Issue no: 931 • MARCH 24 - 27, 2017 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue...

Georgia Condemns Terror Attack in London NEWS PAGE 2 Azerbaijan’s Relations with Russia: Beware the Bear POLITICS PAGE 4 Stuck with an Impotent FOCUS Presidency ON MEDIA DEVELOPMENT POLITICS PAGE 6 As GT celebrates its 17th anniversary, the Georgia Today Group launches Schirnhofer Now Has its First The Economist's The World In 2017 Store in Tbilisi PAGE 8-9 BUSINESS PAGE 7 New Hepatitis C Center Opens in West Georgia Szijjártó on Hungary-Russia-EU SOCIETY PAGE 12 Maltakva, Relations Poti to Have INTERVIEW BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE a New Beach ast week, the Foreign Minister of Hungary, Péter Szi- jjártó, visited Georgia to bolster the bilateral relations SOCIETY PAGE 12 between the two countries and prepare the stage for PM Orban’s visit in April. In an exclusive interview with GEORGIA TODAY, the FM started off by high- First Georgian Film Bought by lightingL the importance of mutual economic cooperation and trade, stating that they want to raise the level of economic ties Netfl ix Receives another Prize at to the level of political relations. “We started by opening a EUR 85,000 million credit line from Sofi a Int’l Film Fest the Hungarian Exim Bank to facilitate business to business, com- CULTURE PAGE 15 pany to company partnership. We identifi ed several fl agship areas of cooperation, including water management- a leading Hungar- ian water management company is cooperating with the United Water Supply Company of Georgia. Hopefully, this cooperation will see the Hungarian side assuming operational control in sev- eral municipalities, for example, now we’re running in a tender for Kutaisi, where we already have a Hungarian presence. Wizzair has become a focal point in fostering bilateral travel- the amount of visa applications has risen nine times since the fl ight was intro- duced. Agriculture, food industry technologies, sports infrastruc- ture – we’ll be building a stadium in Batumi - the pharmaceutical industry, where we already have 25 million worth of annual export and, fi nally, forestry, where Hungarian companies take part in modernizing the sector according to European Union standards. Continued on page 6 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS MARCH 24 - 27, 2017 Georgia’s Parliament Overrides President’s Veto on Surveillance Bill

BY THEA MORRISON

he MPs of Georgian Parlia- ment have overridden Georgia Condemns President Giorgi Margve- lashvili’s veto on the sur- veillance draft bill adopted Terror Attack in London Tby parliament on March 1st. The legislative package included pro- “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of visions for the creation of a legal entity BY THEA MORRISON Georgia condemns terrorism in all its of public law (LEPL) the Operative- forms and conveys its condolences to Technical Agency of Georgia, which will the families of terrorism victims, as well be responsible for covert surveillance. orld leaders have con- as to the government of the United King- The agency will be under the supervi- demned late Wednes- dom, wishing speedy recovery to those sion of the State Security Service (SSS). day’s terrorist attack who were injured as a result of the inci- However, the agency will be accountable munications, was unconstitutional and ident. 93 MPs voted in favor of the bill in London, which left dent,” the statement of the MFA reads. to the prime minister and will submit a set a deadline of March 31, 2017 to imple- 21 were against. fi ve people dead and According to BBC, the incident hap- generalized report of its activities to the ment the court’s decision and replace Head of the President’s Administration, atW least 40 injured. Prime Minister Giorgi pened late on Wednesday in London. PM annually. the existing surveillance law with new Giorgi Abashishvili, called this “disap- Kvirikashvili said that Georgia and Geor- Five people have died, and at least 40 The responsibilities of the agency will one. pointing.” gians will always stand by the civilized were injured after an attacker drove a include hidden surveillance of phone The president added his remarks to “If the parliament had supported the world in the fi ght against terrorism. car along the pavement in Westminster, communication; retrieving information the bill, and he sent it back to parliament president’s remarks, the surveillance “I am deeply concerned by information stabbed a policeman, and was shot dead from computer systems; control of post on March 21st. agency would have been more independ- on what seems to be terrorist attack near by police on the grounds of Parliament. offi ce transfers; secret audio and video He had two main remarks: The bill ent,” he stressed. the UK parliament in London. Our “Acting Deputy Commissioner and surveillance; and photographic surveil- does not guarantee the independence of Parliamentary opposition parties thoughts are with the victims and fami- Head of Counter Terrorism at the Met- lance. the new surveillance agency, and there believe the majority’s draft bill does not lies,” the PM tweeted. ropolitan Police, Mark Rowley, said they The new bill on covert investigative are "unjustifi ed and unpredictable costs” respond to the Constitutional Commis- President Margvelashvili also released think they know who he is and that he actions became necessary after the Con- that the bill imposes on communications sion verdict, that the agency must be a statement regarding the attack. “I am was inspired by international and Islam- stitutional Court of Georgia ruled on companies. independent. They also think that the deeply outraged by the terrorist incident ist-related terrorism but gave no further April 14, 2016 that the existing model of The majority party, Georgian Dream bill gives too much power to the SSS. at Westminster Palace. We strongly con- details,” BBC reports. surveillance, with the Interior Ministry (GD), which has 116 seats in the parlia- Non-Governmental Organizations also demn all forms of terrorism and stand Rowley said hundreds of detectives and Personal Data Protection Inspector ment, needed at 76 votes out of total 150 share this position on the issue. in solidarity with the UK,” the president worked through the night, carrying out as key players, needed to be changed. MPs to override the bill. The bill was once again sent to the of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili, stated. searches at six addresses. The court stated that the existing leg- The president’s bill was voted on fi rst. president after the veto was overridden. Georgia’s Foreign Ministry said that Seven arrests have been made in raids islation, which allowed the police to have 22 MPs were in favor, and 86 were against. If the President does not sign it again, no Georgians are reported among the following the Westminster according to direct and unrestricted access to telecom Afterwards, parliament voted for a bill the Speaker of the Parliament will have deceased or injured in the incident. police. operators’ networks to monitor com- that had not been approved by the pres- the right to sign it. GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 24 - 27, 2017 NEWS 3 Incident Prevention and Investment Plan for Europe: Response Mechanism Commissioner Bulc Meeting Held in Gali Outlines Vision for

BY THEA MORRISON Transport Investment n 23 and 24 March, Com- need to work to bridge the infrastructure missioner for Transport investment gap with other parts of Europe. n Tuesday, an Incident Violeta Bulc is meeting Boosting investment is also vital to Prevention and Response with private and public strengthen the region’s competitiveness Mechanism (IPRM) meet- institutions at a conference and stimulate the recent economic recov- ing was held in Gali, located inO Sofi a, Bulgaria, to discuss how to boost ery”. in Georgia’s breakaway investment in the transport sector. The conference in Sofi a follows the regionO of Abkhazia, near the administra- The conference is to focus on invest- recent launch by the Commission of a tive boundary line (ABL). ment opportunities in the Cohesion call for proposals combining EUR 1 bil- This was the 44th meeting of the IPRM, Member States and will also address lion of grants with fi nancing from the which brought together Georgian, Abkhaz, cooperation with the Western Balkans European Fund for Strategic Investments, Russian and European Union Monitoring and Eastern Partners, gathering together public fi nancial institutions and from Mission (EUMM) representatives and was high-level representatives involved in the private sector wherever possible. chaired by the United Nations (UN). the planning and fi nancing of European The call will complement the EUR 19.4 Representatives of the Georgian central transport infrastructure projects, fi nan- billion in EU grants already announced government brought up the murder case cial institutions and public and private under the Connecting Europe Facility of Georgian citizen Giga Otkhozoria, project promoters. Together, they will and the 36 transport-related projects who was killed by an Abkhazian border discuss how to make the best use of the under the European Fund for Strategic guard on the territory controlled by opportunities under the European Com- Investments that will trigger a total EUR Georgia, on May 19, 2016. government underlined that the illegal Georgia. The meetings are an opportu- mission’s Investment Plan for Europe, 15.2 billion of investments. Georgian representatives demanded detentions not only violate the funda- nity to discuss the identifi cation of including the Cleaner Transport Facility, Conference participants include the the arrest the Abkhaz citizen, Rashid mental right of the local residents, but potential risks and problems facing the and exchange experience and lessons Maltese Minister for Transport and Kanji-Oghli, who killed Otkhozoria and also undermine the security environment local community, follow up on incidents, learned in successful transport projects. Infrastructure Joe Mizzi, Bulgarian Prime is now wanted by Interpol. on the ground. and exchange information. The meetings “Public grants are not enough to deliver Minister Ognyan Gerdzhikov and Trans- Georgian representatives also raised At the meeting, Georgian representa- are co-facilitated by the OSCE and the on our vision for seamless, intelligent port Minister Hristo Alexiev, Pim Van the issue of a Georgian citizen, Giorgi tives raised problems caused by the clo- European Union Monitoring Mission in and sustainable mobility,” Commissioner Ballekom, the Vice President of the Lukava, who is being illegally imprisoned sure of the two crossing points. They Georgia (EUMM). Bulc said prior to the start of the confer- European Investment Bank, members within the occupied Abkhazia region for also discussed all the major incidents The Georgian representatives at the ence. “With the Commission’s Invest- of the European Parliament, as well as alleged terrorist activities. that took place within the region recently. IPRM meetings are from the State Secu- ment Plan for Europe, we want to offer ministers from other Cohesion Member During the meeting issues related to The Incident Prevention and Response rity Service and the Reconciliation and innovative solutions such as blending States and ministers of the Eastern Part- the illegal detentions for crossing the Mechanism was created in February Civil Equality Ministry of Georgia. funds to mobilize additional private ners and Western Balkans countries. occupation line were discussed. The 2009 as a result of the Geneva discus- The next IPRM meeting in Gali will fi nancing. This is particularly important More on this story in Tuesday’s GEOR- representatives of the Georgian central sions that followed the 2008 confl ict in be held on 25th April 2017. in the cohesion countries where we still GIA TODAY Business issue.

