Issue no: 919 • FEBRUARY 10 - 13, 2017 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... Russian Diplomat Says Georgians Should Not Expect Visa Requirements to be Lifted NEWS PAGE 2 Towards a New Security Strategy for Georgia

POLITICS PAGE 5

Nicolai on Georgia, Europe & Visa Liberalization POLITICS PAGE 7 FOCUS Swiss Ambassador: ON EUROPE'S The Swiss Should DECISION Be Inspired by the Concerns at home and a Georgian Flexibility mixed reaction awayPAGE 4,5&7 & Adaptability SOCIETY PAGE 9 Modern Slavery? Fresco Employees Torch this Place: Svaneti SOCIETY PAGE 11

Claim Working Conditions Violated Presentation of BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI Book: Unknown Sergo Kobuladze mployees of the Fresco super- market chain this week used CULTURE PAGE 12 social media to expose their belief that their rights are being severely violated. TBC Gallery to Showcase EIn a post published on Facebook, the Fresco workers say the treatment of Restored Pirosmani Paintings Fresco towards its employees can be considered “inhuman” and an example CULTURE PAGE 13 of “modern slavery”. The post then goes on to state that although the Georgian labor code sets the legal working week as a maximum of 48 hours, the Fresco employees say they work for 60 hours and are not paid for the overtime, with a minimum salary of just 400 GEL. The list of employee complaints moves on to talk of the prohibition of cell- phone use, even during breaks, “cutting them off from the outside world with no possibility to communicate with their family members for 12 hours a day”. Continued on page 3 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS FEBRUARY 10 - 13, 2017 Discount Week Launches Russian Diplomat Says in Kakheti Hotels Georgians Should Not Expect Visa Requirements to be Lifted

BY THEA MORRISON

t his meeting with the Geor- gian Prime Minister's Spe- cial Representative for Discount Week Cover. Source: GNTA Relations with Russia, Zurab Abashidze, on Tues- Discounts of 25% or more will be avail- Aday in Prague (Czech Republic), Russian BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI able in Kakheti hotels from February Deputy Foreign Minister, Grigory Kara- 13- 27 for both local visitors and tourists. sin, stated that Georgians should not The project aims at boosting the pop- expect a lifting of visa requirements from Zurab Abashidze and Grigory he first ever discount ularity of one of Georgia’s regions, through Russia. karasin. Source: vestikavkaza.ru week is to launch in attracting tourists during the off-season "We are not against a visa-free regime, Kakheti region, Georgia, period. but we do not have diplomatic relations… ties between Georgia and Russia has munication, certain humanitarian and as part of a promotionof Kakheti is one of the world’s oldest We fi rst need to calmly discuss all meas- nothing to do with lifting visa restric- customs monitoring problems were also tourist destinations and winemaking regions with a tradition of ures concerning the security of the two tions,” he added, pointing to the fact that discussed during the three-hour meet- Tservices. The initiative is being run wine production dating back to 6000 countries in the framework of the respec- in March 2012, Georgia unilaterally waived ing. by the Georgian National Tourism BC, which has earned it a place on UNE- tive agencies," Karasin said. visas for Russian nationals. Despite some contradictory statements, Administration. SCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Russian news agency Tass says that the “We abolished the visa regime for Rus- both diplomats agreed that the meeting diplomat welcomed the decision of the sian citizens even without diplomatic format helps to normalize relations European Parliament to lift visa require- ties with Russia,” Abashidze said. between Georgia and Russia and ments for Georgia once a suspension At the meeting, Russia’s Karasin also Abashidze noted that the regular dia- RENT YOUR DREAM mechanism goes into force. raised the issue of Georgian Vice-Colo- logue with Russia had helped Georgia “He voiced hope that this will help to nel Giorgi Tsertsvadze, accused of mur- to achieve progress with the EU with APARTMENT IN TSKNETI solve the issue on ‘unblocking’ the citi- der and wanted by Interpol on Russia’s regards visa liberalization. zens of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, two request. “Georgia’s European partners support Very cosy one bedroom 75 sq.m apartment in Tbilisi area with spectacular view breakaway republics recognized by Rus- "Gia Tsertsvadze’s case concerns a the Georgia-Russia dialogue and recog- over the mountains. sia as independent states in August 2008,” criminal offense committed on the ter- nize its importance in maintaining sta- 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 the article reads. ritory of Russia in 2003. We have the bility in the region,” he said. comes with a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom. Moreover, Tass reports that Abashidze documentation. We do not send Karasin and Abashidze agreed to hold Comfortable and stylish living-room, cozy bedroom with closet and king-sized said Georgia is ready to welcome Rus- unfounded requests to Interpol,” he said. another meeting in two months. bed. 20 sq.m terrace overlooking the mountains. Relax while enjoying the view and sia’s steps aimed at easing visa restric- Abashidze argued that the case does The fi rst Abashidze-Karasin meeting unwind with a glass of wine on the balcony as you watch the sun set. tions or even waiving visas. not fi t the format of the meeting, though took place in Geneva on December 14, Parking & WiFi available. "If Russia takes further steps to ease he himself raised the case of Georgian 2012. If you are looking for the perfect place to live, this is the apartment for you! visa restrictions or even waive visas for Giorgi Giunashvili, who was sentenced Since 2013, the meetings are being held Only long-term residents should apply. Georgian citizens, we will welcome it, by a so-called Tskhinvali court to 20 in Prague. The meetings constitute a Ideally suited for a couple or single. but we understand that it’s for the Rus- year’s imprisonment for alleged military direct dialogue between the two coun- For more information contact: + 995 595279997 sian authorities to decide," Abashidze activities against South Ossetian soldiers. tries’ offi cials following the 2008 Russian- said. “However, the absence of diplomatic Trade-economic issues, transport com- Georgian war.

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Fresco Employees Georgia and France Claim Working Conditions Violated Expand Cooperation Continued from page 1 employees say they were made to work the product prices correctly, etc.,” Mar- 12 hours a day without a break, and iam Apridonidze, Marketing and PR Some salaries are said to have been instead of being paid the expected 40 representative from Fresco, told news reduced by 50 percent and in other cases GEL overtime, they claim were paid just service Tabula, pointing out it is not by more than the previously agreed 20 18 GEL. stated at the time of applying the penalty percent, with no clear answer given as The fi nes and penalties – from 10 to exactly which rule the employee broke. to why, though the employees suspect 100 GEL - placed on the employees are “Employees are aware which penalties they may be fi nes and penalties. How- “unfair,” they say, for example, an are issued and for what, and know that ever, no offi cial documentation has been employee who hangs his coat on a hook these amounts will be taken off their provided to justify the salary cuts by instead of in the cupboard will be issued salaries.” Fresco management. a penalty of 20 GEL. When one of the Apridonidze outright denied that Fresco The employees also allege that any- Fresco branch employees decided to employees are forced to work overtime products returned by customers are then leave in November, they were told their hours, claiming that overtime only hap- cut in value from their salaries. CV would be “black-listed”. pens when mutually agreed beforehand. Bar codes show different prices when Fresco management are denying all She went on to refute all other accusa- scanned, the employees claim in their the accusations. “Compared to our com- tions against the company. Facebook post, misleading the custom- petitors, Fresco employees have benefi - Ministry of Labor, Health and Social ers. cial working conditions with high sala- Maintenance said it would investigate During the New Year period, the ries, promotion possibilities and free the case and inspect the working condi- Georgian Foreign Minister meets with representatives of the meals,” they stated. tions in the supermarket chain. Ministry Georgian Diaspora in France “Fines and penalties are applied as representatives planned to meet both disciplinary sanctions on the employees employees and managers and look over Central African Republic and Mali. BY THEA MORRISON for violating rules- not coming to work the agreements. If labor law violations The sides also spoke about Georgia’s on time, not serving the customers in a were found, it said the case would then participation at the Bordeaux-based good and timely manner, not displaying be sent to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Wine Civilization Museum and agreed At the time of going to press, it was he French Minister of to work closely to mark the 25th anni- announced by Imedi news that Health Foreign Affairs and Inter- versary of diplomatic relations between Minister Sergeenko is claiming no vio- national Development, the two countries, with Janelidze invit- lations were found at Fresco. Jean-Marc Ayrault, this ing Jean-Marc Ayrault to take part in week confirmed that the anniversary events to be held in TFrance supports the ongoing reforms Georgia. in Georgia and the country’s European Prior to meeting his French counter- integration, and is ready to further part, Janelidze held a meeting with the expand co-operation between the two Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Com- countries in a number of areas. mittee of the French National Assem- Ayrault made the statement on Tues- bly, Elisabeth Guigou, in which they day, during a meeting with his Georgian focused on the security situation in the counterpart, Mikheil Janelidze. region, including in Georgia’s occupied The French Minister congratulated territories. The sides expressed their Janelidze on the European Parliament’s readiness to further deepen coopera- decision to lift visas for Georgian citi- tion in economy, tourism, infrastruc- zens and the Georgian Foreign Minister ture, agriculture and other sectors. in turn thanked his French colleague The Georgian Foreign Minister also for his active support of Georgia. The met with the Secretary of State for CNN’s List of 20 Travel Destinations Includes Old Tbilisi Baths offi cials discussed existing relations European Affairs of France, Harlem between the two countries and expressed Desir, who expressed his interest in readiness to further expand coopera- Georgia’s energy, infrastructure, tour- BY THEA MORRISON tion in the economy sector. ism and agriculture sectors. Janelidze informed his French col- The offi cials underlined the impor- league of the Georgian government’s tance of the South Caucasus Offi ce of NN’s list of 20 Travel Des- priorities in tourism, energy, infrastruc- the Agency of French Development tinations includes Georgia’s ture and agriculture, and outlined (AFD) in Georgia which will contrib- capital Tbilisi and its prospects for mutual relations in these ute to the attraction of French invest- famous Abanotubani ther- areas. The sides also discussed co- ments to Georgia. mal baths. operation in the areas of defense and Janelidze then visited representatives C"Situated on the south side of Metekhi security. of the Georgian diaspora in Paris to dis- Bridge, its low cupolas house baths where Georgia’s Foreign Ministry (MFA) cuss the Georgian government’s policy water bubbles from the earth at about reports that the French Foreign Min- with respect to Georgian citizens living 90 F (32 C),” writes CNN. ister reaffi rmed France’s strong support abroad, including projects and programs The article goes on to explain that Tbi- for Georgia’s sovereignty and territo- the Ministry plans to carry out to involve lisi was named for the water: “Tbilisi rial integrity, being fi rmly against any the Georgian Diaspora in the develop- gets its name from the Old Georgian attempt of annexation of the territories ment processes of Georgia. word "tbili," meaning warm, due to its of sovereign countries. Before completing his three-day visit hot, sulfurous water." “Jean-Marc Ayrault stressed that to France, the Georgian Foreign Min- The article cites Sarah Freeman, pho- France fi nds inadmissible the so-called ister was invited to speak on Radio tojournalist, who claims Tbilisi is "a new agreements signed by Russia with France Internationale about the main European city brimming with East-meets- Georgia’s occupied regions,” the Min- agenda of his meetings in France. West culture and natural sulfurous waters istry reports. “Our ultimate aim is full membership that give the Cagaloglu Baths a run for The French Foreign Minister thanked of the European Union,” Janelidze said The Tbilisi bath houses. Photo: Roedolf Thorpe its money" and goes on to recommend Georgia for contributing to interna- in his interview, stressing that the a visit to the Georgian capital's bath and indulged in a massage from one of Other destinations on the list include: tional security and underlined the Georgian people had made a choice to quarter, Abanotubani. the mekise (masseur)," Sarah is quoted Indonesia, Egypt, Namibia, Canada, Bra- importance of Georgia’s participation return to the European family, “where "When I went, I sipped on Turkish tea as saying. zil, and Montenegro. in the peacekeeping missions in the they always belonged”. GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS FEBRUARY 10 - 13, 2017 Parliament Approves Majority MP as Constitutional Court Judge

