Issue no: 907 • DECEMBER 23 - 26, 2016 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... Tbilisi to Host Forum Dedicated to Hasbara: A New Model of Diplomatic Support towards Israel

NEWS PAGE 3 Georgia’s Education Ministry to Reduce Staff Numbers throughout the Country POLITICS PAGE 8 Do I Need to Know How Our National Currency is FOCUS Behaving? ON SKIING BUSINESS PAGE 10 Feel safe while you ski with Rendez-Vous with Georgia's new Ski Patrol PAGE 2 a Psychologist: Is He the One? SOCIETY PAGE 16 Too Light & Beautiful to Be True: Christmas and New Year Katie Melua in Tbilisi Celebrations Planned in Tbilisi

BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI

bilisi Municipality plans to organ- ize a series of events from Decem- ber 25 to January 2 to celebrate the coming Christmas and New Year. CULTURE PAGE 19 The Deda Ena Park will be trans- Tformed into a “New Year City” where guests can stroll through tunnels of fl owers, see mechanical dolls and stop at the many decorated Christmas cabins to taste sweets and buy decorations and handicrafts. The celebration will be opened with a concert by renowned singer Vakhtang Kakh- idze, followed by a variety of music and dance performances- Salio, contemporary ballet, hip- hop live, and more. Radio Kubrick will broadcast 25th with famous Georgian designers and artists New Tifl is is set to be another central venue live from the Park with Georgian DJs performing selling handmade souvenirs at special prices. for the promised celebrations, where hot air by night. The New Year City will also have many sport- balloons, installations, arts performances, a train An art space at the Park, represented by ArtArea, ing and children’s activities, with extreme sports with wagons in the form of gifts and a New Year will display numerous installations. expected to be highlighted due to the infrastruc- market await to bring a little festive magic to A Christmas Fair will open there on December ture of the Park. both locals and tourists. GEORGIA TODAY 10 BUSINESS DECEMBER 23 - 26, 2016

Source: Georgian Journal

Do I Need to Know How Our National Currency is Behaving?

to earn it without any desire, if not to moving vertically in both directions and for. The amplifi ed talk about the national that dropping the burden will become OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE promote some clandestine business, for with scary amplitude exactly as it is currency is totally blocking my way to inevitable. God forbid! the banks or resellers to trade it for the doing right now, but I wonder if I need earn it and have it provide for my sur- I hate to be blind and deaf, but I am banknotes of other origin. Nobody wor- to know how it is behaving and why. vival. Talk is not helping. Talk is ham- prepared to plug my ears not to hear he Lari, our national cur- ried how the Ruble behaved. Its value Can’t I just earn and spend it at my own pering. Talk is obstructing the fruitful again that talk – contradictory, fallacious, rency, has been in circula- was taken absolutely for granted. We discretion without theorizing on its action which in reality has to be con- guessing, approximate, off-target and tion since 1991. Etymologi- couldn’t care less whether it went up or value every second, around the clock? ducive to the ways of bettering our full of discrepancies. Let somebody utter cally speaking, it meant down, or keeled left or right! It just fi lled I do not want to be watching with fear lifestyle. just one serious, professional, solid word ‘treasure’ in Old Georgian. a working man’s pocket according to his and broken fast-beating heart how the I know that it all goes with the charac- and have done with it. Let somebody say TWhat a glorious story – our symbol of ability to work and based on his amount Lari is doing in the market. I just want ter of messy economic developments something that is trustworthy and close well-being is associated with wealth and of labor. to have my wallet thick with it, ready that countries suffer, but my involvement to the truth, if the truth is achievable at fortune. The story with Lari is a horse of a to listen to the wonderful tune of cash- in that boosted talk is not changing any- all, so that we the people know exactly Lari came to substitute the Ruble, the totally different color. It came around machines ringing my goodies up with thing. We all have our work to do, placed where we stand and what we have to do soviet medium of exchange – weird, iso- as an attribute of the new capitalist the help of my Lari – solvent, stable and on our shoulders, and those shoulders in case our Lari continues shaking, which lated, unidentifi able and not exchange- epoch, as wild as it used to be at the full of purchase power. The tune I’m can carry only so much, weakened even will shiver even more violently if the able for any other currency in the world. twilight of the soviet land and at the hearing on the radio and television every more on hearing all that talk about the irrelevant talk that is taking place around The soviet socialist Ruble was a strange, dawn of the market era in the big coun- God-blessed minute these days are start- currency ups and downs. Shoulders, too, and at all times persists. but very stable guy: steady as a typical try. It entered but it worked effi ciently ing to get on my nerves and kill my have ears, and eyes for that matter. Shoul- I defi nitely need a break from that talk, one-woman man. It did not depend on on and off, eliminating once in a while desire to work for the weirdo Lari. That ders feel that the burden gets heavier even more than the stability of our fi nan- any global, regional or local economic the hope of the selfsame working man tune is holding me back from doing my along with that much talk about the Lari, cial martyr whose future seems so blurry vicissitudes. People trusted it and wanted for survival. The Lari has never stopped main job, which is what I’m getting paid and someday the load might get so heavy and quizzical at this point in time. RENT YOUR DREAM APARTMENT IN TSKNETI PASHA Bank Plants 2017 Georgian Pine Trees on Behalf of Its Partners

Very cosy one bedroom 75 sq.m apartment in Tbilisi area with spec- tacular view over the mountains. Located in Tskneti, a prestigious, quiet, green and safe neighborhood 15 minutes drive from the city center. The bright and sunny apartment is newly furnished and comes with a fully equipped kitchen and bath- room. Comfortable and stylish living-room, cozy bedroom with closet and king-sized bed. 20 sq.m terrace overlooking the mountains. Relax while s a New Year gift for its happily say that we have planted 2,000 Treepex, a company that is actively work- enjoying the view and unwind with a glass of wine on the balcony as partners, PASHA Bank trees for our partners and then sym- ing on environmentally friendly projects. you watch the sun set. planted 2017 Georgian Pine bolically added 17 more,” said the CEO Many are already using their app to plant Trees near Borjomi, where and Chairman of the Board of Directors trees,” said Anano Korkia, Head of PR Parking & WiFi available. 260 hectares of forest were at PASHA Bank, Shahin Mammadov. and Marketing Department at PASHA If you are looking for the perfect place to live, this is the apartment Aburned down in August 2008. “We do hope that our partners will be Bank. for you! “At our pre-New Year reception, we happy with their New Year gifts. As a Last year, PASHA Bank presented its Only long-term residents should apply. promised our partners that in 2017 we result of this project, they have all, in partners with signed copies of a paint- Ideally suited for a couple or single. will pay double attention to Green CSR fact, taken part in the rehabilitation pro- ing by Rusudan Petviashvili, donating activities and be more involved in envi- cess of a beautiful forest. We brought the original to the charity fund “First For more information contact: + 995 595279997 ronmental projects. At this point, we can about this project with the assistance of Step Georgia." GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 23 - 26, 2016 BUSINESS 11

The New Year in Arakishvili Residence – Discounts & Gifts Galore uy a fl at in the Arakishvili LIVE IN THE BEST PLACE Residence and get it fully The Arakishvili Residence is situated in furnished with full premium the center of Vake: one of the most pop- appliances AND a special ular residential locations in Tbilisi. Aside discount. from its location, the project is architec- BThe residential complex is welcoming turally intriguing. the New Year holidays by offering its The project is fi nanced by the Bank of clients the best household appliances Georgia. Aside from current offer, Arak- and gifts. ishvili Residence customers are able to Those who wish to purchase an apart- benefi t from fl exible payment conditions. ment in the complex will receive a full It is also possible to get an interest-free suite of premium class German house- loan until the end of the project. Cus- hold appliances. tomers are also able to get a mortgage The two New Year's gift packages have at just 6% interest. been specially created for clients who wants to puchase up to 100 sq meters PROJECT SUPPORT: space or for those who want over 100 square meters. The latter package includes • The project is fi nanced by the Bank a Bosch refrigerator, gas set (oven, vent • The exclusive broker for the complex and gas stove), dishwasher, Multi-Robot, is Colliers International Georgia kitchen, washing machine, Breakfast set • The complex is being built by com- (toaster, electric kettle, and coffee pany ‘Anagi’. machine), a vacuum cleaner, Samsung • The construction of the project will LED TV and Hyundai air conditioner. end in 2017. GEORGIA TODAY 12 BUSINESS DECEMBER 23 - 26, 2016 Introducing Versace Pour Homme Dylan Blue

iscover the essence of the Versace Man- modern and fresh, for today. Versace Dylan Blue, the new fougère fragrance for men, has a highly dis- tinctive, woody aroma resulting from Dprecious natural ingredients blended with the lat- est generation of molecules; a new quality musk, Dylan Blue is the with mineral accents, sets off the intense and seduc- tive character of this fragrance. essence of the Versace The olfactive journey starts at the top with the incisive Mediterranean freshness of bergamot, fi g man today. It’s a leaves and grapefruit which is then deepened and rounded off by aquatic notes. The virile heart of fragrance full of violet, black pepper, ambrox, papyrus and patchouli is powerful and pulsating before tonka bean, saf- fron musk and incense provide a warm, sensual character and dry down. individuality, an expression of a man’s strength and also his charisma. I love how it takes traditional notes and scents and makes them totally modern, THE STYLE: MASCULINE. tion through the alluring scents of the Mediterra- SEXY. POWERFUL nean. totally fresh, for today Strong and sensual- in control. Sensitive and dis- ciplined. Incisive like a martial arts master. Dylan DYLAN BLUE by Versace is now available in and tomorrow. - Blue, a fragrance that emanates captivating seduc- Georgia at Ici Paris stores. Donatella Versace TBC Bank to Receive USD 55 Million from Entrepreneurial Development Bank

