Issue no: 937 • APRIL 14 - 17, 2017 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... FOCUS Georgia’s Infrastructure ON CULTURE PROMOTION Project ‘Heritage Crafts Initiative for Ministry Presents 2017-2020 Georgia’ wins at the Europa Nostra Awards 2017 PAGE 11 Action Plan NEWS PAGE 3 Georgian FM Holds Meetings in Armenia

POLITICS PAGE 5 Sannikov on Belarus, Russia & Georgia POLITICS PAGE 6 Microsoft Georgia & E-Space Announce Cooperation BUSINESS PAGE 6 Inspired by Africa: Geocell Presents Movla Winners O’Hanlon Dishes SOCIETY PAGE 8 On the Threshold of out Bitter Pills for Rehabilitation, Fine Arts Museum Hosts Georgian Georgia: The US Masterpieces Cannot Protect the CULTURE PAGE 15 Georgia to Host Whole World World Rugby U20 Championship INTERVIEW BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE 2017 SPORTS PAGE 16 hen Wall Street Journal writes something about Georgia, Georgian people (those who know what WSJ is) read it. When Wall Street Journal publishes an article about Georgia’s (and Ukraine’s) perma- nent neutrality status as a medicament for its secu- Writy ailments, people read with great interest. Panorama Talk Show and GEORGIA TODAY contacted Michael O’Hanlon, a US scholar at the Brookings Institute who did just that: in his article, he opines that NATO membership is unrealistic for Geor- gia and Ukraine and that these countries would be better off declaring neutrality and having “security assurances” from the US and Russia. Armed with righteous fury and two pinches of skepticism, we start off by asking him in what reality Georgia’s neutrality would be sus- tainable, seeing as to maintain it, the country should be able to defend it (militarily) and afford it (economically). Continued on page 4 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS APRIL 14 - 17, 2017 Tbilisi Fashion Week 2017 Showroom Opens in Tbilisi Mall

BY THEA MORRISON

he 15th season of Tbilisi Fashion Week will kick off on April 19 in Georgia’s capital, showcasing glam- Georgia’s Health & Interior orous collections, colorful ensemblesT and the latest trends in fashion. Ministries Join Efforts to Fight On April 12, a special showroom was opened in the main atrium of Tbilisi Mall, general sponsor of Tbilisi Fash- Pharmacy Drug Addiction ion Week. Aghmashenebeli Avenue in New Tifl is. available on www.biletebi.ge. The showroom will be open until Additionally, Tbilisi Fashion Week With the support of Georgia’s National established, tasked to set the necessary April 24 and features the collections will feature autumn/winter collections Tourism Administration (GNTA), Tbi- BY THEA MORRISON limit of import of such medicines. Ser- of Georgian designers: Salio Abuse- of up-and-coming Georgian designers, lisi Fashion Week 2017 will be attended geenko and Mghebrishvili are co-chairs ridze, Moko, Mimosa, Shavdia, Art like ELENNY, MIA, Laboratory the by a number of international media of that commission. The joint consulta- Salon Lika, Workshop Besiki 22, Window, ETHERE ACCESOIRE, Atel- representatives including Vogue Italia, eorgia’s Minister of Inter- tive body is authorized to increase quo- M.G.N.T. Style, No One, Co.Mode, Sopo ier 27, MARTA, Giorgi Tatanashvili, Elle Russia, Offi ciel Ukraine, British nal Affairs, Giorgi Mgheb- tas if a lack of the mentioned medications Iosebidze, Atelier 27, Zedadan, Person, LIKEFORLIKA. Vogue, and many more. GNTA will also rishvili and Minister of is encountered. Atelier 22, Anishko, Avazaki, Makrateli, Foreign designers and brands will arrange a tour in Tbilisi in order to Labor, Health and Social Mghebrishvili noted that as a result of Lovoa, Medamoda, Lunda Story, Mamy also take part in Tbilisi Fashion Week acquaint guests with the sights and affairs, Davit Sergeenko, the joint activities held by the Ministry Bag, Katrin, Lazeti and Levanto. 2017, including Lara Quint and SAYYA cultural monuments of the capital. Gsigned an agreement on Wednesday of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of On Aprill 19, SOLO will host an exhi- (Urkaine), ZLATOSTUDIO (Russia), Further, the Enterprise Development about imposing quotas on the import of Health, a number of legislative changes bition and performance by Sopiko SONCESS (Armenia), ZDDZ (UK), Agency will host the following buyers: a number of psychotropic medicines. and reforms have been implemented Chiaureli at Wine Factory N1 / Tbili which will be presented in the Ernst Harvey Nichols HONG KONG, RIJOUX The aim of imposing quotas is to strictly recently against the so-called pharmacy Sio. & Young offi ce of Tbilisi on April 23. STORE Tel-Aviv, Concept Store PORTA defi ne the number of psychotropic med- drug addiction, which has substantially On April 20-23, Tbilisi History Between runway shows, there will be 9 Russia, Al Duca D’acosta VENICE, icines imported into the country and to decreased intravenous consumption of Museum Karvasla will host designer champagne tastings featuring Luciano United Legend Strasbourg, and Joseph strengthen monitoring in this direction. drugs. Mariam Gvasalia's runway show. The champagne. Store London to familiarize them with This step will also contribute to the “Pharmaceutical drug addiction is a same evening, the Kakhaberi runway Furthermore, this season kicks off Georgian designers. restriction of the misuse of the mentioned problem not only in Georgia but also in show will also take place. the project TALK, in collaboration with The offi cial cosmetics brand of Tbi- medications and will serve as a preven- other countries,” Mghebrishvili stated. On April 22, designer Ani Datukash- Marketer.ge. lisi Fashion Week 2017 is MAC. Beauty tion to pharmacy drug addiction. The Health Minister believes that inap- vili will present her collection in the On April 20, Impact Hub Tbilisi is to salons ART HOUSE and La Paris will So far, quotas have been imposed on propriate consumption of pills remains School N6 rooms and hall. Then, at host discussions on “Branding and be working on the models' makeup. the following psychotropic medications: one of the main challenges for Georgia. 22:00, LTFR invites electronic music Communication” led by Maragon Uni- For the full Fashion Week schedule Gabapentin, Zopiklon, Baklophen, Zale- “I think imposing quotas is one step lovers to attend their performance at versity specialists. Fashion journalist and further details visit: www.tbilisi- plon, Tropicamide and Dextromethor- forward to fi ghting pharmacy drug addic- the Tbilisi Hippodrome Park. at Barneys New York, Vogue Italia, fashionweek.com phan. tion and I would like to thank the Interior Fashion Week will culminate in a ELLE Russia, consultant, stylist and The event is held with the support Last year, a special joint commission Minister and MIA for their cooperation,” runway show featuring Lasha Jokhadze, blogger Roza Sinaisky will also par- of the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of the Interior and Health ministries was Sergeenko said. which will take place on renovated ticipate in the discussions. Tickets are of Culture and Tbilisi Mayor’s Offi ce. GEORGIA TODAY APRIL 14 - 17, 2017 NEWS 3 Georgia’s Infrastructure Ministry Presents 2017-2020 Action Plan

ment in the country over three years, including building a 1,000 km road, pro- viding water supply for 500,000 people, and solving the problem of solid waste and landfi lls in the country. 1.26 billion GEL will be spent on vari- ous infrastructural projects throughout the country this year. “We will implement the most important projects in the direction of roads, water Penguins from the UK's supply, tourism infrastructure, ecology, environment and others,” Alavidze said. Georgia’s Prime Minister, Giorgi Kviri- Bristol Zoo Moved to Tbilisi kashvili, also delivered speech at the Both Tbilisi Zoo and Bristol Zoo are BY TAMZIN WHITEWOOD presentation in which he claimed the members of the European Association planned infrastructure projects will cre- of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and, as ate 40,000 new jobs and the country will such, work collaboratively to breed become stronger and more developed ineteen penguins from endangered animals in captivity. because of it. Bristol Zoo in the UK have In addition, Tbilisi has been twinned “Our country has already created a been donated to Tbilisi, with Bristol, located in the west of Eng- very important success story: we have which lost many of its zoo land, since 1988, and the penguin arrival achieved democracy and by stable devel- animals in a fl ash fl ood in has been arranged to coincide with a opment we are creating a new reality. N2015. Bristol and Tbilisi are twinned cit- visit to the Tbilisi by a delegation from Today, we really have such an opportu- ies. Bristol, including Bristol Tbilisi Asso- nity," he said. Nineteen young South African penguins ciation Chairman Derek Pickup, Bristol He went on to express his gratitude to are now settling into a newly refurbished business representatives and the Bristol all the international and donor organiza- penguin pool at Tbilisi Zoo after making Master of the Guild of Guardians, as well tions who help the country to achieve the journey by charter plane. as representatives from Bristol Zoo. The progress and thanked the Ministry of They are the latest of around 80 ani- group met with the British Ambassador Infrastructure. mals to have been rehomed at the zoo in Tbilisi on Tuesday April 11 to offi cially “What will the new spatial arrange- from various European zoos. Tbilisi Zoo hand over the penguins. ment bring to our country, our popula- suffered signifi cant animal losses in the In the offi cial press release, Derek tion? New roads, new highways, new fl ood of June 2015, which killed 19 people Pickup said "since the disastrous fl ood and civil society. airports, ports, bridges, tunnels, and and left hundreds homeless. Of the zoo's at Tbilisi Zoo, we have been working BY THEA MORRISON The plan includes implementation of absolutely new opportunities,” the PM 1,155 animals, 281 died in the disaster. with Bristol Zoo to fi nd ways in which large-scale and national projects, maxi- enthused. An offi cial press release from Bristol we could help by providing advice on mal use of the country's existing capa- Spatial arrangement is one of the most Zoo states that the South African pen- developing a new zoo in Tbilisi and by eorgia’s Minister of Infra- bilities and full-time work for the coun- important components of the govern- guins will now form a new breeding providing some new animals. It is fan- structure, Zurab Alavidze, try's rapid development. ment’s Four-Point Plan, which envisages group in Tbilisi, with hopes to boost tastic that Bristol Zoo is donating these presented the Infrastruc- The action plan envisages implemen- modifying Georgia's income tax rules, captive numbers for the species which wonderful penguins and encouraging tural Development Strat- tation of 2,500 major infrastructural improving governance, accelerating has been categorized as ‘Endangered’ by other zoo's to follow our example and egy of Georgia 2017-2020 projects worth 10 billion GEL in order infrastructure projects and developing the International Union for Conserva- donate animals. We feel like a modern Gon Wednesday to government members to modernize infrastructural develop- higher education. tion of Nature (IUCN). day Noah and his ark". GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS APRIL 14 - 17, 2017 On the New “President” of South Ossetia

