Issue no: 1179 • AUGUST 23 - 26, 2019 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... NGO: Investigations Rarely FOCUS Launched into Animal ON RUSSIA & Mistreatment in Georgia ANAKLIA PORT NEWS PAGE 3 Matthew Bryza on the "I Should Have Shouted hot political and business topics of today PAGE 2 Louder" - Saakashvili on the 2008 War, Part 3 POLITICS PAGE 4 Chain of Blunders POLITICS PAGE 6 Human Rights Watch: Worker Rights, Safety at Risk in Georgia BUSINESS PAGE 6 HUAWEI Offi cially Presents EMUI10

Image source: thegreatermiddleeast.com Car-Sharing Service BUSINESS PAGE 7 Kicks Off in Batumi Urek’d BY THEA MORRISON

fter the capital Tbilisi, from August 22, an electric car-sharing service began in Georgia’s Black Sea coastal city of Batumi. The service is operated by AiCar ACorp under the industrial holding AiGroup, which brings together AiCar, AiEnergy, AiPower and AiProduction. The industrial holding focuses on environmentally friendly projects and gives them top priority. AiCar entered Batumi with 20 electric cars, while AiEnergy has already installed eight charg- SOCIETY PAGE 8 ing stations in the vicinity of Batumi Railway Image source: kavkazplus.com Station and two in Kobuleti. The number of such stations is to be increased. AiEnergy creates a in Batumi on August 21, Head of Ajara Govern- “This is the economy that, using the potential Mamuliya’s ‘The Criminal network of smart urban charging stations for ment Tornike Rizhvadze delivered a speech, not- of our country to the end, makes the lives of our electric transport in order to improve the urban ing that AiCar had brought 20 Renault Zoe model citizens even better. I would like to thank the Man’ to Be Screened at infrastructure and adjust it to the emerging electric cars to Batumi. He also highlighted the company representatives, the City Hall, and the requirements for electric vehicles. number of Green Economy projects underway. Prime Minister for his support.” Venice Film Festival At the presentation of a project by AiCar Corp “This is the economy of the future,” he said. Continued on page 3 CULTURE PAGE 11 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS AUGUST 23 - 26, 2019 Matthew Bryza on Georgia-Russia Relations & the Anaklia Port Saga

INTERVIEW BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE THE CONTI GROUP, A MAJOR AMERICAN ENGINEERING COMPANY AND A MAJOR SHAREHOLDER, LEFT THE he Anaklia Deep Sea Port CONSORTIUM RECENTLY. is the most strategically IS THAT A SIGN OF important project Georgia THINGS TO COME? Its plausible that has undertaken since the As far as I know, it was a supposedly Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipe- longstanding decision on behalf of the these accusations Tline opened in 2005. Conti Group. If another good investment The port will drastically reduce the group buys out their share, there should are being brought time needed to transport cargo to Europe be no concerns. And given that this is via the Black Sea, replacing several alter- an incredibly promising project, there against Mamuka native routes including the Russian rail- must be other legitimate potential inves- ways. At 16 meters deep, the port will tors that will take interest in it. Khazaradze at offer not only economic transit but also military and security capability. CONSIDERING THE POTENTIAL this time because Inevitably, the project has also height- THAT ANAKLIA HAS, THERE ened tensions between Georgia and Rus- HAS BEEN DISCUSSION ON of ulterior motives sia. Former US diplomat Matthew Bryza, HOW IT CAN CONTRIBUTE who worked closely on issues of security TO GEORGIA'S NATO MOTIVATED. WHAT DO YOU and energy policy during his time in the PERSPECTIVE. WHAT ARE THINK IS HAPPENING? region, told IWPR that there was a huge YOUR THOUGHTS ON THAT? I know all the facts, but I do know the amount at stake if Tbilisi proved vulner- I think it will have an enormous impact information circulating out there. So able to pressure from Moscow. on Georgia’s NATO perspective. It will number one, there was a transaction be used to transport NATO - well, US years ago that was controversial. I've WHAT IS THE STRATEGIC - equipment to Afghanistan. NATO will read that Mamuka and Badri insist the IMPORTANCE FOR GEORGIA OF use the port for military exercises in transaction was legal, offi cially approved. THE ANAKLIA DEEP SEA PORT? Georgia. But most importantly, Anaklia And as I remember, that transaction was Strategically for Georgia, the Anaklia Port will provide a lifeline of support during the Russian invasion of Georgia. Port is a game changer. It provides Geor- for Georgia in case, God forbid, it should During those tense moments, many gia, for the fi rst time I might add, direct try is a good thing, and the Anaklia Port GEORGIA TO ABANDON fi nd itself in another moment of serious Georgians were breaking down psycho- access to large-scale shipping from around will be such a good thing. THE ANAKLIA PROJECT? tension. As we learned in 2008, there’s logically, including ministers in the the world. Obviously, it has a national I would say there is a low risk of that, no Article 5 guarantee for Georgia. It's Georgian government. There was a totally security impact in terms of traditional WHAT CAN BE DONE TO because, fortunately, the US government extremely unlikely that NATO will unclear situation throughout Georgia in military security, but it also has a great ALLEVIATE RUSSIAN PRESSURE? has come out so strongly in favor of the respond with troops on the ground if the security and economic spheres, and impact on Georgia’s economic place in I hope that Russia will behave like it did Anaklia Port, a) through Secretary there is again Russian military action economic desperation. This transaction the world. I’m already seeing here in when we were working on the Baku- Pompeo’s statement and visit; and b) against Georgia. But in the immediate happened in the middle of that period. Turkey that there are promising new Tbilisi- Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline and through the US Embassy in Tbilisi’s very aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Geor- Badri Japaridze is one of the people I logistical opportunities to deliver, for the South Caucasus gas pipeline two strong statement about the legal case. gia in 2008, we saw that there was a have grown to trust and admire - more example material, food and other sup- decades ago. Russia also hated those And I have to say, such a statement is great need to get materiel into Georgia than the vast majority of people I have port, goods. For example, US military projects, because the way the Russian very unusual. It’s quite unusual to see and a need to send a signal of deter- ever met. And he has a reputation within personnel in Afghanistan might consider economic system works is to try to pre- something like what was written about rence to Russia. That was logistically the US government as a person of the using the Anaklia Port instead of having serve and strengthen its monopolies. the Khazaradze and Japaridze case. The challenging when Poti Port had to be highest possible integrity, credibility and to transit military cargo into Afghanistan Russia had near monopoly power on US Embassy says they were closely fol- relied upon, especially after the Rus- professionalism. Everything he touched from Turkish ports, like Mersin, and exports of Caspian oil and gas and they lowing developments in this case, con- sians sunk the coastguard boats the US in business has been successful: TBC, drive across Turkey into Georgia. So, wanted to maintain that. So, they resisted cerned about the context and timing and provided to Georgia. But with a much Borjomi way back in the late 90s which there will be a lot more business, a lot us. But at the end of the day, we knew, talked about an impartial legal system bigger port like Anaklia, logistical options he made a Georgian business success more economic activity, which will rein- whether under President Clinton or and how important the Anaklia Port is. for NATO are much wider. The Anaklia story. He is a role model. And the same force Georgia’s strategic relationship President Bush, that Russia can only do That is the way a US government offi cial Port will help pull Georgia towards the goes for Mamuka, though I know Badri with the US. The port will also establish so much; it only has so much leverage, says, ‘We fear that Russia is trying to use trans-Atlantic community, toward the a bit better. I fi nd it extremely diffi cult Georgia as a stronger global trading hub, it doesn’t get a vote in this. Georgia has its infl uence inside Georgia to try and EU too, by greatly expanding the vol- to believe Badri could have ever been which will be great in terms of strength- a right to be independent. Russia is not block the Anaklia Port project.’ And that ume of trade across the Black Sea or involved in money laundering or any ening its own sovereignty and independ- going to use military force to block the is an astounding statement by the US through the Turkish straits to the rest illicit fi nancial fl ows. These accusations ence and general security. Anaklia Port project, so unless the pro- Embassy. So, if that US support for the of the world. And the fact it will weaken shocked me to my core, even though I ject gets consumed by this terrible inter- port project continues, I feel pretty con- Russia’s economic impact and its abil- am not saying I know the facts, but I was COULD YOU ELABORATE nal legal dispute now going on in Geor- fi dent that the pliability of the Georgian ity to control Georgia is Russia’s biggest shocked. And once again, the US Embassy ON WASHINGTON’S gia, the Anaklia Port will happen, and government will be quite low. fear. If there was a US or NATO pres- seems to be quite concerned about tim- STRATEGIC INTEREST? Russia will be unable to stop it. So, I’m ence in Anaklia regularly, of course ing, with a ten or 11-year-old case coming The Anaklia Port will strengthen Geor- not worried about Russian opposition POMPEO ALSO WARNED Russia would strongly object to that as out at a moment when we know that gia's ability to stand on its own two eco- in the long run, but to answer your ques- GEORGIA AGAINST CHINESE well. But I think the strategic challenge Russia is trying to oppose the project nomic feet and be more independent - tion, I don’t think [it] will go away. INTERESTS. WAS THAT A SPUR- for Russia even more will be how Geor- that [TBC is involved in]. All of those which will somewhat negate the leverage OF-THE-MOMENT THING WITH gia’s economic ties with the EU will factors seemed to create suspicion in that Russia might try to apply on Geor- YOU MAINTAIN THAT PRESIDENT TRUMP FEELING grow thanks to Anaklia Port. the US Embassy among my former col- gia. This is exactly why Russia hates this RUSSIA CANNOT STOP THIS PARTICULARLY ILL-DISPOSED leagues, who know a lot more about the project. While the US has never sought PROJECT AND YOU EXCLUDE TOWARDS THE CHINESE THAT IF RUSSIA MANAGED TO situation than I do. I hope the facts will confrontation with Russia, the US also THE OPTION OF MILITARY WEEK, OR SOMETHING MORE? POSTPONE OR FREEZE THE soon be known whether this legal case doesn’t want Georgia to have a diffi cult INTERVENTION, BUT WHAT President Trump’s approach to China has PROJECT, WHAT WOULD has any connection to jeopardizing the economic or political relationship with ABOUT POLITICAL PRESSURE? been confusing and at times contradic- BE THE COST REPUTATION- Anaklia Port project. As the project goes Russia. But Russia has decided on its Russia must have learned from the BTC tory. If you are a senior policymaker in WISE INTERNATIONALLY? forward, the strong support from the own that it’s going to restrict Georgia’s “mistake,” but it’s not like Russia didn’t the US, you really don’t know where It would be a huge cost to Georgia for US, and the Georgian Prime Minister's independence, try to restrict it through try to block it and it’s not as if Russia President Trump is going to come out this hypothetical to happen. Then it would statement that it will be built, are reas- undermining Georgia's territorial integ- isn’t trying to block the Trans-Adriatic tomorrow on China. So, you have to be be pretty clear that Georgia is not a mas- suring. The PM’s statement is what the rity. And so, for the US, anything that pipeline. In both cases, Russia fi nanced conservative. In the long run, there’s a ter of its own house and its independence US government wants to hear and if the helps Georgia grow stronger as a coun- non-governmental groups, supposed consensus in Washington that the One is not real and is instead ephemeral. Given Georgian government continues to behave NGOs in Georgia, during BTC to oppose Belt, One Road initiative refl ects the the project’s strong support from Geor- so, the project will be built, that's great the pipeline on environmental grounds, manifestation of ulterior motives by the gian society and the top notch team from Washington’s perspective. Why and more recently funding NGOs in Italy Chinese government, which isn’t simply developing it, if such serious investors Mamuka Khazaradze is so confi dent that saying that the Trans-Adriatic pipeline to help countries develop economically will be sidetracked that means the coun- the government is targeting him and the is a threat to some old olive trees in Italy. but to extend Chinese infl uence and even try has quasi-independence at best and port project I have no idea. He knows Having learned from the BTC experi- control over economies. Therefore, it’s it will send a chilling signal about the much more than I do. But, emotionally, ence, Russia’s ability to block a project wise to be cautious - that would be the investment climate in Georgia, which will if you think you were charged unfairly Georgia should like the trans-Adriatic pipeline is US approach towards One Belt One Road, mark a sharp reversal of the progress in a case from 11 years ago, of course, extremely limited. And so, when it comes including in Georgia. I think Georgia Georgia has been making since the Rose you may indeed react strongly. Now, prevent itself from to Anaklia, ultimately its leverage is going should prevent itself from becoming Revolution in improving its investment considering Mamuka also has political to be limited too. That said, I’m not say- addicted to cheap Chinese fi nancing of climate and so many areas. So, this would aspirations, all these factors are out there becoming ing, ‘Don’t worry about Russia’s attempt infrastructure projects, because if that be a tragedy for Georgia. and all I can do is identify them and say to use political or perhaps legal leverage happens, as we’ve seen in other countries, its plausible that these accusations are addicted to inside the Georgian system’ - that is often the country in which Chinese infra- A LEGAL CASE WAS RECENTLY being brought against him at this time something to be aware of and to fi ght. structure project is built loses ownership OPENED AGAINST THE because of ulterior motives. cheap Chinese of it when they cannot repay the Chinese GEORGIAN SIDE OF THE RUSSIA HAS FAR GREATER loans. So, I would just advise Georgia to CONSORTIUM. TBC BANK fi nancing of LEVERAGE ON THE GEORGIAN be smart; don’t be greedy. Do what you FOUNDERS MAMUKA GOVERNMENT THAN always do, which is fi ght like crazy for KHAZARADZE AND BADRI infrastructure ON THE ITALIAN. HOW your independence. Don't allow yourself JAPARIDZE WERE CHARGED REALISTIC A SCENARIO IS to become dependent on any single inves- WITH LAUNDERING $16.7 MLN IT WHERE RUSSIA FORCES tor, no matter what country it might be. IN 2007-2008, A MOVE THEY projects CLAIMED TO BE POLITICALLY GEORGIA TODAY AUGUST 23 - 26, 2019 NEWS 3 NGO: Investigations Rarely Launched into Animal Mistreatment in Georgia

