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Distributed free N01 NEWSPAPER IN No 2 (1585) Saturday, March 31, 2018 International Edition - Published by “The Georgian TIMES” Media Holding S ince 1993 www.geotimes.ge

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Importance of car re-export for Georgia On p. 6 President Offers Happy Easter Consultations on Proposal to U.S. Congress for Georgia Support Act On p. 6 New Infrastructure Minister Appointed On p. 6 Georgia Expels One over Salisbury Attack On p. 6 Why does misappropriate Georgian churches in Georgia? – Religious dispute On p. 7 43rd Round of Geneva International Discussions On p. 7 Georgia, Luxembourg FMs Discuss Bilateral Ties On p. 9 Satsire – is going to be first European village in Georgia On p. 9

Russia’s “Soft Power” in Georgia’s Security Deadlock Action with Full-Pledge Operational Scope – Russia’s New Geopolitical Brutality On p. 4 Georgia’s security situation is still fragile and fluid, as is that of the Caucasus as a whole. After the brutal murder of Georgian citizen Archil Tatunashvili, whose corpse was returned to his family in Tsilkani village only after he had been dead 20 days, the Russian occupation forces and Osse- tian separatists under the control of Russian law enforcement agencies kid- napped two more Georgian citizens from the area bordering , which is controlled by the Kremlin. On p. 2 POLITICS Saturday, March 31, 2018 www.geotimes.ge 2 Georgia’s Security Deadlock – Russia’s New Geopolitical Brutality

By Dr. Vakhtang Maisaia, IBSU Geopolitical Research Centre

Georgia’s security situa- tured and killed by cutting his tion is still fragile and fingers off his hand in Tskhin- fluid, as is that of the vali prison). Therefore the main Caucasus as a whole. After responsibility for this murder the brutal murder of rests with the Russian Federa- Georgian citizen Archil tion. The UN Human Right Pro- Tatunashvili, whose corpse tection Committee has directly was returned to his family accused the Russian govern- in Tsilkani village only ment’s law enforcement bodies after he had been dead 20 of committing this brutal act and days, the Russian occupa- is seeking to establish permanent tion forces and Ossetian human rights monitoring mis- separatists under the sions on these territories, as is control of Russian law the European parliament, which enforcement agencies has adopted a special resolution kidnapped two more to this effect. Georgian citizens from the The Russian official struc- area bordering Abkhazia, tures’ impudent and cynical re- which is controlled by the actions to this terrible and bru- Kremlin. tal killing, such as that of its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The torture and murder of has once more confirmed who Archil Tatunashvili by specific was behind it. But despite this, persons from so-called South the Georgian government, in the volvement. We are ready for a this request for dialogue was to Georgia and his meeting with tions in the near future. Ossetia has resulted in the person of Prime Minister direct dialogue with the Abk- very uncertain, low-profile and Prime Minister Kvirikashvili, It is clear that Georgia is in a Georgian Parliament adopting George Kvirikashvili, has ex- hazians and Ossetians, and we meaningless. By responding in can be seen as another manifes- so-called “security deadlock” a special resolution restricting pressed a willingness to en- would like to welcome the con- this way Russia demonstrated tation of this policy, coming as (this is a special geopolitical its geopolitical superiority over it does after the Russian elec- term defines as a situation in Georgia but also its awkward tions of 18th March and Putin’s which any decision taken by a position at large stance. How- remarkable 77% endorsement country’s political leadership ever the Georgian side has ac- for a fourth term of Presiden- increases both the internal and cepted the Russian rhetoric and cy. The President of Belarus has external threats to that coun- is unsure about what Russia’s been sent to deliver concrete try). The murder of Archil Ta- signal to Tbilisi is. The Prime messages to Georgia in infor- tunashvili and Georgia’s weak Minister stated diplomatically mal meetings. The Georgian response to it demonstrate this. that “Many things may be un- government had been seeking As relations between Russia acceptable in Russia’s re- opportunities to informally and the Western community sponse, but the answer leaves approach The Kremlin con- (the EU and USA) are now space for dialogue”, but that cerning possible communica- strained due to the Salisbury

all rights of movement abroad hance dialogue with Moscow structive approach of the Rus- for particular individuals. The and launch political communi- sian side in this regard. In the international community has cations with the Abkhazian and event of political will, it is pos- also condemned the brutality of Ossetian sides. He said: “Dip- sible to take other reasonable the event, and all Georgia’s stra- lomatic ties have been terminat- steps, too. Unfortunately, we tegic partners have expressed ed. The recognition of the inde- face a difficult reality today. We deep concerns about not only pendence of the Abkhazia and have restored bilateral trade- the self-proclaimed South Os- regions by Moscow economic relations, but the setian leaders but also the Rus- has deadlocked the perspective chain of tragic events still con- sian authorities. of establishing normal interstate tinues. This undermines the Since the “bilateral agree- relations. Now we have a choice prospect of regulating Geor- ments” between the Russian - to meet this date with mutual gian-Russian relations. The Federation and the so-called accusations and sharp state- most recent tragic example of South Ossetian authorities were ments, or to take reasonable, this is the death of our citizen “space” seems to be very gen- tion before the Prime Minister’s incident and the cyber attack signed in 2016 all the law en- even small steps to get our re- Archil Tatunashvili under un- eral and clandestinely menac- statement, and Kvirikashvili’s on the US elections in 2016, forcement organs of the break- lationship out of this vicious certain circumstances in Tskh- ing, indicating that the long- official visits to Yerevan and Georgia’s geopolitical capabili- away region have been put un- circle. We have already stated invali two weeks ago. Despite standing Kremlin policy of try- Baku within a very short peri- ties are being tested and it can der the control of Russian Fed- before, and again confirm, that the efforts of the Georgian au- ing to force Georgia to change od were a means of generating no longer afford pure diplomat- eration governmental structures. we are interested in achieving thorities, the Catholicos-Patri- its foreign policy stance is still such communication, as these ic maneouvering. Where Geor- These even include the prisons real progress in the Geneva In- arch and the international com- being pursued. countries have friendly ties gia goes from is still opaque, located in the Tskhinvali, , ternational Discussion Process, munity, his body has not been Indeed, the official visit of with the Russian leadership. despite the formal profession Znauri and districts for which I have confirmed the transferred to the family so far”. Russia’s closest ally, Belarus However, there are few grounds of a pro-Western foreign poli- (Archil Tatunashvili was tor- readiness of my personal in- The Kremlin’s response to President Anatoly Lukashenko, to expect a serious shift in rela- cy orientation.