Shagidze, TBC Bank Deputy CEO. “TBC like these will enable us to support the Bank is the leader in importing fi nancial sector even more and that is extremely resources to our country. This year, in important for our country, as small and November - December alone, we’ve medium businesses are the backbone of already signed contracts for USD 60 the economy.” Million with other international fi nancial “This is a milestone because it’s proof institutions, which gives us the possibil- that we, the Dutch and the FMO, are ity to offer more loans.” participating in this important process “TBC Bank and Bank Republic are both of the larifi cation of the Georgian econ- extremely active in assisting the micro, omy,” Jos Douma, Ambassador of The small and medium businesses,” added Netherlands to Georgia, remarked. Nika Kurdiani, TBC Bank CEO, who The press conference ended with the TBC Bank and FMO Representatives signing the loan agreement stressed the signifi cance of the FMO and signing of the loan agreement by TBC TBC Bank partnership. “Transactions Bank and FMO representatives. medium business fi nancing in Georgia. “I’m very proud that we’re able to sign BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI Over a decade of successful coopera- two new contracts with both Bank Repub- tion, ten loan agreements have been lic and TBC Bank. FMO has been active signed between TBC Bank and FMO, in Georgia for several years, supporting Christmas Eve with Hotels & ntrepreneurial Development with a total of USD 150 million fi nancial private sector development and, as we Bank (FMO), one of the larg- resources provided to TBC Bank overall. see, the economy in the country is report- est European Banks, will give “I’m delighted with the opportunity edly growing,” said Jan Willem Hoek, Preference Hualing Tbilisi USD 55 million to TBC Bank to continue our cooperation with FMO,” Investment Offi cer Financial Institutions as part of its program to sup- said Vakhtang Butskhrikidze, TBC Bank - Europe and Central Asia, noted in his otels & Preference Hualing Tbilisi, a 5-star hotel located beside Eport the private sector in developing CEO, at the press conference. “With speech. He went on to underline that Tbilisi Sea, is inviting guests to enjoy its traditional Saturday offer- economies. these resources, TBC Bank will be able TBC Bank is a stable, reliable and fast ing of a delicious buffet-style dinner decorated with dazzling Med- The FMO program, which has an over- to strengthen its position in the micro, growing fi nancial institution, which has iterranean and Asian dishes- available one last time before 2017. To all portfolio of EUR 7.6 billion, focuses small and medium business segments been an active partner over the years. celebrate the fes- on assisting fi nancial institutions, the and increase fi nancing for the sectors Jan Willem Hoek also praised TBC Htive season, Hotels & Preference energy sector, agro business, and food that are the most vital for the Georgian Bank for adapting to the market and Hualing Tbilisi has a special offer and water in countries with developing economy. FMO is our long-time busi- working very closely with its clients. for guests on December 24: economies. ness partner, we have numerous types He added that TBC Bank’s success is When booking a dinner for two The decision was announced at a press of loan agreements with them already. a demonstration of the tendency of persons, you will receive an addi- conference on Wednesday, December It has been a TBC Bank shareholder growth of the fi nancial sector in Geor- tional one-time free dinner and 21 at the TBC Bank Head Offi ce. since 2009, a time, which, as you all gia. visit the recreational center for TBC Bank will receive USD 25 million know, was an extremely diffi cult one “The uniqueness of this USD 55million as many people as visit the res- over the next seven years, according to for our country and our economy. FMO loan assigned to micro, small and medium taurant. Cost per person: 50 GEL. the new loan agreement, and USD 30 was a great supporter and became our size business is that it may be available At the "BE PURE" recreation million has been allocated to Bank Repub- shareholders and, furthermore, pro- in lari, which is essential for the de- center, you can enjoy a 25-meter lic over a period of fi ve years. vided a subordinated loan. Of course, dollarization program that the National indoor swimming pool, spa with Hot Tub, sauna, and gym. Advance booking is The deal provides TBC Bank with the our cooperation will continue in the Bank of Georgia and the government of recommended! funds to continue its micro, small and future.” Georgia are implementing,” said Giorgi Call 0322 50 50 25 GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 23 - 26, 2016 SOCIETY 13 KAS School of Excellency Unites Young Leaders from EaP Countries & Russia

rather, threat, of Russia and you have a perfect BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE stepping stone for delving into the intricacies of EaP regional politics. The conference boasted prominent names from wo weeks ago, when the European Lithuanian politics and expert circles, from young Council and European Parliament MP Layrunas Kasciunas, who very straightfor- reached agreement on the visa lib- wardly pointed out the problems pertaining to eralization suspension mechanism the EaP’s uncertain future, to the President of the for Georgia and Ukraine, overcoming Constitutional Court, who preached on the inter- theT largest obstacle remaining to granting visa- nationally acclaimed effectiveness of Lithuania’s free travel to the citizens of these two countries, foremost legislative document and the myriad of The Guardian, The Independent and a host of normative obstacles needed to be satisfi ed in order other Western media reported on the occasion to alter it; a controversial issue in South Caucasus with headlines such as “EU Just Granted Free countries, where tailoring the Constitution to Travel to 50 mln People.” Thinly veiled and eager governmental needs remains a common practice. to be discovered, the mammoth bottom line reads: The torch was picked up by Petras Auštrevicius, “As if we didn’t have enough things to worry about among others, the chief negotiator for Lithuania’s already.” accession into the European Union and who was For the two EaP countries, eagerly anticipating kind enough to backtrack the European integra- this very access for more than two years now, this tion process from the point of successfully crown- Bollywood Masala surely must have felt like a bucket of cold water. ing with membership. Is this how people in Europe feel about us? The On the fi nal day, a memorable speech was deliv- question is both fair and hard to answer. What is ered by MP Žygimantas Pavilionis, who urged all Indian Restaurant clear, though, is that the EU and EaP countries countries not to “shy away from a fi ght for Euro- need to be on the same page to avoid creating pean values and a European future.” false expectations and, ultimately, disillusionment All in all, all Lithuanian speakers were staunchly with the Brussels enterprise, especially with the pro-European, and while that didn’t come as sur- omnipresent Russian presence in the region. prise, it made one wonder just how much these The Kremlin would like nothing more and spares voices are listened to in Brussels with giants France no efforts to win in the regional edition of Hold’em and Germany maintaining their more sceptical poker, a term recently coined to describe Russia’s stance. sprawling geopolitical manoeuvres. Equally impor- Another regional dimension was provided by tant is that these countries are well-versed in each two speakers from the Balkans, and while not an other’s state of affairs, and despite varying pro- eye-opening moment, it was a good reminder for gress towards European integration, a connection most of us that the Copenhagen criteria came into is maintained at every level. being mostly due to the EU’s intention to pacify It is at such times that civil society has to step “the war-torn Balkans with the premise of mem- up, unburdened by government agenda or the bership and policy of conditionality,” as Serbian private sector’s profi t-oriented policies, to provide speaker Dr. Duro Duric aptly put it. a platform for dialogue and sharing of know-how, The issue of a hybrid war being waged by Rus- as well as establishing of a resilient network of sia was a pre-eminent one throughout the confer- pro-European minds. ence and it reached a culmination at the showing Find your next great lunch or And that’s exactly what one German foundation of a wonderfully made documentary from Latvian is doing. A proud legacy of one of the brightest fi lmmaker Sandra Užule-Fons through Polish political minds of 20th century, the chancellor of funding. Baltic Poker: What is Putin's game? is a dinner dining experience featuring Germany Konrad Adenauer, The Konrad Adenauer sobering and uncompromising piece depicting Stiftung has launched an ambitious series of School the gritty reality that has come into life through of Excellency programs aiming to bring together the manoeuvres of Putin’s Russia and giving food time-honored recipes at New “about 100 up-and-coming politicians, journalists/ for thought aplenty – if the citizens of the Euro- bloggers, experts from non-government organiza- pean Union feel so vulnerable to the Kremlin, tions and think tanks, as well as young academics, then what does it say about the hopes of Georgia Bollywood Masala Indian Restaurant legal experts and members of the scientifi c com- and Ukraine – that the western infl uence will munity from the countries of the Eastern Partner- shield them from the wrath of their northern bear? ship (and Russia)”. This and more was discussed during the working Adenauer was an expert deal-maker and the sections, divided between subjects of security, Foundation takes a similar approach: the exchange economics and European values. Awareness of of views and ideas, with the ultimate goal of fos- what happens in one’s neighborhood was men- tering European ideas and democratic values. tioned above as a crucial aspect: the country pres- They also believe in a long-term approach– the entations presented by fellow participants were programme is three years long, with multiple defi nitely a great step in this direction. seminars and conferences per year planned in Last but not the least, while speakers and active various countries. participants always take the spotlight, one often Being a lucky member of the very fi rst wave of forgets the amount of work that organizing such participants, I had the privilege to participate in a massive event requires. Especially if everything the fi rst three-day conference in Vilnius, Lithu- runs smoothly. Not willing to be called out on ania. The venue was well-chosen: there is much being ungrateful, I therefore congratulate all the to learn from the Baltic States, EU members since organizers, without singling anybody out, with Tel: +995 551 526 000; +995 592 900 002 2004, in terms of European integration. Theirs is the stellar work they did. And the last bit of good a success story that should serve (and does so) as news: the next conference is due to be in Tbilisi. Add: Str. Kostava 44, Tbilisi, Georgia an inspiration. Add to that the shared factor, or Mission: Democracy goes on. Email: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY 14 SOCIETY DECEMBER 23 - 26, 2016