impossible without full statistical data. It is impor- BY THEA MORRISON tant to generate and proactively publish detailed statistical data on animal ill-treatment,” the report claims. aking into consideration the number However, the organization says that recent amend- of cases on animal mistreatment reg- ments made to the legislation, introducing stricter istered by countries with high animal sanctions for specifi c crimes against animals, should welfare standards, a large number of be assessed positively. crimes related to animal abuse still In late spring, the Georgian Parliament started Tdo not even reach law enforcement agencies in discussions on a new Draft Law on Animal Welfare Georgia, and those that do reach them are rarely which envisages mandatory registration of pets. investigated - says the non-governmental organiza- The annual control of pets will also be compulsory. tion ‘Institute for the Development of Freedom of The bill says the registration of domestic animals Information’ (IDFI) which studied the legislation will be free of charge and will see them registered on animal protection in Georgia and the state of on a special database. its implementation. The draft also reads that the legislative record The NGO requested public information from aims to establish a quality living environment for relevant state institutions. In addition, it researched pets and ensure their well-being and protection. international regulations on the subject and explored It reads that use of domestic animals for conduct- the practice of countries which excel in high ani- ing scientifi c and laboratory experiments and mal welfare standards. carrying out surgery without the purpose of vet- The organization reported that there is a low erinary treatment shall be punishable by fi ne or number of court cases related to cruelty against by imprisonment for up to one year. Further, the animals in Georgia and said that the study had unlawful killing of a domestic animal shall be revealed that to-date, there has been no compre- punishable by fi ne or by imprisonment from one hensive legal base regulating issues of animal well- to two years. Animal training and distribution of being in the country. video or photography of animal fi ghts shall be “Adopting a Law on the Welfare of Domestic Ani- punishable by fi ne or by imprisonment up to one mals will be a signifi cant step towards increasing year and betting money on pet fi ghts or allowing the living standards of said animals in Georgia,” usage of personal facilities or buildings for such the organization says. fi ghts shall be punishable by fi ne or imprisonment It also highlights that Georgia is a member of the for up to two years. Violation of the rules of ani- International Organization for Animal Protection Image source: Condor Ferries mal living conditions will result in a fi ne to the (OIPA); however, the country is not a signatory of amount of one fi fth of the violator’s monthly the European Convention for the Protection of signifi cantly affected by preschool and educational specialized in identifying and reacting to cases of income. If the violator is an offi cial, they have to Domestic Animals. institutions, as well as society as a whole. We fi nd animal mistreatment, is necessary. pay half of their salary to create safe conditions The NGO noted that the new article introduced that, in practice, it will be impossible to prove that “It is crucial for Georgia to announce its political for the pet(s). in the Code of Administrative Offences, which the misconduct of a minor was causally linked with will to establish high standards of animal protec- The Parliament of Georgia has already adopted holds parents responsible for acts of violence against improper parenting,” the fi ndings read. tion on the international arena and to sign the a law on animal cruelty, initiated by Tbilisi City animals committed by minors, needs further jus- The IDFI says fi ghting animal torture and ill- European Convention for the Protection of Domes- Hall, which tightens sanctions for mistreatment of tifi cation. treatment is a complex issue and the existence of tic Animals. It is also essential to conduct a com- animals. The torture or killing of domestic animals “In addition to parents, the actions of minors are comprehensive legislation and a responsible entity prehensive study into the problem. The latter is will now see punishment by imprisonment. Car-Sharing Service Kicks Off in Batumi

