exam- SCO provided Beijing with a very effec- as a member of the SCO is likely driven ism, separatism and other forms of vio- rorism. As a refl ection of the disagree- ple, the Indian government recently tive tool in expanding primarily its eco- by the need to further improve bilateral lence. The same concerns drive Russia, ments in May this year, India decided strengthened its position in the strategic nomic infl uence over the Central Asian economic and security cooperation and which fears that Afghan militancy may not to send a delegation to Beijing’s Belt Andaman and Nicobar island chain in states dominated by Russia. But, today, also to limit China’s ever-growing infl u- spill over into the Central Asian region. and Road Initiative Summit. The Indian order to counter the Chinese “string of more than 15 years later, China has made ence in the organization and the Central China, in particular, wants the SCO’s opposition to the project stems from the pearls” strategy. The strategy involves big strides in gaining economic upper Asian region. Indeed, Russia is increas- Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) plan to build the corridor through the gaining access to important naval ports hand in the region as well as already ingly concerned that in the longer run, to gain more relevance and for there to disputed Kashmir region and to connect across the Indian Ocean which would making inroads into the security realm. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and be more coordination in terms of mili- it to the strategically important port of be militarily advantageous in case of This all happens as Russian economic Uzbekistan are tilting too far into China’s tary activities, information sharing and Gwadar in Pakistan. major confl ict. infl uence recedes and the country faces fold.

BUSINESS OMV Head: Nord Stream-2 Financing Scheme Must Change

million each. Gazprom is to provide the other half of the funds: EUR 4.75 billion. At the end of the summer, Shell, OMV, Engie, Uniper and Wintershall allocated EUR 285 million each, and Gazprom's board of directors approved the allo- cation of another EUR 1.42 billion to Nord Stream 2 AG. The remaining 70% Entrepreneurship Mentor Gary of the value of Nord Stream-2, or EUR 6.65 billion, was supposed to be cov- ered by attracting project fi nancing. Whitehall Speaks at Startup And this is exactly what the American sanctions have called into question. "Project fi nancing at a rate of 70% to Grind Event us to execute it in its entirety will prob- on the art and science of entrepreneur- BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES ably not be possible. The project man- ship, and innovation and economic agement will now look for other oppor- development. tunities,” Seele said. "We will have to Venture Elevator, run by Nino Skhirt- look much more towards Asian and n September 14, the ‘Ven- ladze, a startuper herself and marketing Russian banks and think less about ture Elevator’, a new busi- professional, is a new place for startups banks in Europe and America”. ness accelerator under which offers various ways to grow their The head of OMV is in no way ready Meidan Group, hosted business. It guarantees access to space, Photo source: blog.streitcouncil.org and energyworldmag.com or willing to give up and does not con- Startup Grind, this time extensive networking, mentorship, PR panies. It produces and markets oil and sider the issue such a serious problem. featuringO global startup mentor Gary and Marketing essentials and, most BY DIMITRI DOLABERIDZE gas, innovative energy and high-end “Even in the worst-case scenario, in Whitehill as speaker. Whitehill shared importantly, connects startups with petrochemical solutions. With group which no bank will give money for the his experience with the representatives potential investors. sales of EUR 19 bn and a workforce of project, the partners will be able to of over 40 startups and inspired them Despite its recent establishment, Ven- ustrian oil and gas giant around 22,500 in 2016, OMV has a fully cover construction costs out of to be a main driver in entrepreneurship, ture Elevator is already home to success- OMV expects that the strong base in Romania and Austria their own funds,” Seele said. grow their businesses and never step ful startups like VRex, QuickCash, IBF scheme for fi nancing the and a balanced international portfolio. On behalf of German businesses, he back. and Imedia Hub & Gebuy.net. The main construction of the Nord The new US sanctions, introduced called on the European Commission Nicknamed “The Sheriff” by AOL and idea behind its creation was exploring Stream-2 pipeline will in August, affect the activities of joint and the German authorities to take "The Harry Potter of Global Entrepre- the needs of both startups and investors, haveA to be changed due to the new US ventures in Russia and other countries measures in response to US sanctions. neurship" by Globo, Gary is the only therefore creating a fruitful cooperation sanctions. As the head of the oil and in the oil and gas industry. In particu- "In order to create security, we need person in history to travel from conti- framework. gas concern, Rainer Seele stated, “it lar, foreign companies are prohibited constructive steps. We must remember nent-to-continent studying comparative Startup Grind Tbilisi is organized by will probably not be possible to organ- from participating in such a business the reliability of energy supplies to the entrepreneurship and innovation. Hav- Colin M, Donohue, a digital marketing ize project fi nancing for the planned if the share of companies from the Rus- European Union," he said. ing spent time in more than 40 countries, and startup consultant from the US who 70% of the cost of the pipeline”. sian Federation there exceeds 33%. The Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline is Gary believes both are the answer to the lives in Tbilisi. Startup Grind is an inter- "We support this project and we are At the end of April, Nord Stream 2 expected to double the current Nord great debate toward the way forward for national network started in Silicon Val- not going to refuse it,” he added. “The AG, a Gazprom subsidiary, and Euro- Stream (from 55 to 110 billion cubic all of humanity, not just the motivated ley in 2010 which now has over 1 million obligations to bring the project to an pean partners Shell, OMV, Engie, Uni- meters per year), next to which it will entrepreneur. As a global social reformer, followers and 250 Chapters in 100 coun- end are certainly preserved, and all per and Wintershall, signed fi nancing be laid from the Baltic coast of Russia serial entrepreneur, educator and men- tries. enterprises that have given this com- agreements for Nord Stream-2. Under to Germany. Construction of the Nord tor, Gary advises Presidents and Prime Global sponsors include Google for mitment will try to fulfi ll them". the agreement, the companies pledged Stream-2 is planned to begin late 2018, Ministers, Fortune 100 CEO’s, economic Entrepreneurs, and local sponsorship is OMV Aktiengesellschaft is one of to fi nance a project worth EUR 9.5 bil- and put it into operation at the end of development offi ces, incubators, accel- led by innovators Crystal MFO and Menu. Austria’s largest listed industrial com- lion, totaling 50%, that is, EUR 950 2019. erators, think tanks and entrepreneurs ge.