Georgia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Giorgi Mghebrishvili, announces he has decided not MIA Formally to publish monthly crime statistics Announces Suspension of Crime Statistics Reporting

counting data and everyone counts it differently. Affairs (MIA) didn’t actively publish full crime The IDFI continued by calling on the Interior BY THEA MORRISON We will publish the statistical data at the end of data until 2015. The Ministry did publish monthly Ministry to fully, consistently and regularly publish the year as it is in civilized countries,” he said. detailed statistics during that year, but stopped detailed statistics on crime; to explain in detail the The last time the MIA published crime statistics doing so again in early 2016. methodological changes that resulted in the radi- he Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) on its web page was January 2016. However, at the “Currently, crime statistics in Georgia are not cal differences found between data published before has announced it will no longer pub- time it was required to publish the data every being disclosed fully, consistently and proactively. and after 2013; to fulfi l its commitment to create a lish statistics related to new criminal month. This lack of access to information raises suspicions map of criminal cases; and to provide Geostat with cases at the end of each month. Instead, The MIA has been criticized by multiple NGOs, that the inconsistency with which the MIA has detailed monthly crime statistics monthly. It fur- the data will henceforth be released who have urged the Ministry to keep society fully been publishing the data is guided by its content,” ther called on Geostat to ensure monthly online Tonly at yearend. informed of true, current crime statistics. the report of IDFI reads. publication. The decision was made by Georgia’s Minister of Georgia’s Deputy Interior Minister, Shalva Khut- Internal Affairs, Giorgi Mghebrishvili, who sishvili, has responded to criticism by saying the announced as much to reporters on Monday, in publication of statistics was the responsibility of order to end speculation over the issue. the National Statistics Service of Georgia (Geostat). “I decided not to publish monthly crime statistics; He claimed the Ministry has been sending regular I am responsible for this decision. The law does monthly data to the agency but that Geostat has What Ales Us: Ogden not oblige the Ministry to publish such statistics not published it. monthly,” he said. On December 14, the NGO Institute for Develop- The Minister explained that MIA had been accused ment of Freedom of Information (IDFI) published of obscuring the true number of criminal cases, its report about MIA crime statistics and concluded adding that these allegations were untrue. that the highest crime rate in two years fell during on the Festive Spirit “Some say we are hiding the statistics. We are the fi rst nine months of the year. not hiding anything. There are various methods of According to the IDFI, the Ministry of Internal between lampposts…and even then, only those in OP-ED BY TIM OGDEN the middle of the town, which cover a distance of roughly 50 meters. Even when I was a young lad, I remember they put rather more effort into it, but ewdley is a town in Worcestershire that as with everything else in England, the ceremony I have spent much of my life in, fi rst as (?) of the lights has frayed, decayed and faded over a visitor, then to see my grandparents time. when they took up residence there, and Perhaps Londoners put more effort into their fi nally as a resident myself for fi ve years. Christmas decorations than Georgians, though I AB small, touristic town, it is famous for its abun- doubt it. Christmas is my favorite time to be in dance of pubs, the small steam railway that runs Georgia, which is understandably bewildering to for twenty miles up and down the Severn Valley, other foreigners, but I’ve always been fond of and its Georgian buildings (Georgian in this sense Christmas, and Tbilisi never looks better than when referring to 18th century English architecture). It the decorations have been put up. is a pretty place, and a visitor could be forgiven for My fellow ex-pats are confused as to why I like thinking that this town represents all that is best being here for the Christmas period simply because about England. Georgians do not celebrate December That might have been true once, 25th; in fact, they hardly seem to but no longer. Alongside the care about their own Christmas pubs there are late-night of January 7th, with New bars, populated by people Year being celebrated from neighbouring (and instead. I admit that the dare I say more vulgar) apathy towards both towns who eschew the 25th and the 7th English ale for cheap does not compare lager, and over the with gathering the years the kindly family together grandparental folk (although apathy have turned into leads to fewer argu- angry old men and ments and less blood fearful old women, up the walls) and who glower and giving gifts that range scowl at anyone they between the lavish and deem to be a ‘youth’. the last-minute-buy-it- The youths themselves from-the-garage-fore- have abandoned the tradi- court, but Tbilisi looks tions of the English coun- lovely throughout December tryside townsfolk in favor of and most of January. what they deem to be more glam- It is, I repeat, because Georgians orous pastimes, such as football violence care about their country in a way in which and teenage pregnancies. the British (at least) do not seem to anymore. Geor- I still like going back once every year or so, for the gian society might be becoming increasingly divided pubs and the pints of ale, but eventually a stark as modernity creeps in, but the country is losing none reminder of what the place has become brings me of its passion, and that is what I love about this place back to reality; an old man aggressively insisting to the most. In truth, my occasional criticisms of Geor- my brother that a Vauxhall car and a Corsa are not gia on these pages are intended to help rather than the same thing, or a man with long fi ngernails remi- wound, since I believe that Georgia has the chance niscing when he served in the Army as a Royal Marine to grow and develop, in contrast to England, which (despite the Marines belonging to the Navy), or a is dying a slow death. Whether it be the LGBT rights twelve year-old child trying to start a fi ght with me activist or the mad old man screaming about the glory and my friend. At this, the ale no longer tastes so of Stalin, nobody could ever accuse Georgians of not sweet, and the cozy atmosphere becomes cloying. caring…although naturally I hope that the number of In short, it represents everything that is wrong Georgians who believe in equality increases while with England (the pub, you understand, is the dis- the nationalists dwindle. tilled essence of our culture, if you’ll pardon the There. Something positive for a change; my Christ- pun). In no way, however, is this better represented mas gift to you, reader. Next time, however, I’ll prob- than the ceremony of the turning on of the Christ- ably be back onto Syria or something equally cheery, mas lights. but until that time, Merry Christmas. Anyone who This is still taken as seriously in the town as the says ‘humbug’ should be immediately deported. election of a new Pope, but these days the Christ- mas lights are just a string of colored bulbs tied Illustration by Brian Patrick Grady GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 23 - 26, 2016 SOCIETY 15

From the Rooftops: Svaneti

ing up anyway, and also roofed our new garage in BY TONY HANMER The Right Stuff. I would have this replacement as an optional luxury which I would see more as a necessity; not all people here do, or give it the he things you learn in the middle of same priority). a hated duty... There's an ancient rule which goes along with It wasn't even my duty, but I was our hard work up there. You didn't build a house helping out two friends who are in such a place that, shoveling off the roof, you unmarried siblings, neither of whom sent your snow either into a neighbor's space or isT fully fi t physically, both in their sixties. The onto any passing road or track, blocking it. This brother has only partial use of a hand and leg, so was what I learned, and also that the rule has been what we needed to do was particularly challeng- broken many times in recent history. ing for him, but he still kept pace with me; or I Another thing which came up during the shov- with him. eling was a thought invention of mine. How to get We were doing what people all over Svaneti have the snow off a fi rst-story roof but from the ground, been doing who have the misfortune to own one which is much safer and easier? My implement is or more roofs off which snow refuses to slide. The like a hoe scaled up, with a longer handle and big- main two reasons for this are an insuffi ciently ger blade. You could pull the snow towards your- steep roof pitch, or roof material to which the self from below, working from low to high, if it snow simply sticks: painted metal as opposed to was long and strong enough. Hmm, needs devel- unpainted, wood slats, asbestos, or even the orig- opment and experimentation. inal ancient slate. It's much too early to be doing And I remembered my agreement with the Inuit this, as it's a January through March activity, but peoples' classifi cation of solid H2O into hundreds there we were, in a December snowier than any of different forms of ice and snow. We had at least other in living memory. two main forms of the latter: a soft powdery top (I also thanked God that this question, which layer, and a denser, pressed together one made by never even came up in our house-hunting and the weight above it. The powdery layer would eventual choice of a purchase, was settled happily often crumble on the spade or as you fl ung it away, by a nice "coincidence". Our roof is one of the an exercise in frustration. The harder crust would blessed slippery ones; otherwise I would, after usually stay together better, resulting in a much the fi rst winter shoveling it off, have replaced it more satisfying shovelful and toss. by the necessary material, regardless of the expense I am glad not to ever have felt fear of heights, and bother. It's a big, four-sided roof. We have which easily would prevent me from the shoveling. replaced the barn's asbestos one, which was break- It also helps to remember that, even if you did slip and slide off the roof, your landing would simply be into the very same soft stuff with which you had been working, and be unlikely to injure you. Indeed, two of the former world's record heights for surviving a fall, some interesting if less than useful facts from my childhood reading, were from airplanes at 5500 and 7000 meters, in We were doing the 1940s, both into snow. Both people suffered some injuries, but lived to tell the tale. It was just what people all the right thing to land in; water, apparently, has a surface tension which would give the effect of over Svaneti have hitting concrete or rock, not much use at terminal velocity for a human. been doing who And THAT is a subset of the thoughts going through my head as we worked to ensure that this have the misfortune house would not collapse in this manner. to own one or Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a weekly writer for GT more roofs off since early 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group, now with over 1350 members, at which snow refuses www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: to slide www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti GEORGIA TODAY 16 SOCIETY DECEMBER 23 - 26, 2016 Rendez-Vous with a Psychologist: Is He The One?

