Issue no: 1115 • JANUARY 11 - 14, 2019 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... ’s Listed among Top 100 Dishes NEWS PAGE 2 Future of Russia’s “Breakaway Empire”

POLITICS PAGE 4 TBC Denies Slander POLITICS PAGE 6 FOCUS Sales of HUAWEI ON H1N1 Smartphones Exceed 200 A look at the toll so mln Units in 2018 far and preventative measures you can take PAGE 2 Georgia's Position Worsens in EIU's Democratic Index Report BY THEA MORRISON

he Economist Intelligence Unit (the BUSINESS PAGE 9 EIU), which is the research and analysis division of The Economist Group, the sister company to The City Full of Love, or... Economist newspaper, released its T2018 Democratic Index Report, where Georgia’s position has dropped by 5.50 points compared to 2017. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index provides a snapshot of the state of democ- racy worldwide for 165 independent states and two territories. This covers almost the entire population of the world and the vast majority of the world’s states. The Democracy Index is based on fi ve catego- ries: electoral process and pluralism; civil liber- ties; the functioning of government; political participation and political culture. Based on its scores on a range of indicators within these cat- egories, each country is then itself classifi ed as one of four types of regime: “full democracy”, “flawed democracy”, “hybrid regime” and “authoritarian regime”. Continued on page 2 Image source: Economist Intelligence Unit CULTURE PAGE 11 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS JANUARY 11 - 14, 2019 Georgia's Position Worsens in Ajara Visited by an Unprecedented EIU's Democratic Index Report Continued from page 1 over the opposition,” the report stressed. Number of Visitors in 2018 The index added that in comparison to The report reads that Georgia’s fall, Georgia, Armenia saw the most improve- 5.50 down from 5.93 in 2017, was the ment among all “hybrid regime” countries steepest in the entire region. The coun- in Eastern Europe in 2018, raising its score try is in the category of “hybrid regime.” to 4.79, from 4.11 in 2017. This led to a The index underlines that Georgia’s jump in its ranking from 111 to 103. billionaire former Prime Minister, Bidzina This is the 11th edition of the Democ- Ivanishvili, returned to politics in May, racy Index, which began in 2006. It resumed leadership of the ruling party, records how global democracy fared in Georgian Dream (GD), and despite not 2018. holding an elected offi ce, “redirected The report says that for the fi rst time government policy. “ in three years, the global score for democ- “The Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikash- racy remained stable. According to it, a vili, resigned in June, citing his disagree- total of 42 countries experienced a decline ments with Mr. Ivanishvili, rather than in their total score compared with 2017; widespread popular discontent with the 48 registered an increase in total score. government, as the key factor in his deci- But as a percentage of the world’s popu- sion. Under Mr Ivanishvili’s infl uence, lation, fewer people lived in some form the government also intervened in the of democracy (47.7%, compared with second-round presidential election, offer- 49.3% in 2017). Very few of these (4.5%) ing a debt write-off to 600,000 citizens were classifi ed as living in a full democ- two weeks after the election day. This racy. Around one-third of the population appeared to provide the government lived under authoritarian rule, with a with a sizeable campaigning advantage large share represented by China. H1N1 Flu in Georgia: What You Should Know ism and Resorts of Ajara has been run- media platforms, press-info tours, par- TRANSLATED BY KETEVAN ning advertising campaigns since 2017. ticipation in international exhibitions, KVARATSKHELIYA • Estonia +88.2% online advertising, and other market- • Germany +79.2% ing activities. BBC, Euronews, CNN, • Great Britain +33.9% and Deutsche Welle are the television jara was visited by an • Lithuania +33.2% companies through which promotion unprecedented number of • Poland +11.5% videos about Ajara were discovered by travelers in 2018. The total “Two million visitors represents an millions of spectators worldwide,” he amount of international unprecedented number,” said the Chair- said, going on to note that the high tourists reached 1,931.179 man of the Department of Tourism and level of popularity of the region is also Alast year, which exceeds the fi gure of Resorts of Ajara, Sulkhan Glonti. “This emphasized by the fact that Airbnb has 2017 by 14.7%. is the fi rst time we have seen such a named Batumi among the top 19 trend- The indicator for the growth in the fi gure. It comprises the data of three ing cities of 2019. Airbnb is a platform number of international visitors shows administrative zones of Ajara (Sarpi, with more than 500 million consumers Batumi International Airport as leader, Batumi International Airport, and and is a valuable recommendation where international travel increased by Batumi Port). 86.74% of tourists were source for visitors. 23.7% in 2018 year-on-year. represented by travelers from our tar- “Analysis of the time period of visits The positive dynamics of international get counties, which is vital for us as gives us the opportunity to state that tourist fl ow escalation were maintained we have put a lot of effort into achiev- Ajara is no longer just a summer desti- from traditional markets as well as from ing the given result and have actively nation: it is becoming attractive year- new target countries of the European worked for the promotion of our region round, which is our paramount aim,” Union, where the Department of Tour- and country through international Glonti said.

free-of-charge for pregnant women, BY AMY JONES children, socially vulnerable persons, pensioners, and those suffering with certain diseases. he H1N1 fl u strain, com- It is also recommended to regularly wash Georgia’s Khachapuri Listed monly known as swine fl u, your hands with warm water or an alcohol- is spreading throughout based hand sanitizer to prevent the spread Georgia. The Minister of of the fl u. Moreover, taking care of your Health of Georgia stated general well-being by exercising, sleeping Tthat 640 people are currently being enough, and eating a balanced can among Top 100 Dishes treated with the virus in the country, of strengthen the body against the fl u. which 39 are in intensive care units. 10 khachapuri can often be consumed as a BY THEA MORRISON people are known to have died from the WHO IS AT RISK? full meal. It can also be bought at numer- sickness so far. Although the current Anyone could become sick with H1N1. ous kiosks located alongside Georgian numbers are far from epidemic levels, However, children, pregnant women, roads, however, it is also served at it is important to take precautions to the elderly, and people suffering with asteAtlas has specialized restaurants, known prevent the spread of the disease. Here certain diseases are most at risk. The included as khachapurnayas,” the arti- is everything you need to know about government is offering Tamifl u medica- Georgian tradi- cle reads. H1N1 fl u. tion to such people. tional dish The website also listed khachapuri in the other famous Geor- WHAT IS H1N1 FLU? WHAT IS THE Tlist of top 100 dishes of the world. gian traditional H1N1 fl u, often known as swine fl u, is a GOVERNMENT DOING? “This simple cheese bread dishes. subtype of infl uenza A virus, which is a On 9 January, the Ministry of Education known as 'khachapuri' is the common cause of infl uenza. announced that children would not return most famous dish in Georgia. to school or kindergarten until 21 Janu- The pastry is traditionally topped SYMPTOMS ary, prolonging their winter holidays by with melted cheese, eggs and The symptoms are similar to seasonal one week in order to slow the spread of butter,” the website says. fl u symptoms. You will typically suffer swine fl u. Moreover, they are getting The article reads that there are from a cough, fever, sore throat, runny ready for next season with plans in place different types of khachapuri, nose, headache, body aches, chills, and to purchase double the amount of anti- adding the most common addi- fatigue. As symptoms progress, more fl u vaccines in autumn 2019, up from tions include traditional Georgian serious problems such as pneumonia, a 41,000 last year to 80,000 for 2019. Sulguni or Imeretian cheese. lung infection, or breathing problems TasteAtlas says khachapuri is shaped can occur. NO NEED TO PANIC into different forms and, depending on Deputy Director of the NCDC Paata the baking procedure and its form, can HOW TO AVOID Imnadze, stated “there is no threat of an be consumed individually or shared. CATCHING THE FLU epidemic. Infl uenza morbidity is about 195 “Two of the most common varieties Vaccination is the best prevention cases per 100,000 people, while the epi- include the Imeretian khachapuri, shaped method. Amiran Gamkredlidze, the demic rate is 400. There are 277 cases per into a circular form, and Adjaran Head of the National Disease Control 100,000 people. We are far from the peak khachapuri, the open-faced version Center has stated that there is a ready for the time being as the epidemic limit topped with butter and a raw egg on top. supply of Tamifl u medication available for our country is 500 cases per 100,000.” Although it is considered a snack,

GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS JANUARY 11 - 14, 2019 Future of Russia’s “Breakaway Empire” blesome for Moscow as Kiev and Chis- BY EMIL AVDALIANI inau at times consider constraining the breakaway territory, and Moscow can do little as it has no direct land or air s the West-Russia tensions route. In Abkhazia and , have grown over the past Russian forces watch as NATO exercises years, one theater of Rus- take place on Georgian soil, which sug- sian foreign policy, namely gests that, despite the Russian military management of breakaway footprint in the region, Western coun- Aregions, has largely fallen out of analysts’ tries are continuing to expand their sup- works. Where, in the fi rst years follow- port for Georgia. ing the collapse of the Soviet Union, Without doubt, Russia will remain a Russia had to manage breakaway con- dominant military power in the region fl icts in small and poor Georgia and and the breakaway territories will stay Moldova, by early 2019, Moscow’s respon- dependent on Moscow’s support. Yet, it sibilities have increased exponentially. will be increasingly diffi cult for Moscow In a way Nagorno-Karabakh was also to successfully pull the strings in several under the Russian geopolitical infl uence, different theaters at once, particularly although the Russians were not directly as the Russia is facing its own fi nancial involved. problems, increased Western efforts to Following the Ukraine crisis, Crimea, confront its foreign policy, and “disobe- Donetsk and Luhansk were added to dience” from various separatist leaders. Russia’s “Breakaway Empire”. This means that at a time when economic problems BAD, BUT STILL A STRATEGY are looming large within Russia, Moscow If Russia has any notion of a grand strat- has to spend more on multiple actors egy in its recent foreign policy, it is cer- across the former Soviet space. This tainly the purposeful creation of confl ict means that Russia’s broader strategy of zones and their management across the Map of the former Soviet Union. Source: kolovrat.org managing breakaway confl icts, though post-Soviet space. The fall of the Soviet low economic potential, the South Cau- Western expansion in the former Soviet gia and Ukraine has largely failed. Only not very much visible, could be coming Union was indeed a colossal geopolitical casus states would inevitably turn to space is not working. True that Moscow Moldova might be regarded as a success under increasing stress. Where Russia setback for Moscow as the country Europe. The same would happen on needed, be it Abkhazia or Donetsk, to for the Russians, as the country has still previously used the confl icts in Moldova, instantly lost portions of land on a scale Russia’s western frontier with Moldova stop the countries in its “immediate failed to unite around its geopolitical Georgia and Ukraine to limit the ability rarely, if ever, seen in recorded history. and Ukraine, which have been more neighborhood” from joining the EU/ choice. of those countries to enter the EU/NATO, But maintaining 11 buffer states (except susceptible to Western economic and NATO. And to the Russians’ credit, it The point here is that although there now Moscow is losing its ability to for the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia military potential because of geographic has worked: the West is hesitant to quickly are breakaway territories, Western expan- maneuver in so many diverse confl icts and Lithuania) around Russia has proximity and historical interconnec- make Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova the sion into Georgia and Ukraine continues simultaneously. At times, various play- remained a cornerstone of the Kremlin’s tions with Europe. members of the EU/NATO groupings. through various means, importing a ers are trying to play their own game foreign policy against Western military In a way, geopolitical trends also point But there are also signs that the Russian much “deadlier” weapon – economic independently from Moscow. In Transn- and economic encroachment. Russians towards the conclusion that Russia’s gambit that those very breakaway regions infl uence – against that of traditional istria, the geopolitical situation is trou- knew that because of their own country’s usage of breakaway territories to stop would undermine the integrity of Geor- Russian military and religious infl uence. Will Georgia Come out against Ukraine? parison, note that on the territory of cephaly of Ukraine and the decision of OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA Russia, the Patriarchate owns two Lavras, Image source: Bartholomeus: “Ukraine is the friend of 499 monasteries and 18,042 cathedrals. Bartholomew I signs our country and naturally with this atti- The loss that the Russian Orthodox the Tomos of tude we all respect Ukraine, but there is he Ukrainian Orthodox Church has seen in Ukraine equals the Autocephaly, a clear Church Law and in this case the Church has been granted “fall of the third Rome” for Russia. With marking the formal Holy Synod will use only the canonical independence of the the Tomos, that is the decree the Tomos, Ukraine became the 16th rules. We are confi dent that the Holy Ukrainian Orthodox of autocephaly, or inde- Autocephalous Orthodox Church and Synod will make the correct decision Church at the pendence. On January 6, its formation has begun a most diffi cult and that it will be based on the Church Patriarchal Church Tone day before Orthodox Christmas, period – a process of recognition which laws that have been adopted during the of St. George in Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I will be marked with intrigue and prob- Istanbul. ANADOLU various Church meetings and recognized handed the Tomos to leader of the Ortho- lems. The Orthodox world should once AGENCY / GETTY as the only and chief rules to be used dox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan and for all answer the question as to IMAGES when making such decisions.” Epifaniy (Epiphanius) of Kiev and All whether it recognizes the decision of This clearly implies that the Patriar- Ukraine. The ceremony took place in St. the World Ecumenical Patriarch about chate of Georgia may well act like the George's Cathedral in Istanbul. granting Ukraine autocephaly, and if it patriarchates of Serbia and Antioch and The Tomos, meaning “decree” in Greek, is ready to mention the leader of the not support the autocephaly of Ukraine, clearly states that from now on Ukraine’s newly formed Ukrainian Church canonical but political. “In the contro- the reason for the lack of comment on thus deciding to continue orbiting around Church is autocephalous. It is under the Epiphanes in its prayers. versy between Moscow and Constan- the issue and said they “hadn’t read the the Russian Church. direct patronage of the Ecumenical Patri- It has been less than a week since the tinople, we will use canonical law, accord- text of the Tomos yet.” “Who knows There were only 15 Orthodox Churches archate of Constantinople, which also Tomos was granted and the Orthodox ing to which Ukraine’s Church is within what is written in it?” they told report- in the world (Ukraine became the 16th): serves as the Supreme Institution of Patriarch of Antioch has already turned the canonical borders of Moscow’s Patri- ers. “How can we express our offi cial Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Appeals for it. Before that, for almost against the autocephaly of Ukraine, say- archate,” said the Patriarch of Serbia. position without reading it? We need to Jerusalem, Russia, Georgia, Serbia, Roma- 300 years, Ukraine’s Church was part of ing that Bartholomeus did not take into The remaining Orthodox Churches discuss it during the Synod. We will nia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Elada, Albania, the Russian Patriarchate and Moscow, consideration the position of other auto- have yet to share their offi cial position, examine the issue during the following Poland, Czech-Slovakia, and the USA. and its chief canonical juror was the cephalous churches when making this including the . Synod,” said Bishop Nikoloz after the In order to defend its position, Russia Patriarch of Russia. decision. The position is shared with the This massive change that took place in Christmas service. needs the support of at least eight other Apart from a parish of 40 million, Mos- Church of Serbia, with Serbian Patriarch the Orthodox world went completely An interesting position was heard from churches. As yet, only three have cow’s Patriarchate also owned three Irinej accusing the Ecumenical Patriarch unmentioned in Patriarch Ilia II’s Christ- the Rector of the Theological Seminary, announced support: Antioch, Serbia and Lavras (among them part of the Kiev- of “neglecting canonical law.” He com- mas liturgy. However, after the liturgy, Protopresviter Giorgi Zviadadze. His Russia. Whether Georgia will join the Pecheri Lavra), 168 monasteries and mented to Euronews that the decision the Patriarch’s locum tenens Shio and comment sounded a lot like what the campaign will become known soon, but 13,348 cathedrals. For the sake of com- of Patriarch Bartholomeus was not one or two other church leaders provided Patriarch of Serbia said about the auto- we can already say that it is almost there.

