Issue no: 895 • NOVEMBER 11 - 14, 2016 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... UNM and GD Congratulate Trump on Winning the Elections NEWS PAGE 3 Voices from the US, Post-11/9 POLITICS PAGE 4 Church & Politics POLITICS PAGE 6 Your House in Lisi Green Town Awaits BUSINESS PAGE 10 Upgraded American BBQ Restaurant Offers Smoking Hot Georgia congratulates Experience in Tbilisi President Trump SOCIETY PAGE 11 FOCUS amid hopes that the strategic partnership ON THE US will hold Turkmenistan Marks its 25th CARTOON: Brian Patrick Grady ELECTION RESULTS PAGE 2-8 Day of Independence SOCIETY PAGE 12 INTERVIEW: Cecilia EU-Funded ENPARD Summarizes a Zoppelletto, Director, Featured in GIFT 2016 Successful 3 Years in Georgia CULTURE PAGE 13

BY THEA MORRISON Natakhtari Lemonade and he European Union (EU) funded Rugby Association European Neighborhood Program for Agriculture and Rural Develop- Kick Off ‘Get into ment (ENPARD) evaluated its results achieved in Georgia over Rugby’ Project Tthe last three years in Kutaisi, Imereti region, on November 8-9. SPORTS PAGE 15 The Interagency Conference was organized by ENPARD organization ‘People in Need’ in coop- eration with the Akaki Tsereteli State University of Kutaisi and Czech University of Life Sciences of Prague. The conference was attended by ENPARD partners, representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and farmer groups. The participants discussed the progress of the cooperative development component of the Source: ENPARD ENPARD program and discussed achieved results gained through major implementation method- ported by ENPARD, can lead to the improved of cooperatives, strong support from the Min- ologies, key fi ndings and shared experience. economic development of the country. The par- istry of Agriculture is essential. It was noted that the cooperative system, sup- ticipants noted that for the further development Continued on page 3 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS NOVEMBER 11 - 14, 2016 MFA Reacts to US Election Results

mutual benefi t," he said. BY NATIA LIPARTELIANI Janelidze also talked about the importance of the US Congress resolution on the territorial sover- eignty of Georgia. He also expressed his support he Minister of Foreign Affairs of Geor- of both the Republican and Democrat parties. gia, Mikheil Janelidze, reacted to the "We enjoy very solid support from the USA, which US election results, saying Georgia was further illustrated recently, in September, when supports the choice of the United the US Congress passed a resolution unanimously States. in support of the territorial integrity and sovereignty T"America is our strategic partner, and in 2017 we of Georgia. This reinforces the relations between will celebrate 25 years since the establishment of Georgia and the United States and, therefore, any diplomatic relations. This relationship has been choice of the American people will continue to sup- based on the mutual interests of our countries and port these relationships," the Minister added. Ian Kelly Says US Election Results Won’t Affect Geo-American Relations

BY NATIA LIPARTELIANI

he US Ambassador to Georgia, Ian Kelly, says that the 2016 US Presiden- tial election results will not affect the Georgian-American relationship. He adds that proof can be found in the Trecent (September) Congress resolution, which supports the sovereignty of Georgia. "November 8 was a special day for the United States. We must listen to the people who want the changes. I think the United States' support for Georgia will not change. This is confi rmed by the Congress resolution which supports the sovereignty of Georgia. I will continue to cooperate with the new administration in terms of providing support and maintain relationships with Georgia," Ambas- sador Kelly said. Presidential Fund to Fix Fire-Damage in Ancient Vardzia Cave City

Vardzia cave monastery. Source: panoramio.com

the Head of the National Agency for Cultural Her- BY THEA MORRISON itage Preservation of Georgia, Nikoloz Antidze stated it was allegedly a lit candle that caused the fi re. eorgia’s President, Giorgi Margve- Such damage of a cultural heritage site would lashvili has stated that the Presiden- normally incur sanctions, but as it is under the tial Fund is to allocate fi nances for ownership and responsibility of the Autocephalous restorative works of unique wall Orthodox Church, no sanctions will be applied. paintings in Vardzia cave city, which This regulation affects heritage sites under the Gwere damaged due to a fi re a week ago. ownership of any religious community. A group of experts evaluated the situation and President Margvelashvili noted that the state decided that the paintings could be restored but policy towards cultural heritage preservation needs the process would be very long and very compli- to be changed. He said that it should be defi ned cated. how the State and the Patriarchate of Georgia share The restoration works are scheduled from 2017 responsibilities for protection of cultural sites. and the fi nances from the Presidential Fund will “The State should be given an opportunity to protect be spent on conservation of the paintings. its cultural heritage properly,” the President stated. Vardzia, located in South Georgia, is a 12-13th Vardzia is a cave monastery city in southern century cave complex featuring hundreds of rooms Georgia, excavated from the slopes of the Erusheti and passageways connecting caves carved into rock Mountain on the left bank of the river Mtkvari, formations. thirty kilometers from the town of Aspindza, Samt- The fi re broke out at the Saint Mary church located skhe-Javakheti region. inside one of the caves on November 1 and left the At present the damaged part of the complex is unique wall paintings covered in soot. closed to tourists and visitors. However, the other The exact cause of the fi re is unknown. However, parts of the monastery are open as usual. GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 11 - 14, 2016 NEWS 3 EU-Funded ENPARD UNM & GD Summarizes a Successful Congratulate 3 Years in Georgia Trump on Continued from page 1 The organizers gave farmers several recommendations regarding develop- Winning the ment of cooperative services, improving their access to fi nancial loans and offered assistance to small farmers for the improvement of product quality. “The conference was very interesting Elections as there were thorough, content-based discussions from all sides of the project. that under the leadership of President BY NATIA LIPARTELIANI I can say that there are positive trends Trump, Georgia and the US will continue regarding the development of coopera- the existing cooperation with new energy tives that were presented at the confer- in order to ensure peace, security, free- ence,” said Cristina Casella, Attaché and olitical parties United National dom and economic development. Program Manager of the European Union Movement and Georgian “We reiterate our readiness to work Delegation to Georgia. Dream have released state- closely with the new administration and Lauriane Gauny, Head of the mission ments congratulating the Congress in order to deepen our already of People in Need, noted that it was very USA’s newly Elected President existing and successful strategic partner- important to gather all practitioners who DonaldP Trump on his victory in the 2016 ship and friendship between our coun- have been involved in supporting coop- presidential elections. tries,” read the statement of Georgian eratives, as well the members of coop- ment of agriculture through strengthen- EU regulations and best practices. Ruler party Georgian Dream also con- Dream. eratives and farmers. ing small households and forming prof- The EU is a key donor in this area in gratulated the Republican party on their Opposition Party UNM also released “There is increasing awareness and itable production chains. Georgia, which, within the Single Stra- victory. a statement in which the party expressed understanding among the program par- Under the agreement, Georgia is obliged tegic Framework (SSF) 2014/2017 for “Georgian Dream - Democratic Geor- its hopes to remain a strategic partner ticipants about the benefi ts of belonging to promote agricultural and rural devel- Georgia, has to improve the competitive- gia congratulates Mr. Trump on being to the USA. to a cooperative,” she said. opment, in particular through progressive ness of the agricultural sector by means elected as the US president. We also "It is of crucial importance for the The EU-founded ENPARD program convergence of policies and legislation, of increasing volume and value of out- congratulate the Republican Party on security of our country and the entire was launched in Georgia in 2013 under including sharing knowledge and best puts in the agriculture sector, increasing winning the US congressional elections. region to strengthen strategic relational the EU-Georgia Association Agreement. practices of rural development policies knowledge and improving agriculture “Georgian-American relations count ties between Georgia and the USA. We At present, the Strategy of Agricultural to promote the economic well-being of technologies for small farmers, and more than 25 years of stable strategic hope that the new president and the Development in Georgia 2015-2020 is rural communities, enhance the admin- increasing the role of small farmers in partnership. Our relations have been administration will keep intensive Geo- the main policy document guiding the istrative capacities at central and local commercial farming. The EU’s main tool developing under the rule of every gov- American ties and Georgia will remain sectoral reforms in the country. The main level and to plan, evaluate, implement for achieving these aims in Georgia is ernment and leadership in different in the US foreign policy agenda,” they objective of the Strategy is the develop- and enforce policies in accordance with the ENPARD program. strategic directions. We are confi dent said.