BY MAKA LOMADZE

here are a lot of questions that people seek the answers to; answers that they may only have a vague grasp of; ones which psychologists Tand philosophers are perhaps best posi- tioned to try to answer. GEORGIA TODAY met with art-therapist, philosopher- psychologist Merab Oniani to fi nd out about the BIG question women ask themselves this season of new starts: Is He the One?

SOME WOMEN READ SPECIALIST LITERATURE, SOME JUST LISTEN TO THEIR INTUITION; SOME TAKE STEPS, WHILE OTHERS WAIT PASSIVELY. HOW CAN WE KNOW IF HE/SHE IS THE PERSON WE WERE WAITING FOR? If you feel passion towards him from the very start, then he is not the right per- SO, MAINTAIN A BALANCE son. If at fi rst sight, certain tunes play a AND VALUABLE CHANGE IS hymn in your ears, he’s not right either. MORE LIKELY TO HAPPEN? If a man desperately wants to sleep with If you like him, but you do not take spe- you, now, then he’s not the right one. If cifi c pains to see him again; if you are feeling and thought make your heart not hot inside out with the fi res of pas- beat fast and you feel you are losing sion and do not lose yourself, then this yourself, ready to deny everything for could be him. If you feel that he can be the sake of him, this is defi nitely not a good and faithful friend, then he could what you’re looking for. If you want to be the one. If you feel a reciprocal sense chase him, and try your best to fi nd out of affection from him, and that you are how to win him, this is not Mr Right. soulmates, and you notice that he is tak- But, if you believe that he is loveable ing some steps to win your goodwill, enough, though the blood is not seeth- and you are not indifferent to these tion from both sides, when each member logical mediators and human hormones. ing in your veins, then he is potentially efforts, then this is a trustworthy sign of the couple equally gives out and It turned out that Dopamine and Sero- the right person for you. that he is the one. receives a partner’s love. It means that tonin stimulate sexual intercourse. Not you love him unconditionally and he only they but a lot of substances of our THEN IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE feels the same towards you. A normal organism go through qualitative and MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING love affair means fi rst and foremost self- quantitative changes. Scientists discov- AND BE SOULMATES? respect, openness and faithfulness to the ered in the brain mirror neurons get The process of Yes. Fall in love with an honest person person who loves you from the bottom irritated during copulation, as if they are who you need, and then build normal of his heart. He loves your openness with the observers of the love act. In other relations and fi nd the main thing – your him and your unconditional love. words, these neurons provoke the emo- obtaining a own self. The process of obtaining a new tions inside us that are very similar to If you feel man will start from the moment a woman WHAT IS LOVE? those of our partners’. new man will tries her best to reach inner unity. She Love not only lives in a person’s mind There is an opinion that a love of sol- should fi nd this accomplishment and and heart, it is also a part of one’s body. itude is genetic. It is also scientifi cally passion independence and should not seek for Studies have shown us that it is not only proven that love leads a person to pros- start from the anybody else to fi ll this emptiness. The connected with our soul and spirit but perity and good disposition. Such contact towards him emergence of a new man means starting also with our body. Scientists have proven with reliable people helps us to oppose moment a to love him with all his virtues and vices, the connection between body intimacy unfriendly factors, and rid ourselves of but this process will only begin after a and neurological-physiological processes stress. It also stimulates the immune from the very woman starts to love herself and that taking place inside the body. Love rela- system, whilst solitude weakens the woman tries means accepting yourself for all your tions have an infl uence on the brain and health and accelerates the process of start, then he is qualities and drawbacks. vice versa. We are created so that we aging. It means that those people who her best to tend to share the most precious values are capable of loving not only act cor- WHAT IS A RELATIONSHIP? with each other. A love relationship is rectly but also live correctly. In spite of not the right A love union is a matter of life and holds the strongest force, which helps us to our genetic heritage and bio-chemical reach inner paramount importance between partners. develop and grow personally. processes, we are responsible for our person This linkage implies an equal contribu- Scholars have researched the neuro- own lives, and for the way we love. unity

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 DECEMBER 23 - 26, 2016 CULTURE 17 Russians and Georgians: A Documentary Film Boosting People-to-People Relations

nobody has been able to sow a confl ict BY MAKA LOMADZE between our two nations,” Sventitsky said. The fi lm begins with an interview with n December 18, the Alex- Oleg Tymchenko, a famous Russian ander Griboedov Russian painter living in Georgia, who says that Drama Theater presented the real pleasure for him is not the pro- a screening of the docu- cess of painting itself, but the mere start, mentary fi lm ‘Russians and when the idea comes, and the fi nal Georgians,’O directed by historian, polit- moment, when the result is seen. ical scientist and literary worker, Evgeny In Russia there are 500-600 thousand Kozhokin. The hall was packed, perhaps Georgians. However, Tymchenko names to be considered proof that we two peo- Zurab Tsereteli, famous sculptor and ples want to remain friends, notwith- painter, fi rst and foremost. Then, Avtandil, standing the confrontation of our gov- a Georgian painter, appears in the fi lm, ernments. confessing that as he did not speak Eng- This was a movie-tribute to the mem- lish, Russia was a logical destination for ories of our deceased glorious writers, him. “Those who buy my pictures do cultural workers and scientists, as well not just buy and leave, but make friends as contemporary Georgians living and with me,” he says, adding that there are working in Russia, and to outstanding lots of things that concern him, and that Russians living in Georgia. make him happy. “But it does not matter, The soiree was opened by Nikolai the main thing is to work, feed my fam- (From the left) Evgeny Kozhokin and Nikolai Sventitsky at the fi lm screening Sventitsky, Director of the Griboedov ily and respect Art,” he says. “Sometimes, Theater, President of the Russian Club I have no idea where my pictures have sellers here. It is a well-rooted barbarism but many know Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy turned into series and that a Georgian and organizer of the screening, who been sold. The two most exotic places in the Georgian language,” Sonya says. as they are fashionable authors now. If would make a fi lm in response. recently received the award “Father of I recollect now are the Philippines and “I fi nd many differences in our genetic you have read any of the latter, you are It seems there are two Russias: one that Georgian Culture”. Santiago.” code, including the attitude to the fam- “in”!” is our enemy, and another that remains Russia-educated Sulkhan-Saba Orbe- Sonya is a Russian girl living and work- ily, to religion…” she adds, noting the Then, from the mouth of a Georgian a country of great culture and a nation liani, Ilia Chavchavadze, Akaki Tsereteli, ing in Tbilisi: “I’m a shoe designer. I so-called Italian courtyards, where fam- teacher in Russia, we hear that many that is connected to us by a strong mutual Vazha Pshavela, and Alexander wanted to go to Italy or Austria, but then ilies live in close-knit communities, shar- Russians of different profession and age understanding and esteem. Chavchavadze were mentioned, as were I realized that I had to fi rst attend the ing joy and sorrow. “They might quarrel, study the Georgian language. There is “This is a very important fi lm,” Olga scientist and historian, founder of Tbilisi famous Armenian school.” On her way but I’m amazed at the unity of neighbors even one priest who fi rst met a Georgian Bickbabick, one of the protagonists of State University, Ivane Javakhishvili, and to Georgia’s neighboring country, she when someone amongst them is ill, and man in the army, and then became inter- the fi lm and a teacher of Russian in a philologist Niko Marr. Cinema and theater was asked by one of her Georgian friends all the rest help out.” ested in Georgia. “We are similar even Georgian school, told GEORGIA TODAY directors Mikheil Chiaureli, Giorgi Dane- to meet on Georgian soil and after that, Then, a Russian pedagogue working in our sins,” he says. after the screening. “I perceive it as a lia, Kote Marjanishvili, Robert Sturua, Sonya stayed, reportedly unable to bear in a Georgian school speaks: “Georgian During the discussion following the mosaic of thoughts and destinies, all and Temur Chkheidze were also listed. to leave Georgia. “’Malina, malina’ is the children hardly know Pushkin or Ler- screening, one of the attendees wished perfectly well fi tted into the key-note of “In spite of the political cataclysms, familiar call of the women raspberry montov (also proven by a street poll), very much that such a fi lm could be location and love.” GEORGIA TODAY 18 CULTURE DECEMBER 23 - 26, 2016

