May 22 - 28, 2015

WEEKLY PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY www.georgiatoday.ge Price: GEL 2.50 Georgia Today 24 p., Enterprise Georgia 4 p. ISSUE No.767 GettingGetting CloserCloser:: ‘Technical Procedures’ are Now All that Stands Between Georgian

IN THIS WEEK’S ISSUE and Visa Liberalisation Making Sense of the Census Results

In a new bi-monthly feature, experts at Galt & Taggart provide analysis of the latest macroeconomic developments in Georgia. P.6

"A political decision has been made on the visa free regime BUSINESS HEADLINES between Georgia and the European Union and only technical procedures have yet to be finalised," says Young Professionals and Georgia's PM Irakli Garibashvili. Students Discuss Future P.2 of Caucasus at EBRD With the Support Closing Ceremony P.11 Finance Minister Khaduri of “Siemens” Optimistic After EBRD Georgian FLIGHT SCHEDULE Business Forum Electrical In an exclusive interview with Georgia Engineering Today, Nodar Khaduri, Minister of Company “Insta” P.4 Finance, reviews the EBRD Annual Expands its Meeting and Business Forum in Tbilisi. P.10 P.14 Production 2 MAY 22 - 28 POLITICS Getting Closer: ‘Technical Beruchashvili Pushes for EU Procedures’ are Now All that Support ahead of Riga EAP Summit Stands Between Georgian But Will it Come to Anything? and Visa Liberalisation By Zviad Adzinbaia

Tamar Beruchashvili, Georgia’s For- eign Minister, has called on European Union leaders to express their support for Georgia’s European future at the forthcoming Riga summit. The Foreign Ministry says that over 14 media sources in the EU countries printed Berucha- shvili’s article prior to the summit. In the article published in New- EasternEurope (NEE), entitled a Criti- cal Summit, Beruchashvili notes that Georgia has taken big steps toward Eu- ropean and international standards in general, as well as in terms of visa libera- lisation. “When the leaders of 34 countries meet on May 21-22 for the Riga East- ropean and international security.” Giorgi Margvelashvili at a joint press ern Partnership Summit, we will be con- Beruchashvili explains that remov- conference after meeting with his Aus- fronting geopolitical realities which are ing visa requirements for Georgian trian counterpart on May 18 expressed dramatically different from those which citizens to travel within the EU will his hope that Georgia will see very prin- mean more tourism, cultural, student cipled steps at the Riga summit, which A political decision has been made started in 2010, at the same time framed our last gathering. Already in exchanges, and civil society partner- will be taken for strengthening peace on the visa free regime between Geor- Moldova started.” he said. “It is inter- Vilnius in November 2013, the Russian ships. This will help Georgia to de- and stability in Europe. gia and the European Union (EU), and esting, why our previous government Federation posed a serious challenge to velop and anchor the next generation only technical procedures have yet to be did not start this process. Our Govern- the basic principles of international law firmly within the European family of Author’s Analysis finalised, Georgia’s Prime Minister ment started this process. Everyone and praxis, including the sovereign right nations. Most importantly, it will pro- Some confusion among government Irakli Garibashvili said at the Eastern agrees that the political decision has al- of nations to decide their own future. vide a clear demonstration to the leaders and dis-coordination are plain to Partnership (EaP) Summit in Riga to- ready been made and only technical pro- However, since then, Moscow has gone people of Georgia, including in the see, as the members of the same cabinet day. cedures need to be finished. We hope much further in its aggressive attempts occupied territories of Abkhazia and have varying approaches to Georgia’s Highlighting Georgia’s achieve- that we will finalise these procedures by to tear down the very fundamentals of Tskhinvali region (formerly South foreign affairs. At the same time, Geor- ments, especially in the direction of visa the end of this year and that our citizens the European security architecture,” the Ossetia), and to those of the other gia has been facing problems in the re- liberalization, PM Garibashvili spoke at will be able to travel visa free to Eu- Minister writes. Eastern Partnership countries, that the gions of the Caucasus and Black Sea, as the Party of European Socialists (PES) rope,” Georgian PM said. The Georgian politician views the EU upholds a merit-based approach its Northern neighbor Russia does its forum attended by European Union high PES President Sergei Stanishev also general picture of Georgia’s achieve- and delivers on its promises. best to obstruct the country from the officials, including EU High Represen- has high expectations of a positive out- ments and its current international and Unexpectedly, Georgian Justice Min- progressive path chosen. tative for Foreign Affairs and Security come for Georgia at the EaP Summit: “I democratic standing: “Over the last two ister Tea Tsulukiani stated that Georgia Former Georgian senior diplomats Policy, Federica Mogherini, and the think there will be good news from the and a half years alone, we have - with has never had expectations about receiv- and experts have accused the govern- Prime Ministers of Denmark and Swe- Summit for Georgia, because there is a the support of our EU partners - made ing visa liberalization at the Riga sum- ment of being inactive in the process, den. strong political will to recommit Euro- great strides in bringing Georgia into mit, and the government has never been which needs proactivity and rational “Everyone agrees that in the past two peans engagement towards Georgia and line with the highest European and in- given that impression. “After signing the policymaking, instead of ‘flirting with years Georgia has made significant the other countries which signed Asso- ternational standards. Today, we are Association Agreement, we made it Russia’. progress, including in the direction of ciation Agreement (AA). I also think that proud to be recognized as a regional clear, not to expect visa-free travel with What should Georgia expect from the visa liberalisation. We have made a very there is strong political understanding leader in terms of democracy and hu- the EU immediately after the Riga sum- Riga Summit? Informally, it is already important leap in just six months. Un- that the visa issue is very important for man rights, a stable and secure invest- mit,” she claimed. widely known that there will be no tan- fortunately, the process should have Georgia,” he said. ment destination in a key strategic loca- tion and a pro-active contributor to Eu- Meanwhile, Georgian President gible progress to report. Turkey Backs NATO Expansion and Georgia By Zviad Adzinbaia phase of a process of a new Cold War. or membership, something which Rus- As for raising the issue of Georgia sia has always strongly opposed. In this “We support NATO expansion,” said on the international level, the process is regard, major European players, such as Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt highly reliant on the Georgian France and Germany were reluctant to Çavuþoðlu in a statement on the future government’s willingness and pro-active commit to Georgia’s membership. of the Alliance. politics, from which the Georgian According to Defense and Security “Currently, there are four candidate Dream government has long refrained. Committee Chairman Irakli Sesiashvili, countries: Montenegro, Bosnia and Moreover, some high ranking Georgian the NATO Parliamentary Assembly has Herzegovina, Macedonia and Georgia. diplomats have claimed that after the called on NATO member states’ govern- We want the 2016 NATO summit to of- Georgian government was peacefully ments and parliaments to grant Georgia fer the aim of expansion,” the Turkish changed in 2012 it was conceivable for a Membership Action Plan – the next diplomat said. “Yesterday I exchanged Georgia to receive a Membership Ac- step for NATO integration. The decision information with US State Secretary tion Plan (MAP), if rational steps were was made at the NATO Parliamentary John Kerry about Russia and made. Assembly’s 60th session, which was Afghanistan’s operations. We discussed At this very moment, Georgia, which held in Budapest on May 15-18. plans too,” he continued. has lifted itself from political marshland “The NATO Parliamentary Assem- “The next NATO summit is more to a top reformer country in the region – bly declaration includes an important than a year away. Several days ago, the has now weakened its international point, in which the Parliamentary As- President of Georgia held a meeting with standing as the new governmental policy sembly calls on NATO governments and NATO’s Secretary General in regarding Russia, appears to have parliaments to continue to support Brussels. Naturally, we need to start brought confusion among its Western implementation of the NATO-Georgia’s thinking about the upcoming Warsaw allies. substantial package and to grant Geor- summit in terms of what Georgia can At the same time, some NATO offi- gia the Membership Action Plan in ac- do to receive international support there cials say there are political decisions to cordance with the 2008 Bucharest sum- and how to consolidate this support,” be made about granting Georgia a MAP mit decision,” Sesiashvili said. added Tengiz Pkhaladze, Advisor to the Georgian President. “However, I would like to refrain from making predictions, since neither the summit agenda nor the topic of enlargement have been elabo- rated yet,” he added. European and American parties have put the issue of NATO enlargement on the agenda as Russia has been openly involved in war against Ukraine, forc- HAVE YOUR HAIR CUT AT OUR SALON edly annexing sovereign territories of a AND GET HAIR DIAGNOSTIC AS A GIFT! European country. There is some specu- lation in the region that this is the first

4 MAY 22 - 28 ECONOMY

The ISET Policy Institute (ISET-PI, www.iset-pi.ge) is an independent think-tank associated with the International School of Economics at TSU (ISET). Our blog carries economic analysis of current events and policies in Georgia and the South Caucasus region ranging from agriculture, to economic growth, energy, labor markets and the nexus of economics, culture and religion. Thought-provoking and fun to read, our blog posts are written by international faculty teaching at ISET and recent graduates representing the new generation of Georgian, Azerbaijani and Armenian economists. Europe Wants Georgia. But Not Georgians By Nino Doghonadze and Eric Livny bringing Georgia, Ukraine and, perhaps, AND WHO GAINS? other Eastern Neighborhood countries To paraphrase Sweden’s former For- In March 2015, 31-year-old Tamar into the European family of nations, it eign Minister Carl Bildt, while the EU Trapaidze died of severe toxicity in should reconsider its stance on the ques- is making Georgia offers it cannot prop- Italy. Like many Georgian women of tion of visa liberalization. Yet, appar- erly understand, Putin’s offers are in- her generation, Tamar was an illegal ently this is not going to happen. creasingly difficult to refuse. immigrant employed as an in-home As discussed in a recent article by care worker by an Italian family. Be- WHO IS LOSING GEORGIA? Sergi Kapanadze, Russia’s “soft power” ing “illegal”, she must have feared de- On May 8th, European Commission has been on the rise since late 2012. portation, which is probably why she issued the third report on the implemen- Abashidze-Karasin discussions led to was unable to receive adequate medi- tation of the Visa Liberalization Action progress on many fronts. Russia simpli- cal treatment. Plan (VLAP). To cut the long story fied the process of issuing visas for Despite all the risks it entails, illegal short, despite the Georgian Georgian citizens, and the Russian la- immigration is a key survival strategy government’s rush to tick off the boxes bor market opened for another wave of for many Georgian families. Since 2002, on labor and migration legislation, Georgian labor migration. The ban on presumably the best period in Georgia’s Georgia was not able to complete all Georgia’s imports was lifted by mid- recent history, the country has lost the VLAP requirements. Georgian citi- 2014, resulting in the resumption of 14.7% of its population, mostly due to zens will definitely have to wait at least wine and mineral water exports to the emigration. Remittances by Georgians another year to be able to travel to Eu- Russian market, and a very substantial abroad currently constitute 9% of the The promise of visa-free short-term ing fundamental changes to countries’ rope visa-free. increase in the price of grapes (a great country’s GDP (as compared with only travel to Europe (which implies im- legal, judicial, and regulatory frame- As reported by Civil.ge, Angela boon for Georgian farmers). Tourism 2% in 2002), with the share of EU coun- proved access to lucrative EU jobs, le- works, without input or accountability Merkel’s speech, delivered on 21, May from Russia has been growing very fast tries constantly on the rise (30% in 2014, gal or illegal) is even more of a temp- through democratic institutions.” ahead of the EU Eastern Partnership in 2013 and 2014 thanks to regular flight mostly from Greece and Italy). tation further to the east, in Georgia and For a fully-deregulated economy, Summit in Riga, represents a clear at- connections established between Tbilisi These facts are widely appreciated. other predominantly agrarian Eastern such as Georgia’s, going through the tempt to manage expectations. “Visa- and an increasing number of Russian What is less well understood, however, Partnership countries. legalistic nightmare implied by the pro- free travel rules for citizens of Georgia cities. Russian investment, partnerships is that legal access to the European la- Unable to deliver any visible eco- cess of harmonization with EU’s legal and Ukraine … will only be possible in the energy sector, and planned infra- bor market represents the only channel nomic improvement, Georgian politi- and institutional systems represents a once all requirements are met”, she structure projects are all indicators of for a tangible and immediate improve- cians are not shy about the importance step back, not forward, in terms of cre- said. Most importantly, she emphasized Russia’s growing presence and attrac- ment in the lot of ordinary Georgian visa liberalization for the country’s fu- ating a business-friendly environment that Eastern Partnership “is not an in- tion as an economic partner, according people (as opposed to those privileged ture (and, by implication, their own po- (and, ultimately, jobs). strument of the EU’s enlargement to Kapanadze. few employed by Western-financed litical survival). In a rare moment of It is not clear whether Georgia has policy”, adding that the EU should not NGOs). unity, Georgian President Giorgi anything to export to the EU (under the trigger false expectations of its East- * * * …legal access to the European la- Margvelashvili, PM Irakli Garibashvili DCFTA) that it is not already export- ern partners in this regard. EU’s failure to accommodate bor market represents the only channel and Parliament Chairman Davit ing (under the GSP+ regime). At the As Davit Usupashvili put it, “the Ukraine and Georgia’s demands for for a tangible and immediate improve- Usupashvili have recently called on the same time, the burden of new regula- smaller the country, the smaller is its visa free travel and, eventually, access ment in the lot of ordinary Georgian EU to make an “unambiguous endorse- tions (often rushed through the Geor- right to be disappointed”. Yet, right or to the EU labor market must be under- people. ment of visa-free regime” with Georgia gian parliament in a hasty and thought- wrong, disappointment is a function of stood in the broader context of Europe’s Just how crucial free labor mobility at the Riga Summit. “For Georgians,” less manner) concerning e.g. TV adver- expectation. Great expectations, as was migration crisis. As discussed by Ken- is for EU’s eastward expansion could they write, “visa liberalisation will pro- tising, migration and labor legislation, the case in Georgia, will inevitably neth Rogoff in “Inequality, Immigra- be easily understood from the angry re- vide a long-awaited tangible reward and anti-trust, energy and environment (to bring about great disappointment with tion, and Hypocrisy”: actions by politicians in Slovakia, Po- encourage renewed reform efforts.” name just a few) is already hurting the the EU and Georgia’s general direction. “Allowing freer flows of people land and Hungary to the suggestion by To fully appreciate the importance Georgian economy. According to CRRC Georgian Ba- across borders would equalize oppor- David Cameron that the UK may take of visa liberalization for Georgia one Crucially, the observed lack of gov- rometer data, Georgian people’s trust tunities even faster than trade, but re- a tough stance on migration when re- has to understand that any other ben- ernment capacity to tailor EU-style towards the EU has been declining sistance is fierce. Anti-immigration po- negotiating Britain’s EU membership efits potentially associated with the EU regulations to the Georgian context – a since 2008 (from 54% “fully trusting litical parties have made large inroads terms. FT’s headline this week tells it – agricultural subsidies, infrastructure relatively simple task – should serve as the EU” to only 33% in 2013). In par- in countries like France and the United all: “UK warned by east Europe not to investment and access to the EU mar- a wake up for anybody thinking that allel, a recent NDI poll (released on Kingdom, and are a major force in meddle with migrant rights”. ket – will not materialize any time soon, their practical implementation will ben- May 11) suggests that “although the many other countries as well…. Access to the EU labor market is or not at all. efit Georgian businesses and society. If majority of respondents remain in fa- With most rich countries’ capacity much more critical for countries in the The Deep and Comprehensive Free anything, these regulations are very vor of Euro-Atlantic integration, sup- and tolerance for immigration already less industrialized Black Sea region, Trade Agreement (DCFTA), which likely to create red tape, increase pro- port for joining the Russia-led Eurasian limited, it is hard to see how a new equi- such as Bulgaria and Romania. For ex- Georgia and the EU signed last June, is ducers’ costs (and consumer prices), Union seems to be increasing. 31% of librium for global population distribu- ample, according to one estimate, “3 a good case in point. As argued by Joe increase corruption risks and under- respondents said they “approve” if tion will be reached peacefully. Resent- million Bulgarians had left the country Stiglitz, DCFTA and other similar “part- mine Georgia’s international competi- Georgia joins the Eurasian Union.” ment against the advanced economies, in the past 23 years and stayed away – nership agreements” are tailored to EU tiveness. Importantly, the three most recent NDI which account for a vastly dispropor- a momentous demographic change for (or US) corporate interests. They “go This brings us back to the point we surveys indicate an upward trend: from tionate share of global pollution and a country with a population now well beyond trade, governing investment have made earlier. 11% in November 2013 to 20% in Au- commodity consumption, could boil slightly above 7 million”. and intellectual property as well, impos- If the EU wants to get serious about gust 2014, to 31% in May 2015. over.”