Continued from page 1 ambitious project since the country regained its independence - construction of an electric car Mamuka Bakhtadze, Prime Minister of Georgia, manufacturing plant in Kutaisi. This enterprise will at the presentation on Wednesday said he welcomes be something to boast about in the 21st century. I the fact the service has also been introduced in am particularly thrilled that our citizens will be Batumi and noted the plan to launch the project in able to benefi t from electric cars manufactured in other cities and towns throughout Georgia. Georgia from 2020. Moreover, this enterprise is He also spoke about the importance of eco-friendly destined to manufacture electric cars with the fi rst transport and the Green Economy concept which ever design made in Georgia and it will be a truly he presented last summer. unique outcome," he noted. "Our declared priority is a Green Economy, which Car-sharing is aimed at developing a system of leads to the main goal to overcome the most pressing public electric transport that offers short-term challenge faced by our population - poverty. We are rental of electric 1,2 and 4-seater vehicles. Cars oriented towards implementing such projects that with keys in the lock are parked all over the city will help us attain this most important goal,” he said. awaiting drivers. To rent a car, customers need only Bakhtadze mentioned the electric car manufac- download the app AiCar and enjoy the service. turing plant which is being built in Kutaisi, West All the vehicles under the project are equipped Georgia, adding that production will also be exported with validators, a monitoring system, all modern to the European Union, in parallel with supplying security systems, navigation system, a video record- the local market. ing system, and come fully integrated with iOS and “We are transforming into an exporter country Android mobile applications. of high-tech commodity, something unimaginable Car-sharing is said to be the future of urban trans- some years ago,” he said. port in Georgia. The mission of AiCar is to provide The PM thanked AiCar and AiGroup for imple- residents and guests of Georgia with the most eco- menting such innovative projects in the country. logical, innovative and comfortable alternative to “This is a company that will carry out the most a taxi or personal car. GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS AUGUST 23 - 26, 2019 "I Should Have Shouted Louder" - Saakashvili on the 2008 War, Part 3 we don't have time for you.’ And when INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT INTERVIEW BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE the American President tells you he does THAT DOES NOT GIVE YOU A not have time for you, that has to mean SAFEGUARD MECHANISM? something. We had no allies left. We had That's the main problem; it made the he former President of to contain further Russian intrusion in good point that they had to withdraw Georgia laid it all bare about the rest of Georgia. From Putin’s point but I stated from the start that the whole the 2008 August War in a of view, he had this moment where he thing would go wrong. The Russians wide-ranging interview thought he fell somewhat short, he didn't violated it right away because they got with the Institute for War get me, he didn't get Tbilisi. So when into the settlement of Akhalgori after Tand Peace Reporting (IWPR). the situation is so dire, would you also that agreement. According to the agree- One of the more peculiar things we turn against the European Union? They ment, we had to withdraw, and we did, had read about the war is that Mikheil weren't perfect allies, but we had no and then the Russians just went in behind Saakashvili spoke to Putin offering to choice. us. So, the agreement helped them. abandon NATO membership ambitions in exchange for solving the confl ict issue. DID THE COMMISSION’S THERE IS A STORY THAT DURING We asked him about it. CONCLUSIONS LARGELY THE WAR, TURKISH PRESIDENT “No, it was pure rhetoric. I asked him AFFECT HOW THE WEST RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN FLEW at the very fi rst meeting ‘So what's your PERCEIVED THE CONFLICT? TO MOSCOW TO NEGOTIATE main issue with Georgia? Is it NATO, If you read the report, the facts are mostly WITH PUTIN OVER THE FATE the US, is it the presence of your troops reported accurately. But they say South OF BATUMI IF A FULL RUSSIAN in Georgia?’ Every time he would say, Ossetia had the right to self-defense. It’s INVASION WAS ON CARDS. ‘America? We are friends with America absurd. And they say troops were already All I can say is that no one really knew too, what's the problem? NATO, look at in, but that was before the start of the what Turkey would do, what Erdogan's what is NATO, should we be scared of confl ict. So foreign troops invade, these goal was, but Turkish troops were mobi- the three planes they have in the Baltics, ‘peacekeepers’ were in the middle of lized [near the border] and that is why what's the issue? No issue. Our troops? everything and there are telephone inter- the Russians did not try to take Batumi. Our own generals are saying they're use- cepts when they say, let us destroy this less; we have just old tanks; so there’s village, that village - peacekeepers are WERE YOU DISAPPOINTED no point in discussing this.’ not supposed to destroy villages. The WITH HOW THE US RESPONDED “Later, when he started to openly WAS GOING TO INVADE, AND Enguri river. When it came to South thing is, it was all about headlines: it was TO THE CONFLICT? threaten us he said, ‘Ok, you're part of YET YOU STILL CHOSE NOT Ossetia, we miscalculated. a Steinmeier game backed by Merkel to I think America responded a little bit the West, so the West is doing this thing TO BELIEVE THEY WOULD? dilute Russia's blame because there was late but when it did, it was quite proper. with Kosovo now and we have to do Part of me believed and part of me did ANOTHER CONTROVERSY CAME a world economic crisis and the last thing The only thing which was disappointing something against you; to which my not, because it had never happened WITH THE CLUSTER BOMBS THE the West needed was to help Georgia was Defense Secretary Robert Gates response was, ‘If it's like that, then ok, before- ‘these Western guys are compe- GEORGIAN SIDE USED AND against Russia, as simple as that. The basically saying we won't use military maybe we will not be part of the West. tent, maybe they know something I don't THE CIVILIAN CASUALTIES. Americans didn't play that game but force, and that's when the Russians took Will that stop you doing these things to know and maybe they have more lever- We had things that were bought by many they didn't object too much to it either, Akhalgori. Gates was disgustingly cyni- us and will you leave us alone?’ To which age which I don't know about,’ I thought. countries to this region; the Grad mis- unfortunately. cal and against our integration into NATO: his response was very cynical. ‘I don’t siles, for example, bought by Azerbaijan, he sabotaged our military training, was exchange your territories for your geo- LET’S GO BACK TO TSKHINVALI. Central Asian and Eastern European HOW SUCCESSFUL DO YOU one of the initiators of the military political orientation.’ I didn't expect such ANOTHER ARGUMENT OFTEN countries. I’m sorry, but that’s what was THINK THE CEASEFIRE PLAN embargo and so on. He told me when I a blunt, cynical answer but it was obvi- LEVELED AGAINST YOU IS on the market and I never went to inquire NEGOTIATED BY THEN-FRENCH met him at the Munich Security Confer- ous what his position was.” THAT IF YOU WERE PLANNING what they were buying. But whatever PRESIDENT SARKOZY WAS? ence, ‘Well I really don't think getting A MAJOR OFFENSIVE, WHY they were buying was meant for artillery. It was an obvious disaster. But the plan you into NATO is a good idea but our HAD THERE BEEN A SERIOUS NOT EVACUATE PEOPLE There were no civilian targets and we French [Foreign Minister Bernard] president wants it so what can I do?’ OFFER, WOULD YOU HAVE FROM THE VALLEYS? had given very clear instructions about Couchner proposed was quite good: a Then later there was a CIA meeting CONSIDERED THAT SCENARIO? Because we didn't plan it, because we that. If you look very carefully at what ceasefi re, the full withdrawal of the Rus- when Bush was telling us our military I don't know. For my country, I would were too late: they were much faster, was hit in Tskhinvali, their government sians and the full respect of Georgian options and Cheney said, ‘Let’s employ consider just about anything but at that they evacuated Tskhinvali not because building and their own fi re points were territorial integrity. Then Sarkozy comes cruise missiles’ and Gates said, ‘No way.’ moment it was just pure rhetoric… Well, they were afraid that people would die, the targets that were fi red at. back from Moscow with a plan which If it had not been Gates but Rumsfeld, I at least I can say now that every option they would be happy for them to die. has two more points: security zones and think they would have used that option. was on the table and they refused to take We’d had clashes in Kodori gorge and THE TAGLIAVNI COMMISSION that the status of the territory should any. thought evacuating would be seen as REPORT SAID BULLETS later be the subject of international dis- WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR another provocation. They evacuate, we WERE SHOT AT RUSSIAN cussions. I said that it's not acceptable, BIGGEST MISTAKE WAS? DO YOU THINK THAT LOOKS evacuate; that’s declaring a war zone and PEACEKEEPERS, ONE OF THE and in the end it was dropped by the I should have shouted more. When I look GOOD FOR YOUR WESTERN- we start… war, or what? Because war was MORE DAMNING POINTS Russians themselves, the seventh point. back… I thought Crimea would make the ATLANTIST IMAGE? the last thing we wanted. Nobody was FOR THE GEORGIAN SIDE. world realize what happened in 2008. I We were under threat of full annihilation. actually prepared for mass operations WAS ENOUGH EFFORT HOW WOULD YOU RATE had a conversation with John McCain- There was this moment when Condi Rice in Tskhinvali from the start. It was a MADE TO REVOKE THEIR THE JOB SARKOZY DID? we gave our intercepts exclusively to the reached Lavrov on the third day of the response to what the Russians were PEACEKEEPER STATUS? Very bad. But Sarkozy really behaved New York Times and they published a war. She asked him what's Russia’s goal doing. It was never even discussed, No, because had we started to revoke like a clown, he was so incompetent… front-page article about the Russians was in Georgia, the answer was ‘full anni- because everybody's assessment, includ- peacekeeper status it would have been Sarkozy’s resentment towards America, invading prior to seventh -and I said, hilation.’ What do you do when you hear ing Western military experts who were seen by Westerners as provocation, toward Eastern Europeans meant he ‘John, it’s solid proof we didn't start the that? You have to at least rhetorically try in Georgia, was that whatever happens prompting a war because we were argu- basically sidelined the Americans. The war.’ And he said, ‘Look Misha, I'm a every option. Was it ever doable? No, will take place only on the autonomous ing we wanted them to be replaced by Americans did not want him on this mis- military pilot, you don't need to tell me even if Russians were to agree. We were territory. international peacekeepers. If you just sion. The positive part was that the Rus- that; I know that tanks generally don't very vulnerable, we needed time. Russia, remove them without any replacement sians were to withdraw, but on the other fl y, especially Russian ones.’ on the other hand, chose their timing IF YOU KNEW FROM MARCH that would be provocation - and so we hand there were so many bad things: really well. They were telling the West- THAT THERE WAS A THREAT OF would argue at every international meet- sidelining the Americans, giving Russia THAT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE A erners about it; Deputy Defense Minister RUSSIAN INVASION, NOBODY ing. It was part of our narrative every- security zones, giving them some kind MISTAKE, MORE A REGRET. [Yuri] Baluevski met NATO ambassadors EVER THOUGHT OF CREATING where for many years – please, replace of legitimate role and then the worst part We defi ed the existing world order in in Brussels during the NATO Council in A DEFENSE STRATEGY? them with international peacekeepers. of Sarkozy’s behaviour was that he forgot our part of the world. We were, well, March and he told them straight to their We had the Kosovo example. And because It never came to that, sadly. about this agreement within a couple of maybe it's about me, I should have not faces Russia would start a war in Georgia. Putin wanted to mirror Kosovo, we months. He basically sold it for Mistrals. put so much trust in the West, but it was The same thing happened with Bush thought he’d settle for these territories. HOW WOULD YOU our value-based approach. I was quite when he met Putin in Sochi in May 2008. We thought the worst would be a small- RATE THE WORK OF THE WHY DIDN’T YOU SAY naïve about the West - I thought they I remember, I think it was [former US scale engagement in those territories, TAGLIAVINI COMMISSION? ANYTHING ABOUT IT BACK always practice what they preach, that diplomat] Matthew Bryza who was pre- he wouldn’t go further. We never dis- It was a politicized commission. It was IN 2009, 2010, 2011? EVERY they believe in their own principles. sent at the talks, who told me what hap- cussed the option they’d invade Tbilisi. quite bad because the whole idea behind TIME SARKOZY ARRIVED, pened there, that Putin started screaming the commission was to get the respon- YOU TREATED HIM AS A WHAT IS YOUR AND YOUR that there’d be war in Georgia. I remem- SO WE WERE IMPROVISING sibility off Russia, to share the blame. CLOSE PERSONAL FRIEND. GOVERNMENT'S LEGACY WHEN ber I was startled and I asked, ‘Well, what OUR DEFENSIVE STRATEGY But we didn't have any choice, unless He was still President of France and he IT COMES TO THE 2008 WAR? did you say, what did Bush say?’ ‘Nothing,’ ON THE RUN? we wanted to openly go against the EU. had lots of things to decide and I mean We stood up to the Russians, the state was the answer. Why? Because they already There was certainly a conservative defen- The Americans were categorically against he tried to be nice to us on a personal did not collapse, we held up four years knew our position. That was seen by Putin sive strategy prepared for some kind of it. The Europeans would do it with or level. They gave us money for ski resorts under the tremendous pressure of vari- as a major sign of weakness and some local confl ict, but it was not for a full- without our consent. Condi Rice, when at a very good rate. They gave us money ous much bigger powers than we even kind of semi-green light, Bush’s silence. blown Russian invasion that goes to I met her in New York, said, ‘The idea for helicopters. They helped us in the imagined back then. When you look back He had to look straight into Putin’s eyes Tbilisi. No Western or Georgian expert of the commission is crazy; it's total international arena where they could at what kind of resources were involved, and say, ‘Stop, don’t you dare do it.’ By ever advised this, and of course this was bullshit.’ And impartiality- there was a not alienate the Russians. You couldn't what kind of front was running against the way, Bryza had the clearest picture because if it ever happened, the defense German legal expert [in the commission] call it broken relations, but whenever it us, we in fact held up very well. of what happened in 2008. There was the would only be diplomatic and political; who after the commission report was concerned Russia, it was impenetrable. moment I was begging Bush to appoint there is no way you can envisage a full- issued gave an interview to a German him a US Ambassador to Georgia and he blown Russian attack on your capital outlet saying the West should recognize THE SIX-POINT CEASEFIRE almost agreed, but Condi was against it. and be ready for it. We had plans about Abkhazia. Tagliavini herself was very AGREEMENT HAS NO MEANS Abkhazia, because we thought they would pro-separatist when she was in Georgia. TO ENSURE THAT WHATEVER THAT MAKES IT FIVE MAJOR go there, so we had plans how to contain I tried to talk to Bush in September [about IT DEMANDS FROM THE POLITICAL FIGURES YOU JUST them there: to create defensive lines her] and he told me, ‘Look, Misha, we PARTIES IS FULFILLED. LISTED SAYING THAT RUSSIA maybe at Kodori or the last line at the have a world economic crisis right now, HOW CAN YOU TRUST AN

GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS AUGUST 23 - 26, 2019 Chain of Blunders accepted part of Georgia’s recent history. was set not by this government of Geor- OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE The only news in it is the freshened gia but the one which thought that it reading of facts, not succumbing to the could save its skin and face with a die- arbitrary declaration by the preceding hard belligerent move and precariously here are questions, ques- government that Georgia came out a violent action that eventually played out tions, questions . . . most of winner from the bloody blitzkrieg with as totally unpredictable for the entire them unanswered! But the the Russian military juggernaut. Quick world. other day, out of the blue, questions and brief answers: Did Geor- The crux of the highly discussed fi lm there fl ashed on the air a gia have to go to war with Russia? No, it is whether we want to perennially con- Tnew 40-minute documentary titled: ‘We didn’t! Was there a chance to win the tinue living in the imaginative world of will peacefully win the war they trig- war? No, there wasn’t! Did Georgia make self-imposed truths or honor the actual gered,’ “we” meaning the current gov- a mistake by warring with Russia? Yes, facts, which have enough power to deter- ernment of Georgia and “they” connot- it did? Did the former Georgian admin- mine our future development. Don’t make ing the preceding ruling power. Let us istration pursue a special latent goal of a mistake though: the author is not bur- call it an unprecedented straightforward survival? Yes, it did! Did Georgia win the dening himself with the hard mission of attempt to openly and fearlessly react war? No, it did not! Has Georgia ever analyzing the Russian-Georgian former, to the historical issues still waiting for repented the dire decision? No, it hasn’t! current and future relations. He is simply due unreserved interpretation. Have we learnt a lesson from the stupid declaring that the nervous, hasty and In the last three decades, Georgia has unwanted war? No, we haven’t! Should voluntary decisions made by Georgia’s experienced a chain of blunders, fi rst somebody answer those questions pub- ex-and-exiled president before, during made by our zealous contemporaries of licly? Most defi nitely, yes! And who can and after the damned war, was a typical different time, rank and age, and then do that? Anybody who is daring and a winner of the war, and Russia being the Georgia’s chief executive was right or example of playing a politician’s card to corrected with a lot of sweat and strain. direct enough to do so! assailer without any reason whatsoever wrong to have so hotheadedly gotten get out of the troubled waters he had got- The new documentary, produced by the Of course, being under the spell of just for sending her men and tanks to Georgia. involved in this war of unequal rivalry ten himself into thanks to his nature, his well-known TV journalist Nikoloz (Nika) one version of evaluation of the war that Nobody has ever doubted that Russia is is an absolute indispensability for this style of ruling the country and his unbri- Laliashvili, is a thorough chronology of has had a huge negative bearing on the an occupant of our lands, but nor does nation so it can carry on with its numer- dled disposition of making sudden moves events, precipitously conducive to the nation’s fate is against any principle of anyone want to admit that the war has ous current and incipient national exi- both in state politics and his own social infamous military confrontation of our freedom and democracy. Before the con- its political prerequisites, its reasons for gencies. And somebody should make life. His behavior in war could serve as time, known as the Russian-Georgian tentious documentary in question saw actual fi re and its tragic results which the issue clear. This is exactly what the an even better lesson for Georgia than War of August 2008. The fi lm has insti- daylight, the popular opinion was one- need to be thoroughly analyzed in order now-famous video interpretation of the the war itself, because it was exactly the gated a hot controversy, although the faceted, which is Georgia’s ex-adminis- not to bungle decisions again in future. Russian-Georgian war is doing, sincerely model of political performance that starts story told in it has already become an tration being an innocent lamb, Georgia To know exactly whether the then- hoping to win the ongoing fi ght which wars, wins wars and loses wars.

