Issue no: 955 • JUNE 16 - 19, 2017 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

Source: huffi ngtonpost In this week’s issue...

Germany Supports Georgia’s Defense Reforms NEWS PAGE 2 GIP Commentary: What Georgia Can Learn from Montenegro’s NATO Accession POLITICS PAGE 3 Longest Serving US Female Lawmaker on Georgia, it’s FOCUS Future & the Importance of ON WOMEN IN POLITICS Women in Politics UNDP study shatters the myths POLITICS PAGE 7 and we interview Senator Barbara Mikulski, the longest serving US Animal Migration Route, female lawmaker PAGE 4&7 Bio Security Points & Sheep Dipping in Georgia BUSINESS PAGE 9 Georgia Improves Position In Need of a Financial Hug: Gori Welfare & Development Center SOCIETY PAGE 10 in Doing Business Rating Katy Perry BY THEA MORRISON Wears Georgian uropean Chamber (EuCham) has CULTURE PAGE 15 released the list of the European coun- tries which appear to have the best economic environment out of the 46 Rugby & Rehabilitation: nations considered in the analysis. EIn the list of the Best European Countries for UNICEF Announces Upcoming Business 2017, Georgia has improved its position and is now ranked the 17th, having earned a score Film on Child Prisoners of 68.6. SPORTS PAGE 15 Georgia’s score makes it a leading country among its neighbors in doing business. Armenia came in at 53.3 (54.6 last year) while Azerbaijan was rated at 49 (48.4 last year) and Turkey at 54 (55.6 last year). Based on this study, Nordic countries rank at the top of the list and can be identifi ed as nations way and the United Kingdom. lowest performance and 100 represents the best in which it is best to do business. Ukraine takes the last (46th) position on the performance. It results from the average between Given the variables taken into consideration, list with a score of 46.5, while Russia is ranked the DTF (Distance to Frontier) index of World it is clear that the EuCham score addresses the 44th with a score of 51.1 (in 2016 it was in 42nd Bank and the CPI (Corruption Perception Index) overall integrity and ethical issue of doing busi- place with a score of 50). of Transparency International, since business ness, together with its natural fi nancial objective, The European Chamber ranks European coun- integrity and transparency play an important also refl ecting its long-term sustainability goals. tries based on their business environment. The role. In particular, the higher the average between Like last year, Denmark tops the ranking with ranking, named the EuCham Score, is refl ected these two values, the more favorable the coun- a score of 88, followed by Sweden, Finland, Nor- on a scale from 0 to 100, where 0 represents the try's business environment is. GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS JUNE 16 - 19, 2017 The Tbilisi Flood, Two Years On

Germany Supports nation works, while donations were made by phys- BY THEA MORRISON ical and legal entities, as well as budgetary organizations and banks. With total assistance and donations, more than 26 million GEL was raised,” xactly two years have passed since the the statement said, adding that 10,250,000 GEL was devastating June 13, 2015 fl ood in Tbilisi, given by the Cartu Charity Foundation, a fund estab- Georgia’s Defense which took the lives of 21 people and left lished and fi nanced by Georgian businessman and more than 200 families homeless. Two former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, the people are still missing. The deadly fl ood founder of the Georgian Dream party. Ealso damaged homes, businesses and other infra- The Mayor’s Offi ce reported that about 35 people structure on more than 20 streets in central Tbilisi who lived in the disaster area received fl ats, and that and killed nearly half the animals in the Tbilisi Zoo. some families were paid compensation instead. Reforms According to the World Bank, the fl ood caused more About 153 people whose vehicles were damaged also ted to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization BY THEA MORRISON than 100 million GEL worth of damage to Tbilisi received compensation from the State. The state- (NATO) commitments and added that the Georgian infrastructure. ment also said that City Hall has fully rehabilitated military contingent continues to participate in the The Tbilisi Zoo is now fully restored and has added damaged infrastructure in the city, which cost 40 international mission in Afghanistan under the many new animals. Since the disaster, many coun- million GEL. ithin the framework of an offi - aegis of NATO. tries have gifted animals to the zoo. “Construction of an educational center, sports cial visit to the Federal Repub- The Georgian Minister thanked his German col- The president of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili, complex, forest-park, bicycle and pedestrian paths lic of Germany, Georgian league for her cooperation and support and noted recently issued a statement regarding the disaster. is planned for Vere Gorge and the surrounding areas. Defense Minister Levan Izoria that 2017 is declared as the year of Georgia-Germany, “June 13 will always remind us of irreparable human Mziuri Park is currently under construction and a met with Ursula von der Leyen, which features various activities and celebrations loss and the destruction of the city center. Today, new park will be planned [in the gorge],” the May- WFederal Minister of Defense of Germany. within the framework of the contacts between the we pay tribute to the victims of the disaster,” he or’s Offi ce said. Following the welcoming ceremony, the ministers two countries. wrote. The president also said that based on this The fl ood hit the capital of Georgia on the evening discussed issues of bilateral cooperation between Izoria also expressed his gratitude to the German past disaster, any future projects and initiatives of June 13, 2015 and continued through the night. A Georgia and Germany. side for their contributing to the NATO-Georgia should be based on human security standards. landslide in the nearby village of Akhaldaba accel- Georgia’s Defense Ministry reports that von der substantial package (SNGP) implementation and The Tbilisi Mayor’s Offi ce also released a state- erated the fl ood in the Vere Ravine. Tunnels failed Leyen promised maximum support in the implemen- pointed out that the initiative of the package, Defense ment about the fl ood, describing their work since to divert the water, and the river damaged the Vake- tation of defense reforms in Georgia. The sides also Institutional Building (DIB) school and Joint NATO- the disaster. City Hall said more than 10,000 volun- Saburtalo connecting road, as well as Heroes’ Square, defi ned future cooperation plans in the defense fi eld. Georgia Trainings and Evaluation Centre (JTEC), teers at the time got involved in the disaster elimi- the Tbilisi-Tskneti highway and the city center. Izoria emphasized that Georgia remains commit- are examples of successful mutual cooperation. Georgia, Kazakhstan Discuss Deepening of Economic Cooperation

Georgia is well represented. BY THEA MORRISON “We have always had an extensive relationship with Kazakhstan and currently opportunities exist to further strengthen this cooperation. This includes uring an offi cial visit to Astana on the development of economic relations in terms June 13, Georgian representatives, led of energy carriers and other products," said Marg- by President Giorgi Margvelashvili, velashvili at a joint press-conference. discussed ways to strengthen eco- Nazarbayev called the visit of the Georgian rep- nomic cooperation between Georgia resentatives very timely and necessary and noted Dand Kazakhstan with Kazakh offi cials. The repre- that it would motivate the governments of the two sentatives emphasized that Georgia and Kazakhstan countries to carry out specifi c tasks in order to have great potential to develop economic relations further strengthen ties. and more efforts should be made to realize this As President Nazarbayev pointed out, Georgia potential. Considering other trade agreements that and Kazakhstan are countries with great potential Georgia has signed, Georgia has favorable condi- for transit and that it is paramount to make full use tions for further expanding trade with Kazakhstan. of these opportunities. He also emphasized the The discussion focused in particular on Georgia’s importance of further strengthening relations in FIRST BRAND HOTEL IN KUTAISI UNDER BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL role as a transit corridor, connecting Europe, the culture and education. Caucasus, and Asia and emphasized Georgia’s work “We should exchange students, in order for the Within the framework of the Georgian Hotels’ Regional Three mobile conference halls are available with a total Network Development Project “12 hotels in 12 regions” by capacity of about 100 persons. to become the logistical center of the region. Geor- next generation to continue our tradition and pro- GHYHORSPHQWFRPSDQ\³6LPHWULD´WKH¿UVWEUDQGKRWHOKDV gia has historically played an important role in the mote our relationship,” the President of Kazakhstan been opened in Kutaisi under the Best Western International (XURSHDQFXLVLQHFDQEHHQMR\HGLQWKHJURXQGÀRRUFDIp Silk Road project and is also involved in numerous stated. brand. and a grill-bar menu in the roof top restaurant other transport projects. President Margvelashvili and his delegation also with panoramic views over the city. The hotel accommodates 45 guest rooms, including 40 Prior to the meeting, Margvelashvili and his Kazakh participated in Expo-2017 in Astana. They visited standard rooms and 5 suites. The hotel was designed taking The International Hotels Management Company “T3 counterpart, Nursultan Nazarbayev, met, with the the Georgian and Kazakh pavilions and as a part into consideration special conditions and safety for guests Hospitality Management,” providing the hotel management, Georgian president thanking Nazarvayev for the of the exhibition and attend a celebration of the with disabilities. has 20 years’ experience in hotel management in different warm reception and inviting him to Georgia. National Day of Georgia. countries globally. Margvelashvili said it was symbolic that his visit As a part of the offi cial visit, President Margve- Address: 11 Grishashvili Str., 4600, Kutaisi, Georgia coincided with the 25th anniversary of the restora- lashvili also met and the Prime Minister and Chair- TEL 219 71 00 tion of Georgia-Kazakhstan diplomatic relations man of the Parliament and Majlis of the Republic [email protected] and the international exhibition, Expo 2017, at which of Kazakhstan. GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 16 - 19, 2017 POLITICS 3 GIP Commentary: What Georgia Can Learn from Montenegro’s NATO Accession

much military hardware to the table but BY JOSEPH LARSEN AND it gives the Alliance another foothold in MARIAM GRIGALASHVILI the western Balkans, a region in which it has a checkered past. The western Balkans are unquestion- ontenegro became the ably within geographical Europe. More- latest member of NATO over, the region has never been under on June 5. It is the sev- Russian or Soviet rule, so the Kremlin enth enlargement in the cannot plausibly claim it as part of the history of the Alliance country’s historical sphere of infl uence. Mand the fi rst since April 2009, when Alba- That made bringing Montenegro into the nia and Croatia became full members. Alliance a relatively low-risk proposition. For Montenegro, the result has been a Unfortunately, those circumstances do long time coming: it received a Member- not apply to Georgia. ship Action Plan in 2009; the Alliance • NATO accession criteria are not one- offi cially invited it to become a member size-fi ts-all. Montenegro’s membership in 2015; in 2016 the Accession Protocol is perplexing to some, especially in Geor- was signed by the foreign ministers of gia. The country is not a poster child for each NATO member country; and in 2017 reform. It has a high level of corruption it offi cially became the 29th member of and a population almost evenly split NATO. between those for and against NATO Just 11 years after becoming an inde- membership. A December 2016 poll found pendent state, Montenegro is a full mem- that 39.5% of the population was “for” ber of the world’s largest military alliance. membership and 39.7% “against”. That has important implications for other Georgia has a stronger record on fi ght- aspirant countries, including Georgia. ing corruption and a population more fi rmly in favor of NATO membership. WHAT GEORGIA CAN LEARN Georgia’s armed forces have contributed FROM MONTENEGRO’S enthusiastically to NATO missions abroad. NATO ACCESSION These facts understandably have many • NATO’s door remains open. Eight in the country wondering why it’s still break into the parliament, kill the coun- other prospective NATO members. If it’s while sending a positive message to other years after its most recent enlargement, striving for a Membership Action Plan try’s prime minister Milo Dukanovic, and willing to attempt to subvert a country prospective members. And, as mentioned NATO opened its door once again. As (MAP) while a less committed country bring a pro-Russian coalition to power. in the western Balkans, how far would it above, the potential downside was small. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg received full membership. The truth is, Russia’s government denied any involve- go to prevent Georgia from joining the said at Montenegro's Instrument of Acces- strategic considerations matter as much ment, but Milivoje Katnic, the country’s Alliance? sion deposit event in Washington, the if not more than the candidate state’s chief special prosecutor, believes that • NATO members view enlargement move sends a signal to countries under- willingness to reform. “Russian state bodies” were involved. through the lens of risk and reward. This going reform that the Alliance is open to • Russia views any enlargement to be What’s more, Russia’s foreign ministry conclusion is the sum of all of the above accepting new members: a threat to its strategic interests. Monte- openly threatened the country on the day points. A given country (in this case Mon- The Georgian Institute of Politics was “Since NATO’s founding, keeping our negro has a population of fewer than it announced it would join NATO: “In the tenegro) doesn’t receive NATO member- founded in 2011 to strengthen institutions door open to new members has been one 700,000 and an annual military budget light of the hostile course chosen by the ship purely through its own efforts. Mem- and promote good governance and devel- of our greatest contributions to interna- of only EUR 58.5 million. Its capital, Pod- Montenegrin authorities, the Russian side bers of the Alliance must consider the opment through policy research and tional peace and security.” gorica, is nearly 2,000 kilometers from reserves the right to take retaliatory meas- potential benefi ts to be greater than the advocacy in Georgia. It publishes its blog • Geography still matters. As Stolten- Moscow. Yet, Russia did all it could to ures on a reciprocal basis. In politics, just potential downside. with Georgia Today twice per month. berg stated, Montenegro's membership make NATO accession costly. Last year, as in physics, for every action there is an In this case, Montenegro made the grade. Check out our website in English and is “good for the stability of the western police arrested 20 Serbian and Montene- opposite reaction”. Extending membership allowed the Alli- Georgian at gip.ge for more blogs, data, Balkans.” The tiny country doesn’t bring grin citizens in connection with a plot to Russia’s actions sent a stern message to ance to expand into a key strategic area and analyses. Ex-President Urges Czech Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Republic to Leave EU When Even the Little Things are Hard

