Issue no: 1117 • JANUARY 18 - 21, 2019 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... Irakli Kobakhize: Russia Operates Military Bases in Occupied Regions NEWS PAGE 2 The Helter-Skelter of Politics

POLITICS PAGE 5 City Hall Infrastructure ON THE CHURCH Plans for 2019 Many are still waiting for an offi cial Georgian POLITICS PAGE 6 response to the recent granting of Tomos to the FOCUS Ukrainian Orthodox Church PAGE 2, 4 Cleaning up : Consultations on Draft Technical Regulations for Explosion in Tbilisi Kills 4, Injures 8 Waste Management Held

BY THEA MORRISON BUSINESS PAGE 7 Georgian our people have been killed, including a four-year-old girl, and eight others Flavors have been injured as a result of a gas explosion in a block of fl ats in the Didi from Dighomi district of Tbilisi. FThe explosion happened on the 6th fl oor due Helena to a gas leak. The injured have been hospitalized and the whole building has been evacuated. SOCIETY PAGE 8 Among the injured are six minors, two middle- aged women and a man. The Health Ministry says the lives of the injured children are not at risk. Georgian Photographer The Prime Minister of Georgia, Mamuka Bakhtadze, declared 17 January a day of mourn- David Tabagari’s ing and said that fl ags on state buildings would fl y at half-mast. Alternative Tbilisi Bakhtadze and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze arrived on scene soon after the tragedy hap- pened. Salome Zurabishvili went of Georgia following the deadly gas explosion “If your children are frightened and you are to Iashvili clinic to visit the injured children. She in Tbilisi. Deepest condolences to the loved unable to calm them down, we are ready to says their condition is stable and offered her ones of the victims, full and speedy recovery to entertain them, give them balloons and toys. We condolences to the families of the deceased. all the injured,” reads the message of the Lithu- will do our best to help them sleep calmly,” wrote The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, anian Diplomat. one man on Facebook. Linas Linkevicius, also offered his condolences Georgian citizens have been rallying support “We are open and ready to help all those who to the Georgian nation and the families of those for those affected, with food, water, accommo- need it after the explosion. You can stay here. affected by the gas explosion. dation, and gifts for the traumatized children We will provide free food and drink,” reads the “Our profound sympathies go out to the people being readily offered on social media. post of Café Apetito in Didi Dighomi. CULTURE PAGE 11 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS JANUARY 18 - 21, 2019 Anaklia Port to Receive over 233 mln Euro from EU he European Union has made European Transport Network’ will come uleti. Cost of project: €101 million; a decision to fi nancially sup- to 12.8 bln Euros. 5. Construction of new road port the Anaklia Deep Sea The European Commission stated that Bypass. Cost of project: €115 million; Port. In a document pub- the given investment package includes 6. Cargo terminal in Airport. lished by the European Com- the construction of a 4800 km highway, Cost of project: €61.5 million; missionT regarding the development of development of the railway infrastruc- 7. Construction of the Chumateleti- the ‘Trans-European Transport Network’, ture, advancement of six port projects Argveti section of the East-West High- it is stated that 233 mln Euros have been and the equipping of 11 logistics centers. way. Cost of project: €1 billion; allocated for fi nancing the 2nd phase of Within the framework of the ‘Trans- 8. - Red Bridge Highway. Cost the Anaklia Deep Sea Port. It is also noted European Transport Network,’ more than of project: €115 million; in the project that 1000 mln Euros have 10 projects are to be carried out in Geor- 9. Algeti - Sadakhlo Project. Cost of been assigned for the construction of the gia. A number of these are in pre-pro- project: €90 million; rail lines and highway leading to the duction phase and there are no fi nal 10. Sadakhlo Friendship Bridge. Cost Anaklia Deep Sea Port. agreements on their fi nancing as yet. of project: €6 million. Credit fi nancing will take place within 1. Road and rail to Anaklia Deep Sea The projects included in the invest- the new project of the European Union Port. Cost of project: €100 million; ment plan were identifi ed together with - ‘Trans-European Transport Network.’ 2. New Deep Sea Water Port in Anak- the Eastern Partnership countries and The initiative will sponsor major infra- lia (Phase 2). Cost of project: €233 mil- with the assistance of international fi nan- structure projects in the six countries lion; cial institutions. of the Eastern Partnership – Ukraine, 3. Grigoleti - bridge. Cost of pro- The priority investments include both European Commissioner Johannes Plan is a joint commitment to deliver Moldova, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia and ject: €25 million short-term projects to be completed by Hahn stated that: “The completion of tangible results for citizens across the Azerbaijan. The total cost of the ‘Trans- 4. Construction of road Grigoleti-Kob- 2020 and long-term projects by 2030. the Indicative TEN-T Investment Action region.” Irakli Kobakhize: Russia Operates Military Bases in Occupied Regions

tory and continues to push the occupa- The complex and delicate situation BY AMY JONES tion line forwards. makes international support and rela- There is international concern of human tions even more vital in Georgia. During rights abuses in the occupied zones in his visit, Kobakhidze participated in talks he Chairperson of the Par- Georgia. “Ethnic are deprived to discuss the improvement of the trade- liament of Georgia, Irakli of the possibility to receive an education economic, cultural and political ties Kobakhize, visited France in their native language; the population’s between France and Georgia. He high- with a delegation of law- right to movement is also restricted; lighted French-born Salome Zurabish- makers from 14 – 16 January. Georgian villages were intentionally vili’s election as the new president of TDuring his visit, he met with his French destroyed; people are being kidnaped, Georgia, hoping that the former diplomat counterparts, President of the French tortured and killed,” Kobakhidze said. will help to enhance ties between Geor- Senate Gérard Larcher and President of Despite this aggression, he said he gia and France. Georgia and France have the National Assembly Richard Ferrand, believes the Georgian government is a long-standing history of collaboration. among other offi cials. working towards a pragmatic and peace- In discussion with Gerard Larcher, Kob- The main issues discussed during his ful policy towards Russia based on akhidze mentioned Dimitri Amilakhvari, visit were the enhancement of the polit- democratic principles, in line with the a French military offi cer of Georgian ical, economic and cultural relations government’s desire to make Georgia a origin who played at important part in between Georgia and France, Georgia’s speech to the Foreign Affairs Committee Tskhinvali have in fact become the closed fully democratic state. Indeed, many the French resistance during the second integration into NATO and the EU and of the National Assembly heavily con- military bases of Russia, or service sta- Russian tourists still visit Georgia and world war. Moreover, former offi cials of the current situation in Abkhazia and demning the occupation of Abkhazia tions. The continuation of Russian aggres- the trade-economic and transport ties the First Democratic Republic of Geor- Tskhinvali (South Ossetia), the occupied and South Ossetia by Russia. sion concerns the Georgian government.” between the two countries have improved. gia lived in exile in France. Kobakhidze regions of Georgia. He told French lawmakers that “both Kobakhidze noted in his speech that Nonetheless, the political situation said he hopes that this collaborative On 16 January, Kobakhidze delivered a occupied regions of Georgia Abkhazia and Russia occupies 20% of Georgian terri- remains in a deadlock. legacy will continue to grow. Georgians Start Petition Asking for Recognition of Ukrainian Church