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

GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS JANUARY 11 - 14, 2019 TBC Denies Slander The bank says documents obtained BY THEA MORRISON by the Prosecutor's Offi ce are related to the 2008 legal banking operation, which, as they say, has been several he Prosecutor’s Offi ce of times checked by auditors and the Georgia (POG) has National (NBG) dur- launched an investigation ing the current and the previous gov- into an operation carried ernments. out by TBC Bank in 2008. “It is unfortunate that during the TThe POG announced the fact on Jan- 27-year existence of TBC Bank, and uary 9, after TBC Bank released a state- under all governments, the Bank has ment regarding the “deliberate black been object to attack. TBC Bank and its PR against the Bank.” management have seen a number of Prosecutor Salome Chikobava said crises and have always proven their during the briefi ng held at the General truth,” the statement reads. Prosecutor’s Offi ce that the Financial The Bank says several media portals Monitoring Service had begun check- released “erroneous and deliberately ing the fi nancial activities of TBC Bank distorted information that serves to and its shareholders in May of 2018. damage the country's leading fi nancial She noted an investigation is under- institution and its founders' reputation.” way into “facts of the legalization of The released illicit income.” a statement regarding the case saying The POG claims that in April-May that TBC Bank is a healthy crediting 2008, companies Samgori M and Sam- organization and has an adequate level gori Trade took loans to the amount of of liquidation resources and capital. $17 million from TBC Bank. On the same “Investigation into the case of TBC day, a loan was issued to individuals Bank will not affect the sustainable and Badri Japaridze and Mamuka Khazaradze, effi cient functioning of the banking sec- co-founders of TBC Bank Group and tor,” reads the statement. its Chairmen. Zviad Kordzadze, the attorney of TBC Image source: Georgia About The agency claims that none of the Bank's Supervisory Board Chair, says companies paid back the loans and later that the POG questioned Mamuka Khaz- says they will always protect the inter- OFFICIAL STATEMENT a target of assaults under every govern- they [companies] were replaced by an aradze several days prior to New Year. ests of its member banks and will not FROM TBC BANK: ment. The Bank and its shareholders have offshore company but the loan was not The lawyer says the Article, under allow a “deliberate slanderous campaign On January 8, late in the evening, several gone through multiple crises but have paid back to the bank. which the investigation is being carried against the leading fi nancial institution media portals spread misinformation always been able, and will be able in the “In May 2018, the Financial Monitor- out, is “absurd.” of the country.” aimed at discrediting the leading fi nancial future, to assert their truth. ing Service of Georgia started studying “The rumors about money laundering Gigi Ugulava, one of the leaders of the institution of the country and its share- As concerns the comment made by the the fi nancial activities of TBC Bank, its are nonsense. The operation was abso- parliamentary minority European Geor- holders. Such actions undoubtedly aim Offi ce of the Prosecutor with respect to legal entity customers, shareholders lutely open and transparent. The POG gia, believes the recent developments to damage TBC Bank JSC, which is an the collection of documents, it is related and administrators. The study revealed did not mention that the money was surrounding TBC bank are linked with important institution in the country, at to an ordinary, legitimate bank transac- that specifi c activities included signs returned to the bank. Mamuka Khaz- the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) Founder local as well as international level. tion performed in 2008, which: of illicit income legalization or money aradze borrowed money from a certain and Chair, billionaire Bidzina Ivanish- We hereby categorically deny the false • has been examined by state structures laundering. The materials were sent to person and returned the loan to the vili. accusations and misleading information and the National Bank of Georgia on sev- the National Bank as well to the Pros- bank's capital,” Kordzadze said. “Khazaradze was trying to get on well carefully orchestrated by the forces behind eral occasions in relevant periods under ecutor's Offi ce of Georgia. Based on The Banking Association of Georgia with Ivanishvili before but it did not the dark PR. the present as well as the previous gov- these materials, on August 2 of 2018, released a statement regarding the case, work…The recent developments mean TBC Bank is and will remain the lead- ernment; the Investigative Department of the saying “such a campaign” can damage that Ivanishvili personally threatened ing fi nancial institution in the country • has been examined and verifi ed as POG launched an investigation into the the reputation of a particular bank and Khazaradze…We see business cannot and the region, observing the best prac- legitimate by international auditors on fact of legalization of illicit income,” the entire banking system, which will breathe freely,” Ugulava said. tices of corporate governance and social several occasions; the statement of the POG reads. negatively impact the country's eco- Yet GD member Gia Volsky excludes responsibility, which has been duly rec- • Furthermore, the statute of limitations Before the briefi ng of the POG, TBC nomic development. any political motives in the TBC Bank ognized by international institutions and for the transaction has expired. Bank released a statement, saying they “Incorrect interpretations of recent case. “It is impossible to blame such a investors. TBC Bank is not going to disregard this will not tolerate the “deliberate destruc- developments regarding TBC Bank, and huge fi nancial institution so ground- Being a leading Public Limited Company deliberate attempt to discredit and tarnish tion of the bank’s reputation.” speculations receiving high interest lessly. No-one would even dream of with a premium listing (FTSE250), TBC its reputation, irrespective of the source “If necessary, we will use all the lev- from the public, can damage the correct such a thing,” he said. Bank represents in Georgia interests of of the misinformation, and will apply all erage available to protect the legitimate perception of reality and lead to false TBC Bank is the largest bank in Geor- investors and shareholders from all of available local and international instru- interests of TBC Bank, its founders and expectations regarding the development gia. It is listed on the London Stock the fi ve continents of the world. ments for the protection of the legitimate international shareholders,” the state- of the process,” the statement reads. Exchange and is a constituent of the Regrettably, in the course of 27 years interests of the Bank, its founders and ment reads. The Banking Association of Georgia FTSE 250 Index. since its inception, TBC Bank has been international shareholders. Blogger on Hunger Strike in Azerbaijan