identity, to future generations," Klaus photo project presentation porters, addressed the audience and it can be regulated as a result of well- BY DIMITRI DOLABERIDZE announced, going on to claim that the was organized by The communicated the severity of the dis- timed medical interference. Today, we Czech Republic must not be allowed to Union of Patients with ease and accompanying problems. The have biological medication which is become a multicultural community con- Rheumatoid Arthritis in communicational support of the cam- very effective, but very expensive at the zech Ex-President Václav sisting of communities that are not adapted New Mziuri, within the paign was conducted by Gepra. same time, thus is poorly available”. Klaus says that it is time to for co-existence. Aframework of an information campaign The presentation was also attended It is an issue Tbilisi City Hall has been start preparing the with- "We protest the desire to punish us and called Everything is in our Hands. The by healthcare offi cials, representatives working on as it gathers data and ana- drawal of the republic from force us to obedience," he said. "We reject aim of the event is to raise awareness of medical institutions, doctors, patients lyzes potential funding. It is already the European Union. the argument that we must "be present" and spread information about the dis- and other parties. fi nancing three large projects: breast CThe European Commission (EC) on in the so-called "solid nucleus" of the EU. ease, in order to support early diagno- Irakli Pavlenishvili, Chairman the cancer, with a metastatic Herceptin Tuesday decided to start a procedure that Today, we are present in the EU but we sis and provide adequate treatment on Commission of Health Care and Social program; an Autism program, working could lead to the imposition of sanctions do not make the decisions". time. Issues of Tbilisi City Assembly: “Rheu- with up to 700 children, and a program against the Czech Republic, Poland and He claimed that in the EU, the voice of Author of the photos, Goga Chanadiri, matoid Arthritis and joint diseases in of bone marrow transplantation worth Hungary in connection with the violation, the Czech Republic is ignored. As for depicted the daily life of suffering general are a very serious problem, about GEL 10 million. by the authorities of these countries, of grants from European funds, according to patients, those simple everyday activi- widely spread throughout the world. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, arrangements for the distribution of refu- Klaus, the Czech Republic does not need, ties which are so diffi cult for them to The daily burden of the disease is progressive, auto-immune disease that gees in Italy and Greece across the EU. "nor does it want them". do and that often require great effort. depicted in these photos. If the treat- causes joint swelling, damage and ulti- According to the Czech media, following In September 2015, at a meeting of the “My goal was to support raising aware- ment is not conducted purposefully, it mately leads to the disability of the the EC's decision, offi cial notifi cation of heads of the Ministry of the Interior of ness of RA,” Goga Chanadiri, photog- can lead to deplorable results as the patient. Statistical data suggests that violations committed are to be sent to the the EU countries, the EC majority pro- rapher and supporter told us. “I used disease can develop into a disability. every hundredth person in the world Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary. If posed that 160,000 illegal migrants in Italy photography as a medium to depict the However, timely treatment gives effec- suffers from the disease. The incidence the authorities do not change their posi- and Greece be forcibly distributed to all patients so that only their hands would tive outcomes. Days like today are highly of disease among women is three times tion, the entire multi-stage procedure could EU countries. Representatives of the Czech be visible, I wanted to show the society welcomed, since drawing attention to higher than in men. Rheumatoid arthri- end at the EU Court and with a monetary Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania that they also have the right to cuddle problems brings hope and results. The tis may begin at any age but occurs fi ne for each of the countries. voted against. The Czech Republic, accord- their children and grandchildren, play activity and involvement of society is mostly in people aged 35 to 50. "From all this comes the only possible ing to quotas, was supposed to host 2.6 the piano, water the plants, etc. We can’t highly important as it plays a crucial Rheumatoid arthritis may damage all and, at the same time, the only necessary thousand refugees, but only 12 migrants sacrifi ce these people to this disease- role; of course, government should be joints, but affects mostly that of hands, conclusion: it is time to begin to prepare were accepted and, as Milan Chovanec, we should give them the joy of life.” and is responsible for supporting the legs and wrists. The progressive dam- the exit of our country from the European the head of the Czech Ministry of Internal Inga Mamuchishvili, the Head of the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, for age is accompanied by a person’s con- Union. This is the only way to preserve Affairs, said recently, he does not intend Union of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) example, children under 18 are fully tinuously decreasing ability to work the state that we inherited from our ances- to take any more due to the complicated Patients, the founders Marina Sagaradze fi nanced in Georgia. The disease is pro- and move independently. tors and which should pass, as an original situation in the security sphere. and Rusudan Ediberidze and other sup- gressive and is almost incurable, though Continued on page 11 GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS JUNE 16 - 19, 2017 UNDP: Shattering Myths about Women in Georgian Political Parties

has been progress, but at the international chances as men. More generally, the report BY DAVID MONGAZON level, Georgia has regressed,” Scott said. must be seen as a road map for political “Georgia is ranked 114th out of 144 in parties, authors say, which should give terms of women’s participation in politics guidelines to refi ning their recruitment his Tuesday the Union Nation according to the 2016 report of the World standards and introducing internal quo- Development Program Economic Forum. “The political partici- tas if necessary. Furthermore, parties unveiled an unprecedented pation of women is the key to ensuring should better highlight competent women study called “Women in gender equality in every area of life, and in order to diminish the image of politics Political Parties: Decon- political parties play a critical role in as a “dirty job” that keeps people, and structingT the Myths” commissioned in making this happen,” he concluded. women fi rst, away from political partici- association with the Government of Swe- The study proves the underrepresen- pation. The study proposes the introduc- den and carried out by Georgian NGO tation of women in Georgian political tion of working groups on the issues “Union Sapari”. The report’s main objec- parties is based on 26 myths which the related to gender to raise awareness inside tive is to highlight major dysfunctions in authors identifi ed after analyzing the the parties. It also says that exclusively the process of recruitment inside the conducted interviews. Artifi cial barriers feminine groups could be benefi cial, in political parties that leads to a strong lack such as male privilege and power inside order to create frames of discussion to of women in Georgian politics. It is the political parties, or centralized manage- better understand the problems women result of 35 interviews with representa- ment and societal misconceptions, are face and to raise confi dence. tives in lower, middle and upper levels the main reasons for women being less The research also supports a draft law of parliamentary political parties in Geor- active in Georgian political parties. It addressed to the Parliament to introduce gia (Georgian Dream, European Georgia, suggests that the recruitment standards quotas for the number of women, which United National Movement, and the are made in favor of men, reinforcing is already backed by a 37,000-signature Patriots’ Alliance of Georgia). male domination; emphasizing confl icts, petition. However, one point against this The discussion about the research fi nd- or the conception of politics as dirty and Source: UKIP Daily proposal is that it can be unconstitutional ings brought together representatives of as such unsuitable for women. However, The authors also highlight unrealistic political parties when they say the world and create inequality between men and political parties, local and international the study claims it is a misrepresenta- personality characteristics that are usu- is changing and that this misrepresenta- women. The authors of the draft law organizations and women’s rights activ- tion of reality, as women nowadays know ally pinned on women. The stereotype tion of women will change as well: the answer nevertheless that the measure ists. Niels Scott, head of the UNDP in perfectly what they are getting into when that men are more competent than women truth is that women’s role in Georgia’s could be temporary, only in order for the Georgia, started the meeting by saying they opt for a political career. This leads is for the authors a way to prevent women political life is growing very slowly, and parties to adapt more quickly. They take that there has been huge progress since to another misrepresentation made by from being recruited so as not to reveal the goal of the study is to help develop it as examples different European countries the democratization of the country but political parties which claims that women the incompetency of men. This is why faster. that have already adopted such measures, added that “this whole issue of women succeeding in politics need to be mas- women are usually recruited for lower The study was carried out from March like France and Spain. remains one of the most important ine- culine not only in skill but also physically. levels or to agitate the political scene. to May 2017 and has been released quickly This is not the only comment the authors quality issues in Georgia”. Femininity, and all that is linked with This centralization of the parties is seen in order to impact the political parties’ triggered, which is a sign that they have Indeed, the overall number of women female issues, such as maternity, is seen as a way to reproduce the privileges of choices in terms of candidacies for the achieved their goal. The public strongly involved in politics in Georgia has little as a weakness, which is again not the men. Another stereotype is the supposed next local elections in autumn. It has been insisted on the importance of cultural increased at legislative elections, going case, as shown by the research which unreliability to women, while, in fact, the made on point to help political parties problems in Georgian society and the gap from 7% of MPs in 2008 to 16% presently. focuses on younger generations of polit- research says they are much more faith- change their practices and to open the between private life and political engage- However, it has yet to reach the standard ical women who are perfectly comfort- ful and devoted to their parties. To fi nish, political scene to more competent women ment, in which the political political class the UN recognizes: 30% minimum. “There able with such issues. the study points to the fake optimism of and make sure they are given the same has to be involved to reduce.

