Issue no: 1043 • APRIL 27 - 30, 2018 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... Georgia's Foreign Minister FOCUS Meets Counterparts during ON BIDZINA Visit in NY Billionaire Ivanishvili has agreed to return to politics PAGE 2

NEWS PAGE 2 MEP Moody on Sanctions, Smokescreens & Workers' Rights POLITICS PAGE 4

White Sails: Welcoming a New New Draft on “Protecting” Religious Feelings Living Standard with 10,000 sq.m. of Recreational Space Causes Controversy in Georgia BUSINESS PAGE 9 BY THEA MORRISON Isle of Women, Mexico SOCIETY PAGE 12 member of the parliamentary oppo- sition party, the Alliance of Patriots Tbilisi’s Unmissable Plunge into of Georgia (APG), Emzar Kvitsiani, has initiated a draft law which makes the World of Art insults of religious feelings punish- Aable by law. The draft has already been submitted to Par- liament and Sopio Kiladze, the Chair of the Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee of Parliament, which has to make the fi rst deci- sion about the draft approval, stated she supports the initiative. Continued on page 3

Special CULTURE PAGE 12 Special Offer Only for Readers of Offer from Regus Emerging Georgian Artist Gains Popularity in Rome Free day pass to co-working 1 Free Month Offi ce Meeting room for whole day at one hour price with Live Choose your deal and contact us at [email protected] to redeem your voucher. Performances CULTURE PAGE 15 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS APRIL 27 - 30, 2018 Georgia's Foreign Minister Meets Counterparts during Visit in NY

BY THEA MORRISON

eorgia’s Vice-Premier and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mikheil Janelidze, held several high-rank meetings with his counter- Gparts within the framework of the United Nations (UN) ‘High-Level Meeting on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace’ in New York. At the meeting with his Swedish coun- terpart, Margot Wallström, the ministers discussed increasing the dynamics of cooperation between the two countries in different spheres, particularly the cooperation between law enforcement agencies to eradicate issues of violations of EU-Georgia visa-liberalization rules. The Swedish Foreign Minister posi- tively assessed the decision to send a Georgian police attaché to Sweden. The ministers also emphasized the importance of using visa-free and free Photo: Georgia’s Foreign Minister meets his Moldavian counterpart. Source: MFA Georgia trade regimes for developing trade and business contacts between the coun- zations. Special attention was paid to Janelidze and Tudor Ulianovschi dis- Georgian FM focused on the government to in the 2008 ceasefi re agreement which tries. cooperation within the framework of cussed Georgia-Moldova cooperation, peace initiative aimed at improving the obliges the Russian Federation to with- Discussions also focused on the recent the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. as well as Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic inte- lives of those living in Georgia’s two draw its forces from the occupied regions. developments in Georgia's occupied Janelidze introduced his counterpart gration process. Russian-backed breakaway regions of He underlined that the Government of regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, to Georgia's priorities during the Chair- The importance of exchanging bilateral Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Georgia supports the peaceful resolution including human rights violations and manship of the Open Government Part- high-level visits was also noted. The He introduced the meeting participants of the confl ict and thanked the UN mem- frequent imprisonment of Georgian nership. Georgian Foreign Minister invited his to the grave human rights and living ber states for assisting Georgia in this citizens. Mikheil Janelidze thanked the Tahon in turn expressed interest in Moldavian counterpart to Georgia. conditions of the people at these regions, process. Swedish side for supporting Georgia. sharing the successful experiences of The UN high-level meeting was held noting that the missions of the UN and In his speech, Janelidze also spoke He also met Côte d'Ivoire Minister of Georgia in fi elds such as civil service, on 24-25 April at the UN Headquarters, other international organizations are not about the joint efforts and responsibility Foreign Affairs, Marcel Amon Tahon. good governance, education and health- gathering contributions from top speak- admitted to these regions to monitor the of the international community in the The two emphasized cooperation care. ers with experience in peacebuilding situation there. process of securing and maintaining between Georgia and Côte d'Ivoire within At the meeting between the Georgian and sustaining peace. Georgian minister added that Russia world peace. the framework of international organi- and Moldavian Foreign Ministers, While delivering his speech there, the does not fulfi ll the obligations it agreed Image source: blog.lboro.ac.uk Bidzina Ivanishvili Returns to Politics

BY THEA MORRISON

eorgian billionaire and founder of Georgian Dream (GD) ruling party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, who was Prime Minister of GeorgiaG from 25 October 2012 to 20 November 2013, is to return to politics and chair his party. The information was released by Geor- EU, UNDP Assist Georgian Parliament to Promote gian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili after the GD meeting. He stated the party Strategic Vision, Transparency & Accountability offered Ivanishvili the chance to return to politics and he agreed. outh engagement, sport and the other international political deci- The PM said everyone knows how integrity and the develop- sions, such as the achievement of the important Ivanishvili is for the ruling ment of human capital are Sustainable Development Goals, will be party. in the spotlight of the 2018- at the center of our work,” Mikheil Kave- “He is capable of strengthening the next few days a political session and Russia, founded Georgian Dream (GD) 2020 Strategy and Action lashvili said. main political core of the party [GD]. party congress will be held. coalition in 2012 which shot ahead in PlanY presented by the Parliament’s Com- The Strategy and Action Plan of the He can provide more and new dynamics "The political council and delegates popularity of then ruling party United mittee on Sports and Youth Affairs on Parliament’s Committee on Sports and for further development, and more effi - from all over Georgia will unanimously National Movement in the October par- 25 April to representatives of the Geor- Youth Affairs has been developed with ciency and progress for both executive elect Bidzina Ivanishvili as the new chair- liamentary elections. In 2013, Ivanishvili gian Parliament, Government, Tbilisi the assistance of the European Union and legislative authorities and self-gov- man and will also elect new members quit politics but according to opposition municipality, Olympic and Paralympic (EU) and United Nations Development erning bodies," Kvirikashvili explained. of the political council," he added. parties, he has remained as the “informal Committees, youth organizations and Program (UNDP), based on the results According to the Prime Minister, in the Ivanishvili, who is often affi liated with governor” of the country ever since. donor agencies. of a baseline research conducted in 2017. The event opened with an address from Niels Scott, UNDP Head in Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgian Parliament noted that the recent Global Parliamen- Armenian Opposition Presents Nikol Pashinyan Speaker, followed by welcome remarks tary Report, published jointly by the from Janos Herman, Ambassador of the Interparliamentary Union (IPU) and European Union to Georgia. UNDP in October 2017, acknowledges as PM Candidate Mikheil Kavelashvili, Chairperson of the development of the action plans by Sargsyan’s resignation alone will not "I warn Karen Karapetyan not to step BY THEA MORRISON the Parliament’s Committee on Sports the Georgian Parliament’s committees stop the protests. into the government building anymore," and Youth Affairs, stressed that in the as an innovative approach to increase “The ruling Republican Party of Arme- he added. coming three years, the Committee will effectiveness of parliament operation. nia (RPA) has to surrender. We will not The opposition leader stated that the pay particular attention to its primary Eight out 15 parliamentary committees he Civil Contract party allow them to appoint a new PM,” he 'My Step' initiative would start protest function of law-making. started publishing their annual reports leader of Armenia, MP stated. actions at noon, on April 26. “Georgia’s legislation on youth and and three-year strategies and action plans Nikol Pashinyan has been The opposition leader added that the “One more step and we will fi nish this sports will be developing in several key in 2014 when the practice was fi rst initi- named by the Yelq faction police stated they will not execute act- story,” he said, adding that the blocking areas, including youth activities, revision ated with the assistance of the EU and as its candidate for Prime ing PM Karen Karapetyan's orders. of roads and bridges is among the actions of the Law on Sports and development UNDP under their larger initiative for TMinister, a post that became vacant on ”The police and the police chief have scheduled for April 26. or revision of the regulations related to strengthening parliamentary democracy April 23, after the PM and ex-President said they will refuse to execute Kara- Armenian media reports that at least international legal instruments and in Georgia. The 2017 Open Parliament Serzh Sargsyan resigned amid large-scale petyan's instructions. He is not the acting 80 trucks are waiting for this purpose political obligations. The implementa- Action Plan has mandated all parliamen- protest rallies all over Armenia. Prime Minister and they are not author- on the Yerevan-Sevan highway, ready tion of the Association Agreement with tary committees to develop and publish During an April 25 rally, Pashinyan ized to comply with his instructions," to drive into Yerevan and block the the European Union, sports conventions their annual action plans. addressed the demonstrators, saying Pashinyan was quoted by news.am. streets. GEORGIA TODAY APRIL 27 - 30, 2018 NEWS 3 Saudi Arabia to Open Embassy in Georgia

