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WEEKLY BILINGUAL NEWSPAPER IN GEORGIA

The main features of the What EU-Turkey agreement might Georgian electoral year mean over migrant P. 3 crisis? P. 5

“Bridge - Innovation and Development” in step with needs of gender-sensitive society P. 9

18-year-old Georgian semi-finalist at GIST Tech-I 2016 P. 10

7 Rules for Self- Since the election year has started, electoral campaigns are put into actions. As previous years’ experience il- lustrates, ruling government and members of the parliamentarian majority begin collecting electoral points by Management as a appealing on sensitive issues that have a big pubic approval. This kind of populist activities are land registration Formula for Success in ownership, initiation of pension reforms and bringing to the fore religious and traditional topics (such as defin- ing marriage as a bond between man and woman in the constitution) with a huge acceptance in the majority of P. 11 the Georgian population. George Melua’s France voted for the Theosophical Vision in Art criminalization of the P. 13 purchase of sex P. 6 19-year Tradition of Socialist member of Parliament Maud Olivier, who authored the new law, says that the bill aims to protect Public Speaking those sex workers, who want to leave the business. “We Competition in cannot accept that a body can be bought because one has money and the other is struggling financially or is Georgia in the hands of a prostitution network, in need of urgent P. 15 revenues and does not have any other immediate solu- tions.

Official exchange rate of LARI against Money down the drain or foreign currencies investment for future? P. 8 1 USD = 2.2868 1 EUR = 2.6005 Lia Eliava, expert in economic issues, sees the new initiative of the Ministry of Economy as positive: “Sup- 1 GBP = 3.2159 porting startups is not a bad initiative. Even though 1 CHF = 2.3881 a large amount of the money assigned is going to go down the drain and 85-90% of startups are going to fail, 10 RUB = 0.3400 the survivors will develop and prove to be beneficial for 10 UAH = 0.8921 the country”. 1 TRL = 0.8000 infographic April 11, 2016 | www.observer.com.ge | 2 POLITICS April 11, 2016 | www.observer.com.ge | 3 The main features of the Georgian electoral year

Giorgi Chapidze

Last week government of ting less than in previous year. Georgia stated that October 8 Second topical issue is com- is the date for upcoming parlia- bining social (existing Georgian mentary election. According to model) and cumulative pension Georgian Prime Minister, this systems and establishing hy- is a “political decision” and will brid model. In case of cumula- not be overturned. Besides, the tive pension system employers decision doesn’t imply that elec- from private and public eco- toral campaign will start in April nomic sector would be required as far as this occurrence would to suggest to their employees have cost additional 7-8 million putting monthly deposit in pen- for the country’s budget. Apart sion account comprising of 2% from financial deliberations, the of their salary. Employee would government take into considera- maintain the right to decide the tion the possibility of the second percentage of such kind of de- round in certain majoritarian posit but the upper limit would electoral districts and are will- be introduced that is not certain ing to conclude the process until at this point of time. If the citi- the winter. In winter especially zen demises his successor would in mountainous regions climate inherit the accumulated money. factors may hinder to accumulate Therefore, voters would get the constituency. As stated by Geor- sum of the money calculated gian minister of economy and considering both social and cu- procedures on lands and creating called “Check in Georgia”. With- percentage for several months sustainable development Dimity mulative pension models. Most cadastral data (national agency in the framework of this initia- to affect on voting process. This Kumsishvili, next year’s budget probably, this sort of hybrid pen- executed registration procedure tive Georgian and foreign artist reality do no support democracy requires approval of the MPs sions have a big public approval. without any payment and the would perform concerts all over and only serves certain parties’ and if the process is dragged on This initiative may be introduced price of cadastral information the country during the year. First interests despite the fact that due to the reason of the second to attract attention by making de- was only 3 Laris) that can be jus- event will take place on April these are not unlawful initia- round Georgian parliament may sired steps and rise government’s tified by the motive of collecting 24 in the sport palace of Tbilisi tives. This program resembles to not have sufficient time for dis- rating that means a higher chanc- votes for the 2012 parliamentary when Eros Ramazzotti performs the targeted spending of budget cussions. Because of this reason es in October’s election. Fluctu- elections. Bearing in mind that in front of Georgian audience. in July- August 2012 when up Kumsishvili is for appointing ating pensions in proportion to land registration concerns af- On May 27 Robbie Williams to 25000 students got temporary election’s date on October 8. inflation rate is a preferred initia- fect on a majority of Georgian will sing for the concert dedi- jobs and 500 Laris as a salary. In Since the election year have tive for the absolute majority of population its simplification is cated to the 25 years of Georgian the same year financing “Viticul- started, electoral campaigns are Georgian electorate. a populist step designed for the independence and also “Maroon ture and wine-making programs” put into actions. As previous Georgian parliament started electoral campaign. 5” will visit Batumi on June 7. increased threefold (with 309%) years’ experience illustrates, rul- discussing the new legislative Another consideration is ini- These projects would cost Geor- and simultaneously funding ing government and members of project with reference to land tiative to define marriage in the gian governmental reserve 29 of effective functioning of the the parliamentarian majority be- registration in ownership initi- constitution as a bond between million and aims at promoting governmental bodies decreased gin collecting electoral points by ated by the ministry of Justice man and woman. Gedevan Pop- tourism. Nevertheless, this ini- by 50%. Similar internship pro- appealing on sensitive issues that of Georgia. The project was khadze a member of parliamen- tiative may also target creating grams have been executed in have a big pubic approval. This presented in Parliament by the tarian majority suggest a refer- positive grounding in youth for electoral years in 2006-2007 kind of populist activities are Justice minister Tea Tsulukini. endum on the Election Day to voting the Georgian Dream coa- with the expenditure of respec- land registration in ownership, According to the minister, land decide the question by knowing lition and be a part of “Bread and tively 24 and 60 million. Appar- initiation of pension reforms and registration procedure will be public opinion. This initiative is circuses” tactic. ently, current government pur- bringing to the fore religious and simplified and barriers and other initiated in the socio-economic Georgian minister of economy sues a practice established by the traditional topics (such as defin- restrictions will be lifted in order reality when even the discussion and sustainable development United National Movement and ing marriage as a bond between to promote citizens to officially about the same-sex marriage Dimitry Kumsiashvili presented employs populist initiatives. man and woman in the consti- possess the land. Tsulukiani stat- is not in the agenda. Therefore, a project “Public-private partner- Executing populist projects tution) with a huge acceptance ed that the problem stems from bringing this topic to the fore ship in professional education” in the election years by means in the majority of the Georgian the 1990s and Georgia is in need has a populist nature and aims on April 8. The project purposes of new legislations and private population. of legislative initiatives tailored at gaining political dividends to detect priorities on a labor initiatives voiced by the majority First of all, pension reform is to the population. The concrete among the population who ap- market and to create job vacan- leaders is a part of propaganda. of pivotal importance that was mechanisms for lightening the proves this kind of constitutional cies that is one of the pullets of New employment program tar- discussed at Georgian parlia- procedural obstacles are intro- change. education reform. The primary gets the same objectives and is a ment on April 6. In line with ducing common measurement Besides the fact that general goal of the initiative is promot- basis for a speculation that Geor- new legislation, the sum of pen- methods for the land area, help poll has not detected popula- ing employment during the study gian budget is spent for electoral sion will increase in correlation in finding ownership documents, tion’s determination in this issue, process and after its completion. purposes. This kind of projects with inflation rate and, in case changing inaccurate documents supposedly defining marriage in According to vice-PM, gov- are pension reforms, simplify- of substantial economic growth, and involvement of public regis- this way has a big approval. Es- ernment will try to involve as ing land ownership registration seniors will get higher pensions. ter service in bureaucratic proce- pecially the parish of Georgian many persons as possible in this procedure, defining marriage Considering the inflation of dures. Orthodox church who is believed initiative. The same implication in constitution and professional Georgian currency and decreas- It is worth noting that dis- to be defender of traditional val- can be found in the initiative of development initiatives. The ing its purchasing power, chang- cussing land registration issues ues. Therefore, this initiative financing start-ups with 35 mil- same conclusion may be drawn ing pensions in conjunction with in Georgia is a characteristic targets a certain segment of the lion Laris. up by taking into consideration the inflation rate is very populist of electoral year. For instance, electorate and is within ruling This kind of employment pro- the agenda of previous electoral initiative as long as this issue has Georgian government issued a party’s interests. In addition to grams do not target ameliorat- years that has already formed as been the major problem in the decree on June 28, 2012 about social reforms, government of ing unemployment in long term a characteristic of Georgian elec- country whereas seniors are get- simplification of registration Georgia has undertaken a project perspective but decrease this toral year. POLITICS April 11, 2016 | www.observer.com.ge | 4 The 3rd meeting of the NATO Lithuanian-Georgian Commission for Public European and Diplomacy Euro-Atlantic Integration has been Forum held in Tbilisi On 7 April 2016, as part of the plan, which will facilitate the en- protection, environment protec- official visit of Georgian- For hancement of people-to-people tion, climate change prevention, eign Minister Mikheil Janelidze contacts and the establishment agriculture, social development NATO Public Diplomacy Fo- we firmly say there is no ques- to Lithuania, the 3rd meeting of of active business and economic and equal civil rights. rum held in Tbilisi tion in our country about the fu- the Lithuanian-Georgian Com- ties. The members of the Lithuani- In the framework of NATO ture of Georgia. We see our cul- mission for European and Euro- The delegations highlighted an delegation acknowledged that Week in Georgia, Tbilisi hosted tural and political future to EU, Atlantic Integration was held in the increasing potential of bi- Georgia’s contribution to NATO the NATO Public Diplomacy we see NATO as a security um- Vilnius. lateral co-operation in the eco- operations and missions, as well Forum for the first time. Partici- brella where we are aspiring to, The meeting, which was co- nomic sphere, focused on new as its broader role in preserving pants discussed the latest trends which will be strengthened with chaired by the Georgian and opportunities of co-operation regional security and stability and challenges in the area of our integration and which will Lithuanian Foreign Ministers, provided for by the Association were particularly highly evalu- public diplomacy and communi- bring more peace to the coun- was also attended by directors of Agreement, including the Deep ated. The delegation underlined cation. tries in the region and globally,” the departments of the Foreign and Comprehensive Free Trade that Georgia will continue un- I hope the international com- stated President of Georgia. Ministries of the two countries. Area, and by the Eastern Part- dertaking reforms in the fields munity’s efforts to de-escalate While delivering a speech Talking points included the is- nership, and underlined the need of defence and security in or- tension in the neighborhood Tinatin Khidasheli noted, that sues on the agenda: Georgia’s to establish direct and close ties der to achieve its goals to join will bring tangible results. This Georgia’s choice is irreversible. European and Euro-Atlantic in- between business communities NATO and noted that prospects is essential for peace and stabil- She emphasized Georgia’s path tegration, security environment, and organisations. for Georgia’s NATO member- ity in our region and not only”, towards upcoming NATO Sum- bilateral relations, economic co- Particular emphasis was put on ship will be reconfirmed at the - Prime Minister declared during mit in Warsaw and outlined: operation, Georgia’s territorial effective communication with forthcoming NATO Summit in his speech at the NATO Pub- “The most important is that at integrity, multilateral relations the society. The delegation wel- Warsaw in 2016. lic Diplomacy Forum. Giorgi Warsaw Summit, NATO mem- and co-operation in the sphere of comed the implementation of The Lithuanian delegation Kvirikashvili commented on the ber states, NATO as organization strategic communications. Communication and Information reaffirmed its support for - Geor situation in Karabakh and he ex- itself should remain unit, strong Minister Linkevičius reaf- Strategy of the Government of gia’s territorial integrity and sov- pressed hope that the situation and endeavor the tasks NATO firmed Lithuania’s readiness to Georgia in the sphere of EU In- ereignty. The significant role of will be de-escalated as a result is created for. As NATO aspir- promote the process of Geor- tegration for the period of 2014- the European Union in ensuring of the international community’s ant country, Georgia’s mission is gia’s European and Euro-At- 2017. Lithuania committed to security and stability in Georgia efforts. to be a participant of this unity. lantic integration. Members of continue to share its experience was also underlined. The Geor- “We spare no effort to retain There shouldn’t be any other the delegations endorsed their with Georgia in the sphere of gian delegation thanked Lithu- the positive dynamics of the issues, agendas within NATO commitment to work towards communications. ania for active participation in NATO integration process and to state members. We hope Warsaw strengthening the bilateral coop- The Lithuanian delegation ex- the European Union Monitoring make NATO-Georgia relations Summit will answer all the ques- eration between Georgia and the pressed its readiness to continue Mission. even more significant in terms tions that remained unanswered EU, seeking to fully implement supporting Georgia in develop- The two delegations agreed of progress and tangible results in Wales. During two decades the Association Agreement and ing administrative and institu- to hold the next meeting of the in this direction. Georgia, as an Georgia has been reliable and to take greater advantage of the tional opportunities, underlined Lithuanian-Georgian Commis- aspirant country, puts particular loyal partner for NATO. All this opportunities provided by it. that Lithuania will continue the sion in Georgia. emphasis on strengthening its time we tried to prove and show Discussions focused on the implementation of four projects In conclusion, Mikheil ties with NATO and performs with all forms, resources and progress achieved by Georgia in begun in 2015 and reaffirmed Janelidze and Linas Linkevičius important responsibilities in means how valuable is to have the process of implementation that in 2016 will complete the signed the Final Protocol of the terms of NATO’s rapid reaction trusty and reliable partner in the of the visa liberalisation action projects in the spheres of health Commission. forces and NATO missions. In a Caucasus. Our soldiers’ worthy view of NATO approximation, reputation in NATO and EU led Georgia expects significant pro- missions is the best message and gress in both political and prac- pass to these organizations”. tical terms during the Warsaw The final Forum session in- summit, “- the Prime Minister cluded a working meeting for noted. representatives of media and The second day of the Forum government agencies, where par- related to the discussions on the ticipants discussed issues, such upcoming NATO Summit in as Media tools for diverse opin- Warsaw, role of effective strate- ions, propaganda sources and gic communications to this di- tools, identifying an information rection and the existence circum- war and mechanisms for effec- stances in the region. President tive reaction. of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvi- Representatives of legisla- li and Defence Minister Tinatin tive and executive branches of Khidasheli opened the panel. the government, government “Georgia is a country which agencies working on public di- always contributes for global plomacy and communication stability. This effort is depicted related matters, representatives not only by political statements, of NATO Head Quarters and in- but also by participation in inter- vited experts participated in the national operations where Geor- NATO-Georgia Public Diplo- gian soldiers show their worth. macy Forum that took place on According to Georgia’s position, April 4-5. POLITICS April 11, 2016 | www.observer.com.ge | 5 What EU-Turkey agreement might mean over migrant crisis?