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER MOVEMENT THEATER NOCTURNAL ANIMALS TREASURY modernity - Auguste Rodin. Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., Directed by Tom Ford The exhibition showcases pre- Despite a number of suggestions Mushthaid park Cast: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Christian and Georgian medieval art TBILISI ZAKARIA to work in Europe and America, Telephone: 599 555 260 Michael Shannon PALIASHVILI OPERA AND Iakob Nikoladze brought his Genre: Drama, Thriller September 27 – September 22 (2017) BALLET THEATRE experience gained with Rodin back December 23, 24 Language: Russian EXHIBITION Address: 25 Rustaveli Ave. to Georgia and founded the School FAN DO'S MAGORY Start time: 15:00 STONE AGE GEORGIA Telephone: 2 99 04 56 of Sculpture in his home country. One Act Tale Ticket: 9-10 GEL Directed by Kakha Bakuradze December 29 MUSEUM OF SOVIET Start time: 21:30 December 6-31 DON QUIXOTE RUSTAVELI CINEMA OCCUPATION Ticket: 15 GEL Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. Address: 3 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. SOLO EXHIBITION Ludwig Minkus’ BY LEILA SHELIA New redaction premiere Telephone: 2 55 50 00 TBILISI VASO ABASHIDZE The exhibition showcases up to Classical ballet www.kinoafi sha.ge PERMANENT EXHIBITION MUSIC AND DRAMA 80 paintings and graphic works Three Movements Here, visitors can discover STATE THEATRE Start time: 19:00 Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL the State's personal fi les of created by the artist at different Address: 182 D.Agmashenebeli Ave. Ticket: 10 - 70 GEL December 23-29 "subversive" Georgian public times. Telephone: 2 34 80 90 fi gures, orders to shoot or exile, and www.musictheatre.ge GRIBOEDOVI THEATRE ALLIED other artifacts representing Soviet- VERNISSAGE GALLERY Address: 2 Rustaveli Ave. (Info Above) era cultural and political repression Address: 49 Kote Apkhazi Str. December 23, 27, 28 Telephone: 2 93 43 36 Start time: 14:20 in Georgia. Telephone: 299 88 08 MARY POPPINS Ticket: 9-10 GEL Directed by Davit Doiashvili GALLERY December 24, 25 Musical December 16-30 MOROZKO COLLATERAL BEAUTY Start time: 19:00 Directed by David Frankel THE NATIONAL GALLERY GURAM KHETSURIANI’S After a Russian Tale SOLO EXHIBITION Directed by Linda Urbonavichute Ticket: From 8 GEL Cast: Will Smith, Edward Norton, Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. Kate Winslet www.museum.ge Language: Russian CINEMA MUSIC Small Stage Genre: Drama Start time: 12:00, 14:00 Language: Russian PERMANENT EXHIBITION Ticket: 5 GEL AMIRANI CINEMA Start time: 12:00, 19:30 Works by distinguished 20th TBILISI STATE Address: 36 Kostava St. Ticket: 8-14 GEL century Georgian artists- Niko CONSERVATOIRE December 26, 27, 28, Telephone: 2 99 99 55 Pirosmanashvili, David Kakabadze, Address: 8 Griboedov St. KARLSSON ON THE ROOF www.kinoafi sha.ge INCARNATE Lado Gudiashvili and sculptor Telephone: 2 93 46 24 Astrid Lindgren Directed by Brad Peyton Iakob Nikoladze. Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 Lari Language: Russian Cast: Carice van Houten, Aaron December 24 December 23-29 Start time: 12:00, 15:00 Eckhart, David Mazouz June 24, 2016 – June 24, 2017 Piano Recital Genre: Horror, Thriller PIROSMANI’S YARD CLEANER Ticket: 5 GEL Antonii Barishevsky ASSASSINS CREED Language: Russian AND EAGLE SEIZING A HARE Directed by Justin Kurzel Start time: 17:00, 22:00 ON DISPLAY Laureate of international GABRIADZE THEATRE competitions (Ukraine) Address: 13 Shavtelis St. Cast: Michael Fassbender, Marion Ticket: 10-14 GEL Both paintings were in the In program: Chopin, Ravel, Telephone: 2 98 65 93 Cotillard, Michael Kenneth ownership of Ilya and Kirill Williams MUSEUM Zdanevich until 1930 when Dimitri Debussy, Messiaen, Ustvolskaja, December 17, 24 Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy Shevardnadze bought part of their Mussorgsky RAMONA Language: Russian GEORGIAN NATIONAL collection (39 paintings) including Start time: 18:30 Rezo Gabriadze Start time: 12:30, 16:45, 19:30, 22:00 MUSEUM SIMON the above. Ticket: 5-25 GEL Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Ticket: 8-14 GEL JANASHIA MUSEUM English Subtitles Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. September 28 - September 28 (2017) December 26 Start time: 20:00 ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 PIROSMANI’S ROE AT A STREAM Chamber Music Concert Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL STORY www.museum.ge Kept by the Tsitsishvili- Dedicated to Marina Jashvili Directed by Gareth Edwards Gedevanishvili family from 1949 Roman Simovic, Violin PERMANENT EXHIBITION: until 2011, the painting has never December 22, 29 Cast: Felicity Jones, Mads (Montenegro); Natela GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY been exhibited to the public before. AUTUMN OF MY SPRING Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk Politkovskaja-Jashvili, Piano. FROM 8TH MILLENNIUM B.C. In 2011, the artwork left Georgia Rezo Gabriadze Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi TO 4TH CENTURY A.D and was sold at Sotheby's auction. In program: Brahms, Poulenc, Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Language: Russian English Subtitles It appeared at the same auction Prokofi ev, Ravel Start time: 19:15, 22:15 Start time: 20:00 EXHIBITION OF GEORGIAN again in 2016 where it was bought Start time: 18:30 Ticket: 13-14 GEL Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL WEAPONRY by Bidzina Ivanishvili and Cartu Ticket: 5-40 GEL Fund and donated to the Georgian December 25, 28 ALLIED NUMISMATIC TREASURY National Museum. December 28 MARSHAL DE FANTIE’S Directed by Robert Zemeckis The exhibition showcases money PIANO RECITAL - ALEXANDER DIAMOND Cast: Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard, circulation on the territory of November 29 - January 28 (2017) KORSANTIA Rezo Gabriadze Jared Harris Georgia from the 6th century BC. EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO Start time: 18:30 Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Genre: Action, Drama, Romance to 1834. THE 140TH ANNIVERSARY OF Ticket: 5-30 GEL English Subtitles Language: Russian IAKOB NIKOLADZE Start time: 22:10 June 11 – March 11 (2017) In 1906-1908 Nikoladze worked Start time: 20:00 TBILISI CONCERT HALL Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL Ticket: 13-14 GEL EXHIBITION MEDIEVAL with the greatest sculptor of Address: 1 Melikishvili St. Telephone: 2 99 00 99

December 25 IUMORINA 2017 Iumorina 2017 with a new program for New Year’s Eve New comedy sketches, new parodies and new musical compositions Start time: 18:30 Ticket: 15-25 GEL

MOVEMENT THEATER Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., Mushthaid park Telephone: 599 555 260

December 27, 29 JAM SESSION Reso Kiknaze Quintet Start time: 21:00 Entry: Free

December 28 TANGO EVENING MILONGA, LA CUMPARSITA Argentine Tango Dance Night Start time: 21:00 Ticket: 5 GEL

ZALIKO'S CENTER Address: 3 Vekua Str. Telephone: 557 72 91 91

December 29, 30, 31 KIDS’ NEW YEAR PARTY Start time: 11:00, 13:15 Ticket: 35 GEL GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 23 - 26, 2016 CULTURE 19 Too Light & Beautiful to Be True: Katie Melua in Tbilisi

can’t even recall such a highly professional and Culture Abroad. valuable European tour. It received a lot of cover- “I’m ecstatic,” Melua said after the concert. “I’ve age on TV and it is an honor to have such a greatly been waiting for this day for so long. The audience successful project here, live, in Tbilisi.” was so warm! My music is more tender than noisy, “The European tour was much more successful more focused on lyrics. I’m very happy with how than any of us, even Katie, expected! I think our open-heartedly the public listened to our project work has been truly appreciated!” said Teona Tsir- and I didn’t feel as nervous as I thought I would. amua, Artistic Director of the Gori Women’s Cham- Working with the Gori Women’s Chamber Choir ber Choir. “Paris, Berlin, London… Now I can add has let me see with my own eyes how serious, tal- the Tbilisi concert… As a musician, Katie is very ented and strong we, Georgians, are!” balanced, a person who very well understands the logic of music, which encouraged our work together.” The English words and pleasant voice of Melua, together with her guitar-playing matched perfectly the Choir’s voices and repertoire, bringing many a listener out in goosebumps and giving a sensa- tion of feather-lightness. At the end of the concert, Giorgi Abashishvili, the Head of the Georgian president’s Administra- tion voiced the decision of the President of Geor- gia to award Melua with an Honor for Special Contribution to the Popularization of Georgian