Publisher/Editor in Chief Executive Editor: Copy Editor Director: The Georgian TIMES Nana Gagua Mariam Toidze Rumwold Leigh Kakha Maskharashvili # 1 English-Language Newspaper in Georgia Tel.: (+995) 555 293 003 Tel: (+995) 577 727 207 Tel: (+995) 599 501 452 Tel: (+995) 551 501 313 E-mail: E-mail: E-mail: E-mail: First published in 1993. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] The Founder and the President Malkhaz Gulashvili. Tel: (+995) 577 461 046 The Georgian Times Media Holding. 43, Abashidze str., Tbilisi, Georgia. Tel: (+995 32) 2934405, Contributions to The Georgian TIMES are welcome. If you are interested in submitting an article or E-mail: [email protected]; http://www.geotimes.ge news item, ect. please contact; Tel/fax: (+995 32) 2934405 PUBLICITY Saturday, March 31, 2018 www.geotimes.ge 3

Tskaltubo is a health resort of global importance. It is located in the West Georgia 7 km away from , 250 km away from Tbilisi and 70 km away from the Black Sea. It is at 95-120 meters above sea mean level.

4) It does not contain toxic sideration of patient’s general and No 1 of JSC “BalneoService” substances which is not aggres- condition, diagnosis and age. In are directly built on the springs sive by its composition. Age of these programs, 16 different (mineral water griffons). These holidaymakers is unlimited types of therapeutic procedures therapeutic-rehabilitation cen- (from 4 up to the elderly). are applied. ters are equipped with the mod- Tskaltubo mineral waters are It is widely acknowledged that ern medical equipment produced sued for treatment of the fol- particular importance is given to in Europe including hydro units. lowing diseases: non-medication treatment meth- Five pools full of healing miner- - Locomotors system (Osteo- ods in patients’ modern rehabil- al water are included in it together chondrosis, Osteoarthritis, ar- itation conditions. Balneother- with 37 individual cabin-baths, thritis, Discogenic Radiculitis dis- apy or radonotherapy occupy 16 hydro massage rooms and ease etc). the leading role among these horizontal extension room. The - Cardiovascular diseases methods. It is also proven that capacity of springs is 1500 peo- 12. Peloido-therapy (mud ap- treating the victims of the hos- (post stenting and shunting re- radon and its dissolving products ple per day. The aforementioned plication); tilities (the military hospital was habilitation, hypertension etc). intensify the protective func- centers are composed of highly 13. Pressotheraphy operation during 1941-1945 in - Central and peripheral ner- tions of the body, strengthen the qualified medical personnel. 14. Hydro colon therapy Tskaltubo). Sanatorium with the vous system diseases (neurosis, immune system, activate the The following therapeutic (Deep intestinal lavage); capacity of 400 beds had been The main therapeutic factor central blood circulation disor- blood circulation, regulate the procedures are carried out in JSC 15. Stimulation of the also operating in Tskaltubo until of resort Tskaltubo is radon ders, neuritis and neuropathies blood pressure, promote the cells “Balneoservice”: Prostate + rectal tamponed; 1992 under the subordination of mineral water. It is a non- etc). recovery-regeneration (in the 1. Mineral water baths; 16. Inhalation Soviet Union Defense Ministry. seasonal resort and is open - Gynecological diseases (in- aftermath of injuries and burns), 2. Underwater (hydro-mas- The direct effect of the treat- At present, the majority of for 365 days throughout the flammatory processes, infertili- have an analgesic and anti-in- sage); ment using Tskaltubo mineral holidaymakers include the per- entire year with no ty etc). flammatory effect, is character- 3. Hydro-vibration massage; waters is the recovery of the fol- sons who were involved in the holidays. - Urological diseases (inflam- ized by sharply expressed seda- 4. Treatment physical exer- lowing professional diseases: recent military conflicts. matory processes, impotence). tive (comforting) effect and ac- cise in the pool; sportsmen, dancers, pilots, cos- Treatment using Tskaltubo Mineral water debit ranges - Skin diseases (Psoriasis, ec- tivate cognitive functions. 5. Classic medical massage; monauts, sailors, oil dealers, min- mineral waters in the rehabilita- from 13-15 million liters per 24 zema, neurodermitis etc). There was the time when 6. Spinal horizontal exten- ers, military, special services, tion of certain diseases of child hours (day-night) based on the sea- - Diseases of endocrine sys- representatives of Europe’s elite sion in mineral water; military servicemen etc. the well- and adult are direct indicators – sons. The natural temperature of tem (Diffuse goiter, gout, some circles considered the spring wa- 7. Physiotherapy; known representatives of the juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, he- water (33-350C) makes it possible forms of diabetes mellitus etc). ter treatment as a prestigious. 8. Gynecologic irrigation; abovementioned professions mophilia, rehabilitation of cere- to use it without pre-heating. We developed relevant ther- Today, the tendency gains wide 9. Shower “Sharko”; used to rest in Tskaltubo during bral palsy in children, autism etc.). Indicators of Tskaltubo min- apeutic treatment programs for traction on going back to the 10. Circular shower; the last century. Speleotherapy is also avail- eral waters high-quality include: the mentioned diseases which are natural treatment methods. 11. Mechano-therapy in It is noteworthy that the re- able at the resort a respiratory 1) Invariability of natural op- administered individually in con- The buildings of springs No 6 mineral water; sort has a rich experience in therapy involving breathing in- timal temperature which allows side a cave for treatment of res- easy tolerability of baths; piratory and vascular diseases. 2) The water is spouting right Increasing popularity of from the springs in the bath- Tskaltubo can be easily con- rooms without using pumps; firmed by the geographical com- 3) Treatment is conducted in position of visitors who arrive continuously running water here for treatment. The number which means that the water is of international travelers has running in and out of the bath- also significantly increased room in a non-stop mode until (DAY-SPA) whom we offer a the end of the procedure by which wide range of spa-relaxation pro- the water retains physic-chemi- cedures (at around 6-7), we suc- cal and therapeutic properties, cessfully cooperate with local and its uniformity and temperature. various foreign travel agencies Hence, a person is under con- with our flexible offers and com- stantly renewable water. fortable services.