GURAM PTSKIALADZE

Turkish President Recep No sooner had the two sides tion divided Cyprus that has been be much more difficult. Migrant no longer in a disadvantageous Tayyip Erdogan warned the Eu- signed an agreement, than Cy- the main obstacle for Turkey on crisis changed a view of how we situation when it begged EU to ropean Union on Thursday that prus spoke up saying that they the way of joining EU. The tiny might see relations between EU further the relations. Erdogan`s official Ankara will not imple- will veto a planned EU-Turkey Mediterranean country (exclud- and Turkey. From now on, not statement tells us that not only ment a crucial deal on reducing deal on refugees unless Ankara ing norther part that is occupied only Turkey should have a will- Turkey needs EU (and that is a the flow of migrants, if EU fails recognises the country’s Greek by Turkey itself and is self-inde- ingness to deepen relations with dubious question within Turkey to fulfill its side of the bargain. Cypriot government. It was stat- pendentseparatist country with EU, but also the organization already), but EU needs Turkey “There are precise conditions. ed by the president of the country mostly Turkish inhabitants) is should make steps. Turkey is too. If the European Union does not Nicos Anastasiades interviewed EU member state. For Cyprus, take the necessary steps, then by euronews on Thursday. any issue regarding Turkey is a Turkey will not implement the No secret that Cyprus has red line and as we saw, Cyprus agreement,” – stated Erdogan been divided since the Turkish will do its best to hinder Turkey while making a speechat his military invaded the island in to improve relations with EU. presidential palace in Ankara. 1974 and Anastasiades said that So, we can easily imagine how Additionally, speaking of mi- Nicosia would block any agree- Turkey will be able to become grant crisis, Turkey`s president ment at a two-day meeting of a member state unless the issue U.S. was aware that emphasized that his country de- EU leaders in Brussels unless over Cyprus is not solved.Fur- served something in return for its there was a change to Turkey’s thermore, before joining EU, if Istanbul could commitment to Syrian refugees, long-standing policy towards Turkey still really wants it, they on whom it has spent some $10 the Greek Cypriot government. should improve relations with billion since the Syrian conflict “That is what I stressed to one more EU member state – become a target of began in 2011. Also, he pointed our partners during the previ- Greece.EU realizes that adver- out that some three million peo- ous Council on March 7th,” sarial countries within it is un- terrorism ple are being fed on their budget the Cypriot president said. “As profitable in many aspects that and there have been promises but long as Turkey doesn’t im- is why EU asks Turkey for solv- The US Embassy in the Re- jured as a result of the explosion. nothing has come for the moment. plement its obligations, we ing some foreign issues with its public of Turkey warned its citi- No lives claimed. The above mentioned deal was don’t have any other choice. neighbors. Also, some problems zens about the potential terrorist However, the USA was not signed between EU and Turkey Signing the agreement ena- within Turkey (the Kurds prob- attack in Istanbul and Antalya in the only one that was spreading on 18 March, when EU leaders bles us to make several conclu- lem, democracy problems) and the morning on 9th April. information about the potential met with their Turkish counter- sions; Turkey is appeared to within EU itself (EU is afraid of “The US mission in Turkey danger. On April 8, Israel ap- part, Prime Minister of Turkey have a raised chance of getting Turkey`s large economy and pop- warns American citizens that in pealed to its citizens not to go to Ahmed Davutoğlu. They reached closer to EU. To remind, Turkey ulation, plus its different culture tourist zones, especially in Istan- Turkey or to leave it as soon as an agreement aimed at stopping started its partnership with the and bordering an assailable and bul and Antalya. Be particularly possible. the flow of irregular migration European Economic Commu- fragile region of Middle East). cautious when being in public Since April 10, safety meas- via Turkey to Europe, breaking nity (the official name for the EU Although Turkey has always places in these cities”, - it is said ures have been taken; the police the business model of smugglers before 1992) back in 1963 with been one of the most important in the statement published on the have been concentrated on main and offering migrants an alterna- the hopes of gains eventual ac- countries for the European Un- Embassy webpage. squares and in main public plac- tive to putting their lives at risk. cession. In 1987, it submitted its ion and it has always yearned In a few hours the expectations es. Snipers are watching poten- According to the agreement, official application for full mem- for joining EU, recently situ- of the US Special Forces came tially dangerous zones from the all irregular migrants cross- bership. However, it wasn’t until ation has changed. Eurozone true; at least three people got in- top of the high buildings. ing from Turkey to the Greek 2005 that Turkey officially began crisis at a time when Turkish islands from March 20 will be negotiating the accession criteria. economy went on performing taken back to Turkey. In return, Accession talks have not ended quite well led the government for every Syrian returned to Tur- yet, let alone accession process. to take a more skeptical view key, another Syrian will be re- If we compare the duration of of EU membership. Support for settled from Turkey to the EU. other countries` accession pro- joining EU has reduced in recent The EU will further speed up the cess with Turkey`s one, we can years among Turkish population. disbursement of the initially al- see the difference: most of appli- Erdogan`s comment on the located 3 billion euros and will cant countries` accession process agreement points out that sees EU mobilize an additional 3 bil- lasted no more than a decade, as an equal partner, not superior lion euro once these resources whereas Turkey, as mentioned, and shows that Turkey is not go- are used and provided commit- submitted its application form ing subordinate on all the issues ments have been met. The sides in 1987 and the light at the end EU asks for. Erdogan`s govern- will work to improve humani- of the tunnel is not on the verge ment, by stating that Turkey will tarian conditions inside Syria. of appearing in a near future. not implement the agreement if As for deals that are in favor of Notwithstanding, the mi- EU fails to keep their promise, Turkey in addition to these 6 bil- grant crisis and the agreement proudly demonstrates that join- lion euro, EU leaders and Turkey might help to a great extent EU- ing the EU is no longer a top pri- agreed to accelerate the fulfilment Turkey`s relations to be improved ority for Turkey and at the same of the visa liberalization road- as sides started a deeper negotia- time, gives evidence how far Tur- map, with a view to lifting visa tions and EU`s promise to get a key matters for EU and migrant requirements for Turkish citizens visa-free regime might be an crisis allowed Turkey to be so. by end of June 2016 at the latest. impetus toward Turkey`s acces- Migrant crisis made EU more They reconfirmed their commit- sion within EU. However, sev- dependent on Turkey and it is ment to re-energize the acces- eral factors work against Turkey obvious that without Turkey`s sion process as set out in the joint and EU to be a closer partners. desire and commitment coping statement of 29 November 2015. Among them we should men- with migrant crisis would be FACT-ANALYSIS April 11, 2016 | www.observer.com.ge | 6 France voted for the criminalization of the purchase of sex SALOME KHVEDELIDZE