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GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS JUNE 16 - 19, 2017 Georgia. A Rebalancing

Act Source: Huffi ngtonPost

maintaining even a semblance of normal relations BY EMIL AVDALIANI with Moscow serves the state interests. This could be called a rebalancing act, when the actor tries to keep good relations with all the major powers in mmanuel Macron’s election as French the region. Russia has been resurgent over the past president reinvigorated European unity. decade and despite maintaining a unifi ed front What seemed a fragile state almost a against Moscow, the EU is still in no position to year ago, with nationalist parties gain- match the Kremlin’s military power in the region. ing momentum all over the continent, Etoday’s Europe is if not entirely cured, nevertheless A REBALANCING ACT? with a new momentum for continuity. It is in these political circumstances that Georgia A year ago the migrant crisis was sparking inter- fi nds itself between its EU aspirations and a strong nal debates on reconstituting border control and Russia. A reinvigorated EU could ratchet up pres- keeping a united front (sanctions) against Russia sure on Russia by providing further fi nancial sup- and its actions in Ukraine. Brussels also received port to Tbilisi. NATO could be another tool to a blow from the UK's decision to leave the EU. infl uence Moscow’s behavior in the region, although However, the region in which the EU's problems the membership is a far-off perspective. Another had a real effect was Eastern Europe and the South way to rebalance resurgent Moscow’s behavior in Caucasus. Ukraine and Georgia, being major aspir- the region for the Georgian government would be ants to joining the Union, were most concerned to strengthen its relations with Turkey and Azer- that the inward-looking Europe would be ever more baijan (see my previous article). reluctant to have them as members. Yet another actor for balancing out Russian resur- Macron’s victory, along with the conservatives’ gence could be China with its economic role in the win in the Netherlands, now leaves fewer chances region. Beijing has been increasing its infl uence in for nationalist parties to enjoy their previous sup- the region through investments and trade and con- port. While it does not mean that the threat to siders Georgia, with its Black Sea ports of Batumi European unity is altogether extinct, Germany and and Poti, as a link for its massive ‘One Belt One France are now more confi dent in moving Europe Road’ initiative. Chinese involvement in the region towards further integration while standing fi rm is surely for the moment limited only to econom- against Russia. ics, but the deeper Beijing is involved to defend its assets around the world, the bigger the possibility A UNITED FRONT? that China will eventually become a security part- The reinvigorated Europe is what Georgia and ner in the South Caucasus. True, Russia and Mos- Ukraine need as both countries experience military cow could also cooperate on numerous issues intervention from Russia through support for pro- regarding security in the South Caucasus. However, Moscow separatist movements, whether in eastern even then Moscow and China’s geopolitical imper- Ukraine or Abkhazia and South Ossetia. This is atives would be at odds with each other, increasing not to say that Tbilisi and Kiev are close to becom- the possibilities for disagreement. ing EU members. Geopolitical constraints still Thus, Georgia being at the crossroads of East and remain paramount. From Brussels’ perspective, the West has again found itself in diffi cult geopolitical political situation in the South Caucasus is too circumstances when numerous regional powers unstable. Russian forces almost enclose Tbilisi on compete with each other to project infl uence into three sides – South Ossetia/Samachablo, Abkhazia the South Caucasus. Georgia today pursues what and Gyumri (Armenia). Moreover, the simmering it has historically – rebalancing each of its bigger Nagorno-Karabakh confl ict puts further brake on neighbors with the other. Byzantines against the the region’s stability. Iranians, Ottomans against the Persians and now- However, it is in Georgia’s vital interests to keep adays Russians against Turkey, Iran, China and the all options open. While the country maintains its EU – these are the geopolitical combinations Geor- pro-western course, from Tbilisi’s perspective, gia has for centuries used to its advantage. Poland Calls on Europe to Wake Up

BY DIMITRI DOLABERIDZE

e will not allow any blackmail from the European Union. We will not participate in the mad- ness of the Brussels elite -Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydło saidW on Wednesday in the Polish Sejm during a discussion on defense and security issues. "We have the courage to ask a question to the rity, which is connected with the arrival of nations political elite in Europe: where are you going? that are fundamentally different in terms of culture. Where are you heading to, Europe? Wake up from The Prime Minister also defended her government's your lethargic sleep, otherwise you'll be mourning policy of assisting "real refugees" from Syria and your children every day!" she said, pointing to mass neighboring countries, whereas the previous gov- immigration and the recent terrorist acts in Euro- ernment, headed by Eva Kopach, on the contrary, pean cities, citing in particular the incident in greatly reduced this assistance, boasting that she Manchester, where two Polish citizens were killed agreed to the "generous reception of illegal immi- by a Salman Abedi bomb. grants" which was imposed by the EU and espe- After the European Commission (see page 3) and cially by Germany, which "opened wide" the doors the European Parliament threatened Poland, Hun- to them in 2015. gary and Austria with sanctions if they continue "Among those coming from the Middle East are to reject quotas for refugees, Poland "made it clear many criminals who should be in prison instead that it will not give up." According to the leader of of walking around Europe, receiving social benefi ts," the Conservative Party of Poland "Law and Justice", said Leszek Miller, leader of the Social Democratic which has been heading the country since October Party of Poland, going on to call for the closure of 2015, the reception of refugees would have become radical mosques, expulsion of all radical imams a social catastrophe and would have "radically and foreigners suspected of links with terrorist reduced the level of security" in Poland. organizations, and elimination of all jihadist cells Szydło also pointed to the risk to national secu- on the continent. GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 16 - 19, 2017 POLITICS 7 A Political Storm

ishvili, and the Prime Minister and Vice Premier OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA taking a stand against the police. The so-called Rappers Case also strangely coincided with staff changes in the Ministry of Interior Affairs, which ife is full of surprises, and especially in has raised suspicion that maybe the recent events Georgia. However, it wouldn’t be an are a prelude to what will very likely be followed exaggeration to say that what happened by changes in the government. Some used to joke last week was truly unexpected even for that the government should be afraid of rappers the most experienced Georgians. First, most of all, and this was way before the Birja Mafi a theL government arrested two rappers from the Birja rappers got arrested. Mafi a band, because of one of their latest rap songs; And so, it seems that the Rappers Case could later it accused them of purchase, storage and use become a basis for great political cataclysms. of large amounts of illegal drugs and sentenced Political analyst Gia Khukhashvili believes that them to pretrial detention. Only 48 hours after the we have entered a stage of “crisis management” sentence, the court allowed both of them home on and that in this situation, the crisis won’t be solved bail. The series of surprising decisions was some- naturally, but the other way around: the existing how connected not with the rappers from Birja crisis or, if you wish “sabotage,” will be overshad- Mafi a though, but with the son of the non-formal owed by another, quite likely an even larger one. leader of the country, Bera Ivanishvili. He also added, “If this crisis is not extinguished Source: Huffi ngtonPost Bera’s short Facebook status “I am with you and systematic events are not conducted against boys” turned out to be a completely legit and suf- it, tomorrow or the day after, the situation will ther adds fuel to the fi re with every statement he ing local elections. Freeing the rappers was a humane fi cient argument for the Prosecutor’s Offi ce, Court become even more diffi cult.” makes,” said Tsintsadze. act and we should thank everyone, including Bera, and the parliamentary majority to change their Political expert Soso Tsintsadze declared that Overall, the month of June is one that seems to for it. But the thing is that the latter hasn’t solved position – proclaim them innocent and the involved the most important thing of all is the apparent be preordained for Georgian Dream. Like in June the core problem. On the contrary, he exhibited it policemen as guilty. “If anyone is found guilty of defi cit of trust and that the people no longer believe 2015, the thunderstorm has yet to pass and as fully and we now clearly realize that we are facing felony, all will be punished adequately,” threatened in the investigation conclusions. For him, the most thousands protested the policy of police set-ups, a serious drama here. As for Birja Mafi a, those who Vice Premier Kaladze. Prime Minister Kvirikash- unacceptable thing is that, although everyone the black clouds started to gather over Tbilisi and have a better idea of what’s happening on the Geor- vili also tried to protect the rights of the rappers makes mistakes, the government should at least the rest of Georgia... This time, the rain did not gian rap scene might know their music is not ever and called on Georgian Dream’s MPs to liberalize create an illusion of solving them and at the very develop into a natural disaster, but defi nitely did so tasteful and if not for this political scandal many the law on drugs. least make adequate statements. “Instead, the turn into a political storm. would never have even heard about the band, nor Then came a street protest and suddenly every- government has appointed the least popular min- The fact that people are nervous means that street would they have watched that “fatal” video clip thing turned on its head, with father and son Ivan- ister, Alexandre Jejelava, as its speaker, who fur- protests gain more signifi cance with the approach- that caused the whole drama. Longest Serving US Female Lawmaker on Georgia, it’s Future & the Importance of Women in Politics

GEORGIA TODAY and Panorama TV Show were we’re 20%. The barriers are the same. #1 – culture. whatever means they determine is in their best privileged to a have a blitz-interview with the ven- People either think that politics is not a job for interest to improve women’s participation. I think erable lawmaker. women or that women can’t do the job. Yet, when society will benefi t from it because the women will we serve in politics, we show that we are often work on the big issues but will also work on the IT’S YOUR FIRST VISIT TO GEORGIA twice as hard and often get twice as much done. kitchen table issues to improve and strengthen - WHAT ARE YOUR IMPRESSIONS? And I hope that Georgia will choose a path by families. First of all, I’m very impressed by the vibrancy of the culture and people. There is such energy, such vitality here. And it seems that there is a deep com- mitment to continue to make progress for social and economic reforms.

WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO THIS Senator Barb: Georgia is going to determine what’s VIBRANT SOCIETY? ESPECIALLY TO THE best for Georgia PART OF SOCIETY THAT STILL HARBORS SYMPATHIES FOR RUSSIA AND TO Messe Frankfurt to Hold International Exhibition INTERVIEW BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE AN EXTENT, THE SOVIET UNION? You know, I believe in the self-determination of a Tendence 2017 in Frankfurt, June 24-27, 2017 person and of a nation. I believe that Georgia itself champion. Normally, you shouldn’t is not just an independent democracy, it is a respected dispense with adjectives like this democracy and it is a welcomed democracy among lightly, but if anybody deserves it, other nations. So many of your rankings have Barbara Mikulski, or Senator Barb, improved, and in such a short time! The degree of does, and it is in this way the country government services to people, the anti-corruption Aaffectionately called its longest serving female campaign, the attempt to bring new jobs here – it’s lawmaker, hers being a remarkable success story all very impressive. So, I believe Georgia is going of gender equality and women taking their rightful to determine what's best for Georgia and I’m sure place in the world of political decision-making. you would agree that independence and democracy After calling it a day at the Senate after an impres- are the best ways to go. New, exciting and creative ideas are abound at Tendence. The exhibition hosts over 1000 partici- sive 30-year tenure, and being voted the meanest pants and is home to a wide range of quality products from home furnishings and decoration to gifts, senator twice, Mikulski has now joined the John YOU’VE SERVED AS A SENATOR FOR jewelry and accessories. A large selection of mid to upper price segments can be found, representing Hopkins University in an academic capacity. This MORE THAN 30 YEARS. WHAT’S THE the latest collections for spring, summer and beyond. week, alongside former Secretary of State, Made- PERCEPTION OF GEORGIA IN THE WEST, leine Albright, she visited Georgia to partake in AND IN THE US PARTICULARLY? NDI Georgia’s event – the round-up and graduation I was a child of WWII and its aftermath. My own of the Future Women Leader’s program whereupon heritage is Polish. We kept traditions in our family and we saw great people, great nations, fall behind the Iron Curtain. Once the wall came down, once the curtain got lifted, what we saw was Georgia, a country that had so much potential due to creativ- ity, intellectual robustness, and the spirit of the people. And we are ever so glad that since the wall came down, Georgia has moved in even greater DWV is offering support to Georgian citizens, exhibition members and visitors wishing to organize People think that and greater democracy. their attendance at Tendence 2017. politics is not a job for YOU ARE THE LONGEST SERVING WOMAN SENATOR IN US HISTORY women or that women AND A GREAT PROPONENT OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS. WHAT CAN YOU can’t do the job. Yet, SAY ABOUT THE OBSTACLES THAT WOMEN ENCOUNTER ON THEIR PATH when we serve in TO REALIZING THEMSELVES IN POLITICS? It was very interesting to see the active participa- politics, we show that tion of women in politics here. I know that Georgia is trying to improve its representation and I would Don't miss the chance to expand your business network and introduce your products to the world! we are often twice as wholeheartedly encourage that. We had the same issues in the States. In the US senate there are 100 For more information visit tendence. messefrankfurt.com hard and often get senators, when I came to the senate over 20 years and contact Zaira Soloeva +995 599 011082 twice as much done ago there were only two of us. We were 2%. Now E: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY 8 POLITICS JUNE 16 - 19, 2017 China-Georgia Friendship Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations

ful outcomes in economic cooperation. a new qualitative level. Notably, Georgia BY MAKA LOMADZE In May, the Free Trade Agreement was is the fi rst country in the region to have offi cially signed between the Chinese signed this agreement with China. We and Georgian governments. “It brings welcome Chinese companies launching n June 9, at Rike Park, dip- new prospects for the expansion of trade- their business activities in Georgia in lomats celebrated the 25th economic cooperation. At the beginning steadily growing numbers, with some of anniversary of Georgian- of our diplomatic relations, the trade them having already gained a foothold in Chinese bilateral relations. turnover stood at USD 3.68 million the Georgian market. New directions of It was organized by inter- whereas, in 2016 it reached USD 717 mil- economic cooperation are springing up. nationalO media holding GBTIMES Geor- lion, growing 200 times. China is Geor- One such direction involves building joint gia and the Chinese Embassy in Georgia, gia’s fourth largest trading partner and plants to manufacture Georgian-Chinese and supported by Tbilisi City Hall. the second largest exporting market for products. Georgia’s business community All day long visitors to Rike Park had Georgian wine. Chinese FDI in Georgia is taking increasingly growing interest in the opportunity to see and purchase stands at 600 million USD”. the vast opportunities offered by the Chi- Chinese goods, as well as attend master- According to H.E. JI Yanchi, during the nese market,” noted the PM. classes of traditional martial arts, sample past 25 years, interpersonal relations In his words, these achievements are Chinese dishes, see Chinese costumes, between Chinese people and Georgian provided railway modernization techni- Road cooperation based on the princi- complemented by the One Belt—One as well as shows, exhibitions and con- people have become increasingly close. cal solutions for Georgia. According to ples of mutual discussion, joint construc- Road project of global importance initi- certs. “Cultural and artistic groups exchange statistics, Chinese companies have cre- tion and shared benefi ts. We will further ated by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Report- The event included an offi cial ceremony visits every year. The Confucius Institute ated about 5,000 jobs for Georgians. China enhance political trust, deepen friend- edly, this project creates new prospects opened by Ji Yanchi, Ambassador Extraor- at Tbilisi Free University was opened has also provided USD 60 million of free ship; expand the mutual benefi cial coop- of deeper relations between our two dinary and Plenipotentiary of People’s with cooperation between the two coun- aid to support the social and economic eration; intensify cultural exchange, countries and enhanced regional coop- Republic of China in Georgia. He thanked tries. Chinese language courses are offered development of Georgia”. strengthen international cooperation. eration in general. Georgia, as a bridge all the involved parties for organizing in 26 universities and secondary schools Reportedly, with joint efforts, China Together, we will write a new chapter connecting European and Asian markets, the event. “On this exact day 25 years of Georgia. Every year, 25 Georgian stu- and Georgia have achieved a very good of the friendly cooperative relations prioritizes its engagement in this initia- ago, the ‘Joint Communiqué on the Estab- dents continue their studies at Chinese start toward building the Silk Road Eco- between China and Georgia”. tive. lishment of Diplomatic Relations’ universities under Chinese Government nomic Belt. “China and Georgia made Giorgi Kvirikashvili then spoke about “At the same time, our humanitarian between the Governments of China and Scholarship. Every year, 20 Chinese lan- signifi cant progresses in policy coordi- that friendship and partnership, “based cooperation is developing equally rap- Georgia was signed in Tbilisi. A new era guage teachers and volunteers come to nation, unimpeded trade, facilities con- on principles of mutual respect and idly, and so are people-to-people con- for China-Georgia relations dawned. We Georgia to assist in teaching Chinese nectivity, financial integration, and cooperation”. tacts. We are actively working together support each other on major issues con- language and culture. Georgia already people-to-people bonds. In May, a del- “Today, the partnership between our with our Chinese partners to deepen our cerning sovereignty and territorial integ- has more than a thousand 1000 Chinese egation from the Georgian government countries is stronger than ever, as clearly tourism cooperation, so that more Chi- rity. Our two countries hold respectful speaking students. In 2016, over 10 thou- attended the Belt and Road Forum for evidenced by our growing bilateral coop- nese tourists may visit Georgia, and more and equal attitudes towards each other, sand Chinese tourists visited Georgia, International Cooperation held in Bei- eration, high-level visits to both Georgia Georgians may enjoy this country famous and carry out cooperation on a mutually with the number increased by 46%.” jing. This visit was very successful.” In and China, and the tangible results of for its unique culture and traditions. benefi cial basis. We have sound coop- The ambassador also emphasized eco- the ambassador’s words, currently, the cooperation,” he said, going on to point “I am convinced that our joint efforts eration in international affairs and have nomic collaboration. “The Khadori hydro- China-Georgia relations face promising to China being one of Georgia’s largest will further expand and cement the established an exemplary model of power station constructed by the Chinese prospects. We are ready to work with trade partners and investors. friendship and business relations between friendly cooperative relations between was the fi rst large-scale foreign invest- the government and people of Georgia, “The recent historic Free Trade Agree- our countries,” Giorgi Kvirikashvili con- two countries.” ment after Georgia’s independence. Chi- to grasp the historical opportunity pro- ment between Georgia and China, which cluded. The fi rst Chinese diplomat remarked nese companies have built 82.1 kilometers vided by the Belt and Road Initiatives. was signed in Beijing, is poised to advance The event was also attended by the that the two countries enjoy very fruit- of roads, 40.6 kilometers of railway, and We will steadily promote our Belt and our trade and economic cooperation to Tbilisi Mayor and other offi cials. HOTEL Another Side of the Coin? – Not All Montenegro is CITY Happy with NATO Membership

survey of public opinion. 81% of the INTERVIEW BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE Montenegrin population believed that AVENUE joining NATO should be put to a refer- endum. The government did not respect ontenegro just became the people’s will and restricted elemen- the 29th member of tary democratic rules. Support from NATO – a remarkable citizens about entering NATO never feat that still remains exceeded 35%. unachievable for Geor- Mgia, at least in the near future, if we heed WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE? what we’re told by various politicians The alternative to NATO is a neutral and dealmakers from Brussels, Wash- military position. Such, as used by Swit- ington and like. But apparently, not eve- zerland and Austria, have provided excel- ryone in Montenegro shares the same lent economic possibilities for prosper- passion for the EuroAtlantic. A sizeable ity for those countries as well as part of society, mostly of Serbian origin, political prosperity. They are perhaps otel City Avenue is a pre- is voicing its displeasure with the gov- the most stable societies in Europe. For mium class boutique hotel ernment and the Alliance, in particular. the Balkans, the most reasonable and located in the center of GEORGIA TODAY and Panorama TV best way for political stability is neutral- the old town. Close to Show talked with one such person – A ity. What’s NATO going to defend us business centers and com- journalist from Podgorica, Igor Dam- from – each other? Thank you, we can Hpany head offi ces, it is surrounded by janovic, who lost no time in telling us handle that ourselves. shops, restaurants, theaters and many that there is, proverbially speaking, no other entertainment and sightseeing cake and it’s all a big lie. IF WE COMPARE MONTENEGRO spots. What’s more, D.Agmashenebeli AND GEORGIA IN TERMS Avenue is one of the most beautiful HOW WILL MONTENEGRO’S OF REFORMS, DEMOCRACY, streets in Tbilisi. NATO MEMBERSHIP CHANGE HUMAN RIGHTS AND OTHER The hotel’s modern interior design and THE SECURITY SITUATION PARAMETERS WHICH ARE classic exterior decor offers you a very IN THE BALKANS? NECESSARY ONES TO GET INTO NATO, WE ARE NOT special atmosphere and positive aura. Montenegro’s NATO membership will Igor Damjanovic, journalist from Podgorica The fully equipped rooms and friendly change nothing. If you pay attention to LAGGING BEHIND; ARE, IN staff will make your holiday both com- the circumstances in the West, and FACT AHEAD, COMPARED fl ict with the interests of the US and FROM NATO TO DETER FURTHER fortable and unforgettable. NATO’s other members, for example, ALSO TO SERBIA. WAS TAKING NATO to put pressure on Russia. When RUSSIAN OCCUPATION The on-site Café features a good choice Turkey, the UK, Germany or France over MONTENEGRO INTO NATO you become a NATO member, the national Sorry, but if you’re going to present of Georgian and international food with recent years, most terror attacks hap- A POLITICAL DECISION? interests of your country are compro- NATO as paragons of virtue and defend- a relaxing atmosphere and chill-out ter- pened in NATO countries. NATO attracts If Georgia becomes a NATO member it mised. ers of the weak and small, I’m going to race. Our professional staff is ready to terrorist groups. NATO membership is will be a disaster for your country because debate that point. Do you know what serve with the spirit of Georgian hospi- nothing positive to stabilize the Balkans, no country which joined NATO within ARE YOU BLAMING THE happened in 1999? NATO bombed Serbia tality. but it could expose us to terrorist groups. the past 15 years received anything good BALKAN GOVERNMENTS’ and Montenegro without permission of The hotel offers a great conference from NATO. Take Croatia and Albania: CORRUPTION ON NATO? AND the UN SC. They used very toxic weap- facility with modern technology and WHY DID MONTENEGRO’S nothing positive has happened in the THEN AGAIN, WHEN IT COMES ons. Because of NATO’s use of depleted convenient services. GOVERNMENT NOT HOLD A Albanian economy and during the fi rst TO GEORGIA, IT WAS RUSSIA uranium, thousands of people die each Hotel City Avenue is a 5-minute walk REFERENDUM ON MEMBERSHIP? 4 years of Croatia’s membership in NATO, WHICH OCCUPIED MORE year. Tens of thousands die from cancer, from Marjanishvili metro station, 5 min- The state of Montenegro is ruled not by investments decreased four fold. In addi- THAN 20% OF GEORGIAN leukemia and genetic diseases. And you utes’ drive from Station Square and 20 a government but the NATO junta who tion, look at Bulgaria. NATO blocked the TERRITORIES, NOT NATO. ALL want me cheer for my country’s NATO minutes’ from the airport. stole the last election. 2015 saw the last South Stream just because it was in con- GEORGIA WANTS IS A SHIELD membership? I cannot do that. GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 16 - 19, 2017 BUSINESS 9 Animal Migration Route, Bio Security Points & Sheep Dipping in Georgia