This is an ideal place for guests: high-quality services, a beautiful interior, an exqui- site music program, a team of qualifi ed managers and waiters, and delicious dishes. One who has visited our restaurant at least once will defi nitely be back and alway speak enthusiastically about Georgian House. Georgian chefs show guests our cen- turies-old traditions and developed history of our country. Therefore, as guardians of this treasure, we try not to change the taste features of our national dishes, to keep authenticity and offer guests everything as it was centuries ago. The menu of Georgian House is diverse: in the menu there are more than 200 dishes, including national, European and Asian dishes. The menu, with dishes from different regions of Georgia, is admirable to foreign guests. Most of the recipes passed down from generation to generation in families and then reached us. Some dishes, with the help of emigrants returned to Georgia, have been prepared in Georgian House for the fi rst time. Periodically, our cooks create new dishes and the menu is constantly being updated. European cooks often visit us and we have culinary master classes of Georgian- European dishes. If you wish to enjoy the diversity of new and century-old history dishes, come and you will realise you have found your Georgian home. www.georgian-house.ge www.facebook.com/georgianhouse.ge GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS NOVEMBER 11 - 14, 2016 Voices from the US, Post- 11/9 Georgia’s PM Hopes for Continued “As we take a collective deep breath and Nicholas Normand, a French MA stu- FROM US-BASED GT JOURNALIST, review the outcome of this long and dent at Fletcher wrote on his Facebook Deep Strategic Partnership with US ZVIAD ADZINBAIA unfortunately ugly Presidential campaign, page, “America, you shattered so much tions. The American people voted for BY THEA MORRISON there are more questions than answers of the confi dence I had in the future, so change, oriented on making the US for the US body politic domestically.” much of what I believe in.” even stronger,” the PM’s statement n November 8, Donald J. The new President-elect is expected “And the winner is... Vladimir Putin,” reads. Trump became the 45th to face a very full inbox over the coming said Zoltan Feher, a Hungarian diplomat he Georgian government Kvirikashvli also highlighted the fact President-elect of the United months. currently doing his MA studies at Fletcher. has congratulated the new that Georgia and the US started build- States of America, defeating “Given his lack of experience in both “I expect that history will probably agree President of the United ing mutual relations after Georgia gained his democratic counterpart, governance generally and foreign affairs this was our turning point. Let's try to go States (US) Donald Trump independence. HillaryO Clinton. Trump’s triumph shattered particularly, he will hopefully bring a out with some dignity, at least,” says Cody on winning the presidential “Based on the history on mutual trust the entire country, especially its eastern businessman’s ability to prioritize and Parker, a New York resident, 25. electionsT held on November 8. and confi dence, we have developed a and western parts which massively sup- ultimately triage some of the most press- Even though Trump has been distin- Georgia’s Prime Minister, Giorgi Kviri- strong, comprehensive and deep stra- porting Clinton’s candidacy. ing problems ahead,” Stavridis said, con- guished by his appeasement rhetoric kashvili, released a statement of con- tegic partnership between our two The morning of November 9 in the US tinuing, “he will also bring in a largely toward Russia and harsh critique of gratulations, confi rming the Georgian nations,” the PM said, going on to reit- was arguably well-described by a single unknown foreign policy, national secu- NATO, it is a matter of discussion who government is committed to continued erate that the Georgian government is phrase, "Never forget 9/11, always regret rity, intelligence and cyber security team.” will take America’s key National Security cooperation with the US under the new committed to continue working with 11/9,” comparing Trump’s victory in the Fletcher School students, representing offi ces in the near future. administration. the US under the new leadership and presidential race to the 9/11 tragedy. over 35 countries worldwide, expressed Among other variables and Trump’s "I would like to extend my sincere administration for ensuring peace, secu- The Fletcher School of Law and Diplo- their clearly anti-Trump views, stating alleged unpredictable personality, his congratulations to Donald J. Trump rity, development and freedom in the macy, where I am now based, has been that the future US Commander-in-Chief future policies and strategies will prob- on his victory in the presidential elec- region and throughout the world. an integral part of the US electoral pro- should not be a person with racist views ably be open to analysis once he com- cess given that its Dean, Retired US and extreme disrespect toward women poses his cabinet and makes his very Admiral James Stavridis, was expected and immigrants in the nation. In addi- fi rst moves in America’s domestic and Ukraine Reformist Central Banker to take one of the key roles in Clinton’s tion, the young people spoke of their foreign affairs. potential national security team. concern about Trump’s opposition of Zviad Adzinbaia is an MA candidate in Law Stavridis, on the morning of November NATO and his respect toward Russia’s and Diplomacy at the Fletcher School of Law Steadfast Under Political Pressure 9, summarized his position by saying, Vladimir Putin. and Diplomacy. BY EUGEN ILADI

t midnight on October 31, an online database made public the incomes and assets of Ukrainian politi- cal offi cials. The so-called declarationA system was meant to provide transparency and discourage corruption. Instead, Ukrainians became painfully aware how wealthy their government offi cials had become. Ukrainians, who earn a mere USD 200 a month, began to Valeriya Gontareva, governor of the question the value of the anti-corruption National Bank of the Ukraine campaign. of their holdings plummet. The National Ukraine is deeply divided. On one side Bank had no choice but to devaluate in is an entrenched, moneyed elite that has the face of a huge budget defi cit. But the steadfastly resisted reform. On the other swift depreciation of the hryvnia led to side is a new coalition of young techno- a sharp rise in Ukraine’s annualized crats that wants to modernize the econ- infl ation to a whopping 61 percent in omy and get rid of corruption. Valeriya April 2015. Fortunately for Ukraine, Gon- Gontareva, governor of the National tareva’s hardball monetary policy brought Bank of the Ukraine, has emerged as a infl ation down to 8 percent within a year. leader for the latter group and has come Gontareva’s determination to fi ght cor- under fi erce attack as a consequence. ruption and enforce a modernized mon- Prior to the Euromaidan revolution in etary policy left her with few friends in 2014, the administration of former pres- the halls of power. The National Bank ident Viktor Yanukovych allowed banks was dogged by demonstrations backed and bank owners to operate virtually by failing bank owners. During meetings without restrictions. Corruption was of the International Monetary Fund and endemic. Many bank owners treated the the World Bank in Washington, D.C., institutions they oversaw as their per- earlier this year, Ukrainian steel busi- sonal pocketbooks. They routinely gave nessman and independent parliamentar- themselves extravagant loans with no ian Serhiy Taruta distributed a thirty- intention of repaying them. Some even two-page pamphlet titled Gontareva: A used the loans to buy more banks and Threat to the Economic Security of increase their spheres of infl uence. Ukraine. Gontareva began dismantling these The pamphlet, poorly translated into banks soon after taking the helm at NBU English, called for Gontareva’s ouster. It in June 2014, eventually closing nearly describes her as “the most destructive half of Ukraine’s 180 banks. In accord- force in the Ukrainian economy” even ance with the law, she has transferred though most major economic indicators assets from shuttered banks to the Deposit suggest the opposite. The pamphlet Guarantee Fund, Ukraine’s equivalent spurred action in the Ukranian capital of the FDIC, which reimbursed deposi- of Kyiv. Just days after the IMF and World tors for some of their pyramid-like scheme Bank meetings, Ukrainian parliamentar- losses. ians introduced a draft law calling for As a result, many of Ukraine’s richest major changes in the National Bank of business executives were enraged by the Ukraine including stripping away its loss of their banks and their access to independence and dismissing Gontareva. easy cash. They include some of Ukraine’s In Parliament Gontareva’s opponents most prominent oligarchs, such as Dmytro are led by Oleh Lyashko and Viktor Gala- Firtash (Nadra Bank), Kostyantyn Zhy- siuk, the chairman and deputy chairman vago (Finance and Credit Bank) and Oleh respectively of the Radical Party and Bakhmatiuk (Financial Initiative Bank, sponsors of the draft law. In his public VAB Bank). These well-connected busi- declaration of assets, Lyashko listed only nessmen used their bank franchises as a single pitchfork. cash cows to generate revenues for party- Batkivschyna Party leader Yuliya related businesses and to fund their Tymoshenko has also thrown her weight extravagant lifestyles. behind Gontareva’s detractors, spurred The National Bank of Ukraine’s deci- from the shadows by billionaire oligarch sion to use a fl exible exchange rate rather Igor Kolomoysky and the Privat Clan. than a fi xed rate exacerbated tensions Kolomoysky runs Ukraine’s largest bank with the nation’s elite, who saw the value Continued on page 7 GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 11 - 14, 2016 POLITICS 5 Trump’s Election Ushers in a Period of Uncertainty for Emerging Nations