Days of Georgian is very important for Georgia. BY THEA MORRISON “For this purpose, in January 2015, the Embassy of Georgia opened its embassy in Riyadh, which greatly contributed to eorgia’s Ministry of For- the development of bilateral and mul- Culture in Pesaro, Italy eign Affairs (MFA) reports tilateral relations between the two that after the meeting of countries in various spheres, including folkloric music concert from Tusheti siani, and tenor Otar Jorjikia, all accom- Georgian Ambassador political, military, trade-economic, BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE and a photo exhibit and documentaries panied by pianist Eka Metreveli (inci- Giorgi Janjgava with the investment and tourism spheres,” the depicting the Tusheti customs and tra- dentally, the spouse of Ambassador representativesG of the Saudi Arabian statement of the Georgian MFA reads. ditions. The Italian guests were also Sikharulidze). Foreign Ministry, it was decided that The ministry noted that the amount of aving gone through dis- lucky enough to taste indigenous pro- During the reception, the guests had a the Embassy of Saudi Arabia will be direct savings investments from Saudi tressing wars and devas- duce from this beautiful mountainous chance to taste the wonderful Georgian opened in Tbilisi. Arabia in Georgia exceeded $100 million, tated by the loss of so region of Georgia. One of the latest wine produced by the famous Winery "Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign adding that in 2017 alone, 60 thousand many territories, painfully Georgian feature fi lms ‘Tangerines’ was Khareba. Last year, the Days of Italian Affairs plans to open an Embassy in Saudi Arabian citizens visited Georgia. squeezed between Rus- also screened very successfully. Culture were held in Batumi, which has Tbilisi in May in order to promote rela- The MFA says that Saudi Arabia's Hsian autocracy and Western democracy, During the Culture Days, the Georgian now been reciprocated by Georgians in tions between the two countries," the national airline Flynas entering on the distraught with current hardships and Ambassador to Italy, Kakha Sikharulidze, Italy. offi cial note of the Saudi Arabian For- Georgian market will further increase troubled by its fuzzy future, Georgia is had meaningful meetings with Pesaro As a matter of fact, the heart and soul eign Ministry reads. the number of Saudi Arabian visitors still trying its affordable best to amuse City Hall and staff members as well as of the entire event in both countries were Georgian MFA reports that develop- to Georgia, adding the airlines will the world, and is doing its share of good the president of the local Chamber of the sisters Lezhava – Nino and Leeka. ment of mutual ties with Saudi Arabia launch regular fl ights from June. with the help of its vibrant talent and Industry, Alberto Drudi, as a result of Several years ago, soprano Nino Lezhava elevated art. which soon the delegation of business was selected by the late Maestro Mario Between April 11 and 18, the Days of circles of the Marche Region will visit Melani as his heiress and substitute in Georgian Culture were held in Pesaro, Georgia with the purpose of deepening the Pesaro Academy. Leeka Lezhava has Italy in Gioacchino Rossini’s hometown. business relations between Georgia and from the very fi rst days worked in the France & UK Support The event was organized by the Embassy Italy, and planning for the future. He also Academy as the administrative assistant of Georgia in Italy, the Renata Tebaldi met with the prefect of Pesaro, Carla to her sister, in fact, organizing every & Mario Del Monaco International Acad- Cincarilli, the president of the City Cul- piece of work in the wide-spread activ- emy of Operatic Singing, and the City tural Committee, Ilaro Barbanti, and ity of this renowned European school Georgian Govt's Administration of Pesaro and dedicated director general of the Confi ndustria for vocal training. Not many years have to the centenary of the fi rst Democratic Marche Nord, Dr. Salvatore Giordano. passed since those amazing sisters from Republic of Georgia. The Days culminated in a gala concert Georgia deservedly took in their caring The festivities were opened by a week- at Rossini Opera House with the par- hands the complicated process of run- New Peace Plan long and widely attended exhibition of ticipation of world renowned operatic ning the Academy. They have so far works by Georgian artists and sculptors. singers soprano Nino Surguladze, soprano managed very well, and their blueprint One of the highlights was a traditional Nino Lezhava, baritone Sulkhan Gvele- for the future looks quite promising too. New Draft on “Protecting” Religious Feelings Causes Controversy in Georgia Continued from page 1 prints of the Georgian Queen and Saint Metropolitan of the Evangelical-Bap- – Tamar, and other Georgian symbols. tist Church Malkhaz Songhulashvili, The ruling party Georgian Dream The protesters gathered at the old believes that if Parliament supports (GD) is also said to support the draft, building of parliament on Rustaveli the draft, it will be one of the most including the Parliament Speaker, Irakli Avenue on April 20, saying the AIISA “shameful” events in Georgia’s history. Kobakhidze, who expressed readiness was insulting religion and naming their “This is medieval obscurantism, par- to take part in discussions over the actions “blasphemy.” ticularly from the religious perspec- issue. Protopresbyter of the Georgian Ortho- tives of monotheistic religions such as in Georgia, while emphasizing the peace BY BENJAMIN MUSIC Kvitsiani’s initiative was disapproved dox Church, Giorgi Zviadadze, says he Christianity, Islam, and Judaism… This efforts. “The initiatives on the construc- by all religious minorities but lauded does not support the imprisonment of draft contradicts the principle of free- tion of bridges and improvement of the by the Georgian Orthodox Church, people for offending the religious feel- dom of speech,” he stressed. humanitarian condition are what we need which represents the offi cial and major ings of others but he agrees that certain Furthermore, Tariel Nakaidze, Chair uring a meeting at the UN today," one French diplomat positively religion in the country. regulations should be imposed to make of the Georgian Muslim Union, said in New York, high-rank acknowledged. The Patriarchate has long claimed everyone respect other people’s beliefs. that the draft law, according to which representatives of the UK "The UK supports Georgia's peace ini- that “there has been an ongoing delib- “We should not insult someone else's offending religion will be punishable, and France stressed their tiative, it's a pragmatic, innovative plan erate attack on the Church and its religious feelings. To solve the prob- is unacceptable to the Muslim com- support for Georgia’s sov- and provides better opportunities for saints,” giving the example of Giorgi lem, discussions should be held with munity. ereignty,D condemning the occupation of building bridges between the communi- Gabunia, a journalist of opposition- the participation of specialists and civil “The adoption of this bill is only in its territories and praising Georgia’s peace ties that are separated by war," one rep- minded Rustavi 2 TV, who voiced a representatives. We all should agree the interests of the Patriarchate and initiatives. resentative of the UK noted. joke about Christ last month. Gabunia’s on certain rules in order to regulate Orthodox Church,” he added. The representatives addressed other Both governments continued to praise statement about Jesus Christ angered this fi eld,” Zviadadze stated. Numerous Non-Governmental Organ- offi cials during a meeting on “Respect the work of international monitoring mis- the far-right, nationalist group named However, Tamaz Lomidze, a Georgian izations (NGOs) based in Georgia also for Human Rights for Sustainable Peace” sions to record human rights violations ‘Georgian March,’ which attacked priest who serves in Munich, Germany, noted their being against the draft, on the sidelines of the UN General Assem- in the occupied territories, notint the Rustavi 2 journalists, for which six of has openly come out against the draft saying it contradicts freedom of expres- bly. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs con- importance of the monitoring missions its members face imprisonment of up law, saying the adoption of such a law sion and “attempts to suppress critical fi rmed the statements issued by the UK having full access to the regions and to eight years. will be a step backwards for Georgian thinking in society.” and France, thanking them for their con- receiving the full support of both parties Several days ago, the students of the society. The NGOs call on the Parliament of tinued efforts to re-establish Georgia’s involved in the confl ict. The statements Theological Seminary, run by the Patri- “If people cannot have healthy dis- Georgia and, fi rst of all, the Human Rights international borders. came after the Government of Georgia archate of the Georgian Orthodox cussions about religion, and need spe- Committee to pay attention to both con- Going hand-in-hand with the strength- introduced a new peace plan consisting Church, organized a protest rally against cial regulations, this indicates that it stitutional and international standards ened French presence in foreign matters, of three main directions to spur trade, AIISA, a company which produces is not a developed nation,” the priest’s as well as the needs of the country and the European nation spearheaded the improve education, and provide essential condoms wrapped in packets with Facebook post reads. not to support this initiative. condemnation of the occupying forces services to the regions' populations. GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS APRIL 27 - 30, 2018 MEP Moody on Sanctions, Smokescreens & Workers' Rights