were simultaneously suspended with BY THEA MORRISON her new appointment. The position in the Constitutional Court became vacant in September 2016 when he Parliament of Georgia Judge Ketevan Eremadze’s 10-year term on Wednesday approved expired. the majority MP and former Kobakhidze’s candidacy was submitted Parliament Speaker, to the parliament on January 24 by the Manana Kobakhidze, to take ruling party Georgian Dream (GD), which she said. “My decisions will be based Parliamentary minority party, Move- akhidze is an experienced professional Tup the position of Constitutional Court has 115 MPs and makes up a constitu- only on the principles of the Constitu- ment for Freedom-European Georgia, and insist she will be a successful judge. Judge. tional majority. The new judge thanked tion and the circumstances of the cases.” says that Kobakhidze is politically biased The Constitutional Court seats nine 101 MPs voted for Kobakhidze with the majority MPs for their support and The opposition criticizes the ruling and does not fi t the position. Former judges. The President, Parliament and only 10 against in the 150-seat legislative said that she will help to establish con- party for supporting Kobakhidze and says ruling party United National Movement the Supreme Court each appoint three body. stitutional order. the government aims to infl uence the holds the same position. members of the Court for a 10-year Kobakhidze’s responsibilities as an MP “Any political ties are left in the past,” court by appointing their own member. The majority, however, claim that Kob- term. The Awkward Truth that Georgians Don’t Get: Ogden on the Visa Liberalization policy: immigration, crime, security. Others have openly stated their inten- OP-ED BY TIM OGDEN Georgians voted for Bidzina Ivanishvili tion to illegally immigrate, and given because they thought he would share little thought to the consequences. his wealth with them. Brussels dragged its feet over granting eorgia's visa liberalization I know this because I had many Geor- Georgia access to the Schengen Zone solely with the European Union gians tell me so at the time, and when due to the fact that various EU countries has been unanimously wel- contradicted they told me that he had could not agree on a Suspension Mecha- comed all across the coun- performed many acts of charity and built nism, ie. the kill switch Brussels can use try; as well as having the Sameba Cathedral (wow!). When I pointed if Georgians fail to play by the rules...and Gvery obvious benefi t of allowing Geor- out that his construction of the church given that the Georgian government, busy gians to travel to the Schengen Zone had done little to ease the plight of the trumpeting its own success, seems to have without needing to apply for a visa, it beggars lying at its gates, I was told I done little in explaining exactly what the has also shown that the EU has – fi nally didn't understand Georgia (this, by the new visa regime entitles Georgians to, I'm – kept its word. Georgians are now under- way, is a blanket defense used by Geor- fairly confi dent that many Georgians will standably clamoring to take advantage gians when faced with an awkward truth deliberately or inadvertently violate the of the cheap Wizz Air fl ights out of they would prefer not to admit). agreement. I even heard of some people Kutaisi at the fi rst opportunity, and those Already I have had similar sentiments who thought that the visa-free policy came of us with Georgian spouses rejoice at expressed over the EU's visa liberaliza- into effect this week; whatever informa- the thought that we will no longer need tion. Many people seem entirely unaware tion campaign the government has to go through any ridiculous European that Europe's offer does not extend to launched, it is clearly not informative visa process for a fi ve-day holiday. A labor, while others shrug off the fact that enough. celebratory mood is in the air, God is in they are not entitled to work, and point After the recent release of the shock- his heaven, and all seems right with the out that Germany has accepted millions ing details over the amount of traffi c world (with the exception of the lunatic of Syrians and Iraqis and let them settle, collisions in Georgia, a friend of mine inhabiting the White House, Britain's as though that has anything to do with it. (who has driven in this country for years uncertain future, and the wholesale Attitudes of this kind are hardly rare and its suffi ciently traumatized) told me slaughter going on down in Syria). in Georgia. Many times, I have heard 'I that he thinks Georgians simply cannot I, however, the cynical Englishman sit- will go to live and work in Germany/ be trusted with cars; having written about ting on Georgia's shoulder, have some Canada/England/America. My friend is this some weeks ago, I fi nd it hard to reservations. frightening) passion of Bidzina's support- under any circumstances whatsoever, but there, they will help me'. When pressed completely disagree. While nobody will In 2012, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili ers. People voting for unqualifi ed or unu- I can see why a left-wing voter might sup- for exactly how a work visa will be die from any violation of Georgia's won- and his Georgian Dream party defeated sual political choices invariably have a port him; I fi nd the man and his ideas achieved, or how they can hope to work derful new visa regime with the EU, it the United National Movement govern- reason behind their choice, and if their ridiculous and unrealistic, but I could say in a country in which they do not speak is more important than ever for Geor- ment in Georgia's parliamentary elections; motives are impossible to condone, they that about almost any socialist fi gure. Even the language, I have always been met gians to show that they can be respon- anyone present in Georgia at the time will are at least able to be understood. I would (some) Trump supporters based their with a shrug and subsequent hostility sible. I wish the government good luck, remember the almost fanatical (and frankly not cast a ballot for Labor's Jeremy Corbyn choice on a few ideas (loosely) resembling over criticisms of their fl awless plan. I have a strong feeling they'll need it. GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 10 - 13, 2017 POLITICS 5 Towards a New Security Strategy for Georgia