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where the executive branch was made branches of government. OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE up of president and his cabinet. The The system of governance in Georgia only difference was that the Georgian allowed the concentration of political government was technically headed by power in the hands of one branch of hy is Georgia always a prime-minister, who could formally government, in the president. In Amer- stuck with some be equaled to the White House Chief ica, this cannot happen because the awkward governing of Staff. Here, we have ministries, headed American political system is adamantly absurdities? Why by ministers, and there, they have depart- safeguarded by the principle of checks can’t this nation cre- ments headed by secretaries. Those and balances which realistically works ate,W once and for all, a system of gov- were the only formal differentiating there in a foolproof system. Now the ernance, including the electoral code, features; otherwise, the systems were question pops up – why does it work in diffi cult to write a constitution which who don’t even know what the presi- which will not need to be forcefully similar and all was OK – it worked, and America and not here in Georgia? To could successfully do its job for the next dent is doing in the country they have altered every once in a while due to successfully enough. There was one answer this question professionally, fi ve hundred years with only occasional to fi ght for when the time comes and circumstantial exigencies, and that will grave drawback in governance in Geor- with a reasonable margin of precision, minor amendments? Why do we allow the need materializes. Why is a parlia- not have to be tailored on some whim- gia. All of a sudden, the entire decision- one needs to do long-term deep research more than three branches of govern- mentary republic better and more opti- sical aims and aspirations of another making power became concentrated into Georgia’s political history of at ment in this tiny nation of only three mal than a presidential republic? Why dictatorial leader of a developing coun- in one person’s hands, and that one least the last thirty years, and include and a half million, whereas the three are there two high-level courts in Geor- try? Take Trump, for example. He craves person was the president of the coun- into that scientifi c endeavor the analy- hundred and fi fty thousand proof Amer- gia – Supreme and Constitutional? to see his dictate honored in his own try. What happened later is that the sis of the psycho-type of an average ican nation uses only three? Why do we America uses only one, with two func- country as well as elsewhere around president, following the expiration of Georgian political animal. have to be enslaved by the system which tions, and they say it is more than enough the globe, but he will never become a his term of offi ce, wanted to stay in The theme is extremely serious for feeds us so many fl agrant inconven- to be judicially good and fair. I don’t dictator in the true meaning of the word power which contradicted the constitu- the further development of democratic iences? Why are we stuck with an impo- think there is anything more exigent to – the American system of governance tion, so he decided to change the system governance in Georgia. Again, why tent presidency and a systemic head- be discussing on everyday basis in the will never allow this nonsense to hap- of governance in Georgia, to refl ect this does the exact same system of govern- ache? Who needs a commander-in-chief Georgian legislative body. And I guess pen because such is the nature of the change in the constitution. Georgia was ment iwork in the States and not work- who will never have anything to do with we the people have nothing hotter to American system of ruling the country. turned from a presidential into a par- ing in Georgia? Why is the fairness of the army except when making rare talk about than the issue that bothers Five years ago, Georgia was a “presi- liamentary republic, rather, into a semi- the judiciary always questionable in our patriotically embellished speeches us so much – the issue of governing the dential republic,” like the United States, parliamentary republic with so many political culture? Why is it so painfully before the defenders of the motherland, country in the most effective way. Arming Up

time,” Kiknadze said. OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA The opposition believes that these actions are directly connected with the government’s imprudent policy. Giorgi he deployment of an S-300 Tugushi, member of the European Geor- anti-aircraft missile system gia party, disapproves of the policy the on the territory of occupied Georgian government has had with Abkhazia didn’t merit any regards to Russia: “Russia violates all special reaction from Offi - types of international legislative norm cialT Tbilisi. The case of Rustavi 2 and a well as strenghtening its military pres- the to-be curtailed authority of President ence. This is yet another consequence Margvelashvili still remain the main of us relying on the Karasin-Abashidze news in the country. It is hard to explain format rather than that of the Geneva. why Tbilisi rests easy. Perhaps it is fail- In the fi rst place our government should ing to assess the situation adequately. wake up and fi nally get to the conclusion Or maybe it is a sign of panic. The fact that warmed relations with Russia prove is that Georgia is already in the C-300 fruitless. All international leverage at siege and whenever the Kremlin decides hand should be used as soon as possible.” to use its lead, it will do so. Brigadier General and military expert, New anti-missile systems were brought Amiran Salukvadze, believes that install- into breakaway Abkhazia on March 10 ment of the anti-missile systems is an and will be installed on the territories of open reaction from the Kremlin in the Russian military bases in Ochamchire response to the NATO’s activities in the Azerbaijan’s Relations with and Gali. Information has spread that the Black Sea region. “The fact that the Cau- same type of systems are also to be installed casus is vitally important as a region for in the occupied Akhalgori region. The Russia is well known and the admittance Russian anti-missile systems in Abkhazia of any Caucasian country in the mem- and those installed in the Russian military bership of NATO is totally unacceptable,” Russia: Beware the Bear base in Gyumri, Armenia, completely said Salukvadze. cover Georgia. Strengthening the arma- Although the role of Georgia within Turkey, its strategic partner, as well as community that it has no leverage to OP-ED BY EUGENE KOGAN ment of the Russian military bases in the strategy of NATO in Black Sea Secu- Azerbaijan’s relations with the EU and make Moscow withdraw its troops, and Abkhazia is assessed as a “demonstration rity has yet to be specifi ed, the leaders the US, because it explains why Azer- international appeals to Russia to with- of power” by experts, who also stress that of NATO and the government of Georgia baijan eventually chose to co-operate draw its troops from the occupied ter- Russia is using de-facto Abkhazia for its have repeatedly stressed that Georgia he geographic location of with Russia. Over the past two to three ritories have fallen on deaf ears in Mos- own geopolitical interests. The former will certainly engage in the process. the three South Caucasian years, Azerbaijan’s maneuvering space cow. Minister of Security of Abkhazia, Levan Moreover, as the Minister of Defense of countries Armenia, Azer- has shrunk due to the domestic economic Yet the government of Azerbaijan real- Kiknadze, believes that Russia will import Georgia, Levan Izoria stated, Georgia baijan and Georgia is a downturn, falling oil and gas prices and ized that in comparison with Russia, the as many weapons as it wants without has already presented specifi c proposals curse. For centuries these subsequent depreciation of the local West is weak and indecisive when it asking anyone for permission. “They act about the forms of Georgia’s engagement Tcountries have been divided and ruled currency, and cooling relations with the comes to the South Caucasus, and Tur- like this because they want to irritate us. in Black Sea Security. by dominating Persian, Russian and EU and the US (hereafter called the key is preoccupied with domestic and Strengthening the armed forces on the The appearance of Russian C-300 in Ottoman empires. The empires collapsed West) and Turkey. In the end, Azerbaijan foreign crises and distracted from Azer- Abkhazian territory will result in the the occupied Abkhazia is a puzzle not and faded away, but their successor states is left with the only viable option of co- baijan. As a result, Azerbaijan has to cope growth of the military contingent, which only for Georgia. Moscow is trying to Iran, Turkey and the Soviet Union (pre- operating with Iran and Russia, two alone with its neighborhood, including also means increasing the number of Rus- revive the unifi ed system of air control sent-day Russia) continue to dominate countries that Azerbaijan has to be very Iran’s ambiguous policy. Although Azer- sians, something the Russian government it had during the USSR, a serious chal- the region. careful with. baijan and Turkey have been on the same has been looking forward to for a long lenge for the NATO member countries; The collapse of the Soviet Union gave On the one hand, for the last 20 years, page for many years towards Russia as in the fi rst place for Turkey, but also for Azerbaijan breathing space to build a Azerbaijan has pursued a multilateral Finlandization, akin to the Finnish pur- other states from the Black Sea region, new independent state. Yet the curse of policy and kept Russia at a safe distance. suit of neutrality after the end of the namely Bulgaria and Romania. Bringing geography still lingers. An independent Azerbaijan did not let Russia drag it into Second World War in the face of a hos- the C-300 anti-missile systems onto and sovereign state for 25 years, Azer- Russian-led organizations like the Col- tile Soviet Union. occupied Georgian lands is far from then baijan is still bordered by Russia and lective Security Treaty Organization Closer relations with Russia mean a end of this process. Russia is creating a Iran. And this time round, President (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic radical shift in Azerbaijani strategic command for its southern direction and Vladimir Putin will not give President Union (EEU). Furthermore, Azerbaijan vision and foreign policy pursuit based also plans to modernize its military units IlhamAliyev’s regime a second chance has strenuously objected to the deploy- on the past co-operation with the West in the North Caucasus, occupied Abk- to align with the West and Turkey. ment of Russian peacekeeping forces and Turkey. There is no doubt that the hazian and Tskhinvali regions and Arme- First, it is important to elaborate on along the Line of Contact (LoC) in shift has been accompanied by a nia, as well as its Navy fl eets in the Black Azerbaijan’s current domestic situation Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan learned strengthening of IlhamAliyev’s regime and Caspian Seas. and its implications for relations with from the experience of the international at home. GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 24 - 27, 2017 POLITICS 5 Failure Project Europe: Parliamentary Delegation of Nordic, Baltic Countries Ogden on Frexit & the Meet Georgian Offi cials tion Committees of Georgian parliament, BY THEA MORRISON as well as with different factions. “Georgia is devoted to its aim of build- Cost of Visa Liberalization ing a European country with European he Speakers and Vice- democracy and institutions,” Georgia’s Speakers of the Parliaments Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, said of the Baltic and Nordic in address to the NB8 Delegation at the OP-ED BY TIM OGDEN states, who arrived in Tbi- governmental administration. lisi on March 20th, held The PM thanked the guests for their Tmeetings with Georgian offi cials. visit to Georgia and for their assistance russels will be shaking at the The Nordic and Baltic countries make to the country. knees as the French presi- up the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8), which “I am proud of Georgia’s achievements, dential election approaches. facilitates open discussions on interna- but this progress would be impossible with- While Emmanuel Macron's tional topics and topics vital to the Nor- out your assistance,” Kvirikashvili said. central 'En Marche!' cam- dic-Baltic region. The representatives discussed Geor- paignB has gained slightly in the polls, an The parliamentary delegations of Den- gia’s Euro-Atlantic integration process, attempted terrorist attack this week at mark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Estonia, Georgia’s success in the process of visa- Orly airport in Paris could well see Latvia, and Lithuania were hosted by the liberalization, as well as recent develop- Marine le Pen snatch victory. With both parliament Speaker of Georgia, Irakli ments in Georgia’s occupied regions. Britain voting to leave the European Kobakhidze, on Tuesday. The NB8 delegation once again con- Union and Donald Trump seeing off “It is a historical event, the unifi cation fi rmed their support to Georgia’s terri- Hillary Clinton in defi ance of predic- of offi cials of our partner countries to torial integrity and sovereignty. tions, 2016 certainly showed that the discuss our common interests and make The delegates also met with the Pres- political underdog can win against the the useful decisions,” Kobakhidze said, ident of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili, odds. addressing the delegates. at the Presidential Administration. The Perhaps in years prior, voters might Georgian Parliament Speaker thanked key issues of the meeting were Russia’s have thought that casting their ballot for the guests for supporting Georgia’s ter- actions on the occupied territories and fringe contenders was a waste of their ritorial integrity, sovereignty, and EU further cooperation between the NB8 only chance to democratically make and NATO aspirations. countries and the Black Sea Region. themselves heard, but two consecutive “Let me express my gratitude to each On Wednesday, the NB 8 Delegation shocking wins for platforms perceived member of NB8 for your signifi cant con- visited the Catholicos-Patriarch of Geor- to be anti-immigration and nationalistic tribution to democracy, good governance, gia, Ilia II at the Patriarchate. will likely have dispelled this notion. and rule of law. We highly appreciate “20 percent of Georgian territories are Should Marine le Pen, an anti-immigra- the attention NB8 attaches to issues that occupied by Russia[…]I have been the tion, tough-on-terrorism Eurosceptic, are important for Georgia,” he added. Metropolitan of Abkhazia for 11 years, prove victorious, she will likely initiate Inara Murniece, the Speaker of the but I cannot go there and meet local a Frexit, and the European Union's future ing that his comments had been taken would all be reason enough for Georgia Latvian Saeima, thanked the Chairman believers,” Ilia II told the delegation. will appear more uncertain than ever. out of context failed entirely; his com- to be alarmed at the thought of introduc- for his hospitality. According to her, the Prior holding the meetings with the (This would, incidentally, be rather ments, after all, were not of the kind that ing thousands of refugees into the coun- joint visit of NB8 Delegation is a dem- Georgian offi cials, the delegation went helpful for Britain, which is fl oundering could be wholly misinterpreted. try, if not also due to the dire situation onstration of their support for Georgia. to the administrative boundary line (ABL) in a sea of Euro-anger and threats of Many Georgians understood this as that Georgia faces itself. “NB8 is a unique format of regional between the occupied South Ossetia being taken to court if London fails to being the price the country must pay for Georgia lives in perpetual fear of Rus- cooperation based on a common agenda. region and Georgia. pay a £50 billion divorce bill.) its visa waiver to the EU. While this was sian aggression, and South Ossetia's We are open for dialogue with our part- The delegates met with a family living Beyond the infi ghting and inability to hotly denied by Brussels (and the Geor- upcoming formal referendum on joining ners and with Georgia of course. NB8 behind the barbed wire fences in the come to any agreement on the plethora gian people being prone to believing the Russian Federation will hardly enjoys excellent partnership and friend- Central Georgia region in the village of of issues facing the continent, the Euro- conspiracy theories, especially ones of improve matters. In addition, the eco- ship with Georgia[…]Georgia is one of Khurvaleti. The delegation listened to pean Union also does itself no favors with their own making), the timing could not nomic conditions of the vast majority of the closest partners of NATO and EU. the recent problems of the local popula- the countries that aspire to be a part of have been poorer, and although it is likely the population remains dire, and so how We hail choice of Georgia and further tion. it. Its 'mañana, mañana' approach to Geor- that no formal demand was made that Georgia was expected to help the refu- support the country’s EU and NATO Moreover, the NB8 delegation went to gia gradually caused simmering resent- Tbilisi should accommodate migrants gee horde when it can hardly serve its aspirations,” she stated. the Gori Offi ce of the European Union ment amongst parts of the local popula- in return for a visa waiver, it is not beyond own people was left unexplained. The NB8 delegation also met with the Monitoring Mission (EUMM) and met tion, and while this has receded slightly the realms of possibility that Brussels Whether the Austrian FM's remarks Foreign Relations and the EU Integra- with the mission representatives. in the face of the EU's agreement to grant had hoped that Georgia would acquiesce were a result of inexcusable ignorance Georgians visa-free access to the Schen- in grovelling gratitude. or simply an example of the callousness gen zone, remarks made by Austrian Most of the recent terrorist attacks in that eastern EU members feel their west- Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz could Europe have been carried out by migrants, ern counterparts treat them with, Kurz well cause a rise in Euroscepticism. and the alarming number of sexual assault has helped put a sizeable dent in the Kurz suggested that to alleviate the cases across the continent is also due to surge of optimism felt after Georgia's burden being placed on EU nations strug- Europe's new arrivals having rather dif- visa liberalization. If Miss le Pen clinches gling to accommodate Angela Merkel's ferent ideas about consent, equality, and victory and France follows Britain into open-door refugee policy, EU partner the rights of women. Doubt has also been European exile, then prospective as well states could take asylum seekers of their raised over the age of many migrants as current EU members might decide own. Vienna's subsequent attempts to without identifi cation, as many claiming that the 'European project' has proved deal with the Georgian uproar by claim- to be teenagers appear far older. These a failure. No Place Like Home