We genuinely appreciate the support that has come EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE from other countries and Georgia's expulsion of a diplomat was an act that we are grateful for and respectful of. It’s a demonstration of our intercon- ill the European Parliament (EP) nectedness and that Russia's actions in different adopt a somewhat belated res- ways in different countries worldwide requires a olution on the Tatunashvili case? response. What do they think in Britain about Georgia’s decision to expel THERE WAS A PECULIAR STATEMENT Wa Russian diplomat over the Skripal incident? And FROM THE DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER is Brussels going to put pressure on the Georgian OF RUSSIA, GRIGORY KARASIN, government over work safety and rights after the WHO SAID THAT GEORGIA MADE tragic accident involving six miners? These were THIS DECISION UNDER PRESSURE the questions we asked MEP Clare Moody, Co- FROM THE UK AND USA... Chair of the European Parliament & Georgia Friend- We have seen so many comments coming out of ship Group, in an exclusive interview for yet another Russia in recent weeks about what’s been going episode of the “Messages from Brussels” series. on; there are over 20 different versions of what was supposed to have happened to the Skripals. They WHAT IS YOUR ASSESSMENT OF THE even said it was Sweden that did it. Sweden is not GEORGIAN GOVERNMENT'S DECISION known for such actions; so it was a way of stirring TO ADOPT THE OTKHOZORIA- up a smokescreen to disguise what was actually TATUNASHVILI LIST, WHICH AIMS going on… TO PUT SANCTIONS ON THOSE INVOLVED IN THE MURDERS? WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE With the Tatunashvili case, I'm pleased that his RECENT MINE-COLLAPSE IN GEORGIA body is now back in Georgia with his family, but WHICH KILLED SIX MINERS? SHOULD of course with that there have been more discov- THERE BE MORE PRESSURE FROM THE eries about what may have happened to him while EU FOR THE GEORGIAN GOVERNMENT he was held prisoner. I think that it is really impor- TO BETTER DEAL WITH THE SITUATION? tant for there to be a proper investigation into his CAN YOU SEE THE ASSOCIATION case with accountability as the aim at the end of AGREEMENT SUCCESSFULLY the investigation. cases and beyond that, in all such cases that exist ment, to the UK government, to support it. I'll also IMPLEMENTED IN A COUNTRY WHERE in those areas. make the point to the EU administration; I can’t LABOR SAFETY IS OVERLOOKED? HOW FEASIBLE DO YOU THINK THE say that is absolutely guaranteed that Georgia will I'm a very big supporter of the close relationship INVESTIGATION IS EVER GOING CAN WE EXPECT THE EU AND get EU support for it or the individuals involved, between the EU and Georgia, as supported by the TO BE IF THE SOUTH OSSETIAN ITS MEMBER COUNTRIES TO but what the actual impact of the sanctions from Association Agreement, (AA) but the AA is a wide- SIDE REFUSES TO COOPERATE? ADOPT THIS LIST, TOO? outside the EU would be is a question that needs ranging document and it is really important that That’s absolutely the right question. There have to Yes, I think it would be right to expect this in terms to be answered. In any case, I will raise that point within that document there are associated laws be consequences to actions and the List you men- of that being the right and proper thing for other precisely. that need to come into affect which are focused tioned is a good process to follow through as it countries to do. I know I would be fully supportive around labor rights and very particularly around identifi es individuals that are involved in both the of that and I will make the case to my own govern- NOT MUCH WAS SAID IN THE EP health and safety protection. I know there is a law ABOUT THE TATUNASHVILI CASE, that is being brought forward around the health UNLIKE THAT OF MUKHTARLI, WHERE and safety perspective, but it is really important A RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. that it is properly monitored and implemented. SHOULD WE EXPECT A RESOLUTION? Well, one very concrete thing which is happening IT CERTAINLY TAKES TIME... AND is that we have a security and defense subcommit- MEANWHILE PEOPLE ARE DYING tee coming to Georgia in May, and I would expect In my view, it has to be taken head-on and really this Tatunashvili case to be central because we are quickly, because you cannot have people dying going to visit the boundary line. We'll be reporting when they go to work; their families see them off back to the EP on it. in the morning and then they don’t come home at the end of the day. This is a fundamental right to CAN WE EXPECT IT WILL END life; so I really want to see the health and safety IN A RESOLUTION? elements of the Association Agreement put into Indeed I think there would be. It would certainly affect but I see it’s just as much about labor stand- be part of our debates in the committee and we'll ards and labor implementation in work across all be looking at having a resolution in the EP, in par- sorts of issues; absolutely on life and death,ded ath, but ticular in relation to the fact it’s now 10 years since there are wider ppoints.oints. 2008 and the centenary of the Georgian Govern- ment, and we will also be looking at including in MZA CHITILI there a resolution reference to the Tatunashvili case as well. “Mza Chitili” produces vegetable and fl ower seedlings. "Mza Chitili" is the fi rst company in Georgia, which is making both, normal and grafted seedlings. For grafting we are using the latest Italian technologies and robots. ON TO THE SKRIPAL CASE. WHAT IS YOUR ASSESSMENT ON GEORGIA’S This article was prepared in the scope of “Messages WG Techno DECISION TO ALSO EXPEL ONE from Brussels” series, a project by European Alliance for "Mza Chitili" was founded by WG Techno. WG Techno is the fi rst and largest supplier of RUSSIAN DIPLOMAT AS AN ACT OF Georgia, a Brussels-based advocacy organization ded- contemporary irrigation systems in Georgia, company aslo produces polyethylene pipes in SUPPORT TOWARDS THE UK? icated to “Bringing more Georgia into Europe.” Tbilisi, which exports to the neighboring countries. Church Squabbles

return of the icon to Ossetia. OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA After the Easter holidays, Ambrosi, the so-called Bishop of the “Alanian Eparchy,” was stripped of his Ossetian passport at the Roki Tunnel “Customs Our Branches Rafael Agladze St 37, Tbilisi, Georgia +995 322 30 98 90; he anti-Georgian campaign in occu- Checkpoint.” The priest was on his way to Vladi- Tskhinvali Highway 4, Gori, Georgia +995 599 63 60 30; pied Tskhinvali has hit a new direc- kavkaz, but was sent back to Tskhinvali. Everyone Agmashenebeli Avenue 47, Tsnori, Georgia +995 555 41 87 06; tion. This time, the de-facto govern- is convinced that this is connected with a disa- Rustaveli st. 70, Marneuli, Georgia +995 322 18 08 40; www.mzachitili.ge ment is talking about cultural issues greement between him and de-facto President [email protected] rather than territorial, with de-facto Anatoly Bibilov, begun when Bibilov met the fb.com/mzachitili Tleaders blaming Offi cial Tbilisi of robbing them of Patriarch of Russia, Kirill, and upon his return fb.com/wgtechno Ossetian cultural heritage, a 10th century religious from Moscow declared his willingness to let the icon made of ivory. Some 15 years ago it found its so-called Ossetian Church fall under the manage- way from the Tskhinvali Regional Museum to a ment of that of Russia. The issue of the icon was Christie's Auction in Geneva and ended up in a also raised after the abovementioned meeting. courtroom. Of course, the stolen antique artifact Later, Bibilov met Bishop Ambrosi and talked was returned to its legitimate owner - Georgia. about the necessity of joining with the Russian This court decision resulted in a huge outburst at Church, but when the Alania Eparchy refused, the time; however, this was only a drop compared Bibilov decided to use the icon as a leverage of WG Techno has ISO 9001:2015 certifi cation for design, sales and installation of irrigation to the latest, which saw an Ossetian “delegation” infl uence. systems. Sale of components (pipes, pumps, fi ttings) for water supply system. travelling to Geneva to once again demand the Continued on page 6

GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS APRIL 27 - 30, 2018 Abkhaz Doctors Accused of Treason for Church Getting Training in Tbilisi Squabbles OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA Continued from page 4 the Church of the 58th Army of Russia. ast week saw another scandal Who would have imagined that a 25 in occupied Abkhazia, this “We have not conducted any illegal cm tall icon discovered in 1924 in the time connected with the rest actions against Father Ambrosi. He was Church of Okoni village in the Znauri of Georgia. The Asian Stink granted the Ossetian passport in 2006 region, would become the main instru- Bug problem has been substi- on certain conditions; he convinced us ment of political controversy. The ivory tutedL with the Abkhazian doctors prob- that he would be able to return the icon icon, adorned with gold and pearls, has lem; those who cross the occupation line to Tskhinvali, but was unable to fulfi ll been bestowed an adventurous fate: in and travel to Tbilisi to attend medical the promise, as the latter is still in Tbi- 1992 the precious artifact was stolen from trainings. As they say in Sokhumi: “what lisi,” Bibilov said. the museum, though this was blamed on Tbilisi was unable to do with insects and For a long time, the liturgy of the Geor- a Georgian, a man named Zemlianikov, tanks, it is now doing with the help of ritory; in 2016 – 325; in 2015 - 307 people, doctors were trained in Georgia gian Orthodox Church has not taken who tried to sell the icon at Christie's in medical diplomacy.” The visit of Abk- among them 69 children; in 2014 - 868 [-proper]. Tbilisi has a training ambu- place in the Tskhinvali. After the so-called Geneva, claiming that he had bought it hazian doctors was confi rmed in Tbilisi, of which 79 were children. The demand lance so, taking into consideration that peacekeeping forces of Russia entered, at a fl ea market in Vladikavkaz. but the fuss that followed it in Abkhazia for medical treatment was high in 2006- recently an Abkhazian emergency doc- most of the churches were taken away After four years, the Swiss court trans- left everyone in bewilderment. 2010, too. During that period, the hospi- tor was successfully trained in Tbilisi, by the “The Church of Russia Abroad.” ferred the icon to the Government of The group of doctors travelled to the tals of Zugdidi and Tbilisi served up to I decided to send three more doctors However, before occupation, when the Georgia and from that day on the reli- ‘Disaster & Critical Care Medicine Center’ 600 Abkhazian patients, and one driver to get acquainted with so-called “Alanian Eparchy” was founded gious relic has been a political one. To in Tbilisi, to learn how to drive and use VIPs are also open to getting medical how the ambulance works. They got in 2003, the Ossetian priests decided to date, the miraculous power of the icon the equipment installed in ambulances. help in Tbilisi clinics. It is known that the training and returned to Abkhazia. be subject to the Greek Synod rather has only shown itself in punishing one Organizer Zurab Lakerbaia said that the after having a heart operation in Mos- Those who try to make a scandal out than the Russian Church. This triggered priest by seizure of his passport; but who training was held in the framework of cow, the third so-called president of of this and exaggerate are also working disagreement, resulting in Bibilov refus- knows? Maybe this list will extend and an agreement signed with a Dutch NGO, occupied Abkhazia received rehabilita- hard disrupt the contract. If we can’t ing to visit the Tskhinvalian Church of those taking part in the Geneva discus- and added that the organization was tion treatment in Tbilisi. No one has bring the offered ambulance to Abkha- the Virgin Mary this Easter, and instead, sions, demanding its return to Tskhinvali, ready to ship the ambulance as a gift to confi rmed this offi cially, but if we con- zia, it will be a tragedy- we need these together with other offi cials, going to will also be punished one day. Sokhumi if the local doctors were trained sider the fact that former de-facto Min- cars, we don’t own the specialized equip- in Tbilisi. The Abkhaz doctors agreed ister Rusudan Marshania lives in Tbilisi, ment installed in them, and they cost to these terms and the project was ful- runs an NGO and does actively travel to more than 50,000 Euros. And if we have fi lled. But then de facto Minister of Health and from Sokhumi, it won’t be a surprise them here, I guess the number of people of occupied Abkhazia, Ruslan Achba, that former “presidents” also visit us for travelling for medical treatment to Tbi- described the deed as treason: "The Rus- medical reasons. lisi will decrease,” he said. sian Medical Academy takes care of the Abkhazian newspaper Nuzhnaya Abkhaz bloggers are always irritated qualifi cations of our medical personnel. Gazeta published an interview with when on the internet and social media We didn’t ask for trainings and did not Zurab Lakerbaia, founder of NGO Ala- we highlight the fact that modern Abk- agree to anything, especially with coun- sha, who said that the organization had hazia is a “Puppet State of Moscow.” The tries that are hostile towards Abkhazia.” signed an agreement with Dutch col- irritation of the separatist government This, even though he must be aware that leagues who work on medical equip- is understandable, but the constant dozens of Abkhazians have already made ment, including supplying ambulances. annoyance of the bloggers is more note- use of the medical programs offered in He said: “We are in need of ambulances. worthy, since it is more sincere, but Tbilisi. Offi cial data suggests that just in Unfortunately, we don’t have such pro- paradoxical as they should clearly see the fi rst fi ve months of 2017, 107 Ethnic fessionals in Abkhazia who can work for themselves all the facts which con- Abkhazians visited Tbilisi using the with such complex equipment. The fi rm this puppetry even in such crucial deferral program from the occupied ter- Dutch organization demanded that our aspects as healthcare.

GEORGIA TODAY 8 POLITICS APRIL 27 - 30, 2018 Why Armenia is Important for Russia South Caucasus, specifi cally in Georgia. BY EMIL AVDALIANI Indeed, a simple glimpse at the South Caucasus map reveals how the Gyumri base, together with military bases in gain on Armenia. Protests Samachablo (so called South Ossetia) are ongoing and the situa- and Abkhazia virtually encircle Tbilisi. tion could easily swing in This is important when we discuss NATO any possible direction. expansion in the South Caucasus and There are indications that how this could potentially result in direct Athe ruling Republican Party might col- Western military confrontation with lapse and new elections follow. Russian troops. Whatever the result in the near future, Armenia is also important for Russia one thing is clear: although it has become as it can potentially serve as yet another fashionable to portray the Armenian land corridor to Iran, together with the mass protests as non-geopolitical, the Caspian Sea and the land through Azer- pressure on the still ruling government baijan. is nevertheless bound to raise some geo- Losing Armenia, for Russia, would political questions, such as how relations mean foundational changes in Moscow’s with Russia will develop and what the infl uence in the South Caucasus. Arme- impact will be, if any, on the Nagorno- nia without Russia would mean a much Karabakh issue under the new leader- stronger Azerbaijan. The latter, because ship. of Russian presence in Armenia and the Here, it is important to outline the basic domination in the Nagorno-Karabakh Russian strategy in Armenia. For Mos- resolution process trying to play a bal- cow, Armenia is important as it serves ancing game in its foreign policy. Yerevan, Armenia. Image source: thenational.ae as a fore post of Russian military and Armenia without Russia means a mil- ens its hold on the Nagorno-Karabakh Azerbaijan trilateral format. the Armenians themselves understand economic infl uence in the South Cauca- itarily less hesitant Azerbaijan, which process. Thus, in continuation of what I wrote quite clearly that it will be extremely sus and also a certain tool for infl uenc- will signal the start of renewed hostili- It will almost have a domino effect. A for GT’s previous edition, it is for the tough for the country to withstand a ing Turkey and Iran’s policies in the ties around Nagorno-Karabakh. In that stronger Azerbaijan will re-invigorate moment very unlikely that Armenia’s two-pronged alliance of Turkey and region. scenario, Yerevan is likely to face diffi - talks around the Trans-Caspian Pipeline foreign policy would be put into ques- Azerbaijan. The very security of Arme- Russia has a military base in Armenia, culties defending its positions. (although, admittedly, this process is also tion. Even the protest leader Pashinian nia depends on how powerful the Rus- and from a strategic point of view, Mos- Undermined Russian positions in infl uenced by other factors such as a noted in one of his press-conferences sian troops are in Gyumri. cow has retained the military perimeter Armenia are thus directly related to Rus- Russia military presence in the Caspian that no big geopolitical changes would True, a new government as a result of it enjoyed in Soviet times. sia’s ability to infl uence Azerbaijan. Sea). Georgia, too, will be less frightened be taking place for Armenia. protests might indeed be based on very The long-term Russian strategy is quite Azerbaijan, due to its strategic position and will be ever more vocal in its pro- The Russians would be very keen to sincere national sentiments, but they are simple: to have as many military bases on the Caspian Sea, between Russia and western aspirations. A weaker Russia in keep Armenia under their wing, limiting nevertheless bound to raise fundamen- in the region as possible. The military Iran, and being a source of large gas and the South Caucasus will also increase possibilities for Yerevan to diminish the tal – geopolitical – questions, such as base in Armenia is crucial for forestall- oil export potential, will have a more Turkey’s positions in the region and Kremlin’s influence in the country. potential foreign policy reverberations. ing a Western military presence in the invigorated foreign policy if Russia weak- enhance the important Turkey-Georgia- Moreover, many, if not the majority, of Armenia is no exception. GEORGIA TODAY APRIL 27 - 30, 2018 BUSINESS 9 White Sails: Welcoming a New Living Standard with 10,000 sq.m. of Recreational Space