BUSINESS Human Rights Watch: Worker Rights, Safety at Risk in Georgia

Georgia’s top exports. The largest man- Human Rights Watch cited other prac- conditions, for example. and enforces internationally recognized BY ANA DUMBADZE ganese producer, Georgian Manganese tices at odds with workers’ rights. These Mining’s contribution to the Georgian labor rights. Manganese producers, (GM), operates 11 mines and a process- include long hours, inadequate breaks, economy and employment opportuni- including those employing miners ing plant, employing about 3,500 work- no weekly rest days, non-payment of ties do not offset the serious labor rights Human Rights Watch interviewed, ben- he safety of workers in ers. Workers at GM mines told Human overtime hours, failure to provide cop- concerns in the industry, Human Rights efi t directly. Georgia’s mines is at seri- Rights Watch that because they work ies of written contracts, and unfair wage Watch said. Georgia’s international partners, ous risk due to insuffi cient 12-hour shifts underground, including deductions. In responding to the fi ndings, Geor- including the EU, and the US State government regulation and at night, for 15 straight days, they are Years of deregulation have left Geor- gian Manganese said that the “human Department have criticized Georgia’s resulting mining practices often exhausted, and they have faced gian workers without adequate protec- and social rights of our employees, their labor inspectorate system. In April, the thatT prioritize production quotas and penalties for failure to make quotas. tion, Human Rights Watch found. In an health and safety have always been of United Nations Working Group on Busi- put workers’ safety in jeopardy, Human Miners said that in a rush to meet effort to attract foreign investment, utmost importance for our company.” ness and Human Rights said, after a Rights Watch said in a report released quotas or without suffi cient rest, work- Georgia in 2006 abolished its Labor It acknowledged that “we may have visit to Georgia, that it was concerned today. ers had suffered deep cuts, were buried Inspectorate and dramatically reduced some shortcomings in our work” and that the regulatory framework remains The 60-page report “‘No Year without under rocks as roofs collapsed, lost worker protection in the labor code. said it was “ready to tackle them accord- inadequate since it “will not cover the Deaths’: A Decade of Deregulation Puts limbs, suffered concussions, or narrowly One study found that deaths at work ingly.” Saknakhshiri LLC said it had whole spectrum of labor rights.” Georgian Miners at Risk” documents avoided serious accidents. soared by 74%, most of them in mining established a dedicated safety depart- The authors of the report recommend how weak labor protections and limited "During shifts, the company requires and construction. Since 2013, when a ment in 2017 and that “labor safety has that the Georgian government should government oversight have allowed miners to live in a dormitory, in part to new government took power, Georgia been always a priority in the company.” move ahead to reform its labor law to mining practices that undermine safety maximize production. GM maintains has gradually introduced more labor Human Rights Watch is aware of ongo- protect workers against long hours and to fl ourish. Georgian labor law does not that the arrangement ensures that min- protection, including establishing a ing efforts to address remaining gaps pressures that put them at risk. The suffi ciently regulate working hours, rest ers get the rest they need in living con- labor inspectorate with a limited man- in the law, including with regard to government should put in place a full- time, weekly breaks, and night work, ditions that enhance safety. But this date in 2015. overtime, days off, holidays, and mini- fl edged, independent, and adequately and does not provide for government requirement unfairly interferes with In 2018, Georgia was shaken when 10 mum wages, and to strengthen the Labor staffed Labor Inspectorate with a man- oversight of all labor conditions. their freedom of movement and their miners died in two accidents within Inspectorate. But no draft law has yet date to inspect all working conditions “Thousands of workers will be at family and home lives”, the report reads. months in Tkibuli, in western Georgia. been introduced in Parliament, and in line with international standards. heightened risk until Georgia regulates According to the report, coal miners Following calls from non-governmental there is no clear timeline for these According to the HRW recommenda- working hours and creates a system to for Saknakhshiri LLC also cited work- groups, in February 2019, Parliament urgently needed reforms. tions, mining companies in Georgia inspect the broad impact of working ing conditions that heighten risks to gave more powers to the Labor Inspec- The Georgian government has made should respect workers’ rights and the conditions,” said Corina Ajder, Finberg safety and labor rights. Miners said that torate to address health and safety in commitments in agreements with the safety of their employees, and work fellow at Human Rights Watch. “ "It is a compensation system based on per- the workplace. Even after these amend- United States and the European Union with employees and their representa- entirely in Georgia’s power to protect formance or quantity of coal extracted ments, which go into effect in Septem- (EU) to strengthen its labor laws and tives to carry out reforms that will workers and improve conditions for imposed production targets that could ber, the Inspectorate has a limited man- oversight and enforcement systems. improve safety. Georgia’s trading part- their health and safety". not be reached safely, encouraging work- date. It cannot address the broader Georgia benefi ts from preferential tar- ners, including the EU and the US, As the report says, Manganese, a min- ers to omit time-consuming safety impact of long working hours, produc- iffs on exports to the US, including should insist on full respect for labor eral used in steel production, is among measures. tion pressures and diffi cult working manganese, provided that it respects rights. SUBSCRIBE!

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 [email protected] +995 32 229 59 19 Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08  10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY AUGUST 23 - 26, 2019 BUSINESS 7 HUAWEI Offi cially Presents EMUI10 Importantly, in recent years HUAWEI Smart devices are becoming more and has invested heavily in EMUI research more diverse as the application ecosys- and development to improve system tem, devices, and users grow. Developers performance. Still, what makes a new face a big challenge when they have to interface stand out and what new fea- adapt a lot of devices, use multiple lan- tures does it offer customers? Its advan- guages and convert data to different tages were discussed at the developer devices. HUAWEI users can be confi dent convention, where Wang Chenglu for- that the company pays great attention mally presented the EMUI10. to protection and security systems. EMUI10 offers three major innovations: Accordingly, the company is actively UX design, improved functionality in all working to develop a reliable security circumstances, and a new standard for system to improve the product. smooth operation. Studies have shown HUAWEI products and services are that color is perceived differently in light available in more than 170 countries and and dark backgrounds. Consequently, are used by a third of the world's popu- darker backgrounds make colors and lation. There are 16 research and devel- graffi ti more contrasting and more com- opment centers operating worldwide in fortable for the customers to use. the USA, Germany, Sweden, Russia, India Through the revolutionary technol- and China. HUAWEI Consumer BG is ogy EMUI10 provides the support of one of HUAWEI's three business units, HD video calls for various devices. mainly focusing on Smartphones, per- Users can make audio and video calls sonal computers, tablets and cloud ser- anytime and anywhere. With the new vices. HUAWEI Global Network is based technology, workfl ow is simplifi ed: it on 20 years’ experience in the telecom- can share a smartphone screen with a munications business and serves to pro- computer to make data exchange faster vide innovative technologies to custom- and easier. ers around the world. According to Wang Chenglu, President The EMUI10 will also be available for BY MARIAM MERABISHVILI of CBG Software (Engineering Division) the next generation of Mate series prod- at HUAWEI Customer Business Group, ucts. the EMUI10 offers its users the right Currently, EMUI counts more than 500 hat innovations can functionality in any environment. Due million daily users in 216 countries and the smartphone to its limitless capabilities, the new tech- has support in 77 languages. Techno- industry offer mod- nology presents special applications logical development began in 2012 with ern consumers? tailored to different scenarios, such as the launch of EMUI 1.0 and has been HUAWEI continues making audio and video calls in any ongoing for seven years, and HUAWEI Wto invest in the EMUI research and devel- situation, doing business tasks between is working non-stop to further improve opment direction to maximize the different devices, and operating smart the technology. Based on growing sta- improvement of uninterrupted system devices installed in your car. tistics, the company estimates that around performance. HUAWEI offi cially intro- EMUI has made it possible to connect 150 million users are set to upgrade their duced the result in the innovative EMUI10 between several devices as well as smartphones with EMUI10. In recent at a developers’ convention. With the between devices and applications and years, the number of HUAWEI cell phones new EMUI10, the company offers cus- continues to improve the service expe- has increased signifi cantly. In the com- tomers the ability to connect with unin- rience in all possible environments. pany this year, the fi ve-month sales fi g- terrupted devices and applications. In According to Chenglu, the beta version ure reached 100 million. In the future, addition, a new interface designed for a of the EMUI10 will undergo internal EMUI promises customers more appli- variety of devices reduces costs and at testing on the HUAWEI P30 series, and cation and synergy experiences, which the same time increases effi ciency. on September 8, on all other models. will also increase sales signifi cantly. GEORGIA TODAY 8 SOCIETY AUGUST 23 - 26, 2019 Urek’d