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6 MAY 22 - 28 ECONOMY MakingMaking SenseSense ofof thethe CensusCensus RResultsesults By Eva Bochorishvili age wage earned in agriculture was only nomic policy, and access to the means to 1/3 of that in manufacturing, which em- improve skills. The movement of work- Galt & Taggart Research is ploys only 6% of the workforce and ac- ers into more productive activities will partnering with Georgia Today on a counts for 17.1% of GDP. Moreover, the support growth that generates additional biweekly column which will provide poverty rate in rural, agricultural areas is employment. In this regard, the free trade analysis of the latest macroeconomic 11.7 percentage points higher than in ur- agreement with the European Union, in developments in the country and its ban centers. place since September 2014, is a definite various business sectors, along with With that lesson in Georgian labour booster for job creation in the coming reports on the latest financial results markets in mind, the preliminary results years, notably in export-oriented sectors. of Georgian Eurobond issuers. This of Georgia’s recent population census, The related improvement in business ac- week’s topic: the latest census results. carried out in November 2014, can come tivity has the real potential to bring an The process of economic and politi- as no surprise. The census shows that end to the endemically high unemploy- cal transition in Georgia is traditionally higher poverty rates and a continued lack ment that has plagued Georgia for de- associated with success in governance of paid jobs in villages have been the cades. and business reforms, but weak progress major factors affecting Georgia’s demo- Given the new opportunities offered in reducing poverty. As a result of the graphic profile. According to the census, by the EU free trade deal, Georgia’s successful reforms, Georgia has gener- Georgia’s total population shrank by strong history of successful structural re- ated strong growth rates of Gross Domes- 14.7%, or 642,000 persons, to 3.7 mil- forms, and commitment to market-based tic Product (GDP) for the past decade, lion persons, from 4.4 million in 2002, million from Georgia. As a consequence, 5,500-7,000, the benefits of economic growth, fiscal discipline, prudent mon- averaging 6.3% annually from 2003 to when the last census was conducted. the World Bank expects US$ 440 billion growth will be shared and felt more etary policy, tax-friendly regime and a 2014. Meanwhile, per-capita GDP, the Rural areas drove the decline: rural popu- in remittance flows to developing coun- widely. To achieve this level of per capita pro-business environment free of corrup- most useful measure of living standards, lation lost 23.8%, or 495,400 persons, tries in 2015. In Georgia workers’ remit- income, Georgia’s output will need to tion, improved living standards are defi- jumped 4x to US$3,681 in 2014 from compared to a much smaller drop of tances account for 8-10% of GDP annu- increase by about US$ 5-10 billion in the nitely achievable for Georgia. US$920 in 2003. These achievements are 6.3%, or 145,200 persons, in urban ar- ally and have enormous implications for coming years, and faced with low na- ——— even more remarkable given the multiple eas. As a result, the urban population now poverty alleviation. The continued inter- tional savings rates, foreign direct invest- Galt & Taggart has established itself crises Georgia has faced on its path of holds a 57.4% share of the population national migration of Georgia’s ments can be seen as a major vehicle for as the leading investment banking and economic success – domestic and global (52.3% in 2002), compared to 42.6% for workforce is evidenced by the fact that achieving better living standards. investment management services com- crises, the 2008 conflict with Russia, and rural areas (47.7% in 2002). It is note- remittances continued to grow not only Higher per-capita GDP can substan- pany in Georgia. The company is at the most recently, regional instability. worthy that despite the 14.7% decline in from traditional donor countries, but also tially improve Georgia’s standing on the forefront of capital markets development It is important to note that Georgia Georgia’s total population since 2002, the increasingly from countries that ac- global corporate map as well. In just one in the country. Our expertise is leveraged achieved the economic success without age structure of the population is in line counted for no inflows as of 2002, like example, a country’s level of per-capita through Galt & Taggart’s 5 core activi- generating actual growth in employment with the demographic trends in peer Israel, Belarus, Iraq, and others. GDP contributes around 25% to its over- ties: investment banking, asset manage- – over 2003-2013 the unemployment rate countries. While the census results are disap- all sovereign credit rating score; by reach- ment, wealth management, brokerage, remained in double digits, averaging Faced with economic hardship in ru- pointing from a certain perspective, it is ing the US$ 5,501 level, Georgia would and research. around 15%, and job creation was weak, ral areas and constrained by insufficient important to remember that the key mea- qualify for a considerable improvement We are committed to the pursuit of even in the double digit growth years. skills with poor job prospects, interna- sure of economic well-being is GDP per in its Standard & Poor’s credit rating. our clients’ best interests and approach Capital and productivity in the manufac- tional migration has helped workers es- capita. Adjusting for the new population This, in turn, would make Georgia a more every transaction with the aim of secur- turing and service sectors were the ma- cape the poverty trap and also helped ease estimate of 3.7 million, Georgia’s GDP attractive place for foreign investors, ing them the best possible outcome. Our jor sources of growth. Job creation was domestic labour market pressures. While per person jumps to US$ 4,400, up from while Georgian companies would get regional focus allows us to provide in- restrained by a skills mismatch: Georgia’s some workers undoubtedly moved inter- US$ 3,681 based on the 4.5 million offi- easier access to cheap financing in for- depth services and insightful solutions to labour market is dominated by low skill nally from rural to urban centers, global- cially reported population for 2014. On eign markets, which would help fill fund- our domestic and international clients. and low wage workers, with more than ization and the draw of overseas employ- this measure, Georgia moves up 8 spots ing gaps, a major constraint that local Our team consists of over 20 talented pro- 50% of the workforce engaged in agri- ment prospects clearly played a key role on the IMF’s global ranking to 106th out businesses face. fessionals with extensive experience in cultural activities (mainly self-em- in Georgia’s changing demographic land- of 189 countries. If Georgia can gener- Although a shrinking population the industry, while our senior profession- ployed), while agriculture accounts for scape. Globally, there are over 250 mil- ate healthy growth rates in the coming translates to less labour and output, both als are exclusively dedicated to each cli- just 9% of GDP. At the same time, aver- lion international migrants, including 1 years and reach per-capita income of US$ Georgia’s experience and global success ent. stories offer real hope. The experience of Galt & Taggart is a wholly owned POLITICS peer countries shows that even a limited subsidiary of Bank of Georgia which has labour force need not restrain strong eco- a unique insight into the regional market nomic outcomes. Estonia’s significantly and a solid international investor base. smaller workforce – 700,000 to Georgia’s With its institutional backing, Galt & AAustrianustrian PrPresidentesident 2.4 million (according to the World Bank; Taggart is well positioned to assist inves- 2 million according to GeoStat) – gener- tors in exploring investment opportuni- ates economic output 1.6x and per-capita ties and to offer local and regional com- income 5x that of Georgia’s. The con- panies greater access to both equity and trast is even sharper in Singapore. With a debt capital markets. AdmirAdmireses GeorGeorgiagia labour force of just 3 million and a 5.4 For free access to Galt & Taggart Re- million population, Singapore’s economy search reports and analysis, please visit By Zviad Adzinbaia is 20x larger and per-capita income 15x gtresearch.ge or contact us at [email protected]. larger than Georgia’s. Austrian President Heinz Fischer ar- Because job creation is immensely rived in Georgia on 18 May for an offi- important and a key to political stability cial visit hosted by the President of and sustainable economic development, Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili. Georgia must find ways to address its During the visit, the parties discussed skills mismatch and encourage workers different issues ranging from Georgia’s to move into more productive sectors that Association Agreement with the EU to offer higher wages. This will require a Europe’s security climate. “The Asso- continued improvement in the business ciation Agreement is by no means an environment, supported by liberal eco- anti-agreement against any other state,” the Austrian President emphasized. “I have to sincerely say that our eco- nomic cooperation started at a very low level, but we have seriously developed those relations. The Georgian President has already talked about the Association Agreement. We encourage it. Our posi- age is great, and all this makes us tures. Our choice is very firm and we tion is clear - that these kinds of agree- strengthen our efforts to overcome or at will achieve this.” ments bring states together, including their least partly solve this problem,” the vis- The Austrian President also revealed economies, and are not directed against iting president underlined. that Georgia had left a great impression any third country,” Fischer maintained. The visit also focused on Georgia’s on him: “We prepared for the visit by Fischer said he was looking forward expectations for the upcoming Riga studying information on the problems to Austria becoming the OSCE chair Summit and Georgia-Russian relations, and troubles Georgia has faced. We are country in 2017. “This organization has including the relations between the two familiar with the recent history as well. a great responsibility to maintain peace churches. At the Austrian President’s We have studied your personal history and it will do its best to ensure peace, meeting with the Catholicos Patriarch and your contribution to building the including bilateral cooperation with Ilia II, the head of the Georgian Church Georgian state in detail.” Georgia,” said the Austrian President. declared that the issue of relationships “Georgia has chosen its complicated The visiting president was also asked between the Georgian and Russian way of freedom, sovereignty and Euro- about violent developments in Ukraine. churches is of a complicated nature. pean and NATO integration, a process “We are concerned about this issue and When asked by the Austrian Presi- where international support is of vital feel that the political climate of Europe dent about the Georgian government’s importance. During the last decade of was damaged by these processes. Our European choice and the relationship successful reforms in diverse spheres, interest is to affect both sides and to help between Tbilisi and Moscow, Ilia II re- Georgia has introduced itself to the en- implementation of the Minsk Agree- plied: “Georgia has chosen the European tire world and become one of the EU ment. The impacts on the political cli- path. Georgia wants to become a mem- and NATO aspirant countries in the re- mate in Europe are very high. The dam- ber, a part of European democratic struc- gion of Eastern Europe,” added Fischer.