Georgia’s the US is a kind of benign neglect, but care. This is a diffi cult, but not impos- but at least it brought clarity and made BY LINCOLN MITCHELL even that may be optimistic. Without chances of getting sible task. Georgia’s options relatively straightfor- strong support from the US, Georgia’s The fi rst step Georgia has taken to this ward. prospects for NATO membership will into NATO are end is to position itself as the reasonable It also no longer really applies. The ike many Americans who drop substantially. one in this dispute. While those who are sooner Georgia is able to recognize that study, or if you prefer, kibitz Second, even if, through some set of signifi cantly less paying attention see Russia moving bor- and adapt accordingly, the more easily about Georgia, I have recently unforeseen circumstances, Georgia was der fences, seeking to strengthen their it will be able to address its security been contacted by quite a few able to advance its efforts to get into than they were a ties to the breakaway regions and wreak- related challenges. This may mean build- people in Georgian media, NATO, it could turn out the prize is ulti- ing havoc in eastern Ukraine, Georgia’s ing new relationships, thinking of stra- governmentL and civil society who are mately hollow. Although there is no year ago. NATO rhetoric has been strong but calm, and tegic relations differently, and changing concerned about how the election of doubt that it is better to be in NATO than not threatening. This has been a diffi cult the way international affairs are discussed Donald Trump will effect Georgia and not, it is equally beyond doubt that mem- is likely entering a balance for the government to achieve, domestically in Georgia. Just as Georgia’s what Georgia can do to ensure its sur- bership in NATO would mean a lot less but it has been reasonably successful. foreign policy must become more com- vival and security given the rapid and to Georgia today that it would have one, period of chaos This all points to the need for Georgia plex and multi-vectored as it has been not quite predictable pace of change in two, fi ve or ten years ago. to develop a national security strategy doing in recent years, domestic politics the US, and globally. Georgia’s security now depends on as the American that has a global perspective, but that that are too often contests to see which As I begin to answer these questions, pivoting away from a NATO-centric also takes into consideration Georgia’s party can announce its pro-west orien- I am struck by how many Georgians approach and instead seeking to become role in, and broader geographical context, regional tation the loudest, will be decreasingly expressed similar concern about Presi- part of a more global political environ- considerations and the evolving geopo- relevant. dent Obama when he was elected in ment. The Georgian government’s suc- commitment to, litical environment. Some caution is The Georgia Analysis is a twice monthly 2008. Nobody thought Obama was erratic cessful effort to deepen its economic required here as for too long many in analysis of political and other major develop- or dangerous, as they do about Trump, ties with China should be seen in this NATO is in and around Georgia have believed that ments in Georgia. Lincoln Mitchell is a politi- but many in Georgia believed that Obama, regard. While this is primarily, at least its unique location is the key to its future cal development, research and strategic as a liberal Democrat, was somehow on the surface, an economic strategy, it question for the prosperity and national security. At times consultant who has worked extensively in the insuffi ciently committed to American has national security implications as this has veered in intellectual laziness post-Soviet region. security and to Georgia. Before we turn well. If China is heavily invested in Geor- fi rst time since the and magical thinking. After all, every to what Georgia can do to survive the gia, that means there is one more pow- country has a unique location and can Trump era, it is worth noting that dur- erful country that does not want to see alliance was tell a story about why its location is ing his eight years in offi ce, President Russia invade or otherwise destabilize critically important to global, or at least Obama was a pretty good friend to Geor- Georgia. founded regional, trade and stability. gia. Even good strategic relations like this This may, in fact, be more true of Geor- There is no reason, at least for the one, however, offer little guarantee in to do, with varying degrees of success gia than most countries, but that alone moment, the same can be said of Presi- this changing environment. For years, for almost three decades, simply hoping is not enough. Nor are good but still Georgia [needs] dent Trump. It is therefore of the utmost Russia has cultivated, and at times exag- that Georgia gets better at it, is not a limited ideas like a new Silk Road enough. importance for Georgia to craft a strat- gerated, the existence of a Moscow- plan. Instead, Georgia’s longer term security to develop a egy that refl ects the evolving political Beijing axis that is a global counter to Despite this, by strengthening its ties rests on positioning itself in a complex dynamics and that this strategy go con- American power. With an American to China and other non-western powers, and rapidly changing region. In the past, national security siderably beyond hoping that Georgia’s President who campaigned on economic integrating more into the new Silk Road, Georgia sought to do this by becoming friends in the US will succeed in infl u- saber-rattling towards China, and who Silk Belt and the like, Georgia can grad- one of America’s strongest allies in the strategy that has a encing the new administration. is at best more sympathetic to, and at ually remove itself from the crosshairs region, but that is no longer enough. As For years, Georgia’s long term security worst a stooge of, Russia, Moscow may of the US-Russia binary dynamic that the US-Russia relationship changes, Iran global strategy has been built around the hope be less concerned with China’s view on has framed most of its recent history. simultaneously becomes more open to of joining the NATO alliance at some a potential incursion into Georgia. None- Even when this dynamic is straightfor- trade with much of the world and a pos- perspective... point in the not too distant future. While theless, on balance, creating confl ict with ward and the US position has been clear, sible target of the next American war, it would be foolish to abandon that aspi- China for any reason is still not a wise it has not been easy for Georgia. The confl icts in Syria and Iraq show little tak[ing] into ration entirely, that aspiration looks a move for Russia, so a stronger Georgia- current complexity and possible dramatic signs of abating, the Ukraine confl ict lot different today than it did a year or China relationship is a sound strategic shift of the American position in the goes on and international Islamic move- consideration two ago for two distinct reasons. First, move for Tbilisi. bilateral US-Russia relationship under- ments take new forms and move in new Georgia’s chances of getting into NATO It is not, however, enough. China, like scores the necessity for Georgia to be directions, Georgia must also rethink its Georgia’s are signifi cantly less than they were a most western countries, would be very perceived, and to indeed be, something place and create a role for itself where year ago. NATO, in general, is likely unlikely to provide military support other than a pawn in that great power- it is more valuable to both Russia and broader entering a period of chaos as the Amer- should a Russia-Georgia confl ict occur, love-hate relationship. the West as a functioning sovereign state ican role in, and commitment to, NATO and would be only slightly more likely There are some things Georgia can do than yet another confl ict region. geographical is in question for the fi rst time since the to rupture its economic relationship with to increase the likelihood that its inter- Again, this suggestion will be very dif- alliance was founded. In this context, Russia over Georgia. Georgia can help national alliances and relationships will fi cult to implement, and more impor- context, regional there will be little desire for expansion, itself by trying to build more bilateral be an important part of its security struc- tantly to even think through, but this is and whatever desire for expansion within economic ties of the kind it is develop- ture, but there are no guarantees. Accord- precisely why it is important. In today’s considerations the alliance there is will likely get very ing with China, but this kind of advice ingly, Georgia must pursue other direc- world, simply pushing as hard as pos- little traction from most of the member is a bit like telling a poor person that to tions as well. The most obvious direction sible for NATO and hoping for the best and the evolving countries. Additionally, it is hard to imag- solve their problems, they just need more is to position Georgia so that if Russia is no longer the best strategy or even ine that the US will continue to be a money. Drawing foreign investments, were to invade, the world’s sympathies one that is possible. The soft bipolarity geopolitical strong advocate for Georgia to get into generating trade and the like is diffi cult would be with Georgia, not Russia- and of politics in the Caucasus in recent years NATO. The best Georgia can expect from work, and work that Georgia has sought more dauntingly, that the world would may have created problems for Georgia, environment GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS FEBRUARY 10 - 13, 2017 Parliament Overrides Presidential Veto on Judicial Reform

The Great Alania person of the Court and Chamber at the same time. Kokoity’s participation in the so-called elections BY THEA MORRISON OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA • Judges should have the opportunity to be rep- has yet to be confi rmed, but surrendering inde- resented in the High Court of Justice as the court pendence to Russia has a great number of oppo- chairs will no longer be able to be members of the nents. They say in Tskhinvali that appointing the he Majority MPs of Parliament rejected council. ccupied South Ossetia is waiting for referendum is a PR stunt designed to gain votes President Giorgi Margvelashvili’s rec- • Rules about collecting and spreading informa- another referendum. While many and in reality has nothing to do with the notion of ommendations over judicial reform tion on each candidate in the process of selecting fl ed the territory following the ethnic Great Alania. Correspondent of Echo of Caucasus, and by 97 votes, the President’s veto judges should be specifi ed. cleansing, the population currently Zhana Tarkhanova, disagrees, writing that though was overridden late on February 8. • A judge should not undergo a three-year proba- residing there must now decide some might believe the referendum to be a public- TThe parliamentary opposition United National tion period before being appointed to the position. Owhether they want the name of the Republic of ity stunt, in fact this idea has quite a lot of support- Movement (UNM), Movement for Freedom-Euro- • The number of Supreme Court judges should South Ossetia to be changed to the ‘Republic of ers in both South and North Ossetia. pean Georgia and the Alliance of Patriots of Geor- be defi ned by law. South Ossetia-Alania’. The so-called President Despite the power struggle inside the de facto gia (APG) supported the president’s motivated Giorgi Abashishvili, Head of the Presidential Leonid Tibilov has already signed the Referendum regime, Offi cial Tbilisi has responded to the ini- remarks, however, as the ruling party Georgian Administration, said he cannot understand why decree and it will be held on April 9 along with the tiative of changing the name of the occupied ter- Dream (GD) has a constitutional majority in the Magvelashvili’s remarks would be rejected. so-called Presidential elections. ritory through the referendum. Prime Minister parliament with 115 MPs, the veto was easily over- “The President’s remarks were aimed at increas- Naming the occupied territory ‘South Ossetia- Kvirikashvili hailed it another step towards Russia’s ridden. ing the independency and quality of the judicial Alania’ is a longtime dream of the separatists, a annexation of Ossetia. “This referendum once again The President vetoed the bill on January 24, say- system and were mainly based on the Venice Com- term historically mentioned a quarter-century ago, reveals the real intentions of the occupational ing the legislative package included a number of mission's opinions,” he said. in the very fi rst days of the confl ict, when the sep- power, which is to turn Georgia’s inseparable regions provisions that contradict the principles of judicial Majority member Mamuka Mdinaradze says that aratist leaders announced the “Holy War” against into its own integral part. According to interna- independence and the impartiality of the judges. the veto was overridden because the President’s Offi cial Tbilisi in the name of the revival of the tional law, holding a referendum in a region which He offered six recommendations to the parlia- remarks were not well-grounded. “Great Alania”. Notably, the Autonomous Republic is effectively controlled by occupational powers ment in order to improve the legislation: "We are carrying out an unprecedented judicial of North Ossetia, which is part of the Russian Fed- and from which tens of thousands of locals have • Court Chairs should be elected by the judges reform, which is called the Third Wave. This reform eration, has been called the Republic of North fl ed as a result of ethnic cleansing is illegal and and not by the High Court of Justice. will have a positive effect on our country and peo- Ossetia–Alania since 1994. The so-called “Great completely unacceptable,” read the Prime Minis- • One and the same person should not be a chair- ple,” Mdinaradze affi rmed. Alania” is all about the unifi cation of the South and ter’s announcement. North Ossetias, as well as being directed towards The oppositional parties also believe that the so- joining the Russian Federation. called referendum is backed by Moscow rather In the occupied South Ossetia, as well as in North than Tskhinvali. Paata Davitaia, the head of Euro- Ossetia, the scheduled referendum is considered a pean Democrats, believes that adding the name prospect for the establishment of the United Repub- Alania to occupied South Ossetia is an attempt to lic of Alania as an integral part of the Russian Fed- unify it with North Ossetia. He adds that the situ- eration. Despite such accord, in reality there are ation in South Ossetia differs from that of Abkha- quite earthly intentions hiding behind the publicized zian and that the population is in favor of unifi ca- “Great Goal” of the referendum. tion with the Russian Federation. “Unlike On April 9, the so-called Presidential elections Abkhazians, local Ossetians favor joining Russia. will be held together with the referendum. Alleg- However, Russia has itself refrained from holding edly, the de-facto President Tibilov will be running a referendum on South Ossetia joining Russia, against the main creator of the 2008 August War because the business is not settled in Abkhazia yet. – Eduard Kokoity. The latter, and his supporters, Therefore, the issue of Alania is a new scheme are categorically against giving up what they gained planned against Georgia, which focuses on chang- during the August War. Therefore, they desperately ing the name in the fi rst place and later on unifi ca- oppose joining the Russian Federation and the tion. Let’s see how things develop,” says Paata proposal of renaming South Ossetia. Davitaia.