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- Beautiful Hotel “Prometheus” is situated at Tskaltubo Re- sort adjacent to balneological zone. - Hotel is characterized by welcoming environment and excel- lent food. - During your stay at the hotel, you are expected to have an opportunity to take a rest, relax and become healthier. - There are 49 comfortable rooms at the hotel. 1 room is comprised of a bedroom, bathroom and balcony. Total area 22 m2. The room is equipped with: air-conditioning/heating system and access to the internet, Wi-Fi/TV set, direct phone connection, laundry, taxi service and conference hall. There is a single bed or 1 King size double bed. 1 more bed either for a kid or adult can also be placed. Hotel’s medical services include wellness procedures – miner- al baths, classical massage and physiotherapeutic procedures. - You may enjoy warm evenings of the spring in the amazing lounge bar of the hotel. Visit Hotel “Prometheus”, relax and become healthier! POLITICS Saturday, March 31, 2018 www.geotimes.ge 4 Russia’s “Soft Power” in Action with Full-Pledge Operational Scope

By DR. VAKHTANG MAISAIA

Georgia is ahead to forth- mation warfare or more precise- their adherence only toward strategy has been starting to coming Parliamentary elections ly about “network-centric war- “Hard Power” capabilities and elaborate since 2010 and it con- which are very critical to fur- fare”, which one of the impor- reoriented to tailor and intro- cludes of tress-passing and ther development of the whole tant parts consisted its politi- duce its own version of “Soft systematic realization of each nation. These elections are cal background i.e. “soft pow- Power” strategy based on sev- elements of the strategy. What dominated by the foreign poli- er”, is to be outlined that the eral unique leverages and com- have included these elements? cy factors and indications as warfare is linked to new gener- ponents: information leader- - Setting up and further pro- due to the political system of ation of battle field strategy – ship, aggressive propaganda mulgation geopolitical media Georgia contemporary estab- called “fourth warfare genera- campaign, “historic memory” project: “Russia Today” to dominate and compete with American CNN at global level; - Setting up and further pro- motion military TV channel: “ZVEZDA” – reaches domina- tion at regional level in aegis of Post-Soviet space; - Introduction of Russian dia means positions at global strategy implementation and origin social media projects: level”). Moreover, on January already has been launching the ODNOKLASNIKI, VKontakte, 1st 2016 a new doctrine on na- project in real life. As for Geor- etc.; tional security was subsequent- gia, the Kremlin and its adepts - Creation and run similar ly adopted. The document iden- have launched the realization of to American style – “SKOLK- tifies the domestic threats to the strategy with manipulation OVO” new technology develop- Russia’s state sovereignty, so- of several above-mentioned ment center project; ciety, information space, econ- components of the one. For in- - Setting up and running in omy, transport and energy in- stance, the contemporary Rus- aegis of FSB (Russian analogy frastructure, natural environ- sian “Soft Power” politics to- of Soviet KGB) special hacker- ment as well as foreign-born ward Georgian politics in prior team “YASTREB” to strike down risks. In the document, at first to the Parliamentary elections lished, namely the Parliament tion dimension”. Final goal of implication or political my- and decipher Western commu- time was mentioned informa- are grounded on several con- of Georgia is a leading political the strategy is to destroy ene- thology, modern communica- nication systems (mainly USA tion war as one of the key “soft crete directions and compo- institution among other branch- my’s or foe’s cultural values and tion technologies (cyber-war- military structures). security threat” component. nents: es of power responsible for for- subvert its political will for re- fare), network-centric domi- Russia’s incumbent author- Based on the documents at- - Very open and aggressive mulating decisions on foreign sistance. Certainly, jargon “Soft nance (social network and so- ity has prepared a solid basis tached with several new ones – “pro-Russian” narrative: legit- and defense policy issues. Power” was introduced by the cial media), ideological im- for such activities. Even in Feb- the most latest document intro- imize of Russian military bases Hence, “battle for the Parlia- American well-known scholar peratives, development and ruary 2008, the Russian Presi- duction of new draft of “Infor- in Georgian occupied territo- ment” is most decisive logo for and political analyst Dr. Joseph adoption of new national tech- dent Vladimir Putin signed up a mation Security Doctrine of ries (and beyond where it be- those political parties and Nye and this is pure American nologies in telecommunica- special conceptual document: Russian Federation” will be comes possible), granted dual movements seeking to get pow- political innovation. This is a tion-information sphere, cul- “Strategy on Development of adopted in 2017 and “Main citizenship status to Georgians er into their hands and decide unique part of power that is, tural warfare and targeted net- Information Society of Russian State Policy of Russian Feder- residing abroad, main target where the country could move getting others to want what you work-centric dominance geo- Federation” and later adopted ation for International Informa- group is in Russian Federa- to. Unfortunately even tragic want. “Soft Power” can rest on political ideological confron- new: “Foreign Policy Concep- tion Security till 2020”, key tion and introduction Russian events of August 2008 war be- such resources as the attraction tation (like, aggressive anti- tion of Russian Federation” (re- priorities of the Russia’s “Soft pensions to the country – these are proposals stemming from tween Russia and Georgia did of one’s ideas or on the ability American rhetoric). There are vised three times in 2009, 2012, Power” strategy imply to dom- very pro-Russian oriented po- not preclude a scenario upon to set the political agenda in a only several implications based 2013 – where in aegis of special inate on information-telecom- litical party “Centrists” (Temur to which Russia’s authoritari- way that shapes the preferenc- on what is possible to identify part of the document – “Infor- munication sphere at least in Khachishvili-Vladimir an regime foreign policy goal es others express. Since 2008 how works “Soft Power” mation Implication of Foreign Post-Soviet space and last in Bedukadze) – this group picked “shadow” and its geopolitical after the Georgia-Russia August strategy in real life and what Policy Activities” is outlined as Global political level. Hence, up from the strategy namely narrative became still powerful war, the Russian incumbent are real leverages of the one. one of the key goals as – “in- the Kremlin truly perceives those components: aggressive enough even to dominate even policy-makers reconsidered The Kremlin’s “Soft Power” creasing of Russia’s mass-me- importance of “Soft Power” propaganda campaign+ net- among 20-25% of the popula- work-centric dominance; tion (in accordance to recent - Non-alignment and Neu- NDI research poll survey). trality Foreign Policy declara- What is occurring and why so tion supporters are keen to opt slightly the Kremlin geopoliti- for the following components: cal agenda slowly affected to information leadership+ cul- still (and I do hope that it is to tural warfare; be frozen on that scope and - Lately emerged on screen even decrease soon or later) so-called “Socialist Georgia” minority part of the society. public-political movement Besides of the geopolitical (Grisha Oniani and Temur shifts at global and regional lev- Pipia) are using the following els, the Russian incumbent pol- components: political mythol- icy-makers are picking up new ogy+ aggressive propaganda methods and skills in promot- campaign ing their information warfare However all three directions strategy missions at those ar- of the strategy are linked with eas counted as the most geo- most effective component agen- strategic spaces for hegemony. da: aggressive Anti-American Certainly, Georgia is sought to rhetoric and propaganda that is be one of the areas from the domain goal of the Russia’s current Kremlin rulers. When “Soft Power” strategy en- we are talking about the infor- croachment to Georgia. PUBLICITY Saturday, March 31, 2018 www.geotimes.ge 5 INTERVIEW Saturday, March 31, 2018 www.geotimes.ge 6 Importance of car re-export for Georgia