the Patriarchate. BY THEA MORRISON “The Orthodox Church of Georgia should make a decision on this issue. You know that the government does not group of Georgians, refer- interfere with Church activities,” he said. ring to themselves as mem- The opposition parties think the gov- bers of the Georgian ernment should not wait for the decision Church, have started a peti- of the Church and should congratulate tion calling on the Patriar- Ukraine. Achate of Georgia to recognize the inde- Parliamentary Minority European pendence of the Ukrainian Church from Georgia member Giga Bokeria says the Moscow and to congratulate the friend- silence of Georgia is damaging the coun- state on its important achievement. try’s image in the international arena. “We remember the hard way the Geor- “This is a most important geopoliti- gian Church traveled when it was strug- cal event, not just a victory for the gling to gain autocephaly…We also Ukrainian people. Politicians should remember the joy we experienced when express their position on this issue. our autocephaly was restored and we The leaders of European Georgia very were given the Tomos from Constan- clearly congratulated the Ukrainian tinople. We believe that our moral obli- people on this victory, but we did not gation is to support the Ukrainian hear any congratulations from the gov- Church,” the petition on change.org Image source: change.org ernmental offi cials or GD members,” reads. he claimed. The authors of the petition hope that Church on receiving the Tomos and I Georgian Dream (GD) majority, said the congratulations but our country's Ukraine’s Church gained independence the position of the parish will be taken believe that Ukraine deserves an auto- there is a risk that if Georgia recognizes interests are of utmost importance to from Russia when World Patriarch Bar- into consideration at the next sitting of cephalous Church. Ukraine has struggled the autocephaly of the Church of Ukraine, us,” he said. tholomew signed the Tomos on auto- the Holy Synod, which will discuss the for independence and autocephaly for Russia might recognize the independ- Georgian Foreign Minister David Zal- cephaly of the Ukrainian Church on issue of the Ukrainian Church. centuries. Their aspiration will strengthen ence of the breakaway Abkhazian and kaliani said Georgia is happy and wel- January 5. “The children of the Georgian Ortho- Christian Orthodox unity,” his post reads. South Ossetian Churches. comes any steps that promote Ukraine's The Ukrainian Church had been under dox Church hope that our Church will In addition, Archbishop Ilia Chighladze "We are very happy with the success independence, territorial integrity and Moscow’s jurisdiction since 1686, when, not undermine the history of their own posted on Facebook that those who do of Ukraine in all directions and we wel- sovereignty. under pressure from Russia, it abandoned autocephaly and will confi rm its unity not congratulate Ukraine, are “either come it. But we, Georgian politicians, He said the spread information that the allegiance to Constantinople, the his- with the autocephalous Orthodox Church into Russian imperialism or are fright- should not forget the sovereignty and government has not expressed its posi- torical seat of the Eastern Orthodox of Ukraine,” the petition reads. ened conformists.” independence of our own country,” he tion regarding the issue of the Ukrainian Church, now known as Istanbul. While the Georgian Patriarchate "The autocephaly of Ukraine is the added. “Every country acts according to Church and remains silent is not true. The Tomos declares that the Metro- remains silent about the issue, the beginning of the defeat of the Russian its interests, even Ukraine.” “Why would we not be happy with politan of Kiev and all Ukraine, repre- Shemokmedi Archbishop Ioseb took to ecclesiastical and ideological imperial- “Ukraine, when it was in its pragmatic this fact? Ukraine is our strategic part- senting the Holy Synod of Ukrainian Facebook to congratulate the Ukrainian ism. This is an elementary issue,” Arch- interest, appointed , ner and we cooperate in many formats,” bishops, should turn to the Patriarchate Church. bishop Ilia stated. who was declared wanted by our coun- he said, adding, however, that the posi- of Constantinople for all decisions in “I congratulate the Ukrainian Orthodox Zviad Dzidziguri, representative of the try, to a high political position. We join tion of Georgia should be voiced by the future. GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 18 - 21, 2019 NEWS 3 Georgian Qvevri Whisky Produced for the First Time

hol unlike other distillation techniques. BY AMY JONES “I think the forms of the Qvevri is also very important,” said Aleksander in an interview with the delegation of the Euro- he ancient Georgian tradi- pean Union to Georgia. “The distilled tion of Qvevri has been product is absolutely free of raw brandy used for centuries to age, oils and the taste is wonderful,” he affi rmed. make, and store Georgia’s The Aleksander Distillery is a craft famous wines. The egg- and family-run distillery that produces shapedT earthenware vessel is fi lled with around 100 to 200 bottles a year. This grapes, including the skins, stalks and year, Aleksander expects to produce pips, before being sealed and buried 250 bottles of Asuretuli Shavi wine as underground. After fi ve to six months, well as chacha and whisky. the mixture turns into delicious wine. He was able to develop his distillery The tradition of the Qvevri refl ects with help from the EU-supported Tetrit- Georgia’s rich culture. UNESCO named skaro ‘Local Action Group’ (LAG) estab- the Qvevri technique of winemaking lished within the EU-funded project an Intangible Cultural Heritage of ‘Rural Development for Sustainable Humanity. Growth of the Tetritskaro Municipality’ Although the Qvevri method is usu- under the second phase of the European ally associated with wine, one Georgian Neighborhood Program for Agriculture has set about using it to make another and Rural Development (ENPARD). type of alcohol: Aleksander Kvernadze The four-year project, with a budget has created Qvevri whisky for the fi rst of €2.4 mln, hopes to improve living time in Georgia. standards in the Tetritskaro municipal- Aleksander is based in Alekseevka ity by implementing innovative socio- village in the municipality of Tetrit- economic models and combining civil, skharo. His company ‘Alexander Dis- private and public sectors for local tillery,’ produces various wines, sharbat development. (a subcontinental drink made from fruits The LAG consists of members from or fl ower petals) and chacha. Now he various religious and ethnic minorities, 300 liters. He will also improve and far our resources have been limited,” nities of funding to develop a business has made whisky production his main eco-migrants, and internally displaced expand the wine cellar and implement said Aleksander. idea,” said Aleksander. profession. persons. 40% of LAG are women and new technologies. With the continued support of EU- Nonetheless, he hopes that people will Aleksander fi rst began making chacha 30% are youth. He expects sales to grow accordingly. funded projects in the region, life in follow his lead and begin to establish in Qvevri and then began exploring the With the help of the program, Alek- His products are already in demand in rural Georgia should become easier. their own businesses. Afterall, “every- distillation of grains like corn, barley sander Kvernadze will expand his busi- Europe, Asia and the US and his whisky However, not all residents agree to thing does not happen at once, but and rye in oak barrels. He believes that ness to increase whisky production to has passed US accreditation. “There is accepting funding. “Many people in gradual and constant development is the clay of the Qvevri purifi es the alco- three times the current rate to around a high demand for our products, but so Georgia do not believe in the opportu- important,” he concludes. GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS JANUARY 18 - 21, 2019 God Engaged: Orthodox Christianity in the “Big Game”