BY NICHOLAS WALLER

he 2016 presidential election in the United States will be seen as a water- shed moment in political history. For the fi rst time in its history, the world’s oldest constitutional democ- Tracy elected a right wing, former reality TV popu- list as its president. Amidst all the hand wringing by supporters of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over Trump’s record of misogyny, sexism, racism, anti- Semitism, Islamophobia and affi nity for authoritar- ian leaders, real questions will now emerge about what kind of effect Donald Trump’s victory has for US foreign policy. Trump spent little time during his 16-month bid for the Oval Offi ce talking about the specifi cs of his administration’s foreign policy. None of his surrogates or Trump himself offered any hint of how he would handle many of the world’s more troublesome hot spots – including the Caucasus. Mike Pence and President Donald Trump. Trump often made outlandish, bellicose state- Source: MICHAEL CONROY/AP ments about how he would launch crippling attacks Trump’s inexperience, lack of knowledge and against ISIS, dismember the NATO military alli- general disinterest in foreign policy will likely lead ance and arm Japan and South Korea with nuclear to a larger hand-on roll for the incoming national weapons. security advisor. When hard evidence emerged that top members Trump’s own hostility towards grassroots demo- of Trump’s campaign team had close ties to Viktor cratic movements – he’s frequently referred to the Yanukovych, the ousted pro-Russian former pres- pro-democracy revolutions in Ukraine, Georgia ident of Ukraine, it strengthened the conventional and Hong Kong, as well as the 1989 Tiananmen wisdom that Trump and many of his inner circle Square massacre – as ‘riots’, ‘run by hooligans’. harbor warm feelings towards the Kremlin and Coupled with Flynn’s admitted admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom Trump the Kremlin’s view that the world is divided into has publicly praised on many occasions. two halves, the Western oriented future for Geor- It’s widely known that Trump’s top military advi- gia, Ukraine and other post-Soviet countries will sors – Vice President-elect Mike Pence and former come under threat. General Mike Flynn – believe that both Russia and The governments in Tbilisi and Kyiv should not the US have specifi c spheres of infl uence and have expect strong support over from the White House openly critiziced NATO for expanding into coun- in the next four years, chiefl y because the incom- tries once part of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. ing administration does not view the former Soviet Both men, Flynn in particular, have faced strong space as being anywhere near the top of their for- rebukes from other fellow high-ranking offi cers in eign policy agenda. the military and the intelligence community for A key appointment in Trump’s incoming cabinet what many perceive as the two being overly com- could come in the form of John Bolton, whom many plimentary to Putin and dismissive of Russia’s believe will be the next Secretary of State. revanchist foreign policy over the last two years. Bolton was former President George W. Bush’s While the world can only speculate how Presi- ambassador to the UN – though he was and remains dent Trump will formulate his various strategies a staunch opponent of the United Nations – and a towards dealing with the world, one can assume key player in Bush’s inner circle of “neo-conserv- that it will be markedly different from outgoing atives;” the chief architects of Bush’s Iraq War President Barack Obama’s view that American policy. national interests are best served by working with Bolton’s bellicose style matches that of Trump’s a multipolar, globalized world. and Flynn’s. His penchant for dressing down rank- Trump’s campaign statements and the inner cir- ing offi cials in public has endeared him to Trump, cle around him have frequently voiced opinions as it closely resembles Trump’s own character on that appear to be aimed at dismantling decades-old the reality TV show he once stared in. alliances and ripping up trade deals that are the Bolton’s appointment will undoubtedly signal a engines of the world’s economy. far more combative and less cooperative tone from The overall net effect on developing countries Washington. like Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine –all of whom Trump, Flynn and Pence have all gone on record have spent years trying to incorporate into the saying they are open to the possibility of ending West by making moves to later join the European economic sanctions against Russia for its invasion Union and NATO – will become a major question of Ukraine and formally recognizing Moscow’s and point of deep anxiety in Tbilisi, Kyiv and Kishi- annexation of Crimea – a move that would be a nev. cataclysmic rupture in the West’s coordinated Flynn, who is likely to be tapped as Trump’s efforts to stop Putin from taking similar actions in National Security Advisor and who was sacked by the Baltics and Eastern Europe. Obama in 2014 as head of the Defense Intelligence A heightened sense of anxiety will emerge in Agency (DIA) over his management style and con- Tbilisi and Kishinev, where the Georgian and Mol- fl icts with the White House over his insistence that dovan governments are dealing with their own the DIA focus on radical Islamic terrorism instead Russian-occupied breakaway regions. of the threat of Russian aggression following Mos- The sense from offi cials in both countries is that cow’s invasion of Ukraine. if the Trump administration is willing to hand over In an interview with the Washington Post, Flynn a vitally strategic region like Crimea to Putin, the described himself as "not at all hostile to Russia," current statuses of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and and was later described by Vox magazine as “hav- Transnistria will certainly be put on the table by ing an open affection for Russia and its authoritar- Moscow. ian government." Trump’s virulent hostility towards Western insti- Flynn has been a regular guest analyst on the tutions including the EU and NATO, his maniacal Kremlin’s state-controlled mouthpiece RT (for- obsession with beginning a trade war with China merly Russia Today) where he frequently criticizes and his ability to alienate every Muslim country the ongoing existence of NATO and the West’s on Earth through his own bigotry and neo-Fascist support for Ukraine’s democratic ambitions. diatribes will, once again, call into question the At a 2015 gala dinner in Moscow in honor of RT’s morality of the United States’ actions around the 10th anniversary, Flynn was seated next to Putin. world. His actions since leaving the military are seen by It will most certainly usher in a far more unilat- many of his former fellow soldiers as nothing less eral American foreign policy initiative over the than traitorous. next four years. “Flynn’s fl irtations with Russia and Putin are a Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, countries that disgrace to the army and to his country,” a former fi nd themselves outside of the narrow worldview army offi cer and Afghan War vet said in a conver- of the new Trump administration, will then be sation just days before the election. forced to go it alone until at least 2020. GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS NOVEMBER 11 - 14, 2016 Church & Politics others. The same thing also happened the triumph of the GD OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA two years later, when Ilia II visited Kirill in the parliamentary to celebrate his own 35 Coronation Jubi- elections is the biggest lee… and also met President Vladimir gift that Georgia could he Catholicos-Patriarch of Putin. present to Moscow, not only to All Georgia is going to visit The current visit will continue for an Patriarch Kirill but to the Kremlin. Com- Moscow. Again. According extended period this time, starting pared to the United National Movement, to the offi cial statement, November 18 and ending November 24. the current political party is in fact very Ilia II of Georgia only plans As Ilia II will return only the following interested in building relations with Tto take part in the ritualistic side of events day, he will not be in Georgia to attend Russia. Today, everyone in Tbilisi is well to congratulate the Patriarch Kirill of the nation’s favorite St. George’s Day aware that, without tight relations with Moscow on his upcoming 70th birthday. celebration. This further enhances inter- Russia, the “ship” of the Georgian State However, if we recall the time fi ve years est towards the planned visit, and the won’t be able to “fl oat.” ago, when Ilia visited Kirill for his birth- Russian media has already made the fi rst Of course, the Georgian Patriarch also day and also met Prime Minister Med- comments to the belief that, apart from needs to discuss Ecclesiastic issues, not vedev, there discussing the issue of IDPs the brotherly love of our Patriarch towards only political ones. In particular, the fate returning to Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, Kirill, he will also be “taking” Georgian of Georgian churches and monasteries we can assume that apart from the clergy, Dream (GD) with him. located in the occupied territories which Ilia II will also be meeting a number of Nezavisimaya Gazeta is confi dent that are under the subordination of the Geor- gian Orthodox Church de jure, since, in fact, the high priests working there do not obey its rules and nor do they men- tion it during sermons. Whether the visit of the Patriarch of All Georgia signals an enhancement of relations between Tbilisi and Moscow is hard to say. It is signifi cant that before the visit to Moscow representatives of gia’s Holy Synod, here for the fi rst time,” the Orthodox Church of Georgia visited said James Appathurai, NATO Secretary Brussels and held meetings in NATO General's Special Representative for the Headquarters, bringing a message from Caucasus and Central Asia, at the meet- Ilia II regarding the Black Sea security ing. “When the Deputy Secretary General project and the role of Georgia in it. of NATO was in Georgia he met head of NATO is expected to make a decision the Georgian Orthodox Church, Patri- about Georgia’s participation in the new arch Ilia II. The delegation members said military project by the end of this month. that their position is to support of the the declaration of its pro-Western course. Whether the intensifi cation of the Geor- will of the Georgian people. We know This narrative, as well as the actions of gian Orthodox Church on the political what an important role the Church plays both sides, once again proves that the front is accidental or not will probably in Georgian society.” Georgian Dream is the number one part- become clear in the near future. How- Explaining the reason behind the polit- ner of the Georgian Orthodox Church. ever, almost everyone acknowledges the ical intensifi cation of the Georgian Ortho- The GD knows that being in harmony political role it plays in the processes, dox Church is not hard, since, when with the Church will guarantee its power Brussels among them. accused of rotating on a Russian orbit, it and vice versa. The Church also owes a “It is a great privilege for me to meet tries to deny sympathies towards Russia toast to the GD for upholding its privi- with archbishops and members of Geor- and to support the Georgian Dream in leges and authority. GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 11 - 14, 2016 POLITICS 7 Ukraine Russia, Georgia, My Wife & I Reformist Central Banker OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE Steadfast