By NINO OTARASHVILI aged the dealers who imported a lot of cars, and the re-export In the last few years business grew. Georgia has become a What happens if you fail regional hub for the car to sell a car within 90 days? business. There are only a You pay a penalty of 1,000 few similar hubs across the GEL or put it in the customs world, and few in this clearance zone and sell it from region. Finland supplies there. This zone is at the mar- cars to Russia, and cars ket, which is convenient, but from all over the world are dealers do not like to put their stored in Dubai for later cars there because foreign cus- distribution, and now tomers know that these cars Georgia has become a were not sold within the time similar hub. limit. They are therefore less trustworthy, so they think. But if a dealer can clear a , Ukraine and car and pay the excise tax he Northern Russia import cars can sell it the normal way. He from Georgia, as do Middle can conduct test drives in the East and Central Asian coun- customs clearance zone. If a car tries such as Kyrgyzstan, Ka- is cleared and excise tax paid, zakhstan, Uzbekistan and . the dealer is given a further 90 The establishment of Georgia days to sell it and it can be re- as such a hub is very important These include currency reve- leaders. We hold only 10% of simplify this process further things improved and Azer- exported easily. He can also nues expressed in US Dollars, the market, but the other com- and foster the aforesaid sector. baijan’s economy stabilised. Re- for our economy. completely recover the excise which are of the utmost impor- panies are in the shadows. Cau- We have decided that if a vehi- exports tripled, and Armenia How has this happened? tax without suffering any loss. tance for the country. casus Auto Import has been cle is registered for export with- began importing our cars to sell Here The Georgian Times How much is the excise tax interviews Giorgi Surgu- The cars imported from operating since 2004, import- in 90 calendar days of its im- in Russia under the customs approximately? ladze, Executive Director of abroad are effectively raw ma- ing cars for its clients. We have portation, or is re-exported, we clearance agreement it has with It depends on the car. The Caucasus Business Group, on terials. It is an accepted interna- imported at around 50-60,000, will pay 100% of the excise tax. that country. Ukraine is also cars repaired for export are rel- this and similar questions. tional practice to purchase sec- half of which have then been We previously paid 50%. This quite a large part of our market. atively new. The state made What has made Georgia so ond-hand cars at insurance auc- re-exported. is an important change which Why is this so important? the right decision when it in- important to the car industry? tions, often in the United States Our other arm, Caucasus strengthens Georgia’s position When the re-export business creased the excise duty on old Flexible regulations and state where this industry is fairly de- Auto Service, is a regional en- in this business. We believe the was still at an early stage of de- cars. This encouraged dealers support. For instance, dealers veloped. The insurance compa- terprise – a factory in which competitiveness of our entre- velopment a dealer had 45 days to import only new cars. are allowed to import cars to nies pay the costs of damaged damaged cars are brought as raw preneurs will increase as a re- to repair and sell a car as per the Neighbouring countries are Georgia without clearance for cars to their owners and then materials and repaired in line sult of the mentioned initiative”. law. If he failed to do so he was adopting similar laws. We need 90 days, and only afterwards buy them in order to sell at auc- with Western standards. This is a very serious change given another 45 days and had to import cars which are in put them in customs clearance. tion throughout the world and How has the government which will encourage the pro- to pay 500 GEL in tax. When demand in Azerbaijan and If a car is not customs cleared it within the United States. These helped with this process? motion of the re-export market. the market was small this sys- neighbouring countries. Hence is free of excise tax and there- cars are cheaper, and can be re- A couple of weeks ago, the This fell through in 2014-2015 tem worked well, but then deal- the customs clearance fee var- fore cheaper – people in neigh- paired and returned to the mar- government took the decision as a result of the fluctuations ers started importing five times ies, depending on what cars are bouring countries find it effi- ket. These damaged cars, which to simplify the re-export of of regional markets. Oil prices as many cars. It was impossible requested, but it is in the 2,000- cient to buy such cars. That has require new parts, are imported cars. Mamuka Bakhtadze, the slumped in Azerbaijan, then the to repair that many cars in 45 2,500 GEL range. The dealers made our neighbourhood and here and this is now a big indus- Minister of Finance, said in a currency devalued and we suf- days, so importers had to pay pay it but reclaim it back as the Black Sea coast a gateway try in our country. We have nu- statement: fered economic volatility. 500 GEL or even a penalty of soon as they sell their cars. It for imported cars. merous car services here which “You may know that we Though the Azerbaijan econo- 1,000 GEL on each car they is a positive thing when the A single dealer can import 5 can restore and then re-export have good statistics concerning my is generally stable, people couldn’t turn round in time. Two government imposes flexible -10 cars, sell them and see their them. the re-export of cars. Numer- stopped buying cars and thus years ago the 45 days were ex- regulations which significant- profits flow into the country Caucasus Auto Import con- ous people are engaged in this our re-export market was set tended to 60, with 30 more at ly encourage those operating in the form of foreign currency. siders itself one of the sector activity. We made a decision to back. However, in 2016-2017 150 GEL of tax. This encour- in the relevant sector. NEWS PRESIDENT OFFERS CONSUL- The ministerial appointment does not require approval from the Parliament. Confidence vote from the legislative body is only TATIONS ON PROPOSAL TO U.S. needed when more than one-third of the 14-member cabinet is CONGRESS FOR GEORGIA SUP- changed. Civil.ge PORT ACT