ular state without interference from reli- state into a better future. Particularly, we OP-ED BY ARCHIL SIKHARULIDZE gious institutions and persons in state may argue that Ukraine was always and affairs. still is in dramatic need of independence And so, here is perhaps the biggest ques- from its own oligarchs and other ques- n January 5, Ecumenical tion that puzzles experts and analysts: tionable fi gures rather than autocephaly Patriarch Bartholomew, the was Bartholomew’s initiative purely a from the Moscow Patriarchate. The rea- head of the global Orthodox religious one? It is pretty questionable soning that the inability of every single Church and the fi rst among that Ecumenical Patriarch would have pro-Western revolutionary movement equals, signed a decree dared and/or decided to push the topic and leader to handle the corruption and “Tomos”O in Istanbul granting the Ukrain- of an autocephalous Ukrainian Church other anti-state practices lies in the ian Church autonomy from the Russian in the midst of the fi ght between Kiev dependence of the Ukrainian Church Orthodox Church (alternatively, the Mos- and Moscow and, in general, the West from the Moscow Patriarchate is highly cow Patriarchate, abb. ROC) and recog- and the East, without any serious politi- dubious. The reception of autocephaly nizing its autocephaly (independence). cal back-up; especially if we take into will not lead to a dismantling of the cor- The event was attended by the head of consideration that Bartholomew, in the- rupt political system that exists in Ukraine, the Ukrainian government, President ory, holds sway over more than 300 mil- as that is just how Poroshenko wants it Petro Poroshenko and other high offi cials. lion Orthodox Christians around the to be. Earlier, Bartholomew called on leaders world, from which the majority are Rus- Image source: Mikhail Palinchak, Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Pool Photo via AP Secondly, frequently both international of other autocephalous churches, most sian and when the biggest Orthodox used by political elites, the Georgian decision and by default directly oppose and domestic observers overlook the importantly in Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Christian Church is the Moscow Patriar- Orthodox Church (abb. GOC) is intelli- the Moscow Patriarchate. issue of social divisions in Ukraine. and Georgia, to support his initiative. The chate. gently manipulating the Georgian elites; This situation is even more challenging Approximately half of the eastern popu- decision to remove the Ukrainian Church The second important question regards where in the Russian Federation and for the Georgian Orthodox Church. Despite lation are ethnic Russians, and these will from the subordination of the ROC which the strong bond between political elites Ukraine we are witnessing the existence fi erce support for the Orthodox Church most likely not transfer from the Moscow had existed as such for centuries was and local religious institutions that have of so-called “pocket churches” that lie as of Ukraine from local pro-Western forces Patriarchate to the Ukrainian Orthodox highly criticized by Patriarch Kirill of a place in almost all Orthodox Christian a huge burden both on governments and and parts of Georgian society, which per- Church, especially taking when taking Moscow, the head of the Moscow Patri- countries. We can easily outline at least societies, Georgian society is easily “pock- ceive these events as the restoration of into consideration the political context. archate, as a rude violation of religious three exceptional cases: Russian Federa- eted” by the Georgian Orthodox Church. historical justice, it is obvious the situation Furthermore, even among Ukrainians laws and an obvious political step leading tion, Ukraine and Georgia. As still the most trusted and infl uential is much more complicated. Georgia has there are plenty who are devoted to the to religious strife and a division in the The Moscow Patriarchate seems to be institution in the country, the GOC inter- two separatist regions (Abkhazia and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church subordinated global Orthodox community. a continuation of the Russian state (ad feres in almost every single aspect of so-called South Ossetia) which were rec- to the ROC. Thus, the establishment of And while supporters of Bartholomew’s notam, historically given condition) and everyday life in Georgia. This frequently ognized as independent states by the Rus- an autocephalous church may further historic move both in Ukraine and abroad, is being actively used by the Kremlin to harmful practice restrains the country sian Federation, Venezuela, Nicaragua, deepen the social divisions that have especially in Georgia, react according to pursue its domestic and foreign policies from transforming into the Western-type Nauru and Syria. Despite supporting Abk- developed due to various questionable how they perceive the victory over the through support and justifi cation from secular state it claims it wants to be. hazian “sovereignty,” the Russian Orthodox decisions made over time by the political corrupt Russian Orthodox Church con- the religious institution and its repre- Church does not offi cially recognize the elite, such as the controversial language trolled by Putin’s regime, it is obvious sentatives. At the same time, the State ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY Abkhazian Orthodox Church (abb. AOC) bill restricting and downgrading use of that there is much more than just the acknowledges the Moscow Patriarchate’s AT A CROSSROADS and it is, de jure, still subordinated to the the Russian language in Ukraine. right of Ukrainian people for religious support and backs its frequently ques- The establishment of the Ukrainian auto- Georgian Orthodox Church. Representa- In conclusion, the establishment of the independence at stake here. The Ortho- tionable domestic (the law on protecting cephalous Orthodox Church not only tives of the GOC are afraid that by recog- Ukrainian autocephalous Church can be dox Christian god has been offi cially religious feelings) and foreign (dominance offi cially involved Orthodox Christian nizing the establishment of the Ukrainian perceived as an offi cial engagement of the engaged by all sides in the so-called “big over global Orthodox Christian commu- god in global politics, but also led to his- autocephalous Church, they may directly Orthodox Christian god in global politics, game” now: political and ideological nity) initiatives. The same could be seen toric strife; and if decision of the Moscow push the Moscow Patriarchate to recog- where all involved actors try to use reli- rivalry where religion is used for concrete in Ukraine. Until it received “Tomos,” Patriarchate to cut ties with the Ecumen- nize the AOC. Some may argue that the gious institutions and affi liated individuals goals. The absolute majority of the so- there were three Orthodox Church ical Patriarchate of Constantinople was ROC has de facto already done so and for their own political and ideological called pro-Western and pro-Ukrainian branches: the Ukrainian Orthodox Church somehow a logical retaliation, other auto- representatives of the Russian Orthodox interests while local churches try to grab analysts and experts fi ercely defend Bar- or Kiev Patriarchate (independent), the cephalous churches suddenly appeared Church are working secretly on the ground, their own benefi ts. Other autocephalous tholomew’s step as fair and logical, bring- Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox to be at a crossroads, with only two options and yet there is a huge difference between churches, especially in Serbia and Georgia, ing forth arguments about historical jus- Church (independent) and the Ukrainian – follow Bartholomew or support the offi cial recognition and masked activities. now fi nd themselves at a crossroads that tice and more. At the same time, there Orthodox Church (abb. UOC, subordi- ROC. We may argue that no one would Finally, Georgia has been surrounded by may lead to some extremely interesting are those who are not so positive about nated to the Moscow Patriarchate). After want to be involved into this dispute; non-Christian nations for centuries with political developments in the future. If the it. This pessimism comes from a few accepting autocephaly, the fi rst two inde- furthermore, for some autocephalous the Moscow Patriarchate its only neigh- Georgian Orthodox Church backs Bartho- extremely puzzling moments that are pendent churches formed the Orthodox churches, such as those of Serbia and boring religious ally; thus, this historical lomew’s initiative, we may witness the mainly, frequently intentionally, over- Church of Ukraine (abb. OCU) that, by Georgia, this decision is highly sensitive memory is also present. appearance of another partially recognized looked and neglected. initial design and primary mission, was and is directly attached to important Church, the Abkhazian, which will result to counter and oppose the UOC that was political issues. USELESS INDEPENDENCE? in the further deterioration of Georgian- ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY and still is the leading Orthodox institu- It is no secret that Serbia holds strong Without doubt, the Ukrainian people Russian relations. At the same time, the AND POLITICS tion in the country. So far, the OCU, a political, cultural and religious ties with deserve the right to have religious insti- Ukrainian autocephalous Church may be Unlike other Christian denominations, priori, is being considered by all sides the Russian Federation. Furthermore, tutions that refl ect their attitudes and not the answer that the majority of Ukrain- Orthodox Christianity was and still is and, most importantly, by Poroshenko’s Serbian offi cials openly re-iterate the aspirations. Nevertheless, it is question- ians hoped for, as it is uncertain how it extremely involved in domestic and for- government, as a political tool against the importance of these ties and are still able whether the reception of autoceph- will help the country to fi nally escape its eign politics. Political actors actively Kremlin; and we may argue that the extremely thankful to the Kremlin for the aly was and is something that Ukraine corrupt circle or build the modern pros- attract religious institutions into various Ukrainian state will do its best to put the support given during the breakup of really needed. Will it solve the country’s perous and secular state that they seek. state, political and ideological activities newly formed local autocephalous church Yugoslavia. Additionally, Moscow was in challenges and lead to the unifi cation of to gain electoral support, legitimacy and at the service of political elites. It is also the vanguard of those states that did not society? Unlikely. Archil Sikharulidze is a co-founder and an to justify their activities, while local highly questionable whether the OCU support the separation of Kosovo from As said above, the Poroshenko’s govern- executive director of the Center for Systemic churches are keen to use this “depend- can really counter the UOC without Serbia, and Russia is still the main and ment sees autocephaly as a pre-election Political Research (CSPR) a Tbilisi-based ency” to infl uence political decision- political, ideological, administrative and most important ally of Belgrade in its campaign project that should, in theory, research institute (Republic of Georgia) and making and, sometimes, even pursue a fi nancial support from the government attempts to bring the partially recognized raise support among the local electorate an editor of Georgian Journal of Systemic harsh policy of proselytism. This mutual and affi liated individuals. state under its jurisdiction. It seems the and help its leader to keep his presiden- Politics. Sikharulidze extensively writes about interdependence and interconnection Where the Moscow Patriarchate and Serbian Orthodox Church will defi nitely tial post. This is despite the unpleasant political processes in Russia and in the post- make it impossible to build a stable sec- the Orthodox Church of Ukraine are being think twice before backing Bartholomew’s fact that Poroshenko failed to lead the Soviet space in general.

Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 18 - 21, 2019 POLITICS 5 The Helter-Skelter of Politics up in the form of corpses, ready to be dumped at the unforgiving political scrap- heap. Being naturally resourceful and creative, the citizenry of Georgia is also lucky enough to be able to enjoy a lot of freedom of thought and a broad turf for action, and most of that citizenry is sure that their talent and labor could change society faster than any available political power. But this is not happening because politics here is so overwhelming that it constitutes the only power that carries the potential of change – this is the impression, at least. There is a feeling that people are getting tired of the constantly smoking political helter-skelter in the country, but the more exhausted the electorate becomes, the more resilient the political herds and fl ocks seem to emerge, tirelessly seeking politi- cal compromises although the genuine art and science of government still slips from their hands. And the available political literature, the source of our theoretical political knowledge and qualifi cation, is ridiculously contradictory too: some of those wise pages say that politics is the art of the possible and some others try to prove that politics is about the art of the impossible. Juggling with words and letters is not my cup of tea, but the comparison inad- vertently pops to my mind: could the reason of all this political jambalaya be Image source: The Helter-Skelter Political Mind by Hone Williams the fact that the possible and the impos- sible are confused so badly that a regular ‘animal’ in its fi gurative sense. It is also heard somebody say that politics is a fragmentizing into factions and groups, human brain balks at differentiating OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE important to note that all the fi ghters in mind-killer, and I can’t agree more when or totally evaporating from the ground. between them? The answer might be a the fi eld are being succulently paid. Any- it comes to the Georgian way of politick- The process is so much alive and active fresh challenge for all of us here who body who is into the magic business of ing. Political life in Georgia is like the that it never stops brewing, dragging in think that we still have to go the distance hy do people need politics inevitably has an axe to grind, eternal biblical fi re which supposedly and individual politicians and throwing them that is laid ahead. politics? Here is a suc- this being a must! hopefully should in the end burn to ashes cinct and simplistic, Politics invaded human life as soon as those who play wicked games, if, of course, but most to-the-point, Man came to understand the need for a the evil and kind doers become discern- response to the ques- purposeful arrangement for survival, and ible enough by the day of reckoning. tion:W we need politics to live better, and in the attempt to create this, people often Politics here resembles a perennially if it does not serve that purpose, then we disagreed on many different issues and pulsating pop show, with thousands of must not waste time, money and energy so they resorted to politics to avoid con- characters acting out their various roles, on entertaining the process. And yet we fl ict and make life easier. In a word, the directed by the most prominent, using do it anyway! So many – men and women, political process grew into a harsh strug- all kinds of props, scenery, music, text young and old, good and bad, smart and gle for power – not necessarily the truth and choreography. The arena knows hun- blunt, inept and skilled – are profession- – which could not be circumvented even dreds of political parties and associations, ally involved in politics on a daily basis. in the duration of a thousand years. some of them at times gathering enough I suppose there is nothing terribly unex- This land was and is no exception from thrust and membership to dash forward pected in this. We’ve all heard that Man the generally adopted rule and tools of into the vanguard of our society, revolu- is by nature “a political animal,” but when said performance: Georgia has always tionizing the air and making necessary the wise man uttered those brilliantly been the arena of hot political disputes or unnecessary alterations to the lives of outstanding words, he was using the word and the accompanying deliberations. I the ever-expectant public, eventually Image Source: bbc.com 20 People on Hunger Strike in Azerbaijan Azerbaijan is increasing. Dunka Mijatovic, BY AMY JONES Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, told the Azeri Deputy Minister that “the authorities should wenty people in Azerbaijan drop the charges brought against Mr are on hunger strike to pro- Huseynov on 26 December because they test political prosecutions lack credibility… I hope the authorities in the country. Nine in pris- of Azerbaijan will abide by their human ons announced that they rights obligations.” Tare striking along with other journalists, US Representative Chris Smith also politicians and activists participating affi rmed that “President Aliyev must outside of prisons. now act to bring an end to this latest The hunger strikes began on 26 Decem- shameful episode of the regime’s cruel ber when Mehman Huseynov, a blogger campaign against free speech.” who criticized the Azerbaijani govern- In addition, the European Parliament ment, announced he would no longer is drafting a resolution on Huseynov eat to protest new charges made against scheduled to be voted upon on 17 Janu- him shortly before his release from prison. ary. Huseynov was originally imprisoned for Despite the international pressure, the highlighting government corruption. Azerbaijani government and authorities The nine prisoners joining Huseynov have denied and played down the sever- on hunger strike released a letter from ity of the hunger strike. The Azerbaijani prison denouncing what they consider prison service released a statement to to be injustice and repression in Azer- the Azerbaijani news site Qafwazinfo baijan. denying that a hunger strike is taking “We protest the darkness of our coun- place within prisons. “No detainee in a try! We protest repression and we will detention cell or in prisons is on hunger not keep silent! We will own our coun- strike. The information about prisoners’ try and will resist the fact that its bright- hunger striking does not refl ect reality est people are being treated like gangsters and is aimed at creating confusion in in prisons!” reads the letter. society and keeping certain people on One of the prisoners is Giyas Ibrahi- Image source: Facebook / Khadija Ismayilova the agenda,” the statement read. mov, who was arrested in May 2016 for believe he was tortured into giving a detainees arrested for exercising their oners in Azerbaijan. “Giyas Ibrahimov Those on hunger strike hope to con- graffi tiing anti-government slogans on confession. freedom of speech and expression, and and Bayram Mammadov were arrested tinue to attract the world’s attention and a monument in Baku. Five months after Investigative journalist Khadija Ismay- for the adoption of a policy of holding for writing on a statue, poet Tofi g Hasanli bring about change. The world is begin- his initial arrest, he was sentenced to 10 ilova told OC Media that she was strik- no political prisoners. was arrested for his poem criticizing the ning to notice, but it remains to be seen years in prison for drug offences. Amnesty ing for the government to drop the new Ismayilova believes that at least 10 Aliyevs, and there are more,” she says. whether the Azerbaijani government International and other organizations charges against Huseynov, release the journalists are currently political pris- The international pressure against will release the prisoners. GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS JANUARY 18 - 21, 2019 Tbilisi City Hall Infrastructure Plans for 2019 means more projects for the city. And The Mayor noted City Hall will present have been fi nished in December but the for the renovation of Gotsiridze, Isani, BY THEA MORRISON again, we are hoping for the support of a new project for the rehabilitation of responsible company failed to meet the Liberty Square, Rustaveli, Marjanishvili the citizens – support which we felt on metro Varketili, where the ceiling collapse deadline. and Tsereteli metro stations this year. a daily basis in the past year,” he noted. injured 18 people on December 30. He “Tbilisi Transportation Company is Kaladze added that City Hall will also bilisi City Hall held its fi rst Kaladze said developing the transport added a new project is necessary as the taking on the job of fi nishing this work, continue renovating damaged bridges sitting of the year, where system and infrastructure remains a pri- existing one does not fi t the safety norms. having conducted legally and judicially in the capital. the main infrastructure ority for Tbilisi City Hall in 2019. “Our priority should not be speed but appropriate sanctions against the respon- “In 2015, research was done on every plans for 2019 were dis- “We are planning to completely replace quality and citizen safety. I would like sible company,” he explained. bridge. We already have a full picture of cussed. the existing bus fl eet with new busses to apologize to the commuters and assure The Mayor said the rehabilitation works which rehabilitation of which bridges is TMayor Kakha Kaladze noted that this in 2019 and to introduce new European, them that soon we will have a project of Avlabari metro station will be com- a priority and are doing work according year the budget of the capital is “historic” ecologically clean buses. Also, the reno- and will launch rehabilitation works,” pleted by February 20 and a tender has to those fi ndings,” he stated. and to exceed GEL 1 billion. vation and rehabilitation of metro sta- he stated. been announced for the design of all The Mayor said a tender will also be “Compared to last year, the budget is tions, wagons and the retraining of staff Kaladze also recognized that renova- three exits of the metro at Station Square. announced for the full rehabilitation of around 130-140 million Lari more, which remains a further priority.” tion of metro station Samgori should In addition, a tender will be announced the Kakheti highway. Looking ahead at the 2019 Georgian Political Stage was the other way around, with the main OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA oppositional party forecasted to fall apart. The former faces of the party nearly left the once-powerful National Movement he Christmas and New and its team without a fraction in Parlia- Year celebrations have ment. Although the development of passed, both Old and New, events shaped a completely different Catholic and Orthodox, outcome in the end; whether the trend and Georgian politics has will touch the governmental party or not movedT back from the Supra tables to is hard to predict. the offi ce. There was an expectation The current situation of Georgian that the New Year would bring some Dream looks like sweet drowsiness that novelty; that the old trends would is destined to meet a rude awakening. become a matter of the past and the And if they do not want to be awakened year of the “Pink Pig” would signal the from their sweet euphoria by the talented start of new processes. But alas, the and determined people from the oppo- expectations have not been met and the sition, they need to make correct and government and opposition have resur- careful decisions, taking the advice of rected the trends of 2018, giving them those who tell them that they should new life and once again proving that start a dialogue will all political parties. politics recognizes no calendar. They should build constitutional guar- The scandal that arose in 2018 around Image by Archeobacteria antees for a truly multi-party, pluralist the appointment of permanent judges an almost secretive meeting of the lead- anced” politics in its foreign affairs sition will not be given grounds to accuse democracy, to be installed before the continues. The theme of the autocephaly ers of the two countries, a fact that would agenda. With the help of the satellite the government of “breaching its pro- elections of 2020, which is a time when of Ukraine also remains popular, and the fi nd its way into international media. We parties, it will be more confi dent in Western course.” And this is Georgian the strong and respected “players” who accumulative pension reform and free- can assume the circumstances are seri- spreading the idea that Georgia is victim Dream’s main goal. The only important still have the power to “balance out” dom of speech have been added to the ous to warrant such a visit, but the details to a bigger deal and that the West has process which might be brought to a Misha will have a guarantee of building list. In short, there’s nothing new apart have yet to be revealed, as has the offi cial handed us back to Russia. The ruling fi nale this year is the disintegration of a strong fraction in the new parliament, from the unexpected visit from the newly position of the Georgian Church on the party will once again start declaring its Georgian Dream as a party. The confl ict making the government coalitional. On appointed Prime Minister of Armenia, autocephaly of Ukraine. Western orientation, but only in words, between the new and old members of the other hand, Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Nikol Pashinyan. No-one could have As in 2018, this year too, the Georgian as it will continue its declared waiting the party might become grounds for this. promise to stay in government until 2030 imagined that would ever host Dream will continue the so-called “bal- game for something to change: the oppo- At the beginning of last year, everything might end as early as 2019. Election Social Georgian, Armenian PMs Media Monitoring Hold Informal Meeting Results Reveal BY THEA MORRISON

eorgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze had an informal meeting with Suspect Behaviour his Armenian counterpart Nikol Pashinyan in the campaigning on social media during GKvemo Kartli region town of Bolnisi, BY AMY JONES working hours. mainly populated by Armenians and On 14 January, Salome Zurabishvili other ethnic minorities. tweeted about the impact of social net- Bakhtadze personally congratulated he International Society for works: “While the media operates within Pashinyan on his appointment to the Fair Elections and Democ- its own legal framework to protect citi- position of Prime Minister of the Repub- racy (ISFED) have released zens, #socialnetworks have created a lic of Armenia. the results of their social lower sense of responsibility in our The Prime Ministers had a meeting media monitoring of the democracy. We need to start thinking with the local Armenian population in T2018 presidential elections. It is the fi rst about what anonymity means and what Georgia and discussed neighboring rela- time social media was monitored during to do about other countries intervening tions between the two countries and elections. in our social media.” expressed hope to continue the fruitful With social media playing such a large ISFED monitored social media from cooperation in the future. role in opinion building, the project is the offi cial start of the campaign on 29 an important measure of democracy. August 2018. The project was supported The monitoring results revealed found fi nancially by the Embassy of the Neth- various tactics used to discredit candi- erlands in Georgia. dates. New Chair of Prosecutorial Council Elected Anonymous Facebook pages were cre- her opponent, defense law- BY AMY JONES ated to post sponsored content discred- yer Irma Chkadua. iting candidates and political actors. In She has worked for the addition, discrediting Facebook pages Prosecutor’s Offi ce for more were created to criticize both Salome n 16 January, than 12 years and will now Zurabishvili and the opposition candi- Prosecutor serve the Prosecutorial date . Nana Khunjua Council for two years. Ahead of the second round of elections, was elected The Prosecutorial Council fake media pages were created against the new chair was established in 2015. Until the opposition candidate. Moreover, ofO the Prosecutorial Council. last month it was subordi- pages were created with the intention 12 out of 15 members voted nated to the Justice Ministry. of confusing voters. for Khunjua, according to It is now an independent ISFED also found that local civil serv- fi gures from the Prosecutor’s body that is directly account- ants often violated the Election Code by Photo source: Accommnews Offi ce, a clear win against able to Parliament. GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 18 - 21, 2019 BUSINESS 7

Cleaning up Georgia: Consultations on Draft Technical Regulations for Waste Management Held

given legal documents and concrete recommenda- BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA tions were given by the stakeholders. The Waste Management Code of Georgia intro- duces the concept of Extended Producer Respon- long with the development of the sibility (EPR) for specifi c waste streams which will world and growth of its population, be enacted from December 2019. According to the the amount of waste is increasing. new Code, manufacturers and legal entities who Waste disposal sites, covering huge place products onto the market are responsible for areas worldwide, represent a serious ensuring the reduction of negative environmental threatA to the environment, augmenting the level impacts that may follow the production and use of of pollution and the risk of the spread of new dis- the products and their waste recovery or disposal. eases. Georgian businesses who produce or import a Waste management is considered a vital solution product, which after its use becomes specifi c waste, to maintaining nature and urban surroundings in will be obliged to manage these specifi c waste a clean and safe manner, conserving beauty and streams. keeping the good health of the world’s population. These streams are as follows: packaging waste There are numerous campaigns and projects (plastic, paper/cardboard, wood, metal, glass), waste being carried out globally to raise awareness about electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), end- the signifi cance of waste management, and Georgia of-the life tires (ELTs), end-of-the life vehicles is included on the list of those countries interested (ELVs), used oils, used batteries and accumulators. in the given fi eld. Extended Producer Responsibility is a new con- A two-day consultation meeting was held on cept for Georgia and its introduction requires the January 16-17 in Tbilisi’s Holiday Inn, attended by relevant legal framework and adequate public and more than 150 representatives of private companies private sector awareness. EPR is a policy approach engaged in the management of specifi c wastes, to waste management successfully implemented relevant state agencies, and donor and civil society throughout Europe. organizations. The event aimed to present and George Konstantinopoulos, Project Legal Expert/ discuss draft technical regulations for managing EPR at the meeting noted his expectations of hold- specifi c waste streams, subject to EPR (Extended ing fertile consultations with positive outcomes Producer Responsibility). with the representatives of the Georgian business The meetings were organized at the initiative of sector. the Ministry of Environmental Protection and “There are more than 25 years’ experience in the Agriculture of Georgia (MEPA) with the support European Union regarding the introduction and of the European Union, specifi cally two EU-funded implementation of EPR for all waste streams. Our projects: ‘Technical Assistance for the Improve- main task here is to assist the Georgian government ment of Waste Management Systems in Georgia’ and stakeholders and to have a fertile dialogue (EuropeAid/138609/DH/SER/GE / EU TA project) regarding how and under which conditions we may and ‘EU Technical Assistance for Awareness and be able to actually implement EPR in Georgia,” he Communication to Improve Waste Management said. Practices in Georgia and the Visibility of EU Sup- The EU offi cial also accentuated the capability port to the Sector.’ and professionalism of the Georgian government In their welcoming speeches, representatives of for the further development of the given project. the MEPA and EU TA project highlighted the Finally, as his top recommendation, he focused on importance of EPR in effective management of the signifi cance of establishing platforms of this specifi c waste streams. Afterwards, EU TA project kind and the need for negotiations between the experts presented the background situation exist- government and the business sector. ing in the area of the management of specifi c wastes, The Georgian guests at the event also emphasized EPR general provisions and draft technical regula- the effectiveness of this type of event to further tions for specifi c wastes. A discussion was held on the sustainable development of the country. GEORGIA TODAY 8 SOCIETY JANUARY 18 - 21, 2019 Disability-Sensitive Public Service Delivery Becomes a New Standard in Georgia

he eight-month work under- Thea Tsulukiani, presented the results taken by the Georgian Pub- of the project “Enhanced Services for lic Service Hall to provide All,” implemented with assistance from inclusive services to people the United Nations Development Pro- with disabilities was sum- gram (UNDP) and the Government of Tmarised at a public event on 16 January. Sweden, and introduced a manual ‘Serv- The Minister of Justice of Georgia, ing People with Disabilities in the Pub-