Katie’s own catalogue, sung together with musi- BY MAKA LOMADZE cians Tim Harris on contrabass and Mark Edwards on keyboard. “For me, winter is a great time, as people are n December 20, the culmination of thinking about the new season, New Year, tradi- the European tour, a tandem between tions and time, as well as about the past,” Melua Katie Melua, famous pop-star resid- said. “It’s a very emotional period. I wanted to fi nd ing in the UK, and the Gori Women’s something new and deeper. In the West, they say Chamber Choir, took place at the pop-stars are born, but I have learned from this OTbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater - a concert which cooperation that there is an artistic system that sold out in just 15 minutes!. helps you to grow, too. Pop-music is such a strong The long-awaited show started with a transpar- format, one in which you can fi nd important and ent song, as crystal as winter ice, justifying the deep motifs.” name of the album “In Winter” from which the Melua fi rst heard the Gori Women’s Chamber songs were performed at 28 concerts in Germany, Choir on the internet. “I was in rapture. It was a The Netherlands, France, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, very strange musical world for me. I’ve been very Belgium and Great Britain. The tour began shortly lucky in the pop music genre in the UK, but it’s after the CD was recorded last October and trium- been 10 years,” she said. And then she found this phantly ended in Tbilisi. “I cannot believe that I’m new treasure in her homeland. having a concert in Tbilisi,” Melua said emotion- “I’m overwhelmed with happiness,” said Mikheil ally at the beginning of the show. Giorgadze, Minister of Culture and Monument In the fi rst part of the show, 10 songs from the Protection. “We want to thank Katie Melua, her album were performed while in the second we band, and the Gori Women’s Chamber Choir for were gifted with around 12 selected songs from this fantastic and unprecedented cooperation. I

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 Karen Tovmasyan, Misha Mchedlishvili Tel.: +995 32 229 59 19 The author is responsible for Commercial Director: Dimitri Dolaberidze, E: [email protected] all material. Rights of authors Iva Merabishvili Maka Lomadze, Webmaster: F: GeorgiaToday are preserved. The newspaper Marketing Manager: Tim Ogden, Joseph Larsen, Sergey Gevenov is registered in Mtatsminda Mako Burduli Vazha Tavberidze, ADVERTISING & district court. Nugzar B. Ruhadze, Circulation Managers: SUBSCRIPTION EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT: Nino Gugunishvili, David Kerdikashvili, +995 595 279997 GEORGIA TODAY Editor-In-Chief: Thea Morrison, David Djandjgava E-mail: marketing@ Reg. # 06/4-309 Katie Ruth Davies Natia Liparteliani georgiatoday.ge GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS DECEMBER 23 - 26, 2016 New Year Celebration Vintage Christmas Tale for Children Living at at Art Palace Tbilisi Visitors to the Christmas fair will have BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI a chance to buy glass baubles created the Confl ict Divide using old Georgian techniques, along with traditional blue Georgian table- rt Palace Tbilisi is to host cloths, paintings of Christmas and New n December 23, in the Georgia, Ketevan Tsikhelashvili, State a Christmas Tale market Year themes, pieces of jewelry and lights. kindergarten of Abano Minister of Georgia for Reconciliation from December 24, show- “We’ve been planning a Christmas Fair village, Shida Kartli region and Civic Equality; Sozar Subari, Min- casing the works of a group here for two years, and I’m so pleased of Georgia, the United ister of Internally Displaced Persons of Georgian artists who aim it’s fi nally come to be,” said Giorgi Kalan- Nations High Commis- from the Occupied Territories, Accom- Ato revitalize the old tradition of Georgian dia, Director of the Art Palace museum. Osioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and modation and Refugees of Georgia; Christmas decorations, vintage New “I’m very much looking forward to it- United Nations Development Pro- Simone Wolken, UNHCR Regional Year tree decorations, angels and other and Art Palace is the perfect setting for gramme (UNDP) are organizing a New Representative in the South Caucasus; fi gurines made as replicas of those kept such a special display of vintage art and Year celebration for children. and Shombi Sharp, UNDP Acting Head in the museum stores. crafts.” The play party and concert will bring in Georgia. together 24 children from the villages The kindergarten in Abano was fully of Abano, Satsikhuri and Koda, kinder- rehabilitated and equipped this summer garten teachers and local residents, as as part of the UNHCR and UNDP well as high-ranking offi cials of the broader assistance to the Shida Kartli Christmas Tree Festival To be United Nations and Government of villages located at the confl ict divide. Held in Tbilisi Batumi to Kick off BY NATIA LIPARTELIANI

n December 26, a one-day Christmas Celebrations Christmas Tree Festival is to be held on Shardeni ock, Funk, Pop, Folk and Alter- warm you. Contests, gifts and competi- Street in Old Tbilisi which native music fans will have a tions are also planned throughout the will also encompass a fair chance to listen to Salio, Young holiday. ofO seasonal tree decorations. Georgian Lolitaz, DJ Ako Von Special children’s entertainment will On Bambis Rigi Square from 2pm to 8 Unten, Mellow, The Bearfox, be organized from December 25, with pm, guests will have the chance to enjoy RAsea Sool, ARA and many others perform- Santa Claus and his elves there to take a show of the most original Christmas ing in Batumi’s Europe Square from Decem- little ones on a magical journey to a trees of more than 50 companies. At the ber 25 to January 3. fairy-tale world. Santa will be waiting end of the festival the jury will award Bringing a festive atmosphere to the for children to grab a memorable photo prizes to the most creative and interest- square, there will also be a New Year in his Grotto. ing works. Participation is free of charge, Village opening on December 25, with All the events are organized by Batumi as is entrance. twinkling food and drink stands, and Municipality and Tourism Department The Christmas exhibition and fair will time. Around 30 artist-participants will Christmas decorations, as well as New fi res, Glintwine and energetic music to of Adjara. be held on Shardeni Street at the same present jewels, ceramics and wooden Year sweets, wine, books and paintings.

GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 23 - 26, 2016 NEWS 3 Georgia’s Patrol Police Welcomes Tbilisi to Host Forum Dedicated to Hasbara: A New Model of Diplomatic New Ski Patrol Unit Support towards Israel Ski Patrol offi cers in Bakuriani n December 24-25, Tbilisi David Bitan, Head of the Coalition. Three will host the fi rst Interna- major results have been achieved: BY THEA MORRISON tional Forum of Hasbara, 1. An international model of Hasbara with the participation of the has been created which can be used in Israeli offi cial delegation. other countries; he security and safety of OThe large-scale event is being organ- 2. The strengthening of relations with visitors and tourists in all ized by ‘Israeli House’ in cooperation Georgia has become a pattern of Israel's Georgia’s ski resorts will with the Ambassador of Israel to Geor- relations with other countries; now be protected by a spe- gia, Mr. Shabtai Tsur. 3. After three-years of active mutual cial unit of the Georgian Israeli House will present the results effort, relations between Georgia and Tpolice named the Ski Patrol. of its three-years of activities on Decem- Israel have been shaped in the appropri- Ski Patrollers have undergone special ber 24 at the Georgian National Opera ate governmental format. training sessions at the Police Academy and Ballet Theater of Tbilisi. The Prime On the second day of the delegation's of Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs Minister of Georgia, George Kvirikash- visit, a forum dedicated to Hasbara and (MIA) and will wear a distinctive uni- vili, and Chairman of the Parliament of contemporary challenges faced by Israel form and have special equipment to Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, are to attend. on the international stage and in the guarantee the maximum security of Israeli House was founded in 2013 on greater Middle East will be conducted vacationers and to prevent accidents at the initiative of the fi rst offi cial Israeli at Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi. Tzipi Hotovely, the mountain resorts. representative in the region, and Presi- Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister, and The MIA reports that the training was tion,” he said. PATROL and POLICE inscriptions. dent of the Israel-Georgia Chamber of Hilik Bar will speak, while the leaders attended by 74 Ski Patrollers from all The responsibilities of the Ski Patrol The amendments made in the Code of Business, Itsik Moshe, under the auspices of Israel's right-wing and left-wing forces regions of the country who had their include removing suspicious persons the Administrative Offences and Law on of the Knesset. It aims to make the Israeli will present their different visions of new equipment handed to them by the from the ski run; controlling the behav- Traffi c read that movement with a snow- Hasbara policy more active abroad and peace and neighborhood state policy. Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia ior of those under the infl uence of alco- mobile or motorized sledge is forbidden enhance the direct bilateral links with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, himself, Giorgi Mghebrishvili, in Baku- hol or psychotropic substances; main- except for authorized personnel, as is friendly states. Within the framework Mikheil Janelidze, is also expected to riani before the opening of the ski season. taining control and preserving safety driving a snowmobile under the infl uence of Israeli House, offi cial delegations from give a speech at the forum. “As I promised you last year, specially measures of the area where beginners of drugs, alcohol or psychotropic sub- Israel visited Georgia and conducted The Israeli delegation, consisting of trained ski patrol offi cers will be patrol- are learning to ski; preventing the move- stances. The Law also forbids the enter- fruitful meetings with the governmental Deputy-speakers, the Deputy Foreign ling through all winter resorts of the ment of unauthorized vehicles on the ing of a closed ski run. It is also forbidden authorities of the country. Minister, leader of the ruling coalition, country, preserving public order and the ski run; and maintaining control over to leave a place after crashing, without The pilot project of Israel House has and representatives of the business, aca- safety of vacationers. I believe the offi c- signs and safety barriers. Uniforms and rendering help to the injured, and without been developed with the support of Hilik demic and media spheres, will also be ers will fulfi ll their duties with dedica- ski helmets are distinguished with SKI fi rst notifying an offi cer of the law. Bar, Deputy-Speaker of the Knesset, and in attendance at the forum.