he recent changes in the hotels and sports complexes. We real- construction regulations in ized that most developers request com- Georgia made an impact mercial living buildings, meaning over- on the real estate market. crowded fl ats in skyscrapers. We saw a From one side, the changes niche for a product which is targeted Twere necessary due to the recent liberal on customers that have higher demands approach which caused the rapid but in quality, that need not just a fl at to chaotic development of the real-estate rent out but place they could live and segment. do business in at the same time. There- The applied regulations are in favor of fore, we decided to create a residential citizens and customers: new rules regu- complex that people would love to live late the issues which are of greatest in, which will be comfortable, and which concern, like architecture, parking, and considers all the needs of its residents. recreational zones. Of course, the poten- The multifunctional residential complex tial buyers should be happy by this as it White Sails is placed on a 19 000 sq.m. means they will receive a much better land plot and consists of only fi ve blocks product at the end of the day. with a total of 850 apartments. The A number of developers are less than decision was made to sacrifi ce the com- eager to welcome the new regulations, mercial part to create more comfort for as it means they have to spend more on residents; for example, the current new infrastructure and facilities, increasing regulation requires having parking space the direct cost of the construction. At for 40% of the apartments, and we raised the same time, price is regulated by the that to 70%. We decided not sell the market, so instead of increasing the sell- parking space but to have it as free usage ing price, investors are forced to reduce for the apartment owners. Most impor- the profi t margins. tant, instead of making an area over- In all countries, the capital cities rep- loaded with buildings, we dedicated resent the core of economic growth, over 10 000 sq.m. for common recrea- business, buying power and other eco- tional facilities like a children’s play- nomic indicators, and the same applies ground, eco-zone, outdoor swimming for Tbilisi, but what is the situation in pool with a section for children, walk- the regions? ways, outdoor fi tness zone and more. Over the last decade, Adjara has become Add on high safety standards, smart a center of real-estate development. The analyze the real-estate market of Adjara, Sails residential complex is grabbing infrastructure, the complex, which is set house function and competitive prices presence of local and international inves- it is obvious that all developers are offer- potential buyers’ attention with quite a for conclusion by the end of 2019, sets and you get unique, resident-oriented tors and proximity to the sea have made ing more or less the same terms. They strong selling point: over 10 000 sq.m. one of the highest standards in the real living comfort. We also offer manage- Adjara the main “exporter” of real estate are attracting customers with small stu- of common recreation space and yard. estate market, in fact, much higher that ment and rental services, as we believe to foreigners, who represents at least dio apartments, with payback in around The White Sails complex is located in the new regulations require. tourists will greatly enjoy all the facil- 80% buyers there. Foreigners are buying four years, with entertainment facilities the most developed (and developing) The authors, developers and owners ities of the complex.” apartments as their summerhouses, for or international brands, and management area of Batumi and it is not a simple of this unique complex are Raul Kaitamba White Sails complex has surpassed the business and for living. Actually, more and rental services of the property. But, building with fl ats for sale; it really is a and Astamur Chazmava. strict regulations and created a product for business and less for living, because unfortunately, no recreation zone or yard residential neighborhood for living in. “We’ve been in the architecture design that is highly in-demand on the market. the current style of apart-hotel type where kids can play. Will these buildings With all the facilities, parking for over business for over 14 years,” they told This means that it is possible to fulfi ll buildings is not typically very comfort- comply with the new regulations? 70% of residents, outdoor swimming us. “To date, we have designed over one the requirements and regulations and able for a cozy or quiet lifestyle. If we Among all these skyscrapers, the White pool, children’s playground and other million square meters, including houses, still be competitive. GEORGIA TODAY 10 BUSINESS APRIL 27 - 30, 2018 Black Sea Blockchain Summit: A Glimpse into the Future

Kyiv, who deals with business that oper- the AML/KYC process. BY MÁTÉ FÖLDI ate with virtual currencies and use block- It is also important for investors to chain. understand the risks and the rights they have when investing into crypto projects. ith technology con- TELL US ABOUT YOUR For this purpose, we have developed a tinuing to evolve and COMPANY AND THE Scam Test. Investors can check the reli- mesmerize at lighten- SERVICES IT PROVIDES ability of the project via this test. This ing speeds, it can be Juscutum Attorneys Association is a industry is unregulated to an extent that diffi cult to keep up Kyiv-based law fi rm providing legal ser- investors have sometimes essentially no Wwith all the new developments and inno- vices to businesses that are doing ICOs, rights, so it is crucial to check everything vations. Especially with things like cryp- this includes start-ups and already estab- in advance before committing to an tocurrency and blockchain, an everchang- lished companies which want to innovate investment. ing fi eld where new trends and methods their business. We also deal with differ- If you are considering investing in a are, at least as I understand it, being ent crypto companies, from crypto project, we always advise you fi rst look developed on the daily. exchanges to payment systems. at the team behind the project. If they Blockchain Technology forms the build- have a good background, and their try- ing blocks of our future, making it imper- TELL US ABOUT THE LEGAL ing to develop the product and the busi- ative that one gets a solid education in SERVICES. IS IT DIFFERENT ness has some history, that’s a good sign. the medium sooner rather than later. THAN WHAT A STANDARD But again, it’s always better to check Wednesday’s Black Sea Blockchain Sum- LAWYER WOULD DO ? everything carefully and maybe seek mit, organized by Spotcoin and hosted To a certain extent. Of course, you have some legal advice. This is because White- by Fabrika, brought a one-of-a-kind to have a legal background, but the ser- papers simply outline the project and it interactive experience to Tbilisi. The vices are quite innovative and this is why usually includes a lot of forward-looking innovative event was organized by Spot- I love this fi eld. Because a lot of tasks statements which might not materialize. coin, a pioneering company building a that standard lawyers are doing are new But I am not giving any investment or platform to connect Georgia and the and interesting at the beginning but then legal advice now. region to the new smart economy. The get boring and repetitive, here, things summit showcased distributed ledger change every day. So, as you probably WHAT ARE SOME OF THE technology, its impact on FinTech, and heard from my speech, it is a very dynamic BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU how it is creating new business oppor- industry and this opens up an opportu- HAVE FACED AS LAWYERS tunities in the Black Sea region. nity to become a market maker. So, for IN THIS INDUSTRY? Six target objectives guided this incred- instance, maybe you heard about a doc- Personally, I think unstable regulation ibly educational and mind-opening sum- ument called SAFT (Simple Agreement poses the biggest challenge. However, mit: for Future Tokens), which I briefl y men- at the same time, it is also the biggest • Enhance understanding of the value tioned during my presentation. Using interest. It is always new and interesting of blockchain technology and digital this document, the issuer company can and you can make projections as well. I currency sell their Tokens to investors before they remember once I did analytics for one • Explore the disruptive effects and are actually issued, the promise to sell project and in the consultation said that opportunities those tokens at a later date is what lies a token might have signs of a CFD (con- • Identify and source blockchain pro- at heart of this document. I won’t burden tract for difference) instrument. Only a jects and partnerships you with too much detail- I’ll skip to the few months later, FCA (UK fi nancial Image source: Spotcoin • Discuss regulatory issues and solu- interesting part, as it was developed by regulator) came up with the same sort tions in a cross-functional atmosphere the American law fi rm Cooley using incorporation, begins the process of THE PEOPLE YOU PROVIDE of statement claiming that certain cryp- • Understand the demand crisis and standard Simple Agreement for Future company incorporation, bank account SERVICES FOR, ARE THEY FROM tocurrencies might have CFD signs and how to bridge gaps in blockchain knowl- Equity. After this event, the price of law- opening etc. in the jurisdiction that the A WIDE RANGE OF INDUSTRIES? should be regulated. edge and skills yer services per hour has gone up from project has chosen after our recom- Clients come from various industries. • Establish networks, public-private around USD 400 to USD 1000. You can mendation. At the same time, the block- Many industries are becoming interested WITH REGARDS TO YOUR partnerships, and strategic alliances read in your free time about Marco San- chain practice, starts developing all the in blockchain. So, we have quite varied PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP The summit united industry leaders, tori who developed this document. needed agreements for the project such projects and requests, starting from WITH SPOTCOIN, HAVE market makers, educators, government Juscutum has provided legal services as the Token Sale Agreement, which fashion coin, fi nishing with auctions on YOU BEEN ABLE TO GAIN representatives and tech entrepreneurs to quite a few ICO projects and we usu- defi nes obligations of the company, the blockchain. I, however, think that the ANY INSIGHT INTO to learn, to educate, and to network ally start with a discussion about the which issues Tokens and the rights it best projects are technological, which THE CRYPTOCURRENCY around this dynamic new technology. A project when we meet the project rep- gives to the Token-owner. We also have the goal of solving problems in the NETWORK IN GEORGIA? host of international experts and entre- resentatives. We ask them about their develop Privacy and AML/KYC poli- industry. Real sector ICOs are, however, Through my work with Spotcoin, and preneurs in the fi eld, from individuals business model, about their Tokenomics cies. AML/KYC policy sets out how the also becoming quite interesting and I from attending this event, I am able to to government representatives and busi- etc. After that, we send them a follow- company will verify its investors. Pri- believe we will soon see the rise of secu- see that it is very developed in Georgia. nesses convened to explore opportuni- up letter in which we list our services vacy Policy defines how the data rity tokens. I think that the traditional I believe this a jurisdiction which might ties, constraints, advantages, and knowl- and ask them to send their Whitepaper, requested by the company to verify sector sees it as an opportunity to inno- soon become the place where lots of edge gaps in order to enrich the digital so that we can more deeply analyze the investors is processed and stored. This vate itself and to attract new capital. We ICOs will be conducted. Georgia defi - asset landscape. 15 international and project. The typical legal service we is a very interesting area now, because now have some projects which have nitely has a lot of potential in terms of Georgian speakers from nine countries provide involves fi rst choosing the juris- you may have heard about the GDPR already raised money in the IPOs, but attracting good business into its jurisdic- (Georgia, Ireland, USA, Poland, Arme- diction most appropriate for the ICO in which will come into force on May 26 now they want to do an ICO and, for me, tion. nia, Moldova, the Netherlands, Ukraine question, because there are different this year and all the companies that that is a sign that the ICO process is and China) presented to a captivated jurisdictions for different business mod- process the data of EU citizens will have gaining more trust and credibility. *** audience, including Keynote speeches els. In order to constantly keep track of to ensure that they comply with this Spotcoin’s vision is to make digital currencies from Nikoloz Khundzakishvili (CORA developments in various jurisdictions, Directive. This gives us extra new work WHAT LEGAL ADVICE WOULD work for everyone. Based in Tbilisi, Georgia, Director, Efes Brewery), Leo Liu (CEO/ we often go to conferences and speak when it comes to developing the Privacy YOU GIVE TO PEOPLE LOOKING with a team of 30 people, it offers quick Founder, Expread Corp), and Margaryta directly to the fi nancial regulators to get Policies of the companies. TO GET INVOLVED WITH access and simple liquidity through its over- Sivakova (Attorney, Juscutum), punctu- interesting insights on their approach So, after all the documents are com- CRYPTOCURRENCY; ARE THERE the-counter clearing house. It is also launching ated by panel discussions and face-to- to crypto companies. This is another plete, certain projects do the private ANY SPECIFIC GUIDELINES? an ICO on May 1 to develop a global, face meetings with the presenters. interesting part of the job, because you placement and if they are doing that we It is very different depending on the digital exchange platform and grow its sus- “This is a fi rst-of-its-kind event for are not just sitting at the offi ce; you have develop SAFT and help them with the type of business people are attempt- tainable mining operation. Restrictions apply Georgia, and the Black Sea Region,” said to communicate, you have to be active, process of fi ling Form D (if US investors ing to start. What I would defi nitely to residents and citizens of China, South Spotcoin’s Chief Strategy Offi cer, Sean you have to present at the conferences are involved.) We have a whole set of advise is getting legal advice. If you’re Korea, and the United States. More informa- Mulcahey. “It’s a great opportunity to and you are constantly going on differ- instructions on how to go through this doing an ICO, you need a lawyer to tion is available on their website. explore the disruptive effects of block- ent business trips. process. If there are any questions, we structure it correctly. If you are think- chain, and discuss opportunities to So, after we check all the project doc- always try and help the projects as fast ing of establishing a crypto exchange, You can contact Ms Sivakova at: margaryta. address the challenges within the emerg- uments and decide on the most suitable as we can, we are quite fl exible in this you need a lawyer to advise on any [email protected]; https://www. ing regulatory environment. Attendees jurisdiction, we usually check the pro- regard, we are ready to communicate licenses that may be needed and on linkedin.com/in/margaryta-sivakova/ had the opportunity to identify potential jects Whitepaper to see if all the correct and reply promptly, without delay. We blockchain projects and form new stra- disclaimers are in place. After that we understand the strict deadlines that the tegic partnerships.” look at the Token legal design. Token projects often have as you have to move To mere mortals whose relationship legal design means what kind of a rights quite quickly in this industry. After the with computers and technology effec- attach to the Token i.e. what investors project launches the ICO, we help with tively consists of a social media addic- can expect to get from purchasing the post-ICO work, which is probably one tion and the odd video game binge, all token. Broadly, the market has devel- of the most important parts. Many peo- this talk of cryptocurrency and block- oped two key types of tokens: utility ple think that ICO is the most important, chain technology can be, well, rather and security. Each type entails various but no. After you raise the capital, this cryptic (if you’ll excuse the attempt at rules and procedures, which the project is when the hard part kicks in as you wordplay). Yet, the legal issues that come will have to comply with and it is cru- have to implement what you have prom- with setting up businesses is something cial to establish it at the very beginning. ised to do, and this usually involves that most, if not us all of us, can relate After we fi nish all of the above-men- obtaining all the necessary authoriza- to. As such, GEORGIA TODAY sat down tioned steps, we start two processes in tions, licenses, in order to start operat- down with Margarita Sivakova, a lawyer parallel: our company’s team, which ing. We also help our clients with the at Juscutum Attorneys Association in deals with the process of company post-ICO legal matters.