offi cials to account. With over 300,000 attention both in Azerbaijan and inter- tional authority.” followers, the page publicized the lux- nationally. The opposition party Musa- Despite the government’s attempt to urious lifestyles and new-builds of offi - vat announced that they will hold a discredit Huseynov, his case clearly cials whilst highlighting social problems. political rally in support of Mehman raises questions regarding the quality He launched a campaign called the and other political prisoners on 12 Jan- of media freedom in Azerbaijan. Democ- ‘Hunt for Corrupt Offi cials’ shortly uary. Moreover, various international racies fl ourish when supported by an before his arrest. media freedom and human rights organ- independent judiciary, respect for the Huseynov was detained 9 January 2017 izations such as Amnesty International rule of law, a vibrant civil society, plu- after publishing videos revealing how have spoken up in support of the ralism, democratic electoral processes, ministers were building opulent palaces. #FreeMehman campaign. a free media, and respect for human He told the judge the following day that Despite international criticism of the rights and fundamental freedoms. The police had beaten him, put a plastic bag Azerbaijani government regarding their imprisonment of Huseynov could be over his head, and stun-gunned him. treatment of the free press, the Presi- seen to have broken many of these Despite a judge ordering an investiga- dent of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has important elements of democracy. tion into his treatment, he was prose- downplayed Huseynov’s case. He says Huseynov is still waiting to hear if his cuted for ‘slander’ of the same police does not consider Huseynov to be a prison term will be extended as his station he claimed mistreated him. He journalist. “Well-known circles are try- hunger strike continues into its third has been in prison since 3 March 2017. ing to glorify and make individuals with week. The new charges leveled against low-intelligence… into the leaders of Mr. Aliyev must think no one will Huseynov are vague and undocumented. public opinion.” He believes Azerbaijan bother to call out his brutish behavior. He is accused by authorities of violently is pursuing an independent policy. “This An experienced career Foreign Service attacking a prison offi cer. Many believe policy annoys those who are trying to offi cer, Earle D. Litzenberger, has just the real purpose of these allegations are make such individuals as Huseynov the been confi rmed as U.S. ambassador. He to silence him so he will not continue leader of public opinion and glorifying declared in his confi rmation hearing imprisoned almost two years ago for to expose police brutality and corrup- them: they are looking for vessels,” he that “democracies thrive only when BY AMY JONES bogus charges of defamation. As his jail tion. said. bolstered by an independent judiciary, time comes to an end, the Azerbaijani Huseynov’s confi nement is not unique Many politicians insist that Huseynov respect for the rule of law, a free media, police have come up with new charges in Azerbaijan. The country’s govern- had a fair trial on correct charges. “He a vibrant civil society, pluralism, dem- ehman Huseynov is a to extend his sentence by 5 – 7 years. ment repeatedly targeted fi gures such violated the law and therefore appeared ocratic electoral processes, and respect blogger and activist Huseynov has now been on hunger as Huseynov who are young, popular before the court,” said Azerbaijani MP for human rights and fundamental free- who worked to expose strike for over 10 days in protest. and politicized in a multi-year crack- Hikmat Babaoglu. “Pretending to be doms.” As a fi rst act in his new position, uncomfortable truths Before his arrest, Huseynov ran a down on civil society, media, and polit- defenders of rights and democracy, they the ambassador should read this list out in Azerbaijan such as popular Facebook page that discussed ical opposition. actually show hostility towards Azer- loud to Mr. Aliyev and insist that Mr. corruptionM and police brutality. He was social issues in Azerbaijan and held Huseynov is gaining more and more baijan and seek to discredit its interna- Huseynov be freed. GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 11 - 14, 2019 POLITICS 7 Iran-Russia Cooperation Grows Beyond Syria