lic Service Hall’, which establishes a new practical guidelines included in the man- vices for people with hearing impair- public service standard in Georgia. ual have been integrated into the Public ments, 400 new signs covering all key The event was attended by H.E. Ulrik Service Quality Standard, a guiding doc- areas of public services have been cre- Tideström, Ambassador of Sweden to ument which regulates public service ated and introduced to the Georgian sign Georgia and Armenia, and Munkhtuya delivery in Georgia and is mandatory for language and twenty operators of the Altangerel, UNDP Acting Head in Geor- all members of the Public Service Hall Tbilisi Public Service Hall have been gia, as well as by representatives of the staff. The new quality standard has been trained in sign language. Over 200 cus- Georgian Government, diplomatic mis- introduced to all Public Service Hall tomers with hearing impairments have sions, non-governmental organizations branches across Georgia. received public services in sign language and people with disabilities engaged in From June to December 2018, the Pub- since November 2018. the implementation of the project. lic Service Hall retrained all 750 of its Following this success, the Georgian The manual on disability-sensitive pub- front desk operators and has included a Public Service Hall is considering the lic service delivery has been developed training module on disability-sensitive next steps needed for making public by the Georgian Public Service Hall based service delivery to the new staff induc- service delivery more effi cient, ensuring on the best international practices and tion programme. an inclusive environment and equal an assessment of needs in Georgia. The Furthermore, to improve public ser- opportunities for all. Georgian Flavors from Helena was 15, I changed my mind and started We asked her to tell us about the moti- years to hone my skills, and then I decided EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY writing small articles on current events. vation behind her publishing a cookery it was time to share. All my dishes are KATIE RUTH DAVIES My dad knew an editor at the Tbilisi book, something not everyone was sup- easy to make anywhere in the world: in Newspaper and asked him to have a look portive of (they didn’t want her to reveal the UK or Taiwan, Dubai or New York.” at my work. When I walked into the her secrets to the world!). And she’s included some tricks in the t was her Aunty Medea that inspired publishing house (currently the hotel “My target audience is people who book to help cooking enthusiasts, wher- well-known journalist Helena and restaurant Stamba), and smelled that travel, those seeking adventures and new ever they may be. Bedwell to step into the magical freshly printed paper, I knew I was in fl avors; people who have worked or lived We asked her about her favorite and world of cooking. Her writing the right place.” in Georgia for a while, or who simply least favorite dishes to make. career may have put it on hold, This is how her fi rst articles appeared, visited and never forgot how wonder- “Mchadi and cheese wins hands down Ibut her heart was forever charged with followed by TV reportage, and how her fully that walnut sauce tasted or how every time for me,” she tells us. “If I have the desire to create dishes, and at last cooking skills were put on the back unforgettable khachapuri was. I person- Georgian cheese at home, or any cheese she has chosen to share some of that burner. “It’s hard,” she notes, “to pop ally never met anyone who was not for that matter, together with this won- magic with other Georgian food lovers into the kitchen when you’re a young impressed by at least one specifi c dish derful cornfl our creation mchadi, I’m by publishing a cookery book: ‘Georgian political and economic reporter, espe- or who even became obsessed with it. happy. The combo is irreplaceable for Flavours from Helena.’ cially during tough, war-torn 1990s Geor- My audience also includes those want- me as it goes with every sauce, dip or “I always wanted to become a writer, gia.” ing to impress their guests with some- spread, all over the world.” so I became a journalist, which is close In 1997, she left Georgia with her newly- thing unusual or who might buy my book Her least favorite is the New Year whole beside it. But at the same time, I am enough! My parents always thought I created family and began to travel the as a gift to give others.” fried piglet. “I’m not even sure it’s very totally for the simplicity of many tradi- would become an actress, but when I world. And it was while discovering the She notes that in the book, she aimed Georgian, but the vision of it makes me tional Georgian restaurants, such as various countries of Asia, the EU and to make the dishes as easy as possible feel uncomfortable. Thankfully, it’s only Mstkheta Salobie.” [a restaurant special- the Middle East that her desire to cook to create. “If something sounds diffi cult, put on the table once a year!” izing in bean dishes in Mtskheta] was reignited. “I became fascinated with it’s diffi cult to make, so why put people In the past decade, more and more We rounded off our interview by ask- new fl avors,” she tells us. “And I started under stress?” she asks. “The kitchen is restaurants have sprung up, particularly ing Helena what her biggest take-away to remember the skills Aunty Medea had and always was the best place for us to in the capital city, offering fusion cui- was in creating her cookery book. taught me even as I kept working and meet, have fun, and talk to our children, sine- Georgian plus something different, “The best memory from creating this raising my son.” friends, and family members. Let’s keep in part to experiment and take pleasure book was meeting my photographer She notes that Georgia, the ancient it that way.” in the freedom the infl ux of new or re- Emma Matevsyan, my beautiful and The kitchen is and land of wine and bread, was practically Helena tells us that choosing just what discovered “foreign” ingredients brings; equally talented magician in the kitchen. unknown to people outside the country, dishes to put in her book was “a strug- in part to entice both visitors and locals And I was very fortunate to meet Lali always was the and in answering people’s questions gle.” “Let's get it straight: many of the to take a chance and try something new. Papashvili and Levan Qoqiashvili, the about her homeland, and with the eager- most popular Georgian dishes we eat We asked Helena what she thought of couple behind an amazing company best place for us ness of her UK family to try her Georgian today are not Georgian at all, and were the trend. called Gastronaut, who made this book dishes, Helena found further inspiration. adopted from other cuisines and cul- “I adore it. It’s the perfect opportunity happen through their vision and advice. to meet, have fun, “I really wanted them to know my tures,” she says. “Let’s take mushrooms for many Georgians to abandon the soviet Emma and I will defi nitely continue to country, my history and even my aunt's on ketsi with cheese- not Georgian at style eating habits and go back to our work together for many future projects. and talk to our main inspiration: Barbare Jorjadze, a 19th all, but this is perfectly normal for Geor- European roots. When I was a soviet kid, We also have some new ideas in the century noble woman who started cook- gia, which lays at the crossroads of sev- I had no idea what cinnamon or ginger pipeline. I have learnt so much from this children, friends, ing and creating the ‘ideal household,’ eral cultures.” was, or the ingredients I had only seen project!” despite having servants, and who became She names the desire to offer something in foreign magazines or old Georgian and family a writer herself. I also felt that Georgia, truly Georgian in her choice of which books. In soviet times, there were only Helena Bedwell’s book ‘Georgian Flavours a sort of forgotten gem in this world, dishes to present. “I had to hunt down three kinds of cheese available, while from Helena’ can be purchased in the book- members. Let’s needed some attention, as our fl avors the ingredients, measurements, perfect our ancestors used to make 60 varieties! stores of Bakur Sulakauri Publishing House, are little known and nothing can com- kitchenware and wooden utensils most Fusion allows you to taste the dish as it Santa Esperanza and Prospero's Books, as keep it that way pare to them.” used in Georgia. It took me some 20 is, without the avalanche of other fl avors well as bookstores countrywide. GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 18 - 21, 2019 SOCIETY 9 Mountains Go Up and Down: Etseri, Svaneti

being asked to play tamada (toastmaster) the fall of that time. He also describes BLOG BY TONY HANMER at the feast there. Fortunately, I’ve had the local and regional government as the some training in this important ritual most corrupt, mafi a-ridden one in the role and was able to pull it off. Some whole country. Not a lot of optimism ear readers, who can help fi reworks were part of the fun, and I was there. But at least he thinks and talks me escape the terrible able to get a few good tripod-mounted honestly, which I really do appreciate. paradox I’ve got myself shots of these too, from the house. We are glad to see such a mild winter into? You see, I resolved The next day, the 14th, was not only temperature-wise, but the snowfall is not to make any New Year’s Old New Year’s day but also when a dear defi nitely working on being as full as last Dresolutions this year… old neighbor lady died, of a lung throm- year’s record-breaker. At least the water 2019 has had that kind of strange start. bosis, suddenly, in her late 70s. So, sor- pipes show no signs of freezing! I have There was January 1, which had been row mixed in with the festivities; a funeral a new way this year of keeping the water preceded by Christmas, and then came to follow on the 19th. The good part of fl owing, which is defi nitely helping. But Christmas again, followed by a second dying here in winter is that your open I look forward to renovating the whole New Year on the 14th. My birthday (52) coffi n need not be cooled during the days water system before next winter, with was the 13th, but my wife had been in of the wake. This is offset by: having to something considerably more foolproof, Tbilisi, and when we received the news dig a grave in the frozen ground; and needing less fuss and bother to cope that school holidays would be extended having to make benches, tables, a tar- with the freeze. We’re trying to run a for a week while the fl u makes its rounds, paulin marquee and vast amounts of cold guest house here, potentially year-round, I urged her to stay there in our fl at to and hot food for an outdoor funeral feast after all! get some rest and have some needed for several hundred guests, I’ll write it Dear readers, I wish you more ups than work done on her teeth. again, OUTDOORS. downs as this year starts, and all the help Guests of mine, seven young self-cater- My meqvle (fi rst visitor on New Year’s you need in coping with whatever life’s ing friends here to serve in the village Day) came in the morning, with his little caprices throw at you. (on which more will be written in future): girl of nearly 1½ years, who is now walk- should I even tell them it was my birth- ing and talking up quite a storm. We had Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since day, or simply let Facebook do the tell- a small feast together and renewed our 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a ing? In the end, it did, but also some deep friendship; he is the most devoted weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He neighbor girls let the cat out of the bag. dad to his three children of any I’ve seen runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook Coming to the shop, they congratulated for miles around, but despairs for the group, now with nearly 2000 members, at me publicly on my birthday but also world they seem to have to inherit. His www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- invited me to their little brother’s big life has straddled the relatively happy sance/ day, my “twin minus 47 years”! So, we and prosperous years of Georgia’s com- He and his wife also run their own guest house did have a small celebration here, as well munist period as well as the utter chaos in Etseri: as me going to the 5-year-old’s one and and collapse of society which followed www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti Georgian Actor Merab Ninidze to Join a Cast of World Stars

