Issue no: 901 • DECEMBER 2 - 5, 2016 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... FOCUS Georgia’s PM Holds First Face- ON THE BIG WAIT to Face Meeting with European The Georgian Minister Parliament President of Foreign Affairs asks the EU Parliament not to NEWS PAGE 2 delay VLAP PAGE 2, 3 Reuters: Georgian President Sees Strong US Ties Maintained under Trump

POLITICS PAGE 5 Russia Stacking Both Decks in Armenia and Azerbaijan POLITICS PAGE 6 It’s All in the Selling and Buying

MFA head Mikheil Janelidze with European Parliament Rapporteur on Visa SOCIETY PAGE 9 Liberalization for Georgia, Mariya Gabriel Disaster Risk UNESCO Adds Georgian Alphabet to List of Intangible Cultural Reduction: The Early Warning System at Heritage of Humanity Devdoraki Gorge BY THEA MORRISON SOCIETY PAGE 10 BI Auction for Georgian Artists he United Nations Educational, Scientifi c and Cultural Organiza- CULTURE PAGE 17 tion (UNESCO) has added the Georgian alphabet to the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of 50th Anniversary THumanity. The decision came after the 11th session of the of Iosseliani’s UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Herit- Falling Leaves age, held in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on Wednesday. CULTURE PAGE 19 The nomination was submitted to UNESCO duced three alphabets – Mrgvlovani, Nuskhuri at home. The Mrgvlovani and Nuskhuri alpha- for consideration in 2015. The main goal was to and Mkhedruli – which all remain in use today. bets are taught in schools in Georgia but at a underline the harmonic co-existence of three Mrgvlovani was the fi rst alphabet from which basic level. alphabets. Nuskhuri was derived, followed by Mkhedruli. Georgia’s Foreign Ministry says that since the The Georgian delegation included Georgia’s The organization underlines that the alphabets day of nomination in 2015, the Ministry of For- Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary coexist thanks to their different cultural and eign Affairs and Georgia’s diplomatic represen- to France and Permanent Representative to social functions, refl ecting an aspect of Georgia’s tations abroad have been actively continuing to UNESCO Ekaterine Siradze-Delone, Director of diversity and identity, their ongoing use in a engage in efforts to promote the issue and obtain the International Cultural and Humanitarian cultural sense also gives communities a feeling support, including by organizing specifi cally Relations Department Ketevan Kandelaki, Direc- of continuity. designed thematic exhibitions. tor General of the National Agency for Cultural Mrgvlovani and Nuskhuri are practised and “The living culture of three writing systems Heritage Preservation Nikoloz Antidze and taught informally predominately by the com- of the Georgian alphabet is the third nomination respective experts. munity of the Georgian Apostolic Autocephalous inscribed on the Representative List of the Intan- The UNESCO offi cial webpage reads that the Orthodox Church. The Mkhedruli alphabet is gible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” the Foreign evolution of Georgia’s written language has pro- taught in school and also transmitted informally Ministry said. GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS DECEMBER 2 - 5, 2016

PM Giorgi Kvirikashvili held his fi rst meeting with Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, on Wednesday Georgia’s PM Holds First Face- to Face Meeting with European Parliament President