Lieutenant-General. OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA Bibilov, unlike Tibilov, travelled to Akhalgori during the election campaign and even addressed the locals in Geor- he occupied Tskhinvali gian. He tried to act in a diplomatic way region has a new Head of and remain balanced, recalling the years State. The former military of his youth when he studied in Tbilisi General Anatoliy Bibilov for three years. Bibilov promised the won the so-called presiden- Georgians there that he would rearrange Ttial elections on Sunday. His primary the untidy system of issuing permits for rival, former FSB offi cer Leonid Tibilov, them to cross the so-called border. was second in the running, but fairly Mamuka Areshidze, Head of the Cau- behind in terms of percentage. casus Center for Strategic Studies, does According to the preliminary informa- not believe him and thinks that Bibilov tion, Bibilov got 57% (about 18,234 votes), will uncompromisingly pursue Russian Tibilov 30% (9,769 votes) and Gagloev policy. “The Georgian population living 11% (3,581 votes). The population turnout in Akhalgori will end up with more prob- was 81%. Tinilov, the active “president,” lems and an even more diffi cult situation lost the elections and even his meeting than the separatist Abkhazian “President” with President Putin couldn’t help him Raul Khajimba has created for the Geor- this time. He is currently waiting for a gian population living in the Gali region,” new verdict from the Kremlin, and the Areshidze says. occupied regime will announce the “offi - Despite his Ossetian family name and cial results” on April 14. origins, Bibilov is a Russian offi cial. “We The Kremlin’s favorites in the occupied should not forget that he is military, there- territories are obviously unlucky ones, fore has very good relations with the as losing the so-called presidential elec- military establishment in Moscow, the tions has become something of a tradition latter being no less powerful than the there. In fact, Putin’s open support towards FSB. For instance, he is friends with a candidate is even perceived as an omi- Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu,” nous sign. This was the case twice in Areshidze says. However, the lion’s share breakaway Abkhazia, for instance, when in Bibilov’s victory is not due to his mil- Raul Khajimba raised posters depicting itary ties but the request of the former him with Putin and in turn lost the elec- so-called President Kokoity, who called tions. The same happened in occupied on his supporters to vote for Bibilov. It is Tskhinvali, when in the so-called presi- said the Kremlin had “forbidden” Kokoity dential elections of 2011, Anatoliy Bibilov from running in the so-called elections. took care to be photographed with the In his interviews with Russian publica- then-President of Russia Medvedev, but tions during the election campaign, got disastrous results when the Kremlin Bibilov referred to South Ossetia as part cancelled the elections completely. of Russia and to Georgia as a neighbor- The former leader of Nikhasi, occupied ing country. Bibilov also supports joining Tskhinvali’s “Council,” 47-year-old Ana- the Russian Federation. As, currently, toliy Bibilov, has four children. He stud- Moscow does not need Tskhinvali, since ied in the specialized General Leselidze the annexation of Crimea is still stuck the results of the referendum later, when and occupied Abkhazia. Notably, paral- international community recognize the boarding school and is professional in its throat, it is diffi cult to predict how they feel like it. lel to the “Presidential elections,” another elections or referendum in the de-facto military. Before that, he got an incom- realistic it is for the breakaway region Following the ethnic cleansing in the “referendum” was held in Anklavi, where republic of South Ossetia. Together with plete secondary education in Tskhinvali to join Russia in the near future. Never- occupied Tskhinvali, there are just 32,736 more than 78% “voters” supported add- the Georgian offi cials, statements about School N1. Bibilov took part and was theless, it is not excluded that they will “voters” “registered” in the region. An ing the term “State of Alania” to its cur- the illegitimacy of these elections have wounded twice in the August 2008 War, agree to hold the so-called referendum, additional 7,464 “ballots” were sent to rent name of South Ossetia. been openly made by numerous inter- after which he was granted the rank of if Bibilov proposes to do so, and realize the “polling stations” opened in Russia Neither the Georgian side nor the national organizations and bodies. O’Hanlon Dishes out Bitter Pills for Georgia: The US Cannot Protect the Whole World

Continued from page 1 Basically, we say, you are calling for ance in the future, it has to respect the deal ful security guarantees from anyone. I think you have a good option now with the West to create so-called buffer zones. and allow verifi cation of that deal.” don’t know how to change that. The NATO membership, nor do I think you’re He suggests we compare his scenario The very thing we (and Ukrainians) So, economic sanctions and the threat word “guarantee” in English is a very going to get one. Moreover, as an Amer- with what we have now. And what we don’t want to be. What follows is a word- of future NATO expansion. Hard as that strong word, as you know.” ican, I have the right to ask whether I have is not much, he thinks, as the West’s ing battle. might be to imagine, if Russia still goes To his defense, he says Russia and want to see my children, my neighbors, promise to grant Georgia the NATO “Well, I don’t propose they be called a and violates it, what happens next? Per- Georgia have to agree on an agreement my friends, in a military commitment to Membership Action Plan, made in Bucha- ‘buffer zone’ for Russia. These are your haps the United States would be ready or it won’t work. His proposal also defend people halfway around the world. rest in 2008, remains unfulfi lled, with words, not mine. I propose neutrality. to step in and fi ght for Georgia? includes removing Russian military forces It is not smart; it’s not realistic. And I no timeline provided to do so. Buffer zone implies that Georgia and He says that this is the exact thing that from Georgian territories, a prospect don’t feel that I should be pledging my “And as we know, that very summer Ukraine have less sovereign right to their he does not want the US to do. that would be very popular with Geor- fellow Americans and their potential was when Russian forces invaded Geor- own decisions and that they are some- “I’m proposing that we NOT expand gian people, perhaps even if it came at lives to defend a country that is not cur- gia. And we’ve seen subsequently that how pawns in a greater strategic game our military alliance. There is a small the price of all and every Euro-Atlantic rently in NATO and probably cannot be Russia seized Crimea and then contrib- between great countries. I don’t want to number of American forces training with aspiration. Would Moscow remove its defended in any plausible way because uted to separatist fi ghting in Eastern use this kind of language. I fully respect the Georgians. That’s fi ne. And obviously, bases from Abkhazia and South Ossetia it’s so far away.” Ukraine in 2014. Ukraine was also prom- the sovereignty and independence and many Americans are extremely grateful too, though? He says it also has to be Spoken like a chess grand master, and ised eventual NATO membership, with all the rights that Georgia and Ukraine to Georgia for its contributions in inter- agreed chiefl y between Georgia and there he was saying he wouldn’t compare no specifi city and no Membership Action have. I insist that any future security national security operations like in Russia, and the same goes for Ukraine, Georgia and Ukraine to pawns. But all Plan. Therefore, I think the current strat- architecture would preserve those rights. Afghanistan. But,” he says, “you’ll have but the West would also “participate in this Realpolitik aside – If this is how egy is not working. The current strategy The issue is: should they be in NATO or to work it out with Russia. The US can- the wider framework of these negotia- things are, many would think us fools. is leaving Georgia, Ukraine and other should they be neutral? I think that neu- not protect the whole world – especially tions and be solemnly on the side of the Heartbroken fools, at that. countries of Eastern Europe vulnerable,” trality would serve them better and serve a small country right next to Russia. We smaller countries as they have these “We’ve been toiling for a fair chance O’Hanlon says. the United States better, as well.” don’t have the capability to do that.” negotiations with Russia.” of joining the Euro-Atlantic alliance for He is not alone in his conclusion, of Unconvinced, we ask how that might So, the scenario goes like this: this tiny We ask what his motivation was for years now,” we tell him. “And don’t for- course. There are many who would agree. be. In his article, which will soon be fol- country is left alone to negotiate an talking about neutral Georgia and neu- get Afghanistan, where we pledged the And many who would claim that those lowed by an entire book on the matter, incredibly complex deal with a mam- tral Ukraine in his WSJ article. lives of our friends and fellow Georgians who don’t are just unable to swallow a he says that it will have the form of an moth of a neighbor, and if said neighbor He handles the question well. And to defend the common values Georgia certain bitter pill known as hard truth. agreement which Russia has to follow reconsiders the terms of the deal, the dishes out another portion of those pills and the US seem to believe in”. And it’s But what is O’Hanlon’s alternative and and adhere to. The same Russia that is tiny country stays there alone and unde- as a farewell monologue. all in vain, if we follow O’Hanlon’s logic. how viable is it? notorious for violating agreements. On fended. So much for security guarantees, “Well, I’m not on the Russian payroll. We don’t, but we are disappointed none- “I’ve concluded that we would be bet- this, at least, we seem to be on the same we say. He says there isn’t one. At least I would suggest that my Georgian friends theless, as will be the many who read it. ter off trying to negotiate with Russia page. He admits that it “is a very serious for us. A bucketload of bitter pills, this take stock of where they are today. Right We ask him about that as our fi nal ques- an understanding that countries like concern” and says he has leverages in one. now, they have a very ambiguous prom- tion. Georgia and Ukraine will have every mind that would dissuade (hopefully) “At one level, there is no guarantee, ise of future NATO membership, which “Yes, I think it could be disappointing opportunity to join any other association Russia from disrespecting the deal. and that’s the simple fact of the matter,” will probably never happen as long as for a while; I expect that some of my they wish, economically or politically, “We will only lift sanctions on Russia if he tells us. “Georgia is in a place where they still have disputes with Russia over readers in Georgia would be angry. I but NATO expansion will no longer con- they agree to remove military forces and it is too small and too far away for any the territories of South Ossetia and Abk- understand that. There should be a tinue and will not include them. I hope resolve the so-called frozen confl icts in completely dependable guarantee to be hazia. So, if I were a Georgian, I would debate; I’m glad to hear there’s a debate. that would be a way to actually persuade Ukraine and Georgia. And if Russia wants issued by anybody. To date, as you know, simply encourage you to think clearly I think it will take a while for this kind Russia...” to make sure the two don't join the Alli- Georgia has not received any meaning- about your current options. I do not of idea to be fully digested,” he says. GEORGIA TODAY APRIL 14 - 17, 2017 POLITICS 5 Georgian FM Holds Meetings in Armenia Furthermore, Sargsyan and Janelidze BY THEA MORRISON underscored the importance of stability and peace in terms of regional develop- President ment. ithin the framework The need to develop ties between the of an offi cial visit to Georgian and Armenian youth was dis- Margvelashvili the Republic of cussed at the meeting. Armenia, Georgian The sides also discussed prospects Foreign Minister existing in the fi eld of technologies. Pardons 91 WMikheil Janelidze met the President of The importance of deepening relations the country Serzh Sargsyan, PM Karen in the fi elds of economy, energy and Photo source: Al-Manar TV Lebanon Karapetian and Foreign Minister Edward transport was discussed at the meeting Prisoners Nalbandian. of the Georgian and Armenian Foreign Welcoming the guest, President Sarg- Ministers. Putin Congratulates Bibilov on BY THEA MORRISON syan expressed hope that the offi cial visit “We welcome our intense cooperation of FM Janelidze to Armenia would give and political contacts at all levels, be it a new impetus to the strengthening of presidents, prime ministers or ministers. Winning South Ossetia Election resident Giorgi Margvelashvili interstate ties. We are approaching a very important Bibilov won Sunday’s presidential elec- BY THEA MORRISON has granted amnesty to 91 The offi cials underlined that the Arme- date – the 25th anniversary of establish- tions by securing 57.98 percent of the inmates in connection to the nian-Georgian relations are developing ment of diplomatic relations between vote, the South Ossetian Central Election upcoming Easter holiday. dynamically, including an active political our two countries. Through our joint Commission reported, citing preliminary The head of the pardoning dialogue. They also noted that the eco- efforts, we have made it possible to come ussian President Vladimir fi gures. President Leonid Tibiliov got 30 commission,P Zviad Koridze, said that nomic relations and cooperation in the to a higher level of mutual partnership, Putin congratulated the percent of the vote and State Security only 62 of those will actually leave the humanitarian sector are deepening. one based on confi dence,” Janelidze told speaker of the de facto South Committee offi cer Alan Gagloyev got prisons at this point, while the other 29 Sargsyan said that Armenia appreciates Nalbandian. Ossetian parliament, Ana- 11.01 percent. Under South Ossetia’s laws, will likely have their sentences reduced. the relations with friendly Georgia, a The ministers also spoke about global toly Bibilov, on winning the a candidate needs to get 50 percent plus Among the pardoned prisoners are country actively interested in further and regional challenges and about the presidentialR elections in Georgia’s break- one vote to be elected in the fi rst round. four women. developing and strengthening those implementation of the EU-Georgia Asso- away Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region. Russian presidential press offi cer Dim- Koridze said the decision was made good-neighborly relations every year. ciation Agreement. "I sincerely congratulate you on the itry Peskov said the Kremlin considers during the Pardoning Commission’s The Georgian FM referred to coop- Janelidze congratulated his Armenian convincing victory in the presidential the presidential elections conducted in February session, held on April 4-6. A eration in the energy sector, stressing counterpart on the successful comple- election in the Republic of South Osse- South Ossetian democratic. “We state total of 579 cases were discussed. the need for full realization of the great tion of negotiations over a framework tia. I mark with satisfaction the high level that it was an absolutely politically com- The president’s pardoning commission potential existing in this sector. agreement with the EU. of traditionally friendly relations between petitive, democratic election process, is composed of ten people, mostly law- Russia and South Ossetia," said the mes- fairly transparent. We are even more yers from the civil sector and public sage posted on the Kremlin website satisfi ed with the fact that the main com- fi gures, in addition to the public defender Monday. Russian state-led news agency petition was between candidates that and the Georgian Patriarchate. The Com- Tass reports that Putin expressed con- are convinced supporters of further close mission discusses all cases sent before fi dence that relations between the two relations between South Ossetia and it by inmates or their families, and makes countries will continue to develop under Russia," Peskov told reporters. the initial decision about which prison- the new president. “Russia will continue Tass says that Abkhazia also recognizes ers might deserve a pardon. That list is providing comprehensive assistance to the elections and referendum in South then sent to the President for approval. South Ossetia in the settlement of topi- Ossetia. "We will support any choice by The President himself is the only per- cal issues of social-economic develop- South Ossetia’s people, any decision that son authorized to grant pardons in Geor- ment as well as in ensuring national will be legitimate,” Abkhazia’s Vice gia. security,” said Putin, as quoted in Tass. President Vitaly Gabniya told Tass. GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS APRIL 14 - 17, 2017 Sannikov on Belarus, Russia & Georgia