After almost three year-long of France, posted a message debate, French National Assem- on Twitter, stressing that the bly recognized prostitution as vote was “a major advance” for one of the worst forms of vio- women’s rights in France. As for lence against women and voted the Minister for women’s rights, for the criminalization of the Laurence Rossignol, she told purchase of sex on April 6th. the National Assembly before Under the new law, anyone the vote, that prostitution was who pays to a sex worker, will “violence done to women” and not only be fined, but also re- the new measure would send an quired to attend classes on the important message to all those harms of prostitution. There will women who have to work as be a €1,500 fine for a first of- prostitutes, that “the state, the fence, rising up to €3,750 for a Parliament and society finally second, which would also be put recognizes the violence of the on the person’s criminal record. system of prostitution.” New legislation sparked a Although some sex work- fierce debate. French Parliament ers, as well as the officials, op- has been debating on the issue pose the new law. The French since 2013, but after several union of sex workers protested hearings, the final vote was de- against the new law, saying that layed – there was a disagreement the legislation that outlaws pay- between the upper house Senate ing for sex and imposes fines for en, who work in the industry.” France or other countries. drunk or under the influence of and the lower house National As- clients, is nothing but “repres- “The problems are not actually “Decreased rate do not always drugs. sembly. The final draft of the bill sive”. It is known, that the bill being dealt with, but are rather mean that it changes the scale of Ida Bakhturidze argues, that was passed by 64 votes to 12, makes available €4.8m annually pushed underground, which only the issue, especially when we are even if decreased rate points to with the majority of the 577 As- to assist sex workers in quitting makes the problem worse and talking about illegal activities. the fact the problem is being sembly members not voting. prostitution and helping pass the also invisible. I am confident, It is only logical, that compiling solved, the example of Sweden Such move makes France one burden of the offence on clients. that it will be the same in this statistics of underground activi- is not applicable to other coun- of few European countries that The French union of sex work- case too. The sex workers will ties becomes more difficult, so tries. follow the Nordic model. The ers STRASS thinks, that the law become more vulnerable and maybe decreased rate is caused “Neither France nor any other model means criminalizing con- will only make 30 000 – 40 000 marginalized, because under- by that,” said feminist activist. country can provide as good so- sumers instead of sex workers. sex workers more vulnerable and ground industries are way too “There is a lot written about cial welfare as Swedish. When Women, men and children who will not bring positive changes. corrupt, violent and uncontrolla- increased internet prostitution you cannot offer your citizen are involved in prostitution, will The fact, that the law comes af- ble,” she says. along with the decrease of pros- alternative ways of income or receive social support from the ter more than two and half years It should be noted, that the titution in Sweden, so in reality, create good living conditions, government. The group of coun- study issued by a government maybe it is just the shape that imposing restrictions to the one tries that follow the Nordic mod- who makes money, is not a solu- “The problems are not actually being dealt with, but are rather pushed el include countries like Swe- tion, especially when you do not den, Norway and Iceland, with underground, which only makes the problem worse and also invisible. even ask sex workers what they Northern Ireland, Denmark and I am confident, that it will be the same in this case too. The sex workers prefer,” says Ida Bakhturidze, Finland having the similar laws. will become more vulnerable and marginalized, because underground adding that it seems like crimi- Socialist member of Parlia- industries are way too corrupt, violent and uncontrollable,” nalization is a lie sugarcoated by ment Maud Olivier, who au- - Ida Bakhturidze government. Either way, as ex- thored the new law, says that perience shows, lately countries the bill aims to protect those sex have two conflicting approaches workers, who want to leave the of political wrangling, spurring when dealing with prostitution: business. “We cannot accept that heated debates on the contro- agency in Stockholm found that changed and not the problem it- legalization of prostitution or a body can be bought because versial topic, only proves that street prostitution had been cut self,” she added. outlawing it. Legalization, as one has money and the other is not only some MPs, but part of by more than half since 1995 According to the review of the well as outlawing it, raises many struggling financially or is in the French society as well, is skepti- and that the number of men ad- research that the Swedish Asso- questions. Involvement in prosti- hands of a prostitution network, cal; Swedish model is subject of mitting to having purchased sex ciation for Sexuality Education tution in most cases is not volun- in need of urgent revenues and criticism. Opposing party con- was down more than 40 percent. commissioned from Malmo Uni- tary, and often related to traffick- does not have any other imme- siders that the new legislation These findings were consist- versity, the Internet and mobile ing and prostitution involving diate solutions. We needed to might force sex workers to go ent with an official report com- phones may have accelerated the children. Moreover, prostitution change this idea in society of underground, which makes them pleted by the Swedish govern- reduction in street prostitution is basically paid exploitation and prostitution as a necessary evil, more vulnerable to abuse. ment in 2010: it concluded that by bringing “clients” and sex directly related to the culture of being done on a voluntary ba- Ida Bakhturidze, the member the law had reduced trafficking workers together electronically. violence. Obviously, when more sis.” Bruno Le Roux, the head of of the Independent Group of and transformed attitudes toward The new legislation raised ques- than 90 percent of respondents the Socialist group in parliament, Feminists and WECF Georgia buying sex. tions about safety and security of say, that if they had a choice, said: “You do not hire a woman Coordinator, says, that “Swed- However, despite this, the op- sex workers: the opposing party they would not be involved in like you hire a car. Our society ish model” (Sweden was first to posing party still came with ar- argues that the law forces wom- prostitution, confirms that the should no longer tolerate it.” pass the bill in 1999) is “govern- guments against the bill and a en who sell sex into dangerous state should not avoid responsi- The new law was approved ment’s ineffective, populist way gender specialist Ida Bakhuridze situations; for instance, its leads bility and look for effective, ade- by other officials as well. Ma- to deal with the problem and it is talks about that. According to women to jump into cars with- quate and maybe even new ways nuel Valls, the Prime Minister even dangerous for those wom- her, the reality is not relevant to out first checking if the driver is to eliminate the problem. ECONOMICS April 11, 2016 | www.observer.com.ge | 7 LARGEST INVESTOR’S PUBLIC REPORT TO GOVERNMENT

Vice Prime Minister and Min- gian citizens on this project. ister of Energy Kakha Kaladze, AGL has already finished 75% Vice Prime Minister and Minis- of construction and will com- ter of Economy and Sustainable plete the project by the end of Development Dimitri Kumsish- the year. Hydropower genera- vili, Minister of Regional De- tion will start functioning in the velopment and Infrastructure spring with a power station ca- Nodar Javakjishvili, Minister pable of generating 187 MW of of Finance Nodar Khaduri, and clean energy for domestic and Minister of Environment and foreign consumption. This will Natural Resources Giga Agu- contribute to the Georgia’s effort lashvili attended a report by Ad- to achieve energy independence jaristsqali Georgia LLC (AGL), and increase its export capacity. the country’s largest investor. AGL’s activities are not lim- The event was also attended by ited to the construction of a hy- representatives of international dropower station in highland finance institutions (IFC, EBRD, Adjara. Driven by a deep sense ADB,) and experts working in of social responsibility, the com- the energy sector. pany is also supporting the eco- and they are implementing miti- in Georgia since gaining our awareness.” This event was jointly organ- nomic and social development of gation and compensation meas- independence. This is an enor- Ronny Solberg, CEO of AGL, ized by the Ministry of Energy the Adjara region and improving ures to minimize its impact. AGL mous step in the development said in his address, “We believe and Adjaristsqali Georgia. the of living standards of those constantly strives to comply of our energy sector. Our goal is that the Shuakhevi Hydro Power Speeches were delivered by the living within the project area. with all relevant Georgian leg- the rational utilization of energy Plant will promote the long-term Vice Prime Minister and Min- AGL’s social responsibility ef- islation and, in addition, adhere resources in order to ensure our development of upper Adjara. ister of Energy Kakha Kaladze, forts focus on three main areas: to the highest international en- country’s energy independence. Social responsibility is one of our Chairman of Advisor’s Board of education and awareness raising, vironmental standards and best Cooperation with international main priorities, and we are im- Adjaristsqali Georgia Kyrre Olaf community empowerment, and practices. The project is the first finance institutions and leading plementing more than 70 social Johansen, and the company’s infrastructure projects. hydropower project in Georgia companies is a significant pre- projects in the Project area. We CEO Ronny Solberg. By the time the project is com- certified by the United Nations condition for the development have built roads and water sys- AGL is implementing one of pleted, the company will have Framework Convention on Cli- of Georgia’s economy which is tems, rehabilitated schools and the largest infrastructure invest- contributed millions of laris to mate Change for carbon emis- closely to the development of kindergartens, and carried out a ments in Georgia, the Shuakhevi local municipal budgets through sion reductions. It is expected the energy sector. As a result of variety of educational programs Hydro Power Plant (HPP) pro- a 10% profit tax. Local govern- to produce about 450 gigawatt the successful collaboration of for local students and teachers. ject. AGL is a joint venture be- ments will use this money to hours of power annually and re- EBRD, IFC, ADB, TATA Power I am particularly proud of our tween India’s Tata Power and improve the living conditions of duce greenhouse gas emissions and Clean Energy Invest, a USD initiative to develop local small Norway’s Clean Energy Invest the people living in the Adjara by more than 200,000 tons per 416 million investment was business by providing them with (40 percent each), and IFC, region year. made in Georgia’s energy sec- training and financial support. a member of the World Bank AGL is committed to protect- In his speech, Kakha Kaladze tor. This included an investment Our goal as a company isn’t just Group (20 percent). AGL is in- ing the environment in the pro- stated, “Today we celebrate the in social projects that focused on to build a hydro power plant, it vesting a total of USD 416 mil- ject area both during construc- implementation one of the larg- infrastructural development and is also to strengthen and develop lion and employing 730 Geor- tion and after commissioning, est and most important project raising the level of education and the region where we work.“