GEORGIA TODAY 12 SOCIETY APRIL 27 - 30, 2018 Isle of Women, Mexico

was developed mostly in the same time- has almost no tourists, though it’s quite BLOG BY TONY HANMER scale as Cancun itself, so, since 1970; but swimmable as well. Best of all, we were it has boomed from its ancient Mayan on our own, not bound to a group and roots and a cult to Ixchel, the local god- its schedule. Yes, we missed out on the ot, apparently, an offshoot dess of medicine and childbirth. swims with dolphins, the bike riding and of either the Amazons’ The Isle’s buildings are beautifully all the too many other organized activi- homeland or the birth- decorated, many of them with murals of ties which came with the bus tour. But place of Wonder Woman. all types. Its main transport is rentable no time pressure. Indeed, by about 4 pm But the translation of Isla electric golf carts and scooters- quiet we were ready to take the return ferry NMujeres is, yes, Isle of Women. We spent but pricey and needing a driver’s license and get supper in the vicinity of our a day there during our Cancun week. for insurance coverage, which I didn’t hotel. And the Isle gave us a last glimpse We had learned a valuable lesson from have on me anyway; we went on foot. as we left a few days later, glittering the Chichen Itza pyramid site tour: These Of course, it’s a very tourism-oriented invitingly out of my airplane window, all-inclusive package events aren’t, take location, but we were in that category fi tting in entirely. a lot of time, fi t in too many activities, of people too, and enjoyed wandering and have a tip box at every new event. around at our own relaxed pace. The sea Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since This time we did the whole thing our- has a very different quality on each of 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a selves, thoroughly enjoyed it, and came its long sides, the inland-facing one being weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He away quite satisfi ed, not exhausted and less wavy than the one open to the ocean. runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook overwhelmed or feeling way too hit-on But everywhere, those gorgeous hues of group, now with over 1800 members, at for cash. water, for which new names must be www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- The 25-minute ferry could have been invented. sance/ marred by its insistence on playing We were much more cautious of the He and his wife also run their own guest house obnoxiously loud and twerky music vid- sun now, still feeling its painful effects in Etseri: eos on a large screen to drown out the from our second day’s Cancun sea jaunt; www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti boat noise for the handful of us who took more sunscreen, more than once, more this cheaper, slower alternative to the covering up! But we were able to swim sexy, packed Ferrari ferry, which our bus and really luxuriate in the water, which driver had suggested we avoid. We was just the right temperature. Who allowed ourselves to be awed by the knows when we’ll be back? The sea off unnamable colors of the Caribbean Sea, Vancouver Island is so cold I almost again, the purity of the water and the instantly turn blue in it! approaching small island, a mere 650 m Back to the free lounge, and lunch, x 7 km in size, population about 12,700. including tortillas with fi llings and a As with the mainland shoreline, here, shared banana split. The narrowness of too, hotels had their stretches of beach the Isle enabled us to cross and see both and shaded lounge chairs for a price. It sides of it, and the far side, a bit rockier, CULTURE Tbilisi’s Unmissable Plunge into the World of Art of May serves as the best time to hold events, although at some point some time BY BENJAMIN MUSIC their events. slots will defi nitely feature fantastic hap- This overlap of important art festivals penings at all three, forcing art lovers to will take hold of the Georgian capital as rank them according to priority. This prob- bilisi is to experience a cul- days become dedicated to pure cultural lem will be exacerbated on May 3, as next tural conglomeration of expression. The public will experience Thursday marks the opening day of all fashion designers, photog- diffi culties escaping these happenings as three events. The Fashion Week will run raphers, and movie direc- posters, public exhibitions, and street alleys the shortest amount of time, ending on tors during the fi rst week- echo the messages of the various art festi- May 7, whereas CineDoc will end on May endT of May. Out of 52 weekends in a year, vals. Photographers will run from the 8. Kolga Photo Award decided that one the organizers of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to the Kolga Photo Award weekend is not enough, as over 20 exhibi- Fashion Week Tbilisi, the CineDoc Tbi- before they head off to take shots at the tions and workshops are to be held across lisi, and the Kolga Photo Tbilisi week CineDoc Festival. A tight time manage- Tbilisi to honor the best photographers. have all decided that the fi rst weekend ment will be required to attend all desired Continued on page 13 GEORGIA TODAY APRIL 27 - 30, 2018 CULTURE 13