8 MAY 22 - 28 POLITICS Tbilisi Marks International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia Groups of activists rallied together Risk’, read one such banner. ‘State au- Irakli Gharibashvili said that the absence to mark The International Day against thorities must ensure freedom of assem- of disturbances during the demonstra- Homophobia and Transphobia in Tbili- bly and speech, and the physical securi- tions emphasize that “Georgia is a de- si on May 17th, gathering outside the ty of all persons who take part in legal serving, distinguished society and a civ- Ministry of Justice. They were also demonstrations ,” Read another. ilized state.” present to celebrate the recent decision Another group of activists gathered The same day pro-Russian movement, of the European Court of Human Rights in “Mrgvali Bagi” (Round Garden) in the King Erekle II Society, held demon- which declared that the Georgian state front of the UN office, holding rainbow strations outside the EU embassy in Tbili- is responsible for being unable to pro- flags and reading quotes from the Euro- si with banners calling on Europe to stop tect the rights of citizens who partici- pean Court’s verdict. Throughout the propagandizing homosexuals. pated in the anti-homophobia demon- demonstration a large number of police- On Sunday May 17th, Georgians strations in 2012. The amount of mon- men, brought to the location with mu- also celebrated the Day of Family, was ey demanded for compensation was de- nicipal buses, stood surrounding the gar- introduced by the Georgian Orthodox termined as 33,000 Euros. den with the aim of ensuring peaceful Church in 2014 which some consider as Activists called for authorities to proceedings. a clear attempt to counter the LGBT simplify the procedures for obtaining Unlike previous rallies, this time the rallies. identification cards for transgender peo- LGBT community and rights-defend- Georgian Public Defender, Ucha Nan- ple. They also called on consideration ers took caution by not announcing the uashvili, noted that even though the is- of the criminal code clause that provides locations and time of events publicly. sue is urgent, authorities fail to impose a source of bias often used to deny the Furthermore, everyone who joined The Extensive secrecy and defensive mea- Martina Quick, along with two mem- measures that will increase public aware- issue of ID cards to members of the trans- International Day against Homophobia sures were taken due to the consider- bers of Georgian parliament, Chiora Tak- ness of human rights and enhance the gender community. Some of the banners on May 17th was required to pre-reg- ation of the events of 2012 and 2013 takishvili (UNM party) and Tamar Ko- culture of tolerance in Georgia. Accord- flying at May 17th rally emphasized the ister and go through a screening pro- when a group of people violently at- rdzaia (Republicans faction which is part ing to Nanuashvili, the country still fac- fear and insecurity that homosexual peo- cess during which journalists working tacked activists. of the Georgian Dream coalition). es the problem of hate-motivated vio- ple feel in Georgia and asked authorities for media sources that have welcomed Demonstrators were joined by the Fortunately, incidents of violence lence which is then rarely investigated to take action: ‘LGBT community at homophobic views were not included. Ambassador of Sweden to Georgia, were not recorded and Prime Minister in an efficient manner. Former Abkhazia President Usupashvili to NATO: Ankvab Rumored to be Receiving “Today, Georgia is ready to be a NATO member” Heart Treatment in Tbilisi

surprised if the so-called ministers and former ‘president’ came for medical treatment,” Khorava says. Data from Geostat confirms that people from occupied Abkhazia do trav- el to the other territories of Georgia for medical treatment. According to the of- ficial data, in the first four months of 2015, a total of 107 ethnic Abkhazians came from the territory of the occu- pied Abkhazia and used the referral pro- gram, while there had been several hun- dred cases on an annual basis in recent years. Against the background of the fro- zen political status quo between Tbilisi and Sukhumi, these statistics may seem surprising. Ankvab previously assured By Nini Gegidze following the 2012 parliamentary, pres- his opponents that Sokhumi was not idential and municipal elections, the hu- captive to Georgian physicians but he Georgia’s Parliament Speaker Dav- man rights national strategy, the law on noted that he could not prohibit dying id Usupashvili spoke at the NATO PA Elimination of all Forms of Discrimina- patients from going to Tbilisi: “The fact in Budapest, explaining to the audience tion, judicial independence, freedom of that we are not denying our citizens the why the decisions made there were so media and more. He also said that Geor- chance to go to Georgia for medical treat- important for his country: “This is my gia wants to be a safe, democratic state ment does not mean that we have a wish first speech at NATO PA. I have the with an open market and rule of law. By Zaza Jgharkava treatment in Tbilisi, at the Medi Club. to be closer to someone. The issue is unique opportunity to once more high- “Aspiration to NATO is irreversible. The Medi Club itself neither denies about saving people’s lives. Show me light why the decisions made here are Our obligation in collective security is The various de-facto presidents of nor confirms this information. They the man who will have enough courage so important for my country,” he said. already clear and is evident in our con- the occupied region of Abkhazia have only say they have no right to give out to say no and prohibit his loved ones “Despite the socio-economic crisis, tribution to Afghanistan. Georgia may never been particularly lucky. From information on patients. Experts from receiving treatment.” poverty and violation by a neighbor not be a full-fledged member of NATO Moscow, their treatment has been con- though are almost certain that Ankvab Meanwhile, Abkhazians have been country, Georgia has managed to make but, legally, politically and tactically, we descending at best. The term of second is at the Medi Club since diplomats demanding more freedom of choice from steps towards democracy. We are not are valuable contributors to the collec- president Sergey Baghapsh ended fa- and other high-ranking persons are the Kremlin. According to political sci- yet over the long-term journey but we tive security.” tally, now it is becoming clear its third treated there. Former Healthcare Min- entist Mamuka Areshidze, by sending are ready to be a state standing resolute “After more than 12 years of travel- president Alexander Ankvab is in an ister of the Abkhazian government Ankvab back Russia could establish a to make its own decisions, to be reli- ling, I do not want people to be disap- uneasy position. Media reports from Dalila Khorava does not exclude the full monopoly: “Any leader is ruling able and to be a foreseeable partner to pointed by prolonged talks whether the occupied Abkhazia state that the possibility of Ankvab being treated in Abkhazia through clans. This was why, NATO states. This progress cannot be Georgia deserves MAP or not,” he said. condition of Ankvab, after returning Tbilisi. According to her, high-ranking despite tight relations between Abkha- achieved without friends and allies. “The time has come for another step to from a heart operation to Sokhumi, has officials from occupied Abkhazia used zia and Russia, Russian citizens who Russia must be engaged, but for the be made on Georgia’s NATO integra- worsened to the point that he has to come to Tbilisi for medical treat- were ousted by Abkhazians from their Euro-Atlantic security architecture to tion process, but it has to be a decisive sought help in Tbilisi. ment even during her term as a minis- homes could not be returned. There retain its integrity there must be deter- step in this direction, and the upcoming Officially, Georgian government ter and the information was highly were statements of over four thousand rence,” Usupashvili said, adding that NATO summit in Warsaw next year is members have yet to confirm that Ankv- confidential even then. “During my ethnic Russian citizens on the table of upholding an open door policy should the right place for that. The time has ab is being treated in Tbilisi. “I have term, district heads, even officials ar- the Russian Ambassador to Abkhazia. be one such deterrence. come for responsible political decisions not heard anything about it,” Georgia’s rived; as well as soldiers and veterans, During the term of Baghapsh, a com- He went on to speak about reforms about Georgia.” Healthcare Minister Davit Sergeenko all of them very confidentially. Unfor- mission was established but nothing said. Not surprisingly a different ver- tunately, they do not come for good could be done. Baghapsh even men- sion was presented by Healthcare Min- reasons; they are mostly ill, HIV-in- tioned in private talks: ‘What do you FOR RENT ister of the Abkhazian government in fected or Hepatitis C patients. It is want? To start a civil war?!’ There are exile, Ketevan Bakaradze who says that not my information as a ‘minister’ but spheres where Russians do not dare 1600 sq.m. capital farm and 50 hectare arable land patients living in the occupied region taking into consideration that the sis- anything and there are spheres, which often attend various clinics in Tbilisi. ter of the former Healthcare Minister are totally in the hands of Russians; for Address: Tetri Tskaro region, Iraga Village The clinics themselves are of course of the de-facto Abkhazia Rusudan example, border defense. Abkhazians (65 km from Tbilisi) keeping to a strict code of confidential- Marshania has been living in Tbilisi had to concede and allow Russians to ity on the matter. for years, has a non-government orga- settle in Gali. Soon there will be many According to Prime Time News, nization and used to go back and forth Russian families in Gali,” Areshidze Ankvab might be receiving medical to Tbilisi and Sokhumi, I would not be told Rezonansi. Tel: (+995) 577 250905; (995) 599 947722

10 MAY 22 - 28 SOCIETY With the Support of “Siemens” Georgian Electrical Engineering Company “Insta” Expands its Production

On May 15 th 2015 exhibition Cen- ucts followed. Main focus of the pre- specializes in design and installation of ter “Expo Georgia” hosted an event, sentation was the cooperation between electrical, telecommunication and fire during which one of the largest German Siemens and Insta on this topic, leading alarm systems, providing also industrial companies Siemens and Georgian Elec- to the development of a new partner- and building automation concepts, pro- trical Engineering Company Insta held a ship. At the Presentation, Insta in de- gramming, commissioning and proper joint presentation on medium voltage tails showcased a medium voltage switch- maintenance service. Insta team is com- switchgear. Representatives of Siemens gear test model equipped with Siemens prised of dedicated professionals - a to- were among the visitors to Georgia who components and its functions. Founded tal of 100 qualified and certified employ- talked about the medium voltage switch- 17 years ago, Insta has become one of ees, performing works in compliance terms of technological and energy infra- shares partner companies experience in gear, whereupon the presentation of the the most successful companies in the with European standards and technolo- structure development could be benefi- order to provide innovative and quality local partner companies and local prod- Georgian market. The company gies. Siemens and Insta collaboration in cial for the country. Insta constantly products for its customers. On May 16 the first five-star hotel-Rixos Borjomi presentation was held for media and a number of Georgian businessmen with latest models of audio visual equip- exceptional therapies from around the types, such as: ment. The 166 square meter ballroom world, such as Bali Massage conducted Doctor consultation; ultrasonogra- (four modern conference rooms as a by Balinese masseurs, Thai traditional phy; gastroscopy; functional diagnos- whole) with pre-function area, excel- Massage, Shiatsu Massage, Tradition- tics, physiotherapy; bath Procedures; lent service provision for food and bev- al Turkish Hammam Treatment, and laboratory research; biochemical re- erages and coffee breaks, is ideal for any body wraps and facials. Rixos Hotel search; and numerous treatment meth- kind of event. The Hotel’s exterior also has free of charge services: an in- ods. “Gardens” and Summer Terrace are door swimming pool and Jacuzzi, a Rixos Borjomi also has Outdoor ac- perfect for weddings. Peeling Room, Steam Room, Fitness tivities such as Tennis, Ping-Pong, Bas- Established in 2000, Rixos is dedi- Room, and a Turkish Hammam. Mas- ketball, Soccer and upon request: Ski- cated to offering traditional Turkish sage, body Wraps, Body Exfoliations, ing, Horse riding, Tours and excursions hospitality. A Dubai-based group, Rix- Traditional Hammam pilling and Facials around Borjomi. os operates premium resorts and villas are additional services on offer. Known for their hospitality, atten- including city hotels in key diverse re- Borjomi Water is the main therapeu- tive personalized service and fine cui- gions throughout Turkey, Europe, CIS tic agent of the resort, traditionally used sine, Rixos Hotels received global rec- Countries, North Africa and the Mid- in the curing of gastrointestinal diseas- ognition and top rating from distin- dle East. With more than 6,500 staff es and disorders of the liver, biliary guished specialist professional bodies serving all its properties, Rixos Hotels tract, metabolism, kidneys, nervous such as the American Five-Star Diamond have developed an innovative guest ex- system and respiratory organs. Award, Conde Nast, World Travel Rixos Borjomi hotel was built well-equipped Health Center. perience that blends the best of the new Rixos Borjomi Health Center has a Awards and Great Hotels of the World. through the joint investment of The Nowadays, Rixos is one of the most and the old. Designed to offer a unique rehabilitation and diagnostic center The Guests of Rixos Hotels are pro- Partnership Fund of Georgia and Ka- famous and fastest growing luxury ho- luxury long-stay experience, the Rixos equipped with the latest equipment vided with the most exceptional stan- zakhstan. tel chains. Rixos Hotel Borjomi contin- Villas concept and tailor-made services from the leading companies in medical dard in customer service and client care The total cost of the project was ues the tradition of luxury services well with private butler and concierge are equipment manufacture. The Center has during each and every stay. $38.5 million, of which 50% came from integrated in its statement of excellence: the ultimate choice for the world’s most a variety of treatments of various Rixos – an Unforgettable Experience. The Partnership Fund of Georgia. “Expect Nothing Less.” Rixos Hotels distinguished travellers. Rixos is located in the heart of the has experienced significant growth The Rixos Borjomi Hotel has a wide Likhani area and is 177 km away from worldwide in key emerging markets, es- variety of food and drink venues in- Tbilisi and the international airport. pecially in recent years, and it has in- cluding: THE RIXOS RESTAURANT The Hotel is 9 storeys tall and hous- valuable expertise in providing five-star which welcomes guests from early es 151 comfortable rooms plus auxilia- and luxury accommodation with 29 breakfast to late dinner; THE WINE ry buildings. The complex also includes hotels owned in 11 different countries. HOUSE with a large collection of local a restaurant, cafe-bar, conference facil- The Hotel itself has very stylish and and international wines and cocktails, ities, playground and tennis court, spa, cozy rooms, with comfortable furniture including a degustation menu; THE gym, swimming pool, as well as a chil- and beautiful bathrooms. Each room is LOBBY BAR – where you can taste dren’s entertainment center called Rixi bright with an amazing view overlook- from an abundant menu which includes Club. ing wonderful mountains. The thera- beverages from around the globe and an Owing to the region’s famous repu- peutic properties of the water give this exclusive cigar list consisting of world tation for its mineral waters, the hotel place its main value, but aside from the famous brands; THE BAGRATIONI is distinguished from others in the Rix- Health Center facility, Rixos Borjomi RESTAURANT – serving the best col- os chain by its therapeutic baths and Hotel offers its guest Spa Massage ser- lection of Georgian cuisines from dif- showers. vices, Turkish Hammam, Saunas and ferent regions; THE D’LIGHT BAR The famous Romanov Summer Pal- the most luxurious of fitness clubs, a with a large selection of shakes and fresh ace also resides on the territory of the rare feature in hotels. Rixi Club and the juices, champagne and wine by the Rixos Hotel Borjomi, a very well- Water Dome, with its free flow of nat- glass; and THE SUMMER TERRACE known attraction testifying once more ural mineral water, have been especial- - an outdoor venue ideal for the sum- to the curative capability of these wa- ly designed for the Hotel’s youngest mer period and presenting internation- ters from the oldest times. Today, this VIPs. al seasonal menus of food and beverage wonderful park sustains this luxury For Organizations and Business and capable of hosting up to 300 guests building with its exceptional five-star Travelers, the Rixos Hotel Borjomi of- in the open air. deluxe facilities and an undoubtedly fers flexible meeting spaces equipped Rixos Spa is the ideal place to enjoy MAY 22 - 28