GEORGIA TODAY 8 BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 15 - 18, 2017 Finance Ministry: Moody’s Winery Khareba Chief Upgrades Georgia’s Ratings Winemaker on What Makes the Brand a Winner

INTERVIEW BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES

inery Khareba won the gold medal at the prestigious competi- tion Mundus Vini International Wine WAward 2017 in Germany for its Mukuzani Dry Red Wine. Nearly 164 international wine experts from 41 countries judged wines from investment relationships, including more than 150 wine growing regions all BY THEA MORRISON through the Association Agreement (AA) over the world in the globally recognized and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade summer competition. Agreement (DCFTA) with the European GEORGIA TODAY spoke to Vladimer eorgia’s Minister of Finance Union (EU). Kublashvili, Chief Winemaker and Pro- and Vice-Premier Dimitry “These agreements will provide Geor- duction Director at Winery Khareba, Kumsishvili stated that for gia with technical and fi nancial support which was established in 1995. the fi rst time since 2007, to further develop its already strong “Winery Khareba works to maintain international rating com- institutions and further deepen political the unique vine culture and winemaking Gpany Moody’s has upgraded Georgia's and economic relations. Closer ties and using both ancient methods and modern ratings to Ba2 from Ba3, adding that the alignment with EU norms will also boost technologies; consequently, the Company outlook remains at stable. competitiveness through measures to produces high-quality wines,” Kublash- “Moody’s Ba2 is the highest level taken improve customs procedures, food qual- vili tells us. “Winery Khareba produces by Georgia in the ratings of other com- ity, education systems, and labor codes,” over 35 different kinds of wine from the panies,” the Minister stated at a special the statement reads, adding that, beyond best Eastern and Western Georgian vari- press-conference, saying the reason for its relations with the EU, Georgia has eties of grape and contributes to the improvement was that Georgia's economy growing access to a diverse set of mar- safeguarding of Georgia's unique culture proved resilient to the signifi cant eco- kets, through various recent and pro- of viticulture”. nomic, fi nancial and exchange rate shock spective trade agreements, such as those Kublashvili decided to become a pro- in the region in 2014-16. with a number of Commonwealth of fessional winemaker in the last year of Photo, from the left: Vladimer Kublashvili, Chief Winemaker & Production Kumsishvili stated that in the given Independent States members, Turkey, high school study and in 2000 joined the Director,Winery Khareba; Paul Wagner, President, Balzac Communications & period, Georgia’s GDP growth averaged and potentially through the prospective Georgian Agriculture University. “Since Marketing and Nika Zautashvili, CEO, Winery Khareba 3.4% at a time when many of its neigh- free trade agreement with China. that time, I’ve graduated several univer- bors were in or close to recession. The company added that the recent sities in Georgia and Europe as well and We control all wine process very strictly recognition of Winery Khareba in the He said that Moody’s attributed this reforms in the country signifi cantly now possess Bachelor and Master Diplo- because defects stand out even more in wine industry and, of course, helps sales. resilience to effective macroeconomic improved fi nancial situation. mas in Enology and an MBA Diploma quality wines, as their highly-refi ned policy management and strong banking “We also expect that past microeco- in Wine Management and Marketing. organoleptic characteristics are effected HOW DOES IT FEEL TO WIN supervision that allowed banks to con- nomic reforms, which have helped to I’m also an offi cial member of the wine by the slightest problem. SUCH A PRESTIGIOUS PRIZE? tinue to fi nance the economy. boost the economy's shock absorption jury in various international wine com- Our philosophy is to promote indige- When we gain such prestigious awards, “The rating company also underlines capacity, will continue to positively affect petitions”. nous Georgian grape varieties, make the we really feel proud, but it is also a huge that fi nancial institutions in Georgia are the economy,” Moody’s added. Once he graduated in 2006, Kublashvili fi nest wines and encourage wine con- responsibility as, year after year, we have strong,” the Minister added. The statement reads that these reforms began to work at Winery Khareba. “I can sumers to consume them around the to bring to our consumers ever better… The Investor’s Service of Moody’s include success in reducing corruption tell you that during these years, I’ve globe. We use the highest technologies without any compromise. upgraded the Government of Georgia's to low levels compared with most other gained huge experience in my fi eld and and old, traditional methods to achieve local and foreign currency issuer ratings sovereigns and signifi cant reductions in am learning every single day!” he says. the fi nal quality. WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS on September 11. the number of taxes along with simpli- “It’s a great honor for me to be a Chief FOR THE FUTURE? Georgia's foreign currency senior unse- fi ed tax administration, as well as broad- Winemaker of Winery Khareba and to WHAT MAKES MUKUZANI Winery Khareba has a new GM, Nika cured ratings have also been upgraded ening the availability of online tax pay- work with such great people”. STAND OUT FROM Zautashvili, who joined the company to Ba2 from Ba3. ment. OTHERS OF ITS KIND? several months ago and brought a new The local-currency bond and deposit Moody’s added that labor market HOW DID YOU MANAGE The Saperavi grapes we use to make vision and bright ideas. One of the main ceilings were raised to Baa1 from Baa3. reforms started in Georgia in the last TO CREATE SUCH A FINE Mukuzani are planted in the Mukuzani objectives for him and the company over The foreign currency bond ceiling was few years, adding they ease restriction WINE? WHAT TECHNOLOGIES Doc, which is the perfect place to make the next few years will certainly be to raised to Baa3 from Ba1 and the foreign on hiring, work hours and redundancy DID YOU USE? fi ne wines. It stands out for its soil, cli- increase recognition of our brand name currency bank deposit ceiling was raised and will also boost the potential for Progress in Enology has led to consider- mate, and outstanding terrain. Such a abroad. We work very hard to represent to Ba3 from B1. In addition, the short- enhanced productivity in the economy. able improvements in wine quality and combination of nature, grape and skillful the company’s products in the traditional term foreign-currency bond ceiling was “The business environment has also made it possible to bring out the indi- winemaking led to the creation of this markets and in emerging countries. raised to P-3 from Not Prime and the improved through reform of the system vidual character of wine grapes, which global class dry red wine. Besides traditional wine markets (like short-term foreign currency deposit ceil- of licenses and permits which, for exam- is in turn relates to the environmental Russia and Ukraine), we do very well in ing was maintained at Not Prime. ple, reduce the time to register businesses conditions specifi c to each vineyard. WHAT DOES WINNING China, where our sales are increasing. “We expect Georgia's economy to and receive permits for construction The wine team of Winery Khareba THIS AWARD MEAN ON A We also signed a contract with an Amer- strengthen and its resilience to shocks projects,” the statement reads. knows exactly how to produce high- GLOBAL SCALE FOR THE ican, San Francisco-based company last to continue to be enhanced as ongoing Georgia’s Finance Ministry believes quality, healthy, clean wines whose fl avor WINE ITSELF AND FOR month and are ready to export the fi rst measures to diversify and reform the that the increase of Georgia’s currency fully expresses the quality of the Geor- KHAREBA, THE BRAND? of our wines shortly. economy bear fruit,” the statement of issuer ratings will increase the infl ow of gian grapes. Winning any international award proves Winery Khareba will always do its best the company reads. foreign investments in the country and At the same time, tasting criteria have to us that we are in good shape, but win- to bring more fame and success to the Moody’s also mentioned the ongoing will serve as a signal that Georgia is a become increasingly demanding, which ning the Gold Medal of such a recognized Georgian wine industry and to defend process of diversifi cation of trade and reliable country for investments. is also a good thing. competition as Mundus Vini, brings big its name.

Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 15 - 18, 2017 SOCIETY 9

Birdwatchers at the International Birdwatching Festival, Adjara

Bird Watching: The New Eco Tourism Trend in Adjara coordinator from Finland told us. BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI “Many of the species we see have different migra- tion phenology; they don’t all come at the same time but spread out over this two-month period he Black Sea coast, and namely the from August to October,” he said. “We’ve counted area surrounding Batumi, is known more than one million raptors annually since 2012, as the Eastern Black Sea Migration and we’re expecting to have one million raptors Corridor, with over one million rap- again this year,” he noted. tors migrating through it to Africa What makes the raptor migration in Adjara so Teach year. The migration period runs from approx- special is geography, as many birds we see here, imately August 15 and lasts until October 15, mak- Aki told us, avoid crossing the sea, but also avoid ing the Adjara region one of the top places for bird crossing mountains: “they squeeze in the area watching in the world, as its raptor migrating cor- between the both. That’s why we have birds from ridor is considered one of the biggest at global third all around Europe and even Kazakhstan”. place. One of the main species counted is the European The unique topography and climate of the Adjara Honey-buzzard, along with the Steppe Buzzard, region is said to be a determining factor in the vast Black Kite, Lesser Spotted Eagle, and Booted Eagle. number of annual migrating raptors, bringing more On September 2, 2012, they counted over 170,000 and more popularity to bird watching as an eco- Honey-buzzards. “Sometimes it can be stressful if tourism trend and a growing number of bird watch- they come too close, but when you have a good ing fans, scientists, biologists. day, it’s really rewarding to get the feedback and The bird migration can be enjoyed from several you’re proud of the count results and of the team,” specially prepared spots: from the platforms in the Aki said. villages of Sakhalvasho and Chaisubani (Kobuleti There are around 20 people involved in the pro- municipality), from the Mtirala National Park and ject from different countries, most of the volunteers Ispani Sphagnum Peatlands and the Chorokhi Delta staying for two weeks, but some for longer, for one in Khelvachauri. or two months, usually at the guesthouses in the From September 24 to September 30, Adjara is to village. We visited one such guesthouse and spoke host its annual International Birdwatching Festival, to owner Nuri Delaverov, frequently host to mem- organized with the support of the Tourism Product bers of the bird watching community and other Development Agency of the Tourism Department tourists visiting the Sakhalvasho area. We’ve are of Adjara. The idea to found the Birdwatching Fes- told that the Adjara Tourism Department assists tival came from international organization Batumi locals to develop their guest houses to meet the Raptor Count (BRC) back in 2012. fast-growing tourism demand in the region. The Birdwatching Festival this year entails a series Our next stop was the Kolkheti National Park, of lectures and presentations held by foreign and another spot on the bird migration itinerary, where Georgian specialists, with the involvement of Adjara you can spot species included on the Red List of tourist agencies, students and school pupils. Edu- Georgia. As Emzar Malania, ranger at the Kolkheti cational excursions are planned to the abovemen- National Park said, “The place is getting more and tioned bird watching spots as well as the Kolkheti more popular with international visitors, and espe- National Park and Batumi Port. The Birdwatching cially bird watchers”. The park offers bird watching Festival 2017 is organized by SABUKO (Nature towers and boat tours on Paliastomi Lake to observe Conservation Society). Alexander Rukhaia, its the rare species. founder and director, was awarded the prestigious Sulkhan Glonti, Head of the Adjara Tourism Whitley Award for protecting birds of pray in 2016. Department told us that Bird Watching becoming For the festival, Adjara Tourism Department have increasingly popular assists in the development of also established a bird watching platform and a eco and rural tourism, “while at the same time housing infrastructure in Shuamta village, with guest bringing additional sources of income to the local houses in the area ready for visitors and event attend- population” as the bird watching platforms are ees. The festival is said to be a powerful tool not mainly situated in the villages. “We’re doing what only for boosting bird watching tourism locally, but we can for the comfort of visitors, tourists, and also for the conservation of the migrating raptors. scientists that come. We regularly retrain guest Even if you can’t make it to this year’s Interna- house owners to help them provide a more com- tional Birdwatching Festival, the bird watching fortable stay for guests, and, in this respect, the platform at Sakhalvasho village alone is something Birdwatching Festival is very important,” he stated. you’d not want to miss if you happen to be in Adjara The infrastructure of the existing platforms is to at the beginning of autumn, not least for the fact be updated and modernized according to the spe- that the view is absolutely stunning, to say nothing cifi c needs and requirements of the visitors, which of the actual bird migration process. While on a will be analyzed through a survey to be conducted tour there last weekend, we spotted Irao soaring during the Bird Festival. Glonti also pointed to the across the sky. fact the tourist season in Adjara can be considered “I’ve been coming here the past three years to as extremely successful this year, largely due to spend two or three weeks studying the migration joint public and private sector efforts and coop- of raptors,” Steen Sogaard, Biologist from Denmark, eration, and the massive promotional campaigns told us, as we stood among volunteers from all on different targeted markets of 16 countries around around Europe, gathered on the Sakhalvasho plat- the world.” The region of Adjara has also been in form. the spotlight of such media outlets as BBC, Euronews The story of Batumi Raptor Count started in 2004, and CNN. when Brecht Verhelst, Stijn Hantson and Nicolas If you’re looking to experience something new, Vanermen travelled to the Caucasus and stayed in thrilling and probably unforgettable, or if you’re a Batumi to observe the bird migration and came up bird watcher in search of new places to discover, with the idea of setting a full-season raptor count grab your backpack and head to the Adjara region with the help of volunteers. It wasn’t until 2008 before October 15. that the fi rst Batumi Raptor Count was able to be Bird Festival attendance (Sept 24 to Sept 30) is free of implemented. charge and you can register to attend through the agency@ “It happened that they were here at the right gobatumi.com or at: +995 977 90 90 93/ :+995 time,” Aki, a volunteer and a Batumi Raptor Count 977 90 90 91 GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY SEPTEMBER 15 - 18, 2017 Georgian Mountains Stunning Photo Collection Gives Wine Company Glimpse into Motherhood in 56 Countries & Cultures Worldwide