teration. Although Validslav Surkov, the Taking into consideration these attacks, a Russian family name?” A total of 137 head of the Georgian occupied territories we could conclude that electing Ankvab candidates competed for 35 mandates in from the Kremlin, says Kokoity should could intensify the confrontation between the Abkhazian “Parliament,” and while satisfy the requirements of the local Abkhazian clans and the “gangster wars.” being almost the same number in popu- election commission regarding housing As they predict in Sokhumi, Ankvab will lation as Abkhazians, Armenians have documents, the latter and the “Heroes” soon even become the “Speaker of the only four seats. Zatulin’s announcement of the August War remain stubborn. For Parliament” and get his revenge by eject- was was far from coincidental. By bring- a long time, Kokoity has been living in ing former opponent, de-facto President ing the Armenian theme to the forefront, Moscow instead of Tskhinvali, therefore Raul Khajimba from the post. Why Surkov it becomes clear that the Kremlin is try- his housing documents are also from the and the Kremlin allowed Abkvab’s polit- ing to balance the legislative fantasies Russian capital. It seems the Kremlin ical resuscitation is truly hard to explain. of the Abkhazians. As time passes, the has no need of rebellious leaders in the It is obvious that the Kremlin is unsat- Kremlin will continue trying to play the breakway region and puts its stakes on isfi ed with Ankvab’s political resurrec- Armenian cards more effectively. both “elections” have a big common trait the current “president,” the former KGB tion. Recall Konstantin Zatulin’s visit to Abkhazians are facing a problem: how OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA – their former leaders are planning a offi cer Leonid Tibilov. So, why the Krem- Abkhazia, where he travelled with an to withstand pressure from the Kremlin comeback: Alexander Ankvab to Sokhumi lin did not prevent Ankvab from becom- observer mission from the Russian Fed- and their desire to swallow Abkhazia and Eduard Kokoity to Ttskhinvali. ing an MP and why their candidate Ser- eration and said: “Despite all due respect completely. Moscow further exerts pres- he time has come for the The fi rst round of “parliamentary elec- gey Shamba was unsuccessful remains for the Abkhazian electoral system, I sure by closing the border and trying to rotation to happen in the tions” was already held in Sokhumi and a mystery. should say that during the Armenian choke Abkhazia economically. And who- occupied territories. Elec- ex-president Ankvab has already been Ankvab has the reputation of having a Parliamentary elections on April 2, for ever becomes head of the occupied ter- tions for the so-called par- elected among the 35 lucky ones who “strong-hand” and supposedly he fi ghts the fi rst time quotas for national minor- ritory will have just two options to choose liament in Abkhazia and will take over the legislative manage- corruption- doing so quite “sovietly”, ity candidates will be provided. 99 per- from: watch how Russia eats up Abkha- Tthe so-called president in South Ossetia ment of the occupied territory. But for meaning he confronts only those from cent of the population in Armenia is zia or think about a real comporomise are about to be held. At a fi rst glance, it Eduard Kokoity things are more com- the opposite clan. Maybe that is the rea- Armenian. Nevertheless, there will be with Tbilisi with the help of the Euro- seems the two elections have nothing in plicated, as the Kremlin forbids him from son he was attacked as many as fi ve times, four places for the national minorities pean Union. But keep in mind the latter common, but if we examine the course returning to the post of head of govern- and once even at his home. But fate was in parliament. Tell me the need for more is out of the question if the IDPs aren’t of events more closely, we will see that ment and he has been denied the regis- on his side and he survived every time. than 100 candidates and only one with returned to their homes. GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS MARCH 24 - 27, 2017 Szijjártó on Hungary- Russia-EU Relations