nascent North-South transit corridor ence in the region. However, in trade BY EMIL AVDALIANI between Iran and Russia, which passes and investments, Turkey is unquestion- through Azerbaijan. The three countries ably at the forefront. True, there have are already somewhat connected via rail been positive developments in Azerbai- yria is symbol of Russo-Iranian links and there is the notion that Russia’s jan-Iran relations of late, but still, Ankara cooperation and there are Baltic ports and the Persian Gulf could enjoys good relations with Baku and numerous facts to prove it. one day enjoy effi cient connections. supports it in the simmering Nagorno- However, there are also other Tehran and Moscow see Azerbaijan as Karabakh dispute. theaters where Moscow and a vital component in advancing North- While the lifting of sanctions against STeheran have successfully cooperated South trade and energy corridors in the Iran in 2015 somehow helped the coun- for years. Their deep-rooted partnership South Caucasus. Both countries work try enjoy a freer hand in asserting itself in the South Caucasus and the energy- together to block Western-led infrastruc- in the South Caucasus economically and rich Caspian Sea is a good example of ture projects. Such corridors rival the politically, the country has nevertheless this growing trend. Altogether, this fi ts West-East ones promoted by Western continued to face substantial challenges Image source: nypost.com into the “geopolitical chaos” across countries and perhaps also the East-West from Russia and Turkey. Armenia-Rus- Eurasia where we see Russia, Iran and Belt and Road initiative backed by China. sia relations are too ingrained in mutual to export large resources of gas to Europe. sian landmass is also experiencing deep other regional powers working more Another common interest will be to military and economic cooperation for Both Iran and Russia intend to do this geopolitical changes. On the surface, one closely to confront US dominance. avoid any foreign military presence in Iran to manage to insert itself while, themselves, although the latter has clearly might say it is easier for the US to man- Iran and Russia have historically been the region, particularly in Georgia. elsewhere, Turkish economic and polit- had the upper hand since the end of the age a divided Eurasia now that there are wary of each other’s geopolitical ambi- Another area of Iranian involvement ical infl uence still overshadows Iran’s Soviet Union. numerous regional powers competing tions. Numerous wars in the 19th century could be the Nagorno-Karabakh confl ict. ambitions and even in the Nagorno- with one other rather than the monolith over the domination in the South Cauca- There were attempts by Tehran to medi- Karabakh confl ict Russia will use all its INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT that characterized the more stable era sus and the Russian infl uence in northern ate the confl ict in the early 1990s, but it tools to block Tehran’s greater involve- There is also an interesting international of the Cold War. Iran in the 20th century made deep coop- largely failed, and Russia, the dominant ment. context with regards the strengthening However, the modern-day Eurasia is eration between the two powers almost power in the confl ict resolution process, Further east from the South Caucasus of the Iranian-Russian cooperation gen- more chaotic, and this unpredictability unthinkable. However, the developments would likely be much opposed to any the Russians and the Iranians are coop- erally, and in particular in the South represents a marked break with what in Syria since 2011 and the US pressure Iranian meddling which might diminish erating in the Caspian region too. The Caucasus and the Caspian Sea. Wash- the West had to cope with in previous on Moscow and Teheran have made part- Moscow’s role. Caspian Sea was a place of geopolitical ington re-imposed sanctions on Teheran decades. In the more predictable Cold nership a much more possible scenario. From the Iranian perspective, the grow- contentions among fi ve littoral states. in 2018, further underpinning the Rus- War era, geopolitics was important, but In Syria, both Russia and Iran are inter- ing military cooperation between Turkey, In 2018, the Convention agreed upon by sian and Iranian view that the US is it was hidden under democratic and ested in stopping western (primarily Georgia and Azerbaijan could potentially all the Caspian states clarifi ed the right against any rise of regional powers across idealistic premises. American) infl uence gaining much of a create a problem. The same problem of the fi ve littoral countries to lay under- the Eurasian landmass. Both are expe- In modern Eurasia, though, there is a foothold in the country. However, while could be seen in the expansion of NATO, water pipelines (according to Article 14), riencing a sanctions regime from Wash- clear shift towards a new, more unten- this deep cooperation has become a primarily in Georgia. Russian-thinking subject only to the agreement of those ington and there is a shared understand- able world order. Russian and Iranian symbol of the aligning Moscow-Teheran could well align with that of the Iranians states whose sectors the pipelines or ing in Moscow and Teheran that the US cooperation not only in Syria, considered geopolitics, it overshadows other trends as both fear Western military encroach- cables pass through. Although this was is a geopolitical enemy. by many as an alliance of convenience, in Iranian-Russian relations, namely a ment on their spheres of infl uence. Both agreed upon, laying underwater pipelines This fi ts into the geopolitical “chaos,” is in fact only one element of much big- deep partnership in the South Caucasus also loath Turkish infl uence in the region. goes against Russian and Iranian geopo- or, as some call it, the strategic realign- ger cooperation between the two, span- and the Caspian Sea. Here, Russians are more predominant litical interests as it will allow Central ment of many power brokers in the ning other regions of the Eurasian land- The focal point of cooperation is the than the Turks in terms of military pres- Asian states (primarily Turkmenistan) Eurasian landmass. However, the Eura- mass. GEORGIA TODAY 8 BUSINESS JANUARY 11 - 14, 2019 The Bold 50: Etseri, Svaneti

GEORGIA TODAY by introducing myself by email BLOG BY TONY HANMER from Mestia in early 2011, without even a single meeting or even a phone call; and it was more than six months before I visited and met my col- ell, this certainly was a bolt from leagues and bosses there! My wife and I only moved the blue, quite unexpected. I got to Etseri after its… “little problem” had been dealt an email from my boss’ boss, with by a 10-helicopter raid, and President Saakash- George Sharashidze, in Novem- vili’s very energetic renovation of the entire prov- ber. He had chosen me as one ince of Upper Svaneti had begun. No-one then was Wof 50 bold entrepreneurs for the inaugural such interested in buying a house in such villages (this group in one of his periodicals, the Georgian ver- isn’t Mestia or Ushguli, both major tourist hotspots), sion of Entrepreneur magazine. Me? so the house price was ridiculously cheap. But He invited me to the awards ceremony, which starting a guest house and then the main village was to be held in Tbilisi on December 27, 2018. I shop here were risky ventures, and we had no idea really hemmed and hawed over going or not. It’s a if we could succeed. We did have some other income big honor, but we’re 450 km or so away; winter to draw on, especially from teaching English in the roads in Svaneti can be a nightmare. Also, the elec- local school and from my wife’s book translating, tricity had been coming and going in our village, as well as me writing for GEORGIA TODAY and needing generator interventions to keep the vari- Where Magazine. But it took us two years’ living ous fridges and freezers running while we heated here before the last window was put into our for- with our big wood-burning Svan stove. And our merly windowless house! We’ve used every form water pipes, which have not yet given us a winter of advertising we can to promote the guest house: without freezing at some point, needed some travel books, newspapers, online, signage, word of babysitting during this early phase. I felt bad about mouth, etc. The shop needed little advertising as leaving my wife, even for a single night and day, news of it got out very fast. My wife is really the coping alone with these challenges. She left the family’s businessperson: all the shop’s profi ts she decision up to me, but there was still the situation put back into expanding it to what it is today. She, to consider. too, is full of energy; and wise with money, unlike In the end, I gritted my teeth and bowed out, with me: most of our business success comes from us regret but also feeling that I was making a small being together, in ways I could never imagine doing sacrifi ce to do the right thing. And then when I was alone. in Tbilisi, a week or so later, the Entrepreneur offi ce – To see and be a part of Svaneti fl ourishing again! where my award awaited me was empty due to the To give local people the option of using their skills, holidays; all I could do was borrow a key off the talents and dreams right here: learning and using guards and present it to myself, alone. Fine! English, being involved in tourism, helping us with The deal includes interviews with all 50 bold renovation or repairs or furniture making etc., and entrepreneurs in the magazine. Below is my orig- seeing this as a place where they can really live, inal English text which was translated and edited not a place to escape from. for said magazine, minus the questions, which feel – In the guest house, getting clients, and running free to guess. Many thanks to George for this con- the whole thing ourselves, with occasional but not sideration! regular help from outside. In the shop, tightly con- – I like being my own boss as much as possible! trolling the credit system, which has caused many This doesn’t necessarily mean that I’m a rebel, but a small shop to close! the freedom is still useful. – Our success comes from putting profi ts back – An entrepreneur is self-starting, taking on the into business growth. We also try to be generous risks and stresses of a new endeavor, whereas a and help needy people. By the way, the name of businessperson might either start or join any busi- our village (ეცერი, NOT ეწერი) is a Hebrew word ness. In short, every entrepreneur is a businessper- found in the Old Testament: ezer, meaning help… son, but not every businessperson is an entrepre- We have both been helped by our neighbors and neur. try to help them too. – We try to promote the return of a full life to – Risk will always be there. Luck is part of starting Svaneti, which for a long time after the collapse of up too: not every gifted person in any fi eld becomes the USSR was a lawless, cut-off, dangerous, hope- successful… Also, I wouldn’t call it “karma”, but gen- less place, emptying of its own population. But erosity has its own rewards, although these rewards BEFORE that, so they tell me, it was bustling with should not be the motivation for being generous! tourism, well supported by Tbilisi, safe and suc- cessful! How can we get BACK to that, where money Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti can be both made AND spent right here? since 2007, and been a weekly writer for GT since early – Well, I started the Svaneti Renaissance Facebook 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group on a whim, as a long-term fanatic of this group, now with nearly 2000 members, at www.face- place, simply to try to gather all past, present and book.com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ future information on the province in one online He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: place. Similarly, I began writing weekly articles for www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 11 - 14, 2019 BUSINESS 9 Sales of HUAWEI Smartphones Exceed 200 mln Units in 2018