wooden homes in which one could imagine murder BLOG BY TONY HANMER mysteries being fi lmed, and abandoned concrete half-built hotels line the streets, along with the odd tenting site. A budget for everyone, even for the o, we’re holidaying, as in last article I guy who came to sell sweets from Tbilisi, can’t promised we would be, in this place on make ends meet, and is living on the streets. the Black Sea, less than fi ve hours’ drive My wife asks me to stay put while she investigates from home. Ureki is a smallish town a place for our own stay. The Kolkhida, in which whose numbers swell, actually multiply, we’ve done large group stays for reasonable prices, Sdramatically during the summer season, and then is now beyond reach: we were getting a group price, ebb away like the tide to quiet, rather sad normal- off season, when the Lari was much stronger. But ity. Almost all of its commerce seems to be tied to without me to raise prices as the obvious foreigner, these busy warm months. The sand is nearly black, she does quickly fi nd a cheap place with meals apparently a bit magnetic and reputed to be quite available if you want them, free unlimited Wi-Fi therapeutic to be buried in up to your neck. and ensuite bathrooms. Perfect! Is there even a bank here? No. Hairdresser? You’ll Well, except for the booming karaoke until mid- have to look hard, but there is one. Shoe repair night nearby. We complain, and there seems to be kiosk? Nope, despite the prevalence of Armenians: a result: next night it ends at 11 pm, for which we they’re almost all visitors like we are and, although must thank them. this is a trade at which they excel, they left their The wind stirs up large waves on the sea, and kit at home because they’re vacationing, of course! swimming more than about 10 m out seems to be Russians too are everywhere: We (Georgians) only prohibited: undercurrents could drag you away, hate your government, not you, it’s nothing personal and there you’d be, lost at sea until the lifeguards and we are such a hospitable people, so come on could get you. There’s even a strong sideways pull over and we’ll not discuss the politics. Native Eng- taking you far from your little pile of towels and lish speakers are as rare here as the white peacock clothes on the shore, although not out. It’s a mix strutting around Kolkhida Spa’s complex like it owns of cloudy and sunny with the odd shower, so not the place. Although we do run into my editor and blazingly hot, which is fi ne. Strangely, no mosqui- have a nice long, slow lunch together. toes! Nearby Poti brings memories of hordes of Infrastructure? Hmpf! Sidewalks? What for? Have them competing with frogs’ incessant mating croaks some roadside sand to walk on from shop to shop: for Most Annoying Animal. Here, neither. souvenirs, ice cream, cafes, beachwear, shawarmas, The main thing is, we’re On Holiday while our dear fruit and veg stands. There’s not enough room for Canadian friends run the guest house in Etseri, as two lanes of cars and two of pedestrians, we know, they’d promised they would. Winding down, sleep- but we’ll dodge each other and move slowly and ing an hour or two more than usual, not planning all will be OK. Patience, please! That sinkhole which much at all, being really lazy for a week or so. Just opened in the road? Eventually, once the local drama what the doctor ordered. Ureki will defi nitely do. of pipes bursting, shops fl ooding with wet sand, men standing around and women screaming at Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti them to get a plan going is over, they’ll dig it so since 2007, and been a weekly writer for GT since early deep a 5-a-side team could get lost in there, replace 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook the pipes, refi ll it with sand and life will go on. New group, now with nearly 2000 members, at www.face- asphalt? Let’s not get hasty now! book.com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ An exotic mix of angular new shiny glass and He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: steel hotel architecture, dark asbestos-roofed www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti GEORGIA TODAY AUGUST 23 - 26, 2019 CULTURE 9 Border Disputes – Georgian and Azeri Experts Work Towards Resolution

BY AMY JONES

xpert groups from the Geor- gia-Azerbaijan Bilateral Bor- der Delimitation Commission have begun surveying sections of the border between the two countriesE to resolve issues surrounding the state boundary, announced the Min- istry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. On 20 August, the experts visited Vakh- tangisi village and the David Gareji Mon- astery Complex, situated along the border, where ‘They examined the positions of the two commissions and presented their vision on the sections in question,’ reads a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both the Georgian and Azerbaijani experts clarifi ed their opin- ions on the border which will be submit- Image source: Georgia Tours ted to the co-chairs of the commissions. Azeri border guards prevented them, as as Keshikchi, also consider it to be an The border between the two countries well as tourists and pilgrims, from enter- important part of their own culture. The has been undefi ned since the mid-1990s. ing the monastery. The ban was lifted site is listed as one of the seven most Following the collapse of the Soviet after several days following negotiations. endangered heritage sites in Europe. Union and confl icts in the Caucasus, The tensions further escalated in on It is imperative that Georgia and Azer- Georgia and Azerbaijan have defi ned June 14 when, according to clerics, Azer- baijan resolve their border disputes as 66% of their boundaries, leaving 34% baijani border guards removed icons some experts have warned that both undefi ned. from the monastery. Russia and Armenia could use them to The Bilateral Border Delimitation Com- Meanwhile in July, Archimandrite Kirion their advantage. mission was formed after the fall of the announced that Azerbaijan border guards The European Union has been encour- Soviet Union. However, at the time, had erected a tent within the complex. aging Georgia and Azerbaijan to resolve Georgia prioritized internal confl icts “The number of Azerbaijani border their border disputes as part of its EU such as in Ajara and border issues with guards has been doubled and tourists neighborhood policy, although little pro- Russia rather than bilateral border issues. and clerics are still not allowed to enter gress has yet been made. Over the past two decades, the undis- the Udabno Monastery,” he noted. The Bilateral Border Delimitation Com- puted borders have sparked tensions Dating back to the 6th century, the mittee will continue to survey the dis- between border guards and locals. In David Gareji Monastery is dear to many puted border sections until 23 August. April, clerics at the David Gareji mon- Georgians who consider it to be part of There is also a section stage of negotia- astery, listed on the UNESCO Tentative the country’s cultural heritage. However, tions planned. In September, experts List of World Heritage, reported that Azerbaijanis, who know the monastery from both sides will meet in Tbilisi. From Batumi to the Stratosphere: Art Exhibition in Space

BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE

atumi hosts this year’s Inter- national Print Festival LIFE N STYLE, made up of a number of events. The main theme of Print Festival LIFE NB STYLE is “White is Black and Black is White”. Organizers of the event say that the event planned for the festival’s opening will be quite extraordinary. On Saturday, August 24, for the fi rst time in art history, Artworks will be exhib- ited in space. LIFE N STYLE will kick off with a performance titled “To the Near Cosmos”, 45 km above sea level at 13:00. Three artworks of a Georgian artist, Image source: theculturetrip.com Romanoz, will be exhibited 45 kilom- eters above Earth, with specially designed giving the exhibition more conceptual paintings to be exhibited in space – equipment taking off from Batumi and and metaphorical meanings. This way, meaning that in the sound, the painting traveling into the stratosphere. LIFE N STYLE brings subconscious is somehow transformed into music. The journey from earth to stratosphere back to its motherland, space. The visual artworks’ image in the sound and back will be documented and the While crossing borders and limits in of Tete Noise can be seen with any video broadcast after the return. an eccentric manner is the main extrav- spectrogram. Romanoz, the artist whose works will aganza of the festival, naturally, the The concept for the Exhibition in Space be sent into space, is a perfect fi t for the exhibition will take place in its tradi- was generated by To Ko. The event is project, considering his choice of art tional location, Earth, as well. Simulta- organized by Print Festival Life N Style. style. Romanoz is a transcendentalist neously to the exhibition taking place Financial supporter of the Festival – artist. Transcendentalism, as a genre, in the stratosphere, a multi-media art- Batumi Municipality Mayor. extends its meaning beyond traditional show will take place on land with exclu- Curator and idea-author of the festival, ideas of limits and borders. sive silkscreen prints, installations, Nana Kirmelashvili says that the festi- “Transcendentalism is a trip to the performances video-art and live exper- val, within its opening and closing cer- subconscious where events, characters imental music displayed throughout the emony frames, aims to mark Georgia as and time are transported to the canvas festival. unforgettable on the world art map. In in artistic forms,” says the artist. Now The festival will feature a great musi- addition, the festival serves as an aware- these surreal, even rebellious “trans- cal background. Original sound created ness-raiser for the unique art form of portations to the canvas” will be trans- by Tete Noise presents a sonic spectral printing, while also attracting young ported further – to the stratosphere, image that was specially made for the collectors. GEORGIA TODAY 10 CULTURE AUGUST 23 - 26, 2019