Leading Coming Soon: Marketers Georgia’s at Spotlight Very First Wind Park 2015 P.13 Business P.13 Young Professionals and Students Discuss Future of Caucasus at EBRD Closing Ceremony By Baia Dzagnidze

The EBRD Annual Meeting and Business Fo- rum in Tbilisi closed with a special event focusing on the thoughts of future leaders and decision-mak- ers from the region. Together with the Free Uni- versity of Tbilisi, the Tbilisi State University, the American University of Armenia and the ADA University of Azerbaijan, the EBRD launched an essay competition entitled Tbilisi 2015/Caucasus 2051- A History of Our Future: Our Fears, Our Hopes, Our Lives in which the winners discussed their ideas on how to make the region a better place. Natalia Antelava, journalist and TV presenter, noted that Georgia is not doing enough in many areas. She gave the example of the government’s initiative of Georgia 2020, noting that “future should be today and now.” She also added that the young generation in the Caucasus region has more options and more opportunities than before, but also more responsibilities compared to previous gener- ations. acter and think more about society rather than our- tegrity, economical growth, democracy and great political situation in each country continues to be David Abesadze of TSU stated in his essay that selves.” competition as being main features of the near fu- as it is today. You need to have freedom to have the fate of Sisyphus (by Albert Camus) is similar Dimitri Dekanozishvili from the Free Universi- ture. innovation – a political freedom. We need to be to the fate of Georgia, who inexhaustibly fights for ty of Tbilisi in his work states that the Caucasus In addition, while discussing the future the re- truly unique to offer the world something that oth- its freedom. “You have to try and try again, despite has historically been unsure whether it belongs to gion, Antelava expressed her opinion that: “the only ers can’t. The potential is there but it’s being lost success or failure. The future is the result of what Asia or Europe: “It’s like an individual who has chance this region has lies in innovation and creat- unless we grab that opportunity.” we try today” he asserted. lost its faith and is oriented towards not creating ing something new. This is the place facing huge The panel was concluded by an award ceremo- Hambardzum Galstyan from the American Uni- something new but searching for a successful per- opportunities and challenges due to the political ny, where Lile Kazaishvili, Nika Maghlaperidze, versity of Armenia gave another perspective: “Peo- son from whom he will be able to attain everything situation of its neighbors. But in order for South Hambarzoum Galstyan and Toghrul Novruzlu won ple in my country [Armenia] are less optimistic; good.” Caucasus to become something other than a back specially engraved iPods. Elsewhere, as a reward they don’t see and strive for the change, while I When asked how they see the region in ten years water of the world, it really needs to reinvent it- for her poetic and distinguished essay, Lile Kaza- disagree with them. We need to change our char- from now, the participants identified territorial in- self; however, I don’t think it will happen if the ishvili won an internship at Wissol Group. 12 MAY 22 - 28 BUSINESS Representatives of the Social Services Agency Visit Beneficiaries of the Take Care of the Future HotelHotelHotelHotel Project at Natakhtari Factory SympatiaSympatiaSympatiaSympatia

4, V. Daraselia Str. Tbilisi, Georgia

Tel: (995 32) 2 99 55 88, 2 37 05 90 Tel./Fax: (995 32) 2 37 62 63 Hotel’s network www.sympatia.ge “Sympatia” E-mail: [email protected] Car Rent

Company Natakhtari host- and non-governmental organiza- the Association Our Home Geor- gave me an opportunity to be Tel: 599 16 16 70 ed representatives of the Social tions can cooperate. Social gia: independent and lead a decent Services Agency of the Minis- projects, including assisting chil- “Our target group is repre- live. A few years ago I couldn’t try of Labour, Health and So- dren deprived of care, represent sented by those children who are even imagine that I would have from 35 euro per day cial Affairs and Association one of our top priorities. With the leaving the public care system. a job allowing me to have a Our Home Georgia, as well as help of Natakhtari Fund it be- At this stage, many are left with- shelter and be strong,” Gela pupils of Caritas Georgia’s came possible to retrain dozens out shelter; they have neither re- said. small family type homes. of children that had left institu- spective knowledge nor financial Along with the Natakhtari Tours to all direc- Public and private sectors tions to enable them acquire pro- resources to cope with life prob- Company, the following insti- tions of Georgia united once again to assist chil- fessions and find employment. lems independently. Natakhtari tutions are actively engaged in dren deprived of care, and ex- In our opinion, this is the period Fund provides great assistance the assistance of the children (with driver and pressed their readiness to im- when they need support the so that the adolescents are in a deprived of care: PR School Guide) for 4 per- plement joint projects in the most, to be ready for an impor- socially safe environment, and under the Georgian – American son from 40 euro. future to help such children. tant stage of their life,” he said. have an occupation and the pos- University, NGO Chance for Nissan pathfinder – For this purpose, a Memoran- According to Tornike Ni- sibility to live decent lives.” Life, Andamati Ceramic Work- 2004, 4X4, AT dum on Cooperation was con- kolaishvili, Marketing Director As Manana Omarashvili, shop, Beauty Salons Natalie, cluded between the Social Ser- of Natakhtari Company, the Head of the Psychology Service Eden, Gracia and Aziati; Sole vices Agency and Association project beneficiaries are compet- of the Association Our Home Proprietor Irakli Gemezashvili, Our Home Georgia. itive on the labour market and Georgia noted, a psychologist Gardenia, Skyler, Gorgia, M The Memorandum provides have all the right conditions to was working in small family-type Group, and others. According to for mutual cooperation and pursue successful careers. houses with children on an indi- the Social Services Agency, supporting activities of the Na- “Natakhtari Fund has been vidual basis, planning careers for there are hundreds of children takhtari Fund. It was signed by operating for four years now and each adolescent as necessary. in state care, including 334 chil- Revaz Barbakadze, CEO of the we currently have 61 employed “We start working with ado- dren in small family-type Association Our Home Geor- beneficiaries, of which three lescents living in small family- homes and 1205 in foster care. Mercedes-Benz Viano – 2004 Toyota RAV 4 – 2000, gia and Zaza Sopromadze, work in the technical unit of the type homes and support them Every year, 1-15 children leave 4X4, AT Deputy Minister of Health and Natakhtari Company. The until the age of 18. Psychologists the state care program upon Director of the Social Services project is a long-term one which have permanent communication reaching the age of 18. Agency. lends special importance. We are with the children and we are Following the presentation, According to Sopromadze, trying to empower the adoles- ready to discuss any issue with guests visited beneficiaries em- one of the major priorities of cents to become competitive on them and support them,” Omar- ployed at Natakhtari Factory. A the government is assistance to the labour market. They are dis- ashvili explained. special Lemonade Tour was or- children deprived of care to tinguished by good skills, have Gela Gogiashvili, 19, is one ganized for children of Georgia which Natakhtari Fund is mak- acquired vocations and can eas- project beneficiary who was em- Caritas – Small Family-Type ing significant contribution. ily compete with peers to find a ployed at the Natakhtari Compa- Home whereby they discovered “By signing a memoran- decent place in society,” – noted ny a month and a half ago. the complex cycle of lemonade dum we showed an example of Nikolaishvili. “I became a project beneficia- bottling and were awarded with how state, private institutions Revaz Barbakadze, CEO of ry three years ago. The project memorial certificates. Euro-standard Hypermarket ‘Domino’ Opens at East Point Georgia’s first euro-format renovation: roofing, laminate to make the right choices when will be home to a wide range of construction hypermarket Dom- flooring, floor and wall tiles, (re)designing your home. Deliv- outlets providing discerning cus- ino officially opened at the new plumbing and central heating ery is also available. tomers with domestic electrics, East Point trade and entertain- equipment, furniture, lighting, The Domino hypermarket a children’s entertainment cen- ment centre on Kakheti Highway hand tools, paint, chemicals, and project investment was 10mln tre, a 10 screen cinema, an (Tvalchrelidze str, 2) this week. everything else you might need USD and it is currently employ- IMAX, and about 150 brand The event was attended by May- in home décor supplies. ing around 250 staff members. shops offering shoes and acces- or Narmania; General Manager Clients can get euro quality The East Point Centre, meet- sories, not to mention a wide se- of CBD Development, Tomas service when making purchases, ing international standards and lection of the best fast food res- Gizas; and Deputy Minister of all in the comfort of one space. being unique in concept and ar- taurants. Economy, Keti Borjorishvili. You will find the hypermarket chitecture, consists of 21 hect- Construction is ongoing and The Domino hypermarket, staff highly qualified and well ares of land from which 70,000 is set for completion in autumn spread across a massive 11,500 trained and, if needed, you can square meters are still available 2015. It is expected that about sqm, offers more than 40,000 consult with professional interi- to rent. 3000 people will find employ- products for construction and ors designers, who will help you In the near future East Point ment there. BUSINESS MAY 22 - 28 13 Leading Marketers at Spotlight 2015 Report: Firms Need to Introduce Innovations Frequently By Baia Dzagnidze ness to trade and investment and a high- ly skilled workforce. Furthermore, ease Aiming to help companies to better of access to credit conditions by banks absorb foreign technologies and improve was named an important factor in inno- management techniques, the Adopt, vation. Adapt, Advance: Innovating for the Fu- Beata Javorcik, Professor of Econom- ture panel at EBRD’s Annual Meeting ics at the University of Oxford, stated was held last week in Tbilisi, which that there is not a straight-cut recipe for brought together representatives of busi- economic growth, but there are some ness, academia and experts to explore widespread issues - the least progres- various options. sive countries need to follow sustain- According to the Transition Report able growth via leaning from the experi- 2014, Innovation in Transition, individ- ences of more innovative economies. ual companies’ innovations can help to On the other hand, Albert Bravo-Bio- establish new growth drivers and recu- sca, Senior Economist at Nesta, says that perate transition in the EBRD region. carefulness is a crucial attribute while “Returns to innovation are sizeable in introducing any innovation and suggests all industries – including in low-tech sec- trying different innovation designs and tors, where firms tend to innovate less. efficient solutions to ascertain whether In addition, many firms can boost their they work or not. productivity by simply improving the The panelists also acknowledged for- way they are managed,” the report ex- eign direct investments (FDI) to be of By Eka Karsaulidze ing throughout the country. interested in the event are, in 99% of cas- plained, adding that a 40% average in- vital importance for innovative drive. Nino Akhalaia says that when the es, from the marketing field. In addition crease in productivity is associated with George Chirakadze, the President of UGT Imagine you have only 13 minutes to project was launched, people were quite to the invited former speakers and part- improved management practices in East- and member of the Business Association talk about the most important things. skeptical. “We have a stereotype that ner organizations, Spotlight is for the sec- ern Europe and the Caucasus, while a of Georgia, noted that in transition econ- Are you going to talk about the success Georgians can’t make high quality prod- ond time selling tickets to the public. 43% average increase in productivity is omies such as Georgia, the challenges are of your company, or your own great ucts. But all our speakers are great ex- These are in limited supply- just 150 and linked with introducing a new product. much more complex. The shortage of achievements or biggest failures? Four- perts in their field. Most of them gradu- yet they steadily sold out less than a day. The report also shows that firms in- skilled workers makes FDI riskier and teen Georgia marketers will take this dif- ated universities abroad then were able The organizers do not think about novate more in countries with better core less attractive, however developing edu- ficult challenge for the third time. On to return, apply their knowledge in the expansion; seeing as Spotlight’s format economic institutions where there is low cational policies might be very helpful if the eve of the main marketing event Spot- Georgian reality and bring their compa- implies chamber performances (300-400 corruption, a strong rule of law, open- the economy is to flourish. light 2015, which will take place in Tbilisi nies to a leading position,” she explained. people maximum), it is better to main- on May 24, Georgia Today tried to find Wendy’s & Dunkin’ Donuts, Silknet, tain contact and interaction between the out who those people will be and why Radisson Blu, Geocell, Adjara Group, speaker and the audience. But for those Arabian Dhabi Group the interest in marketing has grown over Caucasus Online, Myvideo.ge, Tbilisi unable to attend, all the speeches will be the past few years. Zoo and others will be presented at Spot- recorded and later available on Spotlight’s “Our main goal is to develop Geor- light 2015. Every year speakers were official website (www.spotlight.ge) Makes Extra $250 million gian marketing. We set this mission when selected in cooperation with the Mar- Spotlight itself does not concede creating the Marketer online magazine keter’s readers, which means that Spot- from the participants in terms of imple- Investment in Georgia and Spotlight is one of the tools to light is not only a purely professional mentation of marketing ideas and sur- achieve this goal. As it turned out, it be- event, but is also interesting for people prises. Georgia Today even managed to came a wildly popular event,” said Nino who are not involved in marketing. find out some of the participants. For Akhalaia, Manager of Spotlight. Spotlight focuses only on marketing example, Zackharia Metreveli and Dim- The first Spotlight was held in 2013 managers; their companies are just a plat- itri Vachnadze, winners of Young Cannes based on the well-known TED (Tech- form from which the professionals real- Lions in Georgia, will be awarded with a nology Entertainment Design) example. ize their ideas. special prize. Moreover, Pasha Bank, The main idea is to allow marketing rep- “We never make a choice in favour of Spotlight’s official partner, will an- resentatives to speak about their achieve- large companies. You can work in a low- nounce a new program that has already ment for just 13 minutes. Not much time, budget enterprise, but achieve more in started on Facebook. but enough to focus only on the most this area than a representative of a multi- “MyBookChallenge, from Pasha important details. million dollar corporation. We are inter- Bank is a very important project for all Moreover, Spotlight is the only place ested in the person and his/her unique people who involved in marketing and, in Georgia where people from the mar- professional and life experience, so I thanks to this project, they will have keting environment can meet, exchange think that why Spotlight is also inter- new opportunities for development. experiences, assess each other’s work, esting for people who are far from the That’s all I can say as the full announce- establish communication and create joint profession,” said Akhalaia. ment will be this Sunday at the Spot- projects that helps to develop market- Experience shows that people who are light 2015,”Akhalaia concluded.