liament fully supports Georgia’s sovereignty and BY THEA MORRISON territorial integrity. Giorgi Kvirikashvili emphasized the importance of EU support in the implementation of Georgia's eorgia’s Prime Minister, Giorgi Kviri- demanding reforms and added that the Govern- kashvili, held his fi rst face-to-face ment of Georgia is committed to continuing its meeting with Martin Schulz, the political association and economic integration with President of the European Parliament the European Union. on Wednesday. “Through huge support from the EU, Georgia has GGeorgia’s PM left for Belgium on November 30 made signifi cant progress in terms of democratic to discuss the issues of Georgia's European inte- consolidation, rule of law and judicial independ- gration, the 2017-2020 Association Agenda and ence,” the PM said. “Strengthening the rule of law Georgia’s visa liberalization with the European and improving the institutional standards are among Union (EU) with European offi cials. the main priorities of the Georgian government.” The President of the European Parliament congrat- Georgia’s PM also pointed out the importance of ulated Giorgi Kvirikashvili on the successful parlia- visa-liberalization for the Georgian people, saying mentary elections and commended Georgia's progress it would motivate the government to continue on its path to European and Euro-Atlantic integration. implementation of successful reforms in the future. “At the meeting we discussed Georgia-EU coop- “We hope that the internal processes in Brussels eration and judiciary and anti-corruption reforms will bring the desired results, and the expectations implemented in Georgia. We also discussed Geor- of the Georgian people will bear fruit,” Kvirikash- gia’s visa-liberalization issue and I hope that the vili said. European Parliament and the European Commis- The Prime Minister of Georgia and the President sion will soon agree on the issue,” he stated at the of the European Parliament discussed issues and press-conference after the meeting. challenges pertaining to regional security and the Moreover, Schulz claimed that the European Par- situation in Georgia's occupied territories. Rustaveli Meets Shakespeare in London

two iconic authors from different perspectives, BY KETEVAN KERASHVILI including potential affi nities between their works. Some notable British and Georgian scholars Pro- fessor Donald Rayfi eld, Professor Elguja Khinti- n November 28, the Embassy of Geor- bidze and Dr. Nikoloz Aleksidze talked about the gia to the UK presented the evening manuscripts of Rustaveli’s immortal poem ‘The 'Shakespeare and Rustaveli meet in Man in the Panther’s Skin’ preserved at the Bodle- London' at the Royal Asiatic Society ian Library of the University of Oxford; problems in London. The event was held in of translating Rustaveli into foreign languages; the annualO 'Rustaveli Day' format, in celebration of the possible infl uence of Rustaveli’s poem on Shake- 850th anniversary of the medieval Georgian poet speare and the immense impact of Shakespeare’s Shota Rustaveli and 400 years since William Shake- works on Georgia’s 19th and 20th century literature speare’s death. It was organized in partnership and theater. with the British Council, British-Georgian Society, Director of the British Council in Georgia Zaza Georgian State Museum of Theater, Music, Cinema Purtseladze launched the book "Shakespeare in and Choreography (Art Palace) and the Royal Asi- Georgian Theater" prepared and published by the atic society. Georgian Art Palace. He also elaborated on the Ambassador of Georgia Tamar Beruchashvili project 'Shakespeare and Rustaveli meet in Geor- delivered the welcome speech. The audience was gia' which ran through the past several months in also addressed with opening remarks by Mr. David Georgia and featured various related exhibitions Gigauri, member of the British Georgian Society and talks with the involvement of students and and moderator of the event; Dr. Alison Ohta, Direc- civil society. tor of the Royal Asiatic Society and Dr. Graham The event ended with a reception of Georgian Sheffi eld Director of Arts of the British Council. cuisine and wine hosted by the Embassy of Geor- The event aimed at exploring the legacy of the gia. GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 2 - 5, 2016 NEWS 3 Foreign Minister: Georgia’s Visa Liberalization Not about More Migration but Strengthened Partnerships