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI MUSEUM Until September 10 August 25-31 CANUDOS LOUNGE & CLUB Venue: 1 Rustaveli St., Batumi The Georgian National Museum ANATOMY OF EXISTENCE: 1 Lech and mAria Kaszinski Str. Start time: 20:00 GROUP EXHIBITION OF MORE Ticket: 10-40 GEL GEORGIAN NATIONAL within the project "Contemporary THAN THIRTY GEORGIAN MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA Art Gallery" presents VAKHO August 16 ARTISTS. August 27 MUSEUM BUGADZE'S EXHIBITION: PANCHO & TIKA JAMBURIA ARTTENT is a space for art Vivaldi ‘Four Seasons’– Nana 3 Rustaveli Ave. ‘THREE, FOUR" Start time: 23:00 presentations and sales, fully Iashvili TEL (+995 32) 299 80 22, 293 48 21 Together with Vakho Bughadze are Ticket: 20 GEL artists Gogi Okropiridze and Katrin dedicated to the most interesting Dmitri Shostakovich– Chamber www.museum.ge concepts and ideas in Georgian Bolt. ESCOBAR BAR Symphony contemporary art. Interval Exhibitions: 15a A. Zurabishvili Str. ARTTENT Tbilisi unites selected Antonio Vivaldi– Four Seasons GEORGIAN COSTUME AND MUSEUM OF SOVIET Georgian galleries, artists and the Pantelis Kogiamis– Conductor WEAPONRY OF THE 18TH-20TH OCCUPATION August 24 best conceptual spaces. Nana Iashvili– Violin CENTURIES 4 Rustaveli Ave. Entry: 8 GEL BABILONI/CJ BORIKA/DJ TOKKS TEL (+995 32) 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 Dmitri Shostakovich– Chamber NUMISMATIC TREASURY Start time: 21:00 Symphony www.museum.ge EXHIBITION STONE AGE CINEMA Ticket: From 20 GEL Antonio Vivaldi– Four Seasons GEORGIA Venue: Ilia Chavchavadze State The exhibition hall is equipped ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE TBILISI HILLS GOLF & AJARA Drama Theater, with monitors, where visitors NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL RESIDENCES 1 Rustaveli Str., Batumi COLLECTIONS can see documentaries of various ISANI-SAMGORI DISTR. BLACK SEA ARENA Start time: 20:00 historical events. The exhibition Shekvetili Ticket: 10-40 GEL Until September 10 also includes one of the train August 23 Under the joint initiative of carriages in which the participants MIDNIGHT IN PARIS Festival Verdi in Georgia August 28 Georgian National Museum and of the national uprising of 1924 Taste hot, cold and alcoholic August 23 XX CENTURY MASTERPIECES Georgian Post, Exhibition: STORY were executed. It is also dedicated drinks made by our professional "AIDA" Benjamin Britten– Simple Symphony TOLD BY POSTAGE STAMPS to the history of the anti- bartenders and feel the fresh air in Giuseppe Verdi Pablo Sarasate- Carmen Fantasy for Dedicated to the 100th anniversary occupational, national-liberation the middle of nature Arena di Verona Production Violin and Piano of the fi rst Georgian stamp. movement of Georgia and to the Language: English Conductor: Pier Giorgio Morandi Ana Lisa Bezrodny- Violin victims of the Soviet political Start time: 21:00 Director: Alfonso Signorini Interval Until August 31 repression throughout this period. Sulkhan Tsintsadze- Miniatures Ticket: 20 GEL Scenographer: Giuseppe De Filippi Multimedia technology exhibition- Vaja Azarashvili– Cello Concerto Starring: Suzana Branchini (Aida), IMMAGICA. A JOURNEY INTO MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS Jan-Erik Gustafsson- Cello BEAUTY August 29 Deyan Vatchkov (The King 10 Betlemi Str. THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION Vakhtang Matchavariani– Conductor An impressive journey within of Egypt), Daniela Barcellona Benjamin Britten Simple Symphony Language: English time, introducing us to Italian Discover the Museum of Illusions (Amneris), Sergio Escobar Pablo Sarasate- Carmen Fantasy for Start time: 21:00 paintings of the XIV-XIX centuries; Be brave enough to jump into an (Radamès), Gabriele Viviani Violin and Piano Ticket: 20 GEL a combination of voice, lighting, illusion created by the Vortex, deform (Amonasro), George Andguladze Sulkhan Tsintsadze Miniatures immersive visual and multimedia. (Ramfi s)… Vaja Azarashvili Cello Concerto the image of yourself in a Mirror MUSIC Giotto– ‘Ognissanti Madonna’ and Room, be free in the Infi nity room, Start time: 21:00 Venue: Ilia Chavchavadze State the ‘Scrovegni Chapel,’ Leonardo resist the laws of gravity and size ratio, Ticket: 20-80 GEL Drama Theater, da Vinci– ‘Annunciation,’ Botticelli– and take selfi es in every possible pose. GEORGIAN FOLK SHOW 1 Rustaveli Str., Batumi ‘The Birth of Venus’ and ‘Spring,’ Enjoy the collection of holograms, and 10 Rustaveli Ave. August 25 Start time: 20:00 Raffaello– ‘The Madonna of the discover optical illusions. OPERA GALA Ticket: 10-40 GEL Goldfi nch, Bellotto– ‘Piazza San Every Tuesday, Friday, Sunday Final concert of the Festival, Marco,’ ‘Castello Sforzesco,’ MUSEUM OF BROKEN The fi rst full and systematic folk featuring international opera stars ECHOWAVES FESTIVAL Canaletto– “The Chapel of Eton RELATIONSHIPS show made for tourists. Tourists in Start time: 21:00 Anaklia College”, Canova– ‘Amor e Psyche’ 10 Betlemi Str. Georgia can visit all the Georgian Ticket: 20-80 GEL and ‘The Graces’. regions in just one hour through Friends Package: Buy 5 tickets and get 1 free THE MUSEUM OF BROKEN our renowned folklore. PALMA LAGUNA Until September 8 ‘A Tent for 2’ deal includes: a RELATIONSHIPS Start time: 20:00 Batumi Boulevard The Georgian National Museum tent on wooden frame, mattress, The unique collection of the Tickets: 40 GEL and the Embassy of Japan bedding. in Georgia present Japanese museum aims to provoke August 25 There are lockers, showers, toilets, feelings of understanding among FOLKLORE CONCERTS FOR NIGHT JAZZ AT PALMA LAGUNA CALLIGRAPHY MASTER TOURISTS a restaurant and parking on the individuals and serve as some Outdoor pool by Rezo Kiknadze KOSHU'S (AKEMI LUCAS) Sanapiro Str. Bldg 2. territory EXHIBITION "ECHO" kind of therapy for those who have quintet: experience break-ups. Reso Kiknadze- tenor saxophone, Koshu took part in "Tokugawa and Every Sunday August 25-28 Lashs Sakvarelidze- alto saxophone, EchoWaves is an electronic the Masters," part of which was GALLERY August 18 Nika Gabadze- guitar, music festival that invites you to hosted by the Georgian National Folklore Evenings of ensemble Museum in October 2018. Koshu Khatia Koridze- bass, experience the beautiful seaside EGARI says her fi rst visit to Signagi fi lled THE NATIONAL GALLERY Irakli‚ Kuku‘ Choladze– drums resort of Anaklia, Georgia, in the Offering folklore events to her heart with love and this is 11 Rustaveli Ave. Start time: 20:00 shadow of stunning mountains, popularize Georgian folk music refl ected in her subsequent works. TEL (+995 32) 215 73 00 Ticket: 15-540 GEL promising unforgettable summer "I hope my love for Georgia, among tourists, the concerts memories. poured into my artwork, is Until February 26 (2020) present songs, trisagions, SOHO BATUMI Start time: 23:59 refl ected and resonates in people's GRAND MASTERS FROM THE instrumental music, dance, and Seafront Promenade, Batumi Ticket: 120-200 GEL hearts, rippling out and leaving an GEORGIAN urban folklore from different echo for the future," she says. NATIONAL MUSEUM parts of Georgia, as well as ethno- August 23 UP2YOU COLLECTION XIX – XX jazz music. Guest can hear live STEFAN BINIAK Seafront Promenade IOSEB GRISHASHVILI CENTURY polyphony and a diversity of Start time: 23:00 instruments (Salamuri, Panduri, August 24 TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM Ticket: 30 GEL - KARVASLA ARTTENT Chonguri, Chiboni, Doli). FIDELES Start time: 20:00 Start time: 22:00 8 Sioni St. Mtatsminda Hill, Top of the August 24 Ticket: 50 GEL Ticket: 20 GEL TEL (+995 32) 2 98 22 81 Funicular STEPHANE Start time: 23:00 August 25 Ticket: 30 GEL SALIO Start time: 22:00 August 25 Ticket: 20 GEL LELA TSURTSUMIA Start time: 23:00 August 27 Ticket: 30 GEL OWL FROM BESHUMI Start time: 23:00 INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL Ticket: 20 GEL NIGHT SERENADES August 25– September 4 BATUMGORA Cable car Argo August 25 FESTIVAL OPENING FOLKLORE SHOWS EVERY DAY CEREMONY– Sandro Nebieridze All summer long, enjoy traditional Pyotr Tchaikovsky– Serenade folk shows every day from 8 Interval pm. Enjoy UNESCO recognized Samuel Barber– Adagio for Strings traditional folk dances and songs, D. Shostakovich– Piano Concerto Georgian drum shows and master classes in dancing 250 meters above No. 1 sea level. Sandro Nebieridze– Piano Start time: 20:00 David Shamanauri– Trumpet Vakhtang Matchavariani– HOTEL MARTINI Conductor Kvariati Pyotr Tchaikovsky- Serenade for Strings August 27 Samuel Barber- Adagio for Strings GOOFY LAND Dmitri Shostakovich Piano Start time: 15:00 Concerto No.1 Ticket: 30 GEL GEORGIA TODAY AUGUST 23 - 26, 2019 CULTURE 11 Night Serenades Festival 2019