Go away!” Immediately, it started to get quite strong. It’s a personal regime of slovakia to join the EU and NATO. That’s INTERVIEW BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE political because people are fed up with Lukashenko that uses most of the money not the question about Russia. We do the 23 years of dictatorship. It’s too much. to keep the repressive apparatus. And understand the Russian factor but let’s And the life, especially this year, is very that is why the persecution and control think about our countries. You called n March 25, there were diffi cult for Belarusians. Unemployment of society is really strong there. That is me a pro-Western opposition. No, I am many angry faces in Minsk. is growing, prices are up, and salaries why the protests in Belarus see only the pro-Belarusian. And I’m not saying that Why? Because a certain are down. The economic situation is bravest people are coming into the streets. I’ll think like Lukashenko. People did not “last dictator of Europe,” catastrophic. And they face not only imprisonment; decide to be in this close relationship as he is affectionately they face charges for long-term impris- with Russia and the people have expressed dubbedO by his European counterparts, YOU MENTIONED THE onment and death. It is the most ruthless their willingness to have a better rela- saw it fi t to introduce a new legislation PRESIDENT SHOULD GO. dictatorship on the territory of Europe. tionship with the EU. in the country aimed at… well, laziness. DO YOU REALLY SEE THAT The law against “social parasites” angered HAPPENING THROUGH YOU ARE LUKASHENKO’S THERE ARE PEOPLE IN GEORGIA many a “lazy” person, who claim that THESE PROTESTS? BIGGEST POLITICAL RIVAL AND WHO APPLAUD LUKASHENKO’S instead of solving unemployment, the That’s what the people demand. So far YOU EVEN HAD TO GO TO WISDOM AND CUNNING, government has put blame on the peo- the opposition is trying to keep it peace- PRISON FOR YOUR POLITICAL SEEING HIM AS A LEADER ple. The political opposition, united in ful. And that’s why the offer from the ACTIVITIES. HAD YOU WON THE THAT MANAGED TO AVOID coalition, stood together with society on opposition is negotiations and eventual 2010 ELECTIONS WHAT WOULD DIRECT CONFRONTATION WITH the streets. And while the protests were elections, free elections under interna- BELARUS WOULD BE LIKE NOW? RUSSIA, SOMETHING THAT peaceful, there were arrests nonetheless. tional supervision. That is the best way You know, we were actually winning. MORE DEMOCRATIC GEORGIA Are there clouds gathering over Lukashen- out that would help us to avoid confl ict That’s why I found myself in jail and AND UKRAINE COULDN’T DO ko’s future? Could this be the start of inside and outside the country. with most of my team members, other Look what Lukashenko let Belarus what many view as the most durable, if candidates and other opposition fi gures. become. It’s the most catastrophic eco- undemocratic, leadership in the post- DO YOU SEE A LINK BETWEEN SAME PRELUDE FOR YOU AND Had we won in 2010, Belarus would have nomic situation since the collapse of the Soviet space? Andrei Sannikov, a chief THE PROTESTS IN BELARUS AND EX-PRESIDENT OF GEORGIA, been a different country. And the rela- USSR. Inevitably, dictatorship leads to rival of Lukashenko and 2010 presiden- IN RUSSIA? ARE THESE PEOPLE MIKHAIL SAAKASHVILI. BUT tionship would have been predictable. such things. As for how it could have tial candidate (for which the Batska WITH THE SAME BELIEFS? WHILE SAAKASHVILI VS Because despite the support that Russia been different, it couldn’t. I do under- promptly sent him to prison) spoke with I think so. There is recognition of impos- SHEVARDNADZE ENDED IN gives Lukashenko and despite his claims stand that it is the hardest way for our Panorama Talk Show and GEORGIA sibility to live under dictatorships. THE FORMER’S FAVOR, THE that he is the best friend of Russia, they independence, both for Georgia and SAME COULDN’T BE SAID TODAY from London, where he was Although this dictatorship in Belarus cheat on each other. It’s not a normal Belarus. And for Ukrainian independ- ABOUT LUKASHENKO VS granted asylum after Lukashenko fi nally has been much longer than in Russia. SANNIKOV. WHY DO YOU relationship even in oil and gas. So there ence. And here we have to rely on actual pardoned him, under Western pressure, People are fed up with it. They started THINK THAT HAPPENED? are no norms and rules of behavior even understanding of our situation by the in 2012. to revolt both in Russia and Belarus. The between Lukashenko and Putin. western countries. I do not see this system is very strong and they started You must understand that we both had understanding. Let’s be frank, the West WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON to use violence against, let me stress, authoritarians and let’s not hide behind WOULD RUSSIA ALLOW is not very helpful for our independence. THE PROTESTS? HOW peaceful demonstrators. But the indig- the words. Because we’ve had a clear, BELARUS UNDER YOUR After Russia started the war in Ukraine, DIFFERENT IS THIS FROM THE nation is there. The rejection of systems ruthless dictatorship in Belarus for many LEADERSHIP OR ANY OTHER there was more awareness of what’s PROTESTS OF THE PAST? both in Belarus and Russia is visible. years. There was never dictatorship in BELARUSIAN’S LEADERSHIP going on. More awareness of the dangers They were triggered by the so-called Georgia, you never had Lukashenko. There TO LEAVE ITS ORBIT? coming out of today’s Kremlin regime. decree on Social Parasites. According to AN AUTHORITARIAN LEADER was never dictatorship in Ukraine. They Many people asked in the 2000s if Rus- Finally they will come to the conclusion which, if a person does not work for 183 AND A PRO-WESTERN FORMER had a lot of corruption but not dictator- sia would allow Latvia, Lithuania, Esto- that our independence – Georgia, Ukrain- days a year, this person has to pay taxes. MINISTER WHO RESIGNS ship. In Belarus, unfortunately with the nia to join the EU and NATO. Before that ian, Balarus is indispensable for the But it was only a pretext because when AND CHALLENGES HIM TO help of Russia and frankly, with the help there were questions whether Russia security of the independence of Europe, protests started, the slogan was “Out! ELECTIONS – THERE WAS THE of Western money, the dictatorship is would allow Poland, Hungary, Czecho- EU and the West in general.