ommissioned by Play Like cult, however her love for her Mum through platforms children shines through. They including Upwork, People make her happy when she Per Hour and Fiverr, Mums feels sad and she would do of the World showcases absolutely anything for them.” Cmothers from 56 different countries and cultures through a series of portraits See the photos and stories and quotes that depict what it means to at: https://www.playlike- be a mother. mum.com/mums-of-the- The campaign features photographs world/ of mums from six of the world's seven continents, everywhere from an upmar- ket suburb of Birmingham, England, through to the confl ict-zone that is The Gaza Strip. Daily life may not be the same for these 56 women, but their love and dedication to their families is indis- tinguishable. Guamanian Annamarie had the following to say about her friend, the mother featured in the collection from her home country: “There is nothing that this mother will not go through to better her- self and the environ- ment for her children. he main task of the Georgian tive and highly successful array of fl avors [...] She says that she's Mountains Wine Company, and aromas that will appeal to all who not perfect. She can which was founded in 2017 enjoy quality and character in wine. only try her best at eve- and produces pitcher and You can taste Georgian Mountains wine rything. The only perfec- sweet wine, is the creation at every restaurant of Mgroup, Alcorium, tion in her life is her chil- ofT top quality wine that meets the needs Sirajkhana, Kvareli Lake Resort, Vinoma- dren and she would have of a worldwide demand for excellence. nia and many more. it no other way.” Georgian Mountains wine is made in a 4,891 miles away in Pakistan, characteristically Georgian way that com- TEL +995 514 12 22 99; Mohammed speaks about his own bines traditional indigenous Qvevri modes +995 597 122 277 mother: of manufacture with contemporary Euro- Facebook: @georgianmountainswinecompany “The family may not have much pean technology. The result is a distinc- E-mail: [email protected] money and, at times, life is diffi - City Mall Saburtalo to Expand BY THEA MORRISON

ity Mall shopping center, located at 1 Kavtaradze Street, Saburtalo, is to expand its territory. The gross leasable area ofC the new building will be 57,000 m2, and the gross building area will be 87,000 m2 without the business center. The mall will feature international brand shops, food facilities and an enter- tainment zone for children and adults. There will also be a lounge for parents shopping with children. Underground parking will be designed for 1500 cars, allowing high traffi c infl ow and customer convenience City Mall Saburtalo expansion project is due to be completed in November, 2018. GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 15 - 18, 2017 SOCIETY 11 Dolittle in Svaneti

momentary confusion, a thing to be Porcine: BLOG BY TONY HAMNER avoided among Svans at all costs, which gheya gheya (see Bovine: a rare inter- might include one’s person becoming species shared word): advance involved in injury or worse. he famed animal doctor Arm yourself with these words and who can communicate with Bovine: phrases and you will be ready for basic all of his non-human Dido: depart from hence level communication with any domes- patients visited recently aishpsh aishpsh, or gheya gheya (see ticated animal and for most necessary and asked me to explain Porcine): come (for calves: dziunu dzi- or common situations. They may not Tsome of the words and phrases used by unu) reply using these exact words, but you specifi c creatures and for specifi c pur- Poultrine (technically, galline; possibly can at least be confi dent of being under- poses here in the mountains of Svaneti. applicable towards ducks, geese, Guinea stood and, hopefully, obeyed! (Especially Note, some of these may be used in other fowl and turkeys as well as chickens, but by the ones who know their place below parts of Georgia as well, and possibly check for comprehensibility): us in the food chain. Perhaps less so by even outside the country, but always jiba jiba: enter my presence those whose diet might conceivably check to be sure you are saying what ksh ksh: avast include Homo Sapiens, and thus might you THINK you are saying. This is so regard themselves occasionally as paral- as not to cause your pigs to fi ght one Canine: lel to or even above us in said chain: not another to the death or your poultry Sss: attack with extreme prejudice! (i.e. a thought worth contemplating to its merely to scratch their heads with incom- a person, other animal or other dog, logical conclusion). prehension, having landed on the backs especially in organized though techni- Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since of your bovines. The pronunciation is cally illegal dog fi ghts) 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a for standard (Tbilisi) Georgian. shisht’a: withdraw instantly and with weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He Please also note, these words are not no further displays of aggression, because runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook ever to be uttered towards any human, I am the alpha creature group, now with over 1500 members, at as they may cause signifi cant insult after www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- sance/ GEORGIA TODAY 12 SOCIETY SEPTEMBER 15 - 18, 2017 Fergal Reaches New Heights in Kazbegi, Just 6 Years after a Major Back Op