Continued from page 1 And I could go on listing many more ship integrated, Europe would be a much such occurrences, yet we get criticized safer place than it is now. We are in the WINE IS ONE OF HUNGARY’S and called Pro-Russian!? That’s just dou- minority in this position but still, this SPECIALTY EXPORT ITEMS. ble standards and is unacceptable. is what we believe and we’re not going IN THAT RESPECT, WHAT’S to give it up. That’s why we’re pushing YOUR TAKE ON GEORGIAN THERE IS ALSO THE very hard for Montenegro’s and Mac- WINE’S PROSPECTS ON THE MATTER OF SANCTIONS. edonia’s membership and for Georgia’s EUROPEAN MARKET? BUDAPEST DOESN’T SEEM MAP too, because we don’t see what I’ve already seen Georgian wine on the VERY FOND OF THEM else it should do to deserve it and receive Hungarian market. I’ve not tasted it – We think sanctions are an unsuccess- it. When we speak about enlargement, I’ve never drunk alcohol in my life, so I ful policy, both economically and polit- be it NATO or the EU, we say that the can be an impartial judge in this. I think ically. Economically, it brought more membership of Western Balkans and the best solution for Georgian wine troubles to Europe than to Russia. Polit- Eastern Partnership countries (those would be to focus on quality, not quan- ically, it fell short of its target to make who aspire to join, of course) must be tity, just like we Hungarians do. The Russia comply with the Minsk Agree- put into consideration. I think we under- unique qualities of Georgian wine will ment. It didn’t work out, so what should stand the importance of it a little bit be best suited to a niche market. be done? First, we should discuss, at the better than Western European countries, level of heads of states, the impact, expec- which is largely a matter of history and NOWADAYS, THE FIRST NOTION tations and future strategy. The fi rst stage geography. So, instead of slowing down THAT COMES TO MIND WHEN is evaluation and the second is what to and over-bureaucratizing this integra- SPEAKING ABOUT HUNGARY do. The latter cannot come before the tion process, we should be accelerating IS HOW HARDLINE YOU ARE former. it. It’s even a credibility issue for us. I ON MIGRATION ISSUES. WITH remember last time, when I had an VISA LIBERALIZATION FAST BUT EVEN IF THERE IS AN opportunity to chat with FM of Turkey, APPROACHING GEORGIA, A ECONOMIC TRADE-OFF, DON’T Mevlut Cavusoglu, he told me that, even HUNGARIAN PERSPECTIVE YOU THINK IT’S WORTH IT? if all those complicated issues between ON MIGRATION WOULD BE WHAT OTHER LEVERAGE DOES Brussels and Ankara where dealt with, INTERESTING FOR OUR READERS THE EU HAVE OVER RUSSIA? which would require quite huge efforts, We made it very clear that entering the That’s a good question. Whatever hap- there were no assurances of them get- territory of our country is only accept- pened in Ukraine is very bad, and it ting visa free access. He brought Ukraine able if it’s legal. We can never accept should be handled competently, but we and Georgia as an example as to how anyone entering our territories illegally. don’t think sanctions are the right solu- the visa liberalization process was We don’t like the European approach of tion to this. What is the right solution? dragged out– the way Brussels handled encouraging people to travel vast dis- Well, we cannot say that before we dis- this process is the way that ends up in tances illegally and violate a series of cuss the current situation over sanctions. its losing credibility. borders. We don’t think it should be a Unfortunately, the politically correct European policy. Our approach would consensus at Brussels seems that if you SINCE YOU MENTIONED be to help these people stay in the nearby mention the impact of sanctions, if you CAVUSOGLU, WHAT DID YOU safe, peaceful territories so that they can say they were unsuccessful, you’re labeled MAKE OF HIS PROPHECY return when the confl ict is over. That’s pro-Russian. AFTER THE RECENT SPAT why our proposal has always been to WITH THE NETHERLANDS give every kind of support to Turkey, WHAT ABOUT COMPLEX THAT THERE WILL SOON BE Jordan, Lebanon and so on, so that they RELATIONS BETWEEN RUSSIA RELIGIOUS WARS IN EUROPE? can take care of the refugees. Still, it’s AND GEORGIA? WHAT’S It’s a sensitive issue. It’s very strange not like the border entries are closed – HUNGARY’S STANCE ON THIS? to see such a confl ict appearing between they are open, and if somebody wants We have been always very vocal and two NATO allies. When it comes to reli- to come to Hungary, they can do it accord- involved in that regard. The territorial gions though, we are a Christian country. ing to the regulations. So, instead of a integrity and sovereignty of Georgia And we think that Christianity now is hypocritical and politically correct must be respected. International law is the most persecuted religion in the world. approach to this issue, we merely urge for everyone, regardless of size, GDP or Statistics show that. Thousands of peo- them to be realistic, more honest and strength… How can we help Georgia ple are deprived of their lives because more straightforward. towards stability and progress? I think they are Christians. We should not be through EU and NATO integration. If shy to speak out about it. Who would OTHER CRITICISM THAT there was a very vocal, very loud coun- support and protect Christians if not the HUNGARY HAS TO BEAR try in favor of granting Georgia the visa Christians? And frankly, I’m really fed FROM THE INTERNATIONAL waiver, then that was Hungary. We pushed up with the approach that whenever I COMMUNITY LATELY REVOLVES for it like no-one else and we were very speak about this in the European Union, AROUND ITS SOMEWHAT frustrated when, after fulfi lling all the we always end up talking about protect- LIBERAL AND SYMPATHETIC requirements at least a year ago, new ing the rights of [other] religious minor- STANCE TOWARDS RUSSIA. preconditions were set. On the other ities. Sure, they are important and should HOW DOES COOPERATION hand, regarding NATO: you have 870 be protected, but if I were to say protect WITH RUSSIA WORK – ANY troops in Afghanistan, you’re the largest Christian minorities, I shouldn’t be HUNGARIAN KNOW- non-member contributor, you’ve par- shamed and criticized for saying it. Speak HOW FOR GEORGIANS? ticipated in every mission – what else about religious minorities? Very impor- We are central Europeans – we can’t should be done by Georgia to get NATO tant, but as a Christian – speaking about afford not to talk with Russia. So, we are membership? What else? the protection of Christians is more opting for a transparent and pragmatic important, for me, as a Christian. But relationship. And here again we have WOULD IT BE FAIR TO ASSUME anyway, I very much hope there won’t call out some of our criticizers for dou- THAT BUDAPEST BELIEVES THAT be any religious wars in Europe. I think ble standards and hypocrisy. We never AFTER THE INTEGRATION OF everyone has to respect that Europe is criticized the fact that Germany bought THE BALKANS, ON WHICH a Christian continent, but Christianity a record high amount of Gas from Rus- THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOOSE doesn’t tolerate any anti-something sia last year. We were very shocked by CONSENSUS IN BRUSSELS, policies, so Christianity must not be the fact that the Western European com- IT SHOULD BE GEORGIA anti-muslim or anti-anything else, for panies are dealing with Gazprom to build AND UKRAINE’S TURN? that matter. And I think that history has Nordstream 2 together. The European I think it’s equally important to accel- proven that a goodwill approach enables Commission has apparently no say on erate both processes. Realistically, for major religions to live together in that; while at the same time they killed though you should be next, sadly, in peace, but I think everyone has to admit the South Stream project in which sev- Europe now there is no will for enlarge- that Europe is a Christian continent by eral Central and South East European ment. It’s a case of enlargement fatigue history, and we have to be strong in our countries would have been involved. because of all these crises we’ve been values because if we don’t respect our Last summer, when I was in Saint Peters- facing: instead of looking beyond the own values, own roots and own history, burg attending an economic forum, I horizon, everybody is dealing with daily how can we learn to respect somebody saw many people speaking German than issues. And I think that we might have else’s? So when I say that I’m proud to Russian there, and lo and behold, Italian forgotten the fact that the more we are, be Christian and I’d like to protect Chris- Prime Minister Renzi took to the stage the stronger we are and I think that with tianity in Europe, I’m not saying that I’m with presidents Putin and Nazarbayev. Western Balkans and Eastern Partner- against something else. GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 24 - 27, 2017 BUSINESS 7 Schirnhofer Now Has its First Store in Tbilisi

BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI

ith almost a century old tradition of pro- ducing over 600 vari- eties of meat prod- ucts, Austrian WSchirnhofer is one of the leading and largest Austrian meat product manufac- turers, producing 12, 000 tons of meat and sausage products per year, using only Austrian meat for production. The company’s head offi ce is located in Kaindorf, Austria which is considered as one of the safest ecologically. Schirn- hofer has 630 partner farmers. Its strict quality control begins at each of these farms. Quality control is paramount at every stage of production, so Schirnhofer uses ultra-modern technologies and laboratories. Schirnhofer holds an IFC (International Food Standard) certifi cate, which ensures constant product quality control. Schirnhofer was founded in 1926 by Joseph Schirnhofer. The family business kept alive by his son Karl, who started producing sausages in 1950 with his mother. Soon the company one of the largest Austrian meat product manufac- turers. Karl Shirnhofer himself was a founder of the Schirnhofer Company in Georgia, which entered the Georgian market in 2007 and quickly gained popularity among customers for its affordability, variety, and top quality products. Schirnhofer’s newest store opened at At 7 Vazha-Pshavela Avenue, Tbilisi.

It offers a large assortment of the deli- said Lasha Babuadze, Schirnhofer Georgia cious sausages that Schirnhofer is loved representative, noting that the company for as well as an Austrian delicatessen plans to expand and open more stores in featuring an assortment of fresh Austrian Tbilisi and other cities in Georgia. breads, cheeses, and meats. “Schirnhofer products in Austria are With half a million USD local invest- always associated with the best quality.” ment and almost 20 new jobs according Arad Benko, Ambassador of Austria to to the company, the opening of the fi rst Georgia, said in his speech while attend- Schirnhofer store is an important event ing the fi rst Schirnhofer store opening. both for Georgia and Austria. “Schirnhofer is very proud to offer its “Georgian customers know the Schirn- products in Georgia; I wish our business hofer brand well. This is our fi rst store in partners great success”. Alois Kaiser, the Tbilisi, and in Georgia, and we’ll be focus- company representative who arrived to ing on the cheese and meat delicatessen,” Tbilisi for the store opening said. GEORGIA TODAY 8 SOCIETY MARCH 24 - 27, 2017 The Readers Speak: Georgia Today’s 17thBirthday

o celebrate the 17th birthday ANANO KORKIA, HEAD for that matter) but I learned a great deal Georgian Wrestling Federation. Some of GEORGIA TODAY, OF PR AND MARKETING about Georgian politics and made some years later, my friend became an editor below are some of the many DEPARTMENT AT PASHA BANK good friends. Over the years, the news- and asked me to write a column, which birthday wishes we have paper has always provided a steady was a lot of fun. I appreciate Georgia received so far. stream of talented contributors for Inves- Today for being one of the few places T tor.ge, AmCham Georgia's business where young local journalists have U.S. AMBASSADOR TO magazine. I really appreciate the efforts launched their careers in English lan- GEORGIA, IAN KELLY that have been made over the past few guage media. Georgia Today’s alumni years to expand the newspaper's scope. have gone on to work for the BBC, Georgia Today has the potential to be a Bloomberg and RFEL." strong English-language newspaper and I hope you achieve great things in the ZAZA PURTSELADZE, DIRECTOR next 17 years and beyond”. BRITISH COUNCIL GEORGIA