Image source: HUAWEI spheres, such as: photography, battery dare to keep innovating, and make every BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA durability, communication and AI (arti- effort to become a pioneer and leader fi cial intelligence). in the next wave of the smartphone In the past eight years, Huawei's smart- revolution, as well as constantly create he business team of the phone shipments have increased from new value for consumers, let our con- HUAWEI Company has 3 million units in 2010 to 200 million sumers better enjoy their lives, and truly announced that that its units in 2018, refl ecting approximately make Huawei a brand that is beloved by smartphone shipments for a sixty-six-fold growth. In the global consumers the world over“.– Stated the 2018 year have exceeded smartphone market, Huawei has gone Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei Consumer T200 million units. The representatives from being dismissed as a statistical BG. of the company state the given result "Other" to ranking among the top 3 play- HUAWEI products and services are has been achieved by the enthusiastic ers in the world. And in the second and available in more than 170 countries and support of consumers and partners third quarters of 2018, Huawei became are used by a third of the world's popu- around the world, as well as the strength the world's second largest smartphone lation. There are 16 research and devel- of the smartphone products. The experts manufacturer, with a global market share opment centers operating worldwide in relate this record-breaking success to of 14.6%. the USA, Germany, Sweden, Russia, India the launch of the new innovative smart- Today, HUAWEI smartphones are used and China. HUAWEI Consumer BG is phones with the modern technological by more than 500 million consumers in one of three business units of HUAWEI, capabilities by the company, such as: more than 170 countries across the world. mainly focusing on the production of HUAWEI P20 and HUAWEI Mate 20. According to IPSOS data, the brand of smartphones, personal computers, tab- During the last 8 years, the business HUAWEI is associated with progress, lets and cloud services. HUAWEI Global team of HUAWEI has applied the con- strong and innovative capabilities, and Network is based on 20 years of experi- sumer-centric concept and approaches. trustworthiness. ence in the telecommunications business The company has also made important „Looking to the future, Huawei's con- and serves to the production of innova- steps forward in the most popular, inno- sumer business will focus on the core tive technologies to customers around vative and competitive technological concept of 'consumer-centric', and will the world. GEORGIA TODAY 10 CULTURE JANUARY 11 - 14, 2019