Dimitry Kumsishvili: Studies launched to examine “I would recommend people the potential of solar energy in engaged in the tourism sector Gardabani Municipality to be very accurate with the price setting”

Vice Prime Minister of Geor- Kumsishvili. According to him gia, Dimitry Kumsishvili claims the Ministry actively cooperates that the demand on tourism to with the number of airlines in or- Georgia has significantly in- der to make low-cost tickets for creased which is confirmed by wider audience. several studies. Compared to the “As you know, Tbilisi Interna- A project memorandum be- memorandum, the company will last year, we expect much more tional Airport runway is under tween the Ministry of Energy be doing techno-economic re- income from tourism this year. reconstruction and in June we of Georgia and the “Solar En- search on the territory of Garda- In 2015, the tourism generated will already have completely re- ergy Company” was approved bani during 12 months, as well as 1935 million USD, which is by newed runway there. Until that at the sitting of the government holding public discussions, pre- 148 million more compare to time, the Airport is operating in a on April 8. As explained by the paring an Environmental Impact 2014. very intense regime because we Ministry, the memorandum cov- Assessment (EIA) and present- “ I would recommend peo- accept guests only from 8:00PM ers studying the solar potential ing a corresponding proposition ple engaged in the tourism sec- until 10:00AM. At the same in Gardabani municipality, in the to the Ministry of Economy. tor to be very accurate with the time, in order to attract even town of Gardabani and village of The American company price setting since we have com- more tourists, with the financial Kalinino. In particular, studying “Headwall Power International”, peting neighboring countries. support of the Georgian Na- techno-economic issues related with “Solar Energy Company” Therefore, it is very important tional Tourism Administration, to building an electrical substa- as an official representative in to have adequate prices com- we shall provide support to such tion for the purpose of building, Georgia, has international expe- pared to provided services if we projects as Check in Georgia,” owning and operating it in the rience in respect of alternative do not want to lose tourist,” said claimed the Minister . future. In accordance with the energy sources. business April 11, 2016 | www.observer.com.ge | 8 Money down the drain or investment for future? gvantsa silikashvili

Apart from developing small Minister is revitalizing the termi- above-mentioned kind of loans and medium regional enterpris- nated process. are risky for them. es, the Georgian government Lia Eliava, expert in economic Given the conditions where it have shown interest in funding issues, sees the new initiative is difficult to get your business startups as well. “30-35 million of the Ministry of Economy as idea funded along with banks laris have already been allocated positive: “Supporting startups is unwilling to allocate money for to funds to be distributed among not a bad initiative. Even though such an activity, the announced Tbilisi and country regions,” a large amount of the money as- initiative becomes twice as nec- said Dimitri Kumsishvili, Minis- signed is going to go down the essary. This is exactly what stu- ter of Economy and Sustainable drain and 85-90% of startups are dent Tina Osadze, representa- Development of Georgia. We going to fail, the survivors will tive of one of the startups, talks tried to consult the Ministry for develop and prove to be benefi- about. Within the framework of details but we were denied in our cial for the country”. the project “Start Business with request. The growing number and de- Fab-Lab”, she has, along with In recent years we have fre- velopment of startups is very im- friends, launched “Populus”, a quently heard the term “Startup” portant for developing countries brand featuring handmade bags In particular, we are referring As for small and medium busi- the international definition of with low domestic production. without analogy. to the announcement made by nesses, in this respect, there has which is a newly set up business It can be said that when financ- “Considering the national the Prime Minister in January, been an attempt by the gov- with no particular number of tan- ing startups, the state is making culture, we added Khevsurian according to which the govern- ernment to support them since gible assets or human resources. an investment of sorts, because embroidery to wooden bags. ment is intensively working on 2014. Within the framework However, as Sandro Asatiani, in case of success, a startup will We deemed this distinctive ele- tax liberalization and planning of the programme “Produce in rector of “GeoLab” points out, turn into a large business. ment to be capable of making to introduce the Estonian model Georgia”, anyone interested has in Georgia, by the term “startup” It should be remarked that the product more interesting as of tax system in Georgia. Profit an opportunity to get funding to they usually refer to companies the practice of financing start- well as helping us to establish made by a company will be re- execute their ideas in the regions with innovative tech startups. ups is a common and already a firmly. We did not waste time turned in the economy. The com- of Georgia. Baia Abuladze is one By now it remains unknown tried method abroad. In leading looking for sponsors. After one panies that use the profit gained those who, within the frame- whether the initiative introduced countries, the state spends even or two vain attempts, we decided for the company, i.e. reinvest, work of the project, managed by the Ministry of Economy billions on funding them, which to self-finance our business. It will be exempted from taxation. to launch her own wine brand concerns only startups special- hints that such a process is nec- is hard to get one finance some- Except for the above-men- “Baia’s wine”. In her interview izing in technology or any busi- essary and beneficial not only thing that does not exist”. tioned difficulties, it is not so with OBSERVER, she advised ness startup. However, in Janu- for startups but also for the state In the case of “Populus” this easy to execute your ideas inde- startups to think a lot and make ary 2016, at the opening of Tech itself. was possible, as the necessary pendently. As it turns out, there an effort to execute their ideas. Park, the government announced Of course, the government initial funds amounted to 400 are opportunities for beginners “This is a great tradition of our innovative technologies as one cannot be the only one to take on laris. But as the business grows, in this respect too. One of them family and I naturally got in- of its priorities. responsibility for financing start- so do expenses, especially be- is the international entrepreneur- volved. There are lots of difficul- “Rapid economic growth is ups. Businessmen are also in- cause they do not have a working ship and innovation network I- ties – physical work, expenses, impossible without advancement volved in this area abroad but in space and have to do their job at HUB which was launched last sales, dependence on nature and of fields based on innovation, re- Georgia this is an issue. As Davit home. That’s why, Tina sees the year. studying new methods. The pro- search and development”, - said Dvalishvili, a member of Tech- initiative introduced by the state I-HUB is an innovation hub; gramme “Produce in Georgia” Giorgi Kvirikashvili. nology Association of Georgia as important: “It would be very after having paid the member- played a big role in turning our For this purpose, yet in 2013, (TAG), pointed out while dis- good if the state gave some ini- ship fee, they accept a startup family business into a brand”. when Kvirikashvili was the act- cussing this topic, businessmen tial financial support to a compa- specializing in innovation and However, the programme is ing Minister of Economy, he avoid financing startups in Geor- ny as it is getting started”. entrepreneurship in their work- only focused on regions and pro- supported the launch of Geor- gia due to the high-risk environ- Along with funding-related ing space and help and monitor duction, which mainly implies gia’s Innovation and Technology ment. problems come taxes too, as them so that that the startup can financing an entrepreneur who Agency (GITA). Actually, one Another source of funding is a large and small businesses are develop into an ideal business. runs or has already been running of the responsibilities imposed bank loan, but this is not an op- taxed equally. As economist Lia One of the startup support pro- a business and wants to develop on this department was to sup- tion for Georgian startups. Busi- Eliashvili pointed out, it is an in- grammes is Gamefounders, in it. Within the framework of the port startups, and up to 15 start- nesses, especially small and me- ternationally accepted practice to the game industry. It involves new initiative of the Minister ups were financed by the World dium enterprises,hardly have any exempt startups from such taxes not only funding and consulting of Economy, funds will suppos- Bank. Then this process went to access to loans. As for startups, during the first 2-3 years. The but also promoting the teams. edly be assigned to startup. This be terminated as the necessary they are not given loans - one of Georgian government is current- Gamefounders is one of those paves the way for people to ex- funds were not approved. Temur the reasons being the fact that ly working in this respect and it accelerator programmes that ecute their innovative ideas, get Maisuradze, one the initiators of Georgian banks focus on short- is planned to introduce a Divi- Georgian companies can join in financial benefit and employ GITA, supposes that the Prime term loans and large gain. The dend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP). on as well. people.