BY THEA MORRISON

eorgia’s Foreign Minister, Mikheil Janelidze, stated at the European Parliament that a visa free travel regime between Georgia and the GEuropean Union (EU) did not mean additional migration, but meant better people-to-people contacts, and strength- ened cultural and business ties and part- nerships. Janelidze delivered a speech at the Conference ‘Visa Liberalization as an EU Foreign Policy Tool’ in Brussels on Tuesday. Representatives of the European Par- liament, European Commission and the European External Action Service attended the conference, which was held on the initiative of European Parliament Rapporteur on Visa Liberalization for Georgia, Mariya Gabriel. Janelidze delivered a speech at the Conference ‘Visa Liberalization as an EU Foreign Policy The Minister’s speech referred to the Tool’, held in Brussels on Tuesday statement of the European Parliament, which said a day previously that Geor- gia’s visa-liberalization issue would not benefi ts those who want the EU to fail. he says, has proved to be an important strengthening its institutions,” the Min- but for better people-to-people contacts, be considered until January 2017, when He explained that after many years of driving force for advancing reforms and ister said. and strengthened cultural and business the mechanism for suspension of the demanding reforms and acknowledging enabling the establishment of a legisla- He also mentioned the economic oppor- ties and partnerships,” he said, adding visa-free regime was to be discussed by progress, legitimate expectations are tive, policy and institutional framework tunities that had been created by imple- that Georgia has faced delays associated the legislative body. very high in Georgia. in compliance with the highest European menting the Deep and Comprehensive Free with the EU’s and EU member states’ “We fully understand the diffi culties “It carries a tremendous symbolic, polit- and international standards. According Trade Agreement (DCFTA) with the EU. internal and external policy issues and the EU is facing today, from increased ical and practical importance for us and to the VLAP benchmarks, overall, more “However, this agreement will not work said these steps did not refl ect the spirit migration to the rise of populism and serves as a strong message of the EU’s than 60 legislative amendments; about in full capacity if Georgia does not let of good partnership. extremist ideologies. However, we should political support,” the minister stressed. 70 bylaws, instructions and regulations; the businessmen, small farmers or entre- “Let us not frustrate our people. Let us also look at the costs of unnecessary and Janelidze’s speech also focused on the 8 strategies have been adopted and 7 preneurs attend trade fairs, meet Euro- keep them motivated to pursue these hardly justifi ed delays in making deci- progress Georgia has achieved over the international conventions ratifi ed. This pean business partners and explore demanding reforms and let us continue sions to honor mutual commitments,” last three years in all areas covered by transformation is certainly an outstand- business opportunities on the European moving towards a free, safe and at peace- Janelidze stated. the Visa Liberalization Action Plan ing demonstration of successful EU for- markets. A visa free travel regime in ful Europe. Let’s not benefi t those who Moreover, he added that delays in (VLAP), which has been assessed by the eign policy in combination with success- relations between Georgia and the EU want Europe to fail,” he told European Georgia’s visa-liberalization issue more partners as steady and effective. VLAP, ful Georgia’s internal policy of is by no means for additional migration, Parliament members.

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www.georgian-house.ge www.facebook.com/georgianhouse.ge GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS DECEMBER 2 - 5, 2016 Georgian Institute of Politics: Georgia as a Bastion of Modern Democratic Reforms