Photo: Agenda.ge

By Nino Melikishvili one of the world’s largest owned-and- Coming Soon: Georgia’s managed hotel companies with more Arab investment company Dhabi than 120 properties around the world. Group has increased its investment port- The hotel is centrally located next Very First Wind Park folio in Georgia by 35 percent to make to Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel and is ex- an additional $250 million investment. pected to open in January 2016. Dhabi By Beqa Kirtava vestors,” stated EBRD Managing Direc- ered project in the Caucasus region. KSB bank was one of the invest- Group has already made a $140 million tor for Energy and Natural Resources, The total cost of the wind park project ments of Dhabi Group, the largest com- investment in the Millennium Biltmore The Government of Georgia and the Riccardo Puliti, after the signing. is an estimated $35 million. EBRD is plan- pany in Georgia and the leading busi- Hotel construction. According to Dha- European Bank for Reconstruction and Deputy Prime Minister and Minis- ning to provide a total of $25 million as a ness group in the UAE, operating in many bi Group the 32-floor hotel will be the Development (EBRD) have signed the ter of Energy, Kakha Kaladze, expressed loan to Georgia to contribute to this spheres of business. Dhabi Group com- first hotel in Georgia to have a presi- initial agreement of cooperation on the his gratitude to EBRD for its constant project. The capacity of the wind power mitted to offer additional funding to two dential room. upcoming wind park project in Gori. support and placed special emphasis on plant is set to be 20 MW and it is expect- projects. Dhabi Group is focused on expend- The document was signed during the the importance of the first wind pow- ed to generate 85 GWh annually. This extra investment would further ing its investments in financial activities 2015 EBRD Annual Meeting in Tbilisi, support KSB bank as well as the con- through offering strong financial resourc- in the presence of Deputy Prime Minis- struction of the 5-star Millennium Bilt- es and management experiences in emerg- ter and Minister of Energy, Kakha Kal- more Hotel complex in Tbilisi, which is ing and developing markets. adze; EBRD Managing Director for En- ergy and Natural Resources, Riccardo Puliti; Giorgi Bezhuashvili, Director of the Georgian Energy Development Fund FOR RENT and Aida Sitdikova, EBRD Director for Energy and Natural Resources in Russia Apartment in Vake (behind the Vake Swimming Pool) in an and Central Asia. ecologically clean environment with beautiful views. “Georgia is becoming successful at The 120 sq. m. duplex apartment on the 10th floor, newly reno- developing domestic renewable energy vated, with a new kitchen, fireplace, balconies. sources, thus reducing imports of pow- er generated by fossil fuels. This is im- portant in terms of energy security as well as climate change. After investing Price: 1100 USD ˆ312 million in hydropower generation, Tel: 577521020 Tekla (English) we are hoping to make another renew- 597000109 Dato (Georgian) able source – wind – attractive for in- 14 MAY 22 - 28 BUSINESS Finance Minister Khaduri Optimistic After EBRD Business Forum

meeting and business forums as to why Georgia is build a new landfill in Kvemo Kartli region (Mar- an attractive country for investments. neuli) and purchase all the necessary machinery/ Q: How do people benefit from the projects equipment for solid waste transportation and for implemented by EBRD? functioning of the landfill. The new landfill will serve A: First of all, it should be noted that the Euro- 5 municipalities in Kvemo Kartli - Marneuli, Bolni- pean Bank for Reconstruction has provided signif- si, Dmanisi, Tetritskaro and Tsalka. Within the frame- icant financial support for Georgia. It can be said work of the EBRD annual meeting a 24 million euro that the bank is one of the largest foreign investors investment in Georgia was signed. A concrete agree- for our country. EBRD has invested more than 2.6 ment about the allocation of 10.9 million euro for billion euro in more than 170 projects in different financial resources was signed between EBRD and directions. Namely these have been in energy, the Aversi Farma. That will be used for the reconstruc- private sector, also, to foster small and medium- tion of hospitals. Part of the money will be spent on sized enterprises, infrastructure, communications, improving the supply of drugs and to buy pharma- financial, banking and other sectors. The govern- ceutical products. Another agreement has been signed ment and the European Bank for Reconstruction between EBRD and Georgian Energy Development and Development will work together to attract in- Fund to finance the “Kartli” wind farm project. vestment and to improve the business environment. EBRD will finance the project with $25 million. The EBRD has invested more than 2.6 billion euro in more than 170 projects in different directions. Namely these have been in energy, the private sector, also, to foster small and medium-sized enterprises, infrastructure, communications, financial, banking and other sectors. The government and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will work together to attract investment and to improve the business environment.

Prime Minister Garibashvili and EBRD president loan aims to build and operate a wind power plant in By Meri Taliashvili and invited guests. As you know, within the frame- Sir Suma Chakrabarti have signed the Memoran- Georgia. Additionally, EBRD has granted a $31.5 work of the annual meeting the Georgian invest- dum of Understanding about the establishment of million loan to Basis Bank. The loan is intended to Georgia Today met with Nodar Khaduri, Min- ment review session was held and our Prime Min- the Investors Council. finance local small and medium production, energy ister of Finance of Georgia, to review the Europe- ister Irakli Garibashvili spoke about our country’s The Investors Council will work to promote efficiency and trade. That will be a significant con- an Bank for Reconstruction and Development economic and investment potential. I think that the economic development and to attract additional tribution to the process of the development of the (EBRD) Annual Meeting and Business Forum in potential investors received detailed information investments in Georgia. Georgian economy. Tbilisi. about the investment and business environment in Q: Which sector of Georgia was most inter- So, I think that very interesting agreements have Q: What does the EBRD Business Forum our country. We hope that EBRD’s annual meeting ested by the EBRD annual meeting? been signed. Business ideas will not be transformed mean to Georgia and its economy? will further increase the interest in Georgia. On the A: During the annual meeting, specific agree- into investments instantly. However, it is impor- A: The EBRD annual meeting gave us the op- website of the European Bank for Reconstruction ments have been signed. In the aim of the imp- men- tant that during the annual meeting, the work on portunity to introduce the investment opportunities and Development, you can read information and tation of “Kvemo Kartli Solid Waste Project”, we specific projects have begun and I hope that soon and business environment to the forum participants assessments made by our partners at the annual have signed an agreement with EBRD that aims to we will get real results. Hotel Citrus – A Refreshing Change By Beqa Kirtava to actually take advantage of the existing balneolo- gy center in the capital and offer our clients vari- Although the Georgian hospitality market is ous packages. I have a lot of experience in the afore- mainly dominated by gigantic luxury hotels, the trend mentioned field, as I worked in Borjomi for quite of opening smaller inns seems to be gearing up in some time and I want the people who are interest- the country, as more and more tourists place sereni- ed in balneotherapy to come to Tbilisi as well.” All ty above all else. One of the proud representatives the transportation costs will be covered by the ho- of the smaller hotel family is Hotel Citrus, which is tel and one of the most important things about the located in the calmest place in the capital within inn is that they are ready to adopt the menu to your walking distance from Freedom Square – Tbilisi needs – “If the doctor orders any of our guests to City’s beating heart, where museums, restaurants and only eat a particular kind of food while taking bal- official fashion boutiques such as Versace, Burberry neotherapy, we are ready to prepare the dishes ad- and others are located. Citrus is run by a man who justed for their prescription.” has opened a total of 16 hotels, having every single All the staff members of Citrus Hotel are excel- bit of experience needed to take any hotel to the top, lently prepared, as the General Manager believes that Shalva Alaverdashvili. service is the most important aspect of a great hotel. Hotel Citrus was opened on April 24, 2015, with “It doesn’t matter what kind of a grand hotel you co-financing from Tbilisi City Hall within the build if the staff cannot deliver the level-best ser- framework of the “Low Credit” project; a total in- vice,” Alavaerdashvili said. vestment of 3.5 million GEL. According to the The Hotel consists of 36 spacious guest rooms, General Manager, Hotel Citrus has many advan- including standard, family, studio, disabled persons’, tages over its bigger competitors – “Many brands semi-suites and suites. The restaurant offers tradi- cannot sell their rooms under the minimum price, tional Georgian dishes alongside European cuisine. while we will be able to adjust the costs to our cus- While the two meeting rooms (10 to 100 guests) cre- tomers, if it is a particularly beneficial deal,” said ate an ideal space for your business gatherings. So, Alaverdashvili in an exclusive interview with Geor- leave the hectic atmosphere behind, choose Citrus gia Today. “Furthermore, we will be the first hotel and rest in a perfectly soothing atmosphere. SOCIETY MAY 22 - 28 15 What’s Going on at Tbilisi City Hall? Federal Jury Sentences By the Center of Research for the as very bad and 37% as bad, which is Federal Jury Sentences Study of Georgian Complex more or less half the total respondents. Development Issues In this regard, the City Council has no grounds for complacency as the Council’s Dzhokar Tsarnaev to Death It is more than concerning that our lat- performance itself was evaluated as very est survey reveals 57% of Tbilisi citizens bad (10%) or bad (33%). By Joseph Larsen are not satisfied with the work of City The results of this Study aim to iden- Hall. It is necessary to further analyze tify and analyze already existent prob- The State of Massachusetts abolished the fact that 36% of respondents believe lems in the capital, with the research the death penalty in 1984. But while the that since the election of the new City focusing on detailed problems in Tbilisi State may no longer execute people, its Hall and members of the City Council, districts. In the near future the Center residents can still be handed down the citizens’ lives have not improved, in fact plans to conduct separate studies on the sentence. Dzhokar Tsarnaev, an Ameri- 15% say that their lives have deteriorated problems of young people. Together can citizen born in Kyrgyzstan, raised while 26% find it difficult to answer. It is with youth organizations and the Min- in the Boston suburb of Cambridge and noteworthy that the work of Tbilisi istry of Sports and Youth of Georgia, we guilty (along with his elder brother Mayor David Narmania was evaluated will develop recommendations for solv- Tamerlan) of the infamous 2013 Bos- negatively, with 12% assessing his work ing the problems identified. ton Marathon bombings, has been sen- tenced to death by a federal jury. The 21-year old was found guilty of setting off two homemade bombs at the Boston Marathon, killing three people and injuring at least 260 – as well as the shooting of Sean Collier, a 27-year old campus policeman at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Tsarnaev was tried in a federal court because, despite the crime being planned and carried out death due to his role in the planting of ond stage, attempting to spare him death in Massachusetts, the authorities deemed the second of two bombs that went off by persuading the jury that he had acted it a crime against the United States rather at the Boston Marathon. The instance under the manipulation of Tamerlan. than against Massachusetts. marks the first time in the post-9/11 era Casting the elder Tsarnaev as the attack’s Dzhokar’s elder brother Tamerlan that the federal government has issued “mastermind,” chief defense attorney was 26 at the time of the attack, and was the death penalty. Judy Clarke asserted that he both con- killed in a shootout with police on 18 The responses of the survivors of the structed the bombs (which were made April 2013, days after the Boston Mara- attack were mixed. Several, including from store-bought pressure cookers, thon. Dzhokar escaped but was found Adrianne Haslet and Sidney Corcoran, gunpowder and shrapnel made from the next day hiding in a boat. The whose mother lost both her legs in the nails, screws and BBs) and planned the younger brother was found guilty of 30 bombing, expressed approval for the attack, with Dzhokar playing a support- charges ranging from murder to con- verdict, as did many other survivors and ing role. spiracy to using weapons of mass de- some relatives of the deceased. Bill and The defense is now likely to initiate struction. Six of the 30 charges were eli- Denise Richard – whose eight-year old a lengthy appeals process, as is standard gible for the death sentence. son Martin was killed along with 29- practice following death penalty rulings. While few doubted his guilt in the year old Krystle Campbell and 23-year While Tsarnaev’s guilt will not be over- bombings and shooting of Collier, the old Lingzi Liu, a university student from turned, the verdict of death could be. It handing down of the death penalty was China – expressed unequivocal opposi- has been speculated that the defense will not viewed as a foregone conclusion. In tion to the death penalty. Their daugh- push for a retrial outside the State of order for that sentence to be given, the ter Jane survived the attack but not with- Massachusetts, arguing that because 11-person jury had to unanimously de- out losing a leg. Tsarnaev was tried in the same jurisdic- cide in favor of the prosecution. After Dzhokar Tsarnaev’s defense team did tion in which he committed the crime, 14 hours of deliberation conducted over not attempt to assert his innocence. there was no chance of the jury being three days, the jury issued the verdict: Rather, they focused on the trial’s sec- impartial. GoriGori MarMarccheshes fforor GeorGeorgia’gia’ss DignityDignity By Zviad Adzinbaia