Georgian-German “AD Group” opens its first shop in Tbilisi

“My German House” was some of living in Germany and ing this coziness to your house. opened at 12 Bakhtrioni St. on doing the shopping there. Hun- Leading German brands Tchibo, April 9 and ever since the rib- dreds of customers that could Nur Die and others are represent- bon-cutting ceremony the shop not phlegmatically walk past ed in the shop. has been full of people. the shop-windows decorated in The Georgian-German compa- The voracious interest shown German flag colors have already ny “AD Group” already arouses by customers is mainly due to bought personal articles and so much interest in Tbilisi that in the German quality and reason- household goods. the future it is likely to also come able prices. The German products and the across branches in other districts The cozy atmosphere and the atmosphere in the shop makes of the capital, which would be a authenticity of the brands pre- you feel like visiting this place great present for those keen on sented in the shop reminded over and over again and mov- German products. ECONOMICS April 11, 2016 | www.observer.com.ge | 9 “Bridge - Innovation and Development” in step with needs of gender- sensitive society Tamar umpriani

Gender mainstream in Geor- account in every field, this is ness, this, of course, requires gia is becoming more and more just an approach of ours – the funds as well as maintenance active day by day, however not country will not develop without tools that she does not have. many people realize its meaning equal involvement of men and The other issue is education, the and importance. OBSERVER women in the country’s devel- basic knowledge that a woman interviewed Nino Janashia, pro- opment. As for safety, this is the needs in agriculture – she has to gramme manager of the local issue that Oxfam has been suc- either learn it from someone else non-governmental organization cessfully working on; with their or take training courses But if “Bridge-Innovation and Devel- support the Food Safety Group we observe various training ses- opment” about the necessity of has been formed within the Min- sions, it is mostly men attending forming a gender-sensitive so- istry of Agriculture and a food them just because women have ciety. The abovementioned or- safety action plan has been intro- to work twice as hard in the vil- ganization and Georgian repre- duced. When we studied the ac- lage – on the one hand, manage sentatives of the British charity tion plan and the strategy of the their agriculture and, on the other organization “Oxfam” supported Ministry of Agriculture, we re- hand, manage the family which the conference regarding “Gen- alized that a gender mainstream is much harder. der and Food Safety” on March was necessary. These concep- As for the wage, there is a trend 29. At the conference guests fa- tions lacked gender aspects and in the whole world that a man’s miliarized themselves with the gender perception, thus we along salary is higher than a woman’s. results of gender analysis of the with experts, tried to prepare a Even financial institutes deem concept of food safety, gender- gender analysis of the country’s a woman’s business less reli- sensitive approaches to nutrition food safety policy. As it turned able when approving a loan. issues, and also listened to re- out, rather important changes This is written nowhere, but if ports about barriers and econom- need to be brought about in the you study loan approval statis- ic needs for women’s involve- country’s food safety policy so tics you will see that financial ment in agriculture. that it is based on gender equal- institutes do consider a business What encouraged the forma- ity principles. run by a man more reliable. The tion of the new organization Why gender in particular? If story is the same in the village and how are the activities of we have a look at statistics, the – a woman’s work is less appre- and women have different needs, carry out similar programmes Bridge and Oxfam related? Global Gender Gap Report that ciated. “Bridge”, “Oxfam” and especially during the reproduc- in Georgia? The Bridge-Innovation and is published annually last year “Action Global” initiated a film tive cycle. It is important for This was a very important and Development is a new non-gov- we witnessed Georgia being left featuring the invisible barriers the state to equally consider the necessary step taken by the state. ernmental organization which behind ranking 82th out of 145 for women living in the village needs of both sexes. The nutri- I think a law on food safety must was founded in 2015. We will countries based on the extent to and after a long time of search- tion research shows that in case also be in force and the group of carry on the same job and activi- which we use women’s potential. ing we finally found the only girl of consumption of five groups of everyday essentials should be ties that Oxfam has been carry- Food safety means both food that can drive a tractor. Based on food in the family, women con- specified in the law. However, ing out for years. The job mainly production and consumption. her example, we can conclude sume one group fewer, which this is a vitally important deci- includes fighting against poverty, Women’s potential must be used that working with such vehicles means that she sacrifices food sion and it must be executed on supporting socially unprotected in the production cycle as well does not require special strength for someone else’s benefit. This the grounds of a very firm base, vulnerable groups and especially as in the consumption process. A and even more so, dealing with is, of course, an expression of with active participation of ex- supporting agricultural develop- woman must be able to consume modern technology is not based motherly care, but the state perts and professionals. It is vital ment. In addition, we are current- food to the extent she deems nec- on physical strength, but rather – should pay attention to the gen- to increase agricultural produc- ly launching a new project as a essary so that gender gap can be on knowledge. der mainstream when carrying tion and become less dependent continuation of the range of Ox- eliminated both in production To what extent are govern- out various projects. on import in order to create a sta- fam’s activities. The project has and consumption. Our main ob- mental bodies involved in Socially unprotected and vul- ble food environment. been executed in the highlands jective is to eliminate inequality working on these issues and are nerable groups and internally What are your recommen- of Adjara. This programme in- between men and women both in they innovators themselves? displaced persons need support, dations with respect to gender volves disaster risk management production and consumption. Generally, the Georgian Law it is necessary to take into ac- and food safety? and we are going to replicate it in What are the main barriers is absolutely neutral in terms of count the needs of mothers and We have a set of recommen- Kakheti and Mtskheta-Mtianeti for women involved in agricul- gender. When representatives of children. In Georgia there are a dations that are still being pro- region. Our scope of work also ture? one gender have special needs, big number of people with ane- cessed. We hope to continue includes human rights and gen- There are lots of barriers; First I think, the law must be gender mia which is, to some extent, working with the Food Safety der equality issues, which means of all, I would like to touch upon sensitive. After we introduced connected with poor nutrition. Group at the Ministry of Agri- that we try to fully integrate prin- the issue of land ownership. gender recommendations to the Eventually, this leads to health culture. ciples of gender equality and hu- According to statistics, 80% of Ministry of Agriculture, I think, problems and it becomes neces- Women living in the village man rights in every project that landowners in Georgia are men they got interested in cooperat- sary to plan one’s nutrition and must be fully involved in eco- we carry out. and 20% - women. This means ing with us. take these aspects into consid- nomic development. There is What caused the gender that, culturally and traditionally, What is the organization’s eration. a law on gender equality and mainstream to activate in ag- based on our stereotypes the approach to the issue of nutri- There was a sitting held at a gender equality action plan riculture and what do statistics property is inherited by a male. tion? the Parliament regarding for- which, in case of being used, can demonstrate in this respect? This creates a barrier to econom- We rely on the comprehensive tification of everyday essen- serve as a great potential for the We believe that gender equal- ic independence for women. If nutrition research done by Ox- tials. What is the viewpoint country, and if not used – as an ity principles must be taken into a woman wishes to start a busi- fam. In terms of nutrition, men of “Bridge”- is it necessary to obstacle. SOCIETY April 11, 2016 | www.observer.com.ge | 10 18-year-old Georgian semi-finalist at GIST Tech-I 2016

Tamar umpriani

The Georgian innovative idea will shoot, edit and upload vid- had the idea of creating MotionX called MotionX became a semi- eos by itself. As a consequence, for a long time and a competition finalist among representatives the project will ensure the in- like this is an excellent opportu- of 104 participating countries at volvement of people that until nity for him to actually execute Global Innovation through Sci- now had no access to information the idea. ence and Technology (GIST) in educational processes. Apart The Global Innovation Com- competition announced by the from this, the project includes petition GIST NET enables US Department of State. materials adaptation (linguistic, young innovators to get expe- The idea belongs to 18-year cultural and contextual), which rience on their base, develop old Nikoloz Gachechiladze, stu- will encourage involvement of their ideas and execute them. dent of the faculty of Interna- local educational institutions. Within the framework of the pro- tional Business Administration “It is noteworthy that this pro- gramme, representatives of 135 at LCC International University. ject is of international impor- developing countries have pre- And the execution of his idea tance as we have no information sented their ideas and upgraded provides education accessibility about a similar system on the their qualifications since 2011 in virtual mode. market that works in the same through different competitions “MotionX is the idea through way. The system will be avail- and academic camps. which the process of shooting, able in every language depend- By now, representatives of editing and uploading videos on ing on where it is located”– Ga- Syria and Jordan are leading the tion that will help children study in Silicon Valley, California the internet will be automated. chechiladze pointed out. competition followed by Geor- electronics and develop logical where after the review they will This will enable educational in- The young innovator is ac- gians. “Particularly in the field thinking,” says Nikoloz. be presenting their ideas to the stitutions in developing regions tively involved in different kinds of education, the representative Finalists of the competition audience to gain a victory. At to upload study materials online of activities that aim to intro- of Jordan is presenting a project will be elected based on online this time, anyone can easily find easily and at minimal cost,” said duce novelty and improve the which supports teaching lev- voting which started on the GIST Nikoloz Gachechiladze among Nikoloz Gachechiladze in the in- well-being of society. He wants els of mathematics with the use Network webpage on April 1 and the contestants and vote for the terview with OBSERVER. to create a worthy product that of a mobile phone application. will continue for one month. 30 Georgian innovative idea in case The main part of the idea is the will bring large-scale positive And the representative of Syria participants will proceed to the of execution of which quality technological invention which, changes in the field of education. (through an educational pro- last round and on June 30 they education will become available after having installed cameras, As Gachechiladze says, he has gramme) is presenting an inven- will be meeting at the summit for large numbers of people.