deserved-pride: Yes! Though not, he tells BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES us, without diffi culty. “We set off at two o’clock in the morn- ing, pitch black, head-torches on. I got n 2001, Irishman Fergal Hingerty a little dehydrated despite fi lling myself was diagnosed with chronic sci- up with tea. The problem at the hut there atica caused by spinal deteriora- (3700m and seven hours’ hike up from tion from an old back injury. The the village of Stepantsminda) is a lack prognoses left him with a choice: of fresh water. Everything has to be boiled Ia risky major operation that might leave and re-boiled, it comes from the glacier him in a wheelchair, or spending the rest so it’s full of sand. That takes time. It of his life in a wheelchair. He chose the wasn’t something I was well enough fi rst option and not only managed to prepared for,” he admits. recover from the subsequent 9-hour Another issue was pacing. “At one stage, operation, but went on to fi nd his pas- for a few minutes, I couldn’t catch my sion in hiking and mountain climbing. breath,” he says. “You get into a rhythm. Now, having climbed almost all the high- When the guide briefl y sped up, that est mountains in the UK, he chose Geor- rhythm got broken and I started hyper- gia and Mount Kazbegi as his latest life ventilating. But it didn’t last long, a few challenge. minutes at most: mind over matter, the GEORGIA TODAY met back up with way I always do it”. Fergal in Tbilisi the day he returned to Another issue, a serious one, was a civilization from the four-day climb. Pink broken crampon. “Thank God the guide nosed, bleary-eyed and suffering from was able to fi x it,” Fergal says. “Other- a ‘mountain cough’, he looked exhausted. wise I would have had no grip and no “I should be feeling exhilarated, but more climb- I wouldn’t even have been I’ve barely slept- I guess it’ll sink in in a able to get back down. The 5-strong team day or so,” he says with a smile. I was with would have been let down Fergal Hingerty on Mount Kazbegi with fellow climbers Anya Bào, Michał Twardowski and Aneta Flis Kazbegi was recently named by Busi- and so would I.” ness Insider UK among the ‘Top 10 Places Not surprising, considering the ice At the 50-person hut, he met climbers to answer the ‘call of nature,’ people have to Do in Your Lifetime’. sheets needing to be crossed. “Even an from Iran, the UK, Canada, South Africa, to head outside to the nearby ‘rubbish Our fi rst question: Did you make it to area that looked easy to cross, sandy, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, dump’. the top? A resounding, fi lled-with-well- turned out to have a solid sheet of ice Ukraine, Israel, France- “all kinds of The idea came up in our discussion people from all kinds of places wanting with Fergal that the local authorities to climb this mountain, but if you don’t could charge visitors some 10 GEL, half Some people have a mountain rescue, then you’re of which would go to sewage and hut going to have a very serious incident up maintenance and half towards mountain who suffer there”. rescue. It currently costs 20 GEL to stay Just two days after Fergal got down, in the hut and 5 GEL to camp outside. misfortune ask, reports reached him that a 42-year-old In February, we reported on an initiative Polish climber died from altitude sick- by entrepreneur David Chichinadze, who ‘Why me?’ I ask: ness, allegedly because he failed to alert has vast experience working with the his team he was suffering. The Ministry Swiss Development Agency managing of Internal Affairs is looking into the disaster risk reduction and several con- ‘Why NOT me?’ case. “I was shocked when I heard that,” struction projects in diffi cult-to-reach he told us when we contacted him about locations, to build the $400,000 ‘Altihut’ then turn it it. “We passed his group on the way complex. Altihut will offer a café/res- down”. taurant, accommodation for up to 30 around and make “There is a permanent rescue team people, toilets, showers, washing facili- based in Stepantsminda, and the heli- ties, a shop, rental equipment, mountain use of it copter from Rooms hotel helps out if guides, and will accommodate mountain beneath,” he says. needed- but to get from the village to rescue services. “The main target group But the guide was able to save the day the hut is a seven-hour hike. From there will be hikers, day trippers visiting the and with bang and twist, all was well- to the peak is another seven hours”. glacier, mountain bikers, ski tourers in and up the team went in “fi ne” 40 mile- “There’s a tragic picture up there- peo- winter and, of course, climbers,” Chichi- per-hour winds, temperature minus 20, ple dying or going missing, you hear the nadze told us. It is expected to be ready all the way to the top, zigzagging past stories,” Fergal tells us. “But even in Ire- to host its fi rst tourists in summer 2018. crevasses and enduring a horse-ride land, mountain rescue is depressingly Until then, those wishing to climb Kaz- across a swollen glacial river. underfunded”. Slipping and breaking a begi will just have to hold their noses “I was so exhausted and, because of leg, disappearing down impenetrable and be prepared: the views alone make the strong winds, I couldn’t raise the crevasses, getting lost, dying of exposure such issues seem small. And as is the sponsor’s or Ireland fl ag,” Fergal laments or altitude sickness- these are risks famil- case with any extreme tourism, do your of his moment at the summit. “Plus the iar to any experienced mountain climber, research before you go. fact I’d already lost a glove in the wind but ones which can be mitigated by a “It’s tough going up there,” Fergal says. on the way up- it was whipped out of permanent on-location rescue team. “And now I have great admiration for my hand when I took it off to take a pic- Fergal told us of a two-man volunteer those lads that climb Everest, or indeed ture”. As on all his climbs, however, he Polish rescue team based at the Meteora any remote mountain over 7000 meters; did have spare gloves. Bethlemi Hut shelter within the frames three to four weeks on the go, boiling Kazbegi is the highest mountain (5,047 of the ‘Safe Kazbek’ project through water…going to toilet outside in minus m) Fergal has climbed to date, and the which the Medyk Rescue Team Founda- 20. I’ve gone up a level with Kazbegi. It experience has changed him, he says, tion maintains the duty of Polish life- was nearly beyond me but my extraor- joking of the ‘hills’ he climbed before in guards. All rescuers participate as part dinary will to never, ever give up pushed Wales and Scotland, now seeming noth- of a social project and the equipment me to it. 50% of climbers don’t get to the ing in comparison. We ask him what’s and maintenance of the base (a tent!) top; the wind’s often too strong and the next and he tells us some Iranians he and on-call service is possible thanks to storms can be too dangerous to even met in the hut invited him to climb Iran’s sponsors and donors. attempt to climb in, but the view over highest- Mount Damavand (5,610m above “Everyone is an expert in their fi eld, the glacier is just something else. To be sea level) but with a stunning hike through ranging from medical rescue, missing honest, I would have been happy even sulphur fl ats beforehand, Damavand search, high altitude rescue to mountain with the view from the little chapel up being a potentially active volcano. climbing. Together we create an excel- there (at 4000m).. But, no, nothing was We asked Fergal how he would rate his lent team ready to act in any, even the going to stop me from getting to the top, experience hiking in Georgia. most demanding conditions,” the Medyk even if I’d had to do it on my hands and “The views were absolutely stunning,” website claims. GEORGIA TODAY will knees. It’s that will to win. And when he told us. “There were just two nega- be interviewing them this week. you look back up at that mountain from tives- the sanitation issue at the hut and The Meteora Bethlemi Hut, we are Kazbegi. Wow. Yeah. It’s a big achieve- the rescue team.” informed, lacks toilets and showers, and ment”. GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 15 - 18, 2017 CULTURE 13 Batumi to Host 3rd Int’l Advertising Festival