happen to be one of those inno- Under Political cent martyrs personally suffering from the historically damaged and presently irredeemable Russian- Pressure Georgian relations, and the reason Continued from page 4 Ifor my martyrdom is my longstanding marriage to a Russian citizen, who is an and has been aggressively defending it ardent patriot of her beloved Russia and against Gontareva’s reform attempts. a rather reasonable buff of Putin’s extrav- While Lyashko and his allies say the agantly arrogant style of leadership. legislation is popular, it is in fact a thinly This said, I have to state the fact that veiled attempt to weaken the central I am a native Georgian, reared in the lap bank and strengthen the hand of the of indigenous culture, who has by a sheer kleptocratic elites. accident slaked his thirst for westerniza- Gontareva enjoys wide support inter- tion straight from the Potomac waters. nationally and also at home among some Incidentally, the main lady of my house- key constituencies. Sixteen of Ukraine’s hold is – almost eagerly – for the rein- largest commercial banks, including carnation of the Soviet Union in its reputable international ones like Raif- original borders, thus lawfully and peace- feisen, Banca Intesa and BNP Paribas, fully reincorporating the pilfered terri- signed a letter in support of the inde- tories back into the Georgian mainland, pendence of the National Bank of Ukraine whereas I might easily run amuck just and its Governor. The IMF, the European at the thought that the monster could Union, the European Bank for Recon- someday be back. My wonderful madam struction and Development, the World sincerely believes in the width and depth according to most experts, the chances crastinated Russian-Georgian territorial cooperation again, so that any mixed Bank and ambassadors of the G7 Group of the Great Russian soul and the fair- of seeing a silver lining on the murky strife, of which no end is beheld on the marriage between them is safe and ready have also offered their support for Gon- ness of its imperial covetousness, whereas cloud of the Russian-Georgian inter- misty horizon. to procreate the good instead of the evil. tareva’s reform policies and criticized I carnally hate all that the giant Russia course is as slim as it has ever been. By the way, the structure of the confl ict Nobody has even the faintest educated attempts to weaken the role of the bank- has done to my minuscule Georgia. So what kind of a conjugal discourse is plain: Russia annexed Georgian ter- clue or at least a stray prognosis of what ing regulator. My better half is expressly proud of you think the walls of my abode hear on ritories, diplomatic relations between it would take to see those two nations Ukraine needs reform. Aid from the the Russian integrity with which it treats an almost daily bases as we sit at the them are broken and reinstatement of back in the same warm and caring caboo- International Monetary Fund, for exam- the world, whereas my heart and blood breakfast table – or otherwise – at home? said ties is unacceptable for Georgia until dle. Anybody’s guess is going to be wrong. ple, is dependent on the independence vessels are fi t to bursting due to the The worst part of the whole story is that its territorial integrity is restored, which Any forecast will be off target. Any prog- of the central bank. What’s more, any meekness of the gullible believers that both of us are natural big mouths: we Russia will never allow. A real vicious nostication will fail. No trained brain is move to limit the central bank’s inde- Russia will soon open its warm heart love to speak our minds loudly; we dis- circle! strong enough to produce anything in pendence would almost certainly end and noble mind to embrace its long- cuss the situation vehemently with no The Russian-Georgian confl ict is the least way smart for getting Russia and fi nancial assistance from the West and relinquished and torn-apart baby brother sign of attenuation; we also try to stay reason I have desisted from believing in Georgia to “make it up.” jeopardize Ukraine’s relations with its and heal its lacerated body. calm but we always end up in a nastily mixed marriages – you fall in love with Meanwhile, life goes on and marriages creditors. We could certainly try to reconcile our politicized quarrel. This is how politi- an outlander and marry the darling, and like mine are losing their usual charm, Gontareva’s leadership opens a new differences provided the discrepancies cally dependent my family peace and then only the devil knows what is going strength and legitimacy, saying nothing chapter in Ukraine economic progress were of temporary character and readily bliss has become. And this is the way we to happen. How many hundreds of years about the connubial power that must and anti-corruption fi ght. Her drive for curable, but they have persisted far longer both suffer, as the lovers of our respec- should we stick around to see Russia keep two blameless people together and transparency and modernization deserves than any tolerable limit of pain and, tive countries in the middle of the pro- and Georgia in mutual friendship and happy. wide support. GEORGIA TODAY 8 POLITICS NOVEMBER 11 - 14, 2016 Putin Ready to Restore Relations with Washington with his victory," Putin said from the positive impact on the overall climate BY DIMITRI DOLABERIDZE Kremlin. in world affairs, considering the special He added that Moscow is ready to do responsibility of Russia and the United everything possible to restore relations States for the maintenance of global sta- Source: newsweek.com ussian President Vladimir with Washington on a sustainable devel- bility and security," the Russian President Putin congratulated the opment trajectory. emphasized. American people on the "We have heard campaign statements Republican candidate Donald Trump Trumped! Ogden on The Results completion of the presiden- from US presidential candidates, aimed will be inaugurated as the 45th President tial elections. at the restoration of [bilateral] relations," of the United States of America on Jan- the personal and professional failings of R"We have closely followed the cam- said the Russian leader, adding that Russia uary 20, 2017, taking over from Barack OP-ED BY TIM OGDEN Donald Trump, and there is little to be paign. I want to congratulate the Amer- appreciates that "it will be a diffi cult path." Obama. During the election campaign, optimistic about for both Americans and ican people on the completion of the "This will benefi t both the Russian Trump repeatedly expressed the desire America's allies. electoral cycle, and Mr. Donald Trump and American people and will have a to improve relations with Russia. n a year which has seen beloved That belief that NATO is obsolete and celebrity deaths and increasing has failed to adapt in the post-Cold War division between the peoples of era might have some merit behind it, but Europe, many are describing 2016 as the Russian Federation becomes as the worst year ever. I daresay increasingly aggressive, the Alliance Ithose who lived through 1914-1918 and must bolster its capabilities rather than 1939-1945 might disagree with them, but dissolve, something which Trump Donald Trump's election to the Presi- described as being 'okay'. dency of the United States might well Indeed, Trump's admiration of Putin prove disastrous enough to make this and sympathy towards Russia's actions year one of the worst in living memory. in Syria have caused signifi cant alarm. Despite the fact that Hillary Clinton is The President-elect simply does not deservedly unpopular, she would at least view Moscow as a threat; the enemy he have kept the ship of state on course and intends to fi ght is extremist Islam, by stable, rather than trying to turn the ship 'bombing the s*** out of ISIS' and pre- into a fl oating hotel and casino that grants venting Muslims from entering the United entry to people of the right background States. and creed, and then illuminated the A comprehensive examination of whole thing with neon lights. Had Clin- Trump's policies would fi ll several books, ton won the presidency, the tangible but something which has not been men- changes would likely have been limited; tioned much is the effect his presidency Clinton's four years in the White House might have on Eastern Europe. would probably have lacked the style Despite Russia's aggressive policies, and charisma of Barack Obama, but there the Kremlin has made sure that its prov- would have been few surprises in terms ocations do not step beyond the point of policy. That she is a proven liar mat- of no return. Even if NATO as seen as ters little and less, since politics is devoid being weak compared with Moscow's of honesty anyway. ruthlessness and disregard for interna- The Americans (and, to a lesser extent, tional norms, the Alliance's unifi ed Source: worldwar3iscoming.com the rest of the civilized world) treated military might have dissuaded Putin Barack Obama as a messiah whose talk from pushing matters too far. A more of change would lead the world into a sympathetic government in Washington new golden age, with the old rivalries with little regard for Europe (Trump was and wars of previous years fi rmly in the an outspoken supporter of Brexit) might past. That nothing much changed at all embolden Russia, especially if common was a big disappointment, but nor was ground can be found between the Krem- it seen as a total disaster; if things hadn't lin and the White House on fi ghting changed, they hadn't gotten any worse Islamic extremism. either. Obama was revealed to be a fi ne Should Trump reduce the USA's involve- orator whose few major achievements ment in NATO – or withdraw entirely will be looked on more kindly due to his – the Baltic States might suddenly be at own charisma and, more importantly, risk. Ukraine and Georgia would likely that of his successor. see far less assistance and attention from For the fi rst time, the result of a demo- America; President Trump might well cratic process will not result in minor believe that despite Ukraine producing policy changes that people disagree with many Miss World contenders, Kiev and on principle but which have little tangi- Tbilisi's sovereignty is a worthy price ble bearing on their lives. Democrat, to pay for Russian cooperation in the Republican, Labor, Conservative...even Middle East. A man who consistently if one's chosen candidate fails, generally describes political and economic pro- the victor can be borne with, since they cesses as 'deals' clearly does not grasp will be experienced politicians with the intricate nature of global geopolitics. realistic aspirations. Donald Trump is Negotiating the purchase or construc- neither an experienced politician (nor, tion of a hotel does not equate to holding indeed, a politician at all) and his plans the arena between the Kurds, the Syrian are unrealistic at best and discrimina- rebel factions, and Bashar al-Assad. tory at worst. More could be written on this – and A petulant, spoiled businessman is to probably will, should the world last long run the most powerful country on Earth. enough – but for now, all there is to do Even a day after the announcement, is bid goodbye to Pax Americana, and much has already been written about hope for an early impeachment.