MAKO ABASHIDZE, DIRECTOR, THE BRITISH GEORGIAN scape, shaping the country’s public CHAMBER OF COMMERCE opinion and political discourse in many “From the very beginning I was a dedi- important ways. Georgia Today is inde- “Happy birthday to my dearest Georgia cated Georgia Today reader and since pendent and critical, not shying away Today! This is a team of professionals founding the British Georgian Chamber from sensitive topics, and its journalists who never stop developing Georgian of Commerce 10 years ago, Georgia Today and partners live up to high professional media. I am sure everyone agrees that standards, basing their articles on sound their contribution to this fi eld is tremen- investigation and research. Throughout dous. They simply put a high standard the years, original articles published in and we can all read it through the lines Georgia Today gave impetus to impor- “I want to offer my sincere congratula- of their publications. I cannot fail to use tant political developments, like the tions to the staff and publishers of Geor- this opportunity and thank them whole- reversal of the restrictive immigration gia Today who are celebrating the 17th heartedly - as a reader and a loyal cus- “Georgia Today is our long-time partner law that was introduced in September anniversary of this essential publication. tomer as well. We have been business and we have had many successful years 2014, or the lifting of the landownership Over the course of my many years in the partners for several years already and of cooperation with the newspaper and ban for foreigners. Both topics were region, as well as my tenure as the United this relationship has become much more I hope that will continue in the future.” extensively discussed and criticized in States’ Ambassador to Georgia, I have than just that - it has developed into Georgia Today, among others in articles come to appreciate and rely on Georgia friendship based on mutual trust and ERIC LIVNY, ACTING PRESIDENT, provided by ISET. We are proud to have Today’s comprehensive coverage of respect. I wish Georgia Today many INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF Georgia Today as a media partner for politics, society and culture – as well as readers, many partners and further suc- ECONOMICS, TBILISI (ISET) our weekly column, and we wish this its expanded focus on business, econom- cess!” “Georgia Today has become an indis- outstanding Georgian newspaper all the ics and law. Many thanks for your reli- pensable part of Georgia's media land- best for the future.” ability, professionalism and constant ANDREAS HEIDINGSFELDER, striving to be the best source of infor- GENERAL MANAGER, has been our loyal partner. Georgia Today mation on the region.” SHERATON METECHI gives our members in the UK direct PALACE HOTEL, TBILISI access to all the most important news JUSTIN MCKENZIE SMITH, UK “On behalf of Sheraton Metechi Palace in Georgia thanks to the Georgia Today AMBASSADOR TO GEORGIA Hotel, I extend our heartiest congratula- team. We look forward to continuing our tions to Georgia Today for completing friendship and partnership." 17 years of success in business. It’s been our pleasure to cooperate with the news- TONY HANMER, JOURNALIST, paper since it was founded. During my SVANETI REGION, GEORGIA fi ve years in Tbilisi, the newspaper has “I became aware of Georgia Today soon published numerous interesting and after I moved to Georgia to live in Decem- uncountable important articles that con- ber 1999. There was, and remains, noth- tribute to the national and international ing to touch it for quality of news on the discussion. Georgia Today was always country and region in English. My relationship with the paper as an outlet for my own writings, mostly about Svaneti, began with a simple email offer- ing my services from Mestia in February GEORGIA TODAY 2011. My offer was accepted, and from “I just want to send my congratulations March 2011 until now I have written once to Georgia Today, its staff and all the a week, just now celebrating six years readers. In my time in Georgia, I have and over 250 articles on Svaneti and a found it a very valuable source of infor- few others from elsewhere in Georgia, mation. Best wishes for the next 17 years!”

AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF JAPAN TO GEORGIA our exclusive partner in all Sheraton

MR. TOSHIO KAITANI initiatives concerning Corporate Social EDUCATION Responsibility, such as Green Initiatives, charity or cultural events, Earth Hour, and business initiatives. The newspaper, GEORGIA TODAY GEORGIA TODAY with its brilliant team of dedicated work- ers, has achieved tremendous growth and has built distinguished goodwill and recognition in the community. They Canada, Zimbabwe, the UK, and wher- Since 2000 always tried to provide the best product ever I happened to be. The requirement and keep an eminent position in the of a weekly deadline has been suffi cient market. Congratulations to all those for me to fi nd something every week on involved in producing Georgia Today. which to write, never having to cast about Working with you has been a real honor. for subjects. We look forward to our future partner- I am grateful to Georgia Today for this Georgia’s leading English ship and wish you continued success as opportunity, congratulate them on their an integral part of media.” anniversary, and look forward to a long language newspaper On behalf of the Embassy of Japan in future together as long as they will have Tbilisi I would like to offer my sincere MOLLY CORSO, EDITOR me! Gagimarjot (cheers to you)!” congratulations on the occasion on your OF INVESTOR.GE AND 17th anniversary. Georgia Today plays a FORMER EMPLOYEE OF GT PAUL RIMPLE, BUREAU CHIEF very signifi cant role for the international “My fi rst job in Georgia was at Georgia CULINARY BACKSTREETS TBILISI community in Georgia as well as for the Today, back in 2002 when foreigners had "I was one of those ex-pats who found 1 Melikishvili Str., Tbilisi, 0179 Georgia Georgian people. I would like to wish to have proof of employment to apply temporary employment copy editing at t: +995 32 229 5919 your whole team further success in the for a long-term visa. It was a great oppor- Georgia Today when I moved to Tbilisi e: [email protected] future, continuing your signifi cantly tunity: I met fabulous journalists and in 2002. Those were days of splintered w: www.georgiatoday.ge important work, with ongoing good learned the nuts and bolts of copy edit- keyboards, greasy monitors and over- f: GeorgiaToday health and happiness. ing. I didn't get paid much (or on time, fl owing ashtrays in an offi ce next to the GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 24 - 27, 2017 SOCIETY 9 Business & Government Representatives Discuss Education, Environment Reforms

In addition to original English language BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI content provided by The Economist’s editorial team, the 2017 issue of The World In, a magazine for those who he presentation of the Geor- want to be on top of world trends in gian version of The Econo- international politics and business, also mist’s annual publication, includes a Georgian section with arti- The World In 2017, was cles written by Georgia’s President; combined with a business Prime Minister; Ministers of Finance, Tconference “Georgia and the World” Economy, Education, and Environment; organized on March 21 in Tbilisi. and Georgian business leaders. The At the business lunch-conference held World In 2017 also features op-eds by in Tabla restaurant, Aleksandre Jejelava, the US, UK, EU and UN ambassadors Vice Prime Minister of Georgia and to Georgia. Minister of Education and Science, intro- “We decided to organize a conference duced the planned education reforms to centered on the education reforms business and media representatives. within the presentation of The Econo- Additionally, Gigla Agulashvili, Minister mist's Georgian version of The World of Environment Protection and Natural In 2017," said George Sharashidze, pub- Resources of Georgia, spoke about the lisher. "We think that the format we importance of educating children on chose - important reforms discussed in environmental issues introducing the an informal atmosphere - was effective steps already taken, as well as future for the involved government and private initiatives. He then answered a number sphere representatives. It is important of questions related to current environ- to critically analyze the challenges mental issues. Georgia faces in the global context of Business representatives attending the the country’s future development. It’s event were able to ask the ministers crucial to generate new ideas, and this questions about such topics as public- Gigla Agulashvili, Minister of Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia, Aleksandre Jejelava, Vice Prime Minister conference will have important input private sector future cooperation pos- of Georgia and Minister of Education and Science and George Sharashidze, publisher at Georgia Today Group in that”. sibilities. resentatives in a trendy environment ment in the near future," said Minister would expect to see a more proactive Georgia Today Group is an exclusive “Thanks to GEORGIA TODAY, I had and present them the educational reforms Jejelava. "As a result of this meeting and business sector, eager to participate in licensee of The Economist's The World the chance to meet with business rep- the Georgian government will imple- the following interesting discussion, I the process of reforms." In 2017 in Georgia. It's on sale now! Why I started writing for Looking Back on 17 Georgia Today... the country for very long. At that stage, I BY TAMZIN WHITEWOOD was a Senior Manager of a medical clinic Successful Years of in London. My working month consisted of cramming my full time hours into 24 s a 25 year old, British born, days, then I would fl y to Tbilisi for the last bred and raised Londoner, week of every month and work 'remotely' I couldn't really envisage via my laptop (yeah, right). I started to Georgia Today my life outside of London's research the medical sector in Tbilisi and magnetic pull. Not to say I found it to be a thriving area, with much Adidn't enjoy travelling, for I absolutely cheaper prices for fairly high quality med- language through printed and online did with somewhat of a wild passion; ical care (I refer here to private medical BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES products, achieving the largest circula- but I suppose I had everything I felt I centres) and subsequently was offered a tion and visitor rate. We will focus on needed, all within a 5 mile radius. A well position at a prestigious clinic chain as the the professionalism of our employees paid job, my friends and family, and as Head of National Operations. So that was eorgia Today this week and strive for improvement, providing much Chinese take-out as one could it, hook line and sinker. My life as I knew turns 17. On March 24, 2000, even greater value for our readers and possibly wish for delivered straight to it had changed and I knew there was no George Sharashidze and advertisers.” your door at 2am. No, I had no need to going back. An old friend of mine, going his partners decided to fi ll I, as Editor-in-Chief of the GEORGIA venture out beyond the city limits, unless by the name of Saakashvili (maybe you've a gap in the Georgian media TODAY newspapers since November it was to lay on an exotic beach or soak heard of him?) was kind enough to offer Gmarket by offering a bright, fresh and 2014, have seen them transform in both up a bit of culture on a city break that me Georgian nationality and I couldn't modern newspaper covering local and look and quality. When I fi rst came to required minimal travel and alcohol on have been prouder. I mastered the language regional news in English. The mission Georgia ten years ago, I was interviewed tap. My reasons for visiting Georgia ini- (ah yes, it does sound like I'm blowing my statement was as follows: by a GT journalist curious as to why tially were a matter that I will not bore own trumpet doesn't it? Perhaps I am. “GEORGIA TODAY aims to offer the another foreigner had come to Georgia. you with, but suffi ce to say the impres- Catch my next article all about 'Qartuli' most comprehensive, objective, and I told her I came for love- not only for sion the country had on me was one I and the learning of.), lived and worked unbiased information about contempo- my husband, but because I’d also fallen will never forget and as I'm sure that like a true Tbiliseli and didn't really look rary Georgia and spread it throughout in love with the country and its people. you, perhaps a foreigner yourself reliv- back. the world. With the largest distribution Over time I was again and again asked ing the same moment, will never forget. Fast forward a couple of years and my area and the highest quality printing and George Sharashidze, publisher of to join the GT team, yet was always Sting's 'An English Man in New York' personal circumstances changed and I layout, we pride ourselves on GEORGIA Georgia Today unable due to other commitments. Now springs to mind, yet a type of New York had to relocate back to London, although TODAY’s reliability, professionalism and infl uence, be it political, business or I’m glad I fi nally did. There’s nothing where the streets resemble something it's fair to say I still spend a large amount constant striving for improvement”. organizational. The information offered better than being a part of a project and you've only ever heard about and the of the year in Tbilisi. As proud as I am GEORGIA TODAY is Georgia’s lead- in the newspaper also attempts to give seeing it bloom; and hearing people say alphabet mocks you as you see the lan- to be British (it is my home, I'll never ing independent English-language news- a voice to the voiceless. The fair, accu- “Good job, well done!” All thanks to the guage written everywhere you go. Yet I forget where I came from), I'm equally paper, published weekly since 2000 and rate and balanced coverage of events is brilliant team that provides the stories, was captivated. I would not be so foolish as proud to be a Georgian and I am pas- from November 2015 rebranded and our main value. attends the events and arranges those as to categorize a 'Georgian mentality' sionate about helping, in any small fee- divided into two weekly editions: what “The most important thing for me, as exclusive interviews. It’s not easy being (see any blog on Georgia or foreigners ble way possible, the country realize it's you are reading now- a Friday Georgia a founder, is that throughout its 17 years, a journalist in Georgia. The training is living there and you'd know that was a true potential. I think my loved ones are Today (GT) newspaper covering Politics, GEORGIA TODAY has strongly followed limited and a journalist often has to learn huge mistake) - But what I can say with probably sick of hearing about the place, Society and Culture- and a Tuesday GT the strategy articulated 17 years ago on on the job using their wits, fearlessness certainty is that once you enter the with a simple smile and nod being the Business edition focused on Business, March 24, 2000, during the launch party and nose for a story. We at GT like to heart(s) of a Georgian person, they will average response to my mutterings about Economics and Law. of the fi rst newspaper at the Sheraton give new and young journalists the chance keep you there forever and go out of Georgia. Yet, this is the country that Distributed throughout the Republic Metechi Palace Hotel,” says George Shar- to learn, even as our “old staffers” con- their way to do anything they can, with made me. I will confess that I thought I of Georgia, it boasts international reach ashidze, Founder and General Manager. tinue to develop and thrive. little to no means, to help you. There's was a worldly woman until I came here. through its website (www.georgiatoday. “We have made it through diffi cult times This is not the end of the GT journey, something truly enchanting about the It taught me who I am, what friendship ge) and social media pages (www.fb. and still face diffi culties as a result of as we expand our reach into the digital place, whether you're a 'Tbiliseli'; rock- truly means, was where I discovered true com/georgiatoday). economic factors. However, Georgia and the educational. It is with pride that ing around the capital like a wannabe heartbreak and, paradoxically, true joy, The GEORGIA TODAY team recog- Today’s team, both editorial and market- I congratulate all those who work and native, or experiencing a Supra in Same- and is the place I leave my heart each nizes that foreign workers, as well as ing, is much more professional now than have worked for GEORGIA TODAY on grelo, where you truly feel as if you're and every time i leave. visitors to Georgia, rely almost solely on it was. The experience we have gained this 17th anniversary. We promise never having an other-worldly experience. It'll Why do I write for Georgia Today? the English-language press for informa- through 17 years of ups and downs has to stop seeking to improve, never to catch ya, hold ya, and in my case, always Because I am a product of Georgia, today. tion on news and current events. Our turned into a competitive competence stop listening to our readers, and to draw you back. Love conquers hate, and for every polit- local and international editorial staff in modern standard media management. keep our strength as the leading English My initial love affair with Georgia, a ical issue, internal confl ict, street fi ght, ensure that GEORGIA TODAY provides Our aim is to become a profi table pub- language newspaper found on the desks country of which I'm proud to say I am there is twice as much love, respect and a sensible balance for its diverse reader- lishing company providing diversifi ed of those who can make the world a bet- now a citizen of, continued over the months a mutual admiration for the country we ship, completely free from any kind of quality media content in the English ter place. and years. I couldn't bare to be away from call SAQARTVELO. GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY MARCH 24 - 27, 2017 Black Sea Jazz Festival