RFERL Reporter Says Georgia’s Visa Liberalization to Enter into Force in Late March

to take place on February 28. BY THEA MORRISON The correspondent says Ukraine’s visa-liberali- zation will go into force on June 12, 2017. The European Parliament (EP) voted in favor of ikard Jozwiak, Reporter of Radio Free visa-free travel for Georgian citizens to the Schen- Europe / Radio Liberty (RFERL), says gen Area at a plenary session on February 2. that Georgia’s visa liberalization with The visa-free regime between Georgia and the the European Union (EU) will likely EU will go into force as soon as the suspension enter into force on March 29. mechanism is activated. RThe reporter released the information in a Twit- When the process is complete, biometric passport ter post on Thursday. holders will be able to enter the Schengen area, Joswaik said the EU ambassadors would approve which includes 22 EU member states (excluding the visa liberalization for Georgia and the suspen- Ireland, the United Kingdom, Croatia, Cyprus, sion mechanism on February 22. Romania and Bulgaria) in addition to Iceland, As for Ukraine, Jozwaik reports the trialogue on Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, for 90 days visa liberalization for Ukraine between the Euro- within any 180-day period for a holiday, business pean Parliament, Commission and Council is set or any other purpose, except work. GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 10 - 13, 2017 POLITICS 7 Nicolai on Georgia, Europe & Visa Liberalization

and Bulgaria, and they consider Georgia, which is farther away than us, a periphery, too. This is arrogant. It’s nothing but hate speech. But remember that people who give such speeches are people of and for second value, which I call national inter- a moment: they aren’t people for history. INTERVIEW BY TEONA LAVRELASH- ests. It’s a turbulent period for us and Ignore it – you have a way ahead. Georgia VILI AND VAZHA TAVBERIDZE that’s the reason we heard so many dif- is a great country. If you are confi dent in ferent speeches. But anyway, the vote in the future of your country, these people favor was huge and that was a statement are marginal; they don’t matter. he visa liberalization deci- of our support towards Georgia. sion taken a week ago in WHAT CAN YOU TELL US OF Brussels was indeed a his- THERE HAVE BEEN SOME THE ROMANIAN-MOLDOVAN toric moment for Georgia, CONCERNS THAT THE COUNCIL EXPERIENCE SO FAR? WHAT long awaited by Georgians, MIGHT DELAY THE FINAL LESSONS FOR GEORGIA? Tand if the bulk of those waiting Geor- APPROVAL BECAUSE OF THE WHAT PRECAUTIONS? gians are to be believed, a long overdue UPCOMING ELECTIONS IN I believe that now you have a stable one. Although the decision was approved FRANCE AND GERMANY. WHAT political leadership, the main issue now by a large majority, skeptics were point- IS YOUR FEELING ON THAT? is how to set up an institution dealing ing at the possible risks and dangers. I know that there are some countries which with this, how not to turn this institution Therefore, we thought it worthwhile to aren’t very pleased with this visa liberali- into political, party-based leverage. analyze the arguments from naysayers, zation, especially Germany, which some- and to draw some conclusions on how times tries to have an agenda different to ANY TALK ABOUT GEORGIA’S to proceed for the mutual interests of that of the EU, an agenda based on national EUROPEAN ASPIRATIONS Georgia and the EU. interests, not on the interests of the EU. I WOULD BE INCOMPLETE The very fi rst guest of Panorama TV’s can understand Madame Merkel. She has WITHOUT MENTIONING ITS brand-new feature, Talks from Brussels, elections this year and it’s not decided NORTHERN NEIGHBOR WHICH was Ms. Norica Nicolai, Vice-Chair of whether she’ll remain [in power]. But I IS SO UNWILLING TO SEE THESE ALDE Group, The Alliance of Liberals believe that this will not {result in] post- ASPIRATIONS MATERIALIZE. and Democrats for Europe, and a Vice- poning the liberalization decision. HOW SHOULD GEORGIANS President of the EU-Georgia Friendship DEAL WITH RUSSIA? AND WHAT Group in the European Parliament. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL STANCE SHOULD THE EU TAKE? GEORGIA TODAY presents you the THOSE WHO VOTED Unfortunately, we often have to pay print version of the interview. AGAINST, CITING FEARS OF because of geography. Historically, Geor- “CORRUPTION, ORGANIZED gia is where it is and it’s always been a THERE WERE TWO DIFFERENT CRIME, TERRORISM”? GEORGIA problem. It’s a neighbor and although we PORTRAYALS OF EUROPE IN HAS THE BEST INDICATION must privilege good relationships with THE SPEECHES HEARD AT THE IN EASTERN EUROPE IN THE neighbors, Russia has yet to understand EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT - CORRUPTION PERCEPTION that neighborhood doesn’t mean domina- ONE OF CLOSED DOORS AND INDEX 2016- EVEN BETTER tion. Friendship and collaboration, eco- ANOTHER OF OPEN. WHICH THAN YOUR OWN COUNTRY nomical included, must be to the benefi t IS THE REAL EUROPE? – ROMANIA. ARE WE DEALING of both parties. Georgia can’t ignore Rus- These speeches are borne of months and WITH DOUBLE STANDARDS? sia and I believe it explains why Georgia years of fi ghting. We started this fi ght a Corruption doesn’t happen overnight isn’t in NATO yet. But Russia can’t put a few years ago, and it’s a fi rst step for – it’s a matter of tradition, of history, stop to the aspirations and that’s crucial. Georgia’s real European integration. cultural approach, how strong or weak Georgia, for me, is a European country, the state is… For the benefi t of the EU, WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP no matter if it is in the Caucasus. And if these kinds of things should disappear, FOR GEORGIA TOWARDS ITS the population of this European country but I can say neither Georgia nor Roma- EUROPEAN ASPIRATIONS? isn’t allowed to travel freely to other nia face such a phenomenon of corrup- WHAT ARE THE NEXT countries, this keeps this population in tion, so it is a double standard. BENCHMARKS GEORGIA what I’d call a modern Gulag. The EU WOULD HAVE TO FULFILL should remain an open territory with “A PERIPHERY, SERVING AS TO GET CLOSER TO EUROPE the privilege of freedom of movement. MERELY A ROAD TO EUROPE” AND WHAT CLOSURE But Europe changes quickly, by the year. AND “SHARING A BORDER WOULD THAT BRING? And this time, Europe is in crisis – eco- WITH TURKEY” WERE SOME OF The next steps would be to consolidate nomic, politic, social, you name it. And THE MOST SCATHING REMARKS the economy, be a competitive economy, the migration period we just had I believe THAT CAME FROM THOSE WHO strengthen political institutions, better infl uenced many of those speeches. The VOTED NO. WHAT DO YOU education for people – and that’s it. Keep [European] politicians have become less THINK OF THESE ARGUMENTS? doing this and we’ll be expecting Geor- open, less tolerant. They think and behave It’s a totalitarian approach. They talk gia in the European Union, as soon as not as one space, but rather in terms of about peripheries, including Romania possible! GEORGIA TODAY 8 BUSINESS FEBRUARY 10 - 13, 2017 Is the Hidden Hand of the Bank of Georgia behind the Rustavi Nitrogen Ownership Change?

BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE

ew details of the Rustavi Nitrogen (Azot) ownership change are com- ing to light, this time concerning a number of shady dealings between the factory’s former owner, Roman NPipia, the new owners EU Investments, and the National Bank of Georgia. Several media outlets have already reported on the issue, but it was Com- mersant.ge that revealed most details of the deals going on behind the scenes. Given a recent surge in society’s interest towards it, GEORGIA TODAY offers its readers a short retelling of Commersant’s investigation. The company that acquired the Rustavi Nitrogen factory recently fi red up to 350 of its workers amid furious protests. The workers demanded an expla- nation for their dismissal and unconditional res- toration to their posts. On February 2, the tensions reached a peak with the factory’s new owner call- ing on the police to disperse the protestors. But what really happened (and is still happening) in the 50-year-old facility, which remains the sole producer of nitrogen-based fertilizer in the Cau- casus, is something of a mystery. According to information spread by media, behind EU Invest- ments, the factory’s new owner, is the Bank of Georgia, which allegedly used a whole range of Loyal Capital Group, owned by Roman Pipia, the fact, although it was later discovered that the especially those of the Luxembourg bank that sought non-transparent, shady and arguably illegitimate received a $100 million standby loan from a Lux- “unrelated” company that received the $40 million repayment of its loan, as well as those of the Euro- actions to acquire the facility. Roman Pipia cannot embourg-based bank. Apparently, the purpose of was also affi liated with him, with its Luxembourg pean Bank for Reconstruction and Development boast an immaculate business record either, having the loan was to purchase the fertilizer factory’s offi ce registered in the same building as that of (EBRD), which was involved in the refi nancing of made Rustavi Nitrogen a hostage of his creditors stocks. At the time, Pipia already possessed 55% of Loyal Capital Group. problematic loans. Both banks were unceremoni- at a certain point in the past. All this begs the ques- shares. However, events took a different turn when According to widespread information, after Pipia ously sidelined, even prevented from participating tion: Has Rustavi Nitrogen become yet another of $40 million from the loan was almost immediately ceded almost half of his $100 mln loan, he tried in the auction. Bank of Georgia’s “non-core assets”? transferred elsewhere, to a completely unrelated refi nancing it in 2015, but was unable to do so. Loyal Eurobank is said to have received information of Various media outlets claim that in summer 2014, company’s account. Pipia refused to comment on Capital Group failed to pay back the loan after its the September 1, 2016 auction only two days before- grace period expired, and the bank in Luxembourg hand. Further, the message informing interested took the matter to court. parties in Europe about the auction was published At that time, the price of Rustavi Nitrogen’s chief in the Georgian language only. As a result, EU product (ammonium saltpeter) on the world mar- Investments, a company associated with the Bank ket was in decline, while the price of natural gas, of Georgia, took ownership of Rustavi Nitrogen its primary input resource, remained largely the and all its means of production. same. Most of the factory’s means of production The future of Rustavi Nitrogen, the country’s was mortgaged to the Bank of Georgia and could largest chemical factory, is murky at present. Con- not be utilized to overcome the crisis. This resulted sidering that the price of natural gas is now grow- in the factory’s already numerous problems becom- ing, while the value of ammonium saltpeter remains ing very acute; its working assets shrunk and wage low, it is unlikely that the factory can expect size- arrears began to occur. It was at this diffi cult moment able income in the near future. There is also a high that the Bank of Georgia decided to auction off the probability of the factory ceasing production alto- factory’s mortgaged resources. gether, meaning the 2000 workers that survived During the auction period, everything was appar- the fi rst wave of lay-offs may also be facing unem- ently done to disregard other creditors’ interests, ployment. New Web Portal Launched to Serve Construction Sector

BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI

he new innovative web portal con- struct.ge was presented at the Tbilisi Tech Park on February 8. A joint project of the Infrastructure Construction Companies Association T(ICCA) Viseil LTD, and Modulator LTD, it aims to create a system for buying/selling construction products as well as for the study of market prices in the construction sector. The web portal is to assist production, construc- tion, architectural and expertise companies to facilitate any of the issues related to their services. With the newly launched platform, construct.ge, months of the launch of the platform. Now we have companies will now have the opportunity to buy approximately 1000 products listed, which is quite and sell any construction product wholesale through good as a starting point,” said Gigi Gachechiladze, a fully automated process. They will also be able Executive Director of construct.ge. “Our approach to create an entire catalogue of Georgian and for- will be different- focused on real market prices”. eign distributors and producers, and an indexation “It’s an innovative web portal for market price of prices for tenders or other budget estimates. indexation and for buying and selling construction Through the web portal, the companies will have materials that will primarily help construction easy access to the construct.ge system, helping companies, importers, and distributors,” said Ana them to promote their products, consequently sta- Sabakhtarishvili, ICCA Executive Director. “Focused bilizing and expanding the market, and developing on wholesale, with the price indexation simultane- healthy competition. ously available, this is an innovative B2B platform “We plan to have 1300 users registered within 12 that has no analogue in the region”. GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 10 - 13, 2017 SOCIETY 9 Swiss Ambassador: The Swiss Should Be Inspired by the

Swiss Ambassador to Georgia, H.E. Lukas Beglinger agenda, particularly vocational education, as he the country works. Georgian Flexibility announced his plan to adopt the German dual- Switzerland contributed to the election monitor- education system, which is comparable to the Swiss ing. Election day was intensive for our Embassy, system. but this was equally true for the full four months I commend the government for its recognition of the election campaign in which we maintained that education is a key challenge for Georgia which contacts with all the important stakeholders. & Adaptability needs to be addressed as a priority. The continuity of the government and parliament The diagnosis is done, but the therapy is harder facilitates the smooth continuation of our bilateral tion efforts in relation to Europe and the world and will take time. The government will have to relations and of our well established cooperation INTERVIEW BY MANUELA KOSCH economy. take reform measures at all levels of the education in many important fi elds. The government has a system- something which can be expected to meet clear mandate to carry on its reform and develop- YOUR PREDECESSOR, GÜNTHER a lot of resistance. ment policies, and it can count on our steady sup- eorgian-Swiss relations go back to BÄCHLER, MET THE RUSSIAN SECTION It won’t be easy to re-establish a high-quality port in this regard. the 19th century when Swiss farmers IN TBILISI EVERY WEEK TO DISCUSS vocational education system, but it is necessary if and traders settled in Tsarist Georgia. CURRENT ISSUES. DOES SUCH A Georgia wants to successfully develop its economy THE SWISS EMBASSY ORGANIZES For Georgians striving towards Europe MEETING STILL TAKE PLACE? and create enough jobs for its population. Switzer- EVENTS IN THE FIELD OF CULTURAL and eager to share its values, Swiss Our embassy maintains an intense exchange with land and other international donors support Geor- EXCHANGES. WHAT ACTIVITIES Gfeatures such as professional skills and a passion the Russian Interest Section. Due to Switzerland’s gia in this endeavor, for instance through our pro- ARE PLANNED THIS YEAR? for quality and perfection are more relevant now protecting power mandate, the Russian Section is jects in the fi eld of rural development. Swiss Like every year, we will organize several cultural than ever. GEORGIA TODAY met the Swiss Ambas- formally a part of the Swiss embassy. The contacts enterprises working in Georgia also make valuable events during the French language month, the Ital- sador to Georgia, H.E. Lukas Beglinger, to fi nd out do not only take place at my level, but also at the contributions by training their local staff. But the ian language week and in the week dedicated to where Georgia-Swiss relations stand and what the level of my staff. Georgian government must do the main part, which, the German language. Switzerland also participates two countries can exchange. of course, requires political will, a long-term strat- in Georgian fi lm festivals and contributes to the THE SWISS DON’T KNOW A LOT egy and stamina. promotion of the cultural scene in Georgia. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF GEORGIA? ABOUT GEORGIA. IS THE REVERSE A good example is the Tskaltubo Art Festival: I like living and working in Georgia very much. It’s ALSO TRUE OF GEORGIANS? LAST AUTUMN SAW THE having been set up with Swiss support in the past a very hospitable and versatile country; and the The Swiss reputation in Georgia is excellent; to a PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS years, it will take place for the 5th time in Septem- population is sociable and open for dialogue and certain extent, Switzerland is seen here as a “dream- HERE IN GEORGIA. HOW DID ber 2017 and give visibility to the energies and exchange, which makes it easier and rewarding for land”. Swiss enterprises and their products and ser- IT AFFECT YOUR WORK? competences of Tskaltubo's inhabitants which a diplomat to do good and sustainable work. vices stand for quality, accuracy and reliability. How- Georgians realized that the elections were a test include thousands of IDPs from the Abkhazia con- ever, only a minority can afford a trip to, or a longer of the democracy here. And because they have the fl ict. It allows for an exchange of artists between THE SWISS FIRST TROD GEORGIAN stay in, Switzerland. The Georgian policy-makers ambition to join the European Union and enter Switzerland and Georgia and involves collaborative SOIL IN THE 19TH CENTURY TO particularly appreciate the long-lasting mediation of NATO, democratic standards are essential. For me workshops and performances in fi elds such as WORK IN COMMODITY TRADE Switzerland between Georgia and Russia. as an ambassador, the election period was very dance, music and visual arts. Participation and AND DAIRY FARMING. WHAT exciting because I met numerous parties, NGOs, interest from the side of local population, in par- CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT IT? GEORGIA WANTS TO STRENGTHEN journalists, etc. and got a better insight into how ticular local youth, is usually very high. Swiss-Georgian relations have an interesting past, ITS TOURIST SECTOR. ARE THERE with parallels to the present. This year, it is 200 SPECIAL EFFORTS THAT CAN years since the fi rst German settlers came to Geor- ATTRACT SWISS TOURISTS? gia. The aftermath of the Napoleonic era and a Primarily, it is the business of the responsible Geor- volcanic eruption in Indonesia led to a hunger cri- gian stakeholders to promote Georgia in Switzer- Bollywood Masala sis in large parts of Europe in 1817. Here in Georgia, land, though Swiss travel agencies are also involved. it was the era of the Tsar, who was interested in Undoubtedly, tourism is an important and prom- attracting well-educated people from Western ising fi eld for the Georgian economy. Luckily, the Indian Restaurant Europe. And even back then, Swiss and Germans current government is aware of this fact and acts had good professional skills which enabled them accordingly. In line with the development of our to contribute to Georgia’s economic development. cooperation with Georgia, we facilitate the sustain- In the late 19th century, the Russian government able development of tourism. We have fi nanced offered Swiss farmers land for farming and they signs and infrastructure for hiking trails, we sup- came and settled here in Georgia, particularly in port alpine farming, we are involved in the training the region of Bolnisi and Marneuli. Tragically, dur- of mountain guides and are ready to share our ing the fi rst World War, they were attacked by bands general experience and expertise in mountain- of robbers and when the Red Army came a few related tourism with the Georgian government. years later, the Swiss had to leave. In the 1990s, Swiss mountain guides started to Since the 1990s, Swiss citizens have been coming train Georgian mountaineers according to Swiss back to Georgia with a similar purpose as in the standards. A group of guides went to the Swiss 19th century. To this day, we aim to improve the mountains to gain skills. At the moment, Georgia farming and professional skills of people working has around a dozen certifi ed mountain guides but in agriculture and related sectors; we want to pass there are also guides without adequate qualifi ca- on our expert knowledge and promote an effi cient tions. That’s something we would not accept in and competitive agriculture where 50% of the active Switzerland. Now, the Georgian government is Georgian population is employed. supporting the establishment of an Adventure Tourism School and considering the introduction Find your next great lunch or HOW ARE THE CURRENT SWISS- of legislation regulating the guide profession with GEORGIAN RELATIONS? the support of Swiss experts. That is a good exam- The bilateral relations between Georgia and Swit- ple of concrete and effective cooperation based on dinner dining experience featuring zerland are friendly, close and trusting. This is European standards. illustrated by our protecting power mandate for Russia in Georgia and for Georgia in Russia, as well WHAT CAN THE SWISS LEARN FROM time-honored recipes at New as by the regular high-ranking meetings between GEORGIANS AND VICE VERSA? our countries. The Georgians are also aware that The Swiss should be inspired by the improvisation Switzerland has a lot to offer in important fi elds skills, fl exibility and adaptability that Georgians Bollywood Masala Indian Restaurant such as vocational education, innovation and qual- require to survive. In Switzerland, people often ity standards. complain despite excellent living conditions, which bear little comparison to the situation here in Geor- HOW HAS THE RELATIONSHIP CHANGED gia. OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS? HOW WILL Georgian citizens demand development in almost THE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN every sector, and they can learn a lot from a polit- GEORGIA AND THE EFTA-STATES, SIGNED ically and economically successful country like LAST YEAR, AFFECT THE RELATIONSHIP? Switzerland. For example: our practice-oriented Switzerland has adjusted its strategy of develop- education system, professional working and pro- ment cooperation and engagement in peace policy duction methods, constitutional and democratic to the current situation. The economic exchange, processes and emancipated citizens. including tourism, has developed positively, as it has in the fi eld of science and culture. But in all of THE GEORGIAN GOVERNMENT these areas, there is still a lot of development poten- ANNOUNCED AN EDUCATIONAL tial. The Free Trade Agreement with Georgia will REFORM IN 2016. WHAT be an important tool to harness this potential : WILL THIS CHANGE? Tel: +995 551 526 000; +995 592 900 002 it puts Switzerland and the other EFTA countries When Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili took on on a par with the EU in their trade relations with his position, he announced that education would Add: Str. Kostava 44, Tbilisi, Georgia Georgia, and it will contribute to Georgia’s integra- be one of the four most important topics on his Email: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY FEBRUARY 10 - 13, 2017 Making Science Fun at Snow School ested in the outdoors and get them active. INTERVIEW BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI WHY DID YOU THINK THE SNOW SCHOOL WOULD WORK IN GEORGIA? r. James Frankenfi eld, It seemed like a good idea for this coun- an American scientist, try for several reasons. One is that there’s avalanche center a real need for innovation in education, founder, and now Snow and last year we organized a trip with School Director, came kids that were half public and half pri- toM Georgia almost three and a half years vate school. I really like that public ago to spend a summer hiking. But, as it schools could have something that is does many a foreigner, the country new and different and gets the children grabbed his heart and now he’s here to more motivated. stay. GEORGIA TODAY met him to fi nd out more. HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK IN PRACTICE? HOW DID YOU END Although it’s only a short program, we UP IN GEORGIA? hope it will help improve science educa- I originally came just for the summer tion. The outdoor part of the program and even had a return ticket, but then I is one-day, but we have a science lesson found a few teaching jobs that interested in the classroom. We expect we’ll have me and decided to stick around. While to work with the teachers until they learn I was working with schools and various what we’re teaching. We teach some ages groups, I kept up my outdoor work topics before and then we go and spend in the United States. I used to do moun- a day outside, and children can put their tain guiding, and I’ve been running an snowshoes on and travel around, dig a avalanche center for many years. hole in the snow and look at the layers, or they can study how much water there TELL US ABOUT THE SNOW is in the snow- one topic is understand- SCHOOL PROGRAM ing where our drinking water comes I knew of a program called Snow School from and how to estimate how much in the United States. The program itself water we’ll have for the next year. We is very small, with its main offi ce in Idaho measure how much water is there in the supporting the program all over the snow and talk about it. country. They have different fi eld loca- Another aspect that’s very important Snow School Outdoors. Source: Gvantsa Akiashvili (Iris Group) tions and each location can have differ- here, and that I hope we can help them ent activities and different lessons which to appreciate, is where the water comes just have to teach children that water is Last year we had best luck with Grade new Adventure Tourism School (in the central program helps support with from, that trash should be disposed of a resource and important for Georgia’s 8. We had some students from Grade 9, Gudauri)- they were very enthusiastic lesson plans, trainings, and equipment- responsibly- there’s too much trash- economy, tourism and winter sports. but they were a little less interested, about supporting the program, so we snow shoes for winter walking and the dumping that goes on in winter, a big After the outdoor class, we head back though it could be different with other should be able to use some of their like. It’s fundamentally a science program problem in this country. indoors, take the numbers we wrote schools. This year we’re looking at grades facilities and equipment. Last year, we but we also hope to get students inter- There’s no short-term solution to it- we down outside and calculate how much 7 and 8 as a focus. also had students from Public School water there is. We also have a simple fun In the US some of the old participants 54, and they were very, very good. This test to show them what they’ve learned. return for more- some even become year schools became a little less hesi- We don’t grade them- that’s for the teach- volunteers and help with the program. tant, now they have more of an idea ers to do if they want. My goal is a pro- what we’re about. It’s an experiential gram that makes science and the outdoors WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE program; children are experiencing interesting, and supports the teacher. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE the outdoors and observing things. We I’m not interested in coming in and tak- AMERICAN AND GEORGIAN want them to make enquiries, to ask ing over a science class for a year or a APPROACH IN TEACHING questions and think of possible solu- term, but I hope this can help make their SUCH A PROGRAM? tions. classes better or give them ideas for Well, this is something I need to learn other topics. We had two schools par- from doing this project. Part of the goal WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO ticipating last year and hopefully they is to work with teachers in the class- FOCUS ON PUBLIC SCHOOLS? will both do it again separately. We room before and after. I think in the Well, we’re working with both. I myself worked with the Georgian-American USA science teachers are more trained went to a public school in America, and high school and they’re planning to do on the curriculum and you give them to me public schools are the cornerstones it again this year; they’re all very excited a lesson plan and they can prepare of the education of a country. Through- about it! children for the fi eld day themselves. out Georgia, most students go to public Here, I think teachers need more prep- schools. I’m not interested in training WHAT IS THE AGE OF THE aration; I need to learn more about the future scientists in this program, I just STUDENTS INVOLVED IN THE curriculum and what they cover in each want kids to understand why science is SNOW SCHOOL PROGRAM? grade. I’m also working with the brand interesting.