The New Year is coming up and we welcome our guests properly. The restaurant Georgian House will greet guests with Christmas songs, gifts, beautiful Christmas trees, New Year deco- rations, delicious dishes and festively decorated tables. The Georgian House delivery service will work on December 31 until 8 PM, as usual. This ser- vice is in-demand throughout the year, however, during such celebrations, the number of calls always goes up! Meet the New Year with loved ones in Georgian House. We will start the New Year's program at 11PM and keep going until 5AM: The Georgian Santa Claus, New Year's raffl e prizes, a cham- pagne show, modern traditional costume show and properly selected music program. Ensemble Forte, the winner of numerous competitions, Giorgi Mepisashvili, Elene Pochkhua, Boka Kvekveskiri and Irina Bairamashvili will sing for you. The evening will be musically arranged by well-known pianist and accompanist Tamila Chiradze. The incomparable actor and singer Zura Manjavidze will be the host of the evening. As a sign of the great appreciation our guests have for all that is the award Georgian House received in December, a victory for our team. The Welcome to Georgia Awards ceremony was held for the second time with the support of the State. Georgian and foreign experts gifted Georgian House for our contribution in the fi eld of tourism development- for best catering service for tourists. Come and see for yourself and discover your Georgian House! www.georgian-house.ge www.facebook.com/georgianhouse.ge GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS DECEMBER 23 - 26, 2016 Georgian Institute of Politics: Experts Identify Georgia’s Biggest Challenges Going Forward

BY THEA MORRISON

he Georgian Institute of Politics (GIP) claims the majority of experts see the new government of Georgia as unsuited to copeT with the country’s pressing eco- nomic and social challenges. GIP surveyed around 30 Georgian and international engaged observers and experts about the prospects for Georgia’s future following the October parliamentary elections. The majority of those surveyed doubt that the ruling party Georgian Dream (GD) can live up to its electoral promises. GIP reports that among the pressing issues is how to stabilize the Georgian currency (GEL), which has been losing value since November 2014, hitting the nerve of the majority of the population who receive salaries in the national currency but have credit in USD. “Experts are not optimistic about GD’s ability to deal with the problem. 78 per- cent of surveyed expert pundits said GD will be unable to stabilize the Geor- gian currency. 22 percent think it is “somewhat likely” the government will stabilize the GEL,” GIP survey reads. The report reads that the experts are similarly pessimistic about Georgia’s economic growth and unemployment prospects. 58 percent of respondents said the economy would grow by 3-4% annu- ally, and 38.5% expect it to grow by just 1-2%. Only one expert believed the economy will increase by 4-5% under GD. In their election program, GD promised to create 200,000 new jobs by implementing reform of the pension system, taxes, and infrastructure. How- Times are changing... Source: THEAsiaN ever, 93% of surveyed pundits consider opinions may have been infl uenced by the prospects of the liberal opposition experts to identify the biggest chal- ommend the government run a better this promise to be unrealistic. recent moves by the GD majority to parties. 30 percent of surveyed pundits lenge lying ahead for the country over fi scal policy, focus more on infrastruc- The majority of experts also expect change the procedures for electing the named the “failure to build a liberal the next few years and to give recom- tural development and abandon the foreign debt to increase during the next president. coalition prior to the elections” as the mendations to the GD government how “Larization” policy. four years. 33% said it will increase Experts’ opinions diverged on the main reason behind the liberal parties’ to improve its policies. The surveyed experts also gave sev- “signifi cantly” and 56% said it will future of Georgian opposition parties. electoral fi asco. 59% percent identifi ed “Amid the ineffectiveness of the cur- eral recommendations to the majority increase “but by an affordable percent- Regarding the former ruling party a combination of reasons to explain rent and previous government, the rise and the opposition. They say the gov- age.” Only 7% percent expect the debt United National Movement (UNM), the weakness of the liberal center: fail- of the far right was the most frequently ernment should pay more attention to level to stay the same or to decrease 44% said the party’s relative strength ure to build a liberal coalition and the mentioned danger in experts’ com- democratic development and be more in the coming years. The projected and size of its electorate would remain absence of strong programmatic pro- ments. Among another dangers the cooperative with the opposition. economic growth of a maximum 3-4% at current levels. 22% expect the UNM fi les and political leadership. Overall, experts mentioned was the GD’s super- As for opposition parties, experts as predicted by the majority of experts to disintegrate further and 19% see the experts have a pessimistic view of the majority in the parliament which might believe the UNM should free itself from will probably not suffi ce to balance an opposite development: expecting the future facing the liberal parties. 52% be used to further strengthen the gov- the dominance of its former leadership, increase in foreign debt. UNM to consolidate and strengthen percent of surveyed respondents said erning party’s position and both the including Saakashvili. The respondents Moreover, the experts are concerned in future elections. the popularity of the liberal parties structural and policy inconsistency of also said that Liberal parties should about GD having the constitutional Further, the overwhelming majority would remain at the same low level the new government,” the report reads. potentially collaborate more to have majority in Georgia’s parliament. Only agree that the former president and and 26% foresee a further disintegra- The GIP survey revealed that the better chances in future elections. 11% of respondents said that GD’s UNM founder Mikheil Saakashvili has tion and eventual political insignifi - experts see that the window of oppor- The Georgian Institute of Politics supermajority in parliament will affect a negative impact on the UNM. 82% cance for the liberal center. Only 22% tunity has closed for the Georgian (GIP) is a Tbilisi-based non-profi t, Georgia’s democratic and economic of surveyed experts said he had a dam- of pundits have somewhat optimistic government to implement decisive non-partisan, research and analysis development “rather positively.” In aging impact on the former ruling party. expectations, believing that liberal par- reforms, since the election cycle is over organization founded in early 2011. contrast, 85% of experts said that it Only 11% considered his impact to be ties will manage to reorganize and and there are no national elections Since December 2013 GIP is member would “negatively” affect political pro- even “somewhat” positive. perform better in future elections. planned for the immediate future. In of the OSCE Network of Think Tanks cesses in the country. Experts’ negative The experts also lack optimism about GIP says their survey also asked the particular, the surveyed pundits rec- and Academic Institutions.

GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS DECEMBER 23 - 26, 2016 Georgia’s Prime Minister Holds Meetings in Turkey