President Giorgi Margvelashvili offered today political consul- tations to Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and Parliament Speaker GEORGIA EXPELS ONE OVER Irakli Kobakhidze on his recent proposal to the United States Con- gress for a bipartisan Georgia Support Act. SALISBURY ATTACK President Margvelashvili first voiced the initiative during his recent trip to the United States, telling U.S. legislators that the The Georgian Foreign Ministry condemned the use of chemi- Georgia Support Act would consolidate the American-Georgian cal weapons on the territory of the United Kingdom, and decided relations “into a very high level of cooperation.” The President’s press office reported today that an official to expel a staff member of the Russian Interests Section at the letter was submitted to the Parliament Speaker and the Prime Swiss Embassy in Tbilisi. Minister, notifying them of the proposal details and expressing The use of chemical weapons in Salisbury “represents seri- “willingness for consultations.” ous challenge to common security,” the Foreign Ministry wrote in The press office said verbal communication had already taken Minister, replacing Zurab Alavidze, who served at the post from its brief statement on March 29, adding that the country stood in November 2016. place between President Giorgi Margvelashvili on the one hand, solidarity with the United Kingdom. and Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and Foreign Minister Mikheil Maia Tskhitishvili, 43, has worked as head of the Georgian “[The Ministry] declares a member of the staff of the Russian Janelidze on the other. government’s administration since November 2012. For almost a Commenting the matter, David Rakviashvili, secretary of the decade before that, Tskitishvili held a number of managerial posi- Federation Interests Section at the Embassy of Switzerland in National Security Council of Georgia, said the document would be tions at ex-PM Bidzina Ivanishvili’s companies. Tbilisi as a not acceptable person and requests to leave Georgia “very timely,” and “an adequate response” to the increasing chal- Speaking at a press briefing today, PM Kvirikashvili said Maia within 7 days,” the MFA said. lenges emanating from the Russian Federation. Tskitishvili was “a very successful” head of administration. “It will Georgia condemned the Salisbury incident previously as well, be hard to find a person who will lead the administration as Civil.ge with Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze expressing Tbilisi’s “full successfully as her, but the position of the Regional Development and Infrastructure Minister is so important, I had to make this support” to the UK “in its quest for truth.” decision,” the Prime Minister noted. Georgia severed diplomatic relations with the Russian Fed- NEW INFRASTRUCTURE MINIS- Giorgi Kvirikashvili spoke on Zurab Alavidze as well, saying eration shortly after the August 2008 war. TER APPOINTED he filed for resignation himself and that he would continue his Switzerland, which has a record of representing other coun- tenure in private sector. The Prime Minister said Alavidze “did not tries in third party nations, opened its Russian Federation Inter- envision himself in public sector in the long run.” ests Section on March 5, 2009. Simultaneously, the Georgian Zurab Alavidze, Giorgi Kvirikashvili and Maia Tskitishvili, March PM Kvirikashvili also commented on media reports on his pos- Interests Section was opened by the Embassy of Switzerland in 30, 2018. Photo: gov.ge sible resignation. “I would like to reassure everyone that the stop- Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili appointed today watch that some persons (implying the opposition) have started, Moscow. Maia Tskitishvili as new Regional Development and Infrastructure won’t run out for at least several years,” he quipped. Civil.ge NEWS Saturday, March 31, 2018 www.geotimes.ge 7

yard keepers club, until in 1949 and Vakushti Batonishvili it was transformed into the indicated who each church Why does Armenia Kolkheti Cinema by Mikheil belonged to when the area Nepritsev. was surveyed. The name of The Georgian Times re- a country was not applied to cently met art expert Inga either of these churches, misappropriate Georgian Vacheishvili, archaeologist, they were merely listed by and professor Merab their patrons and locations. Dzneladze, art historian The name New Village was Ketevan Abashidze and law- probably bestowed in the churches in Georgia? yer Levan Merabishvili at time of Shah Abbas, when the Gallery Vache. They the area was destroyed and showed us all the pieces of restored afterwards. The vil- evidence they will present in lage is included in the map – Religious dispute order to prove their case. of 1735, at a time when Geor- “The Armenian claim is gian tombs were being dis- unfair, we have all the docu- covered as a result of archae- ological digs”. Ketevan Abashidze told us By SALOME SAMKHARADZE that the Armenians must sup- ply real evidence that the Armenia has been seeking church belongs to them. “The ownership of churches king resettled people from situated in Georgia for a village called Kukia, in more than two decades. In Trialeti-Samshvilde, in 1995, S. Karapetian what we call Kukia today. published a map-guide in Kukia was not part of Tbili- si then. Even if the church Yerevan in the Armenian was gifted by either side, language called “Arme- this still requires evidence”. nian Churches in Geor- Lawyer Levan Merabishvili gia”, the main edition of is representing the academics. which was translated into “We are not respondents, we the Russian and English are involved parties, as the languages and distributed church is our property, reg- throughout the world. He istered as a possession of the mentioned 653 churches, Patriarchate. A dispute is go- ing on, but we are not par- and added that this list is ties to it, we are simply stat- incomplete and there are ing that these ruins are of a actually many more. Georgian church. The Pub- lic Registry registered it as Karapetian was later re- Gharibashvili regarding the the churches emblazoned with Tandoiants Holy Virgin ments to prove that this property of the Patriarchate vealed in fraud. In fact, 80- transfer of 442 churches in short captions taken from the Church is under urgent discus- church is Georgian and we on the basis of an applica- 90% of the listed “Armenian” Georgia. The application did works by S. Karapetian, not sion following a court appli- shall present them at the tri- tion submitted by the Min- churches are actually Geor- not contain any scientific evi- scientific analysis and academ- cation by Bishop Mirzakhani- al,” Inga Vacheishvili stated. istry of Economy and our gian. dence concerning the Arme- ic research. An interview with ani to transfer it to the Arme- Merab Dzneladze added, “We letter – i.e. it restored his- On December 12, 2014, nian origin of these churches, S. Karapetian was also pub- nian eparchate. The church is want to present genuine doc- torical justice, and this is Bishop Mirzakhaniani of the it was merely a list. When lished in the press, demanding situated at 38 David Aghmash- uments which will prove what we are trying to defend. Armenian Eparchate in Geor- asked to provide such evi- the gradual return of the enebli Ave, Tbilisi (the former that this church is indeed I believe this is the respon- gia filed an application with dence, the list of churches was churches in batches of 20. Plekhanovi Avenue). During Georgian. Its location was sibility of all Georgian peo- former Prime Minister Irakli sent again with 90 percent of The status of the Sahak the Soviet times it housed a once called “New Village”, ple”, he told us. NEWS