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GEORGIA TODAY 10 BUSINESS NOVEMBER 11 - 14, 2016 International Insurance Consortium to Invest 7 mln GEL in Development of Georgian IC Group

BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI

n investment agreement was signed between the International Insurance Consortium (Netherlands) and IC Group according to Awhich up to 7 million GEL will be invested in the Georgian Insurance Company, the Georgian side to hold 51 percent of shares and the Dutch 49 percent. Your House in Lisi Green The investment is aimed at the growth and development of the company, increase of job opportunities and updated oper- Town Awaits ation form on the local market in the near future. ven a modest saving is suffi - Georgian-American Academy and Brit- Founded in 2005, IC Group quickly cient to purchase an apart- ish-Georgian Academy) are already open managed to become one of the most ment in Green Town. With a in Lisi Green Town; Lisi Lake’s recrea- signifi cant players on the Georgian insur- tional Insurance Consortium and IC better and easier. We should increase that mortgage loan from TBC tional zone, sulfur baths, a gym and a ance market despite the existing com- group was signed at the Hotel Biltmore, awareness. The second thing where the Bank, it is possible to purchase pool are also in the vicinity. The project petitive environment. Following the Tbilisi, by Tengiz Mezurnishvili, Direc- market can benefi t is in social security, anE apartment at Lisi with just a 10 per- is spread across 400 ha of land; the fi rst acquisition of ‘People Insurance’ in May tor of IC Group, and Jakob Westerlaken, personal savings and health. We work in cent down payment. district is already fi nished and the sec- 2009, IC Group became one of the lead- Founder and Director of IIC. GEORGIA a lot of countries on health insurance and Green Town is the only residential ond is under construction. ers in Georgian health insurance. TODAY spoke to Mr. Westerlaken regard- almost every country has the same issue: complex in Tbilisi where green space Lisi Green Town has received awards Being a member of the Chamber of ing the recent investment initiative. how much will the state pay and how and infrastructure make up 80 percent in different categories at the International Commerce and Industry (France, Geor- much will the individual pay? If you, as of the territory, with just 20 percent Property Award, the world’s most pres- gia) Business Association and Georgian WHAT LED TO YOUR an individual, don’t know what the state allocated for residential buildings. tigious award in the fi eld of real estate, Insurance Association, the company is DECISION TO INVEST IN pays and what you have to pay, it’s an The residential buildings offer duplexes, for the past several years. actively involved in the development of GEORGIA AND IC GROUP? issue and this discussion with the state townhouses and villas. Nearly every “Anyone who pays 10 percent of the legislative regulations. We always look at different markets and needs to be held. This is something that home includes a panoramic view over apartment price as a down payment will IC Group regularly arranges trainings different countries for investment. For needs to be addressed and discussed, Tbilisi. receive the rest from us as a mortgage for its staff and sponsors their participa- us it’s always very important to see the because health is something that people “It is important for us to promote a new, loan,” says Nino Khacheishvili, the Head tion in international workshops, as well potential. It’s also crucial to have the have the right to know about: what is healthy lifestyle in Georgia,” says Nodar of TBC Bank’s retail loan department. as fi nancing Masters Programs for post- support of local parties, meaning the there, what needs to be done, and how Adeishvili, CEO of Lisi Development. “Anyone can visit our mortgage center, graduates. The company currently boasts government and the laws have to be we can make it payable but also secure. “We offer not only comfort, the highest purchase an apartment with conditions more than 100 highly qualifi ed employ- good. It’s important to have an under- This is what we do. quality and service, but also piece of mind, tailored to their needs and get a mort- ees. It is also a socially responsible com- standing of what’s happening on the green space and an eco-friendly environ- gage loan.” pany that respects traditions and busi- market. We saw the need for products WHAT DO YOU THINK ment. It is the best choice for families TBC Bank will review the income of ness ethics, with "Keep the promise" its and that the market was growing and, NEEDS TO BE CHANGED who prioritize a healthy lifestyle.” the potential buyer using a simplifi ed main credo. most importantly, that people understand ON THE GEORGIAN A fully functional kindergarten and procedure; for non-residents, the loan The International Insurance Consor- the need for insurance. IC Group is a INSURANCE MARKET? two private schools (G. Zaldastanishvili term has been extended to 60 months. tium (IIC) has valuable knowledge and company with a combination of trans- The fi rst thing that needs to be changed expertise in all areas related to insurance parency and a great team with strong is customer awareness. I think the insur- and social security. IIC is currently product knowledge and experience. From ance market here has not yet developed involved in projects across eight coun- day one we had good chemistry. At IIC a system of explaining to the customer tries. It is represented in four countries we have extensive experience in risk why they should choose a certain type by: IIC Netherlands, IIC Slovenia, IIC management and we also consult in of insurance. There’s nothing to help a Ukraine and IIC Georgia. Its core activ- health management and sales method- customer to really make a choice. You ities include consulting and providing ologies, but our main drive is investment. must be able to buy an insurance policy investments in order to support local whenever and wherever you want. This companies and organizations in their WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF is simple, and this is truly where I believe strategic approaches and risk manage- THE RECENT INVESTMENT we can bring new methodologies and ment decisions. FOR BOTH PARTIES? new services to the market. The Consortium focuses on partner- I’ve been in insurance all my life. In Europe ship with insurance companies operating at the moment we have all kinds of insur- HOW DO YOU SEE THE in South-East and East Europe and the ance, from risk management onwards, FUTURE OF IC GROUP? Black Sea region and provides long term and it’s really diffi cult to operate and build I want the insurance company to sell its investments, thus creating the basis for something new. I would like to build a customers products that they understand stable development of the companies system with good client satisfaction. What and need, so they feel satisfi ed knowing and their benefi ting from the existing I believe is extremely important here in that if they have a claim, they will be networks and potential, as well from Georgia is that people understand that happy with how we handle it. That is investor knowledge and expertise. insurance is not something invented for the service element we’re going to focus The agreement between the Interna- no reason. We know how to make things on for the future. American Radiator Specialty Company’s Top Brands Enter Georgian Market

BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI

eorgian AutoCare offers the products of the largest American auto chemicals producing ‘Radiator Spe- cialty Company’ (RSC) to Gthe Georgian market with its major brands: Motor Medic, TiteSeal, Gunk, and Liquid Wrench. There are more than 100 products avail- able in the RSC catalogue, ranging from automobile surface cleaners and degreas- ers to engine cleaners, solvents, vehicle Read. Learn. Enjoy. maintenance chemicals, fuel system The company owns a chemical factory offi ces in North Carolina. cleaners, leak repair, gas and diesel addi- and chemical laboratory specially AutoCare has been present on the Pick up a copy of Georgia Today Education tives, and protective coating. designed for product quality control. Georgian market for almost a year, dis- The Radiator Specialty Company was All of the company products are man- tributing RSC products in hypermarkets at any BIBLUS shop or phone 229 59 19 founded in 1924 and has 90 years of ufactured in the US and claim to have a such as Domino and auto centers through- experience in the manufacturing of auto premium class, premium quality port- out Georgia in 200 locations. chemical products. folio, which is the reason why Georgian Web: Www.autocare.ge Today, it manufactures for auto, motor- Company AutoCare decided to become Email: [email protected] cycle, plumbing, marine, hardware and an exclusive partner and distributor for F: http://www.facebook.com/autocare. Price: 2 Gel industrial applications. RSC, collaborating with the company’s ge GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 11 - 14, 2016 SOCIETY 11 International Experts Visit Georgia Upgraded American BBQ to Explore Country’s Rural Life Restaurant Offers Smoking BY TAMAR SVANIDZE ozens of agricultural experts from various countries of the Europe and Caucasus Hot Experience in Tbilisi region, as well as repre- sentatives of media and Source: CiDA Dnon-governmental organizations (NGOs) to the government to give subsidies or he fi rst American barbecue recently visited two regions of Georgia assistance. Of course, it doesn’t mean restaurant ‘Big Smokey’ can to explore entrepreneurship in rural that the government shouldn’t make an be found on Beniashvili areas of the country. effort to promote agriculture in the coun- Street, where previously At the beginning of the two-day trip, try,” Basilashvili told GEORGIA TODAY. only traditional Georgian the group of foreign experts visited the After Kakheti, the travelling workshop Trestaurants were located, offering a mod- Kakheti region, considered the birthplace headed to a remote area of the Bolnisi ern menu and renovated concept. of Georgian wine, where they discovered municipality in the Kvemo Kartli region This news is the result of long prepa- the Georgian traditional winemaking of Georgia. The international team vis- ration and the visit of the chef to the techniques and met with local farmers ited milk producing livestock ‘New Style’ USA in order to learn the necessary to discuss the prospects for agriculture and cheese factory ‘Cheese Hut’. Both exquisite and exceptionally tasty recipes. production in the region. enterprises have been in operation since The designers worked tirelessly to cre- In regions where winemaking is a main 2015 and were established under the ate an interior where the guests will get source of income, farmers are depend- government funded ‘Preferential Agro authentically American Western vibes ent on development of the sector. Doz- Credit’ project. and a sense of Clint Eastwood himself. ens of local farmers from Gurjaani, one Goran Soster, a coordinator of ‘PRE- The kitchen has been equipped with of the municipalities of Kakheti, gathered PARE: Partnership for Rural Europe,’ American technology not found else- at the community center to meet with emphasized that the main goal of trave- where in the South Caucasus- the high- the guests and discuss current problems ling through the rural parts of Georgia light of which is the “Big Smokey” meat and rural development prospects. was to exchange knowledge with local smoking machine for that unique bar- Georgia farmer Ivane Basilashvili farmers, explore local agro businesses becue taste. Meat is smoked within for believes that following collapse of the and to help people improve the quality 8 -16 hours- soft fragrant ribs and suc- Soviet Union, the county’s agro-economy of rural life in Georgia. culent fresh vegetables. is under transition. As he told the rep- “When we come to foreign countries "I started working on the idea of open- resented guests, Georgian farmers are like Georgia, we usually say we are here ing a restaurant with my American part- struggling to escape the Soviet practice to support building the bridge between ner in 2012,” says restaurant co-owner During the work process, it became In addition, Big Smokey offers live and approaches, when everything was governmental and non-governmental Nicholas Kiknadze. “The American side necessary to review the BBQ concept music on weekends and all major foot- based on collective wealth, and when sides of rural areas. It has yielded good provided training for the staff and the and present it in a form that would be ball matches are shown on the big screen private property did not exist. results to date and we are quite sure in chef. Here, maintained high quality is acceptable to the local Georgian market. 12: 00 am to 15:00 pm. There is a special “We lived in Soviet times and most the long term it will show results in ensured and every phase of the cooking That is why the name of the restaurant, discount for the lunch menu. people, especially farmers, still have an Georgia,” Soster said. process is fully controlled so that we the environment and the menu is com- The expansion of barbecue restaurant ingrained soviet mentality and agro- The travelling workshop was organized comply with the relevant standards. The pletely adapted to consumer require- Big Smokey is planned early next year education. For us, it’s diffi cult to realise by the Civil Development Agency (CiDA) barbecue sauce and all the necessary ments. Seven kinds of steak have been in one of the central districts of the city, that now we live in capitalism where and international association ‘PREPARE: food supplies are brought from America.” added to the main BBQ menu, as well where fast-food and delivery services private property and private businesses Partnership for Rural Europe’ under the The restaurant opened 1 year ago, in as popular dishes demanded by Geor- will also be offered. are run by private persons. We need time cross-border economic development October, and is designed for 60 guests. gian customers. ADVERTISING to change our attitude and not to look project. GEORGIA TODAY 12 SOCIETY NOVEMBER 11 - 14, 2016 Tourism Department of Adjara Surveys Customer Service in the Region and guide services in the region to eval- ties on the Tourism Department of Adja- restaurants, hotels and hostels. BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI uate their quality. ra’s offi cial website, Gobatumi.com and For the evaluation of touristic agen- The process of evaluation is expected on facebook page visitbatumi. A printed cies, surveys of transport companies, to help identify the strengths and weak- version is also available in all tourist infor- restaurants and hotels are added. n ongoing study by the nesses of the services and to assist in mation offi ces of the region, where foreign The presentation of the online Tourism Department of planning future activities. The most suc- tourists are the main visitors. research project was held on Novem- Adjara is surveying exist- cessful players will be announced and Surveys from private companies oper- ber 9, at the Tourism Department of ing hotels, restaurants, awarded at the regional forum Magnolia ating in the sector and ratings from sites Adjara, attended by the representatives tourist agencies, attrac- 2016 by the end of the year. like TripAdvisor and Booking.com are of the agencies and other companies Ations, new touristic products, hostels The survey is available to interested par- also added when evaluating tourist routes, related to the fi eld.

Batumi. Source: Tourism Department of Ajara Turkmenistan Marks its Filming You Filming Me: Svaneti to my story, and that we could fl esh out pouring of several buckets of the tubers. 25th Day of Independence BY TONY HANMER some details. Anything for a creative angle, the same We started at Becho school, with a principle for stills as it is for video! BY MAKA LOMADZE scene of one of my co-teachers and I Off to visit a neighbor with gifts of V time again... GDS chan- reviewing some English material with some of our own pumpkins and some nel, which I later learned our enthusiastic grade eight class of six persimmons which my wife brought n November 9, at the his- the meaning of, called me pupils. That was all they wanted there, back from Kakheti by the sackful; both toric building of the Tbilisi while I was at a TLG train- and I couldn't persuade them to stay. of these things she loves and I don't, so City Assembly on Freedom ing weekend in Tskhaltubo, Next, I suggested, as they knew I was a she and anyone else are welcome to Square, the reception Ambassador of Turkmenistan, Dovletmyrat Tnear Kutaisi. (TLG? Yes, I'm back with photographer, some shots of me in action. them. The neighbor had some gushing, dedicated to the 25th anni- Muratov and Georgian Foreign Minister my old English teaching job, though just The weather was being kind; Ushba was embarrassingly kind things to say about versaryO of the Day of Independence of Mikheil Janelidze in Becho. Long Story. Later.). Could they out in full glory and looking to stay that us. Turkmenistan took place. China and Turkmenistan-Iran. “Today, come and fi lm me in Svaneti? We nego- way. So, a drive a few kilometer further Home again, for my wife's interview, The Ambassador of Turkmenistan, the state strategy of accelerated trans- tiated a date for soon after my return up Becho, to a bit above the new bridge, which she enjoyed ("What do you two Dovletmyrat Muratov, met a large group formation of Turkmenistan from an home, and I broke the news to my wife. where the village opens up into fi elds. usually argue about?" and other ques- of guests composed of diplomats, rep- agrarian state into a developed industrial Before we started, the director had a There were some horses grazing near tions to that point unasked). We showed resentatives of international organiza- power with a high technological and chance to do some homework and see where the cameraman and I went, and them the guest rooms upstairs, and hope- tions, media and others. production cycle is becoming a reality.” some of the other footage of me in Geor- these made a beautiful foreground for fully dispelled the director's stated view “The 27th of October 1991 marked our Ambassador Muratov also touched on gia which, it seems, has been building my wide-angle lens. They included a that all photos of Ushba must be similar Independence Day,” he said. “It was a bilateral relations with Georgia: “The up over the years. She was a bit worried mare and foal, and two stallions who with a big framed enlargement of my glorious day in the history of Turkmen- establishment of a fruitful dialogue with that there was nothing new to fi lm. Tony obligingly fought for the camera (not best version so far. It was all a rush, as I istan. Having achieved Independence, Georgia is one of the strategic directions taking his weekly bath in a large cooking mine, but for TV), making some aston- suppose TV work is; they must return Turkmenistan began on its way to inde- of Turkmenistan's foreign policy. Rela- tub? Check. Ushguli scenery, school, host ishing noises of challenge and rearing to Tbilisi and have the footage edited pendent development; reviving its glori- tions between our countries are actively family? Check. Mestia? Etseri school? up against one another. I shot and was down to its required length in two days. ous heroic history, original heritage, developing. The Georgia-Turkmenistan Milking, my cheeses? Interviews with shot, and shot the shooter. They also did Now, the wait, followed by a download, humanistic principles and noble tradi- Intergovernmental Commission plays a neighbors? Check, my main interview for the roughly 8-min- watching, and posting links to the video. tions.” signifi cant role in intensifying our part- check, check! I ute clip with this backdrop. It's all in Georgian, but we hope you will The country quickly improved both nership. Bilateral relations include seek- assured her, Back to Etseri: wood chopping, potato still check it out; WE (having watched the state and social system and imple- ing ways to enhance our collaboration, though, storage in the barn. The cameraman it now as I write) think they did a nice mented large-scale economic reforms. the main directions of which are the that there went all out for this latter scene, getting job on it. Eventually one might become “Turkmenistan has frequently been the transport and energy spheres and the was more into the potato bin and directing my famous enough to fi nd these events an venue for major international forums, development of transport corridors.” annoyance, but we're not there yet, or the agenda of which include the press- Georgian Foreign Minister Mikheil seeking to be there either. ing issues of the day. In 2016, Ashgabat Janelidze congratulated the Turkmen Oh yes, and GDS stands for Georgian [the capital] will host the fi rst Global people on their Independence Day. He Dream Studio. Sustainable Transport Conference, evi- underlined the friendly relations between dence of the increasing prestige of Turk- the two countries and thanked Turk- Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since menistan in the world,” Mr. Muratov menistan for its unequivocal support of 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a stated, adding: “At the present stage of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He independent development, our country integrity. runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook is implementing comprehensive reforms “Georgia and Turkmenistan have huge group, now with over 1350 members, at in all branches of the economy, spheres prospects for co-operation in large www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- of science, education, public health, transport-energy projects,” he said, going sance/ sports, culture and tourism.” on to highlight the importance of the He and his wife also run their own guest house The Ambassador went on to talk about Global Conference on Sustainable Trans- in Etseri: Turkmenistan’s large-scale energy pro- port, which will be held in Ashgabat on www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti- jects- the gas pipelines of Turkmenistan- 26-27 November. long trek