On 19 May, a group of Georgian non- governmental organizations organized a counter-action in response to a rally held in Gori on May 9, calling on people to support Russia’s Eurasian Union. The counter-action, entitled Gori for Georgia’s Dignity, involved thousands of civilians region-wide, centering around one idea: No to Russia’s Eur- asian Union. There have always been questions as to how the Soviet legacy has affected Gori, the town in which the dictator Jo- seph Stalin was born. Some people from previous generations believe that Gori should be a symbol of the Soviet Em- pire and the town should retain the Stalin museum and re-erect the statue which ticipated in the demonstration which ing up 20 percent of Georgia’s sover- was removed by Saakashvili’s govern- many deemed to be against Georgia’s eign territory. ment after the war in August 2008. sovereignty and territorial integrity. In conclusion, some Georgian citi- However, younger generations who Moreover, video montages and photos zens look at the ongoing processes in are mostly Western-oriented perceive were shown portraying protesters as the country quite skeptically as much of Stalin as contrary to Georgia’s indepen- unaware of the purpose of the Gori ac- the country’s population remains vulner- dence and statehood and do not celebrate tion in which they were involved. able and lives in hardship. this inheritance, which ultimately re- Meanwhile, weeks later, the very Georgia is on the arduous road of sulted in the occupation of two regions message of the counteraction was that political, economic and social transition of Georgia by Russian troops. Gori was no longer attached to the So- from the Soviet to democratic value sys- It has been reported that some Rus- viet empire. “We came here to protect tems. Moreover, global developments sian-backed individuals, including the our country’s future and to show the and rapid technological and educational representatives of the Russia’s Fifth entire world that Gori, and generally developments have forced the country Column in Georgia, led the demonstra- Georgia, has a progressive and future- to follow the quick tempo of more ad- tion on May 9 in Gori supporting the oriented generation,” one of the partici- vanced European countries while Geor- Eurasian Union. Allegedly, Russian pants told Georgia Today. gia remains unindustrialized and a tech- groups, who were not allowed to visit a The protesters who strongly believe nologically developing state in the re- Soviet soldier in Tbilisi’s Vake Park the in Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlan- gion. Education, democracy and eco- same day, organized the event. tic future condemned the aspirations of nomic growth remain the unalterable Information spread through social Russia, the occupying regime of remedies with which Georgians can ad- media said some marginal groups par- Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region, mak- dress the remnants of its Soviet past. 16 MAY 22 - 28 BUSINESS Memorandum Signed between AS Georgia and TBC Bank

A partnership memorandum was signed between · A fixed currency exchange rate of 1 USD = 2.0 “AS Georgia” and TBC Bank, the daughter com- GEL pany of the international development holding “AS · A gifted Nissan Sunny automobile to the con- Group Investment”, regarding the “DIRSI” project. sumer who purchases a 3-room flat by the end of Based on the memorandum, new conditions will July 2015. make newly-built apartment complexes in Tran- · Additionally, the price for 1 square meter in scaucasia more accessible. apartment complex “DIRSI” will start from $900. In the frames of the joint project, consumers will The international holding “AS Group Invest- have the ability to purchase an apartment in a com- ment” has been successfully implementing govern- pleted “DIRSI” complex through TBC Bank’s mort- ment and private sector projects for a long time in gage rates and take advantage of accessible condi- both Georgia and Azerbaijan. This comes as a re- tions, which include co-financing of just 15%, a sult of effective management, contemporary tech- long-term payment plan, and a preferential interest nical and production bases and systematically up- rate. dated technologies, making “AS Group Investment” Several other advantageous offerings were fa- a trustworthy business partner in many countries cilitated by “AS Group Investment” for people around the globe. A multitude of contracts signed looking into purchasing “DIRSI” flats in finished with leading brands of the construction sector are a apartment complexes: testament to that. CULTURE MAY 22 - 28 17 Tbilisi to Welcome Amirani “Fassbiner NOW” and Ever on the Occasion of Fassbinder’s Film Festival 2015 70th Anniversary By Dr. Phil. Lily Fürstenow-Khositashvili

It is difficult to write about Rainer Werner Fassbinder because his medium is film and this is a text. It’s all the more difficult because his films are some of the most wonderful films made in film his- tory and this text needs to match this high standard but lacks in format and space. However the feel of the film, the visual experience, can be translated into words. His films are about feelings, about the raw Die Bitteren Tränen der Petra von Kant, naked feel that strips bare the inner worlds 1972, Rainer Werner Fassbinder of his protagonists entangled in hopeless Foundation, Berlin love affairs, personal dramas derived from process of behind-the-curtain film produc- socio-historical circumstances, stuffy tion work, exhibited wonderful film cos- middle class post-war German milieus, tumes by Barbara Baum as well as at- historical conundrums, fate. tempted to trace lines of influence on con- Protagonists driven to extremes, dead- temporary film and photography. One re- ends, emotional breakdowns, tormented mains thoughtful as to why the curators amid the flourishing facades of the so- exhibited the works of the photographers called cosy “Wirtschaftswünder” superfi- and video artists they chose for this occa- cial after war well-being in provincial sion in Martin-Gropius-Bau, since Germany and bigger cities – Fassbinder Fassbinder’s influence on contemporary is about extremes expressed sometimes image production has been so transforma- subtly and sometimes overtly - subver- tive it has influenced anyone dealing with sively through camera work, lighting, moving image. Mere quotations of composition of images and sets, costume Fassbinder’s film titles or film settings can Announcement of Amirani Film Festival plans at the Ministry of Culture. minutes, montage and close ups. hardly qualify. Or why at all would we Fassbinder created not only films but film need comparison of more or less well- By Eka Karsaulidze Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia, can compete with them on equal terms. stars for his films – Hanna Shygulla, Bar- known living artists in mid-careers repre- Argentina, the U.S., Poland, Belgium, Recently, our students won a prize in bara Sukowa, Mario Adorf to name but a sented by certain galleries with the leg- The 9th International Student Film Spain, Iran, Israel, Cuba, Canada, Aus- Germany and the jury members them- few – he brought their artistic potential to endary filmmaker? Festival “Amirani” is set to be held in tralia and many other countries were selves noted that Europeans have an shine as Lili Marlen, Lola, corrupt city The Exhibition Fassbinder JETZT Tbilisi on June 2-6. 48 films from 21 chosen to present their works in the main advantage in financing, but we have official – the roles that defined their fur- (NOW) runs in Martin-Gropius-Bau Ber- countries will be shown during the Fes- competition program. great ideas,” he added. ther artistic careers and images they rep- lin till 23th of August, 2015. Related events tival and it will also serve as a platform Among the participants also will be The international jury at Amirani resented in cinema. and retrospectives of Fassbinder’s films for workshops, presentations, experi- students of the Shota Rustaveli State Film Festival 2015 will include Peter Fassbinder created about 40 film mas- will be shown by Berliner Festspiele and ence exchanges and communication University of Theatre and Film Geor- Slansky, Professor at the University of terpieces throughout his short but ex- Kino Arsenal. with leading experts from around the gia. The university is one of the orga- Television and Film of Munich; Profes- tremely productive career, which makes And speaking of retrospectives, Geor- world. nizers of Amirani Film Festival along sor Xie Fei of the Beijing Film Acad- him one of the most influential filmmak- gian Film Weeks will be held in Werkstatt “We are pleased to announce that with Ministry of Culture and Monument emy; Nenad Dizdarevic, the Dean of the ers ever. The exhibition on the occasion der Kulturen, Berlin, starting March 2016. every year the Festival is expanding geo- Protection of Georgia, Tbilisi City Hall Sarajevo Film Academy; and Vadim of his 70th anniversary in Martin Gropius Contributions are welcome! More graphically and increasing its authority,” Center for Cultural Events and Georgia Prodan, the Director and Professor of the Bau focused on Fassbinder’s films, show- info at: http://e- said Mikheil Giorgadze, the Minister of National Film Center. Kishinev Film Academy. The jury will cased his work diaries and related hand- mergingartists.blogspot.de/2014/06/ Culture and Monument Protection of Professor Gogi Margvelashvili, Rec- reveal winners in the following catego- written documents allowing us to trace the blog-post_25.html Georgia. “This is indicated by the large tor of the Shota Rustaveli State Univer- ries: Best Feature, Best Documentary, number of applications by young direc- sity of Theatre and Film, stated that this and Best Animation/Experimental Film. tors, which was accepted this year. The Festival plays an important role, espe- Special prizes will also be awarded for Exhibition: Sergo Parajanovi Amirani Film Festival is a unique plat- cially for Georgian students. “It is a Best Direction, Best Sound and Best form and opportunity for young film- chance for them to see what is happen- Cinematography. 21st Century Dream makers to show off their talent, see oth- ing in world cinematography, to evalu- The winners will be revealed on June By Tatia Megeneishvili closing of the mythical atmosphere of ers’ works and learn about the latest ate advantages and disadvantages of their 6. All events in the framework of the 9th Parajanov’s life and creative work. trends from the cinema world,” he own work and to start to develop in the International Student Film Festival Tbilisi History Museum is hosting More than 20 well-known Georgian added. right direction,” said Margvelashvili. Amirani, including screenings, work- the exhibition “Sergo Parajanovi - artists, alongside artists from Ukraine, More than 50 film academies have “Naturally, it is difficult to compare shops, and presentations, will take place 21st Century Dream” dedicated to mas- took part in the exhibition: Guga applied to participate in the Amirani our works with films from other coun- at the Shota Rustaveli Theatre and Film ter of cinema Sergei Parajanov until Kotetishvili, Yuri Mechitov, Olesya Film Festival and, following a thorough tries. Often, others have better techni- Georgia State University. Entrance is 16th of June which, according to orga- Tavadze, Oleg Timchenko, Nino selection process, representatives from cal possibilities, but despite this fact, we free of charge for all. nizers, is set to be one of the most inter- Chubinishvili, Irma Sharikadze, Guram esting that has ever been held in Tbilisi. Tsibakhashvili, Vakho Bugadze, Mamu- In this exhibition, founders of Dream ka Japaridze, Vadim Advadze, Erna Bonaparte’s Death Mask Now in Tbilisi Museum (Kiev, Ukraine) Victoria Dolmazova, Salome Elanidze, Zhanna Danielian and Tatiana Tsvelodub repre- Davtyan, Grigor Devejiev, Vasily By Katie Ruth Davies revolution in his own country. Attrac- sent their interpretation of Parajanov’s Kostenko, Ivan Kostenko, Eugene tive, intelligent and well-respected, life and his creativity. Remizova, Julia Bugaeva, Alla Zhmailo, For one month residents and visitors Murat married Princess Salome of The exhibition is a complex multime- and Mark Polyakov. to Tbilisi will have the chance to see Megrelia (1848-1913), in 1868. Salome dia collage-installation, uniting the exhi- Parajanov is a famous cinema mas- Napoleon Bonaparte’s first-forged death was the daughter of Queen Ekaterine of bition hall space as a collection of myths, ter. He has directed movies such as mask at the Art Palace museum Megrelia (1816-1882) and King David reflections, thoughts and memories about Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (Wild (Kargareteli Str. 6). It has been tempo- Dadiani (died in 1853), and brother of Parajanov, who was born in Tbilisi and Horses of Fire), and The Color of Pome- rarily brought, along with other artifacts the last King of Megrelia, Niko Dadiani is an integral part of Tbilisi history. granates, which brought him world belonging to the Royal Dadiani family, (1847-1903). Art objects, artifacts of a bygone era, fame. Parajanov wrote screenplays for from its home in the Dadiani Palace, The family was especially close to objects from the Tbilisi History Museum movies such as Kyiv Frescoes, Studies Zugdidi. Russian Tsar Alexander II and French fund, photos, film retrospectives “cel- about Vrubel, Swan Lake: The Zone, and One of only four in existence, the Emperor Napoleon III and were edu- luloid dreams”, collages and assem- more, receiving numerous prizes and bronze death mask of French Emperor cated in St Petersburg and Paris, being blages, movie posters, all lead to the dis- awards for his achievements in cinema. Napoleon I is said to have been made fluent in French. by Dr. François Carlo Antommarchi, in As the air of revolution increased in the manner customary following the France, Murat decided to move with his death of a great leader, using plaster family to the Dadiani Palace in Zugdidi which was carefully placed over where he enjoyed his time working the Napoleon’s face and removed after hard- land and entertaining guests. He brought ening. From this mould the bronze with him a bounty of French furniture masks, such as that now in Tbilisi, were and books- and the family heirloom: the cast. A lot of mystery and controversy first made mask of Napoleon Boneparte. surrounds the origins and whereabouts Eventually, the realization that he would of most of the original cast moulds but never return as Emperor to his native the one now on display at the Art Palace France drove him to depression and sui- museum is confirmed as the first and cide. But his legacy lives on in the great shows the seal of the Doctor at the neck. treasure which he brought to Georgia The Mask was brought to Georgia in and which can be enjoyed for the next the late 1800s by the grandson of Napo- three months at the Art Palace (the Mask leon III’s sister, Achill Murat, heir to the will remain just one month) before re- French Emperorship, whose hopes of turning to its home in the Dadiani Pal- holding such office were crushed by ace, Zugdidi.