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TIFLIS KIS TARIFESI 7.5x6cm ING.indd 1 02/11/16 15:23 GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 10 - 13, 2017 SOCIETY 11 Torch this Place: Svaneti BY TONY HANMER

ff the rant roll of the past couple of weeks for now and on to much more agreeable things. Last Sunday, the Febru- aryO 5, was Lamproba in this part of Svaneti; elsewhere up here in the mountains it's celebrated on different dates and in slightly different ways, and may be remembered by Svans in other parts of the country in addition. But I fi nd myself best able to enter into the spirit of this particular local holiday with full gusto here in Etseri. Lamproba, the Festival of Torches, commemorates a centuries-old military victory achieved through the lighting of said torches to surprise and overwhelm the enemy. When? Who? Lost in the mists of time which were Svaneti in the silent Middle Ages. But the skeleton of the tale, and its remembrance, lives on. Men make birch torches, one for each living male family member of any age, by splitting one end of a cut bough repeat- edly with an axe until it fans out slightly and is much easier to burn. Before sun- rise on the appointed day, once a year at about this time, they gather by hamlets in agreed places, bringing their already lit torches in procession, then assembling Then they head off to the home of which- to the village in 2000), as well as in here is also the opportunity, as the years ured in these high points! Bring on the them in the snow into a magnifi cent ever family has the task that year of pro- Mestia and Ushguli when I lived there. build up, to compare not only successive lit torches! bonfi re. viding the hamlet's supra, or feast, and But my original hosts from 17 years ago days, but repetitions of annual or fre- They also bring small round loaves of things proceed as they usually do at such in Ladreri have always, every year, quent events to each other. And I may Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since special bread, and toasting drink, either events in Georgia, only without undue made my torch, and it burns there, with say that Lamproba has never let me down; 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a moonshine or wine. The hamlet's elders emphasis on the dead, who, at this event, or without me. This means a lot, and it's a good one. An important ritual, sim- weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He hold these offerings aloft as the sun rises only get the obligatory remembrance I try to be there and nowhere else for ple but profound, the contrasts of fi re, runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook and pray a blessing for the men of each toast or two, nothing more- the empha- the event, to show respect and appre- pre-dawn, cold, snow and heat, and sun- group, now with over 1350 members, at family there represented. The fi re burns sis here is on blessing! ciation for this honor. rise all playing off one another as we www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- for some hours, and all gathered try to I have participated in Lamproba or It's strictly a men's event, and one enter in. As they say for all such positive sance/ prolong this until the torches are entirely its similar versions in Etseri's hamlets which unites us in brotherhood, friend- holidays, mravals daestsarit, may you He and his wife also run their own guest house consumed, often melting the snow under of Iskari (where our house is) and ship, neighborhood and more. We cher- meet many such: in other words, may in Etseri: them down to the ground in the process. Ladreri (from where I was introduced ish it. One of the many joys I have living your life be both long and good, meas- www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti GEORGIA TODAY 12 CULTURE FEBRUARY 10 - 13, 2017 Presentation of Book: Unknown Sergo Kobuladze their support,” Marika Didebulidze, Director of the BY MAKA LOMADZE Research Center, said. “Sergo Kobuladze was not only a painter and graphic artist but a big thinker and theoretician who created a laboratory of photo ebruary 7 is the birthday of the eminent fi xation that achieved unique results for the Soviet Georgian painter, Sergo Kobuladze, well- Union. This book we are presenting today is the known painting master and the author fruit of tremendous work.” of the famous muse curtain that was “I was called to this work by the soul of the artist restored several years ago to adorn the these past two years,” said Mariam Gachechiladze, stageF of the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater. the project manager, with pride. “We heard Kobu- Bilingual (Georgian-English), the book comprises ladze’s studio was being sold and the next day wrote Sketch for the Opera Theater curtain, one of Kobuladze's better-known works Kobuladze’s lesser-known works, as well as his a letter to the Ministry, who replied the same day theoretical works and documents, including diary asking us to write a project proposal. We organized imagined the restoration of Kobuladze’s famous is not merely enough to be an artist but one has to entries and the memories of his contemporaries. a memorial offi ce in the Academy of Fine Arts curtain and thank god we found a way through new be a scientist at the same time. If Italians are proud The edition was put together by Giorgi Chubi- named after Sergo Kobuladze where we placed the technologies. Kobuladze was before now rather of Leonardo Da Vinci, we should be proud of Sergo nashvili of the National Research Center of Georgian objects from his studio. The painter left us a very under-appreciated. Michelangelo once said that it Kobuladze.” Art History and Monument Protection, and pub- well-ordered chronological archive. All nations lished with the support of the Ministry of Culture able to boast such a great painter tend to cherish and Monument Protection and Tbilisi City Hall. them to the highest level and we Georgians should “There has not been such extensive material about do the same.” Sergo Kobuladze compiled in one edition to date,” Gogi Tsereteli, famous graphic artist, said: “Con- Sharjah Children’s Book said Mikheil Giorgadze, Minister of Culture. “We, gratulations to all on Sergo Kobuladze’s birthday! the ministry, are glad to have been given a chance I personally believe that he deserves a separate to assist in the work. In Kobuladze’s private archive museum and further volumes to be written. I am was found never-before-seen material. I believe grateful to the Minister. This is a book that will be Illustrations Exhibition that this book will raise a great interest not only useful for all generations.” among art-critics, but also in wider society.” Radish Tordia, painter, concluded the book pres- “I would like to thank the Ministry of Culture for entation with these words: “I could never have Receives 1,500 Submissions he Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) Topping the list of Arab countries taking part in announced it received 1,500 works of this year’s Sharjah Children’s Book Illustrations art from 44 countries for the sixth Exhibition are the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, edition of the Sharjah Children’s Book Yemen, Egypt, Syria, Palestine and Morocco. The Illustrations Exhibition, which takes list of non-Arab countries participating is headed Tplace annually in April. Organized by SBA as part by Spain, Italy, Ukraine, Lithuania, Germany and of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, this Romania. year’s exhibition has attracted 9% more works “The Sharjah Children’s Book Illustrations Exhi- compared to last year, which saw 1,378 submissions bition receives hundreds of pieces of artwork from received. across the world each year, with the artists behind The Sharjah Children’s Book Illustrations Exhibi- them all vying to display the most remarkable tal- tion was launched in 2012 under the patronage of ents in the fi eld of visual arts. The premium qual- His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al ity of illustrations and the innovative techniques Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler used to create each piece enriches the exhibition of Sharjah, with the aim of highlighting distinguished and brings into the children’s book arena skilful illustrations in children’s books. The previous fi ve artists who can contribute signifi cantly to the editions of the event attracted a total of more than industry in the future,” said Salim Omar Salim, 2,500 artists from 40 countries. Director of Sales and Marketing at SBA. Through its organization of the Sharjah Children’s “The large number of submissions received so Book Illustrations Exhibition, SBA seeks to develop far for this year’s edition of the Sharjah Children’s the children’s book industry and provide a platform Book Illustrations Exhibition highlights the success for illustrators, authors and publishers, as well as of its vision and mission and underscores the goal other children’s book arena stakeholders. The event of Sharjah’s cultural project.” he added. is designed to give artists an invaluable opportunity SBA will give cash prizes to participants who win to meet authors and publishers and to open the the fi rst three places: the fi rst prize winner will get door to collaboration between them in order to $8,000; the second $6,000 and the third prize win- achieve the goal of producing premium quality ner will get $4,000. There are also other prizes creative children’s books. worth $1,000 for different categories. GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 10 - 13, 2017 CULTURE 13 TBC Gallery to Showcase Restored Pirosmani Paintings