The biggest jazz festival on the Black Sea bay will be held form the 27th till the 30th of July. The 11th Black Sea Jazz Festival will traditionally host worldwide musicians at the Batumi Tennis Club. The Festival Program: • 27.07 Club Take 5 – Cory Henry and The Funk Apostles; • 28.07 Batumi Tennis Club – Jamiroquai; Club Take 5 – Matthew Hartnett & The Gumbo All Stars • 29.07 Batumi Tennis Club – De La Soul; Club Take 5 – Lou Berry • 30.07 Batumi Tennis Club – Joss Stone: Club Take 5 – MF Robots For more information visit the link http://tbilisijazz.com/black-sea-jazz-festival-calendar/ Tickets will be sold from the 27th of March 09:00

GEORGIA TODAY 12 SOCIETY MARCH 24 - 27, 2017

BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI

he fi rst stage of coastal line con- Maltakva, struction work is completed in the Maltakva neighborhood of Poti, a city Western Georgia. With 3 kilometers of beach ready, MaltakvaT will have a 7 kilometers beach when the project is fi nished. Poti to Have Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia, who visited the area on Monday, said that the renovation of the Maltakva rec- reational zone will not only improve eco- logical conditions, but also develop the tour- ism opportunities of the place as well. Prime Minister of Georgia noted that the a New government has serious plans regarding Poti, a historic city, the potential of which has yet to be used. The cost for the Maltakva coastal line con- struction is 18 500 000 GEL, the project will Hungary Gives Beach be fi nished in 2018. Psycho-Social Aid to Tbilisi Flood Victims through Georgian Red Cross extremely grateful for the support.” BY MAKA LOMADZE Minister Szijjarto took a moment to remember his fi rst visit to Tbilisi almost a year ago, when they allocated the money n 17 March at the Radisson to help The School of Tomorrow, totally New Hepatitis C Center BLU Tbilisi Hotel, Minis- destroyed by the fl ood. “Hungary knows ter of Foreign Affairs and very well what it is like to fi ght against Trade of Hungary, Peter natural catastrophes and what it takes Szijjarto, on behalf of the to deal with the consequences. Hungary GovernmentO of Hungary, signed an is rich in water, like Georgia, which is Opens in West Georgia Agreement on Humanitarian Aid for the an advantage on the one hand, but also victims of the Tbilisi fl ood of June, 2015. challenging. Our country was fl ooded BY THEA MORRISON Natia Loladze, President of the Georgian in 2013 by a section of the Danube, which, Red Cross, signed for the Georgian side. while a major European river and very The Hungarian government has offered beautiful and signifi cant, can cause very EUR 32,000 to support the families which serious diffi culties. That’s why we usu- new Hepatitis C Center fell victim to a fl ood which tore through ally aim to help those countries suffering opened in Zugdidi a city houses, a dog shelter and the city zoo. similar challenges. We’ve done the same in the western Samegrelo It is a long term project, providing sup- in Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia and Albania region of Georgia. port to children through the Children's and, most recently, Georgia. Last time, The new center is Resilience Program (CRP), developed we helped The School of Tomorrow to Aequipped with modern technologies, by the IFRC Reference Center for Psycho- buy equipment to replace that lost in the and it can serve locals as well as the Social Support of Children. fl ood. This time, we are signing an agree- population from Georgia’s breakaway “Since the very fi rst hours of emer- ment to be able to operate the psycho- Abkhazia, which is not far from Zugdidi. gency following the fl ood on June 13, social center. Physical consequences can Patients will be able to receive all ser- 2015, the Georgian Red Cross has been be handled within the construction works vices relating to Hepatitis C including giving responsive help, including human- of a couple of months, but tackling the screening, diagnosis, consultation, reg- itarian and fi rst aid to the victims,” psychological consequences of a disas- istration and medical treatment at the Loladze told GEORGIA TODAY. “One ter takes a lot of time. We wish success new center. of the main components is psycho-social to the volunteers of the Georgian Red The Center was opened by Prime support. From the very start, we ren- Cross.” Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Health C Elimination Program a success. nology company, Gilead, signed a mem- dered psycho-social aid to children, The Minister once again confi rmed Minister David Sergeenko, and United According to him, around 35,000 people orandum of understanding. opening a center where everyone was that Georgia is a very strong partner for States (US) Ambassador Ian Kelly. have undergone treatment within the The project helps to reduce and pre- welcome, as well as a hotline. Our ded- Hungary, having worked a lot on the path This is the second Hepatitis C man- Hepatitis C program. 25,000 patients vent cases of Hepatitis C in Georgia. icated staff have been working with of the European and Euro-Atlantic inte- agement center in Georgia. The fi rst have already completed treatment as The main goal of the project is to stop volunteers throughout. Several donors gration. He ended his speech by confi rm- such center was opened in Tbilisi around part of the program and 98 percent of the disease from being highly conta- expressed their wish to see this project ing that Georgia can always count on a year ago. such people have been cured of the gious. The treatment is free of charge continue, including the Danish Red Hungarians not only on the political but “It is very important that the Hepati- disease. for citizens of Georgia. Cross. Later, the Hungarian Embassy also on the social level. “Our National tis C Center will start functioning in The health initiative--Georgia without Georgia is one of the top 5 countries also expressed readiness to help. We Red Cross associations should enhance Zugdidi. I would like to wish the locals Hepatitis C--was launched in Georgia in the world with the highest rate of offered them the chance to participate cooperation in future,” Szijjarto con- health,” the PM said. in April of 2015, when the government Hepatitis C. An average of 7.7 people out via the psycho-social center. We are cluded. Kvirikashvili considers the Hepatitis of Georgia and an American biotech- of every 100 is affl icted with the virus.