during the Cold War, particularly during BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA the Cuban Missile Crisis. The fi lm is in post-production and the part of Merab Ninidze plays in it has yet forthcoming drama by to be revealed. Dominic Cooke called Ninidze is a famous Georgian actor ‘Ironbark’ will feature Geor- who has gone beyond the limits of his gian actor Merab Ninidze motherland and strongly established along with other world- himself in the arena of world cinema- Arenowned cinema stars, including Acad- tography. His most memorable characters emy Award-nominated Benedict Cum- were seen in the following works: ‘Repent- Image source: IMDb berbatch, Golden Globe winner Rachel ance’, ‘Roots’, ‘My Happy Family’, ‘Hos- ‘Nowhere in Africa’, where Ninidze Brosnahan and BAFTA nominee Jessie tages’, ‘Nowhere in Africa’ and ‘Paper played the role of Walter Redlich, won Buckley. Soldier’. He is also known for his roles an Academy Award for Best Foreign The plot of the fi lm is based on the in the British-American TV series ‘McMa- Language Film in 2002. story of British spy Greville Wynne, fi a’ and the drama ‘Jupiter’s Moon’ by Set for release this year, ‘Ironbark’ is played by Cumberbatch, and his work Kornél Mundruczó. Ninidze's latest work. GEORGIA TODAY 10 CULTURE JANUARY 18 - 21, 2019

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER January 24 Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester IOSEB GRISHASHVILI Every Tuesday, from 15:00-20:00 THE STORY OF A MURDERER Stallone, Tessa Thompson TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM Until February 20 Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Genre: Drama, Sport - KARVASLA TBILISI ZAKARIA Multidisciplinary exhibition project Music: Sandro Nikoladze, Davit Language: English 8 Sioni St. PALIASHVILI OPERA AND IN-BETWEEN CONDITIONS TEL (+995 32) 298 22 81 BALLET THEATER Kakulia Start time: 19:30 ‘In-between conditions’ displays 25 Rustaveli Ave. Start time: 20:00 Language: Russian 18 work contributions expressing November 29 – January 20 TEL (+995 32) 2 99 04 56 Ticket: 10-15 GEL Start time: 22:15 cultural impulses affected by Ticket: 16-19 GEL Georgian National Museum in political or social forces. CINEMA the framework of the Project January 18, 19, 20 “Contemporary Art Gallery” presents TSUNA AND TSRUTSUNA AQUAMAN WINDOW PROJECT THE SOLO EXHIBITION OF LIA Ballet in Two Acts AMIRANI CINEMA Directed by James Wan GALLERY BAGRATIONI A MAD TEA-PARTY Music by Meri Davitashvili 36 Kostava Str. Cast: Amber Heard, Jason Momoa, 7 Tatishvili Str. Music version by Zurab Nadareishvili TEL (+995 32) 299 99 55 Nicole Kidman TEL (+995) 577 55 35 53 The Performance includes musical www.kinoafi sha.ge Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy MUSEUM OF SOVIET OCCUPATION pieces by Wolfgang Amadeus Language: English VAKHTANG KOKIASHVILI’S Mozart, Johannes Brahms, Giuseppe Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL Start time: 19:15 4 Rustaveli Ave. TEL (+995 32) 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 SOLO EXHIBITION Verdi, Gioachino Rossini and January 18-24 Language: Russian SECOND ORDER Jacques Offenbach Idea belongs to Start time: 22:30 www.museum.ge Nina Ananiashvili GLASS Ticket: 16-19 GEL MUSIC Staging Choreographers: Nina Directed by M. Night Shyamalan Until March 1 Ananiashvili, Gia Marghania Cast: Sarah Paulson, Bruce Willis, BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY Exhibition SOUNDS OF GEORGIA Start time: January 18, 19- 19:00, Samuel L. Jackson (Info Above) RED TERROR AND GEORGIAN January 20- 14:00 Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi Language: English ARTISTS January 18, 23 Ticket: 10-50 GEL Language: English Start time: 17:10 The exhibition showcases artworks Start time: 19:30 Ticket: 14:19 GEL by Dimitri Shevardnadze, Petre SING AND DRINK GABRIADZE THEATER Language: Russian Otskheli, Henryk Hryniewski, Richard Mini concerts in the cozy 14 Shavteli Str. Start time: 11:50, 22:00 MARY POPPINS RETURNS Sommer, Kiril Zdanevich, Vasily atmosphere of Old Tbilisi, which is Ticket: 11-14 GEL Directed by Rob Marshall Shukhaev, Elene Akhvlediani, Lado a mix of traditional Georgian music, Gudiashvili, David Kakabadze, Ucha January 18 Cast: Emily Blunt, Emily Mortimer, featuring different genres: folklore, Japharidze, Aleksandre Bajbeuk- REZO BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY Meryl Streep a capella, guitar, as well as new Melikov, Korneli Sanadze and more. Animated documentary fi lm Directed by Bryan Singer Genre: Animation, Adventure, Georgian pop and city songs. The exposition also showcases Directed by Leo Gabriadze Cast: Rami Malek, Joseph Mazzello, Family Start time: 17:00 documentary footage depicting the Script: Revaz Gabriadze Mike Myers Language: English Tickets: 23 GEL repressions of the 1920-30s. Genre: Animation, Biography Genre: Biography, Drama, Music Start time: 16:15 Venue: January 18 Language: : Russian Ticket: 13-16 GEL GALLERY New Tifl is, 9 Agmashenebeli Ave., English Subtitles Start time: 19:45 Wine bar ‘Wine Station’ Start time: 20:00 MUSEUM Venue: January 23: Ticket: 15 GEL THE NATIONAL GALLERY Ticket: 15 GEL 16 G. Kikodze Str., Café ‘Ezo’ 11 Rustaveli Ave. MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS GEORGIAN NATIONAL TEL (+995 32) 215 73 00 January 19, 20 Directed by Josie Rourk MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA DJ. KAKHIDZE CENTER FOR RAMONA Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie, MUSEUM MUSIC & CULTURE Revaz Gabriadze Until January 20 Jack Lowden 3 Rustaveli Ave. 123a Agmashenebli Ave. Directed by Revaz Gabriadze Anniversary exhibition Genre: Biography, Drama, History TEL (+995 32) 299 80 22, 293 48 21 English Subtitles of Georgian artist Language: Russian www.museum.ge Start time: 20:00 USHANGI KHUMARASHVILI January 20 Start time: 22:15 Ticket: 20, 30 GEL His artistic traditions are classic CONCERT OF CHOIR MUSIC Ticket: 15 GEL Exhibitions: avant-garde. The severe Soviet With participation of choruses of MOVEMENT THEATER GEORGIAN COSTUME AND legacy and socialism were embraced different generations: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave. CAVEA GALLERY WEAPONRY OF THE 18TH-20TH in his creativity in a space of non- Georgian State Choir, TEL (+995 32) 598 19 29 36 2/4 Rustaveli Ave. CENTURIES conformism. The main and initial State Choir of Aphkhazia, TEL (+995 32) 200 70 07 stage of his art begins from 1970- Chorus of Tbilisi State University, January 19 NUMISMATIC TREASURY 80, when he defi ned himself as an Tbilisi Women Choir, Girl’s Choir of INTRO Every Wednesday ticket: 8 GEL STONE AGE GEORGIA expressive abstractionist. Gori Musical College, The Sandro Nikoladze's Musical Alegry January 18-24 ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE Youngster’s Choir Directed by Kakha Bakuradze NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL January 23 – February 24 ‘Tutarchela” and Pupil’s Choir of Composer: Sandro Nikoladze GLASS COLLECTIONS FELIX VARLAMISHVILI (VARLA) E. Mikeladze Tbilisi Music High Start time: 20:00 (Info Above) SOLO EXHIBITION School Ticket: 10-15 GEL Language: English December 6 – February 28 (2019) On display for the fi rst time, more The program unites choir pieces of Start time: 16:30, 22:30 In the framework of the than 60 artworks of the author kept Georgian and foreign composers. Language: Russian celebrations of the European Year January 20 in the Georgian National Museum Start time: 19:30 Start time: 13:30, 19:30 of Cultural Heritage in Georgia PARADISO and private collections. Tickets: 10-25 GEL Directed by Irakli Khoshtaria Ticket: 11-19 GEL the Georgian National Museum Choreographer: Lasha Robaqidze presents the exhibition KHIDI CAFE MZIURI Start time: 20:00 CREED II WISDOM TRANSFORMED INTO V.Bagrationi Bridge, Right Mziuri Park Ticket: 10 GEL Directed by Steven Caple Jr GOLD Embankment January 20 SAKVIARO FOR CHILDREN Great fun with invited guests Start time: 12:00-14:00