Georgians to Hit the Made in New York Jazz

Competition BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI wo of the recently restored Niko Pirosmani paintings; Queen Tamar ‘The Made in New York Jazz Competition’ is the and Shota Rustaveli are to be exhibited at the TBC Art Gallery OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE world’s fi rst and fastest growing online jazz com- Tbilisi from February 3-16, alongside the artist’s other works that petition. Competition entrants upload video per- were previously kept at the Pirosmani State Museum in Mirzaani. formances in seven jazz-genre categories. Regis- Initiated by the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection ecently, a world renowned online trants then vote for their favorite performances. Tof Georgia, and the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation, the musical competition was held named Finalists are selected through a combination of restoration of Niko Pirosmani’s paintings was fi nanced by TBC Bank. ‘The Made in New York Jazz”, one online votes and the Competition’s Board of Mem- of the most signifi cant international bers, which is comprised of highly regarded jazz jazz events in the States if not in the musicians like Lenny White, Randy Brecker and world.R Among this year’s fi nalists are numerous Mike Stern, with Mario Biondi as the company’s legendary jazz artists, including our darling Maia fi rst International Artistic Advisor - a familiar name Baratashvili and our renowned Mania Quartet: and presence in Jazz industry circles. Vazha Mania (vocals), Papuna Sharikadze (piano), The Competition also recently announced its Giorgi Kapanadze (drums) and Giorgi Kiknadze European expansion, allowing more musicians (bass). from around the world to share their talents at live Throughout the past twenty years, I have never concerts. tired of listening to outstanding Georgian vocalist Having all this in mind, I can only conclude that Maia Baratashvili, the famous jazz soloist of the music is a genuine international language which celebrated Big Band of Tbilisi. That I am a big fan unites the world. of jazz is no surprise because we have all grown The ‘Made in New York Jazz Competition’ hosts up enjoying jazz whenever and wherever we were international jazz, folk jazz and new fl avor jazz art- lucky enough to catch a chance – nothing was easy ists, all sharing the stage together. This is exactly in those weird soviet times, but not anymore! Wel- how vibrant the jazz scene is on an international come to the free world! scale. So, frankly, I wasn’t surprised to hear the news The way to that already famous music contest in of Maia – she long ago earned the honor of being the States is now open for the Vazha Mania Quar- able to triumph in a grand jazz competition. And tet and Maia Baratashvili. To say I’m proud of this the Quartet is just as praiseworthy. would be a real understatement, and to say I’m Speaking about the competition itself, it has excited about this new chance for Georgia to con- attracted a worldwide audience of jazz fans as well tinue shining on the world map would not be an as a huge number of musicians from tens of nations. overstatement. I heard that ‘Made in New York’ in just three years Just think about it: what would help most Geor- counted over two million video loads and has more gia’s naturalization in the European family of than 30,000 registered jazz musicians and fans from nations? Only victories such as this, better and 55 countries. The uploaded music videos have stronger than any political effort, will make this received three million hits and those numbers are country one of those who can qualify as truly West- ceaselessly increasing ern. And the artistic talents of Maia Baratashvili This is what our Maia and the Quartet partici- and the Vazha Mania Quartet are those who will pated in! And very successfully too, with the Quar- realistically promote this cause. As the competi- tet winning a fi nal participant’s ticket to America, tion’s brand ambassador, Tea Grigolashvili says, where the International Jazz Gala is scheduled for Georgia may be the next platform for holding the May 20 at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. . Made in NY Jazz festival. GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE FEBRUARY 10 - 13, 2017

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER English Subtitles Cast: Bella Heathcote, Dakota Iremashvili, a successful Georgian Start time: 20:00 Johnson, Jamie Dornan MUSEUM contemporary artist, which refl ects Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL common philosophical threads GEORGIAN STATE Genre: Drama, Romance GEORGIAN NATIONAL of human existence: erroneous PANTOMIME THEATER Language: Russian February 11 MUSEUM SIMON rearing methods, and false values Address: 37 Rustaveli Ave. Start time: 11:45, 16:30, 19:15, 19:30, 22:00 STALINGRAD JANASHIA MUSEUM and stereotypes. A teacher at the Telephone: 2 99 63 14 Ticket: 8-14 GEL Rezo Gabriadze Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. Academy of Fine Arts, Iremashvili Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 February 11 LA LA LAND has participated in numerous English Subtitles Directed by Damien Chazelle www.museum.ge projectsand group exhibitions. THE KNIGHT IN THE Start time: 20:00 PANTHER'S SKIN Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, His works are kept in the private Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL PERMANENT EXHIBITION: Shota Rustaveli Rosemarie DeWitt collections of different countries. GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY Directed by Amiran Shalikashvili Genre: Comedy, Drama, Musical February 12, 16 FROM 8TH MILLENNIUM B.C. Language: Russian MUSEUM OF SOVIET Start time: 19:00 MARSHAL DE FANTIE’S TO 4TH CENTURY A.D Ticket: 20 GEL Start time: 22:15 OCCUPATION DIAMOND Address: 3 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. Venue: Marjanishvili Theater Rezo Gabriadze Ticket: 10-11 GEL EXHIBITION OF GEORGIAN Directed by Rezo Gabriadze WEAPONRY PERMANENT EXHIBITION TBILISI VASO ABASHIDZE February 14 English Subtitles Visitors can discover the State's MUSIC AND DRAMA STATE Start time: 20:00 Event Cinema NUMISMATIC TREASURY personal fi les of "subversive" THEATER Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL MACBETH Georgian public fi gures, orders to Address: 182 D.Agmashenebeli Ave. Directed by Eve Best THE TESTAMENT OF DAVID shoot or exile, and other artifacts Telephone: 2 34 80 90 MOVEMENT THEATER Cast: Joseph Millson, Samantha THE BUILDER AND THE NEW representing Soviet-era cultural www.musictheatre.ge Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., Spiro, Stuart Bowman, Finty EXHIBITS OF MEDIEVAL and political repression in Georgia. Mushthaid park Williams TREASURY February 15 Telephone: 599 555 260 Genre: Drama The exhibition showcases: the GALLERY PILLOWMAN Language: English fragment of the only surviving Directed by Davit Doiashvili February 10, 11 Start time: 20:00 testament of David the Builder; Musical INTRO THE NATIONAL GALLERY Ticket: 17 GEL a copy of its glass negative made Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. Start time: 19:00 Directed by Kakha Bakuradze by Aleksandre Roinashvili in 1895; Ticket: 15-20 GEL Start time: 20:00 www.museum.ge RUSTAVELI CINEMA paleographical blades of David the Ticket: 15 GEL Builder's handicrafts created by GRIBOEDOVI THEATER Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. PERMANENT EXHIBITION Telephone: 2 55 50 00 Sargis Kakabadze in 1911; the richly Address: 2 Rustaveli Ave. February 12 embellished gospel "Ceremonial" www.kinoafi sha.ge January 10 - February 24 Telephone: 2 93 43 36 IGI (Sazeimo) which in all likelihood EXHIBITION OF ALEXANDER Jemal Karchkhadze belonged to Queen Tamar, and more. February 10 Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL BAZHBEUK-MELIKOV'S February 10-16 ARTWORKS THE ELDER SON Start time: 21:00 September 27 – September 22 (2017) Dedicated to his 125-year Alexander Vampilov Ticket: 15 GEL EXHIBITION Directed by Giorgi Margvelashvili FIFTY SHADES DARKER STONE AGE GEORGIA anniversary Language: Russian STATE SHADOW THEATER Premiere Alexander Bazhbeuk-Melikov is a Start time: 18:00 “BUDRUGANA-GAGRA” (Info Above) January 16 - February 16 prominent representative of 20th Ticket: 10 GEL ABKHAZIA Start time: 14:30, 17:00, 19:45, 22:30 EXHIBITION UPLISTSIKHE 60 century Georgian art. An ethnic Address: 17 Rustaveli Ave. Ticket: 9-14 GEL See artifacts from archaeological Armenian, he spent his entire life in February 11 Telephone: 2 72 68 68 excavations at Uplistsikhe. Georgia and formed a basis for the THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR www.rustavelitheatre.ge THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE The exhibition is dedicated to the development of modern Georgian Nikolay Gogol * Premiere 93rd anniversary of the birth of painting. Directed by Avtandil Varsimashvili February 11 Directed by Chris McKay the Georgian archaeologist David Language: Russian ISN'T THIS A LOVELY DAY Cast: Jenny Slate, Will Arnett, Khakhutaishvili. ZURAB TSERETELI MUSEUM Start time: 18:00 Performance based on a Jazz Music Ralph Fiennes OF MODERN ART Ticket: 10 GEL Directed by Gela Kandelaki Genre: Animation, Action, MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Address: 27 Rustaveli Ave. Start time: 19:00 Adventure Address: 1 Gudiashvili Str. Telephone: 2 14 84 11, 2 98 60 04 February 12 Ticket: 6-10 GEL Language: Russian www.momatbilisi.ge TALE OF KING SALTAN Start time: 12:15, 14:45, 17:30, 20:00 EXHIBITION “LADO Directed by Avtandil Varsimashvili CINEMA SPORTPHOTO 2016 Ticket: 8-14 GEL GUDIASHVILI AND GEORGIAN Language: Russian MONUMENTAL PAINTING” PHOTO EXHIBITION Start time: 12:00 AMIRANI CINEMA RESIDENT EVIL: THE FINAL MUSIC Ticket price: 10 GEL Address: 36 Kostava St. IOSEB GRISHASHVILI Telephone: 2 99 99 55 CHAPTER * Premiere TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM GABRIADZE THEATER www.kinoafi sha.ge - KARVASLA TBILISI STATE Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson Address: 13 Shavtelis St. Address: 8 Sioni St. CONSERVATOIRE Cast: Milla Jovovich, Iain Glen, Ali Telephone: 2 98 65 93 Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 Lari Telephone: 2 98 22 81 Address: 8 Griboedov St. February 10-16 Larter Telephone: 2 93 46 24 February 10 Genre: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi February 3 – 14 RAMONA FIFTY SHADES DARKER Language: Russian EXHIBITION LIFE THREATS February 15 Rezo Gabriadze * Premiere Start time: 12:15, 14:45, 17:30, 20:00 BY ROCKO IREMASHVILI CHARITY CONCERT FOR Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Directed by James Foley Ticket: 8-14 GEL A multimedia project by Rocko KONSTANTINE VARDELI Start time: 19:30 Ticket: From 10 GEL