BUSINESS Microsoft Georgia & E-Space Announce Cooperation

company dedicated to the support and support of the infrastructure as this is BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI promotion of electric vehicles in the done by Microsoft. As a result, these country, and the introduction and imple- resources can be invested into the main mentation of respective new technolo- thing – business development”. icrosoft Georgia and gies. It is the only company to own and Microsoft is the leading platform and E-Space Ltd. startup operate a public charging station network productivity company for the “mobile- PAFAI & Terabank Promote this week announced in Georgia and it aims to offer its clients fi rst, cloud-fi rst” world, its mission to their cooperation, with a wide-range of electric vehicles, includ- empower every person and every organ- E-space to power their ing cars, motorcycles and scooters. ization on the planet to achieve more. Specialized Products Msolutions using the Microsoft Azure “More and more entrepreneurs are Microsoft Georgia was founded in 2010 platform. working with the Microsoft Azure cloud and currently employs eight persons. It E-Space, the fi rst Georgian company platform and they are making the right describes Georgia as a small country, dedicated to supporting electric vehicles choice,” says Nikoloz Doborjginidze, “the success of which depends on a & Financial Literacy for and technologies, with this becomes a General Manager at Microsoft Georgia. knowledge-based economy”. Microsoft BizSpark member and will be running “The fl exibility of the service allows supports public, private and civil sectors its business on the Microsoft Azure plat- users to scale resources depending on to develop capabilities. We believe that Georgian Female Farmers form. Microsoft BizSpark is a global real traffi c needed and to manage their innovative technologies make it com- program that helps startups succeed by business effectively. Further, there is no petitive in the country's economy, busi- n April 8, the project ‘Pro- services, including a fl exible seasonal giving them free access to Microsoft need to spend resources on technical ness, and education system. moting Access to Finance repayment schedule with loan term up Azure cloud services, software, and sup- and Agricultural Insur- to 36 months and without security up to port. ance’ (PAFAI), imple- 20,000 GEL. Terabank SME bankers and “We are delighted to announce our mented by Business and SME analysts are offering clients opti- partnership with Microsoft,” says George FinanceO Consulting and funded by the mal, profi table banking ways, assisting Keshelashvili, CEO, E-Space. “Such part- Swiss Agency for Cooperation and Devel- them in decision-making and giving nership comes at the right time for us, opment, held a conference for 30 female recommendations as to the priorities as the BizSpark program will help us farmers promoting specialized banking profi table for their businesses. with our IT infrastructure environment, products from Terabank and fi nancial After the presentation and discussion enabling us to run software on a secure literacy trainings. by Terabank and farmers, the PAFAI and scalable platform, allowing us to Due to the majority of land and prop- project provided a fi nancial literacy save on hosting and deployment of ser- erty being owned by males in rural Geor- training on topics such as budgeting, vices. With access to Microsoft Azure gia, female farmers face a disadvantage savings, credit history, fi nancial institu- via BizSpark, we can effi ciently support in receiving credits requiring collateral. tions, and interest rates. the demand for resources of E-space’s To address this issue, Terabank is now The PAFAI project, which has operated rapidly growing business”. offering female farmers loans with lower for two years, began in April, 2015, and Founded in 2016 in Tbilisi, Georgia, collateral requirements and specialized will close at the end of April. E-Space is the fi rst and only Georgian GEORGIA TODAY APRIL 14 - 17, 2017 SOCIETY 7 Ani for Children: A Charity Foundation for Palliative Care Children

focuses on team care for children who are involved in all of its activities. I’m sure Alternatively, you can donate to the fund here: Ani Chkhaidze, one of in need of lengthy psycho-social rehabili- that all those material or spiritual efforts "საქველმოქმედო ფონდი ანი Georgia’s fi rst Child tation,” said Davit Sergeenko, Minister of that are accumulated here will serve the ბავშვებისთვის“ Life specialists and a Health, Labor and Social Affairs “These kindness and the wellbeing of others, ს/კ: 405169696 psychologist, with a are children with special needs, indeed. and the more people who get engaged palliative patient at the Bank of Georgia Tsitsishvili Children’s We do have similar state programs, how- in this ‘kindness circle,’ the more we’ll GE27BG0000000680562800 New Clinic ever, they cannot fully satisfy the demand. be able to do.” BAGAGE22. Therefore, such charity involvement is of If you would like to donate to Ani for For related articles about the Tsitsishvili Chil- utmost importance in order to develop Children, you can attend an exhibition dren’s New Clinic palliative care children, and to perfect the team approach, a con- of paintings for sale by well-known Geor- go to: cept comparatively new for our healthcare gian artists Zurab Nijaradze, Levan http://georgiatoday.ge/news/2191/Beds- system. I would like to wish this founda- Kharanauli, Mamuka Tsetskhladze, Vano for-the-Better%3A-The-Success-of-a-Fundraiser- tion much success. The Ministry of Health, Abuladze, Keti Matabeli, Keti Melkadze, for-Palliative-Unit-Children as well as me personally, as an ordinary Toto Mirzashvili and Liziko Chkheidze. citizen and doctor, declare full readiness http://georgiatoday.ge/news/212/Palli- to support the foundation and promise to WHERE: 13 Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi ative-Care-Improvements-in- always stand by its side”. WHEN: Saturday April 15, 12- 8 PM. Children%E2%80%99s-New-Clinic “We are focusing on one concrete pop- ulation of children: that of the Tsitsishvili Children’s New Clinic,” said Mamuka Chkhaidze, Ani’s father and the Founder of Ani for Children. “These are 36 chil- dren who are in a chronic critical state, the majority of whom are bed-bound. Ani is the name of the psychologist who used need of rehabilitation and adaptation to to work in this clinic. This is where we BY MAKA LOMADZE the surrounding environment. started our aid from. Our aim is to also Together with the respective authori- promote the specialty of psycho-emotional ties, representatives from business cir- development and rehabilitation, which n April 12, a presentation cles, as well as those of the medical and does not exist in Georgia. This medical of the activities of the insurance system, attended the presen- direction is just being started, Ani was recently established char- tation. Among the invited guests were one of the pioneers in this fi eld, and we ity foundation ‘Ani for also a number of celebrities. hope to promote such specialists to Children’ took place on The charity foundation was founded develop via trainings so that the Child Othe premises of the National Education in October 2016 and bears the name of Life service is established in all children's Center under the Ministry of Health, Ani Chkhaidze, one of Georgia’s fi rst hospitals, while also supporting the exist- Labor and Social Affairs of Georgia. Child Life specialists and a psychologist ing services”. Ani for Children gives aid to children of the Tsitsishvili Children’s New Clinic “I’ve been a friend of the foundation in palliative care, giving material-fi nan- who was killed in a well-reported car since the very fi rst day,” actor Giorgi cial aid to those with psycho-motoric crash last summer. Bakhutashvili, told GEORGIA TODY at and other chronic diseases who are in “The charity foundation ‘Ani for Children’ the presentation. “I try my best to be

WWelcomeelcome ttoo IIndianndian PPunjabiunjabi RestaurantRestaurant SSanjhaanjha CChulhahulha 1

Mobile +995 596 56 13 13 Phone +995-322-95-96-14 Skype: SANJHA CHULHA Facebook: sanjha chulha indian restaurant mail: [email protected] Website: Sanjhachulha.ge Agmashenebeli Avenue 130, Tbilisi 0112 Georgia Delivery service areare availableavailable GEORGIA TODAY 8 SOCIETY APRIL 14 - 17, 2017 First Visit: Tskhumari, Inspired by Africa: Geocell Svaneti Presents Movla Winners

BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES

n Friday 7, telecommuni- cation company Geocell invited guests to an exhi- bition of photos taken by three young winners of Otheir Movla Blogger Competition- the prize: a two week trip to Africa. The event took place at the New Mziuri social café in Mziuri Park, Vake. Movla is a social responsibility campaign launched by Geocell in 2016 which envis- ages clients downloading the Movla App which allows them to pinpoint on a map of Georgia sites which are polluted by litter. The aim is to tell people where to go and to gather friends and colleagues to clean up the sites. There have been over 20,000 downloads since its launch. 10,000 people live in that village and they were also touched by the friendli- “500 polluted sites have been high- there is only one waste truck to collect ness of the people, their desire to com- lighted around Georgia since the App every four days. The municipality knows municate and their curiosity. “And they was introduced, and 400 of those are but has no resources to improve the really care about animals and the envi- already clean, thanks to the 100 volun- situation. I saw this as my chance to raise ronment,” Elena said. teer organizations and numerous indi- awareness and change attitudes.” We asked how the experience had viduals,” Nika Gventsadze, Geocell Mar- Both girls were surprised by the real changed them. “We’re more aware of keting and Communication Manager, poverty they encountered in Africa. But what we have and how lucky we are,” told GEORGIA TODAY. Mari tells us. “And we’re defi nitely going We spoke to two of the three winners back.” of the competition. GEORGIA TODAY spoke to the Dep- “I really liked the Geocell Movla App uty Minister of the Environment, Ekat- and I found out about the blogger com- erine Grigalava. “We’ve been involved petition on the very last day,” said jour- with Movla since the beginning. The nalist Mari Nikuradze. "I’ve been writing littering problem in Georgia cannot be about the ecological problems in Geor- solved by one state or private agency gia for about seven years and I was happy alone- all citizens need to get involved.” to see the campaign because not many A new Waste Management Code was people care about the environment. I introduced in 2015 fully compliant with wrote about Chiatura- most people focus EU regulations, but policy is one thing on the cable cars but there is a company and enforcement another. there seriously polluting and already “More waste trucks have been supplied fi ned $350 million by the government, and there is a lot of capacity-building without a change to the reality, though. going on with help from foreign donors A new view of Ushba also was prom- The more people who know, the more to enable municipalities to meet the BY TONY HANMER ised to me, although today’s snowing likely it is something will change.” obligations and elaborate plans. There atmosphere prevented this from my Elena Chkkheidze, PR and CSR man- are also many informational campaigns sight. It’ll keep! We walked the short ager, saw the competition on facebook. in action across the board. It’s slow pro- o my wishful thought of the distance to a nicely walled-in mineral “I have a village near Gori and the nearby gress, but there is progress, nonetheless,” previous article proved to be water spring near a river, bubbling with river always has rubbish dumped in it. Grigalava says. untimely: what was forecast its own carbonation and quite delicious. rather optimistically online as I noted as neutrally as I could the (to “rain” turned out to be “snow”, me) glaring dichotomy of the liberal Scoming down in several periods since strewing of plastic bottles thereabout, the article was published and now as I and a discussion began on the spot about write this one. No one expects it to last a near future “subbotnik” (Soviet-era Let us Do Good Together: long, as the general trend is warming. “voluntary” beautifi cation day). Yes, I But we’re feeling sorry for our poor con- know, you have nowhere designated to fused cows, who a few times now have dump your rubbish, no collection service begun grazing in our fi elds, only later to either, &c, &c. And neither is it your Georgians Helping Georgians fi nd them buried again under the white most pressing issue, in the face of strug- stuff. gling to exist at all. The Foundation was created by a small ing it in their breathtakingly beautiful BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE One very pretty result has been the Tskhumari has my sympathy for one group of young Georgian opera singers way. There were many of them in the layering effect. In this, the upper land- big reason: for more than a month of who have thought well that their moth- arena that day, working in concert to scape is whitened as if by a judicious midwinter, it gets no sun at all, due to erland needs their help, where thousands raise money for the great purpose of sprinkle of icing sugar, while the lower its situation on the mountainside and hey raised only GEL 350 of impoverished people need a helping salvaging their fellow citizens. Too many remains greening: two seasons for the Sol’s failing to clear said mountain at all that evening, but the event hand. Our wonderful tenors, sopranos, to name here! And the concert was price of one! Get it while it lasts! I’m during the days of this period. We in itself was gorgeous: the mezzos, baritones, basses and piano pleasantly embellished with the exhibi- hoping that a good view of this type of upper Etseri, on the other hand, are opera star-studded and players are ready to use their time, tion of works by a young Georgian art- scene including the elusive Mt. Ushba bathed in the rays daily during the same fl owing with the loveliest energy and God-given gift and capacity ist. will give my lens what my eyes already period, for at least seven or eight hours, melodiesT of the world’s classic, the for those who truly, and without a tinge Incidentally, Georgia is not America envision; tomorrow’s clearing forecast making a considerable difference to our National Parliamentary Library main of exaggeration, need their shoulder. and we cannot expect thousands to be for the morning looks promising. heating. hall packed full, and the expectation of The Foundation has been around for raised, especially in the initial attempts. This week I also began exploring the I said my goodbyes and left after sev- the fidgeting opera buffs vibrating only two years, in the duration of which The raised cash was of course nominal village of Tskhumari for the fi rst time eral hours, knowing that in better weather through the famous old building. All of they have managed to organize several but it defi nitely did its job with the heart ever. This is mostly due to the presence this is a friendship which must continue them – the youngest and the ablest charity concerts. Their plans are ambi- and pure conscience of the performing there of a friend, an outsider like myself indefi nitely. On my way out, the other Georgian opera singers, interns and tious, though. They are getting ready artists. I was there and when I came up although only from another part of Geor- side of the main bridge revealed to me Tbilisi Music Conservatory students to travel Georgia with their amazing to the charity box, which at ready to swal- gia instead of from overseas, but a for- a horrifi c memorial: eleven people killed were poised to let their talent raise some concerts and marshal their future fans low our symbolic contributions, I noticed eigner nonetheless. He visits occasion- in one tragic accident there in 2005, por- money for one of the most indigent and listeners to raise enough funds for people scratching for some change in the ally, in search of good things to do in a traits immortalized together on one piece families of the country, consisting of a further assistance to the poor and needy. bottom of their bags and wallets to put needy place, which this seems to be. We of stone with all their dates of birth and 24-year-old single mother and her baby And most importantly, their effort is in the gaping slot. That’ when I knew the might well partner in such exploits. death. What agony. daughter, chronically starving with their not going to be a one-time charity event. box would never be ‘sated’, but my heart Tskhumari lies mostly across the Enguri So, yes, I have just begun to scratch the 10 GEL monthly subsistence and living Functionally, the embodiment of this was fi lled with love and pride for every River from us, and the long road down, surface of Tskhumari’s multi-faceted in unbearably agonizing conditions in great idea of charity is much more sig- contributing person at the venue, and, of over and back up to it begins from the personality. But it was a good start. Now, a remote Georgian village. Nobody nifi cant: it strengthens the culture of course, for the founders of this lovely other side of Becho; I drove there today relationships and the pull of that new knows how long the raised amount will charity in Georgia, and reminds all of charity organization. in my trusty, powerful Toyota 4Runner, view of Ushba will take me back there. last, but it is certainly a huge fi nancial us that we have to be charitable if this We are a new democracy with very which never missed a beat. Asking direc- help for the time being, literally saving society ever wants to be called western fragile freedom and independence. tions several times, eventually I ended up Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since the desperate mom and her little dar- and civilized. This is exactly what the Often, it is not the politicians and the in the right place, near the end of the place, 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a ling. whole thing is all about. The concert governments who cast the winning and met my friend’s hosts who, he says, weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He This outstanding charity concert was group have all they need to make it image of our nation: it is the people, are like other parents to him. The man runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook arranged by a newly created foundation work: elevated thinking, high morality, their ability to create, their endeavor told me that one part of Tskhumari is even group, now with over 1350 members, at under the name of ‘Ertad Siketistvis’ ready spirit, sensitive conscience, work- to be unique and their readiness to pre- mentioned in Strabo’s famous writing of www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- (Let us Do Good Together). This is my ing talent and trained professionalism. sent their country to the world. ‘Ertad the Svans in his Geography of some 2000 sance/ makeshift translation, calling for apol- Not every charity maker has enough Siketistvis’ – Let us Do Good Together years ago. This is an impressively antique He and his wife also run their own guest house ogy if not precise enough, but the idea money to slice off a thick bank account, – is a powerful tool in the hands of our mention indeed, in a region where such in Etseri: is right there: good needs to be done as but money could be made as these people to let the world know that the things are discussed in deadly earnest. www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti soon and as amply as possible. superb young men and women are mak- Georgians are coming.

GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY APRIL 14 - 17, 2017 Year-Long Celebration to Be Launched Marking Georgia-Germany Relations

existing diversity of strong ties between BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI Georgia and Germany through numer- ous cultural events, theatrical perfor- mances, concerts, exhibitions, literature n April 21 the Georgia- evenings, business forums and projects Germany Year 2017 will in the development, economic and sports offi cially begin, with an spheres. opening ceremony to be Goethe Institute President, Klaus-Dieter held at Tbilisi City Assem- Lehmann, and the Charge d’ Affairs of bly,O marking and celebrating two of the the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs most important dates: the arrival of the in Cultural Policy Issues, will be coming fi rst German immigrants to Georgia 200 to Tbilisi to attend the offi cial opening years ago and the 25th anniversary of ceremony on April 21. Within the open- diplomatic relations between the two ing ceremony framework an exhibition countries. 2018 will then mark 100 years titled ‘The Heritage of the Future -200 since the recognition of independence years: Georgian -German Stories’ will for the fi rst Democratic Republic of be held, showing materials illustrating Georgia by Germany in 1918. the history of Georgian-German rela- Under the patronage of the German tions using a web archive to be created and Georgian foreign ministers, with the by the Georgian organization Sovlab, slogan ‘Heritage of the Future,’ the Geor- with the fi nancial support of the German gia-Germany Year 2017 program entails Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry a series of important events to be organ- of Culture and Monument Protection of ized both in both countries with the Georgia. The web archive aims to pre- fi nancial and organizational support of serve and promote documents and his- the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ger- toric sources related to Georgian-German many, Goethe Institute, Ministry of For- relations. eign Affairs of Georgia and the Ministry The Georgian-German year will offi - of Culture and Monument Protection of cially be launched on April 26, at the Georgia. In addition, Georgia is to be the World Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Guest of Honor at the Frankfurt Book Affairs of Germany, to be attended by Fair in 2018. the Georgian and German foreign min- The involvement and participation of isters. many partner organizations in the Geor- More information regarding the Georgian- gia-Germany year-long celebratory pro- German Year can be found at www.facebook. gram enables the showcasing of the com/DeuGeo2017 UNDP Presents Global & Regional Human Development Reports

Development Report: Progress at Risk BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI points to a signifi cant reduction in or low overall rates of income inequalities throughout the region as one of its key wo fundamental reports of fi ndings. “Progress in reducing inequal- 2016 were presented by the ities is now being put to the test across United Nations Develop- the region,” it states. ment Program in Georgia “The combination of low commodity (UNDP) on April 11, prices, falling remittances, and slow or Taddressing the global human develop- negative growth on key European and ment challenges and specifi c develop- Russian export markets is putting pres- ment issues that the societies from the sure on economies in general, and on Eastern Europe, Turkey and Central Asia vulnerable households in particular. This regions are facing today. poses new challenges as the implemen- The global Human Development Report tation of the global sustainable develop- 2016 ‘Human Development for Everyone’, ment agenda 2030 begins in the region,” released in 2017 argues that human devel- the report claims, while also noting that opment progress continues to leave many “data and indicator problems with meas- people behind, with systemic, often uring inequalities and their links to social unmeasured, barriers to catching up. exclusion and environmental sustainabil- The Report suggests that a stronger focus ity in the region are signifi cant”. on those excluded and on actions to dis- Another key message of the regional mantle these barriers is urgently needed Human Development Report states that to ensure sustainable human develop- labor market inequalities and exclusion ment for all. are the major inequality challenges in Among the basic messages communi- the region. cated in the global Human Development “People without decent jobs face much Report, universalism is seen as key to higher risks of poverty, vulnerability, human development. It also highlights and exclusion from social services and that “various groups of people still suf- social protection. Women, young work- fer from deprivation and face substantial ers, migrants, the long-term unemployed, barriers to overcoming them”. people with disabilities, Roma, and oth- determinants of health”. the average of 0.756 for countries in “Many of the issues raised in the reports “Human development for everyone ers with unequal labor market status As one of its fi ndings, it also identifi es Europe and Central Asia. From Europe are particularly poignant in Georgia calls for the refocusing of a number of are particularly vulnerable to these the fact that environmental sustainabil- and Central Asia, countries which are considering that the country reports existing analytical issues and assessment risks.” ity concerns are highest among the close to Georgia in 2015 HDI rank and some of the region’s highest levels of perspectives. New policy options, if Social protection, better allignment of region’s lower-middle income countries, to some extent in population size are income inequalities and its Human implemented, would contribute to achiev- employment, microeconomic policies, together with concerns related to the Armenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Development Index drops by 12.2 per- ing human development for all. A reducing the scale of informal employ- depletion of natural capital. Quality of which have HDIs ranked 84 and 81 cent once its value is discounted for reformed global governance with fairer ment and decreasing taxes on labor, governance is stated as one of the major respectively. inequality,” Niels Scott, Head of UNDP multilateralism would also help attain while strengthening policy linkages public concerns. Georgia’s HDI for 2015 is 0.769. How- in Georgia said when presenting the human development for all,” the report between labor markets and social pro- Georgia’s HDI value for 2015 is 0.769, ever, when the value is discounted for global and regional Human Development states. tection, are emphasized as major direc- which put the country in the high human inequality, the HDI falls to 0.672, a loss reports, at an event organized by the The regional Human Development tions to be addressed. The report also development category, positioning it at of 12.2 percent due to inequality in the UNDP Georgia in cooperation with Report released in October 2016 explains points to the gender inequality, noting 70 out of 188 countries and territories. distribution of the HDI dimension indi- UNDP’s regional hub in Istanbul and the how many countries in the regions of in its key messages that although the Between 2000 and 2015, Georgia’s HDI ces. Armenia and Bosnia and Herzego- International School of Economics Eastern Europe, Turkey and Central Asia region “compares favorably to many value increased from 0.673 to 0.769, an vina show losses due to inequality of 9.3 (ISET). are facing growing threats to their human other developing countries in terms of increase of 14.3 percent, the report shows. percent and 13.3 percent respectively. “Many developmental accomplishments development accomplishments. It shows gender equality, it also lags behind global Between 1990 and 2015, Georgia’s life The average loss due to inequality for in these countries are at risk of being how popular concerns about inequali- best practices in many areas”. expectancy at birth increased by 4.7 high HDI countries is 20.0 percent and lost, particularly because of inadequate ties, in terms of income and wealth, but Among its key messages, the regional years, mean years of schooling increased for Europe and Central Asia it is 12.7 numbers of decent jobs, growing gaps also equality before the law, seem to be Human Development Report points out by 0.5 years and expected years of school- percent. The Human inequality coeffi - in social protection systems, and percep- on the rise, and identifi es key policy that “the development outcomes in the ing increased by 1.5 years. cient for Georgia is equal to 12.2 percent. tions of inequality before the law,” Ben reforms and programming areas for more region are strongly infl uenced by access Georgia’s 2015 HDI (0.769) is above the Georgia’s GNI per capita increased by Slay, UNDP Senior Regional Economic effective responses to the region’s ine- to healthcare which is a refl ection of the average of 0.746 for countries in the high about 17.1 percent between 1990 and 2015, Advisor and lead author of the Regional quality challenges. The regional Human social, economic, and environmental human development group and above according to the report. HDR, said. GEORGIA TODAY APRIL 14 - 17, 2017 CULTURE 11 Heritage Crafts Initiative for Georgia Wins an EU Prize for Cultural Heritage /Europa Nostra Awards 2017