Photo: George Georgiou Tbilisi’s Unmissable Plunge into the World of Art Continued from page 12 casing the pioneering works of Henri Cartier- Bresson, who is considered the inventor of modern Taking a look at the program of all three festivals, street photography. Visitors can gaze for free at his Tbilisians won’t struggle to dedicate their free time creations in the city of love, which he captured in to something they enjoy: an impeccably natural way. He was the fi rst pho- tographer allowed in the USSR from the beginning THE MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION of the Cold War, making his exhibition even more WEEK 2018, MAY 3 – MAY 7: signifi cant for this post-Soviet Republic. Since 2009, the Fashion Week has been held twice Other exhibitions show Nanuka Zaalishvili’s hunt yearly, kicking off both the summer and winter for Soviet Bus Stops, Vittorio Sella’s 1889 excursion seasons. In May, the week features the trendiest into Georgian Svaneti, or Jan Grarup’s impressive pieces for the upcoming summer, giving the gar- use of the camera in worn-torn countries. ment industry a taste of what to sell during the As if this wouldn’t already be enough to lose one- next month. Designers come from around the world, self in photography, workshops will accompany but the rising Tbilisi fashion scene easily offers the photo week, allowing those interested to pick enough top-notch talents to fi ll the program with the brains of the professionals. Thekla Ehling’s Georgian names. Besides national stars such as workshop will give hobby shutterbugs the chance Datuna and Anouki, other established designers to get their shots evaluated. such as Janashia will be showcasing their latest Full Program at: www.kolga.ge creations. Running from morning to evening, Tbilisi Circus CINÉDOC TBILISI 2018, MAY 3 – MAY 8 is the main event location. Yet the best creators As the sole international documentary festival in chose their own spots to give their works the right the Caucasus region, CinéDOC takes place for the background. Among some of the selected locations sixth time in a row as the event has received annual is Fabrika Tbilisi, forging a hipster environment acclaim for screening uprooting and challenging with expensive upper-class garments. Another documentaries since 2013. Movie directors come noticeable place is King David Residence, which from across the globe to participate in the festival, will be transformed from an apartment-hotel com- hoping to receive the necessary critique to stand plex into a fashion hotspot. The ideas are endless, out from other moviemakers. as symbolized in the wide range of location picks, Yet the event isn’t just a simple cinema gathering even including Rooms Hotel, the Georgian State which allows the audience to watch one movie University, and the National Opera. after another: “The audience attending CinéDOC- As usual, the evenings are to be reserved for Tbilisi screenings has the chance to view a variety drinks and music, with Bassiani providing the of documentary fi lms with a unique directing vision, desired renegade ambiance, disrupting society an original visual style, sympathetic protagonists through techno tunes. and powerful stories. The fi lm screenings are fol- Friday evening’s main designer is Anouki, a Geor- lowed by Q&A sessions with invited fi lmmakers, gian Instagram model married to former Milan master classes with renowned fi lm professionals, football star and current Tbilisi Mayor, Kakha and open sessions with international guests,” the Kaladze. She is inviting guests to admire her works festival promotion highlights. at the Writer’s House, hoping to fuse fashion with Looking beyond the national border of Georgia, literature. Janashia, one of Georgia’s fashion pio- the program has side sections incorporating Ger- neers and the creator of FLABOUR concept stores man and French creations. Every year, one nation in Batumi and Tbilisi, will excite the press and is welcomed as the special guest, supporting their fashion critics alike, as her fashion draws a fi ne line documentary industry. Next weekend, Romania between luxurious and urban, hip lifestyles. receives this honor as fi ve movies created by Roma- See the full program at: www.mbfashionweekt- nian directors will be screened to visitors. The bilisi.com range of documentaries is extremely wide, featur- ing numerous short fi lms, but also one erotic doc- KOLGA PHOTO TBILISI 2018, umentary showing the oddity of falling in love with MAY 3 – MAY 11 a sailor who never comes back as he has given his A product of the emergence of shutterbugs across heart to the sea. the country, the “Kolga Tbilisi Photo” week gath- Full Program: www.cinedoc-tbilisi.com ers the brightest and most renegade minds to organ- No matter which event you chose, all three have ize exhibitions and workshops under the spotlight a unique message to tell. Tbilisi is being plunged of photography. Considered as the top photography into art next week and it is a moment which shouldn’t award of the country, thousands of photos get sub- be missed. mitted to the jury for the prestigious Kolga Award, which is handed out to the best shots in numerous categories. From mobile photography to documen- taries, each category is endowed with a 1500 USD price incentive, which the winner can reinvest into his/her photography ambitions. Mats Karlsson was the lucky champion in last year’s category “One Shot,” awarded the prize for his dystopian picture of a man with his son sitting in a restaurant fi lled with TVs screening various black and white movies, while he is lost in the dis- play of his phone. At the same time, his son awk- wardly looks into the distance as he slowly sips on noodle soup. The festival also hosts various exhibitions dedi- cated to the best photographers of our century. On May 3, the day before the offi cial start of the photo week, the Tbilisi History Museum is show- Photo: Tbilisi Fashion Week GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE APRIL 27 - 30, 2018

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER Rezo Gabriadze TAXI 5 Start time: 17:00, 22:00 April 26-29 Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Directed by Franck Gastambide Ticket: 8-19 GEL 23RD INTERNATIONAL English Subtitles Cast: Salvatore Esposito, Sand Van EXHIBITION FOR TBILISI OPERA AND BALLET Start time: 20:00 Roy, Franck Gastambide READY PLAYER ONE BUILDING AND INTERIORS THEATER Ticket: 20, 30 GEL Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy (Info Above) Ticket: 5 GEL Address: 25 Rustaveli Ave. Language: Russian Language: Russian Telephone: 2 00 44 66 May 2, 3 Start time: 17:15, 22:00 Start time: 12:00 ERTI GALLERY STALINGRAD Ticket: 13-17 GEL Ticket: 8-15 GEL Address: 19 P. Ingorokva Str. April 27, 28, 29 Rezo Gabriadze SLEEPING BEAUTY Directed by Rezo Gabriadze RUSTAVELI CINEMA MUSEUM Pyotr Tchaikovsky BLACK I SEA English Subtitles Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. LEVAN SONGULASHVILI & Ballet in Three Acts Start time: 20:00 Telephone: 2 55 50 00 GEORGIAN NATIONAL Dedicated to Marius Petipa’s 200th CHRISTIAN AWE Ticket: 20, 30 GEL www.kinoafi sha.ge MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA anniversary. MUSEUM Choreography- Marius Petipa ARTAREA GALLERY MOVEMENT THEATER Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. Staging by Nina Ananiashvili and Address: 10 D. Abashidze Str. Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave. April 27 – May 3 Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 Alexey Fadeechev TEL 599 91 05 06 Telephone: 598 19 29 36 www.museum.ge Staging Conductor- Alevtina Ioffe TAXI 5 Scenography and costumes- April 19-29 April 28 (Info Above) GEORGIAN COSTUME AND SOPO CHERKEZISHVILI’S Anatoly Nezhny THE STORY OF A MURDERER Start time: 22:30 Start time: 19:00 WEAPONRY OF 18TH-20TH EXHIBITION THE PLACE Directed by Ioseb Bakuradze Ticket: 13-14 GEL CENTURIES WHICH BELONGS TO YOU Ticket: 30-70 GEL Start time: 20:00 Ticket price: 10-15 GEL A QUIET PLACE NUMISMATIC TREASURY KOLGA TBILISI PHOTO 2018 TBILISI VASO ABASHIDZE Directed by John Krasinski MUSIC AND DRAMA STATE April 29 Cast: Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, EXHIBITION STONE AGE May 5 – June 3 THEATER INTRO Noah Jupe Address: 182 D.Agmashenebeli Ave. GEORGIA Program: May 3- June 3 Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller HENRI CARTIER BRESSON- PARIS Telephone: 2 34 80 90 Start time: 20:00 Language: Russian www.musictheatre.ge ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE Address: Tbilisi History Museum Ticket price: 15 GEL Start time: 22:30 (Karvasla), 8 Sioni Str. Ticket: 13-14 GEL May 1 CINEMA NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL COLLECTIONS May 5 - June 3 WELCOME TO GEORGIA CAVEA GALLERY Address: Tbilisi History Museum A musical, theatrical play and AMIRANI CINEMA Address: 2/4 Rustaveli Ave. April 26 – May 1 (Karvasla), 8 Sioni Str. romantic comedy telling a story Address: 36 Kostava Str. Telephone: 200 70 07 about Georgia and its people by Telephone: 2 99 99 55 UNKNOWN COLLECTIONS THOMAS DAHMEN I Have Seen the Light combining song, dance, culture, www.kinoafi sha.ge Every Wednesday ticket: 8 GEL OF GEORGIAN NATIONAL traditions, history, national April 27 – May 3 MUSEUM– INDIA, CHINA, JAPAN costumes and local cuisine. Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 GEL MEINRAD SCHADE Musical April 27 – May 3 TAXI 5 MUSEUM OF SOVIET Unresolved Language: English, some Georgian (Info Above) OCCUPATION (with English subtitles) AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR Language: Russian Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. JAN GRARUP Start time: 20:00 Directed by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo Start time: 19:45 Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 And Then There Was Silence Ticket: 60-80 GEL Cast: Karen Gillan, Josh Brolin, Ticket: 8-19 GEL www.museum.ge Letitia Wright, Chris Evans VANESSA WINSHIP GABRIADZE THEATER Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR PERMANENT EXHIBITION She Dances on Jackson Address: 13 Shavtelis St. Language: English (Info Above) Telephone: 2 98 65 93 Start time: 12:45, 16:00 Language: English SIGHNAGHI MUSEUM May 11 Language: Russian Start time: 13:15, 16:30, 19:45, 21:45, 22:30 Address: 8 Rustaveli Alley, Sighnaghi BRAINIACS- NATIONAL Start time: 19:15 April 27 Ticket: 8-19 GEL Telephone: 223 24 48 GEOGRAPHIC GEORGIA RAMONA Ticket: 8-17 GEL Opening: 19:00 Rezo Gabriadze April 21 – May 31 Address: S. Janashia Museum of ISLE OF DOGS ISLE OF DOGS Directed by Rezo Gabriadze EXHIBITION Georgia, 3 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. Directed by Wes Anderson (Info Above) English Subtitles Cast: Bryan Cranston, Koyu Rankin, Language: English DOLLS OF JAPAN MUSIC Start time: 20:00 Start time: 22:30 Edward Norton GALLERY Ticket: 20, 30 GEL Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy Ticket: 16-19 GEL Language: English SPACEHALL April 28 Start time: 19:45 A QUIET PLACE THE NATIONAL GALLERY Address: 2 A. Tsereteli Ave. MARSHAL DE FANTIE’S Ticket: 9-17 GEL (Info Above) Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. DIAMOND Language: Russian www.museum.ge April 28 Rezo Gabriadze RAMPAGE Start time: 19:45 TALE OF US Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Directed by Brad Peyton Ticket: 16-19 GEL May 1- 20 GACHA BAKRADZE English Subtitles Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Jeffrey Dean ZURAB NIZHARADZE'S COSMIC LOVE ROTATION Start time: 20:00 Morgan RAMPAGE RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION Start time: 22:00 Ticket: 20, 30 GEL Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi (Info Above) ‘ZURAB NIZHARADZE 90’ Ticket: 20-40 GEL Language: Russian Language: English April 29 Start time: 22:15 Start time: 14:30 TBILISI EXPO GEORGIA TBILISI STATE AUTUMN OF MY SPRING Ticket: 17 GEL Language: Russian Address: 116 A. Tsereteli Ave. CONSERVATOIRE Address: 8 Griboedov St. Telephone: 2 93 46 24