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER Language: Russian THE GRINCH RED TERROR AND GEORGIAN WINDOW PROJECT Start time: 22:00 Directed by Yarrow Cheney, Scott ARTISTS GALLERY TBILISI ZAKARIA Ticket: 13-14 GEL Mosier The exhibition showcases artworks 7 Tatishvili Str. PALIASHVILI OPERA AND Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, by Dimitri Shevardnadze, Petre TEL (+995) 577 55 35 53 BALLET THEATER AQUAMAN Cameron Seely, Rashida Jones Otskheli, Henryk Hryniewski, Richard 25 Rustaveli Ave. Directed by James Wan Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family Sommer, Kiril Zdanevich, Vasily VAKHTANG KOKIASHVILI’S SOLO EXHIBITION TEL (+995 32) 2 99 04 56 Cast: Amber Heard, Jason Momoa, Language: English Shukhaev, Elene Akhvlediani, Lado SECOND ORDER Nicole Kidman Start time: 19:15 Gudiashvili, David Kakabadze, Ucha January 11, 12, 13 Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy Language: Russian Japharidze, Aleksandre Bajbeuk- MUSIC NUTCRACKER Language: Russian Start time: 14:15 Melikov, Korneli Sanadze and more. The State Ballet of Georgia presents Start time: 19:15 Ticket: 10-12 GEL The exposition also showcases SOUNDS OF GEORGIA Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s two-act ballet Ticket: 15 GEL documentary footage depicting the Choreographic version and staging MUSEUM repressions of the 1920-30s. January 11, 16 by Alexei Fadeechev CAVEA GALLERY SING AND DRINK Start time: January 11, 12- 19:00, 2/4 Rustaveli Ave. GEORGIAN NATIONAL GALLERY Mini concerts in the cozy January 13- 14:00 TEL (+995 32) 200 70 07 MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA atmosphere of Old Tbilisi, which MUSEUM Ticket: 10-50 GEL THE NATIONAL GALLERY is a mix of traditional Georgian Every Wednesday ticket: 8 GEL 3 Rustaveli Ave. music, featuring different genres: 11 Rustaveli Ave. GABRIADZE THEATER January 11-17 TEL (+995 32) 299 80 22, 293 48 21 folklore, a capella, guitar, as well as TEL (+995 32) 215 73 00 14 Shavteli Str. www.museum.ge new Georgian pop and city songs. BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY Start time: 17:00 Until January 17 Tickets: 23 GEL January 11 (Info Above) Exhibitions: NIKO PIROSMANI’S RENEWED THE AUTUMN OF MY SPRING Language: English GEORGIAN COSTUME AND Venue: January 11 EXHIBITION New Tifl is, 9 Agmashenebeli Ave., Revaz Gabriadze Start time: 22:30 WEAPONRY OF THE 18TH-20TH Wine bar ‘Wine Station’ Directed by Revaz Gabriadze Language: Russian CENTURIES Until October 5 Venue: January 16: English Subtitles Start time: 15:00, 17:30, 20:00 EXHIBITION 16 G. Kikodze Str., Café ‘Ezo’ Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 16-17 GEL NUMISMATIC TREASURY MASTERS OF Ticket: 20, 30 GEL STONE AGE GEORGIA Paintings of Kirill Zdanevich, DJ. KAKHIDZE CENTER FOR CREED ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE Shalva Kikodze, Ketevan MUSIC & CULTURE TBILISI CIRCUS NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL (Info Above) Magalashvili and Elene Akhvlediani 123a Agmashenebli Ave. 1 The Heroes Sq. COLLECTIONS Language: English together with Lado Gudiashvili's TEL (+995 32) 2 98 58 61 Start time: 19:30 and David Kakabadze, giving January 13 December 6 – February 28 (2019) THE CONCERT OF TBILISI Language: Russian a comprehensive picture of January 12, 13 In the framework of the SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Start time: 16:30, 22:00 20:00 the diversity and aesthetics of NEW YEAR SHOW celebrations of the European Year Maestro- David Mukeria Ticket: 13-17 GEL Georgian Art. Start time: 13:00, 17:00 of Cultural Heritage in Georgia Program: ‘Peer Gynt Suite’ by Ticket: 10-25 GEL the Georgian National Museum Edvard Grieg, Symphony N1 by Jan MARY POPPINS RETURNS Until January 20 presents the exhibition Sibelius CINEMA Directed by Rob Marshall Anniversary exhibition of Georgian The program also includes: WISDOM TRANSFORMED INTO Cast: Emily Blunt, Emily Mortimer, artist Edvard Grieg’s concert Meryl Streep GOLD AMIRANI CINEMA USHANGI KHUMARASHVILI for piano and symphony orchestra Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family Tamar Licheli- piano 36 Kostava Str. IOSEB GRISHASHVILI His artistic traditions are classic Language: English Start time: 19:30 TEL (+995 32) 299 99 55 TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM avant-garde. The severe Soviet www.kinoafi sha.ge Start time: 16:15 - KARVASLA legacy and socialism were embraced Tickets: 10-30 GEL Ticket: 13-14 GEL 8 Sioni St. in his creativity in a space of non- Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL conformism. The main and initial IN THE DENSE FOREST TEL (+995 32) 298 22 81 Tskneti, The last stop January 11-17 SECOND ACT stage of his art begins from 1970- Directed by Peter Segal 80, when he defi ned himself as an November 29 – January 20 January 13 BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY Cast: Jennifer Lopez, Vanessa Georgian National Museum in expressive abstractionist. GEORGIAN AMERICAN MUSIC Hudgens, Leah Remini Directed by Bryan Singer the framework of the Project SYNTHESIS Cast: Rami Malek, Joseph Mazzello, Genre: Comedy, Romance “Contemporary Art Gallery” presents KHIDI Line up: Keti Gabisiani, Maia Mike Myers Language: Russian THE SOLO EXHIBITION OF LIA V.Bagrationi Bridge, Right Baratashvili, Paata Anriandze, Genre: Biography, Drama, Music Start time: 22:15 BAGRATIONI A MAD TEA-PARTY Embankment Levan Deisadze, Zaza Tsertsvadze Language: Russian Ticket: 16-17 GEL Start time: 19:00 Start time: 19:30 MUSEUM OF SOVIET Every Tuesday, from 15:00-20:00 Ticket: 120 GEL Ticket: 15 GEL AQUAMAN OCCUPATION Until February 20 (Info Above) 4 Rustaveli Ave. Multidisciplinary exhibition project SILK FACTORY STUDIO CREED II Language: English TEL (+995 32) 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 IN-BETWEEN CONDITIONS 59 Kostava Ave. Directed by Steven Caple Jr Start time: 19:15 www.museum.ge ‘In-between conditions’ displays Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Language: Russian 18 work contributions expressing January 13 Stallone, Tessa Thompson Start time: 13:15, 22:15, 22:30 December 11 – March 1 cultural impulses affected by UTSNOBI Special guest: Nato Metonidze Genre: Drama, Sport Ticket: 11-17 GEL Exhibition political or social forces. Concert to close with a DJ Guests will be invited to sparkling wine Start time: 23:00 Ticket: 50 GEL

TBILISI STATE CONSERVATOIRE 8 Griboedov Str.

January 12 PIANO MUSIC CONCERT Natalia Vlassenko & Oleg Stepanov In program: Debussy- Petite Suite (for piano, 4 hands) En Bateau/Cortège/Menuet/Ballet Natalia Vlassenko & Oleg Stepanov Chopin- Three Nocturnes - op. 9 Oleg Stepanov Chopin- Fantasie Impromptu op. 66 Waltz in a minor op. 34 N2 Waltz in e minor (posthumous edition) Natalia Vlassenko Ravel- Rapsodie Espagnole for two pianos Prelude a la nuit/Malagueña/ Habanera/Feria Natalia Vlassenko & Oleg StepanovStart time: 18:00 Ticket: 10 GEL