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Tamar umpriani 7

The young pianist Nino Kotri- cause they are the most sincere kadze who works in Germany and neat. Grandmother wanted and has been awarded a second me to become a doctor, but I still prize at the “Steinway & Sons” stuck to my childhood dream and competition, paid a visit to Ilia I keep moving towards my goal. State Uniersity (Iliauni) on April I decided to play music at the age 6. The pianist shared her experi- of 11, the stimulus came from ences with students and named the first solo concert but I do not the seven rules for self-manage- think I am only a pianist because ment that play the biggest role in being a musician involves lots of achieving success to OBSERV- areas. I would like to remark that ER readers. ever since I was left completely 1. Be organized alone in an unfamiliar environ- Manage time correctly and ment, I survived by the impulses wisely, as time is the invaluable I had gotten from my childhood treasure that you will never be teachers: Lali Rcheulishvili and able to get back. The turning Rezo Tavadze; the unforgettable point that can put you on a com- emotion that I used to get when pletely different track may occur coming up on stage. Make every any time and we must be ready effort to make your dreams come for it both professionally and in- true most of which might be lost trinsically. and faded in everyday life. 2. Believe in yourself 6. Be responsible 7. Be hardworking Nino Kotrikadze was born everyday concerns for which It is vitally important to be- Find balance inside yourself Generally, self-education - ac- in Tbilisi, 1986 into a musi- she is very grateful to him. The lieve in your abilities so much and determine how long it will quisition of new skills and broad- cal family. The pianist took up young pianist successfully per- that others also get convinced. take you to work on yourself, do ening your horizons - is the most music traditionally at the age of forms at prestigious concerts 3. Execute your ideas not rely on banal old-fashioned interesting process in a young 6 in a class supervised by Lali in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Believe that what you are doing guidelines. Working on yourself artist’s life. General education Rcheulishvili at Music School. Switzerland, Italy, Spain and is right and good. Try to execute is very individual, for some it and a broad horizon are just as Then she matriculated at Vano the USA. She has produced any creative initiative no matter takes more, for others – less. But essential for a young musician Sarajishvili Tbilisi State Con- two audio albums: “Das Elis- how difficult and unreal it might this does not mean that we are as basic music skills. In my case, servatoire in a class supervised abeth Fest Album” (2011), seem in the beginning. I person- going to make every day of ours it was the synthesis of education by Rezo Tavadze and took her which includes the newly dis- bachelor’s degree. In 2007-2008 covered compositions by the ally perceive music deep and in routine and uninteresting. For gained at First Classical Gym- she matriculated at a prestigious great Hungarian composer and different contexts. Without this it instance, there are compositions nasium and at Music School, conservatoire in Canada with a pianist Franz Liszt and his peer is impossible to become a good that I do not have to practice be- knowledge of foreign languages, full scholarship, but eventually composers, and “Kinderieben” artist. It is not just playing the pi- fore a concert. Many world-fa- interest for technical and natu- she decided to go to Germany (2014) by the German compos- ano and getting royalties. mous pianists (I will resist from ral sciences that, at a glance, are because she deemed there to be er and pianist Theodor Kullak. 4. Always be in a good mood naming them) do not practice the completely different from music, further opportunities waiting The master’s student at Hanns Giving and getting positive at- compositions that they ae sup- and also, the great love I had for for her. Even though she had to Eisler Academy of Music in titude is perhaps the greatest hu- posed to play at a concert every performing and fine arts. I still establish herself in a completely Berlin currently lives in Ham- man mission. A sincere smile can day. Along with aging and get- live with the knowledge and im- unfamiliar environment, she did burg; she has an agent that man- definitely make one have a posi- ting more experience, one does pressions gotten at an early age not face any insuperable obsta- ages her tight concert tours. She tive attitude towards you. not have to work for hours. This and I consider this to be the firm cles. The musician and rector of combines her performing career 5. Be determined applies to people of all profes- fundament that must pave way Vano Sarajishvili Tbilisi State with teaching and is actively Whatever might happen, stick sions, not only musicians or art- for not only an artist’s but also Conservatoire Rezo Kiknadze involved in organizing festivals to your childhood dreams be- ists. an individual’s development. was helping her to deal with and concerts.

67 students have been granted a scholarship within the framework of “Successful Student Motivation” Programme

Tbilisi Mayor Davit Narmania points in every university course ment for them to improve their granted 67 master’s students a (Grade A). The programme in- qualifications and get a better ed- scholarship within the frame- cludes one semester and each ucation. This is exactly what the work of the “Successful Student student gets 450 laris. programme aims at,” said Davit Motivation” programme. The “The programme that aims to Narmania. programme aims to motivate stu- stimulate successful master’s At the first and second stages dents with high academic perfor- students is still in action. We of the programme up to 150 stu- mance. want them to become more mo- dents were granted a scholarship. The scholarship offered by tivated. The programme will continue in the municipality can be granted Successful students are the the coming years too. to a person registered in Tbilisi guarantee of a successful city The event was also attended who is a master’s student at a and country. This is a humble in- by representatives of the Tbilisi state high-educational institution vestment in our own future. We City Hall and the Tbilisi City As- and has obtained no less than 91 should create the right environ- sembly. SOCIETY April 11, 2016 | www.observer.com.ge | 12 Victims of Babushera Shelter for victims tragedy buried with of family violence opened in Kakheti military honour LEPL “State Fund for Protec- non-governmental and state or- tion and Assistance of (statutory) ganizations. Victims of the battle for Geor- volved in this process. I would cases of the ones missing since Victims of Human Trafficking” The launch of the shelter was gia’s territorial integrity were like to give special thanks to the the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict made a presentation regarding co-financed by the State Fund, honourably consigned to the International Committee of the in 1992-1993. the opening of a shelter for vic- United Nations Development grave at the Digomi Brothers’ Red Cross for their effort. Also, As a result of a negotiation, tims of family violence in the re- Fund for Women and US Em- Cemetery on April 9. my special thanks to the Abkha- they decided on opening Ba- gion of Kakheti. bassy. The State Fund provides The funeral procession was at- zian party who handle the issue bushera Brothers’ Cemetery and The Deputy Minister of Labor, various services in respect of tended by the Minister of Refu- with advertence. They fully re- exhuming the deceased bodies. Health and Social Affairs Valeri family violence: Assistance and gees and Accommodation Sozar alize that this is a humanitarian After having opened the graves Kvaratskhelia, US Ambassa- defense of legal interests of vic- Subari, Deputy Minister of De- mission and discussing politics at Babushera Brothers’ Cemetery, dor Ian Kelly, Deputy Minister tims of family violence; provid- fense Davit Ebralidze and Tbilisi would be out of the question,” in order to identify the deceased of Internal Affirs Archil Talak- ing victims of family violence Mayor Davit Narmania. said Sozar Subari. bodies, they were transported to vadze, Director of State Fund with a shelter, juridical, psycho- As Sozar Subari stated, it is The civil funeral rites for the Levan Samkharauli National Fo- Tamila Barkalaia, representative logical, medical and/or other symbolic that the burial of the 12 victims of Babushera tragedy rensics Bureau. The genetic pro- of United Nations Development kinds of services; supporting the heroes coincided with “9th April held at the Trinity Cathedral last- files obtained in Georgia have Fund for Women Erika Kvapi- full reintegration of families and day”. ed for two days. Today, the Presi- been sent to DNA Laboratory at lova and representative of other society. “9th April is one of the most dent of Georgia Giorgi Margve- University of Zagreb Croatia. By tragic and heroic days. I guess lashvili, Minister of Refugees now, 43 deceased bodies trans- it is symbolic that the burial of and Accommodation Sozar Sub- ported from Babushera Grave the 12 heroes coincided with this ari and other Parliament Mem- have been identified. Minister of Environment day. 9 of them have been buried bers once again paid tribute to As a result of the ongoing ne- at Brother’s Cemetery and three the memory of the fallen soldiers gotiations between the Ministry and Natural Resources of them have been transported and expressed their condolences of Refugees and Accommoda- discussed details to their family cemeteries. 43 to their families. tion and the de facto government people have already been identi- In 2010, under the guidance of of Abkhazia, two more graves regarding Batumi fied. 208 dead bodies have been the Red Cross, a bilateral coordi- will be opened in 2016 and over transported and they are being nation group was formed which 100 deceased bodies will be Ministerial Conference identified. A lot of people are in- is responsible for studying the transported. Minister of Environment and will be held in Batumi through Natural Resources Gigla Agu- June 8-11. The conference will lashvili met with non-govern- be attended by representatives of mental and governmental repre- diplomatic corps, international sentatives and businessmen. organizations and governmental Gigla Agulashvili, together bodies along with up to 800 del- with Deputy Minister Teimuraz egates. Murghulia, introduced the im- The main topics at the Ministe- portance and perspectives of and rial will be the Green Economy activities planned in the context and Air Quality Improvement of the 8th Ministerial Confer- for a better environment and hu- ence “Environment for Europe” man health. The meeting lasted to the participants of the meet- in an interactive regime for two ing. hours at the Environmental In- “Environment for Europe” formation and Education Center. Third National Hepatitis The Parliament starts C elimination Workshop to discuss the bill presented by

The Third National Hepatitis C such pressing issues in Hepati- 7.5% based on a simple test, but the Ministry of Justice elimination workshop was held tis C Elimination Programme as the number of laboratory-con- The Parliament has started to special project and correspond- at the National Center for Dis- the results of seroprevalence of firmed cases amount to 5.3%. discuss the bill presented by the ing package of legislative chang- ease Control and Public Health Hepatitis C population research; By now, up to 8000 patients Ministry of Justice which elimi- es with respect to land registra- on April 6. The event has been results of the first elimination are involved in the programme. nates barriers related to land tion. In particular, by now only held for the third time in spring phase and a long-term elimina- The workshop was attended registration and simplifies the 25% of the Georgian land prop- and it includes discussions on tion strategy (2016-2020). by the Minister of Labor, Health procedure to the greatest extent. erties are registered which is a Hepatitis C prevention and con- According to results of Popu- and Social Affairs Davit Ser- The corresponding package of very amount. The main purpose trol issues. The purpose of this lation Research, spread index geenko and the US Ambassador legislative changes was present- of the changes is to simplify and year’s workshops is to discuss of Hepatitis C virus amounts to to Georgia Ian Kelly. ed to the legislative body by Tea encourage the land registration Tsulukiani. The purpose of the process. While working on the changes is to eradicate the dif- project barriers to land registra- ficulties that landowners come tion were detected and special across when registering their legislative changes were intro- property. In accordance with the duced to eradicate them, in par- bill approved by the Georgian ticular: a single standard for a government, the land registration metric plan will be developed, process will get easier; barriers cartographers involved in the that landowners used to come project will be taking a retrain- across will be eradicated and the ing course; it will help citizens registration procedure will be to acquire a certificate of own- encouraged. Existing problems ership and state owners to solve paved the way for preparing the disputes. CULTURE April 11, 2016 | www.observer.com.ge | 13 George Melua’s Theosophical Vision in Art nini machavariani