it helps to raise the bar and the quality INTERVIEW BY MAKA LOMADZE of the industry. Batumi is the best place for festivals of this kind as there is a nice time being what we have more than sat- ing. We hope that this is something that WHAT WILL MAKE THIS FESTIVAL atmosphere of sea, sun and people gath- isfi es the requirements of the region. shows our perspective and vision as one DIFFER FROM PREVIOUS ONES? n September 21-23, the third ering to socialize and share their experi- of socially responsible. This special award We always try to make some improve- International Advertising ences. The festival stands on three pillars: TELL US ABOUT THE JURY stands out from all other awards that ments. There are several surprises that Festival ‘Ad Black Sea’ will contest, educational program (seminars They are: Jean-Paul Lefebvre, a Creative exist in the world. we are preparing for participants. Sur- be held in Batumi. GEOR- and workshops), and entertainment Director from Belgium; Rimantas Stane- prises usually come from the weather, GIA TODAY talked to Vato (hanging out and having fun). As I said, vicius, Creative Director from Lithuania; HAS THERE BEEN PROGRESS too- the fi rst festival was sunny, while Kavtaradze,O co-founder of the festival. Batumi is the best place for all three. Andrei Copots, Executive Director, SINCE 2015 IN THE the second saw continuous downpours! Ukraine; Ants Tonnison, Creative Direc- ADVERTISING SPHERE? Let’s see what happens this time. WHERE DID THE IDEA WHAT ARE THE CONTEST tor from Estonia; Giorgi Kvlividze, Sen- Defi nitely. The industry is developing, COME FROM? CATEGORIES? ior Art Director from Georgia; Can Faga, growing. The quality of produced adver- Registration is open until September 17. Inter- Such festivals boost the development of FMCG (Fast- Moving Consumer Goods), Executive Creative Director from Turkey; tisements from certain agencies is get- ested parties should go to: www.adblacksea. the relevant industry in the country. Other Consumer Products (Including and Gleb Glonti, Creative Director from ting better and I think we are all con- com There are not many countries that enjoy Durable Goods), Consumer Services, Russia. Each year, we try to put one tributing to that improvement. such festivals. It demands a lot of effort Media, Entertainment and Leisure, Social Georgian to represent the country as we and we began thinking about the festival Advertising and Charity, and Others. hope that it helps the integration of WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS some 5-6 years ago, because it needed international expertise to the Georgian FOR THE FESTIVAL THIS YEAR? planning and inserting into the interna- WHICH COUNTRIES WILL industry. Expectations are always good. This year, tional calendar. The fi rst took place in BE PARTICIPATING? we are holding the festival together with 2015, with State support, as well as with Around twenty countries, mostly coun- WHAT ABOUT THE AWARD? the Check in Georgia project with the the involvement of advertising workers tries from our region, i.e. the post-Soviet The award is specially designed and support of the Ministry of Economy and and the private sector. space. The states from the Black Sea totally unique. It is made with plastic the government. We hope that this con- region, as well as the Baltic countries, that is washed out by the Black Sea. With tribution will strengthen the festival and HOW IMPORTANT IS SUCH will be there as will a number of entries that we also fulfi ll some sort of social make it bigger. The collaboration of the A FESTIVAL FOR GEORGIA? from Eastern Europe. Perhaps one day responsibility that makes a statement government and the private sector is Very important and very special, because we will broaded our scope, but for the about the environment that we are serv- always appreciated. GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE SEPTEMBER 15 - 18, 2017