Route itself, the series of registered byways in Kvemo Kartli, fi nanced by the state. BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI used by the fl ocks from winter to sum- In July and September 2015, construc- mer pastures once maintained with tion of the fi rst yards and water points bridges, water points and resting areas began in Kvemo Kartli, Marneuli and DITOR"S NOTE: The printed for livestock and now badly degraded. Rustavi municipalities, followed by version of this article, as “Since the collapse of Soviet Union there Dedoplistkaro and Sighnaghi, all fi nalized appears in the Friday 16 June has been little maintenance or develop- in 2016. Now four BSPs are fully function- issue, differs from the version ment of badly degraded infrastructure or ing and a further two BSPs are to be com- below and was printed in error. the systems surrounding the Animal pleted in Bolnisi and Telavi by the end of EI apologize sincerely for that oversight. Movement Route. This has included no 2017. The service is provided by the The mass annual migration of up to a systematic health control in a country National Food Agency free of charge, million head of sheep and cattle on long with serious notifi able diseases e.g. Foot with shepherds saving about 200 GEL established routes is perhaps one of the and Mouth, Anthrax”- states the Addi- per 1000 heads of livestock- the price of authenticities of Georgia, as is the century tional Report on Bio Security Points car- private dips which, despite a decreasing old tradition of sheep farming itself. ried out by Edward Hammer Ltd. number, still exist throughout the coun- According to a 2013 report produced by Not until 2012, when the Swiss Devel- try. the Swiss Agency for Development and opment Cooperation funded Mercy Not only are the BSPs a tool against the May 10 at Marneuli BSP, all the stock that large volumes of livestock, are equipped Cooperation (SDC) and Mercy Corps Corps Georgia, implemented Alliances spread of disease, they have also proven passed, dipped or not, were identifi ed with fences, and no sheep is lost, or as in Alliances Programme, the seasonal tran- Lesser Caucasus Programme (now Alli- to be a critical instrument for the govern- and registered. At all BSPs in Sighnaghi, the case of private dips, stolen. At the shumance is the most widespread system ances Caucasus Programme – ALCP) ment to access information on livestock, Dedoplistskharo, Rustavi and Marneuli, same time, qualifi ed vets are on hand to of sheep farming in Georgia: sheep over- began was the Animal Movement Route and to monitor the situation in the sector, different color notes are issued to catego- assist and provide guidance on sheep and wintering in Kakheti then move with the issue coherently identifi ed and addressed. something that was impossible to regulate rize that the sheep are dipped,” he said. cattle health issues. Further, perhaps most coming of spring to summer pastures in Ongoing facilitation with multiple stake- before. In addition, timely vaccination Although construction of the BSPs on importantly, the BSPs tend to be fi nan- the mountains of Tusheti and Mtianeti holders, governmental bodies, (Gover- and sheep dipping is directly related to animal movement route can undoubtedly cially benefi cial for the farmers, as they and the highlands of Kvemo Kartli and nor’s Offi ce of Kvemo Kartli, Ministry a decreased number of animal deaths en- be considered as a milestone, one of the don’t need to pay for additional person- Samtkhe-Javakheti walking over 10km a of Agriculture of Georgia, National Food route, animals which were often left where signifi cant challenges the sector faces is nel to help them with the dipping. day. The distance between the summer Agency), local governments, Private sec- they fell, scavenged by wildlife and dogs, the lack of resting areas both for shep- Notwithstanding the fact that there are and winter pastures is over 300 km, with tor and Shepherds Association led to bringing yet other dangerous health risks herds, sheeps and cattle along the route. still a number of issues that need to be shepherds and sheep covering it twice a milestone measures such as the con- for humans while passing rotting car- Following the collapse of the system , addressed, the BSP Project initiated and year. The sheep movement route (Animal struction of the 4km Tsintskaro village casses. much of the formerly designated land of realized by the programme can be seen Movement Route) covers four regions of by pass, previously a notorious bottle- One of the major benefi ts of the BSPs the route had been sold to private land as a poweful example of successful state- Georgia (13,400 hectares of land, and a neck for the migrating livestock and is said to be an increased opportunity to owners, which is a source of confl ict private partnership and cooperation, using total length of 11,874.6 km). fl ashpoint for confl ict between shepherds facilitate sheep and wool export, which between the shepherds and the owners a systematic approach while identifying Depending on quality and the internal and villagers, the fi rst Shepherds Asso- is one of the motivations behind develop- of the land. At the same time, there’s a problems and showing readiness to solve and external market, the price of sheep ciation Conference and the making and ing the sphere. considerable lack of watering points along them effectively. in Georgia varies from 100 to 200GEL. release of The Road a documentary fi lm Also among the most important issues the route.. On the positive side, we’ve A Bio Security Department has been The major countries for live Georgian about the route was released bringing related to BSPs is toxic waste disposal. been told that the government is now created at the The National Food Agency sheep export to date have been Azerbai- the issue to a wider audience. These The toxic insecticides used in sheep dips actively working on resolving the issue, and the drafting of a Bio Security Strategy jan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, built the confi dence and will of stake- need to be properly stored and disposed negotiating with the land owners to re- is underway. Iraq, Oman and Israel. The market for holders to continue investing in solving of, yet, with private dips, such processes acquire the land from them, or attain “The Bio Security Strategy will be a processed meat is growing with regular the complex issue. An international con- in the past were unmonitored and unreg- alternate land for use, the next step in the long term plan on what future steps from export now occurring to Iran. Wool too sultant was brought in to help design a ulated; incorrect disposal of highly toxic multi stakeholder process that managed government should be undertaken. For is a global commodity, the market for national bio security control system for insecticides often resulting in dramatic to raise the animal movement route infra- now we’re working on ensuring that every which has been recently revived with the route resulting in the design of six damage to the environment. Following structure improvement to the top pri- Bio Security Point is functioning properly, greasy unprocessed wool being exported Bio Security Points (BSPs) (with sheep the recommendation given by Edward orities of the government’s agenda. The we’re looking on their possible transmis- to the UK, Ukraine and India. It is a sec- dipping baths and cattle showers) as Hamer LTD, and also according to inter- ALCP is currently analyzing the benefi ts sion to the private sector in the future”, tor with potential to improve the liveli- part of Animal Route infrastructure national best practice, Cypermethrin brought by the construction of Bio Secu- Lasha Avaliani, Head of Veterinary Depart- hoods of signifi cant rural inhabitants. management, with proper vaccination sheep dip has been replaced with other rity Points on the Animal Movement ment at the National Food Agency told Since the demise of the Soviet Union, ensured, in order to battle and further products acknowledged for use by inter- Route, and, according to its preliminary us, as he also pointed that the toxic waste a complexity of such factors as the non- prevent the spread of deadly diseases. national veterinary organizations. fi ndings, the trend of more and more disposal process is fully taken care of existence of modern technologies, out- In 2015, a Memorandum of Understand- “It is important for sheep to be dipped farmers preferring to use the newly con- already. dated infrastructure facilities, lack of ing was signed between the Ministry of before they head to the mountain pas- structed BSPs and sheep dips over pri- The number of BSPs (6) is relevant and qualifi ed veterinarians, lack of registration Agriculture, The National Food Agency tures,” Zurab Ivanishvili, veterinarian at vately-owned ones is clear. With the BSPs, capable to serve all nomadic farmers of sheep movement routes, inadequate (NFA) and Mercy Corps for joint co- BSP Marneuli told GEORGIA TODAY, farmers no longer need to buy medicine using the south & Kakheti part of AMR. sanitary conditions, no sheep vaccina- investment under which two BSPs with noting they can dip almost 10,000 sheep for sheep dipping, since it is provided The number of BSPs as well as the loca- tions and no regulations existing, had led water points would be built on the Animal a day at the facility. “We need more free at the facilities. The process of sheep tions were identifi ed and agreed by the to increasingly negative affects on the Movement Route in the region of Kvemo employees,” he added, also mentioning dipping is also easier now, the farmers international expert together with the sector. A major component of this was Kartli fi nanced by the ALCP, and three that the construction needs some improve- have noted, since all the BSPs are designed Ministry of Agriculture and Georgian the neglect of the Animal Movement BSPs would be built in Kakheti and one ments. “The sheep dipping started on with appropriate handling facilities for Shepherds Association Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards 2017- Tourism Conference n June 14, the Second Tour- Hall. the importance of the Awards project over 160 new tourist facilities are sched- (www.awardstourism.com), choosing a ism and Hospitality Con- The event was opened with a press within the fi eld and also the development uled to be opened with more than 18,000 maximum of two categories that best ference, within the Wel- conference where the organizer and gov- of the tourism industry in Georgia. beds. refl ect their business. come to Georgia! National ernment representatives, Maryna Chayka, The latest data of January-May 2017 After the Conference, participants had The Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards 2017, was Co-Founder/CEO of Welcome to Georgia! illustrates that the number of international an opportunity to listen to presentations Tourism Awards project has been held Oheld at the exhibition center Expo Geor- National Tourism Awards; George Chogo- travelers equaled to 2,329.677 persons, of the best service providers within the since 2015, with the main mission of the gia. vadze - Head of the GNTA; Irakli Lekvi- 9.7% more than in the same period of tourism and hospitality sector and fi nd project being to encourage the tourism The Conference was co-organized with nadze, Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi; Ivane 2016. Following the increase in demand, out the latest news within the industry. and hospitality industry in Georgia and the Georgian National Tourism Admin- Zhuzhunashvili, Partner at BDO Georgia; relevant sectors are also developing in From June 14 through September 20, promote awareness of the high-achieving istration (GNTA) and was supported by and Giorgi Arveladze, Deputy Director Georgia. More specifi cally, over 170 new any Tourism and Hospitality Industry tourism business and brands that create the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable of Small and Medium Business Depart- hotels opened during the past two years player from any region of Georgia can a positive image of the country world- Development of Georgia and Tbilisi City ment at the Bank of Georgia spoke about (an additional 3,223 beds). In 2017-2019, register on the Awards offi cial website wide.

Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY JUNE 16 - 19, 2017

The Delegation of the European Union to Georgia is searching In Need of a Financial for a property to be leased or purchased, to be used for Hug: Gori Welfare & offi ce purposes Development Center