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

February 14 LIVE JAZZ EVENING WITH REZO KIKNADZE Start time: 21:00 Free entry

February 15 MILONGA, LA CUMPARSITA ARGENTINE TANGO DANCE NIGHT Start time: 21:00 Tango Lesson: 5 GEL

DJANSUG KAKHIDZE TBILISI CENTER FOR MUSIC & CULTURE Address: 125 Aghmashenebeli ave. Telephone: 2 96 12 43

February 11 Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra In program Georgian composers - VAZHA AZARASHVILI’S, ELIZBAR LOMDARIDZE’S AND ZURAB NADAREISHVILI’S WORKS Conductor: David Mukeria The soloists: George Khaindrava, Tamar Bulia, Irakli Djaparidze, Tornike Getsadze. Start time: 19:30 Ticket: 5-14 GEL GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 10 - 13, 2017 CULTURE 15 Anita Rachvelishvili Nominated for 2017 Opera Awards Aida at the Tbilisi

Badri Maisuradze, Artistic Head of the Tbilisi Opera Opera and Ballet Theater James Lee. The conductor will be Marco Boemi. INTERVIEW BY MAKA LOMADZE On March 7, foreigners will perform alone. Aida will be played by Cellia Costea, whilst Radames will Anita Rachvelishvili. Source: Teatro Alla Scala Website be performed by Rudy Park and Amneris will be include: Maria Bengtsson, Stéphanie d’Oustrac, fter 14 years of stagnation at the Tbi- embodied by Sanja Anastasia. Other characters are BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI Christiane Karg, Anna Netrebko, and Daniela Sin- lisi Opera and Ballet Theater, namely to be played by: Giacomo Prestia (Ramfi s), Mattia dram. in the section of opera, there is good Denti (King of Egypt), Filippo Micale (Messenger), The winner will be announced on May 7 at the news for Georgians: Badri Maisuradze, Gonca Dogan (Voice of the High Priestess), and eorgian Mezzo Soprano, Anita Rach- London Coliseum. a new and very motivated, patrioti- Giulio Boschetti (Amonasro). This day’s conductor velishvili, was nominated for the best Founded in 2012, the International Opera Awards Acally disposed, highly professional, world-acclaimed will be Marco Boemi. On March 12, 15 and 18, the female singer at the 2017 Opera Awards. were created to increase the recognition of opera tenor, has been appointed to the post of Artistic Tbilisi opera soloists will take part in the perfor- The fi nalists were selected for their as an art form, to reward successes in opera, and Head. For many this means the best days are ahead, mances, conducted by Zaza Azmaiparashvili. In all achievements throughout 2016. to provide support for aspiring talent from around perhaps even the renaissance of the old Georgian six performances, the orchestra and the choir of the GOther nominees in the best female singer category the world. opera glory. Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater will be present. And so it begins: in March, opera-lovers will have The Assistant Director to the foreign troupe will a wonderful opportunity to visit six performances be Stefano Trespidi – a very well-known Italian of the immortal Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida, to be staged director and a most trusted person of Franco Zef- by living legend, Franco Zeffi relli. This is an unprec- fi relli. He’ll be personally in charge of decoration edented performance in scale and artistic level. and performance development. Like all Zeffi relli’s works, this is a masterpiece. Thanks to the great reputation of Maisuradze, the WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS staging agreement was reached in less than three FOR THE FUTURE? months. GEORGIA TODAY met Badri Maisuradze As you know, within the past 14 years, there was a to fi nd out more. long stagnation. After 25 years, I came back from the Bolshoi Theater to restore the rich traditions THERE ARE FOUR WORLD RENOWNED of our opera. We plan to revive the opera life that VERSIONS OF ZEFFIRELLI’S AIDA. WHY is so much anticipated by Tbilisi opera lovers. For DID YOU CHOOSE THIS VERSION the coming year, we will offer three new perfor- (FIRST STAGED IN PARMA FOR THE mances to our respected audience: two Georgian FESTIVAL OF GIUSEPPE VERDI)? classical pieces: Victor Dolidze’s ‘Keto and Kote,’ There are far more than that but we chose this one Paliashvili’s ‘Daisi’, and also Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’. because it best fi ts our opera and its capacities. YOU’VE HAD AN EXTREMELY WHO WILL PERFORM THE MAIN PARTS? ACTIVE AND BUSY INTERNATIONAL On the very fi rst night, we will offer a Georgian CAREER SINCE THE 1990S. HOW cast to the audience. Iano Tamar will be Aida, Anita COMPATIBLE WILL THESE TWO Rachvelishvili will sing the part of Amneris, and SERIOUS OCCUPATIONS BE? Giorgi Oniani will be the Georgian Radames. Giorgi Believe I can, and try my best to do both. However, Gagnidze will personify Amonasro, Giorgi And- my number one mission at present is to restore the guladze will play the role of Ramfi s and Ramas opera repertoire as its glorious past and our audi- Chikviladze – the King of Egypt. The performance ence deserve. I will do my best to be very support- will be conducted by our special guest for the open- ive to our cast and indulge them with new perfor- ing night – outstanding conductor Daniel Oren. mances and the chance to use their musical On May 5, a mixed troupe will be presented. potential, be it as soloists or choir members. Together with opera soloists, Khatuna Mikaberidze, a Georgian female singer leading a career abroad, WHERE: Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater, Rustaveli Ave. will step forward together with the famous tenor WHEN: On March 4, 5, 7, 12, 15, 18

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 16 CULTURE FEBRUARY 10 - 13, 2017 Chekhov’s Three Sisters: A Bitter-Sweet Choreo-Drama on the Georgian Stage

is not exact, you can totally change the has proved intelligible, as at every fes- BY MAKA LOMADZE essence of a character and the whole tival we take it to, it is seen as a play. performance, too. And we can’t antici- People were telling me: ‘Have you gone pate how the public will receive it. It’s nuts? How can you stage Chekhov word- oreigners are fully entitled to dangerous when a spectator has not lessly?’ Another challenge was that, love theater, but because of read the play, even one so famous as according to Chekhov, all the culmina- the language barrier, cannot “The Three Sisters”. But we keep all tion actions occur in the backstage – the indulge themselves in Geor- kinds of spectators in mind, aiming to fi re, the duel, Masha’s love scene with gia much in this regard. For- bring every detail and nuance to light a lover, etc. We had to imagine how Ftunately, there is now a space for them: for them.” these scenes could happen and play the Music & Drama State Theater offer- Eka Demetradze is one of those dou- them on stage,” Purtseladze told GEOR- ing the choreo-drama The Three Sisters bles who plays Natasha, a lover and, GIA TODAY. according to Chekhov, in one act. later, wife of Andrei Prozorov, the three The director listened to many pieces Solitude, not isolation from society, sisters’ brother: “It was extremely inter- of music before choosing Alfred but existing in it and still being alone… esting as this is a totally different genre Schnittke, which very harmoniously fi ts Thinking that you were perhaps born for me. The mere task of conveying the in with the visual sublimity and trans- in the wrong time, wrong place and drama via physics, even more so that parency of the whole facture. The per- wrong environment…Dreaming and we are not professional dancers, is a formance is as light as Chekhov, who hoping that there is a “Moscow” some- new type of challenge. One has to retell tells of tragedies so easily that some- where out there, where you can fi nd the traits of a character through gestures times it is diffi cult to understand the your deserved place in society…com- and mimics. I aimed to make a synchrony bitterness. The music itself, just like the pletely ignoring the possibility that this between the physical movements and play and life, is bitter-sweet. “Moscow” can be so close, among those Natasha’s inner world.” “I plan to maintain this direction, as with whom you feel so alone. Konstantin Purtseladze is a choreog- I like this genre very much, which is Anton Chekhov is thought to be a rapher who would never have staged neither a ballet, a pantomime, nor mere magician of dramaturgy. Expressing this but for Davit Doiashvili, the artistic dancing. This is story-telling in motion. feelings and thoughts by discovering director of the theater, who insisted on I think it is the most topical in the world and using extremely precise words and it. “After Oscar Wilde’s ‘Salome’ and because it implies no language barrier. phrases is the main key to his magic. ‘Carmen,’ this is the third play I’ve staged This is still a novelty for Georgia and “Each choreo-drama is interesting and as a choreographic drama.” He says the our art critics are sometimes reluctant requires more responsibility because working process itself was not so dif- to write anything,” Purtseladze confi des. in this case, we, actors, do not speak the fi cult as the actors used to be his stu- The Three Sisters was staged in 2015 international jury at the Tbilisi Festival, tle bit embarrassed,” the choreographer same text that was written by the author, dents. “Of course, there were other and premiered at the Tbilisi Interna- it provoked a shower of business cards recalls. but convey it through gestures instead,” kinds of diffi culties. This is Chekhov, tional Theater Festival. In 2016, it won from producers. They had no idea that said actor Achiko Sologhashvili, who where the text matters very much. The the grand-prix at the international fes- we could retell Chekhov wordlessly, via To see the trailer, go to this link: plays the role of the Staff Captain Vass- main challenge was to transform the tivals in Romania and Turkey. “When plastics, in an hour. They began invit- https://www.youtube.com/ ily Vasilyevich Solyony. “If the gesture words into movement. I believe that it we showed this performance to an ing me to different festivals. I was a lit- watch?v=wTVQ-gsZvDU