CULTURE MAY 22 - 28 19 First Tbilisi International Festival of Literature Launched in Georgia By Eka Karsaulidze on the outskirts of Tbilisi with her Geor- gian partner. The Banner of the Passing Twenty famous contemporary writ- Clouds, (Granta Books, 2013), is Anthea ers gathered in Tbilisi to take part in the Nicholson’s debut novel. This novel is first literary festival in Georgia. Litera- especially interesting for Georgian read- ture discussions, poetry jams, books ers as it is about Georgians and some im- presentations, workshops for students, portant historical facts are interestingly poetry evenings, photo exhibitions and interpreted. ‘On the very day that Jo- many other events were held in the frame- seph Stalin dies, a baby is born in a hos- work of first Tbilisi International Festi- pital in Tbilisi, Georgia. The baby’s par- val of Literature (TIFL) on May 18-23. ents are grieving the death of their older Mikheil Giorgadze, the Minister of child and don’t really notice that their Culture and Monument Protection of new-born has been given the name Iosif Georgia many times argued that Tbilisi by the nurses. Their surname being has the potential to become the capital Dzhugashvili, means that the little boy of festivals of the whole Transcaucasian has the same birth-name as Georgia’s region. During recent years, the number most famous and feared son – Joseph of cultural festivals significantly in- Stalin. When the young Iosif learns of his creased in Tbilisi. But àmong the large strange link to the ‘man of steel’, he be- number of music, film and theater festi- comes convinced that Stalin has found a vals, there was no literary one. stitute, British Council, the Polish Book chance to learn more about modern Ital- Natalia Lomouri, Director of Writers’ new dwelling place within his chest, a “Literature is one of the peculiarities Institute and others. ian, French and Polish literature,” said House and the Tbilisi International Fes- burden he both welcomes and fears. of Georgian culture, so it can be a link Despite the fact that the Festival fo- Giunel Mevlud, a writer from Azerba- tival of Literature. Sarah Bower is a prize-winning novel- between writers all around the world and cuses on invited guests, Georgian authors ijan. ist and short story writer. Her first novel, raise the interest of the outside world were also involved in the TIFL. For ex- Tbilisi has always extended a warm BRITISH AUTHORS VISIT The Needle in the Blood, won the Susan towards Georgian literature. With this ample, especially for the Festival they welcome to famous writers. Alexandre GEORGIA Hill Award in 2007. Her second novel, The Festival, we provide writers an excel- translated “De la, on voit la mer” by Dumas, John Steinbeck, Boris Pasternak, On 19 May, at Writers’ House, the Book Of Love (published in the US as lent platform to share experiences, build French writer Philip Besson and “Voices Allen Ginsberg and many others lived British Council in partnership with Sins Of The House Of Borgia was trans- links and perhaps establish joint from Chernobyl” by Svetlana Alexievich and worked here in different years. Or- TIFL, organized the visit of two British lated into nine languages and was a Toronto projects,” said Ketevan Dumbadze, Ad- from Belarus. ganizers of the Tbilisi International Fes- female authors to show the best of con- Globe and Mail bestseller in 2009. Her viser to the Minister of Culture and Among the invited guests were also tival of Literature hope that this tradi- temporary UK literature to Georgian third novel, Erosion, writing as S. A. Monument Protection of Georgia. writers from Azerbaijan and Armenia. tion will continue. audiences. Anthea Nicholson and Sarah Hemmings, came out in 2014. Her short Thanks to these links, it became pos- Together with the Georgian poet Eka “We want to make the Festival a Bower read extracts from their works fiction and non-fiction has appeared in a sible to have in the Festival such great Kevanishvili they arranged a friendly yearly tradition; and it is acquiring even and discussed the fictionalization of his- number of publications including MsLexia, contemporary authors as Philip Besson, poetry evening. more importance, as Georgia is getting toric facts in literature. and Words Without Borders. Sarah Bower, Anthea Nicholson, Kim- “For the last 10 years I have had a ready to become Guest of Honour of Anthea Nicholson began writing fic- Zaza Purtseladze, British Council berly Johnson, Caronlyn Forche, Vera strong friendship with Georgian poets Frankfurt Book Fair in 2018. We have a tion later in life, coming from the profes- Director in Georgia: ‘The British Coun- Pavlova, Claudio Pozzani and many oth- and writers, and I know how many tal- lot of book festivals, but they are more sion of a visual artist. She took an MA in cil Arts Programme is committed to ers. The Writers’ House, official orga- ented people there are. Also, not for the similar to the fair. In the TIFL we are creative writing at Bath Spa University, showcasing high quality work from the nizer of the TIFL, choose and invited first time, I have cooperated with Violet talking about pure literature. There is no 2005, and was then writer in residence UK. We were delighted to have two writers with the support of partner or- [Violet Grigoryan, writer from Armenia]. such festival in the Caucasus region and for a year on a Dartmoor sheep farm. amazing female writers, Anthea Nichol- ganizations: Embassy of United States For me, the TIFL is not only an oppor- in this case, Georgia is taking on an im- Further distractions included building a son and Sarah Bower, to host the Brit- and Italy, Goethe Institute, French In- tunity to share my creativity, but a portant but very pleasant mission,” said dwelling and reclaiming wildlife habitat ish Literature evening today’ WHAT'S ON IN TBILISI

THEATRE May 24 Genre: Animation, Adventure, FINE ARTS INVITES YOU TO “Golden Fleece Colkheti” (8- 3 BCE), ILIAUNI THEATRE THE TALE OF TSAR SALTAN Comedy VITALI KAPANADZE’S 70 YEARS Kingdom of Kartli-Iberia (3rd century ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION. BCE-4th century CE) Address: 32 a Chavchavadze Ave. Aleksandr Pushkin Russian language Vitali Kapanadze, laureate of the Telephone: 2 29 47 15 Directed by Avtandil Varsimashvili Start time: 12:30, 15:15 GALLERY Tale Ticket price: 8.50 – 10.50 Lari David Kakabadze’s prize, has repeatedly exhibited his works at BAIA GALLERY May 22 Small stage international, group and solo Address: 10 Chardin Str KHARMS Russian Language TOMORROWLAND exhibitions. The Fine Arts Museum Telephone: 2 75 45 10 Daniil Yuvachev Start time: 18:00 Directed by Brad Bird will host the artist’s most Directed by Otar Egadze Ticket price: 5 Lari Cast: George Clooney, Britt comprehensive solo exhibition, May 16-25 With English subtitles Robertson, Hugh Laurie CINEMA featuring about 200 paintings, where ANTON BALANCHIVADZE’S Start time: 20:00 Genre: Action, Adventure, Mystery painters of almost every genre and PERSONAL EXHIBITION Ticket price: 10 Lari AMIRANI CINEMA Russian language stage will be presented. “THE PATH BY THE RIVER” Address: 36 Kostava St. Start time: 12:30, 15:30, 19:45, 22:15 GABRIADZE THEATRE Telephone: 299 99 55 Ticket price: 8.50 – 10.50 Lari MUSEUM OF SOVIET ART PALACE Address: 13 Shavtelis St. www.kinoafisha.ge OCCUPATION Address: 6 Kargareteli st. Telephone: 2 98 65 93 MUSEUM Address: 1 Rustaveli ave. Telephone: 295 19 00 May 22-28 IOSEB GRISHASHVILI TBILISI Telephone: 2 99 80 22 May 22 MAD MAX 3D HISTORY MUSEUM - KARVASLA May 18 – July 18 MARSHAL DE FANTIE’S Directe by George Miller Address: 8 Sioni St. Here, visitors can encounter the ART PALACE PRESENTS DIAMOND Cast: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Telephone: 2 98 22 81 state’s personal files of “subversive” THE EXHIBITION Directed by Revaz Gabriadze UNIQUE TREASURE FROM Nicholas Hoult Georgian public figures, orders to With English subtitles DADIANI PALACE Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi May 18 - June 16 shoot or exile, and other artifacts Start time: 20:00 English Language ON THE OCCASION OF THE representing Soviet-era cultural and MUSIC Ticket price: 10, 15 Lari political repression in Georgia. The Start time: 20:00 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF TBILISI CONCERT HALL Russian Language MUSEUMS, THE GRISHASHVILI exhibition hall is equipped with May 24, 27 Address:1 Melikishvili St. monitors, where visitors can watch RAMONA Start time: 17:15, 22:30 TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM Telephone: 2 99 00 99 documentaries of various historical Directed by Revaz Gabriadze Ticket price: 11.50-12.50 Lari PRESENTS EXHIBITION events. The exhibition also includes With English subtitles “SERGO PARAJANOVI - 21ST May 24 one of the train carriages in which the Start time: 20:00 THE AGE OF ADALINE CENTURY DREAM”. ALTERVISION GROUP participants of the national uprising Ticket price: 10, 15 Lari Directe by Lee Toland Krieger PRESENTS: IYIKA Cast: Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, May 25 - June 4 of 1924 were executed. It is also Start time: 20:00 Harrison Ford EXHIBITION “ONLY INTUITION” dedicated to the history of the anti- Ticket price: 25, 35, 40, 50, 60, 80, GRIBOEDOVI THEATRE occupational, national-liberation Genre: Drama, Romance BY ZAZA TSITSKISHVILI 100 Lari Address: 2 Rustaveli Ave. movement of Georgia and to the English Language At the exposition will be presented the Telephone: 2 93 43 36 victims of the Soviet political Start time: 20:00 artist’s distinguished paintings with May 22-24 repression throughout this period. SPRING FESTIVAL May 22 Russian Language large format drawings and powerful MUSIC AND BOOK FESTIVAL ENGLISH DETECTIVE Start time: 17:30, 19:30 expression. Tsitskishvili belongs to a SIMON JANASHIA MUSEUM Presentation of new books, big sales, Agatha Christie Ticket price: 11.50-12.50 Lari generation of artists for whom the OF GEORGIA live music, lectures, masterclasses, Directed by Vakhtang Nikolava desire to connect to the international Address: 3 Rustaveli Ave. children corners and many surprises. Ironic detective AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON 3 D art scene and to understand the Telephone: 2 99 80 22 Start time: from May 22, 12:00 Small stage Directe by Joss Whedon novelty of raising innovations. Entry: free Russian Language Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris “ARCHAEOLOGICAL Start time: 18:00 Evans, Mark Ruffalo SHALVA AMIRANASHVILI TREASURE” CLUB 33 A Ticket price: 5 Lari Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi MUSEUM OF ART Address: Vake Park Russian Language Address: 1 Lado Gudiashvili St. Examples of work by early Georgian Telephone: 577443313 May 23 Start time: 12:30 Telephone: 2 99 99 09 goldsmiths were discovered during ELDER SON Ticket price: 8.50-12.50 Lari www.museum.ge archeological excavations, and are May 23 Aleksandr Vampilov currently reserved in the archeological GIO DZAMUKASHVILI & BAND Directed by Gogi Margvelashvili SHAUN THE SHEEP May 17 - June 7 treasury. The exhibition presents Gio Dzamukashvili (Vocal, Guitar), Comedy three periods development in the Directed by Mark Burton, Richard ON THE OCCASION OF THE Misha Japaridze (Bass Guitar), Small stage history of Georgian goldwork, from Levan Kutateladze (Guitar), Lasha Starzak INTERNATIONAL DAY OF Russian Language the 3rd century BCE to the 4th Evgenidze (Drum) Cast: Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes, MUSEUMS THE SHALVA Start time: 18:00 century CE: Start time: 20:00 Omid Djalili Ticket price: 5 Lari AMIRANASHVILI MUSEUM OF Kurgan Culture (3-2 BCE), Ticket price: 10 Lari