This property should meet the European Union's requirements, concerning quality of construction, space, security and location. It should comprise a lot with a stand-alone building located at a min- imum distance of 15m. (ideally 20m.) from the perimeter of the lot, in particular from neighboring streets and surrounded by a bound- the names of donors written on its walls. graduated high school, I went with him ary wall. The building's surface area should be between 1 700 and BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI 1 900 m² and should consist of a maximum of 4 fl oors. “Working with clay is very important, to that village to see what it was all about.” The property should be situated within the city limits of Tbilisi. as it helps to develop small motor skills,” Inspired, he later requested a sabbatical, Its location should be easily accessible and consistent with the Tina says. leaving New York and his career in law needs of representation and visibility of an important diplomatic hey help each other to enter The maximum number of attendees is and coming to Gori, back in 2015, to pro- mission. the dining area, holding the 15 and the age limit is 18, meaning after vide organizational guidance to the The required offi ce space should be suitable for hosting around door open, pushing the that they are forced to stay at home. center, from how to draft the center’s 60 members of staff either in individual offi ces or in shared offi ces wheelchairs through, look- “Although there are 22 disabled people new policy manual, helping them with and in open space in different combinations. It should also provide ing at me with interest as employed in the Shida Kartli region, the grant applications and contractual rela- Tthey greet me and smile at David Pop- problem of employment for them remains tions, to providing ethnic tolerance train- an adequate number of meeting rooms, one multi-purpose confer- ence room of approximately 140 square meters, as well as archive pick, an American lawyer from New critical,” Tamar Tavelidze, deputy of the ing, and trainings in fi nancial literacy spaces, storage rooms, server room, kitchenette and lavatories. Suf- York who got involved in the Gori Wel- center tells us. “It’s hard for people with and human rights issues at the Gantiadi fi cient natural light is a pre-requisite for the offi ces; rooms without fare and Development Center after he disabilities to get an education. We’ve college and daycare center. He also con- windows can only be foreseen for archiving, photocopying, etc. came to Georgia as a Peace Corps vol- managed to send several of our benefi - ducted trainings in employability skills, unteer and stayed in Gori. He’s been ciaries to a professional college in Gori, and worked as a member of the Peace Energy-effi cient, "green buildings" will be considered with prefer- there for two years and is now moving but after graduating, they were unable Corps Georgia Gender Equality Com- ence. on. David guides me through the day to fi nd employment and came back here mittee for the other Peace Corps volun- The total 1 700 – 1 900 square meters as indicated above should care center and I try to imagine becom- to us. These children have no chance of teers in Georgia. He collaborated with include corridors, entrance hall, reception area, and internal stair- ing a part of it and to put into perspec- a higher education, simply because, for lawyers at Partnership for Human Rights cases but not parking spaces and areas entirely dedicated to tech- tive my seemingly meaningless everyday example, our university in Gori is not and the Public Defender of Georgia nical equipment. worries. adapted for people with special needs. Equality Committee about rights of per- A minimum 30 parking slots should be available within the perim- The organization was founded in 2001, Most of the classes are on the second sons with disabilities and gender equal- eter boundary of the compound. fi rst as a club for disabled persons which fl oor and there are no ramps or adapted ity to help them with their legal work in The offi ce space must be compliant with all local building stand- united 25 people using wheelchairs, then, toilets. Even at school these children Georgia about those issues. “In the two ards and regulations, in particular in terms of occupational health with fi nancial assistance through grants don’t get the education level they need years I’ve been here, it’s diffi cult for me & safety, fi re prevention and anti-seismic construction codes. Com- from Mercy Corps, and the Embassy of to enter university. Although one of our to say I’ve witnessed change, but what pliance with EU standards or other international standards is a Japan in Georgia and the Government students, Levan Makhatadze, is taking I have seen is that there remains a tre- valuable asset. The overall quality of fi nishing as well as the tech- of Japan, they moved into a building private classes and plans to do so,” Tamar mendous amount that needs to be done nical and mechanical equipment facilities should be in line with where the day care center can now be said, adding that fi nancing from their to accommodate people with disabilities. EU or international standards. found. remaining partners- the Ministry of There are thousands of people in Shida The offi ce space should be available for occupation, after con- The idea for a day center came after Health, and the local municipality – totals Kartli who need education and this struction or fi tting-out works completion, on 1 August 2019. the 2008 August War when several ref- just 8 GEL per day per child. organization can accommodate only fi fty. Offers may include either: ugee families with disabled children Specialized teachers get just 140 GEL Many are deprived from what the laws - Proposals from private constructors to develop, sell or lease a were taken in- at the time, the center per month and both Tina and Tamar are of this country state should be provided bespoke offi ce facility to shelter the European Delegation served almost 200 children. Today they concerned that although they have won- for those with disabilities,” David says. - Proposals to rent or sell existing suitable buildings, including if have 75 benefi ciaries in Gori and also derful, trained teachers at the center, it He then names education, employment, in need of refurbishment. have a branch in Kareli with 15 children is diffi cult to attract new teachers for and accessibility as the three core prin- In case of rental, the building will stay the property of the owner, and 10 teachers. the mentioned sum, especially consider- ciples that are essential to meet the needs while the European Union will enter into a long-term agreement “We have various workshop studios ing that the work is so challenging. of people with disabilities. assumed to be for 10 to 20 years minimum, with an option to extend where our children can learn profes- “We’ve addressed the Ministry of Health David says coming to Georgia was no and/or even purchase at a further stage. sional skills according to their abilities; asking for more funding and a higher shock for him; on the contrary, he says, Submitted proposals should provide: we have a sewing workshop with equip- quota,” Tina tells me. “Even if the fi nanc- he “was well aware of the challenges ment bought by the German Embassy ing of each child went up by just 3 GEL, ahead,” something completely different in Georgia, within the SIDA project that would already be something- we from what his life was like in the US. • A full description of the lot and/or the existing building framework, and deaf-mute girls had a could at least afford to pay the bills, and Now, returning back to New York, to his • Spreadsheets of surfaces in square meters chance to learn sewing there,” says a have enough petrol for the buses that family and colleagues, he’ll cherish the • Detailed information on the construction proposal founder of the center, Tina Bregvadze. bring children to and from the day center. memories of the people he met during • In case of a construction proposal, information on building com- The Welfare and Development Center We hope things will change positively: these two years in Georgia. “The people pany has 60 children studying in their organ- we’re doing everything we can to meet I became friends with at work, socially, • Information on rental and sale conditions, including rental price ization and four special teachers- four the needs of these children”. at home in Kareli gave me my favorite per square meter. groups of disabled youth from 6 to 18 Another founder, Zviad Zviadadze, who memories of Georgia,” David says. years, and 15 children from age 18. Psy- runs the enamel workshop and also works As we fi nalize the interview and my Proposals must be submitted: chologists and speech therapists work at the Gori municipality, like Tina Breg- visit, David kindly offers to accompany a. either by post or by courier not later than 16:00 on 20 June 2017 with these children on a daily basis. “The vadze is wheelchair-bound. Zviad tells me to the minibus stop. As we say our to the address indicated hereunder. center in Gori also has ceramic and me he’s been teaching small groups of goodbyes, a young girl who I last saw in b. or delivered by hand not later than 16.00 on 20 June 2017 to the enamel workshops, though the ceramics students (seven per group) at the center the center, comes up to us and, having address indicated hereunder one is closed,” Tina tells me, as they and is now waiting for a new project to been told by Tamar she loves to be don’t have enough fi nancial means to start. “The Welfare & Development hugged, get ready to do just that. But For further information please liaise with the Delegation of the pay the teacher’s salary. As we talk with Center director has applied for grants suddenly she dives down and ties up my European Union to Georgia at DELEGATION-GEORGIA-HOA@ the center director, I sense a tiny nuance from several international organizations shoe lace, only giving me a hug once I’m eeas.europa.eu of despair - not in her voice, no, she’s all and we’re waiting for results,” he says. free from the risk of tripping. Address of the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia: joyful and energetic and smiling, and We asked David Poppick to tell his In the background are the screams and 38 Nino Chkheidze Street yet, as she talks about the many things story. “In 1961, President Kennedy founded joyful shouts from children in a state 0102 Tbilisi - Georgia done, it all appears somewhere in the Peace Corps, and my brother served in school just around the corner. The chil- Tel.: 995 294 37 63 past tense, like the empty, spacious a village in Turkey in late 1960s. Peace dren there are happy and secure. Their ceramics workshop we later visit, with Corp is no longer in Turkey, but when I voices are heard. Lucky them. GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 16 - 19, 2017 SOCIETY 11 Bits & Pieces: Etseri, Svaneti BY TONY HANMER

nd now the News. As I have remarked recently on my personal Facebook page, May was the fi rst month in over six Ayears of both TLG volunteer teaching and writing for Georgia Today that my salary from the latter surpassed that from house price while we were considering are real and true with so many mistakes the former, which is 500 GEL/month. As it about six years ago, with President in the exams themselves! my heart is much more in the writing Saakashvili heading the experts’ and As for the barn… It’s time for the occa- than the teaching, this is good news for investors’ group that time. They left with sion, once every several years, to pry up me as an indication of a career change! a negative answer; the house price the fl oorboards, now squelching over a And as I already bowed out from TLG dropped considerably; and we bought. full accumulation of cow manure runoff. last September and wrote a farewell arti- Since then I saw the President for the Every morning I scrape and shovel up cle, I’ll not repeat that. Meanwhile, my second time, and was able to ask him what is on top, and remove it via the lit- writing, usually accompanied by photo- face to face if there was still anything in tle “glory hole” in the barn wall, to build graphs, looks to be taking over as main the cards skiing-wise for Etseri. He said up and eventually be spread on the fi eld. earner for me, a prospect which I fi nd yes, there certainly was, and he would But this underneath stuff only needs thrilling. The words don’t stop, neither see it done. Then he was forced out of attention when the space it occupies is do the images, so I’ll give them free rein. his position democratically, left the coun- quite full and the animals’ liquid waste The photo sums up this change in my try, and has not returned since. So, this has nowhere to run away out of the barn, life. new stage is intriguing, and we can only sorry to be so graphic. That’s what I was Yesterday, a former mayor of our vil- hope. It will bring huge change to the occupied with when the investors’ group lage and several other people parked village, including the necessity of a great came by, so I was in no position smell- some cars on the road outside our house many more people learning English! wise to meet and greet in a formal man- and appeared to be having discussions Also, as the school years ends, I have ner. But the news reached me anyway. about the land above us. I observed this had the opportunity to look over several And now, for this too, we wait with bated from my position in the barn, in which higher-grade school students’ shoulders breath for a positive result. I have begun a major cleaning operation, as they did online mock English exams on which more later. They walked through in preparation for the real one. The Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since our land and back again, greeted me, and amount of mistakes in the questions 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a moved on. themselves was distressing to me. A weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He My wife heard the news this morning 65-question paper copy of one of these runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook that Mr Toyota for Georgia, who is from mock exams gave up fully 13, or 20%, group, now with nearly 1500 members, at our village and has built himself a new mistakes in the questions. This prompted www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- house here and the community a new me to email the Minister of Science and sance/ church, is gathering investors for a ski Education with my fi ndings, and I am He and his wife also run their own guest house resort project up there. A similar rumor now waiting for a response. How can in Etseri: was responsible for the doubling of our anyone trust that English exam results www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis: When Even the Little Things are Hard Continued from page 3 RA patients are unable to conduct such simple activities as for instance combing their hair, walking up stairs, cooking, etc. In developing countries, more than half of patients lose their job and sources of income just 10 years after diagnosis. basis and are very expensive. The disease An online petition asking for increased RA patients may experience systematic is incurable, and sufferers need them in availability of the biological medication complications like cardiovascular or lung order not to develop deformations, not for RA patients was published at the end diseases, osteoporosis, anemia etc. RA to become disabled, or chained to a wheel- of the event, addressed to the Ministry patients’ life span may decrease by 5-10 chair. However, the medication is almost of Health, Labor and Social Affairs and years. Early diagnosis and treatment unavailable for ordinary people. Thus, the Tbilisi Assembly. RA patients wrote hinders disease progression and prevents we founded the Union of Patients with their wishes on a special banner displayed irrevocable damage to joints. However, Rheumatoid Arthritis and call on every at the event. unfortunately in Georgia, most of the institution which can stand beside us to The Union of Patients with Rheuma- diagnosed patients are unable to receive get involved.” toid Arthritis was founded in 2016, by adequate treatment because of lack of Rusudan Ediberidze, RA patient: “I was which Georgia joined the World Rheu- fi nancial stability for medication. diagnosed when I was 23. It started to matoid Arthritis Day celebrated annually Inga Mamuchishvili: “I’m a pediatrician develop from the upper jaw joint; I believe since 2012. The main goal of the organ- and RA patient. I was diagnosed in 2011 that stress provoked the disease and I’ve ization is to increase public awareness and at the time thought my life was over, been suffering for 20 years now. The form of the disease; provide adequate treat- as even the easiest things seemed very of RA is quite severe, the destruction, defor- ment for patients resistant to standard diffi cult for me. I couldn’t even lift a glass mation and erosion of joints is developing therapy (those with particularly serious with my hand, walk, or go to work, where and I already need surgical intervention. forms); communicate continuously with about 20-25 children were waiting for me Despite continuous treatment, which hasn’t the Association of Rheumatology of daily. I began treatment which proved been interrupted at any stage, the desired Georgia, representative of pharmaceuti- completely fruitless. Yet when I started results were not achieved. I believe that cal companies and other medical insti- treatment with biological medication, the biomedication and alternative medicine tutions to share and exchange disease- disease quickly moved into remission. are effective in the battle against the disease related news, methods and information These drugs are needed on a continuous and experience has proved this”. about the latest medications. GEORGIA TODAY 12 CULTURE JUNE 16 - 19, 2017 How Close is Georgia to the West?