ROUTING FLIGHT NUMBER WEEK DAYS DEPARTURE ARRIVAL TK 387 05.50 07.25 TBILISI - TK 385 11.45 13.25 ISTANBUL ATATURK AIRPORT TK 383 18.10 20.00 EVERYDAY TK 386 01.40 04.55 ISTANBUL ATATURK AIRPORT - TK 384 07.30 10.50 TBILISI TK 382 13.55 17.15 TBILISI - TK 381 07.40 09.00 ISTANBUL SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT EVERYDAY ISTANBUL SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT - TK 380 20.45 00.10+1 TBILISI BATUMI - ISTANBUL TK 393 17.50 19.10 EVERYDAY ISTANBUL - BATUMI TK 392 13.55 16.55 Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected]

TIFLIS KIS TARIFESI 7.5x6cm ING.indd 1 02/11/16 15:23 GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 24 - 27, 2017 SOCIETY 13 Naming the Cheese: Etseri, Svaneti

BY TONY HANMER

here is a fridge in our home- run shop, which, if my wife opens it while a customer is in, will elicit by aroma the question, “Did some- Tthing DIE in here?” But now on to another location for cheese, the best selection in all of Geor- gia. I fi rst discovered it when Focus Cafe asked Georgia’s then Queen of Cheese to provide her wares for the opening of the cafe’s inaugural art exhibition, fea- turing my photographs connecting Svaneti and food. That evening was a revelation. I had never, in over twelve years in Georgia, known that so many different cheeses existed in this little country. But, like the enormously varied set of landscapes, practically every village here has its own version of the product. Some are made of cows’ milk, others from that of sheep or goats. They may be smoked, brined, infused with herbs, wrapped in certain leaves or in wax, or kept in wine. No, this isn’t France, it’s Georgia! But few of these cheeses appear in any bazaar; the shop which our heroine started, Cheese good aged cheese from early childhood main markets. But then, these items sim- He apologized for the relatively poor Cheese Corner: Nutsubudze St. 163 and Corner, and now a second, are perhaps and missed those types of decades ago ply cannot be found for sale elsewhere. selection at the moment, although it was Berdzenishvili St. 6, Tel. +995 595 953131, their only point of sale. The lady has left in Georgia. Until now. From softest to As for me, I was here on a mission, to still a cornucopia to my unpracticed eyes. [email protected], www.facebook. her shops to others, and they continue hardest, weeks young to years old, gen- fulfi l a dream I’ve had for some years now. More types would soon be fi nding their com/cheesecorner to fl ourish. tle to pungent: they beckoned me. I met the proprietor and we talked way back in to make up for the lack, he I recently visited the outlet at 163 Nut- Around were also offered things to awhile about some of his products. One assured me. And he let me sample a few, Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since subidze Street. A pair of large cooled accompany your choice, all local, too: is made by people from Switzerland who which really impressed me. Each has its 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a glass displays greeted me, fi lled with the wines, fruit, nuts, honey and more. This are in Georgia for several months of the own name. weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He magnifi cent wares, making me feel as if was clearly an experience for all the year, in other mountains than mine; most I walked out of there with an extra runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook I were in any such shop in Europe. One senses, one suggesting a complex mix of the rest are traditional village cheeses bounce in my step, mission accomplished. group, now with over 1350 members, at cabinet seemed to be devoted to more of fl avors and textures supporting and from all over the country, as a map illus- Because, unaccustomed Svans’ olfactory www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- common types, the other exclusively to strengthening one another in a gourmet’s trates. There’s even a special matsoni, reaction notwithstanding, the very latest sance/ those unknown elsewhere. Different delight. The prices, too, are somewhat Georgian yogurt, made from the milk of cheeses to join their fellows in this shop, He and his wife also run their own guest house colors, sizes, shapes and, yes, aromas, beyond the normal ones you’d fi nd in water buffaloes. The shop has been open by the wish of its owner, from this sum- in Etseri: tantalized me- someone who has loved your corner shop or any of the country’s for about seven years. mer onwards, will be MINE. www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE MARCH 24 - 27, 2017

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER PERFORMANCE LABYRINTH Cast: Ariel Winter, Julia Roberts, GEORGIAN MONUMENTAL MUSIC Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Ellie Kemper PAINTING Start time: 20:00 Genre: Animation, Adventure, TBILISI ZAKARIA SPACEHALL Ticket: 15 GEL Comedy March 6 – April 6 PALIASHVILI OPERA AND Address: 2 A. Tsereteli Ave. Language: Russian THE EXHIBITION BALLET THEATER March 24 Start time: 22:15 MASTERPIECES FROM MUSEUM Address: 25 Rustaveli Ave. March 26 RECITATIVE IN THE CITY Ticket: 13-14 GEL OF FINE ARTS COLLECTION Telephone: 2 99 04 56 AlterVision presents: Start time: 21:00 SÓLEY IOSEB GRISHASHVILI March 25, 26, 28, 29 Free Admission RUSTAVELI CINEMA An Icelandic multi-instrumentalist TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM TSUNA AND TSRUTSUNA Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. and singer - KARVASLA Ballet for kids March 25, 26 Telephone: 2 55 50 00 Start time: 21:00 Address: 8 Sioni St. Staged on Meri Davitashvili’s PERFORMANCE www.kinoafi sha.ge Ticket: 45-55 GEL Telephone: 2 98 22 81 musical works CONCRETE ZONE Start time: March 26 - 14:00, Directed by Ioseb Bakuradze Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL DJANSUG KAKHIDZE March 15 – April 15 March 25, 28, 29 - 19:00 Start time: 20:00 March 24-30 TBILISI CENTER FOR MUSIC THE EXHIBITION Ticket: 20-50 GEL Ticket: 15 GEL & CULTURE LIFE "DIFFERENTLY THAN USUAL CINEMA MODERN DESIGN AND March 27 (Info Above) March 25 THE POWER OF CUSTOMS CONCERT DEDICATED TO THE Start time: 16:45, 19:40, 22:00 CONCERT OF SYMPHONIC /ANDERS ALS IMMER. 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMIRANI CINEMA Ticket: 13-14 GEL MUSIC ZEITGENÖSSISCHES DESIGN Address: 36 Kostava St. Soloist: Anna Mamisashvili SHALVA MOSIDZE UND DIE MACHT DES Telephone: 2 99 99 55 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Beethoven’s concerto for violin and Participants: Georgian GEWOHNTEN" www.kinoafi sha.ge (Info Above) symphony orchestra Philharmonic Orchestra, The exhibition showcases 148 Start time: 22:30 Conductor: David Mukeria Nino Sulguladze, mezzo-soprano, works by designers and groups Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 Lari Ticket: 13 -14 GEL Start time: 19:30 Gori Women's Chamber Choir, of designers from 47 European Trinity Cathedral Choir, Gori March 24-30 Ticket: 5 GEL SPLIT countries. Miscellaneous projects Sulkhan Tsintsadze College are free from infl uence: their KONG: SKULL ISLAND (Info Above) TBILISI SPORTS PALACE Children's Choir, Ana-Bana Studio structure, function and meaning is Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts Start time: 19:20 Address: 1 26 May Sq. Choir perfectly comprehensible. Conductor: Svimon Jangulashvili Cast: Brie Larson, Tom Hiddleston, Ticket: 13-14 GEL Telephone: 233 33 11 Samuel L. Jackson Start time: 20:00 MUSEUM MUSEUM OF SOVIET Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy March 26 Ticket: 15-45 GEL OCCUPATION Language: Russian ARASH AND SUPER-STAR SASY Address: 3 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. TBILISI NODAR DUMBADZE Start time: 19:30 GEORGIAN NATIONAL Start time: 19:00 STATE CENTRAL Ticket: 13-14 GEL MUSEUM SIMON Ticket: 50 GEL JANASHIA MUSEUM PERMANENT EXHIBITION CHILDREN'S THEATER Visitors can discover the State's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. TBILISI CONCERT HALL Address: 99/1 Agmashenebeli Ave. personal fi les of "subversive" Directed by Bill Condon Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 Address: 1 Melikishvili St. Telephone: 2 95 39 27 Georgian public fi gures, orders to Cast: Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, www.museum.ge Telephone: 2 99 00 99 Ewan McGregor shoot or exile, and other artifacts March 24, 28 representing Soviet-era cultural Genre: Family, Fantasy, Musical PERMANENT EXHIBITION: March 28 THE EMERALD CITY OF OZ and political repression in Georgia. L. Frank Baum Language: Russian GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY LEILA FOROUHAR Directed by Den Khlibov Start time: 16:25, 16:30, 19:15, 22:00 FROM 8TH MILLENNIUM B.C. GALLERY Start time: 20:00 Language: Russian Ticket: 10-14 GEL TO 4TH CENTURY A.D Ticket: 75-175 GEL English Subtitles THE NATIONAL GALLERY SPLIT EXHIBITION OF GEORGIAN March 30 Start time: 12:00 Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan WEAPONRY MAMUKA CHARKVIANI’S Ticket: 6 GEL www.museum.ge Cast: James McAvoy, Anya Taylor- MUSIC EVENING GRIBOEDOVI THEATER Joy, Haley Lu Richardson NUMISMATIC TREASURY March 10 - 28 Start time: 20:00 Address: 2 Rustaveli Ave. Genre: Horror, Thriller RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION Ticket: 15-40 GEL Telephone: 2 93 43 36 Language: Russian THE TESTAMENT OF DAVID OF AMIR KAKABADZE Start time: 22:15 THE BUILDER AND THE NEW Dedicated to the 75-year MOVEMENT THEATER March 26 Ticket: 13-14 GEL EXHIBITS OF MEDIEVAL anniversary of the artist. Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., I AM NIKOLAJ GUMILOV TREASURY The exhibition showcases artworks Mushthaid park Directed by Levon Uzunian LIFE created in different media: painting, Telephone: 599 07 50 61 Language: Russian Directed by Daniel Espinosa September 27 (2016) – graphic, sculpture, pop art, fi lm and Start time: 18:00 Cast: Rebecca Ferguson, Ryan September 22 (2017) theater painting. March 28, 30 Ticket: 10 GEL Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal EXHIBITION JAZZ AT MT Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller STONE AGE GEORGIA SFUMATO GALLERY RESO KIKNADZE QUINTET MOVEMENT THEATER Language: Russian Address: 19 Ingorokva Str. Free Admission Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., Start time: 22:15 MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Telephone: 599 54 87 37 Start time: 21:00 Mushthaid park Ticket: 13-14 GEL Address: 1 Gudiashvili Str. Telephone: 599 555 260 March 26 - April 1 March 29 SMURFS EXHIBITION RITA KHACHATURIANI’S MILONGA, LA CUMPARSITA March 24 Directed by Kelly Asbury LADO GUDIASHVILI AND SOLO EXHIBITION ARGENTINE TANGO DANCE NIGHT Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 5 GEL

TBILISI STATE CONSERVATOIRE Address: 8 Griboedov St. Telephone: 2 93 46 24

March 24 LE NOZZE DI FIGARO Libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte Cast: G. Tsamalashvili, M. Shakhdinarova, I. Mujiri, S. Padiauri, B. Saganelidze, N. Kavtaradze, N. Natroshvili, A. Dekanoidze, I. Abashidze Chorus & Orchestra of the Opera Studio Stage Conductor: Gogi Chichinadze Conductor: Vakhtang Gabidzashvili Stage Director: Maia Gachechiladze Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 3, 5 GEL