RD “steps towards their factual annexation by the Russian Federa- since “this time, the American wording characterizing the August 43 ROUND OF GENEVA INTER- tion.” 2008 events was unacceptable.” NATIONAL DISCUSSIONS The MFA added that ethnic discrimination of Georgians resid- The Tskhinvali “foreign ministry” repeated that the non-use of ing in the two regions was stressed during the talks, including force statement “could have become a constructive step on the registration of the Gali Georgians “as foreigners” and violation of road to developing a document, which would guarantee the se- The 43rd round of Geneva International Discussions (GID) - their fundamental rights and freedoms, destruction of the homes curity of and Abkhazia from Georgia.” “Represen- the multilateral mediation forum to address security and humani- of the Georgians, and restriction of the Georgian-language edu- tatives of the American delegation proposed knowingly unac- tarian consequences of the Russo-Georgian War of August 2008 cation for children in Gali and Akhalgori districts. ceptable changes, which went against the format and the spirit - was held on March 27-28. of the Geneva discussions, and [with that] annulled the confi- The GID are co-chaired by the representatives of the OSCE, POSITIONS TAKEN: RUSSIA, TSKHINVALI, SOKHUMI dence-building efforts of many months,” it said. EU and UN, and involve representatives from Georgia, Russia The March 28 statement of the Russian Foreign Ministry (MID) and the United States, as well as members of both the Georgian said the Georgian diplomats “turned the meeting into a publicity POSITIONS TAKEN: THE UNITED STATES exiled administrations of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South event, contrary to Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili’s The United States Mission to Geneva said in its press state- Ossetia and the two regions’ Russian-backed authorities. reassuring statement of March 9 on his country’s resolve to make ment that the GID delegation condemned “the tragic death of Geor- progress at the talks in Geneva.” gian citizen Archil Tatunashvili,” and called “for a full and trans- POSITIONS TAKEN: GEORGIA The Ministry stressed Georgia’s pedaling of “the alleged Rus- parent investigation.” The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement sian occupation” and its attempts to “shift the blame for their own “The United States cited the tragic death as the most recent regarding the March 27-28 negotiations, saying the main discus- inability to normalize relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia example underscoring the immediate need for international mecha- sion points were “the arbitrary deprivation of Archil Tatunashvili’s onto Russia,” were “futile.” nisms to improve security and stability on the ground,” reads their life,” and the establishment of international security mechanisms “Instead, Georgia should start thinking about ways to restore statement. in line with the August 12, 2008 ceasefire agreement. trust in relations with its neighbors, launch a direct dialogue with The U.S. GID delegation also noted that there was “no agree- The Georgian MFA stressed in its statement that the “torture Abkhazia and South Ossetia based on mutual respect, stop en- ment” on a non-use of force statement, and that it regrets partici- and murder” of Archil Tatunashvili was a result of the “inaction of couraging other countries to deny visas to these republics’ resi- pants were unable to discuss the issue of the internally displaced the Russian Federation and its occupation regimes” on the cases dents, abolish the Law on Occupied Territories, and stop hinder- persons because of Russia’s walk-out. of Giga Otkhozoria and Davit Basharuli, which “encouraged vio- ing the republics’ cultural and humanitarian events abroad,” the lence against ethnic Georgians.” MID statement reads. GID CO-CHAIR ASSESSMENTS “The Georgian side laid full responsibility on the Russian Fed- The Russian Foreign Ministry touched upon the non-use of The GID co-chairs issued their own press communiqué, as- eration on the matter, as the country exercising effective control force declaration as well, saying it was “regrettable” that the sessing the overall security situation on the ground “as relatively in the occupied regions,” the Ministry said, calling on Moscow to participants failed to “coordinate” the draft statement. “This time, calm and stable,” but reiterating their “strong concern over the refrain from creating any obstacles to the ongoing investigation. the U.S. delegates proposed unacceptable wording characteriz- tragic death of Georgian citizen Archil Tatunashvili.” The Foreign Ministry also noted “an intensive discussion” took ing the August 2008 events,” the Ministry said, pointing out that Here, the co-chairs emphasized “the need to address prop- place on the non-use of force declaration (NUF), with Tbilisi rep- Russia had no unfulfilled commitments with respect to the August erly this and similar cases to avoid repetition and raising ten- resentatives stressing that the declaration should have served “a 12, 2008 ceasefire agreement. sions,” and called for “a thorough investigation into the case and concrete purpose, namely the start of the implementation pro- The Russian Foreign Ministry also expressed its concern for cooperation among relevant stakeholders.” cess of the ceasefire agreement.” regarding Georgia’s cooperation with NATO and criticized the EU The GID co-chairs then noted that despite “intensive engage- According to the MFA statement, participants from Georgia Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) for its “violations of ment” by all participants, “it did not prove possible to finalize the and the United States underlined the need for Russia to commit Abkhazia’s and South Ossetia’s state borders.” draft joint statement on non-use of force.” The co-chairs said to and fulfil the non-use of force obligation, but the Russian side The March 29 statements of the Russian-backed authorities continue their consultations in this regard. demonstrated its “destructive approach,” and “drew the talks to a in Sokhumi and Tskhinvali echoed Moscow’s messages. The press communiqué also said that “unfortunately, it was deadlock with their intentionally provocative statements.” The Abkhaz “foreign ministry” stressed that the joint non-use again impossible to complete discussion of all agenda items given The Ministry also said “a detailed discussion” was held on of force statement, which “could have served as an important long-standing divergent approaches to the issue of IDPs/refu- security, humanitarian and human rights situation in the occupied step on the road to signing a legally binding non-use of force gees.” territories. Here, Tbilisi representatives expressed their concern agreement between Georgia and Abkhazia and Georgia and South The next round of the GID is scheduled for June. regarding “continued militarization of the occupied regions,” and Ossetia,” was not adopted at the 43rd round of discussions, Civil.ge PUBLICITY Saturday, March 31, 2018 www.geotimes.ge 8 NEWS Saturday, March 31, 2018 www.geotimes.ge 9 GEORGIA, LUXEMBOURG FMS IN QUOTES: GEORGIAN LEAD- ARCHIL TATUNASHVILI HAD DISCUSS BILATERAL TIES ERS ON EU VISA WAIVER ANNI- GUNSHOT WOUND TO THE