he European Commission eration of craftspeople by creating links which is presented to the best teachers and Europa Nostra revealed between masters of the crafts and young or transmitters of craft skills each year. the winners of the 2017 apprentices. Special focus is paid to GACC has also been nominated for the European Union Prize for endangered crafts. In this way, it addresses Public Choice Awards. People can vote Cultural Heritage / Europa a problem which is prevalent across for their favorite projects on http://vote. TNostra Awards, Europe’s top honor in Europe and offers insight into how the europanostra.org/. The deadline for vot- the heritage fi eld. The 29 laureates from transmission of crafts can be encouraged ing is May 3. 18 countries were recognized for their in comparable regions of Europe. On May 15, the 2017 European Union notable achievements in conservation, The initiative was based on preliminary Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa research, dedicated service, and educa- research studies and so their endeavours Nostra Awards, will be celebrated at a tion, training and awareness-raising. were evidence-based, effi ciently planned special event at the St. Michael’s Church Heritage Crafts Initiative for Georgia is and effective. In response to the results in Turku, Finland. The ceremony will be among this year’s winners. Independent of their research, the project coordinated co-hosted by Maestro Placido Domingo, expert juries examined a total of 202 an extraordinary range of activities for President of Europa Nostra, and Tibor applications, submitted by organizations those being trained in the production of Navracsics. and individuals from 39 countries across crafts. In addition, special attention was During the ceremony, the seven Grand Europe, and chose the laureates. paid to providing training to the instruc- Prix laureates, entitled to receive €10,000 "I congratulate all the winners,” said tors to address areas which were revealed each, and the Public Choice Award win- Tibor Navracsics, European Commis- to present a potential challenge. To pro- ner, chosen from among this year’s win- sioner for Education, Culture, Youth and vide this training, international experts ning projects, will be announced. Sport. “Their achievements demonstrate were invited to build the capacity of local This major cultural heritage event is once again how engaged many Europe- instructors in product development, expected to bring together some 1,500 ans are in protecting and safeguarding quality standards and marketing. In turn, people, including heritage professionals, their cultural heritage. Their projects the instructors could pass this expertise volunteers and supporters from all over highlight the signifi cant role of cultural to their students. In aiming to boost the Europe as well as top-level representa- heritage in our lives and our society. business skills of artisans to support the tives from EU institutions, Member States Especially today, with Europe facing marketability of their products, the Ini- and the host country. many big societal challenges, culture is tiative sought a practical method of “I warmly congratulate this year’s win- vital in helping us to raise awareness of ensuring the sustainability of craft pro- ners and pay tribute to all those who our common history and values and to duction. made these exceptional achievements foster tolerance, mutual understanding The jury noted the resourcefulness of possible, thanks to their formidable tal- and social inclusion. The European Year the Heritage Crafts Initiative for Geor- ent, passionate commitment and great of Cultural Heritage in 2018 will be an gia, observing that “this international generosity,” said renowned opera singer ideal opportunity to focus on what binds training program, supported by EU Plácido Domingo. “They are now among us together as Europeans - our common funds, has unprecedented scope for a select group of some 450 remarkable history, culture and heritage. The Euro- Georgia. Its wide range of activities is accomplishments awarded by Europa pean Commission will continue to sup- impressive with a focus on the revival Nostra and the European Commission port this prize and other heritage projects of crafts and the establishment of suc- in the past 15 years. All our winners through our Creative Europe program”. cessful business models for the con- demonstrate that heritage is a key tool Maka Dvalishvili, Director of Georgian tinuation of crafts”. for sustainable economic development, Arts and Culture (GACC) says that their “With a strong emphasis on the trans- social cohesion and a more inclusive project ‘Heritage Crafts Initiative for mission of skills from one generation to Europe. EU leaders should seize the his- Georgia’ winning at the Europa Nostra another, this project has harnessed Geor- toric opportunity of the European Year Awards 2017 is a great success for Geor- gia’s traditions to contribute to economic of Cultural Heritage in 2018 to recognize gia not only in Europe but worldwide. and social development across the coun- the multiple benefi ts of heritage and its “The success achieved by GACC means try, including in communities of religious fundamental value in bringing countries, that Georgia has become part of Euro- and ethnic minorities and in rural moun- communities and cultures together in pean cultural heritage and gained fame tainous areas. These efforts put culture Europe and beyond”. not only in Europe but in the whole at the centre of this vital progress and Europa Nostra is the pan-European world,” she told GEORGIA TODAY. establish its role in creating sustainable federation of heritage NGO’s which is “This success also highlights that GACC economic enterprise”, said the jury. also supported by a wide network of is a company which implements Euro- The Tangible Side of Intangible: Herit- public bodies, private companies and pean-level projects,” she added. age Crafts Initiative for Georgia has also individuals. Covering more than 40 The Tangible Side of Intangible: Herit- worked to draw both public and state countries in Europe, the organization is age Crafts Initiative for Georgia is an attention to the role of craft traditions the voice of civil society committed to ambitious program run by GACC which in achieving these objectives. The pro- safeguarding and promoting Europe’s sets out to safeguard Georgia’s unique gram includes awareness-raising among cultural and natural heritage. Founded traditional crafts. The program’s primary local government representatives and in 1963, it is today recognized as the most focus is in ensuring the transmission of celebrates excellence in their program representative heritage network in these artisanal skills, to the next gen- with the ‘Craftsman of the Year’ award Europe. GEORGIA TODAY 12 CULTURE APRIL 14 - 17, 2017 Songs of a King from Luxemburg on the Georgian Stage Frog, Promoting Environmental BY MAKA LOMADZE