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

January 15 JAM SESSION Every Tuesday Musical art director- Sandro Nikoladze Entry: Free GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 11 - 14, 2019 CULTURE 11 A New Year Offer from City Full of Love, or... would be better to save the day. “Well, OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE my friends,” I said, “it’s a little love and a little hatred to balance the Christmas moods in town so we can really appreci- Maqro Construction or Christmas, I had a couple ate life and be happy enough to celebrate of old friends from the US the holidays.” No laughter ensued. Not visiting with me in Tbilisi. even the faintest of smiles. TRANSLATED BY KETEVAN They have been in love with To escape the acutely inquisitive curi- KVARATSKHELIYA Georgia since the end of the osity of my foreign friends, I thereafter 1980sF when we were extensively involved became so voluble that nobody could in all kinds of exchanges with America get a single word in. When, fi nally, after ocation, a green yard, spaces – business, cultural, sports, medical and the evening meal and drinks and my for various needs, an experi- journalistic. The Americans used to come accompanying profuse gibberish, I took enced construction company over to stay with our families and we to bed physically tired and emotionally and parking spaces – these are went to the States to spend time in overwhelmed, and lay there contemplat- the main criteria potential American homes, mostly in the famous ing my life – long enough to be worth customersL pay attention to while choos- Peach State of Georgia whose mottos reminiscences, but not quite long enough ing an apartment. are ‘wisdom, justice and moderation.’ to stop worrying about the image and Within the high level of rivalry on the With Georgia on their minds, my guests fates of the motherland. A lot has hap- construction market, Maqro Construction came back to revisit their favorite sights pened since we said no to the idea of is one of those outstanding companies that of Tbilisi and its environs, and the fi rst communism and held up the prospect fully meets all the above mentioned require- question they asked me when I took of capitalistic development. We have ments. It has prepared special offers for them for a glimpse of the gorgeously certainly changed as a community, but those who are interested in acquiring real Image source: Maqro Construction illuminated downtown was: “Why did there are things that still linger on as estate for the New Year. When purchasing second stage of the project is now well size of investments carried out in Geor- you guys want to put that bilingual mes- socialist leftovers. an apartment in the Green Diamond Res- underway, and is scheduled to be fi nished gia, Maqro Group is one of the fi ve lead- sage in gigantic letters around your elec- And now, following the train of my idential Complex before January 15, you within the next several months. ing investors. The value of the direct tronic Christmas tree? Just to tell the psychoanalytical thoughts, it’s my turn will receive a discount of 23%, along with In 2019, the fi nal stage of the construc- investments to the Georgian economy public that this city is full of love? It to ask a question: in what particular way an underground parking space free of tion of Green Diamond will begin, set exceeds $270 million. The core spheres must’ve cost the earth, to say nothing of would messages like ‘City Full of Love’ charge. The offer includes units of differ- to last 30 months. It will be the continu- of operation of Maqro Group are con- the pains taken by the city administra- enhance our chance for a better life and ent size in the completed residential com- ation of the concept the company has struction and development, tourism and tion. Is the message that valuable and boost our sense of happiness as the plex, with fi nished renovation works and been following for multiple years already: the hotel industry, furniture production signifi cant? No city in the world is full dwellers of this ancient urban develop- fi xed kitchen facilities. The number of “The best residential and working stand- and its retail and wholesale transactions, of love. Hate is in the same abundance ment? How about those city folks who apartments is limited. ards for the country’s local population nutrition and restaurant industries. as love everywhere!” I was a little non- feel perpetual resentment instead of love Built to the highest standards in Euro- and its visitors is the paramount aim of In ongoing construction projects, Maqro plussed to hear the question and quickly due to chronic deprivation and lack of pean residential development, Green our company”. Construction is included in the list of came up with the excuse that the sturdy the resources needed to feel love rather Diamond comprises three stages and Taking into consideration the given the top three companies. The residential oversized slogan was only an emphatic than hate? Personally, I got the “love” will integrate a 70,000 sq. m area and factors, the company has launched a complexes Green Budapest and Green reminder of what is most innate for our message– I am a successful consumer of 1,800 residential apartments in total. brand new concept – Smart Living, which Diamond, hotels Mercure Tbilisi Old capital, and that is love. That said, I felt the fruits of love in general, but again, I Within the scope of the project, three is based on ameliorated standards applied Town and Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center, fur- better and proceeded with entertaining have no need to be reminded that I am swimming pools will be set up on the in every aspect of life. The Green Dia- niture enterprise Glorya Furniture and the visitors. living in a place that is overfl owing with territory. One of them has already opened mond Residential Complex and its facil- furniture salon Bellissa, home décor and I don’t really know how convincing I the stuff. following completion of the fi rst stage ities represent the constituent of the perfumery brand Madam Coco stores, sounded, but about ten minutes after the Let me throw in one quizzical contrast of construction and the welcoming of given concept, offering everything needed Dinehall restaurant – these are the suc- fi rst question was promptly answered, here: if somebody who eagerly wants to the fi rst residents. The given complex for a comfortable and enjoyable life, far cessful projects the company has launched I heard another, this time about the pester the author of the slogan in ques- also includes playgrounds, relaxation from the busy city, close to nature. Play- since 2013. Maqro Construction has weird-for-the-holidays structures which tion and the executors thereof put up areas and pathways, all of which are grounds, fi tness and recreational areas, completed the construction of one of had been erected in front of the Old somewhere within the city boundaries located in the specially greened area children’s play parks, swimming pools, the outstanding residential complexes Parliament. My fi rst reaction was to give the contrary slogan ‘City Full of Hate,’ close to nature and far from the busy commercial areas – everything for the Green Budapest, representing the cus- a strong political speech, briefl y explain- what would happen? Would the alterna- rhythm of urban life, presenting residenta residents of Green Diamond to utilize tomer oriented complex with the high ing why those unsightly tents had been tive slogan be just as lawful to carry? As all the necessary elements for maximum without leaving the territory of the com- quality works beeing carried out during set up right in the middle of the main the saying goes, there’s only one step comfort. plex. Delighted clientele is the credo of the building process. The total invest- city thoroughfare, but then I thought from love to hate. So why does it make The fi rst stage of Green Diamond was Maqro Construction. ment cost of the project counts to $48 that perhaps a witty nonchalant answer sense to put up either one or the other? completed by Maqro Construction ahead Maqro Construction is the constituent million, while the total investment cost of plan. The construction process of the company of Maqro Group. With the total of Green Diamond exceeds $120 million. NYT on Georgian Opera Sensation Antia Rachvelishvili tone stayed round, warm and not all that loud, an iron fi st in a cashmere glove." Rachvelishvili, 34 years old, was born in Tbilisi in the mid 1980s, and grew up in a time all remember as hard, full of suffering, but also of community and warmth. In a childhood she recalls as happy, she tells Woolfe stories of how she and her neighbors would gather in one room they could afford to heat. “We would sing, we would play cards,” she said. “We would play word and spelling games. My dad would play guitar, or mom would play piano. The music was, of course, part of 99 percent of it.” In her mid-20's, Rachvelishvili "was accepted into the prestigious young sing- ers’ academy at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan" where a lucky cancellation saw her onstage as Carmen for opening night of the 2009 La Scala season, paired with Photo: Toronto Star tenor Jonas Kaufmann. quotes eminent conductor Riccardo Muti Woolfe explains that Rachvelishvili BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE calling Rachvelishvili "without doubt "has rocketed to stardom over the past the best Verdi mezzo-soprano today on few years with performances built from the planet. Without. Doubt." brief moments just like it: combinations ast week, the New York Times Woolfe praises the young star's perfor- of arresting vocalism and thoughtful published an article about mance in as Princesse de Bouillon in subtlety. Her sensual, even elemental Georgian opera singer Anita "Adriana Lecouvreur" at the Metropolitan presence makes her particularly ideal Rachvelishvili. NYT classical Opera - "Diving into her chest voice, but for the daunting mezzo roles that anchor Lmusic editor Zachary Woolfe not milking it or pushing too hard, her some of Verdi’s most important operas." PUBLISHER & GM Journalists: Website Manager/Editor: ADDRESS Reproducing material, photos George Sharashidze Tony Hanmer, Zaza Jgarkava, Katie Ruth Davies 1 Melikishvili Str. and advertisements without Maka Bibilashvili, Tbilisi, 0179, Georgia prior editorial permission is COMMERCIAL Dimitri Dolaberidze, Layout: strictly forbidden. DEPARTMENT Vazha Tavberidze, Misha Mchedlishvili Tel.: +995 32 229 59 19 The author is responsible for Commercial Director: Nugzar B. Ruhadze, E: [email protected] all material. Rights of authors Webmaster: Iva Merabishvili Samantha Guthrie, F: GeorgiaToday are preserved. The newspaper Sergey Gevenov Marketing Manager: Amy Jones, Thea Morrison, is registered in Mtatsminda Anuka Poladishvili Ana Dumbadze, Circulation Managers: ADVERTISING & district court. Ketevan Kvaratskheliya David Kerdikashvili, SUBSCRIPTION EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT: David Djandjgava +995 597 97 21 12 GEORGIA TODAY Editor-In-Chief: Photographer: E-mail: Reg. # 06/4-309 Katie Ruth Davies Irakli Dolidze [email protected]