program, which will include Serenade of request he perform it.” BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA Tchaikovsky, Barber’s Adagio, Chamber Isakadze also noted the wonderful Symphony of Schostakowitsch and more.” novelty that the world-renowned musi- He does not forget to mention the local cian will include a part of the Georgian enowned American musi- composers, saying that the miniatures of musical treasure in his repertoire. Vaja cian Billy Joel one said: “It's Georgian Sulkhan Tsintsadze will also be Azarashvili is also to be among the hon- an explosive expression of performed at the Festival. ored guests of the festival. humanity. It's something we “The symphonic orchestra program is Along with Jan-Erik Gustafsson, famous are all touched by. No mat- equally wonderful, though,” continues violinist Anna-Liisa Bezrodny will also terR what culture we're from, everyone Isakdze, noting that the guests of the take to the stage and offer a virtuoso loves music,” and really, what could be festival will have an incredible chance duet to the attendees. Aside from stun- better than listening to a piece of great to enjoy Beethoven’s 8th Symphony, ning performers, this concert is outstand- musical composition and delving into which in general is performed rarely and ing for yet another feature as it is to an endless universe of imagination? has not been played for wide audiences introduce the perception of music in In Georgia, locals and guests of the in Georgia for 20 years. colors, where the works of Vivaldi will country have for years been given the In addition, Isakadze tells us that the be played against a background of won- chance to attend performances of an fi ve-day festival will be completed by derful artistic works. increasing list of wonderful artists and Nino Surguladze, famous Georgian Opera At the Night Serenades Festival, Sandro enjoy incredible music. 2019 is no excep- singer, who is to take to the stage with Nebieridze, a young and promising Geor- tion and after hosting the world stars of Manuel De Falla’s “El Amor Brujo”, which gian pianist, will also perform. the pop music genre, among them Jessie in English is translated as “Magical Love”. The Creative Director of the event also J and the Black Eyed Peas, two Georgian While speaking about Surguladze and focuses on the charity elements of the cities Tbilisi and Batumi are to launch her piece, Isakadze’s enthusiasm was Festival and notes that on August 27, the 11th edition of the Night Serenades impossible not to see. locals and foreign visitors in Batumi will Festival, a real celebration for the clas- “De Falla’s ‘Amor Brujo’ is full of Span- have a chance to attend one of the con- sical music enthusiast. ish-Gypsy fi ery temper and emotions, certs for free. The story of the Night Serenades Fes- strongly accentuating the brilliant per- “The program of the festival is certainly tival began more than three decades ago, formance the Georgian singer is expected very diverse and brings together numer- in 1982, when prominent Georgian vio- to offer listeners.” ous themes. And it takes a lot of time linist and conductor Liana Isakadze Isakade says he had a great desire for and effort from our team to form a descent launched the fi rst concert within the the program to include a number of program, which will underline the indi- scope of the festival in the city of Pit- works of Georgian composers and goes vidualism of performers and offer an sunba, Abkhazia. However, due to polit- on to share an interesting story with us. absolutely new concept.” ical developments, the event was sus- “This year, we invited an absolutely We ask Giga Isakadze about the audi- pended for a number of years and was fantastic cellist, Jan-Erik Gustafsson, who ence and interest of youngsters in clas- given a new life just 11 years ago, in 2009. has his own festival in Finland after Night sical music. The Night Serenades has found it own Serenades and is terribly busy. But despite “Today, youngsters are actively offered niche in the hearts of classical music- this, he accepted our invitation with different genres of music, representing lovers and has become an inalienable pleasure and is now preparing to mes- a part of the commercial sector and a part of the Georgian summer, as it takes merize the audiences of Georgia,” he source of major fi nancial gain. It is obvi- place at the end of the month of August. says with a smile. “I sent the concerto ous that classical music concerts cannot GEORGIA TODAY sat down with of Vaja Azarashvili, fi rstly performed by have such a large-scale. However, we do Giorgi (Giga) Isakadze, Creative Direc- my father, National Artist of Georgia and everything we can to make our festival tor of the Festival and nephew of Liana Professor Eldar Isakadze. My father and interesting for all age groups and the Isakadze, to learn more about the upcom- Liana successfully introduced the work fact that we also have youth performers ing event. of Azarashvili beyond the borders of our may also serve as an inspiration or moti- “This year, we launched a very interest- homeland. Music itself, which Vaja vation for adolescents,” he tells us. ing and direct program in terms of solo- devoted to the memory of his father, is We also ask him to share his plans for ist pieces,” he starts with enthusiasm. absolutely mesmerizing in its depth. next year’s Night Serenades, to which he “That’s as well as an incredible orchestra Gustafsson admired it and accepted my replies with a smile, “All will be revealed!” Mamuliya’s ‘The Criminal Man’ to Be Screened at Venice Film Festival

BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA Image source: mes.gov.ge

ollowing the numerous accom- Georgia, US Sign Memorandum plishments made by Georgian fi lms at various international of Understanding on Cultural festivals, a work of yet another Georgian fi lmmaker is pre- Heritage Preservation Fparing to be introduced to wider audi- ences at the 76th edition of one of the of memorandum with a number of East- BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA world's major cinematographic events, ern European states. the Venice International Film Festival, Mikheil Batiashvili highlighted that the launched within the framework of Bien- US is one of the major strategic partners nale 2019. n August 20, Mikheil of Georgia and noted that the two coun- The latest fi lm from director Dmitry Batiashvili, Minister of tries have close partnership in all branches Mamuliya, entitled ‘The Criminal Man’ Education, Science, Cul- of the sphere of education. The Minister (Borotmokmedi), is a Georgian-Russian ture and Sport of Georgia, also stated the Memorandum of Under- co-production bringing together a cast and Paul Packer, Chairman standing is to contribute to the enhance- of Georgian actors and telling the story ofO the United States Commission for the ment that collaboration. Image source: Venice Biennale of a 25-year-old factory engineer whose Preservation of America’s Heritage Packer also commented, saying that life is drastically changed when he wit- is set to be screened six times on Sep- as the joint work of Georgia’s Millimeter Abroad, signed a Memorandum of Under- signing this document yet again outlines nesses the killing of a prominent sports- tember 4-6, within the scope of one of Film and Russia’s Kinokult. Shooting of standing which envisages the launch of the successful cooperation between the man. the sections of the Biennale named Oriz- the feature took place in Georgia in 2015 a mechanism for further collaboration governments of the two states and dem- At the 11-day festival taking place August zonti. and 2016, and was resumed in 2018, after in the cultural fi eld. The Ministry reports onstrates how much the USA values 28 – September 7, the work of Mamuliya ‘The Criminal Man’ has been launched a pause. that the USA has already signed this type Georgia and supports it in various fi elds.

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