TBILISI STATE CONSERVATOIRE 8 Griboedov Str.

January 19 PIANO MUSIC PERFORMANCE International Charity Fund Iavnana New Generation Stars: Sandro Nebieridze, Sandro Gegechkori, George Gigashvili Start time: 19:30 Ticket: 10-25 GEL

January 23 FOLK ENSEMBLE SAKHIOBA Georgian traditional and World Music, 12 Georgian traditional music and 10 compositions from different countries. Start time: 19:30 Ticket: 10-20 GEL

MOVEMENT THEATER 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave. TEL (+995 32) 598 19 29 36

January 22 JAM SESSION Every Tuesday Musical art director- Sandro Nikoladze Entry: Free GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 18 - 21, 2019 CULTURE 11 Georgian Photographer David Tabagari’s Alternative Tbilisi

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY LIKA CHIGLADZE

ew talents are emerging in various fi elds of art in Georgia, and photography is no exception. Photog- raphy has always been Npopular in Georgia, since the very intro- duction of the fi eld, and the latest tech- nological advancements and diverse opportunities are now enabling these photographers to create amazing works that go viral on social media and tell stories about people, events, and more. In this regard, the most distinguished and aspiring self-made Georgian pho- tographer is 22-year-old David Tabagari, who has already earned fame through his impressive works on social media. The young photographer is known for telling real stories through portraits of ordinary people of different professions, such as fi reman, sailors, police, miners, etc. Yet, he has also become famous for his images of night-time Tbilisi. The photographer lately held a public meet- ing, where he gave insight into his work and shared his experience with the audi- ence. GEORGIA TODAY has had the pleasure of watching his career develop over the last few years, and in this inter- view, we explore how David started on his journey as a photographer. people as a rule. During the daytime, interesting and adventurous it is for me. NAME SOME KEY MOMENTS and plants, demonstrating that nothing HOW DID YOU START YOUR the city is familiar, yet the night city is I think the key to my success lies in IN YOUR CAREER TO DATE. can withstand the power of nature. CAREER IN PHOTOGRAPHY? totally different with its illuminations thorough work and great commitment My portfolio includes several projects Right now, I’m trying to focus on dis- When I was 5-6 years old and playing and buildings. I try to work almost every to my job. for National Geographic, namely a covering and depicting alternative with other kids, I saw everything as a night, heading out at around 11-12 o’clock reportage about the forest fi re, Tbilisi at night by photographing build- scene to be captured. At the age of 12, I and getting home at 5-6 in the morning. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING how fi remen worked to extinguish it, ings and people. started taking photos with my mobile, To be honest, it is really exhausting to ON RIGHT NOW? the results, its present state and what and gradually my interest towards pho- work at night in such circumstances, Currently, I work for Tbilisi City Hall, is planned for the future. Additionally, WHAT INTERESTS YOU MOST tography evolved. Then I bought a small especially in winter when its freezing. which saw my photos on social media, I won the National Geographic project ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY? digital Sybershot camera and started out The conditions for taking photos are liked them and made me an offer to work named ‘Nature around us’ – my photo Although I’m working towards a Bach- on my fi rst steps into proper photogra- bad and there is a high chance camera’s for them. I have been employed for two was published in the magazine. My elor’s in Law at the Technical University, phy. This camera served me two years objective to be spoiled due to the cold; months now and I’m honored to work image depicted an abandoned factory photography will remain my primary and in this period I took my fi rst photos yet the riskier the process is, the more with the team. in the city of Kutaisi occupied by moss occupation. I’m particularly interested in my hometown Chiatura. This is well- in working in hot spots, and I like urban known town notable for its soviet archi- and street photography, since you can tecture, cable cars and mines. Later, my capture and transfer real emotions into parents gave me a camera with which I an image. It is very emotional to work embarked on a photographic career more with ordinary people: I try to photo- seriously and actively. Through practice graph real faces and retain the authen- and travelling a lot, I developed quick ticity of their emotions. For me, pho- pace photography, walking the streets tography is not solely a fi eld of art, but and capturing everything I met on my part of my life and the best way to refl ect way. I can say with pride that I’m a self- reality and communicate with people. made photographer and I have not What I like most about photography is attended any training or classes in this how my camera has allowed me access direction. I think learning through one’s to places, people and situations I would practice and mistakes is the best way to never otherwise be around. I remember perfect your skills and shape yourself as the photo I took on December 28, 2015, a professional in a particular fi eld. that received a massive outcry among the public. I captured an old lady freez- YOU REGULARLY GO OUT ing in the street and selling herbs, she INTO TBILISI AND CAPTURE was covered in snow and you could ALTERNATIVE TBILISI AT barely see her face. As I said, I always NIGHT. YOU MANAGED TO try to catch and picture real human DEPICT WINTER TBILISI FROM emotions, and this poor saleswoman is AN ABSOLUTELY DIFFERENT a clear example of it. When I woke up PERSPECTIVE AND ELEVATE THE in the morning, I had a feeling I’d take NEW YEAR’S MOOD AMONG an important picture that day. The photo THE CITIZENS. TELL US MORE went viral on social media and was ABOUT YOUR NIGHT JOURNEY. published by many media publications. I started capturing night Tbilisi around The image received positive feedback a year ago. The work process at night among the public, and some people is really interesting and unusual since even started searching for that woman I try to depict what is not visible to to help her.

PUBLISHER & GM Journalists: Website Manager/Editor: ADDRESS Reproducing material, photos George Sharashidze Tony Hanmer, Zaza Jgarkava, Katie Ruth Davies 1 Melikishvili Str. and advertisements without Maka Bibilashvili, Tbilisi, 0179, Georgia prior editorial permission is COMMERCIAL Dimitri Dolaberidze, Layout: strictly forbidden. DEPARTMENT Vazha Tavberidze, Misha Mchedlishvili Tel.: +995 32 229 59 19 The author is responsible for Commercial Director: Nugzar B. Ruhadze, E: [email protected] all material. Rights of authors Webmaster: Iva Merabishvili Samantha Guthrie, F: GeorgiaToday are preserved. The newspaper Sergey Gevenov Marketing Manager: Amy Jones, Thea Morrison, is registered in Mtatsminda Anuka Poladishvili Ana Dumbadze, Circulation Managers: ADVERTISING & district court. Ketevan Kvaratskheliya David Kerdikashvili, SUBSCRIPTION EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT: David Djandjgava +995 597 97 21 12 GEORGIA TODAY Editor-In-Chief: Photographer: E-mail: Reg. # 06/4-309 Katie Ruth Davies Irakli Dolidze [email protected] BBATUMIATUMI VVIEWIEW

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