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TIFLIS KIS TARIFESI 7.5x6cm ING.indd 1 02/11/16 15:23 GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 11 - 14, 2016 CULTURE 13 INTERVIEW: Cecilia Zoppelletto, Director, Featured in GIFT 2016 GEORGIA TODAY spoke to Cecilia Zoppelletto about her visit to Georgia and her fi lm.

THIS IS YOUR FIRST VISIT. WHAT ARE YOUR IMPRESSIONS SO FAR? I’ve just started out on my journey here. I’m very excited as I have so much to dis- cover. I feel quite ignorant because there is a very rich culture and so much to see.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO SHOOT A DOCUMENTARY IN THE CONGO? Because I was there on holiday. I have a background in TV journalism and now I work as a producer. The soul of a jour- nalist pushes one to fi nd out why things are how they are. In my fi lm I wanted to bring out another side of the Congo. The respondents thought I was going to focus on the bad side of their stories, because a lot of journalists do this. I took pains to convince them that I was focusing on the good sides. I wanted to talk about culture and people’s dreams. Everybody thinks of the Congo as a place of rape, war, fam- ine, poverty…. Nobody remembers that there is a nation who has a culture and a beautiful way of expressing it. FOR SALE: BMW – 321 model becomes even greater,” she said. Date of issue 1936 BY MAKA LOMADZE Cecilia Zoppelletto’s concern is that, DID YOU EVER FEEL IN PRICE 10.000 USD in spite of the Congo’s independence, DANGER THERE? there is a problem with identity. The In Kinshasa it was quite safe. I had total nternational Art festival GIFT is movie is based on sincere interviews respect for the people there and often ongoing. On November 7, at Ami- with interesting respondents. It is a ret- tried to start a conversation with them rani cinema, it introduced the rospective of what was during the apart- out of the usual African context. documentary ‘La Belle at the Mov- heid and what is now. Seemingly, inde- Those dialogues proved a success for ies’ by Italian fi lm director, jour- pendence does not bring happiness. Cecilia Zoppelletto in the fi lm festival Inalist and writer, Cecilia Zoppelletto, a Physical and spiritual famine reigns in circuit. Among the fi lms’ interviewees, debutant who has already gained recog- the Congo, yet despite their extreme there is one person who says that a large nition at a number of fi lm festivals and poverty, there are some who play several part of the world thinks the Congolese large-scale international events. instruments, sing, and remember Con- still have only oral education. But he “'La Belle at the Movies' and movies golese cinema of old. Their dreams are underlines the traditions of Congo’s cin- like it can be thought of as a phenomena immortal. ema, their past stars, and even recalls CONTACT PERSON 557 12 38 90 for modern documentary fi lms,” said “When I arrived in Kinshasa, Congo, I that they used to have a fi lm called ‘Life Keti Dolidze, founder of the festival. saw a lot of billboard advertisements, is Beautiful.’ “While the fi lm industry today chooses but none of them were cinema posters,” The director has a very human approach to gain success through technological Zoppelletto said following the Tbilisi in recognizing and respecting her Con- innovations, the meaning of documen- screening. “I asked about it and they golese interviewees, clearly demonstrat- taries, their worth and part in developing answered: we have no cinemas. This ing that poverty is no barrier to a thirst a country and the world as a whole, became my main inspiration.” for a valuable life. Contemporary Film School Opens in Tbilisi BY NATIA LIPARTELIANI

new school of contempo- rary cinema has opened in Tbilisi at which industry professionals will teach the art of fi lmmaking to young aspiringA fi lmmakers. The Caucasus School of New Cinema formally opened in April, however it has only been able to start receiving students now. Students will be able to learn fi lm direc- tion, script writing, casting and more. Film director Dimitri Mamulia had the Award-winning fi lmmaker Nana Ekvtimishvili idea to create the fi lm school. fi eld,” Mamulia said. Classes in other programs are being “We are now in the year 2016 and we Award-winning filmmaker Nana taught by other fi lm and industry experts need new signs and language created by Ekvtimishvili is part of the teaching team including the internationally recognized the young generation. I hope we can at the new school, alongside other inter- Lasha Bugadze, publicist Zaal Androni- create new Georgian cinema with them,” nationally recognized industry profes- kashvili, musical artist and innovator of Mamulia said. sionals like Otar Ioseliani, Salome Jashi, electronic music in Georgia, Nika At the new school, programs are avail- and Zaza Urushadze who will teach Machaidze, and writer Naira Gelashvili. able in fi lm direction and fi lm drama- contemporary technical and creative The Caucasus School of New Cinema turgy. methods for fi lmmaking. is partnered with Georgian and foreign “There is a new format of schooling Programs in theater and acting art will institutions including CinemadaMare which means teaching not only the tech- be led by a group involving established Film Festival in Italy, Moscow School of nical profession of fi lmmaking but also and young directors like Robert Sturua New Cinema in Russia and the Georgian the required ‘vision’ to succeed in the and Data Tavadze. Film Fund. GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE NOVEMBER 11 - 14, 2016