30 March LIBRETTO BY FELICE ROMANI Opera in Two Acts Cast: M. Murjikneli, G. Davitadze, G. Mchedlishvili, G. Gigineishvili, A. Khomich, K. Papinashvili, M. Vasadze Chorus & Orchestra of the Opera Studio Stage Conductor: Tamaz Djaparidze Conductor: Gogi Chichinadze Director: Lela Gvarishvili Manager of the Opera Studio: Irina Ramishvili Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 3, 5 GEL GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 24 - 27, 2017 CULTURE 15 Bel canto Best Interpreter of Verdi – alleged Rigoletto Himself- on the Spotlight

and Hovanšcina at the Metropolitan Opera, Nabucco Conlon, Plácido Domingo, Mikko Franck, Jesús nary citizens. I detest it. Opera is the genre of art BY MAKA LOMADZE (title role) and Tosca at the Vienna State Opera, López-Cobos, Nicola Luisotti, Daniel Oren, Gianan- that requires pomposity and richness. We should Rigoletto, La traviata (Germont) and Aida at the drea Noseda, Kirill Petrenko, Yuri Temirkanov; take care of it just like the exhibits of a museum. Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Tosca at Opéra National Luc Bondy, Liliana Cavani, Robert Carsen, Peter Could you imagine someone being allowed to hortly after the unforgettably sparkling of Paris, Simon Boccanegra (title role) at the Tea- Stein, Giancarlo Del Monaco, Henning Brockhaus, paint something on a priceless canvas of Van Aida performance, staged by the indel- tro Real Madrid, Rigoletto at the Festival of Aix- and Robert Sturua. Gogh? This is the same. We should not cross the ible Zeffi relli under the guidance of en-Provence, Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci His DVD/Blu-Ray recordings include Tosca from lines. Such attitude has nothing to do with free- Stefano Trespidi on the Tbilisi Opera at Gran Teatro del Liceu of Barcelona, La Traviata the Metropolitan Opera and Aida from La Scala. dom. Opera is untouchable.” and Ballet Theater stage, GEORGIA at the Arena di Verona, and Otello (Iago) at The “Franco Zeffi relli is famous for his beauty. That It is diffi cult to grasp how this portly man man- TODAYS spoke to the renowned baritone George Greek National Opera of Athens. is why the shows were so successful in Tbilisi,” ages to be so convincing in all aspects that an Gagnidze, who sang the part of Amonasro, King Born in Tbilisi and trained at the State Con- Gagnidze tells GEORGIA TODAY. “We were artist should and at the same time so lyrical cre- of Ethiopia, Aida’s father, and who was once servatory of his home town, Gagnidze debuted as dressed in accordance with the old Egyptian and ating a colorful palette of musical notes and acknowledged as the best interpreter of Verdi. Renato in Un ballo in Maschera in 1996 at the Ethiopian traditions and took spectators out of heroes. He is regularly invited by the most prestigious Z.Paliashvili Tbilisi State Opera. He entered the reality, as is the function of art, and together with Among George’s engagements of the 2016/17 international opera companies, and performances “Concorso Voci Verdiane” in 2005 as an award- them travelled through the old epoch, making season are his role debut as Carlo Gérard in Andrea of the 2017/18 season include Tonio in Pagliacci winner of the “Leyla Gencer Voice Competition” them part of the story.” Chénier and Amonasro in Aida at the San Fran- and Scarpia in a new production of Tosca at the and the “Elena Obraztsova Competition”. The The talented baritone also mentioned that his cisco Opera, Aida at the Metropolitan Opera, Metropolitan Opera, Alfi o in Cavalleria Rusticana jury, chaired by José Carreras and Katia Ricciar- favorite part is Rigoletto. To our pride, great Jose Andrea Chénier and Tosca at the Deutsche Opera and Tonio in Pagliacci at the Hamburg State Opera. elli, awarded him fi rst prize for his outstanding Carreras assessed his role in following words: “He Berlin as well as Šakovlity in Hovanšcina at the In the 2015/16 season, Gagnidze appeared as vocal interpretation. After launching his interna- is not just born for Rigoletto, he is Rigoletto”. BBC Proms. He will also perform at Aida at Met- Rigoletto and in Pagliacci at the Metropolitan tional career from Germany, he was soon engaged Gagnidze shares the opinion that high art is ropolitan, Tosca at Deutsche Oper Berlin, Aida Opera, as Rigoletto at Deutsche Oper Berlin, in by many of the world's important opera houses. rarely cared for. “Once, Placido Domingo said that Frankfurt, Pagliacci and Tosca at Metropolitan Aida at the Opéra National of Paris, Falstaff (title In the course of his career, George Gagnidze, we, singers, should get together and save our cul- Opera and Gioconda at Deutsche Oper Berlin. role) at the New National Theater, Tokyo, and as who now masters the genre of dramatic heroic ture, which is often underappreciated,” he notes, Pagliacci at the Los Angeles Opera. baritone, has worked with many renowned con- though he is still optimistic. “I believe that this is You can listen to George Gagnidze at Gagnidze.com Other past highlights include the title roles in ductors and directors, including James Levine, a temporary process related to the modern high Rigoletto and Macbeth; Cavalleria Rusticana (Alfi o) Lorin Maazel, Zubin Mehta, Fabio Luisi, James tempo. In many theaters, singers dress like ordi- https://georgegagnidze.com/en/page/Video.html First Georgian Film Bought by Netfl ix Receives another Prize at Sofi a Int’l Film Fest

duction to which Netfl ix purchased the rights to their own way to live doing what they love,” the BY MAKA LOMADZE global distribution, meaning that in future, the actress says. movie will be shown in 130 countries around the Manana Mkheidze, Ia’s characters, tears open the world. Until that time, viewers from France, Ger- windows of her new fl at and never closes them he Georgian fi lm ‘My Happy Family’, many and Georgia will be lucky enough to watch again. Distant street noises, cheerful birdsong and directed by Nana Ekvtimishvili and it on the big screen. the gentle sound of the wind form the soundtrack Simon Gross, has already acquired Following its victory in the Bulgarian capital of to her new life. The 52-year-old has left her family, world acclaim, and on March 18 was Sofi a, the fi lm has been sent to New York, where it without justifying her actions, without any argu- awarded Best Director at the Sofi a will be screened at the Museum of Modern Art within ments. There doesn’t seem to be any fi xed reason InternationalT Film Festival, where it was nominated the framework of MOMA Film Week. The New York for her having moved out. When she’s asked why, among 13 contenders from different countries. Times covered this cultural occasion, naming Nana she doesn’t say anything and thus turns the ques- My Happy Family fi rst premiered at the Sundance Ekvtimishvili and Simon Gross among nine directors tion around. It’s more family structures themselves Film Festival in the World Cinema Drama Compe- whose movies are a must-see. The German edition from which Manana wishes to extricate herself. tition. Later, it was screened at the Berlin 67th Der Freitag assessed the fi lm with the following words: The roles you have to play, the functions you have International Film Festival where it fell in the spot- “My Happy Family shows an interesting portrait of to take on so that things keep running smoothly, light of international media, with some even pre- a woman, while depicting an imposing picture of but which also lead to your going under or becom- dicting candidacy for the Oscars 2018. society. The fi lm could have enriched the main con- ing invisible. Now Manana sits at the open window, My Happy Family is the fi rst ever Georgian pro- test program [of Berlinale] as well.” playing the guitar and singing Georgian songs the melancholy rhythm of which infuses the fi lm. My Happy Family was released on January 22. It Whenever she happens to return to the family runs for 120 minutes and stars Ia Shughliashvili home, everything seems just as she left it: the and Merab Ninidze. For Shughliashvili, this was grandmother is roasting a chicken, the grandfather the fi rst leading role, which, to her private and our is contemplating death, the adult children are wait- common pride and happiness, has proved to be ing for their lives to fi nally begin, her husband Soso triumphant. “I believe that this is the start of a new is chain-smoking and the wardrobe continues to and grandiose stage in my life,” she noted follow- squeak. This resembles the escape from the eve- ing the Sundance Premiere. “The public reacted ryday routine, from the tiring obligations and quite strongly. The fi lm is saturated with humor, duties… And then, back to life… which was met with surprisingly corresponding Nana Ekvtimishvili is a successful female Geor- welcome, and the end got a tanding ovation and gian director, one of those who stands in the van- left the audience looking very satisfi ed. I can say guard of the Georgian fi lm renaissance. Without that the story of this one Georgian family really any exaggeration, the phenomenon of Georgian touched the hearts of Americans. I’m quite sur- fi lm has always been strong. It managed to be prised by this. The story highlight national Geor- maximally independence even during the strict gian problems, but reached an American audience Soviet censorship. Another directing duo of hers equally as well.” with Simon Gross, in the movie In Bloom, was also Shughliashvili says her heroine is a very tradi- very successful internationally. The fi lm premiered tional Georgian woman, always making conces- at the 63rd Berlinale, winning the C.I.C.A.E. Prize, sions, until suddenly she decides to look to her and was selected as the Georgian entry for the Best own well-being. “I hope Georgian women can fi nd Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards.

PUBLISHER & GM Journalists: Photographer: ADDRESS Reproducing material, photos George Sharashidze Tony Hanmer, Irakli Dolidze 1 Melikishvili Str. and advertisements without Zaza Jgarkava, Tbilisi, 0179, Georgia prior editorial permission is COMMERCIAL Maka Bibilashvili, Layout: strictly forbidden. DEPARTMENT Dimitri Dolaberidze, Misha Mchedlishvili Tel.: +995 32 229 59 19 The author is responsible for Commercial Director: Maka Lomadze, E: [email protected] all material. Rights of authors Iva Merabishvili Tim Ogden, Joseph Larsen, Webmaster: F: GeorgiaToday are preserved. The newspaper Marketing Manager: Vazha Tavberidze, Sergey Gevenov is registered in Mtatsminda Mariam Giorgadze Nugzar B. Ruhadze, ADVERTISING & district court. Nino Gugunishvili, Circulation Managers: SUBSCRIPTION EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT: Thea Morrison David Kerdikashvili, +995 595 279997 GEORGIA TODAY Editor-In-Chief: David Djandjgava E-mail: marketing@ Reg. # 06/4-309 Katie Ruth Davies georgiatoday.ge Pheasant’s Tears takes over Poliphonia for one night, March 31st One of a cycle of events celebrating 10 years of Pheasant’s Tears! Dishes carefully prepared by Gia Rokashvili (Pheasant’s Tears Restaurant) and the Poliphonia chefs will be paired with back vintages and obscure Pheasant’s Tears wines by John Wurdeman. Menu will be an extensive gastronomical journey, a multi course creative tasting menu loaded with surprises. Vegetarian and Vegan (fasting options) with advanced notice.

Date: March 31st, 2017 Location: Poliphonia 23 Amaghleba St Time: 7 pm Cost per person: 85 GEL