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER SHALIKASHVILI THEATER MOTHER! MUSEUM MUSEUM OF SOVIET Address: 37 Rustaveli Ave. Directed by Darren Aronofsky OCCUPATION Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. TBILISI INTERNATIONAL Telephone: 595 50 02 03 Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Javier GEORGIAN NATIONAL Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 FESTIVAL OF THEATER Bardem, Ed Harris MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA www.museum.ge September 15, 16 Genre: Drama, Horror, Fa MUSEUM September 18 KRIMANCHULI Language: Russian Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. PERMANENT EXHIBITION ENDGAME Comedy novels presented, based on Start time: 21:15 Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 Discover the State's personal fi les Samuel Beckett Georgian national motives Language: English www.museum.ge of "subversive" Georgian public Directed by Kay Voges Start time: 20:00 Start time: 19:05 fi gures, orders to shoot or exile, and Designer- Michael Sieberock- Ticket: 15 GEL Ticket: 13-14 GEL PERMANENT EXHIBITION: other artifacts representing Soviet- Serafi mowitsch GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY era cultural and political repression Schauspiel Dortmund, Germany TBILISI ZAKARIA JOUR J FROM 8TH MILLENNIUM B.C. in Georgia. Start time: 20:00 PALIASHVILI OPERA AND Directed by Reem Kherici TO THE 4TH CENTURY A.D Ticket: 20, 30 GEL BALLET THEATER Cast: Reem Kherici, Nicolas GALLERY Venue: Royal District Theater Address: 25 Rustaveli Ave. Duvauchelle, Julia Piaton EXHIBITION OF GEORGIAN Telephone: 2 99 04 56 Genre: Comedy, Adventure, Fa WEAPONRY September 21 THE NATIONAL GALLERY Language: Russian Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. CHEKHOV’S FIRST PLAY September 17 Start time: 16:45 NUMISMATIC TREASURY Directed by Bush Moukarzel and www.museum.ge ABESALOM AND ETERI Ticket: 10-11 GEL Telephone: 215 73 00 Ben Kidd Starring: Teimuraz Gugushvili, THE TESTAMENT OF DAVID Composer- Jimmy Eadie and Kevin Makvala Aspanidze, Vakhtang RUSTAVELI CINEMA THE BUILDER AND NEW Gleeson EXHIBITS OF THE MEDIEVAL EXHIBITION CONSTELLATION Jashiashvili, George Chelidze, Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. Designer- Andrew Clancy TREASURY Artworks by Chinese contemporary Elene Janjalia, Ira Iosebidze,Irina Telephone: 2 55 50 00 Choreographer- Liv O Donoghue artists- Ai Weiwei, Hu Xiaoyuan, Start time: 20:00 Sherazadishvili, Philipe Gachava, www.kinoafi sha.ge EXHIBITION STONE AGE GEORGIA Li Shurui, Liu Wei, Lu Pingyuan, Ticket: 20-55 GEL Aleksandre Tibelishvili, George Lu Shanchuan, Ma Qiusha, Wang Venue: Kote Marjanishvili State Mchedlishvili. Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL May 18- November 18 Guangle, Wang Sishun, Wang Drama Theater, Tbilisi State Opera Theater Choir, September 15-21 EXHIBITION Yuyang, Xie Molin, Xu Qu, Xu Big Stage Orchestra, Ballet, Georgian GEORGIAN COSTUME AND Zhen, Yan Xing, Zhang Ding, Zhang National Ballet "Sukhishvili". MOTHER! WEAPONRY OF 18TH-20TH Zhenyu, Zhao Yao and Zhao Zhao. Conductor- Zaza Azmaiparashvili Directed by Darren Aronofsky GABRIADZE THEATER CENTURIES MUSIC Address: 13 Shavtelis St. Director- Gizo Jordania Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Telephone: 2 98 65 93 Set, Costume and Lighting Designer Bardem, Ed Harris MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS George Alexi- Meskhishvili Genre: Drama, Horror Address: 1 Gudiashvili Str. INTERNATIONAL MUSIC September 16 Choreographer- Iliko Sukhishvili Language: Russian Telephone: 299 99 09 FESTIVAL - AUTUMN TBILISI MARSHAL DE FANTE’S Video Projection- David Matchavariani Start time: 17:00, 19:45, 22:30 DIAMOND Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 13-14 GEL August 10 – September 20 September 17 Rezo Gabriadze Ticket: 7-50 GEL EXHIBITION EDEN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC Directed by Rezo Gabriadze LOGAN LUCKY BY ROGER VON GUNTEN FESTIVAL Start time: 20:00 September 20 Directed by Steven Soderbergh AUTUMN TBILISI Opening Concert Ticket: 10, 20, 30 GEL OPERA GALA Cast: Daniel Craig, Channing IOSEB GRISHASHVILI THE MISSA SOLEMNIS Starring: Tbilisi Opera Theater Tatum, Katherine Waterston TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM September 17, 20 - KARVASLA (Premier in Tbilisi) soloists, choir and orchestra Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama THE AUTUMN OF MY Address: 8 Sioni St. Ludwig van Beethoven Start time: 20:00 Language: Russian SPRINGTIME Telephone: 2 98 22 81 Conductor- Vakhtang Kakhidze Start time: 16:30, 19:15, 22:15 Rezo Gabriadze Ticket: 7-50 GEL Soloists: Salome Jikia (Georgia), Ticket: 10-14 GEL Directed by Rezo Gabriadze CINEMA August 30 – September 20 Nino Zakaidze (Georgia), Start time: 20:00 EXHIBITION Gyorgy Hanczar (Hungary) and Ticket: 10, 20, 30 GEL 7 SISTERS THE BORDER Ramaz Chikviladze (Georgia) AMIRANI CINEMA Directed by Tommy Wirkola Curated by Inke Arns and Thibaut Start time: 19:30 September 21 Address: 36 Kostava Str. Cast: Noomi Rapace, Marwan de Ruyter (Dortmund and Berlin), Ticket: From 10 GEL STALINGRAD Telephone: 2 99 99 55 Kenzari, Willem Dafoe Production: Liaison des Arts, Rezo Gabriadze www.kinoafi sha.ge Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller Karola Matschke (Berlin), September 19 Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Language: Russian Project co-ordination in Tbilisi: TEL-AVIV SOLOISTS ENSEMBLE Start time: 20:00 Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 GEL Start time: 22:00 Lasha Khvedelidze (Goethe Start time: 19:30 Ticket: 10, 20, 30 GEL September 15-21 Ticket: 13-14 GEL institute Georgia) Ticket: From 10 GEL GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 15 - 18, 2017 CULTURE 15 Launch of New Book Telling the Story of the First Georgian Republic