The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg, VERSARY HEAD, THE VICTIM’S MOTHER Jean Asselborn, and his Georgian counterpart Mikheil Janelidze SAYS met in Tbilisi yesterday and discussed ways to strengthen coop- On March 28, Georgia is marking the one-year anniversary eration between the two countries. from the launch of the visa-free travel to the European Union, which enabled Georgian citizens to travel to the Schengen area Rusudan Tatunashvili, the mother of Archil Tatunashvili, a thirty- for up to 90 days without visas. five-year-old Georgian citizen, who died at the hands of the Rus- More than 250 000 Georgian citizens have enjoyed visa-free sian-backed authorities in Tskhinvali on February 22, said the travel to the Schengen area in the last twelve months. man was “brutally” tortured and had a gunshot wound to the To mark this milestone, Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Par- head. liament Speaker Irakli Kobakhidze and Foreign Minister Mikheil Rusudan Tatunashvili spoke on the circumstances surround- Janelidze have issued statements. Below are excerpts from their ing her son’s death on March 27, three days after the retired statements. Georgian serviceman was laid to rest at Mukhatgverdi military Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili: “March 28, marks the anni- cemetery in the outskirts of Tbilisi. versary of the enactment of the visa waiver … Georgia managed Speaking to the Tbilisi-based TV Pirveli, Rusudan Tatunashvili to secure free movement for its citizens in the European Union, said the man regularly crossed into in the Schengen Area countries. This is, however, not only about Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia for the last seven months, where the right to travel visa-free, this is also a significant political step he was trading fruits and vegetables transported from Georgia from the European Union … and a demonstration of their great proper. trust to Georgia. At the same time, this is a huge responsibility, Rusudan Tatunashvili specified that the family, including the and the steps undertaken by the Government to reduce the grow- deceased man, had Tskhinvali-issued “permits,” allowing them to ing number of visa waiver abuses will surely yield results, and visit their home in village Kanchaveti of Akhalgori Municipality. we will be able to preserve this great benefit.” “During one of such visits, Archil was detained by Akhalgori Parliament Speaker Irakli Kobakhidze: “A year ago our Euro- police allegedly for drug test, which he did not resist since he pean friends granted us the right to travel visa free to the EU was not a drug user… they had him in Akhalgori police for some countries, which is a great privilege and a great responsibility for time and then he was transferred to Tskhinvali police,” Rusudan us. This has to be well-recognized by the government and indi- According to the Georgian Foreign Ministry, the two ministers Tatunashvili noted. vidual citizens, and I am sure that we will treat the issue with She added, citing unidentified sources from Tskhinvali, that spoke on the country’s European and NATO integration processes, such responsibility. It is important that we present ourselves co- local authorities wanted him to admit that he was “plotting a ter- as well as the prospects of economic cooperation between the herently before our European friends, which will become a pre- rorist act in Tskhinvali to disrupt Putin’s elections (implying the two nations. requisite for moving closer to Europe and the European Union.” March 18 Russian presidential election in the region),” and that “Georgia enjoys a very strong support from Luxembourg in Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze: “Visa-free travel to the EU “he was sent by Georgia, with the support of the United States.” terms of its European and Euro-Atlantic integration; we spoke countries has a great political importance along with its practical Archil Tatunashvili, according to his mother, refused to do so, about these issues today, and about the reforms that will bring us aspects, since Georgia has come closer to the European family, with Tskhinvali authorities torturing him “brutally and inhumanely.” closer to full-fledged membership in the European and the Euro- since Georgia has been recognized as a reliable and valuable She said the man had signs of torture on his hands, legs and Atlantic families,” FM Janelidze said at a joint press conference partner, and since we have received strong support of our Euro- face, as well as a gunshot wound “running from the right temple after the meeting. pean aspirations. Visa liberalization is not only a result of the through the left ear.” “We [also] appreciate Luxembourg’s strong support of our government’s tireless efforts and its reforms, but a result of the “His hands were nailed, his palms were burnt and the backs historical choice of the Georgian people – of its European aspira- territorial integrity,” the Foreign Minister Janelidze also noted, adding of his hands were entirely bruised and torn … Two of his fingers tions and of its unwavering support on this path. The government that despite “very close” political and economic relations, there were particularly injured, with iron pieces still visible in his finger; and the society value this important achievement and spares no was “a much larger potential in various fields, be it banking, fi- the fingers were all battered,” Rusudan Tatunashvili said. nancing or education and culture.” efforts to fulfil the visa waiver-related terms.” Over the last few months, a number of European countries Reports that Tatunashvili was tortured to death emerged FM Janelidze spoke on the EU visa waiver anniversary as have voiced their concerns over the increased number of crimes shortly after his death, with Georgian Public Defender Nino Lomjaria well, stressing the country would continue implementing mea- and asylum seekers from Georgia, triggering doubts that the Eu- saying the man was already dead when he was taken to hospi- sures to reduce the growing number of Georgian applications for ropean Union would temporarily suspend the visa-free regime tal. EU asylum. for Georgia. According to Irakli Toidze, a forensic expert, who attended Later on March 28, Jean Asselborn held meetings with Presi- To address this problem, the Georgian government has pledged the examination at the National Forensics Bureau in Tbilisi, Archil dent Giorgi Margvelashvili and Deputy Parliament Speaker Tamar to implement a set of legislative reforms, as well as to intensify Tatunashvili’s body had “multiple [blunt] injuries, scratches and Chugoshvili. Today, he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Giorgi police cooperation with European partners, and to carry out coun- bruises almost all over the body,” pointing at the likelihood that he Kvirikashvili. try-wide information campaign. was tortured. Civil.ge Civil.ge Civil.ge