Protection & the Georgian n April 8, at the invitation of the Djansug Kakhidze Music Center, classic Animation Phenomenon music lovers were given a wonderful opportunity to ecological one, which is very topical, as Olisten to Dvorjak’s masterpieces. This BY MAKA LOMADZE the recreation zones are destroyed. The was a special day, as the Tbilisi Sym- second is social. We are saying that phonic Orchesta played with distin- human beings should not isolate them- guished guests from abroad: conductor or the fi rst time in the history selves from friends in order for us to Cipriano Marinesku (Romania), and of Georgian animation, Geor- survive,” the director confi des. In order Luxemburg’s well-known violinist San- gian fi lm has found itself in to prove the truth of the last statement, drine Cantoreggi. the competition category at all the neighbors of Geno unite, forget- Sandrine Cantoreggi is famous for her the Annecy international fes- ting their differences, with the common elegant manner of playing. “Magnifi cent tival.F The opening night of ‘Geno’ took goal of defeating this boom in construc- Violin technician… Interpreter of great place in France, mid-March, at the afore- tion, and to save their homes and lives. maturity, she vibrates and possesses a mentioned festival. It is the fi rst 3D ani- Purportedly, this is also an animation vivid imagination…” Writes one critic. mation to be created in Georgia and is about the transformation of a selfi sh frog “Vehemence and sensibility. A perfor- the fi rst ambassador to continue the into a friendly one. mance refl ecting ease and fl uidity as well history of Georgian animation on a world “We fi rmly believe that in spite of the as a dynamism free of any physical con- scale. fact that until very recently, neither cin- straint. Her approach is always accom- The history of Georgian cartoon began ema society, nor the government was panied by a brilliant sound presence, an in the 1920s and it reached a peak in the interested, Georgian animations have a erudite happiness and splashing of joy,” 1960s. Thanks to musical and artistic bright future,” Zurab Maghalashvili, writes Luxembourg Wort. GEORGIA virtues, Georgian animation achieved a Director of the National Film Center, TODAY had a chance to talk to her. lot of success. told GEORGIA TODAY. “Nowadays, the The Annecy festival counts a history interest is also there from the Ministry YOUR NAME MEANS ‘SONG of 57 years and is considered to be the of Education and Science. My belief OF A KING’ IN ITALIAN. IS IT most prestigious contest among anima- concerning the good future of Georgian JUST WORDS, OR ARE YOU tion festivals. The fi rst Georgian anima- animation is affi rmed by the fact that all FROM A NOBLE FAMILY? tion fi lm that found itself at the festival the films, without exception, have It’s just words. I was born in France. I is among 200 animations chosen by the acquired international resonance. There have both citizenships – French and jury. are many more to come”. Luxemburg. But my name is Italian and Dato Kiknavelidze is a 27-year-old Dato Kiknavelidze plans to shoot a I also feel Italian. young director who has managed to full-length version of ‘Geno’. The pre- different colors that may help the Franco- WHICH GEORGIAN MUSIC establish his own studio. After the short- mier of the short will take place in June, YOU ARE VERY WELL- Belgian School. I also had a chance to OR COMPOSERS ARE fi lm ‘Vacuum,’ ‘Geno’ is his second pro- at the Annecy Animation Film Festival. KNOWN AS A SOLOIST meet a Russian teacher. This mixture for YOU FAMILIAR WITH? duction, created with the cooperation It has already been invited to 20 differ- VIOLIN PLAYER AS WELL AS A me is a great richness, because I can I know the music of Kancheli. While of the Georgian National Film Center. ent festivals, including those of Europe, CHAMBER MUSICIAN. WHICH express myself in different ways using here, I met a few composers who gave A couple of years ago, ‘Geno’ won the Asia and the United States of America. IS MORE TO YOUR TASTE? various techniques. me music but I haven’t had the chance Robert Film Prize. “I love nature and Consequently, following the premier, it When I play a concerto, I often get in to look through them yet. I’ve heard that couldn’t stand silently by while these will see the screens of different parts of the mood to play solo. Chamber music YOU PLAY EVERYTHING there are quite a few violin concertos in blocks of fl ats were being build and the world; good news for Georgia in is different. You have a dialogue. The FROM BAROQUE TO Georgia. I will also look for them. recreation zones were being destroyed terms of promotion. Georgian audiences same happens with the symphonic CONTEMPORARY. WHERE IS in Tbilisi,” Kiknavelidze told GEORGIA will be able to watch ‘Geno’ at the end orchestra. However, chamber music is MUSIC GOING NOWADAYS? HAVE YOU HEARD OF OUR TODAY. of June preceded by a special event and more intimate. But I play in the moment, There are a lot of different directions. EMINENT FEMALE VIOLINIST “I was jumping with joy for the next exhibition. so it’s diffi cult to say which I prefer. I For me, it’s always important that there LIANA ISAKADZE? three days,” Kiknavelidze told us of his According to experts, the tendency of like both. be an association between mind and Of course. She lives in Paris. I’ve never reaction to the news of Geno’s success. progress and awakening in the fi eld of heart. met her, but I’ve listened to her. She’s He is one of the youngest, if not the animation fi lms, the school of which was IF YOU WERE GIVEN A COLOR, fantastic. I’ve alo heard of Liza Batiash- youngest of all, director among the once so strong in Georgia and which was WHICH COLOR WOULD YOU WHICH WAS THE MOST vili. authors of the selected fi lms. stopped in the post-Soviet collapse of PAINT GEORGIAN MUSIC? MEMORABLE DAY IN “This is like the Cannes festival for the 1990s, is obvious. Besides ‘Geno,’ Ana One color would not be enough. Music YOUR CAREER? TEL US ABOUT YOUR feature fi lms. It’s not only a festival but Chubinidze’s ‘Pocket Man’ also partici- comprises numerous different feelings. When I met with Yehudi Menuhin (note: VISIT AND DVORJAK also a space for business meetings. It’s pated at the Annecy Festival. Prior to it, But I would defi nitely give very deep American-born violinist and conductor), This is my fi rst collaboration with a serious platform,” he says, adding that, the fi rst Franco-Georgian animation colors to Georgian music. and practiced with him. He was already maestro Cipriano Marinesku and this by means of original music and sound premiered in New York and later acquired a very old man. He wasn’t playing any- is a beautiful concerto, full of folklore. effects, his animation teaches children two prizes in Canada at the Montreal YOU COME FROM THE more, but he was conducting concerts. It is the combination of classical with to protect the environment, and awakens International Film Festival. This year FRANCO-BELGIAN SCHOOL. I had a chance to play under his direc- a lot of different moods threaded adults, too. was fruitful, with Mamuka Tkeshelash- YOU ARE ALSO INTEGRATED tion and to make a recording. It is some- throughout the music. So, we, together “Geno is a frog who lives in a pond. vili’s stop-motion ‘Sunset’ also premier- IN THE RUSSIAN SCHOOL OF thing that I’ll never forget. Also, every- with the conductor and the Georgian People start to build blocks around his ing at the Annecy Festival and Natia VIOLIN. WHAT DIFFERENCE thing my teachers told me is very orchestra, are discovering this Czech home, which refl ects the reality in Tbi- Nikolashvili’s animation ‘Lile’ premier- IS THERE FOR YOU? important. Sometimes, before concerts, composer just now. It contains the lisi. The pond gets smaller and smaller. ing at the Berlinale. Congratulations, When I play French music and compos- I remember their words and they help mood of dancing, that of sadness, hap- The animation depicts two themes: the Georgians and Georgia! ers, it is a different style and I research me. piness, etc.

Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected]

GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE APRIL 14 - 17, 2017

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER April 19 GOING IN STYLE September 27 (2016) – April 1-30 PILLOWMAN Directed by Zach Braff September 22 (2017) SALOME RIGVAVA’S PERSONAL Giorgi Eristavi Cast: Morgan Freeman, Joey King, EXHIBITION TBILISI ZAKARIA EXHIBITION Directed by Davit Doiashvili Ann-Margret STONE AGE GEORGIA PALIASHVILI OPERA AND Salome Rigvava is an active Musical Comedy Genre: Comedy, Crime BALLET THEATER representative of young painters English Subtitles Language: Russian Address: 25 Rustaveli Ave. MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS whose exhibitions are organized Start time: 19:00 Start time: 22:15 Telephone: 2 99 04 56 Address: 1 Gudiashvili Str. abroad and after a 4-year break, for Ticket: 15 GEL Ticket: 13-14 GEL the fi rst time in Georgia. April 20 EXHIBITION ROYAL DISTRICT THEATER RUSTAVELI CINEMA CARMEN LADO GUDIASHVILI AND LITERATURE MUSEUM Address: 10 Abesadze St. Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. Starring: Anita Rachvelishvili, GEORGIAN MONUMENTAL Address: 8 Chanturia Str. Telephone: 2 99 61 71 Telephone: 2 55 50 00 PAINTING George Oniani, Nikoloz Lagvilava, www.kinoafi sha.ge Telephone: 2 99 86 67 Irina Taboridze, George Chelidze, April 18, 20 April 6-13 Nino Chachua, Nutsa Zakaidze, Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL April 4-22 WOMEN OF TROY GEORGIAN PAINTING OF THE Tamaz Saginadze, Irakli Mujiri, April 14-20 VAKHO BUGADZE’S Lasha Sesitashvili Directed by Data Tavadze EARLY 20TH CENTURY PERSONAL EXHIBITION Documentary Tbilisi State Opera and Ballet THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS 8 The exhibition features the best Dedicated to Oto Bagrationi. Language: Georgian Theater chorus, Premiere works of artists who laid English Subtitles Ballet dancers, orchestra. (Info Above) the foundations for 20th century GALLERY Start time: 20:00 Conductor- Zaza Azmaiparashvili Start time: 12:30, 13:30, 16:30, 19:30, 22:30 art in Georgia: Mose Toidze, Ticket: 10 GEL Stage Director- Levan Tsuladze Ticket: 8-14 GEL Dimitri Shevardnadze, Kirill THE NATIONAL GALLERY Choreographer- Gia Margania CINEMA Zdanevich, Shalva Kikodze, Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. Start time: 19:00 From April 20 Ketevan Magalashvili, Elene www.museum.ge Ticket: 40-120 GEL HOSTAGES Akhvediani, Apolon Kutateladze, AMIRANI CINEMA Felix Varlamishvili, Petre Otskheli, Premiere GEORGIAN PAINTERS Address: 36 Kostava Str. Irakli Gamrekeli, Sergo Kobuladze, GABRIADZE THEATER (Info Above) PERMANENT EXHIBITION Address: 13 Shavtelis Str. Telephone: 2 99 99 55 Ticket: 13-14 GEL Ucha Japaridze and others. Telephone: 2 98 65 93 www.kinoafi sha.ge MUSIC LIFE March 6 – August 30 Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 Lari Directed by Daniel Espinosa EXHIBITION April 20 DJANSUG KAKHIDZE April 14-20 Cast: Rebecca Ferguson, Ryan MASTERPIECES FROM THE MARSHAL DE FANTIE’S TBILISI CENTER FOR MUSIC Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS DIAMOND & CULTURE Rezo Gabriadze THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS 8 Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller COLLECTION Address: 125/127 Agmashenebeli Ave. Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Premiere Language: Russian The exhibition includes works by Telephone: 295 01 19 English Subtitles Directed by F. Gary Gray Start time: 17:10 Bernardo Daddi, Lucas Cranach Start time: 20:00 Cast: Charlize Theron, Dwayne Ticket: 10-14 GEL (Elder), Guido Reni, Jan Steen, Johnson, Vin Diesel April 20 Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL MUSEUM Jacob Van Ruisdael, Auguste Rodin, Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller Pablo Picasso, Vassily Kandinski; FROM EASTER TO ASCENSION GRIBOEDOVI THEATER Language: Russian Masterpieces by Niko The program includes vocal and Address: 2 Rustaveli Ave. Start time: 13:45, 16:15, 19:15, 22:15 GEORGIAN NATIONAL Pirosmanashvili, Lado Gudiashvili orchestral excerpts from popular MUSEUM SIMON Telephone: 2 93 43 36 Language: English and David Kakabadze. operas of Verdi, Puccini, Rossini, Start time: 19:00 JANASHIA MUSEUM Bizet, Cilea, Ponchielli, Wagner Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. April 16 Ticket: 9-14 GEL MUSEUM OF SOVIET and Paliashvili and the well-known Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 SCARLET SAIL OCCUPATION piece by Patriarch of Georgia Ilia www.museum.ge Directed by Vakhtang Nikolava From April 20 Address: 3 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. the 2nd “Ave Maria” Language: Russian HOSTAGES Start time: 19:30 Premiere PERMANENT EXHIBITION: Ticket: From 10 GEL Start time: 12:00 GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY PERMANENT EXHIBITION Directed by Rezo Gigineishvili Ticket: 10 GEL FROM 8TH MILLENNIUM B.C. Visitors can discover the State's Cast: Irakli Kvirikadze, Tinatin TBILISI CONCERT HALL TO 4TH CENTURY A.D personal fi les of "subversive" TBILISI VASO ABASHIDZE Dalakishvili, Avtandil Makharadze Georgian public fi gures, orders to Address: 1 Melikishvili St. MUSIC AND DRAMA STATE Genre: Drama EXHIBITION OF GEORGIAN shoot or exile, and other artifacts Telephone: 2 99 00 99 THEATER Language: Georgian WEAPONRY representing Soviet-era cultural Address: 182 D.Agmashenebeli Ave. English Subtitles and political repression in Georgia. April 13 Telephone: 2 34 80 90 Ticket: 13-14 GEL NUMISMATIC TREASURY GIFTED CHILDREN'S CONCERT www.musictheatre.ge The exhibition showcases money ART PALACE Start time: 18:00 GHOST IN THE SHELL circulation on the territory of Address: 6 Kargareteli Str. Ticket: 5 GEL April 17 Directed by Rupert Sanders Georgia from the 6th century BC. Telephone: 2 95 35 63 DIVORCE Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Juliette to 1834. NIGHT OFFICE Giorgi Eristavi Binoche, Rila Fukushima PERMANENT EXHIBITION Address: Under Baratashvili Bridge Directed by Davit Doiashvili Genre: Action, Crime, Drama THE TESTAMENT OF DAVID Telephone: 599 32 33 13 Musical Comedy Language: Russian THE BUILDER AND THE NEW MOMA TBILISI Start time: 19:00 Start time: 22:00 EXHIBITS OF MEDIEVAL Address: 27 Rustaveli Ave. April 19 Ticket: From 8 GEL Ticket: 13-14 GEL TREASURY Telephone: 2 98 60 30 Hardcore Punk, Grind core, Death Metal band From Great Britain NAPALM DEATH Start time: 18:00 Ticket: 50-60 GEL