SOCIETY MAY 22 - 28 21 Interview with Rainer Kaufmann: Etseri, Svaneti By Tony Hanmer regulated. But what’s the better way? I to the Georgian dream of Europe, I fear really don’t know. Or do I? By the way: that there is a huge misunderstanding Mr Kaufmann was the driver for a The greatest surprise for me is that, even between the EU and Georgia, including family of three other Germans visiting after 25 years, this country is able to the countries of the so called Eastern Part- our guest house a short while ago. He surprise me every day. nership. Georgia considers the Associa- has been in Georgia since its end days Q: How has Georgia changed you? tion Agreement as the first step towards as a Soviet state, and I was glad for the A: We Germans are world champi- gaining— in the near future—full mem- chance to get to know him a bit better ons in organization, Georgians “only bership of the EU. It’s the right of Geor- during his stay. One anecdote he offered vice-champions” in this field. But they gia to demand this goal. But I fear that was that the same now-deceased Svans are world-champions in improvisation. for Brussels this agreement has been de- who had protected me during my early Even if I have tried hard to train my staff signed as the first step, to avoid full mem- visits to Svaneti, in the lawless pre- in organization, I’ve learned a lot from bership. To avoid huge disappointment Saakashvili years, had tried many times them in dealing in a more relaxed way in the society of Georgia, isn’t it high time (without success) to rob him as he with all the daily problems. There is al- to tell the truth? But we continue to ex- passed through Etseri! ways a solution, even some minutes af- change diplomatic set phrases. The lat- Q: Please tell us a bit about your- ter midnight! est opinion polls in Georgia should be self—where you are from; when, how Q: How would you describe your seriously considered in Brussels. If the and why you first got interested in native country’s relationship with EU is only demanding implementation Georgia, how you first visited. nize cultural tourism from Germany, only Svaneti. I have written two books, and Georgia? of its standards, if during the next years A: I’m a German TV journalist. Dur- to help German teachers in Tbilisi dur- published a photo-book about Georgia. A: A difficult question, because there the EU will produce only hardships for ing New Year 1989/1990 I accompanied ing their summers to earn some money. And for the last three years I’ve been are many approaches in Germany to the majority of the poor population and a pupil exchange from my hometown We started with tourist groups from Ger- the editor of the traditional German Georgia, while the Georgian approach nearly no benefits, than public opinion with Tbilisi 6th school, the then so- many in 1993. The rest of the story is very Newspaper in Georgia “Kaukasische to Germany is clear: Germans are good, regarding the EU could be under serious called “German School”. It was during simple. As there was no hotel in Tbilisi, Post—founded 1906”. All of this hap- whatever they mean by those words. We risk. I would recommend all EU bureau- the Soviet time and very impressive, private home-stays only, my wife and I pened by chance. in Germany have a lot to learn about crats and politicians to come to Georgia, especially because almost nobody be- invested in a little guesthouse there. As Q: What are some of your fondest Georgia; Georgia is widely an unknown but not only to teach Georgians what they lieved in the future of the communist the business grew, the guesthouse had to memories of your time in Georgia? and most of my compatriots even fear have to do; I wish them first of all to come system. A country on its way to inde- expand. The ex-pats in Tbilisi were ask- A: Too much for me to choose from! travelling here. “Isn’t it dangerous?”— to listen, to learn the reality of the popu- pendence and freedom. ing for a European restaurant. “Rainer, For me, Georgia is a place that can take the question I must answer constantly. lation and also to learn from Georgia. Q: What made you stay? What are do you have pizza and bratwurst?” So 15 a lot from you, sometimes it takes too But we should not forget that it is Geor- Q: What one or two things would you doing here now? years ago I brought the first pizza oven much from you, but it gives you all. gia with its revolutions, civil wars and you most like to see changed in Geor- A: I didn’t decide, in those years, to to Tbilisi, and with that, the beer garden Q: What was the greatest surprise other bad events, which has contributed gia as it is now? stay permanently. But as a freelance jour- and pizzeria was established. And so on for you here? to this image. So there’s a lot to do to I wish this country would find its own nalist I’ve had enough time and—of and so on. A: The possibility to realize your inform Germans about the reality here. way at the crossroads of the worlds; the course—curiosity, to explore this coun- During this time I’ve produced some ideas without regulations anywhere. Q: What is your opinion of the EU/ crossroads of east and west, north and try in the years following that first visit. 15 documentaries for German TV chan- Germany is over-regulated in each field Georgia relationship, as it is or should south. This location has created the The first idea I considered was to orga- nels in Georgia, the first in 1994-95 in of life. OK, Georgia is somehow under- be? country’s unique charm over centuries. A: First of all: Georgia is at the edge Despite all the needed progress and of Europe but definitely part of it. And changes in society, in the economy and Georgia has the right to be considered part politics, Georgia will no longer be the of Europe. I cannot understand how the country I’ve discovered if it’s not able EU is monopolizing the word “Europe” to preserve this, its own character. for its own interests. If you stand at the My websites: www.erkareisen.de eastern EU border in Poland, the distance (German); www.hotel-kartli.com (Ger- to the Atlantic in Portugal is nearly the man, English); www.kaukasische- same as to the Urals. So: east of the EU post.de (German); www.erka-verlag.de there is the other half of Europe. Coming (German)

Tony Hanmer runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group, now with over 1000 members, at www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ . He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti

Georgian Film Succeeds at International Film Festival in Rome By Nino Melikishvili Film Festival. The minimalist 10-minute drama A Georgian film, Invisible Spaces, tells the story of a seemingly calm fam- directed by Georgian film director Dea ily morning that falls apart to reveal hid- Kulumbegashvili won the Best Interna- den tensions. It shows the barriers in tional Short Film Award at the Rome which a priest husband holds his infuri- Independent Film Festival (RIFF) held ate wife confined, which creates the ‘in- in Italy on May 7-15. Movies from more visible space.’ than 40 countries were participating in Besides the Cannes Film Festival, in this Festival. 2014 Invisible Spaces was also nomi- “Invisible Spaces in an intimate nated for the Best Short Film prize at the glimpse into the world where family hi- Les Arcs European Film Festival and the erarchy and the place of woman are un- Uppsala International Short Film Festi- contested,” stated the RIFF website. val. The film was also nominated for the Invisible Spaces was the first film in Uppsala Award in memory of Ingmar the history of independent Georgia to Bergman, an award which is given to participate in the Cannes International young and promising filmmakers.

SPORTS MAY 22 - 28 23 World Rugby Under-20 Championship Coming to Georgia in 2017 By Alastair Watt world’s strongest rugby nations. and Performance, Mark Egan congratu- Understandably, the affable yet lated Georgia on winning the right to As Georgia’s accomplishments on statesman-like Giorgi Nijaradze, Presi- host the 2017 championships and noted the rugby field continue to gain long- dent of the Georgian Rugby Union, was the impressive evolution underway in deserved recognition from experts in thrilled with the decision. Georgian rugby. Europe and the Southern Hemisphere, “Hosting the World Rugby Under- “There has been a remarkable trans- there was another indication that Geor- 20 Championship is the highest honor, formation in the standard of rugby fa- gian rugby is advancing its reputation not only for Georgian rugby, but for the cilities in Georgia over the past seven when they were announced as hosts of whole country,” said Nijaradze. year thanks to a multi-million dollar fa- the 2017 World Rugby Under-20 Fully aware of the significance of cility investment programme funded by Championship on May 14. Georgia being trusted with such an im- the Cartu foundation and supported by “I’d like to congratulate the Geor- portant occasion on the world rugby the Georgian government,” stated gian Rugby Union on being chosen to calendar, Nijaradze expressed satisfac- Egan. host the prestigious U20 Championship tion at the forward strides rugby was “The awarding of this prestigious in 2017,” stated World Rugby Chair- making both in the country and abroad. tournament to Georgia is just reward man Bernard Lapasset when making “This tournament will enhance for the outstanding progress that the the announcement last week. Georgia’s international profile and union is making at all levels of the As well as the Georgian Rugby hopefully attract a large number of game,” he added. Union, whose tireless work has seen people to visit our country and enjoy Tbilisi will play host to the major- rugby rival if not surpass football in its rich culture and famous Georgian ity of the championships although terms of national popularity, the Geor- hospitality,” he added. Kutaisi is expected to host some gian government has pledged funds for Georgia climbed to 14th in the world matches, a reflection of the immense the hosting of the tournament which rankings in the Spring following an- popularity rugby enjoys in the West of helped to secure the decision. other European Nations Cup grand the country. “I’d also like to thank the Georgian slam. And, as they leapfrogged Italy in government for its investment in host- the process, talk of Georgian entry to Sports Fixtures ing the tournament. The future stars of the coveted Six Nations championship world rugby will enjoy a great event in emerged in various British newspapers. and Tables 2017, with unique hospitality and a That step still seems unlikely in the May 22-28 warm welcome in a country that boasts is expected to take place in June 2017, participating nations. immediate future but there is little RUGBY UNION such a rich cultural and sporting heri- although no fixed dates have been con- However, with the duty of hosting doubt that Georgia will continue to Umaglesi Liga Table tage,” said Lapasset in an extremely firmed as yet. the 2017 event comes a confirmed place knock at the door of top level European 1. Bolnisi Kochebi 58 complimentary speech. This year’s Under-20 World Cup be- in the tournament which will allow the rugby if it continues its momentum 2. Lelo Saracens 56 The decision, which was made in gins next month and takes place in Italy Georgian youngsters to gain valuable both on and off the field. 3. Batumi 50 Dublin, was unanimous and the event although Georgia are not among the 12 experience against their peers from the World Rugby Head of Competition 4. Lokomotivi 48 5. Kharebi Rustavi 46 Integrated Border NGO WATCH 6. AIA Kutaisi 46 Management Cup – World Vision’s Day Care Centre Supports Vulnerable parents 7. Armazi 38 Football 8. Jiki Gori 36 By Tatia Megeneishvili under the age of two. However, we aim 9. Armia 22 Tournament to change this policy in future. Right now 10. Tibies 11 Promotes Open and World Vision established a Day Care we have only one center, which is located Centre for Vulnerable Infants in order to in public kindergarten #107. When we FOOTBALL Secure Borders support vulnerable children and their started in 2011, all the expenses were Umaglesi Liga Fixtures A four-team football tournament in- mothers though the Family Strengthen- covered by us but since, the Mayor’s Friday 22nd May volving different border agencies in ing and Prevention service, in 2011. Office has been covering the expenses. Samtredia v Merani Martvili; Dila Gori Georgia will compete for the Integrated This service provides a range of sup- Since we have a huge demand from other v WIT Georgia; Kolkheti Poti v Border Management (IBM) Cup on May port which ensures highly vulnerable regions, we are working to somehow Tskhinvali; Metalurgi Rustavi v Torpedo 22 at the Muza Cultural Center on the parents have the skills and resources nec- World Vision Georgia beneficiaries, Nino open at least one new center soon,” Kutaisi; Shukura v Dinamo Batumi; Turtle Lake Turn in Tbilisi, starting from essary to care for their young children and Mokhevishvili and her daughter. Menteshashvili told us. Sioni v Guria; Dinamo Tbilisi v 5pm. prevent them from entering the state care Affairs, the Mayor’s Office, Local and According to Menteshashvili, the cen- Chikhura. The four agencies participating are system. International NGOs, and local business ter was renovated and fully equipped by Umaglesi Liga Table the Border Police, Patrol Police, Acad- The provision of a Day Care Centre representatives. World Vision Georgia and is currently 1. Dila Gori 61 emy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for infants from 0-3 is the only service of All project beneficiaries are referred by functioning smoothly as well as being 2. Dinamo Batumi 55 and the Revenue Service of the Minis- this type in Georgia. The Centre allows state social workers; all cases are assessed fully occupied, with children receiving 3. Dinamo Tbilisi 55 try of Finance. single parents who lack extended family individually, and relevant intervention quality supplies and services through the 4. Tskhinvali 52 All are welcome to attend and watch support to leave infants in quality care plans are elaborated by the Project Social involvement of qualified and trained staff. 5. Chikhura 46 the competition, where they will be while they pursue income-generating Worker in close collaboration with state Beneficiary of the project, Nino 6. Samtredia 42 joined in the crowd by the following activities. social workers according to the Mokhevishvili, said that, with the sup- 7. Shukura 41 Tbilisi dignitaries: Niels Scott, Head of Vulnerable parents, especially young beneficiary’s needs and abilities. The par- port of World Vision, her family now has 8. Torpedo Kutaisi 40 the United Nations in Georgia; Giorgi mothers, are simultaneously provided ticular beneficiary could be involved in an income. 9. Guria 39 Tabuashvili, Head of the Revenue Ser- with assistance in microenterprise devel- one or more project services at the same “Not only have they taken care of our 10. Kolkheti Poti 36 vice, Deputy Head of the Minister of opment, vocational trainings, and tailored time. All served cases are supervised and baby by giving us the opportunity to leave 11. Merani Martvili 36 Finance of Georgia; Zurab Gamezar- job placement opportunities. monitored on a regular basis. her at their center from 9am to 9pm, but 12. Zugdidi 30 dashvili, Head of the Border Police; Additional special medical and psy- Project Manager at World Vision, they also gave us chance to learn some- 13. Sioni 29 David Tsinaridze, Head of the Patrol chological services are provided where Marina Menteshashvili, spoke to Geor- thing. For example, my husband learned 14. WIT Georgia 26 Police; and Nukri Gelashvili, Rector of necessary. 162 parents and 230 children gia Today, explaining that the project goal how to cook and now works for a big 15. Zestafoni 26 the Academy of the Ministry of Internal have benefitted from these services. Par- is to contribute to the ongoing state Child restaurant. I also used World Vision’s ser- 16. Rustavi 25 Affairs of Georgia. ents are equipped to care, protect and Welfare System Reform through devel- vice and had a therapy course with their IBM is funded by the European better provide for their children. opment of alternative family support ser- psychologist. It is very hard to leave my Georgian Cup Final Union and implemented by the United Local Partners/Stakeholders are the vices and Child Protection policies. baby girl for a whole day, but I am doing Tuesday 26th May Nations Development Programme Agency of Social Services under the “This is a unique service in the coun- it for her future welfare,” said Dinamo Tbilisi v Samtredia (7pm) – (UNDP). Ministry of Labour Health and Social try. Kindergartens are closed to children Mokhevishvili. Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, Tbilisi

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.

See answers in the next issue www.sudoku.com Answers to previous puzzles Address: 1 Melikishvili Str. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF - Katie Ruth Davies Reproducing material, photos and COPY EDITOR - Alastair Watt Tbilisi, 0179, Georgia advertisements without prior editorial GENERAL MANAGER - George Sharashidze JOURNALISTS: Beqa Kirtava, Baia Dzaginadze, Eka Karsaulidze, Alastair Watt, Tel.: (995 32) 229 59 19, 294 55 24 permission is strictly forbidden. The Joseph Alexander Smith, Joseph Larsen, Zviad Adzinbaia, Tony Hanmer, Meri Taliashvili, Advertising, Subscription: author is responsible for all material. Zaza Jgharkava, Maka Bibilashvili, Nino Melikishvili, Ana Lomtadze, Teona Surmava BUSINESS MANAGER - Iva Merabishvili PHOTOGRAPHER: Zviad Nikolaishvili 597 970444; 597 955565 Rights of authors are preserved. The TECHNICAL SUPPORT: Misha Mchedlishvili E-mail: [email protected] newspaper is registered in Mtatsminda CIRCULATION MANAGERS: David Kerdikashvili, David Djandjgava MARKETING MANAGER: Mako Burduli district court. Reg. # 06/4-309