April 27 TBILISI STATE CONSERVATOIRE STUDENTS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 5 GEL

TBILISI CONCERT HALL Address: 1 Melikishvili Ave. Telephone: 99 00 99

April 30 Tbilisi 21st Jazz Festival RAVI COLTRANE, MILES ELECTRIC BAND Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 60-250 GEL

TBILISI EVENT HALL Address: 1 Melikishvili Ave. Telephone: 595 79 79 35

April 28 Tbilisi 21st Jazz Festival BAD PLUS Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 80-250 GEL

REPUBLIC Address: Rose Revolution Sq.

April 29 Tbilisi 21st Jazz Festival NATURALLY 7 DJ Set: Derrick McKenzie (Jamiroquai), Steve Taylor (iCulture) Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 80-250 GEL GEORGIA TODAY APRIL 27 - 30, 2018 CULTURE 15 Emerging Georgian Artist Gains Popularity in Rome with Live Performances

Conservatoire. Since then, my life has changed EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY LIKA CHIGLADZE signifi cantly, I met Avto Iremashvili, with whom I founded On The Road. Originally, the band included Tornike Lomsadze, Mikho Jinisiani and Dito he roots of all great bands grow from Lekveishvili . We started out performing in Tbilisi’s underground; as is the story of a young clubs and pubs, and featured at AlpFest 2017. We passionate Georgian musician who recorded two singles, Tents in the Rain and Cold paved his way in a foreign country Fireplace. The band eventually transformed, and through gigs and club nights. Lado we decided to experiment with our music and TGigaia is a student of the Tbilisi Conservatoire and enrich it with more electronic sounds. The current a fl edgling musician who has captured the hearts members of the band, aside from Avto and me, are of Italian audiences in Rome with acoustic guitar Data Tsereteli, Beka Chkhartishvili and Gigi Kob- performances and songs. eridze. Together with the new team, we performed Currently, the gifted singer is studying electronic a concert at Backstage 76. We don’t play one par- composition at Saint Louis College in Rome and ticular music genre, yet currently our main direc- working on his new EP entitled Big White Moun- tion is post indie-rock. tain. The young musician composes songs and has his own band ‘On The Road’ which has performed TELL US ABOUT YOUR at several festivals and gigs in venues around Tbi- EXPERIENCE IN ROME lisi. At present, I’m studying Electronic Music Com- “I’m very pleased that Lado was accepted to the position (BA) at Saint Louis College in Italy, within Saint Louis College of Music in Rome,” says the the frames of the Erasmus program. I applied to proud Director of Tbilisi State Conservatoire and the program, sent my portfolio and cover letter, well-known musician Rezo Kiknadze about his and was admitted to the university. During my fi rst student. “After the completion of the course, he two performances in Rome, I had to play fi rst and will have the opportunity to continue his work in open the concerts, which was really stressful. I the music fi eld, based on his own personal prefer- didn’t know how a foreign audience would react ences and interests. I believe that exciting and and what the feedback would be. I performed alone interesting experiences await him in his life and on acoustic guitar without accompaniment and career. Although I have been acquainted with him sang alone. Fortunately, the public liked my per- for just a short time, he managed to distinguish formance, which then gave birth to the idea of a himself with his passion.” solo concert. I received an offer to record an EP. On May 17, Lado will deliver a solo concert in Saint Louis College will release my single on its Wishlist Club, Rome. Additionally, Saint Louis Col- own label. The launch of which will happen on lege will release his single on its own label. While May 11. As for my EP, Big White Mountain, I don’t listening to the most popular songs by his band, have a particular plan, but I am entirely involved ‘Tents In The Rain’ and ‘Cold Fireplace,’ one is able in the working process. After returning home, the to capture the synthesis of a beautiful melody, band On The Road will carry on delivering con- natural sounds and guitar strings; whilst having certs and recording new songs. the feeling you are sitting at the fi reside with friends, or are about to set off on an adventurous journey. TELL US ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING The music is both tasteful and positive, so it is no SOLO CONCERT ON MAY 17 surprise that the Italian audience enjoys listening I will be the headliner of an acoustic show in Wish- to the live performances during the peaceful eve- list Club. My performance will last an hour and 40 nings of spring. minutes, and I will perform 13 songs from On The The young musician shared his success story with Road. Before this concert, I performed in two other GEORGIA TODAY. venues, Yellow Bar and Le Mura. My friend, who is also a musician, listened to my music and then WHEN DID YOU GET INTO shared it with the producer who is in charge of the THE MUSIC FIELD? concerts. He liked my performance and offered me I never thought I’d end up in the music fi eld. I was a solo concert. actively engaged in sports and simply got pleasure from listening to music and playing by myself, but WHICH MUSIC GENRE HAS INFLUENCED when I had to make a choice between football or YOU MOST AS A MUSICIAN? studies, I decided to obtain a higher education in I try to listen to all kinds of music, yet the four the history of art. During the last years at school, major idols who infl uenced my taste and eventu- I wrote songs and played music with my friend ally my music were Paul Mccartney, Jeff Black, Tornike Lomsadze; yet, I was not planning to become Thom Yorke and Sam Beam. I don’t have specifi c a professional musician. I thought it was already plans for now on, yet after completing my studies too late and that I lacked the proper background here; I’m planning on going back to the Tbilisi to continue my studies in this fi eld. Still, I gave it Conservatoire, earning my BA and focusing on my a try and luckily I was admitted to the Tbilisi State band.

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