JAZZ CAFÉ SINGER Address: 8 Sioni Str. Telephone: 599 89 35 29

April 14 ZURA RAMISHVILI TRIO Zura Ramishvili / Piano Misha Japaridze / Bass Daniel Adikashvili / Drums Start time: 21:00

April 16 DINI VIRSALADZE TRIO Dini Virsaladze / Piano David Masteranov / Bass Daniel adikashvili / Drums Start time: 21:00

CAFE-GALLERY Adress: 34 Rustaveli Ave. Telephone: 299 57 47

April 14 GIO SHENGELIA Start time: 23:00 Ticket: 20 GEL

April 15 WILL GATES BODY THRILLS BRELOKA Start time: 23:00 Ticket: 10 GEL GEORGIA TODAY APRIL 14 - 17, 2017 CULTURE 15 On the Threshold of Rehabilitation, Fine Arts Museum Hosts Georgian Masterpieces

Elene Akhvlediani, Ketevan Maghalashvili, Tamar BY MAKA LOMADZE Abakelia, Alexander Tsimakuridze, Apolon Kutate- ladze, Mikheil Bilanishvili, Felix Varlamishvili, Petre Otskheli, Irakli Gamrekeli, Sergo Kobuladze, Ucha n April 6, the Georgian National Japaridze and Korneli Sanadze. Museum’s Shalva Amiranashvili ‘Georgian Painting of the Early 20th Century’ can Museum of Fine Arts hosted the be regarded as a continuation of the exhibition opening of the exhibition ‘Georgian ‘Masterpieces from the Museum of Fine Arts Col- Painting of the Early 20th Century’. lection’. Davit Lortkipanidze, Director General of OThe exhibition features the best works of artists the Georgian National Museum, opened the event: who laid the foundations for 20th century art in “First of all, let me extend my thanks to all employ- Georgia. Showcasing a wide spectrum of visual art ees who have made this exhibition happen. I hope is a brilliant exhibition. There are a lot painters of bilitation by showcasing its masterpieces”. of the early 20th century, the exhibition presents it will be enjoyed by as many visitors as possible. genius represented. I cannot highlight any particu- The Museum of Fine Arts is open from 10 am to 6 pm diverse contemporary artistic styles which are in I believe that very soon, after its rehabilitation, the lar one, as each was a genius. I will simply mention Tuesday through Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and accord with the common European artistic process. Museum of Fine Arts will be one of the most [dis- that Sergo Kobuladze was my lecturer. It means a public holidays. Last admission is at 17.30. By visiting Simultaneously, they are char- tinguished] and contemporary lot for me personally”. once, art lovers will be able to see the masterpieces of acterized by clearly expressed places [in Tbilisi].” “Some years ago, the Georgian National Gallery Georgian painting of the early 20th century (until May national peculiarities as it can “The exhibition comprises such hosted a similar but larger scale exhibition on its 14), as well as the masterpieces of world artists in another be seen in the art of outstand- high class paintings that any rehabilitation day,” Nino Khundadze, curator of hall (until August 30). ing Georgian artists endowed country would be proud of,” Givi the exhibition, told us. “However, today, this exhi- with artistic creativity and Toidze, a distinguished painter bition is connected with the rehabilitation process WHERE: 1 Lado Gudiashvili Str. individuality. from the elderly generation of of the Shalva Amiranashvili Museum of Fine Arts. WHEN: Until May 14 The exhibition features the Georgian art school, told We aim to highlight the importance of its reha- For more info, go to: www.museum.ge works by Mosse Toidze, Dim- GEORGIA TODAY. “These are itri Shevardnadze, Lado Gudi- our great painters who have left ashvili, Valerian Sidamon- their works as a rich heritage Eristavi, Alexander behind them. This is opulent Bazhbeuk-Melikov, Kirill material on which our future Zdanevich, Shalva Kikodze, generation must be raised. This

PUBLISHER & GM Journalists: Website Manager: ADDRESS Reproducing material, photos George Sharashidze Tony Hanmer, Zaza Jgarkava, Tamzin Whitewood 1 Melikishvili Str. and advertisements without Maka Bibilashvili, Website Copy-Editor: Tbilisi, 0179, Georgia prior editorial permission is COMMERCIAL Dimitri Dolaberidze, Gabrielle Guerrier strictly forbidden. DEPARTMENT Maka Lomadze, Tel.: +995 32 229 59 19 The author is responsible for Layout: Commercial Director: Tim Ogden, Joseph Larsen, E: [email protected] all material. Rights of authors Misha Mchedlishvili Iva Merabishvili Vazha Tavberidze, F: GeorgiaToday are preserved. The newspaper Marketing Manager: Nugzar B. Ruhadze, Webmaster: is registered in Mtatsminda Mariam Giorgadze Nino Gugunishvili, Sergey Gevenov ADVERTISING & district court. Thea Morrison SUBSCRIPTION EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT: Circulation Managers: +995 595 25 22 25 GEORGIA TODAY Editor-In-Chief: Photographer: David Kerdikashvili, E-mail: marketing@ Reg. # 06/4-309 Katie Ruth Davies Irakli Dolidze David Djandjgava georgiatoday.ge GEORGIA TODAY 16 SPORTS APRIL 14 - 17, 2017 Georgia to Host World Rugby U20 Championship 2017

U20 Championship have already played BY THEA MORRISON test rugby. The Georgian U20 graduates from last years’ competition, Vasil Lobzhanidze, he World Rugby U20 Cham- Beka Gorgadze, Otar Giorgadze, Gela pionship 2017 will be held Aprasidze, Lasha Tabidze, Irakli Sva- in Tbilisi and Kutaisi from nidze, Tornike Mataradze and Giorgi May 31 to June 18. Tsutskiridze, have already shared their The Top 12 Under 20 portion of fame and glory in test Rugby teams,T including Junior Lelos, will take playing for The Lelos. Lobzhanidze’s part in the annual competition, which debut for the Senior Georgia team was is considered to be the largest tourna- back at the RWC 2015, when at the age ment in men 15th tournaments after of 18 he became The Youngest Ever Rugby World Cup. Player to Appear in the Rugby World This year’s championship participants Cup. are: England, Ireland, Argentina, South The World Rugby U20 Championship Africa, New Zealand Australia, Wales, has been held since 2008. Initially, 16 Scotland, France, Georgia, Italy, and teams participated but in 2010 the num- Samoa (replacing Japan after their rel- ber of teams went down to 12. Since the egation in 2016.) reorganization, Georgia has become the The competition consists of 5 match fi rst second tier rugby union to be given days. The Group Stage (May 31, June 4 the privilege of hosting the tournament. and June 8) will be held in two cities - The fact that Georgia is hosting such Tbilisi (Avchala Stadium) and Kutaisi an important event is considered a sign (Aia Arena); Playoffs and Finals (June of recognition of Georgia’s progress and 14 and June 18) will be held in Tbilisi at is also understood as a huge responsi- the Avchala and Mikheil Meskhi Stadi- bility for the country. ums. Traditionally, before the champion- Junior Lelos participated for the fi rst ship begins, the U20 trophy starts its time in the World Rugby U20 Champi- journey through the host country. This World Rugby Chairman, former RFU press-conference was held at TBC gal- tang Butskhrikidze, said that May 31-June onship last year in Manchester, after year, it will be taken to several notable President and former England and Brit- lery on April 12. 18 will be special days not only for rugby winning the third tier competition, the destinations in Georgia, which will give ish and Irish Lions player, Bill Beaumont, President of the Rugby Union in Geor- fans but for the whole country. World Rugby U20 Trophy 2015, in Lis- the country an opportunity to introduce and the legendary former captain of gia, Gocha Svanidze, said that state “TBC bank is the offi cial partner of bon. its culture to the world and to show off Pumas and Vice-Chairman of World agencies, as well as the private sector the Rugby U20 Championship and we The Georgian debut was signifi cant its potential for tourism. Rugby, Agustín Pichot. are involved in organizing the champi- will do our best to ensure that our coun- for Junior Lelos, as by winning against The U20 championship will be attended The Georgian National Rugby Union onship. try is presented properly,” he said. Italy in the Play Offs, they claimed tenth by a number of rugby stars and many is holding the U20 championship in “I hope we will succeed and offer a Tickets for the matches, including the position. fans from all around the world. partnership with TBC Bank. good show to rugby fans,” he said. Play Offs and Finals, are available at Since 2008, over 500 graduates of the This year’s notable guest list includes: The World Rugby U20 Championship General Director of TBC Bank, Vakh- www.ticket.ge/U20.