development of young people. still much to do” – Satsire De- Gela Bubashvili explains that the velopment Fund Director says. Satsire – is going to be first infrastructural development of As it is known, the company the village Satsire was supported “Redco” signed a memorandum by the state agencies which at- with Satsire Development Fund tracted a large amount of invest- as a part of the aforesaid project European village in Georgia ments. As he says, the results are the investment value of which visible already: amounts to 4 million Gel. The “New Railway station has Partnership Fund also expressed Satsire is a unique resort in been built. Motorways have been desire to fund the aforemen- the mountainous Region of Im- rehabilitated and new lightning tioned project the investment ereti, located between Kutaisi and system has been installed. The value of which is 8 million Gel. Tkibuli which will soon become Center for West Georgia Teach- As Gela Bubashvili said in an in- the first European village in er Training Center is under re- terview with “The Georgian Georgia. It takes only an hour construction. A project which is Times”, apart from the unique from Kopitnari Airport to the designed to arrange new canali- location and climate of Satsire, village of the future, which is dis- zation system is being worked the uniqueness and implementa- tinguished with its curative prop- out. Ministry of Education has tion of the project is due to the erties of the unique climate and carried out works regarding the active participation and involve- location. In addition to this, Sat- rehabilitation of the local school: ment of 30 students of Business sire has been declared as a new a new playground was arranged Administration Program of Free touristic destination by Nation- and the school was roofed. I University. According to Gela al Tourism Administration which would like to not the charity by Bubashvili they are ready to en- was due to the fact that there are “Redco” Director Mirian Kata- gage in business administration. many cultural monuments in the madze who funded the construc- Mariam Taliashvili, one of vicinity of the village, including: tion works of St.Holy Trinity the leaders of Free University Gelati, Motsameta, Nikortsmin- Church in the Village Satsire. students made a comment for da, Tsutskhvatisa and Sataplia Currently, the construction “The Georgian Times” who is Cave, Nine Cross Mount and works of a media library is un- the author of a number of busi- Shaori Lake. derway. Public Center and Bank ness plans: The development fund of the Office will be operational at Sat- “The students of Free Uni- resort Satsire, which currently sire as well as a Police Depart- versity have been participat- unites more than 200 people, has ing there. The resort was al- Moritz: is aimed to build up city-style ment. A café, Beauty Salon and ed in the project since 2016 been involved in the develop- ways full of holidaymakers. “After visiting San- infrastructure as well as devel- cinema will be opened in the new- and developed at around 15- ment of Satsire since 2015 ex- The village sprang to life Moritz, I had been thinking opment of small and middle-busi- ly built railway station with the 20 business plans. The group erting all their efforts to bring during the summer. But ev- of Satsire all the time that it ness. The goal of the strategy is financial support of the project worked on three projects. the idea into reality in order to erything changed in the af- had prospects to become like the creation of favorable condi- “Produce in Georgia” in near fu- These are: beauty salon, cin- transform the resort into a mag- termath of 90th developments. San-Moritz. The resorts are tions for young people living in ture. The project “Panorama ema and café. The aforesaid ic touristic attraction. The fund The village lost its life and quite similar in terms of lo- the villages and impediment of Satsire” which will be realized in projects will be the first star- started to cooperate actively everything faded. Young peo- cation and nature. The bene- migration process. the future encompasses con- tups which will be opened in with different state organizations ple started to leave the vil- ficial events which took place As far as it is acknowledged, struction of sport complex, cot- Satsire at the newly built since it has been established. It lage. The number of locals further had driven me to be- the project is comprised of three tages, carping area near the lake railway station meting the should be mentioned that significantly decreased and lieve that Saitsire could have directions such as: arrangement and horse riding services. European standards. We are Region Administration also ac- the number of schoolchil- been prosperous within a new of solid infrastructure, which is We have an ambition to make engaged in funding programs tively supports the development dren was reduced as well” – scope and color” – he explains. necessary for holidaymakers and Satsire the first European village and decision-making process of the resort Satsire. “The Geor- Gela Bubashvili says. Dimitri Japaridze, Profes- local residents, as well as support in Georgia, which will be equipped which is a huge experience gian Times” interviewed Gela According to Gela Bubashvili, sor of Ilia State University de- of small and medium size busi- with city infrastructure, where for us. We hope our custom- Bubashvili, Head of Satsire he came up with an idea of trans- veloped a strategic plan for the ness which implies increase of small and medium size business ers will be not only locals but Development Fund: forming Satsire into European development of Georgian village employability rate of local peo- will be run and young people will people from the adjacent ar- “Satsire is a village of my village on his visit to Switzer- at the example of Satsire. The ple and impediment of migra- have all opportunities to devel- eas” – Mariam Taliashvili said childhood. At earlier times, land when he found great simi- project named “Satsire –Village tion. Another direction is the op further. We are approximat- in a conversation with “The numerous visitors were com- larities between Satsire and San- of the Future” was set up which cultural, sport and educational ing to our goal although there is Georgian Times”. PUBLICITY Saturday, March 31, 2018 www.geotimes.ge 10 PUBLICITY Saturday, March 31, 2018 www.geotimes.ge 11 PUBLICITY Saturday, March 31, 2018 www.geotimes.ge 12