Artist George Melua’s per- vannah, where George Me- exhibition space, come up to me sonal exhibition will be held lua worked. Due to the beautiful saying that I was the winner. I at Mikheil Tumanishvili Film scenery of Savannah painters would never imagine that my Actors Theatre between 12-24 from different states gathered painting would be chosen out of April. Up to 50 acrylic paintings here to paint landscapes of this so many painters. This success medium created in Georgia and great place. George Melua point- motivated me a lot and I have the USA will be presented at the ed out that “many artists were in- not stopped painting ever since exhibition. spired by the beautiful views of then,” the painter pointed out. The venue is rather spacious Savannah”. He is not very keen on selling and cheerful, hence, on the right The Georgian artist recalls his his own paintings. He was invit- side of the room, viewers will visit to a friend, where he saw ed to a trade fair at the US Em- have an opportunity to see the the kind of clay dishes painted bassy once he arrived in Georgia. interesting “series of pictures” with gold ink that he for a long He did not want his paintings to that are based on the artist’s col- time had been looking for. Af- get sold so much that he inten- lected poems and are created in terwards, he also bought a clay tionally priced them too high. line with lunar mystification and vase, decorated it with golden None of the paintings were sold certain theosophical statements rims and then painted it. When and the artist went back home which, to some extent, feature a showing his work to others, no- happy. It should be remarked poetical embodiment; On the left one would believe that a self- that George Melua’s paintings side there will be abstract paint- taught artist had done the work are characterized by scrupulous ings of larger sizes. so professionally. accuracy and delicacy. He is very “My zodiac sign is Cancer, “It was right after painting that keen on things and you even thus my ruling planet is the vase, that I grew more willing to come across miniature works by Moon. These poems were writ- create something else. A friend various sculptors in his house; he ten during the hardest period of of mine bought me paint and has an antique American torch my life – when I was living in the brushes, saying: “Now it’s yours, that he bought while living in USA, in the cold and heat, the go ahead and paint”. At that time America, renewed it and brought moon was my only friend, which his words sounded absurd to me, it to his motherland. show my works to them. I want books. He used to edit and pub- found its place in my paintings,” but in a couple of days when I His working space is in one of to open my heart to them so that lish his own newspaper, as well the artist pointed out. was left alone, I started paint- the corners of the living room they can see the spiritual values as owning his own radio pro- George Melua believes in the ing,” George Melua remarks. – that explains the small size of that lie deep down inside me. gramme. The Georgianpainter is existence of parallel worlds, The first painting is a land- some of his paintings. Mr George This will be the biggest chal- a member of Landings Art As- which is reflected in the paint- scape of the city of Savannah Melua and his wife are, in the lenge for me,” claimed the artist. sociation in Georgia, USA. It is er’s art. You can clearly see the which was absolutely spontane- immediate future, planning to He believes that each and eve- notable that he became a winner combined signs of two paral- ously and unexpectedly created. purchase an art studio, but so far ry painter can do their bit in art of the Merrill Lynch Spring Art lel worlds. He started paint- The reason why he decided on they do not know the details. and leave their trace, hence,he Show 2009, and won a “People’s ing spontaneously, during his holding his first exhibition was In his free time, George Melua promises to hold many interest- Choice Awards” at the Planta- years in emigration. He could to buy a camera. He participated pays a visit to exhibition spaces ing trade fairs in the future. One tion Club Gallery in Savannah. never have imagined himself as in the Susan Crouch’s spring ex- three times a week and gets fa- is planned to be held in May. He has also participated in group a painter, but he was associated hibition where out of all paint- miliarized with the works of oth- George Melua was born in exhibitions both in America and with the society of painters both ings presented by 200 painters er artists. 1957. He attended the faculty Georgia, and has, for instance, in America and Georgia – this is George Melua’s painting won. “I have friends who are artists. of History and Philology and recently held exhibitions at Art- what encouraged him to create “This was an unforgettable They appreciate me as a painter the faculty of Journalism. He is Café Tiflis Branch and Nikoloz- something new and interesting. day for me. I remember Ms Su- and as an individual. Society, the author of two collected po- Baratashvili House Museum Lots of painters lived in Sa- san Crouch, the president of the and most importantly, I need to ems and several popular science among others.

Guranda Anchabadze’s exhibition “Show Me Your Face”

Baia Gallery presents its latest exhi- bitions a catalogue of the works will be bition “Show Me the Face”. This is the published. first exhibition of the joint photo pro- The first exhibition: “Show Me the ject by the Baia Gallery and Guranda Face” presents 20 artists. The focus of Anchabadze. Guranda lives and works the project is the interpretation of an in London, UK. artists’ personal image. The photo ses- Contemporary Georgian artists pro- sions were completed in the summer vide the subjects for Guranda’s photo of 2014 and 2015. Guranda shot more projects. The aim of the author is to than 400 images... 32 of which have display a series of works over the next been chosen for the exhibition. 2 years featuring Georgian artists. This As part of the process, compelling consists of 4 exhibitions presented at documentary material about the artists the Baia Gallery during 2016-2017. and contemporary Georgian art will be Following the completion of the exhi- created. CULTURE April 11, 2016 | www.observer.com.ge | 14 World-famous celebrities to visit Georgia within the framework of a new project

A large-scale project “Check in means that, both in terms of in- cated to Georgia Independence Georgia” initiated and supported frastructure and human resourc- Day more diversified. by the Georgian government will es, the country is ready to wel- In addition, within the frame- be launched in April, 2016. come such celebrities. work of the project it is planned A press conference regarding “Naturally, Georgian singers to arrange a music venue in the the project was held by the Vice will actively participate in this city of Batumi which will be Prime Minister of Georgia, Min- project. On the whole, this initia- equipped with contemporary ister of Economy and Sustain- tive will contribute to generating sound apparatus, lighting, stage, able Development Dimitri Kum- positive publicity for Georgia as security service and all other ser- sishvili, Minister of Culture and well as establishing its positive vices that are essential for hold- Monument Protection of Georgia image on a worldwide scale and ing a proper concert. MikheilGiorgadze, Deputy Min- increasing the internal and exter- “This is an unprecedented offer ister of Culture KakhaKandelaki nal streams of tourists,” Mikheil by the government to all produc- and head of Georgian National Giorgadze pointed out. ers, singers and instrumentalists Tourism Administration Giorgi The purpose of the project is in the country to use the venue Chogovadze. to turn Georgia into a cultural free of charge, plan events, de- “Check in Georgia” includes center, attract a large number of cide on ticket prices themselves a large-scale series of cultural tourists, support entrepreneur- and get some income,” claims events that will be held in Tbilisi ship through this way and even- the Ministry of Culture. and regions of Georgia. The pro- tually, create additional jobs and In the context of the project, ject will turn into a tradition and increase household income not along with the abovementioned year after year it will gain more only in Tbilisi but also in regions. events, different activities, such and more importance. “Check This year the large-scale cul- as wine and cheese festivals in Georgia” is organized by the tural events will start in April and and festivals promoting other Culture Development Invest- continue until the end of the year. agricultural products as well as ment Fund. The participants of the concerts trade fairs for local products are “It is very important to con- planned within the framework of planned to be held. The eco-tour- tinually hold interesting events the project “Check in Georgia” ism discipline will also be inte- to generate publicity for Georgia are: Eros Ramazzotti (24th April, grated in the project such as bike and turn it into a more attractive Tbilisi), Robbie Williams (27th tours, camping trips and special tourist destination,” said Dimitri May, Tbilisi), “Maroon 5” (7th tours around Georgia’s protected Kumsishili, Minister of Econ- June, Batumi), and José Carreras areas. These ideas make the pro- omy and Sustainable Develop- (18th June, Kutaisi). ject “Check in Georgia” more in- ment said at the press confer- “Check in Georgia” includes teresting and diversified for our ence. concerts held in 19 Georgian citizens and guests. The Minister of Culture and cities with the participation of The organizers of the project Monument Protection of Geor- Georgian and foreign artists, 35 think that “Check in Georgia” gia Mikheil Giorgadze said that festivals – theatre festivals, film will significantly contribute to events planned within the frame- festivals, music festivals, ani- the popularization of Georgia, work of the project are not going mated film festival, contempo- generating more publicity for it to be concentrated only in the rary art festivals, choreographic as a tourist and cultural center capital, they will spread in over festivals, fashion weeks and pho- and establishing its international 19 cities across the country. He to festivals among others. image. Accordingly, Georgia claims that singers of such level Execution of “Check in Geor- will take a worthy place on the of famepaying a visit to Georgia gia” will make the events dedi- world calendar.

Managers in art and culture will be taking General English Language Courses free of charge The Ministry of Culture and Monu- will be given in the training center at the Fridays. Participants will also have to do ment Protection of Georgia together Ministry of Culture and Monument Pro- homework and attend events organized with the British Council in Georgia an- tection of Georgia. by the British Council; nounce admission of managers in art Those willing to take part in the pro- There are three stages to the selection and culture (for theatres, exhibition ven- gramme should keep in mind that their process: at the first stage, participants ues, in the field of cinematography, art minimal competence in the English will be selected based on their CV and organizations within state and private Language must be lower than Pre-In- motivation letter; at the second stage, the bodies) to General English Language termediate; also, it is essential to devote applicants’ English language level will courses. six hours a week to attending the Eng- be assessed based on the results shown The programme is being executed and lish language lessons. The British Coun- on the British Council Aptis Test; Even- financed by the Ministry of Culture and cil certificates will be awarded only to tually a group of 12 participants with the Monument Protection of Georgia and those who will have attended at least same level of English will be formed; the British Council in Georgia. 90% of the course. The lessons will be The deadline for sending in the appli- The duration of the course is May held three times a week – from 18:30 cations is 18:00, 17th April, 2016. The through December, 2016. The lectures to 20:30 on Mondays, Wednesdays and number of places is limited. EDUCATION April 11, 2016 | www.observer.com.ge | 15 19-year Tradition of Public Speaking Competition in Georgia mari tabatadze