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER November 13 Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi EXHIBITION OF GEORGIAN Leonidze State Museum of GEORGIAN SCARLET SAIL Language: Russian WEAPONRY Georgian Literature, 8 Chanturia INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL Alexander Grin Start time: 16:45, 19:30, 22:15 Str. OF ARTS GIFT IN TBILISI Directed by Avtandil Varsimashvili Ticket: 10-14 GEL NUMISMATIC TREASURY Language: Russian October 15 – November 25 June 11 – March 11 (2017) TOMORROW WILL BE Start time: 18:00 THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN EXHIBITION "MEDIEVAL YESTERDAY November 11 Ticket: 5 GEL Directed by Tate Taylor TREASURY" Tato Akhalkatsishvili, installation CAN’T PAY? WON’T PAY! Cast: Emily Blunt, Haley Bennett, Simon Janashia Museum of Dario Fo GABRIADZE THEATRE Rebecca Ferguson June 16 – December 16 Directed by Michele Panella Address: 13 Shavtelis St. Genre: Mystery, Thriller Georgia, 3 Rustaveli Ave. Italian Focus Telephone: 2 98 65 93 Language: Russian THE EXHIBITION Georgia-Italy Start time: 14:15, 19:00 “NEW DISCOVERIES - THE SIXTH ELEMENT Start time: 20:00 November 11 Ticket: 9-14 GEL GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY” International group exhibition Address: Tumanishvili Film Actors RAMONA (Georgia, France) Theater, 164 Agmashenebeli Ave. Rezo Gabriadze DOCTOR STRANGE September 27 – September 22 (2017) Container Gallery, 10 Radiani Str. Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Directed by Scott Derrickson EXHIBITION Cast: Rachel McAdams, Benedict November 12, 13 English Subtitles "STONE AGE GEORGIA" INNERFERRERA MURMEL MURMEL Start time: 20:00 Cumberbatch, Mads Mikkelsen Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy Vakho Bugadze, personal exhibition Dieter Roth Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL MUSEUM OF SOVIET Sound: Dima Dadiani Directed by Herbert Fritsch Language: Russian OCCUPATION Dry Bridge, 27 Atoneli Str. Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz November 12, 13, 17 Start time: 22:15 Berlin Ticket: 13-14 GEL Address: 3 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. MARSHAL DE FANTIE’S MUSIC Start time: 20:00 DIAMOND RUSTAVELI CINEMA Address: Rustaveli Theater, Rezo Gabriadze PERMANENT EXHIBITION Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. 17 Rustaveli Ave. Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Here, visitors can discover TBILISI EVENT HALL Telephone: 2 55 50 00 English Subtitles the State's personal fi les of Address: 1 Melikishvili St. www.kinoafi sha.ge November 15,16 Start time: 20:00 "subversive" Georgian public Telephone: 2 99 00 99 MEDEA: MATERIAL Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL fi gures, orders to shoot or exile, and Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL Heiner Müller other artifacts representing Soviet- November 11 Directed by Carmelo Rifi ci November 11-15 MOVEMENT THEATER era cultural and political repression TBILISI JAZZ FESTIVAL 2016 Italian Focus Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., in Georgia. GRAMMY AWARD WINNER Proxima Res Mushthaid park OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL TRUMPET PLAYER Directed by Mike Flanagan Milan, Italy Telephone: 599 555 260 NIKOLAS PAYTON Cast: Elizabeth Reaser, Lulu GALLERY Start time: 20.00 AND HIS TRIO Address: Tumanishvili Film Actors November 11, 13 Wilson, Annalise Basso THE NATIONAL GALLERY Start time: 20:00 Theater, 164 Agmashenebeli Ave. PERFORMANCE Genre: Horror Language: Russian Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. CONCRETE ZONE TBILISI CONCERT HALL GEORGIAN STATE Start time: 16:45, 20:15, 22:30 www.museum.ge Start time: 20:00 Address: 1 Melikishvili St. PANTOMIME THEATRE Ticket: 10-14 GEL Ticket: 15 GEL Telephone: 2 99 00 99 Address: 37 Rustaveli Ave. PERMANENT EXHIBITION Telephone: 2 99 63 14 THE ACCOUNTANT Works by distinguished 20th November 16, 17 Directed by Gavin O'Connor century Georgian artists- Niko November 12 PERFORMANCE November 11 Cast: Ben Affl eck, Anna Kendrick, TBILISI JAZZ FESTIVAL 2016 THE OLD MUSIC LOVERS MARK Pirosmanashvili, David Kakabadze, LULLEBY J.K. Simmons CANDY DULFER & BAND Start time: 20:00 Lado Gudiashvili and sculptor Directed by Amiran Shalikashvili Genre: Action, Crime, Drama Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10 GEL Iakob Nikoladze. Start time: 19:00 Language: Russian Ticket: 60-100 GEL Ticket: 10 GEL Start time: 17:00, 19:30, 22:15 CIRCUS June 24, 2016 – June 24, 2017 Ticket: 10-14 GEL November 13 Address: 1 The Heroes Sq. PIROSMANI’S "YARD CLEANER" November 12 Telephone: 2 98 58 61 AND "EAGLE SEIZING A HARE" TBILISI JAZZ FESTIVAL 2016 DREAM AND REALITY DOCTOR STRANGE www.krakatuk.eu ON DISPLAY GREGORY PORTER Directed by Amiran Shalikashvili (Info Above) Start time: 20:00 Start time: 19:00 Start time: 19:45 Ticket: 40-100 GEL Ticket: 10 GEL November 12, 13 Ticket: 13-14 GEL September 28 - September 28 (2017) TRIUMPHANTS OF ARENA PIROSMANI’S ROE AT A STREAM November 15 GRIBOEDOVI THEATRE Start time: November 12 - 17:00, THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN Kept by the Tsitsishvili- THE LIGHT YEAR AND Address: 2 Rustaveli Ave. November 13 – 13:00, 17:00 (Info Above) Gedevanishvili family from 1949 Ticket: 10 GEL NIKOLOZ RACHVELI Telephone: 2 93 43 36 Start time: 14:15, 22:30 until 2011, the painting has never Ticket: 9-14 GEL been exhibited to the public before. Generation XXI with a rock cantata CINEMA November 11 In 2011, the artwork left Georgia Lyrics by Terenti Graneli and Otar CHERRY ORCHARD MUSEUM and was sold at Sotheby's auction. Chiladze Directed by Andro Enukidze AMIRANI CINEMA It appeared at the same auction The Light Year rock band and Language: Russian Address: 36 Kostava St. GEORGIAN NATIONAL again in 2016 where it was bought Eugine Mikeladze National Start time: 18:00 Telephone: 2 99 99 55 MUSEUM SIMON by Bidzina Ivanishvili and Cartu Symphonic Orchestra will be Ticket: 5 GEL www.kinoafi sha.ge JANASHIA MUSEUM Fund and donated to the Georgian performing in support of the Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. National Museum. Iavnana Charity Foundation November 12 Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 Lari Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 Conductor: Nikoloz Rachveli MARRIAGE November 11-17 www.museum.ge November 3-23 Artistic Director: Gigi Gegelashvili N. Gogol ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION OF (composer, singer) Directed by Avtandil Varsimashvili ARRIVAL PERMANENT EXHIBITION: GOGI ALEXI-MESKHISHVILI Start time: 20:00 Language: Russian Directed by Denis Villeneuve GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY Ticket: From 10 GEL Start time: 18:00 Cast: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, FROM 8TH MILLENNIUM B.C. ZURAB TSERETELI Ticket: 5 GEL Forest Whitaker TO 4TH CENTURY A.D MOMA TBILISI MOVEMENT THEATER Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., November 4-14 Mushthaid park BRIAN GRIFFIN EXHIBITION Telephone: 599 555 260 'MOTHER GEORGIA' FOR COMME DES GARCONS (1989) November 15, 17 The collection displays 12 JAM SESSION photographs and a VHS video. Leaders: Reso Kiknadze (sax), ARTISTERIUM, TBILISI 9TH INTERNATIONAL Nika Gabadze (guitar), CONTEMPORARY ART Misha Japaridze (bass), EXHIBITION AND ART EVENTS Irakli Choladze / Gio Kapanadze (drums) November 4-14 Start time: 21:00

KILL THE BUDDHA! November 17 International group exhibition TANGO EVENING Tbilisi History Museum Karvasla, 8 Milonga La Kumparsita Sioni Str. Start time: 21:00 Ticket: 5 GEL I AM AN IDIOT, MOM! TBILISI HILLTOP Art Area exhibition hall, 10 D. Address: 27 Betlemi Str. Abashidze Str. LIVING ROOM II November 13 International group exhibition with LIVE: NATALIE BERIDZE & artists from Georgia, France, NIKAKOI Germany, Poland, Portugal, Start time: 22:00 Romania, and USA Ticket: 10 GEL GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 11 - 14, 2016 SPORTS 15 Natakhtari Lemonade and Rugby Association Kick Off ‘Get into Rugby’ Project

Children playing rugby

BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI

he Georgian Rugby Asso- ciation together with Geor- gian Rugby Union and Natakhtari Lemonade this week announced the start Tof the ‘Get into Rugby’ project, signing a memorandum of understanding. Get into Rugby is designed to promote tag rugby and raise awareness of healthy living. Since it entails the participation of school children, the rules are safe and tailored to children’s needs. The 2017 Natakthari Lemonade Cup festival will be held within the project frames. 169 schools are expected to enrol in the project and almost 300 school teach- ers will be re-trained to be able to work with over 3500 pupils. the active involvement of the private values. At the same time the project 150 schools are already participating sector in recent years. What’s most focuses on developing Rugby playing in the project with 85 teachers currently important with this initiative is that the skills,” he said. benefi tting from the retraining program younger generation will have the chance Gocha Svanidze, President of the Rugby and over 20 instructors specialized to to utilize their talent to the maximum. Union of Georgia noted that the success work with school teachers. Future stars will be born!” said Tariel of Rugby club largely ensured the grow- The project campaign is being realized Khuchikashvili, Minsiter of Sports and ing interest in the ‘Get into Rugby’ pro- under the Europe Rugby recommenda- Youth of Georgia. ject, both from children and their parents, tions and standards. According to Giorgi Kacharava, Presi- who want their children to play rugby. “We want it to become an unpre- dent of the Georgian Rugby Association, “This project will defi nitely give our cendented social and sports event in within the framework of the project, youth a unique chance to develop their Georgia,” said Nikoloz Khundzakishvili, school teachers of Physical Education talents and skills in rugby and become Corporate Affairs Director of Natakhtari will be retrained with the help of certi- successful sportsmen in this fi eld. It will Company during the presentation. fi ed instructors. “For the moment over also help to establish a healthy lifestyle “This project is the result of the suc- 100 schools are enrolled and possibly and promote rugby as a sport, bringing cess and hard work of our rugby players, every Tbilisi school will participate. The sustainability to its development. I believe the Rugby Union and our veteran sports- goal of the Get into Rugby campaign is these children will certainly bring glory men. “We are particularly delighted with to get children acquainted with rugby to our country.”

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