ext year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of the world's fi rst democratic socialist government, the Georgian Democratic NRepublic. London-based author Eric Lee has written an important book on this Griboedov Russian long-forgotten but vital experiment in political history, The Experiment: Geor- gia's Forgotten Revolution, 1918-21. “The fi rst Georgian republic had uni- versal signifi cance,” says Eric Lee. “The Theater Takes the Georgian Social Democrats, led by Noe Zhordania, were both Marxists and dem- ocrats. They created a multi-party, plu- ralist democracy with free elections, Gulags on Tour including womens' suffrage, while at the same time carrying out a radical land to be staged in Georgia by the Georgian BY MAKA LOMADZE reform, strengthening the cooperative Theater dedicated to these appalling movement, and encouraging the growth stories of the 20th century. of independent trade unions with the The sentenced included numerous right to strike. Their experiment in dem- he fi rst performances of the members of well-known Georgian fami- ocratic socialism was widely known a Griboedov Russian Theat- lies: Ketevan Orakhelashvili, spouse of century ago, but following the Soviet er’s 172rd Season took place the conductor Evgeny Mikeladze; Alex- invasion in 1921, it was largely forgotten. on September 6-7 on the andra (Ana) Dumbadze-Bakhtadze, As the world marks the centenary of the Batumi Ilia Chavchavadze mother of the writer Nodar Dumbadze Russian Revolution, this is a good time TState Drama Theater stage. The cast and his aunt Tamar Dumbadze; Kira to remind ourselves that another revolu- brought the performance ‘Algeria’ (Akmo- Andronikashvili, spouse of the writer tion, a humane and democratic one, was linsky Camp for the wives of traitors of Boris Pilniak; Ashkhen Nalbandian, mother possible, as the Georgians proved”. the homeland). On September 9, the of writer Bulat Okujava; and many more. Published by Zed Books in London, the audience of the Akaki Tsereteli Chiatura In total, around 8000 women completed offi cial publication date is 15 September. State Drama Theater got to see the same a sentence in the ‘Algeria’ gulag, among In addition to the English version, trans- performance. them 281 women from Georgia. lations are being prepared into Georgian, ‘Algeria’ is a documentary drama staged Ludmila Artiomova-Mghebrishvili, Ina Russian, Esperanto and other languages. by director Avtandil Varsimashvili. It is Vorobiova, Natalia Voroniuk, Nino The Georgian edition will be published a historical account based on fact and Kikacheishvili, Mariam Kitia, Sopio Lom- in 2018 by Poezia Press. describes the most horrifi c place of the jaria and Ana Nikolava were among the Lee's book was launched at an event at Stalin era, the Gulag, namely, about one actresses who took part in the perfor- Prospero's Books on Thursday, Septem- of the islands used to imprison people. mance ‘Algeria’. The tours were supported ber 14. ‘Algeria’ is the fi rst ever performance by the company ‘Sopmari’. Jerome Bel’s ‘Gala’ in Tbilisi

local staging assistants are: Chiara Gale- the participation of a lot of people com- REVIEW BY MAKA LOMADZE rian and Enrike Lopez. The costumes ing from different social strata and age. were chosen by the participants them- There are only 5-6 professionals. This is selves. The Artistic and Company Devel- a performance about each and every n September 12-13, at the opment Consultant was Rebecca Lee; person, covering most human issues. Nodar Dumbadze Chil- Production Manager, Sandro Grando; and Therefore, every spectator can enjoy it, dren’s Theater, the world- counsellor in technical affairs, Jill Gentner. regardless of their age and values. There famous performance ‘Gala’ “I'm a member of ‘Catharsis’ Mercy is a choreographer involved, but in most by Jerome Bel, famous House,” Jemal Nemsitsveridze, veteran cases the participants stage their dances FrenchO choreographer, took place within amateur-dancer and the oldest partici- themselves. In other words, they are free the framework of the international show- pant in the project, told GEORGIA to interpretation,” he said. case program of the Contemporary Dance TODAY before the performance. “We The difference was refl ected in the Festival. hold concerts there from time to time. motley clothes. The show was full of Gala is considered one of the best cho- I was chosen by TV project ‘You’ve Got humor, fed by the individuality of each reographic works of recent years on the Talent’ which fi lled me with positive amateur performer and bringing together contemporary dance stage. It has ben emotions together with a sense of respon- people of different age, nationality, sex- seen at numerous festivals and on many sibility. I’ll be dancing Salsa tonight with ual orientation and (dis)abilities. Every- stages all over the world. It typically ballerina Eka Surmava. I have partici- one was everyone’s friend, like in a dream unites 20 local professionals and ama- pated in various contests of ballroom land, dancing and having fun together, teurs from different social strata and dance in Georgia, but I have never seen bringing laughter and joy to the specta- belonging to different age groups. In this such a program. It is a novelty, fulfi lled tors. case, the participants were aged from 6 to a very high level”. Gala, by Jerome Bel. Photo by Herman Sorgeloos The performance was supported by to 79. The performance describes how “It happened very easily, as a lot of art- the Swiss Cooperation Offi ce (SCO) in dance can unite a diversity of people. ists abroad are interested in discovering with pleasure,” Giorgi Spanderashvili, kindly agreed to give us use of the hall South Caucasus, the Ministry of Culture The conception belongs to Jerome Bel Georgia. If there are relevant resources, Manager of the Contemporary Dance free of charge. This is a performance of and Monument Protection, and Tbilisi who is assisted by Maxim Carvers. The goodwill and possibility, they come here Festival, told us. “The Children’s Theater a specifi c, unique format, which implies City Hall.

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