BY THEA MORRISON

s a part of his offi cial state visit to Turkey, Georgia’s 100 People Cut from Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, met with the President of Turkey, Recep Georgia’s Defense Ministry ATayyip Erdogan, on Tuesday. The offi cials discussed bilateral coop- eration in politics, trade, economy, trans- Imedi TV that optimization would also port, energy, arts and culture and agreed BY THEA MORRISON affect military battalions. to further boost ties between the two "Our goal is to have the military police countries. battalions work as paramilitary units, Particular attention was paid to the round 100 people have been which will have servicemen who have issues of regional security and need to Georgia’s Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, met with the President of Turkey, Recep dismissed from the Military undergone at least one contract term ensure peace and stability in the region. Tayyip Erdogan on December 20 Police of Georgia’s Minis- and have received a military education. Prime Minister of Georgia once again President Kvirikashvili also had a meet- ritorial integrity and sovereignty of try of Defense (MoD) and This is why we made those people redun- expressed support to and solidarity with ing with his Turkish counterpart, Binali Georgia. We will continue doing so in further reduction of its staff dant. We do not need excess personnel,” the people and authorities of Turkey for Yldirim, at Dolmabahce Palace in Istan- the future. We believe that current prob- Ais expected. Jabakhidze said. the recent series of terrorist attacks. bul. lems should be resolved in the integral The information was confi rmed by the Parliament’s Defense and Security “Such violence should be opposed by "On behalf of the Government of Geor- territory of Georgia, respecting its sov- Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Shalva Committee Head, Irakli Sesiashvili, also the entire civilized world. Georgia stands gia, I strictly condemn the series of ter- ereignty and its internationally recog- Jabakhidze. commented on the issue and approved solidly by its friends in this process,” rorist attacks occurring in Turkey in the nized borders,” Mr. Yildirim stressed at The Ministry’s key fi gures said the the developments within the Ministry. President Kvirikashvili said. recent past and express solidarity with the press-conference. dismissals are not related to the govern- "I understand that for any person, los- Prior to their meeting, the two presi- the families of the victims, people and He also underlined that Turkey had ment’s decision to apply a 10% decrease ing a job is very diffi cult, but it is an dents attended the opening ceremonies authorities of the Republic of Turkey,” been Georgia’s top trade partner since in administrative expenses in all minis- unfortunate fact that the Ministry of for Istanbul’s Eurasia Tunnel. said President Kvirikashvili. 2007 and that the two countries plan to tries of Georgia. Defense needed and still needs serious A 14.6 km tunnel laid underneath the Turkey’s Foreign Minister thanked further boost the relationship. They explained that the changes had optimization,” he said. seabed will connect the continents of President Kvirikashvili for the support “Georgia and Turkey cooperate in the been planned as part of a necessary The newly jobless servicemen say they Europe and Asia, contributing, backers demonstrated by Georgia many times. area of investments. We launched the reform within the Ministry itself. were not given any detailed information say, to a revival of the historic Silk Road. He said that Turkey continued to sup- Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway project, which However, it was previously stated by about their dismissal and were told only The Eurasia Tunnel runs for 5.4 km port Georgia’s geopolitical aspirations, is jointly implemented by Turkey, Geor- the Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi that a reduction of staff is underway at underneath the Bosphorus. State-of-the- including accession to the North Atlan- gia and Azerbaijan. We hope it will be Kvirikashvili, and other governmental the Ministry. art technology has been used to seem- tic Treaty Organization (NATO) and completed in the fi rst quarter of 2017 offi cials, that dismissals would not be Some sources say that Ministry of Inter- lessly connect the newly constructed integration with the European Union and extend the transport corridor to seen in the law enforcement bodies. nal Affairs is also planning to cut back on double-deck tunnel with existing infra- (EU) and Euro-Atlantic Structures. bring new momentum to the historic Deputy Chief of the General Staff told the number of employees in the near future. structure. “Turkey has always supported the ter- Silk Road,” Mr. Yildirim said. GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 23 - 26, 2016 POLITICS 7

Georgia’s Education Minister, Alexander Jejelava. Source: Ipress

Georgia’s Education Ministry to Reduce Staff Numbers throughout the Country

the current number,” he explained, adding that BY THEA MORRISON optimization would also apply to the regional rep- resentatives of the Audit Service. He also believes that in order to save fi nancial eorgia’s Education Minister, Alexan- resources, internet companies ought to be con- der Jejelava, has told Palitra News tracted instead of the "school-based" internet spe- that around 200 to 250 people are to cialists currently employed. be dismissed from the Ministry in the The Minister does not rule out the reorganization near future. of employees working in the ministry itself. GThe Minister spoke about the ongoing process On the whole, Jejelava said around 250 people of optimization in the Ministry and confi rmed that would be dismissed from the ministry and its the number of lawyers is going to be halved. branches. He added that the Ministry has confi rmed Jejelava said that in total there were 73 lawyers a new scheme of teachers’ qualifi cation exams. in the regional resource centers, and that after After passing two obligatory exams, teachers will reorganization there would be only 37. be promoted and their salaries increased. "We agreed with the resource centers that not The optimization is also expected within other every offi ce needs a lawyer, so we decided to halve ministries.

Seeking Alternatives: How Can Armenia Transport Cargo to & from Russia?

a 400 GEL fi ne on people who illegally enter the OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA occupied territories. Put simply, if a truck driver moving from Russia to Armenia crosses the Geor- gian border from the River Psou pass or the Roki he initiative to make changes to the Tunnel, he will be obliged to pay 400 GEL in Zug- Law of Georgia on Occupied Territo- didi or Gori before being set free to return to his ries has a new story to tell. Alongside homeland. In contrast, according to the law in force those supporting “humanization” from today, the driver will be captured and jailed for the governmental party are those from four years. Tthe government of our neighboring country. The Discussions on fi nding a substitute to the Geor- Prime Minister of Armenia has already begun to gian Military Highway were heard in summer. The convince local importers that an alternative to the Minister of Transport of Armenia, Gagik Beglaryan, military highway connecting Russia and Georgia offered a number of alternatives to the Georgian has been found. Although it was not specifi ed Prime Minister during his visit to Tbilisi, among through which geographical point our neighbor them the E-60 transit corridor and the Tbilisi- plans to transport the cargo from Russia to Georgia Bakurtsikhe-Lagodekhi route. However, neither of if not via the Dariali Gorge, without changes to the these options has any connection with the Russian Law of Georgia on Occupied Territories, this prom- border- the fi rst starts in Baku and ends in Poti, ise has no grounds and this fact is crystal clear not while the other crosses the Azerbaijani border. only to Offi cial Yerevan, but also to Offi cial Mos- Therefore it is unclear how these make it an alter- cow and Tbilisi as well. native to the existing route. Maybe they were dis- Our neighbor announced the need for diversifi - cussing the new road coming from Dagestan to cation of the transportation corridor connecting it Kvareli and joining the Tbilisi-Bakurtsikhe- with Russia when a landslide blocked the highway Lagodekhi route, but nobody specifi ed this. Thus, back in summer. Offi cial Yerevan demanded that we can assume that both Yerevan and Tbilisi pre- the Georgian Military Highway in Dariali be sub- fer “humanization” over building new roads and stituted by the Roki Tunnel in Javi Gorge. Naturally, wasting resources. this request was met with the relevant reaction. In 76 MPs clicking the green button will be enough fact, Prime Minister Kvirikashvili confi rmed that to make the changes to the law. Former Prime Min- certain consultations were attempted in the ister of Georgia Tengiz Sigua excludes fi nding any Abashidze-Karasin format but an agreement could reasonable alternative to the current Upper Larsi not reached, since the Kremlin raised political border crossing point used as the transportation demands regarding the status of the occupied route connecting Russia and Armenia via Georgia. region. “Armenia can receive cargo from Russia via Geor- The declaration of Armenian Premier Karen gia only through the Upper Larsi border crossing Karapetyan that an alternative to the Georgian point; they have no alternative. Iran would let the Military Highway has been found raises the seri- cargo through, because Russian military cargo goes ous suspicion that the “humanization” of the law through the Caspian Sea. However, as far as I know on occupied territories has nothing to do with car- the railway line which carries Russian cargo from ing for the people living in Abkhazia and South Iran to Armenia is so overloaded that it cannot Ossetia and serves more the interests of Moscow accept any additions,” Sigua said in an interview and Yerevan. The “humanization” means imposing with Pirveli. GEORGIA TODAY 8 POLITICS DECEMBER 23 - 26, 2016

Embassy of Belarus Offi cially Opens in Tbilisi

Georgia was fi rst announced when the President BY THEA MORRISON of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, visited Georgia last year. Prior to opening the embassy, the Belarusian For- n embassy of Belarus has been offi - eign Minister held a face-to-face meeting with cially opened in Tbilisi for the fi rst Minister Janelidze during which the sides discussed time, after a two-day visit by Belaru- a broad spectrum of political, trade-economic and sian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei cultural-humanitarian issues between Georgia and to Georgia. Belarus and emphasized the importance of holding AGeorgia’s Foreign Minister, Mikheil Janelidze, regular political consultations between the foreign opened the embassy with his Belarusian counter- ministries of the two countries. The necessity of part and expressed hope that the step would further deepening co-operation in the Eastern Partnership deepen relations between the two former Soviet format was also highlighted. republics. The Ministers noted the increasing dynamic of The fi rst ambassador of Belarus to Georgia will high-level visits between the two countries, espe- be Mikhail Miatlikov, who arrived in Georgia in cially in 2016, which contributes to deepening August. practical cooperation in various areas. At the opening ceremony, Janelidze addressed After the meeting, Janelidze said that talks are the close political, economic, trade and cultural underway with Belarus to develop trade and eco- ties between Belarus and Georgia and said the nomic relations in order to increase bilateral trade opening of the embassy was a historic event. as well as the participation of Belarusian enterprises “The opening of the Belarus Embassy to Georgia in the Georgian economy. means that bilateral ties between us in regional Moreover, Makei travelled to the village of Khur- and international formats will be even more valeti, near the occupation line separating breaka- enhanced,” Janelidze said, and wished the new way Tskhinvali region from the rest of Georgia. He Ambassador success in his future activities. also paid tribute to fallen Georgian soldiers at the The opening of Belarus offi cial representation to national memorial.