our lunatic manner of driving – either OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE very fast or very slow; the fi rst question that occurs to an astounded Westerner’s mind is – where are all of them hurrying est, Western, West- to so desperately, and even if they are in ernization ... these a hurry, why are they allowed to breach phenomena are little the traffi c rules so unabashedly and right by little turning into in front of the police? the ideals that this We could go endlessly on with the dif- nationW aspires to and cherishes. Why? ferences between Georgia and West: the Because most of the country thinks that purposeless education that has infl icted being friendly with the West – Europe the entire nation; the full-grown kids and America – might be a stronger guar- living at home forever; female virginity antee for heightening our people’s still the subject of public discussion; standard of living, another reason being businesses like those 65 non-remunera- slightly imaginary – “the historical close- tive television stations for only half a ness of our culture and spirituality to million stable viewership; the much- Western ideals rather than Eastern” heard-of appalling standard of living and which doesn’t take into account the the restaurants still packed full of clien- vividly expressed aloofness between tele; thousands of hideous unlikely struc- the West and Georgia. tures in the yards of Tbilisi, constructed Take for instance the faith: we are without any architectural plan or permit; Christian orthodox, whereas the West noise, smog, dirt, impatience, misdemea- is Catholic and Protestant in its major- nor, vain politicking, intolerance, and ity, this being a huge difference. Based whatnot in that category. on this considerable difference, we vary So much for the distance between us! in character, values, attitudes, manner- But now for the closeness, if there is isms, spiritual standing and interpreta- any: yes, we try to dress like they do in tion of life’s substantial issues in general. the West, but the dark color still prevails; The Georgian polyphonic vocal culture yes, we are sort of prone to letting democ- has nothing to do with West. They can racy in; we have also started to build only envy us and learn from us in this some tolerance towards the homosexual particular respect, richly drawing from Source: Gringo Tree model of behavior; Western sexual free- our national musical endowment; a dom is also to our liking; shop windows Georgian folk song is something acutely Western sense of privacy and individu- erner who was incidentally taken to a houses in the vicinity of our capital city, look like they do in the West, though the outlandish for a Western ear and hardly alism. Our habit of loud ensemble talk- funeral feast with hundreds of sitting surrounded by thick tall walls like castle stores themselves may be devoid of a understandable at fi rst hearing, espe- ing is also something strange for a person and voraciously eating men and women enclosures in medieval times? A Western buyer, so triggering the question – how cially if that hearing takes place at an of Western upbringing. The time factor at the sacred moment of the God-blessed visitor to our parks and other recrea- on earth do they keep running?; the ser- accidental Georgian table; a Westerner is brazenly ignored in our culture; a communion. tional sites with that post-party garbage vice industry seems to be coming closer cannot be at home with Georgian folk Westerner will never understand our Pursuing the theme, now I can imagine strewn around is a pathetic sight: a West- to Western standards; discos, modern singing and dancing at fi rst sight – they proclivity to spend hours on end sitting a guesting-in-Georgia Westerner at our erner will never be able to put together music, television style, free travel, etc. need time to embrace it and, fi nally, to at the table, eating and drinking inter- typical cemetery, lavishly loaded with our ancient culture and current habit of can also be paralleled. take it for granted. minably, notwithstanding the content of ugly heavy marble slabs with paganish discarding trash in nature. Nor will they Now the central question: Are we too Talking about tables and feasts, our the occasion that brought us together. photo-embellished dark headstones, the quite get how or why animal waste is to far from or close enough to the West? insistent hospitality and overdone atten- To comprehend this, one has to catch dead watching the visitor with an invit- be found on every street corner, waiting We sure know the answer but we will tion to guests is also bothersome to the the impressed look on the face of a West- ing gaze. How about the chic country for us to step in. This is all crowned with never admit to it! ASB Runs Earthquake Drill at Day Care Center

and Humanitarian Aid Operations. BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES The main goal of the project is to introduce a learning course in target educational institutes and increase the n June 15, NGO Arbeiter- capacity of DPOs and NGOs working Samariter-Bund (ASB) on the problems of people with disa- and the Emergency Man- bilities to ensure their active participa- agement Department of tion in disaster risk reduction issues. the Ministry of Internal The program itself aims to increase AffairsO conducted an earthquake drill communities' resilience and reduce at Aisi Day Care Center for Children & their vulnerability. Youth with Disabilities within the frame- There are 60 young people and 20 work of the “We are ready! Disability staff members at the Aisi Day Care Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction Edu- Center for Children & Youth with Dis- cation for the Culture of Safety” project abilities where the earthquake drill was which is fi nanced by the Directorate- held. Various governmental and non- General for European Civil Protection governmental organizations were also

Matthias Wohlfeil, ASB Country Director, with Aisi children in attendance at the event. how much he had enjoyed the event. “I agement Agency who got very good GEORGIA TODAY heard from Nana saw how happy the kids were and how practice on how to behave with children Tsartsidze, Director of the Center, fol- nice everyone was to them. I’m plan- who might react differently than they lowing the drill. “This event was all the ning to found my own daycare center are used to,” said Matthias Wohlfeil, children were talking about for the past just like this one,” he said. ASB country director. month!” "It was a great learning experience to Launched in 1996, the Disaster Pre- One of the “earthquake victims” dur- ensure preparedness, fi rst of all, of paredness ECHO program (DIPECHO) ing the drill, Dato, who was “evacuated” course, for the teachers and children of has been the core element of ECHO's by the emergency team, is the head of the daycare center, and secondly for the DRR global efforts, in which it has thus a student self-government and told us rescue teams of the Emergency Man- far invested €325 million. GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 16 - 19, 2017 CULTURE 13 30-Year-Old La Scala Baritone Premieres in Tbilisi mixing clean articulation with a bright, participate in such a marvelous perfor- INTERVIEW BY MAKA LOMADZE lively baritone," Hugo Shirley wrote mance in Tbilisi. Special thanks to Badri on his blog. Maisuradze, the artistic director. We, Besides Berlin Deutsche Oper, he is an Georgians are not indulged with such orn in Zugdidi, Western Geor- invited soloist at the Amsterdam National operas, as usually the Georgian audience gia, Mikheil Kiria is 30-year- Opera, Frankfurt Opera, Glyndebourne attends only performances of Opera Seria old Baritone who has already Festival Opera, Verona Philharmonic (serious opera). Therefore, it is a very conquered many of the Theater, Festival Verdi di Parma, Paris interesting and I would like to wish the world's stages. Georgia is Chatelet Theater, and others. In 2014, at opera authorities a lot of success in this proudB of its outstanding voices scattered the International Vocal Competition in direction. around the world. Having graduated Brescia, Michele Nocciola conferred him As for my disposition, I can tell you from Tbilisi State Conservatoire and the Maria Callas special prize for best that I hear a lot of my colleagues saying later La Scala, Mikheil is a follower of interpretation. GEORGIA TODAY is that they are very nervous before per- the Andghuladze musical family school. proud to have him in Tbilisi and took forming in Tbilisi. Just the contrary, I On June 14, he sang in Donizzetti’s “L’Elisir the chance to meet him. feel very positive. I'm sure that my audi- D’Amore” at Tbilisi Opera and Ballet ence will like us because we all do our Theater, staged on the basis of paintings HOW ARE YOU FEELING best. I'm fond of performances rather by legendary fi gurative artist Fernando PRIOR TO YOUR than concerts, as I like everything that Photo by Guram Muradov Botero. PERFORMANCE IN TBILISI? it consists of – make-up, direction, cos- Kiria’s debut in the same musical I've performed a couple of times with tume, light, stage – all these components ABOUT THE CHARACTER emy, having no experience at Tbilisi masterpiece took place very recently, the conductor Nika Rachveli, but I'll be give a singer a lot. Plus, it was my dream OF DULCAMARA? Opera Theater. That is where my debut at Deutsche Oper Berlin, where he sang singing the whole performance for the to perform here as it is my native stage. I fi rst sang it on May 23, at Deutsche took place, in the opera by Richard Strauss with legendary Roberto Alagna and fi rst time, in this splendid performance Oper Berlin. I sang with Roberto Alagna “The Woman without Shadow”. There- Aleksandra Kurzak the same part of by Botero in Tbilisi. In Milan Gallery, YOU MENTIONED BOTERO. and Aleksandra Kurzak, a performance fore, the performance of June 14 is really Dulcamara, for which he recived pos- there is a very famous salon on the left, HOW IMPORTANT IS THE that I'll never forget. This was a special important for me. Since my debut, I have itive media critique: “Mikheil Kiria where paintings of different painters are AESTHETIC SIDE OF THE day for me – to sing with legend Alagna sung 29 performances on the La Scala deserves a special mention. He per- displayed. There is one of Fernando PERFORMANCE FOR YOU? and his spouse Aleksandra, who is a great stage. Now, my calendar is full until 2020. formed his part magnifi cently. His Botero’s paintings that I cannot forget: It really matters. Opera today differs singer and a fantastic partner on stage. comic talent effectively merges with a plump ballerina, and I thought that I from the opera that existed some 40-50 WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS his ample, deep, rich bass. This unique had found my spouse (joking). By saying years ago. In those days, the only thing TELL US ABOUT THE FOR THE FUTURE? unity was a real festival for the audi- this, I imply how memorable Botero’s that mattered was vocal capacity. Now- GEORGIANS YOU'LL BE On October 15, I'll sing the most impor- ence,” wrote Renate Dahms. “There paintings are. The performance itself as adays, opera comprises multiple realms SINGING WITH ON JUNE 14 tant part for me –Verdi’s Falstaf, written was another sparkling star – Mikheil interesting as it is dynamic. of art. Today, directors are much more Besides the artists leading international on the basis of Shakespeare’s comedy - Kiria – too as a merchant doctor Dul- The opera buffa (comic opera) usually important. Opera is much more visual careers, there are novices, too. Some of at the Verdi Festival. It is a paramount camara. He presented himself to the requires a lot of motion, which is very than it used to be. It is no longer centered them are even students. The opera theater part for a Baritone. Falstaf requires listeners not only as a great bass but diffi cult. Besides the physical movement, on a singer. Modern performances cheer gives them a lot of opportunities. When physical strength as well as correspond- also by offering an ideal performance Donizzetti’s personages are very lively. up the audience. High spirits make opera I was starting, we were experiencing ing voice and technique. Therefore, I'm due to his perfect means of expres- I would like to extend my gratitude to theaters sell more tickets! hard times, as the opera was closed and happy to be given an opportunity to sions,” Magdalena Grzybowska wrote. the administration of Tbilisi State Opera we were scattered throughout different present myself in Parma in front of a "Mikheil Kiria was a terrifi c Dulcamara, Theater, to everyone who enabled us to WHAT CAN YOU SAY halls of Tbilisi. I went to La Scala Acad- critical but correct audience. GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE JUNE 16 - 19, 2017