On April 6, it became known the third place winner last year Korkia is not going to be able to winner’s opinion about this com- the English language and claims who will be representing Geor- and second-place winner this participate in international com- petition topic, she believes that that it plays a huge role in Geor- gia at the international Public year. As Korkia pointed out in petition in London, he holds a people can have different ways gia’s integration into the EU. Speaking Competition in Great the interview with OBSERVER, DAAD and Chinese Government of perception. Thus, the first Thus, as a result of this year’s Britain, in which the best orators the ultimate goal remains un- Scholarship within the frame- thing she tried to do in her talk Public Speaking Competition from the 64 member countries achieved but he supposes that work of which in August he is was to define the word “power”; one more Georgian will join the of the English Speaking Union from a long-term perspective, traveling to Germany for one then she draw attention to the in- group of young adults that during (ESU) will be participating. The he has gained a lot of experience month, and from September he nate power that every individual 19 years have been participating jury elected a second-year stu- that is of value to him. will be taking Chinese language possesses and that needs to be in the international competition dent of Political Sciences at Tbi- Apart from this, he considers courses in China for a year. developed. held in London. Consequently, lisi State University (TSU) Guga last years’ experience to be the As for the third place win- For 19 years already, young the tradition of cultural and edu- Sukhiashvili, as the winner of reason for his progress. “I knew ner Eter Tchumburidze, she is a adults aged 16-20 have been par- cational programmes provided the competition held in Tbilisi, the style in which other contest- student of business administra- ticipating in the Public Speaking by the ESU will continue. thus, he is to be the one to travel ants would give their speech, tion at Free University. As she Competition which is organized The ESU is an organization to London in May. they often opt for elated and pa- pointed out in the interview with annually by the ESU. that was founded in London in In the interview given to OB- thetic talks, and thus, I presented OBSERVER she is very fond This year, the winners were 1918 as a link between England SERVER, he pointed out that at my topic in a different way”. of such projects, always tries to chosen by the jury that included and America. It aims to strength- this time he is preparing for the In addition, Irakli Korkia sin- take part and considers them to Anna Dolidze, Georgian Deputy en friendship and mutual un- International Final to be held in gles out one more important be an important source of oppor- Minister of Defense and Alex- derstanding by the means of the London and hopes to honorably feature in the process of getting tunities. andra Hall Hall, British Ambas- English language. Currently, it represent both him and Georgia. closer to the main prize: “I tried “People tend to let their power sador to Georgia. Jury member operates in 64 countries – Geor- It is noteworthy that Guga par- to breach the barrier that ex- when they believe they do not Anna Dolidze talks about the im- gia among them which became a ticipated in the competition last ists between the participant and have it”. As for the third place portance of perfect knowledge of member of the Union in 1998. year too and even qualified for spectators/jury. My aim was not the Final, but he was unable to mere story-telling, but rather to win at the time. find out novelties together with He remarks that the competi- the audience and from time to tion was fierce both last year and time put myself in the position of this year, however he expresses a spectator”. This is the feature his satisfaction and adds “I am he considers to be the means for happy about the interest shown gaining a competitive advantage. for the competition in Georgia. In general, he thinks that “this Hopefully, the interest will in- competition is a great stimu- crease year by year”. lus for young adults to try their Like the first place winner strengths, improve themselves, Guga Sukhiashvili, Irakli Korkia, achieve success through work, third-year student of Internation- see an actual result and experi- al Relations at Free University, ence all the benefits the competi- participated in the competition tion brings”. for the second time. He became While it is true that Irakli

Implementation of work-based A strategically learning approaches important vocational Announced in Georgia Ministry of Education and Sci- this initiative, a vocational edu- institution to come ences of Georgia in support with cation reform will be carried out, the Millennium Challenge Ac- which will create an opportunity into effect in Mtskheta count – Georgia (MCA-Georgia) to implement internationally ac- held a presentation on April 8 cepted standards of the work- In the village of Tsinamdzghvriantkari, of Education and Sciences of Georgia, regarding the new initiative of based learning approach, man- Mtskheta Municipality, the renovation it has been a year since the start of full “Public-Private Partnership in age educational processes along process of the only vocational education renovation of the building. Workshops Vocational Education” as a part with employers, strengthen the institution in the region is about to end. and laboratories meeting modern stand- of the vocational education re- component of entrepreneurship In 1883 the public figure and patron Ilia ards are being arranged for modular edu- form. practice, determine professions Tsinamdzghvrishvili opened an agricul- cation programmes. The college plans to In the context of the new stage oriented on labor market and ture school in his domain in Tsinamdzgh- implement such sought-after vocational in the country’s development, ensure the increased number of vriantkari at his own expense and with the programmes that will support employ- Tamar Sanikidze, the Georgian employed vocational graduates. help of the society. In 1993 an agriculture ment and self-employment of graduates. Minister of Education and Sci- The meeting was attended by college was launched on the base of the Activities have been carried out to ex- ences, introduced contemporary representatives of the public and school. According to the data obtained in ecute agricultural programmes. Perenni- educational opportunities, alter- private sector, stakeholders in- 2006, the college focused on agricultural als are being planted. At the same time, native models of public-private volved in vocational education, disciplines. In 2010 the vocational institu- additional blocks of the college are being partnership and new ways of en- representatives of donor organi- tion was abolished. renovated in the small towns of Tianeti trepreneurial development to the zations and international and lo- Based on the decision of the Minister and Stephantsminda. audience. In accordance with cal experts. SPORTS April 11, 2016 | www.observer.com.ge | 16 FC Dinamo Tbilisi not giving up on Premier League Title

VAKO KIPIANI

23rd round of the National was opened by Budu Zivzivadze ugrava opened the score on 5th Football Championship took after 53 minutes, the second goal minute, after 5 minutes from place on April 6. FC Shukura went into the game after 65 min- the first goal Lasha Chikvaidze Kobuleti hosted FC Merani uted, David Jikia scored. Sam- increased the difference with Martvili on Chele Arena. The tredia takes second place with two balls. In 9 minutes Lasha match ended in a draw 0: 0. 50 points and is 11 points behind Kochladze of Tskhinvali scored Merani has 15th place with 14 Dinamo Tbilisi, while it is 3 the goal. The teams were not points, while Shukura is on 8th points ahead to the third-placed able to do more and Chikhura place with 31 points. Merani Dila Gori. Batumi has 36 points gained three points. competitor Sapovnela Terjola and is in seventh place. Otar Kobakhidze opened the hosted Saburtalo at Zestafoni Three points gained Dila Gori, score on 33rd minutes and 54th David Abashidze stadium, this which has attacked Guria in minutes. Raphael Chukvura was match also ended in a draw 0: Lanchkhuti. The only goal of able to score. But in five min- 0. Sapovnela also has 14 points the game was hit by Mashukovi. utes Otar Kobakhidze scored and shares 14th, 15th places with Winners gained 47 points while two goals and made Sioni lead Merani. Saburtalo won two of Guria is on 13 the place with 17 the rankings. On 71 Lui Alerto the last four league games and points that is three points away Medina made a goal that he ded- two ended with draws. from the Guria district ,, ‘’ 17 icated to Zura Japiashvili who Dinamo Arena, where Dinamo Jaba Jighauri in the penalty area, FC Samtredia continues un- points in 13th place, just three was injured seriously. Tbilisi defeated Kutaisi Torpedo the referee signaled a penalty beaten series. At Erosi Manj- points away from the knockout Lokomotiv Tbilisi defeated by 2:1. The match twas radition- and was sent off the stadium. galadze stadium Samtredia host- zone. Kolkheti Poti by 1: 0. David ally tense and spectacular. The Giorgi Kvilitaia was accurate in ed FC Dinamo Batumi and won Chikhura Sachkhere hosted Chagelishvili scored the only score at the 40th minute opened the penalty. the match by 2: 0. From Novem- Tskhinvali in Ivantsminda. goal. Poti finished with 23 points Nikoloz Gelashvili, after 79 min- Dinamo won 2:1, after 23 ber 28 through April 6 Samtredia Sachkherians won first time by and took 11th place. Locomotive utes, George Kukhianidze made round, Tbilisi has 61 points and held 12 matches in the premier 2:1 and the final result main- scored 21 points and is on 12th a penalty kick tied the game. In is in the first place, the torpedo league with 10 win and 2 draws. tained. The hosts managed to place. the fourth minute of overtime gets the ninth place with 30 Meeting with Dinamo Batumi score a quick goal. Giorgi Gan- The central match was held at Bakar Mirtskhulava uprooted points

Sports News Judo Basketball ranking the last and was beaten this tournament which ranks as Ten from the First League who Beka Ghviniashvili became Zaza Phachulia continues play- 80:83. Shermadin played for the second after the Men’s World won in 2015-2016 and gained the winner of Grand Prix, Sam- ing in the starting lineup, and the 17:11 and finished the match Cup. the right to participate in the Su- sun in 100 kg category. With this Dallas continues winning. Tex- with 6 points and 7 rebounds. All of this is a new challenge preme League. victory he earned 300 additional ans gained the fourth victory in for Georgian rugby, thus, the first Play-off round, first leg: Ba- points to the Olympic Qualifica- a row in Minnesota, where they Rugby step is to participate in this year’s tumi will have a home match tion Ranking and he can already beat Timberwolves 88:78. Pa- It is exactly two months left tournament where our team is against Kochebi in Poti in the proceed to the qualification zone. chulia spent 23 minutes at the before the World Rugby Under going to be matching against play-off round, first leg at 15:00, It is the second time Beka Gh- basketball court and out of three 20 Championship. This year such strong rivals as New Zea- and Jiki will be matching against viniashvili has won Grand Prix, attempts he earned one point. In the tournament will be held in land, Ireland and Wales. AIA in Avtchala at 16:00 on 17th Samsun. The first victory took total Georgia center earned two Manchester through 7-25 June April. place in 2014 in -90 kg weight points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist and in which, for the first time in * * * * * category. 1 steal. Georgian rugby history, Junior The Big Ten Regular season of Borjghalosnebi will be compet- 2015-2016 is over. The last 18th * * * * * * * * * * ing with 12 elite youth teams. round determined who would Levan Matiashvili won a silver The Andorra fighting for play- The U-20s gained the right to advance to the Supreme League medal in +100 kg weight catego- offs were heavily beaten in the participate in the tournament by and who would have to replay ry. He was only defeated in the Spanish League (Primera Divi- winning the World Rugby Cup with the second place winner of final by Teddy Riner. In the same sion). George Shermadini team in Lisbon last year. Already last the First League. weight category, Adam Okruash- had an away match with the out- year it became known that in Next season one more Kutaisi vili became a bronze medalist. sider of the League RETA bet 2017 Georgia will be hosting club Bagrati will join the Big

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