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER June 20 Cast: Cate Blanchett, Erika Bauer, WONDER WOMAN GALLERY AL VOLTANT Ruby Bustamante (Info Above) Start time: 21:00 Genre: Drama Start time: 13:35, 16:35 TBILISI ZAKARIA THE NATIONAL GALLERY Ticket: 15 GEL Language: English, Ticket: 13-14 GEL PALIASHVILI OPERA AND Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. Venue: 9th April Park Russian Subtitles BALLET THEATER www.museum.ge Start time: 22:10 PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: Address: 25 Rustaveli Ave. MOVEMENT THEATER Ticket: 11-14 GEL DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES Telephone: 2 99 04 56 June 8 – September 11 Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., (Info Above) EXHIBITION CONSTELLATION Mushthaid park WONDER WOMAN Start time: 22:10 June 17 Artworks by Chinese contemporary Telephone: 599 555 260 Directed by Patty Jenkins Ticket: 9-14 GEL LIZA BATIASHVILI & NIKOLOZ artists- Ai Weiwei, Hu Xiaoyuan, Cast: Gal Gadot, David Thewlis, RACHVELI Li Shurui, Liu Wei, Lu Pingyuan, June 16 Robin Wright MUSEUM Lisa Batiashivili (violin), Lu Shanchuan, Ma Qiusha, Wang THE TEMPEST Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy Gautier Capuçon (cello) Guangle, Wang Sishun, Wang William Shakespeare Language: Russian GEORGIAN NATIONAL Georgian Philharmonic Orchestra Yuyang, Xie Molin, Xu Qu, Xu Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Start time: 16:00 MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA Conductor- Nikoloz Rachveli Zhen, Yan Xing, Zhang Ding, Zhang Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10-11 GEL MUSEUM Start time: 21:00 Zhenyu, Zhao Yao and Zhao Zhao. Ticket: 15 GEL Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. Ticket: 15-100 GEL PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 MUSIC June 18 DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES www.museum.ge June 21 LAURENCIA PARADISO Directed by Joachim Rønning, Espen TBILISI OPEN AIR 2017 Premiere Directed by Irakli Khoshtaria Sandberg PERMANENT EXHIBITION: Two-act ballet Start time: 21:00 Cast: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY June 16 A. Krein Ticket: 10 GEL Javier Bardem FROM 8TH MILLENNIUM B.C. Main Stage: Choreography by V.Chabukiani Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy TO THE 4TH CENTURY A.D Anathema, Sevdaliza, Backwarmer, (Choreographical redaction and GABRIADZE THEATER Language: Russian Psychonaut 4, დაგდაგანი Golden Stage/Day: staging by Nina Ananiashvili). Address: 13 Shavtelis St. Start time: 13:00, 19:10 EXHIBITION OF GEORGIAN Nino Katamadze & Insight Soloists on July-21– Lali Kandelaki Telephone: 2 98 65 93 Ticket: 9-14 GEL WEAPONRY Golden Stage/Night: (State Ballet of Georgia), Lasha Ripperton, Bacho, Cobert, Kozmana Khozashvili (Boston Ballet, USA) June 16, 17, 22 CARS 3 NUMISMATIC TREASURY MARSHAL DE FANTIE’S DIAMOND Directed by Brian Fee The exhibition showcases money Zion Garden: Soloists on July 23– Nutsa Eldario Bhanishta, Space Teriyaki, Chekurashvili, Yonen Takano (State Rezo Gabriadze Cast: Armie Hammer, Nathan Fillion, circulation on the territory of Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Kerry Washington Georgia from the 6th century BC. to Dimitree, Marcuss, Tabu, Additivv, Ballet of Georgia) Noxiron Soloists on June 25– Nino English Subtitles Genre: Animation, Adventure, 1834. Start time: 20:00 Comedy Start time: 15:00 Samadashvili, Frank Van Tongeren Ticket: 60 GEL (State Ballet of Georgia) Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL Language: Russian THE TESTAMENT OF DAVID Start time: 11:45, 14:30, 22:15 THE BUILDER AND NEW Start time: 19:00 June 17 June 18 Ticket: 8-14 GEL EXHIBITS OF THE MEDIEVAL Ticket: 10-70 GEL Main Stage: STALINGRAD TREASURY Leningrad, Soft Eject, SHALIKASHVILI THEATER Rezo Gabriadze RUSTAVELI CINEMA LOUDspeakers, Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. September 27 (2016) – Eko & Vinda Folio, არა English Subtitles Telephone: 2 55 50 00 September 22 (2017) Golden Stage / Day: June 17 Start time: 20:00 www.kinoafi sha.ge EXHIBITION STONE AGE GEORGIA Friendly Mosquito, Bedford Falls, Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL SHALIKASHVILI FESTIVAL'S Windshield, Newcomer 2017 June 16-22 May 18- November 18 OPENING Golden Stage / Night: CINEMA EXHIBITION Pantomime Theater Music Band, Alex.Do, Greenbeam & Leon, CARS 3 GEORGIAN COSTUME AND Sevda, Iazikzazubami (Live) Anuka Murvanidze body art and AMIRANI CINEMA (Info Above) WEAPONRY OF 18TH-20TH Zion Garden: Performance, 4 live DJ performances Address: 36 Kostava Str. Start time: 12:00, 12:4514:35, 17:15 CENTURIES Psysex, Go2Sky, Never The Same, and 2 Dj sets, DJ Live- Justus Kohncke Telephone: 2 99 99 55 Ticket: 8-14 GEL Meno, Infest, Kaya Matu. Special Guest Start time: 21:00 www.kinoafi sha.ge MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Start time: 15:00 Ticket: 20 GEL BAYWATCH Address: 1 Gudiashvili Str. Ticket: 60 GEL Venue: 9th April Park Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 Lari Directed by Seth Gordon June 16-22 Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, March 6 – August 30 June 18 June 18 Alexandra Daddario, EXHIBITION Main Stage: THE KNIGHT IN THE MUMMY Kelly Rohrbach, Priyanka Chopra MASTERPIECES FROM THE Archive, Young Georgian Lolitaz, THE PANTHER'S SKIN Directed by Alex Kurtzman Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Kung Fu Junkie, The Black Marrows Start time: 21:00 Cast: Tom Cruise, Sofi a Boutella, Language: Russian COLLECTION Golden Stage Day: Moku Moku, SF-X, Ticket: 25 GEL Annabelle Wallis Start time: 11:45 The exhibition includes works by Sexy Bicycle, Newcomer 2017 Venue: 9th April Park Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy Ticket: 8-9 GEL Bernardo Daddi, Lucas Cranach Golden Stage Night: Language: Russian (Elder), Guido Reni, Jan Steen, Jacob Oxia, Vako T, Wiedmak, June 19 Start time: 19:30, 22:00 THE MUMMY Van Ruisdael, Auguste Rodin, Pablo Newcomer 2017 THE WISHING TREE Ticket: 9-14 GEL (Info Above) Picasso, Vassily Kandinski; Zion Garden: Start time: 21:00 Language: Russian Masterpieces by Niko Arjun Apu, Amrit Pavan, Ticket: 15 GEL MANIFESTO Start time: 22:30 Pirosmanashvili, Lado Gudiashvili Dj Goblin, Oogway, Psyrati, Venue: 9th April Park Directed by Julian Rosefeldt Ticket: 9-14 GEL and David Kakabadze. Katana, Catdrop Start time: 15:00 Ticket: 60 GEL

SOU 2017 SOU 2017 - another sea / სხვა ზღვა SOU stands for Stream of Unconsciousness: music which shifts us from daily conscious to impenetrable sonic fi eld.

June 17 ZEENA PARKINS Start time: 22:00 Ticket: 10-50 GEL Venue: Conservatoire, Grand Hall

June 21 ROBERT HENKE - LUMIÈRE III Start time: 22:00 Ticket: 10-50 GEL Venue: Tbilisi Concert Hall

BILISI STATE CONSERVATOIRE Address: 8 Griboedov St. Telephone: 2 93 46 24

June 16 CLASSICAL MUSIC EVENING International Summer Academy of Music Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 5-15 GEL

MTKVARZE Address: N. Baratashvili Left Bank Telephone: 599 19 33 44

June 22 REY & KJAVIK Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 20 GEL GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 16 - 19, 2017 CULTURE 15 Katy Perry Wears SPORTS Georgian

BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI

opular American singer-songwriter Katy Perry was spotted in a silver outfi t by the Georgian clothing brand Mach & Mach from their latest fall/winter 2017/2018 collection. PPerry wore the bejewelled number during her Source: Kempton Express Witness Tour in Amsterdam. Created by sisters Gvantsa and Nina Macharash- vili, Mach & Mach produces footwear, bridal dresses, and clothing. Rugby & Rehabilitation: UNICEF Announces Upcoming Last CineClub Screening Film on Child Prisoners However, a restorative approach by sport enables BY DAVID MONGAZON the teaching of common values like respect and of Season: Blind Dates solidarity. Sport puts the children constantly inside a team, where everybody is equally responsible NICEF Georgia this week revealed and shares the same values. “A team is like one fi st,” A scene from Blind Dates the production of a movie called said Lexo Gugava, explaining that goals, successes ‘Negative Numbers’ about the reha- and mistakes are not the responsibility of an indi- bilitation of teenagers in prison vidual, but of the whole team. Even if they lose, through sport. The shooting is to they have to congratulate the other team. Accept- Ubegin in September at the old Tbilisi state prison ing the rules can be diffi cult for children that have and has been fi nanced by the Georgian National long been outside the law. “Sport, and especially Film Center and by French and UK producers. rugby, is a very powerful vector for them to under- “Negative Numbers” is based on the true story stand responsibility and respect, because it empha- of a juvenile detention center in Tbilisi where two sizes the importance of others,” explains Nodar ex-professional rugby players took up the challenge Andguladze. Besides, Rugby has a special place in to help these young offenders by bringing rugby Georgian society and many of the children contin- into the center. In the fi lm, a young prisoner is ued playing rugby after they left the establishment. instructed by his brother to start a riot inside the What the organizers of the program insist on is center, as it destroys the chances of the young peo- that these children were not wrong at all, that they ple playing their fi rst rugby match, which would were talented people who simply needed help to lead to more games outside the prison. This dilemma get back on the right track. Too long neglected by between loyalty to his brother and rugby, as an adults, this ignorance crushed them somehow while allegory for liberty, makes the young Nica change traveling their life path. Within this experience his mentality, because the riot would make it impos- they had the possibility to express and share their sible for the team to win the game, the precondi- problems, which was also lived as a deep human tion before playing outside. experience for the two professional players. The experience that inspired the movie was set It is this experience UNICEF wants to promote up in 2011 with the initiative of UNICEF together in the movie they are supporting. Indeed, many with the Ministry of Corrections and the Georgian children in Georgia would benefi t from such alter- Rugby Union. It involved two Georgian professional native solutions and the organization hopes the players, Nodar Andguladze and Lexo Gugava, help- fi lm will inspire the government and NGOs to set ing 60 young offenders aged between 14 and 18 up experiences in the same design. Beside this, years old to reintegrate into society by giving them UNICEF still strongly supports a revision to the rugby lessons and sharing experiences. “There can legislation to bring children’s rights in line with be different solutions for these children. Putting international standards, offering an improved envi- them in prison is one, but it is the worst,” explained ronment for children in the justice system, the Renate Winter, Chair of the UN Committee on the development of specialized justice professionals Rights of the Child, adding that school can be and the education of children in confl ict with the n the June 26 at 7pm, Amirani cinema Berlinale 2014 another solution. law. is to screen Blind Dates. It is directed European Premiere - section forum. by Levan Koguashvili who will attend Abu Dhabi International Film Festival the screening and remain afterwards Special Jury award to answer your questions. Sofi a International Film Festival O Best Film, Best director, FIPRESCI award. Released in 2013, the 90-minute fi lm Blind Dates Vilnius IFF tells the story of 40-year-old Sandro, who works Best director as a history teacher at school. Sandro is unmarried Lecce Festival of European Cinema and still lives with his parents. He takes a fancy to Golden Olive Tree for Best Film Manana, who works at a beauty salon and is the mother of one of Sandro’s pupils. Manana returns Screenplay: Boris Fruminin, Levan Koguashvili his admiration but just as their love affair is about DOP: Tato Kotetishvili to begin, Sandro fi nds out that Manana has a hus- Producer: Levan Koguashvili, Suliko Tsulikidze, band in prison. Olena Yrshova FESTIVALS & AWARDS: Cast: Andro Sakvarelidze, Archil Kikodze, Ia Toronto International Film Festival Sukhitasvhili, World Premiere Marika Antadze, Vakho Chachanidze, Kakhi Kavs- Tokyo International Film Festival adze, Palm SPRING International Film Festival Marina Kartsivadze Us premiere Production: Kino Iberika, Millimeter Film

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