It is important to analyze how interna- a good governance model. BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI tional politics will affect us in the future. The project will consist of published WHAT TENDENCIES, ALARMING articles, round-table discussions and OR POSITIVE, DO YOU SEE he Georgian Institute of blogs. We will also bring international FOLLOWING THE RECENT Politics (GIP) is an inde- experts. ELECTIONS IN GEORGIA? pendent research organiza- We’re currently running an analysis of I think, following a continuous tradition, tion based in Tbilisi with a the activities of Georgian parliament these elections showed that Georgian team of young researchers with the aim of publishing it to mark one society is very polarized, pretty much as Tand experts working in both Georgian hundred days of parliamentary work. Georgian media is. We can see that the and English. It aims to address both a We had expert polls prior to the recent Georgian electorate wants the country Georgian and international audience by elections, which was something new and to continue on its present course, but not explaining what happens in Georgia and interesting to try; an additional tool too fast. I would say there’s a certain its politics through research results. to demonstrate expectations for the reform fatigue in our society, or a little Within the research program GIP cov- future. We will also be writing a series bit of democracy fatigue, but that is nor- ers international politics, democratiza- of articles, blogs, policy briefs and tries and move forward. This applies to mal; the country moved really fast with tion, European and Euro-Atlantic inte- op-eds to see how different political Euro-Atlantic integration, too, and we reforms in the last 10 years, and people gration and within the educational parties are strategizing their pro- have to concentrate on the Association want to take a break and analyze. programs, it organizes workshops, sem- grams. We’re planning a big confer- Agreement and reforms. Georgia has to inars, and summer and autumn schools ence on the topic of democratization be prepared for that window of oppor- WHAT ARE THE KEY in cooperation with partners such as in Georgia this spring. tunity when it comes. CHALLENGES FOR GEORGIA University of Nice, Germany’s Ludwig GIP is also participating in a project ON THE ROAD TO EURO Maximilian University the University of initiated by the Open Society Georgia HOW WOULD YOU INTEGRATION? Utah, US, and Tbilisi State University. Foundation, monitoring the EU Asso- CHARACTERIZE THE POLITICAL Renata: We need to keep ourselves GEORGIA TODAY met Kornely ciation Agreement for Ukraine, Mol- PROCESS IN GEORGIA? IS IT A active and be more visible in the inter- Kakachia, Executive Director of the dova and Georgia. Our director Kornely now not only for Georgia but for the STEP FORWARD OR IS THERE A national arena, so that Georgia is not Georgian Institute of Politics (GIP) and Kakachia is coordinating the project with whole world, with an unclear picture of LACK OF POLITICAL CULTURE? forgotten but included and rewarded for Renata Skarziute-Kereselidze, GIP Pro- a comparative report to be published in how US foreign policy will evolve over I would say that the last elections in the progress it has made. gram Manager, to fi nd out more. spring. the next four or fi ve years. Of course, it Georgia showed a step in the right direc- Kornely: Georgia has done so much in Kornely: We’re members of the OSCE will affect Georgia as well as the whole tion. While there were some minor the process towards integration that there’s TELL US ABOUT GIP’S think-tank and academic institution net- region. However, I think it would be very irregularities, the only thing I think no way back. I think at the moment there’s CURRENT PROJECTS works, so several times every year we premature now to guess where it’s head- Georgia has to concentrate on now, and no question of the foreign policy trajec- Renata: One, due to begin shortly, is an contribute to the bigger OSCE reports ing. One thing is clear: even though there this concerns the ruling party, is how tory for Georgia. The global political agenda attempt to explain international trends on European security. We plan to attend may be controversies around Trump’s it’ll cope being the majority in parlia- will of course be very important in the and processes for Georgia, what effects an OSE ministerial in Hamburg, Ger- foreign policy objectives in general, we ment. As we know from the experience coming 10-15 years, especially with regards they have on Georgia, Georgian society many, to present our visions on the should not downplay the role of Con- of the last 25 years, political parties that to security issues. We should not forget and politics. We hope it will help to country’s security issues. gress- even if Trump’s foreign policy is had super majority in parliament couldn’t the regional aspects, too, the geo-political show the broader context that surrounds not favorable for Eastern European coun- cope. Our society, media and business landscape is changing very fast. We should us and makes an impact. The project LAST MONTH WERE tries and Georgia, congress can always community now has a chance to balance consider new realities in Europe and the will cover Brexit and how it’s related to POLITICALLY INTENSE BOTH make a balance. if something goes wrong and the gov- world. Georgia has to be at the forefront Georgia, why The Netherlands voted in FOR GEORGIA AND THE US. I don’t think there will be major chal- ernment moves in the wrong direction. of democratic reforms- that’s the only way a referendum against Ukraine, and how WHAT WILL THE OUTCOMES lenges in US-Georgia relations or major It’s also an opportunity for the govern- to attract the attention of the west. We the European Parliament voted against BE FOR OUR COUNTRIES? breakthroughs. We need to strengthen ment to implement reforms and show have to strengthen our image as a bastion propaganda by third parties in Europe. Kornely: It’s a challenging time right institutional links between the two coun- there’s a clear vision of how to achieve of modern democratic reforms. GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 2 - 5, 2016 POLITICS 5 Reuters: Georgian President Sees Strong US Ties Maintained under

Georgia’s President gave an interview to Reuters Trump on November 29. Source: Reuters

Chairman Elected for Adjara Supreme Council of those who didn’t vote for Gabaidze BY MARIKO NATSARISHVILI recognizes that the new chairman will defi nitely differ from his predecessors “I hope that he will effectively chair the the Atlantic Alliance has played down The President noted that a fi fth of will do everything to justify your Council since he is a lawyer and the BY THEA MORRISON its chances, and Russia, which fought a Georgian territory remains under the trust. We have a special respon- council needs lawyers,” Zambakhidze brief war with the south Caucasus nation control of pro-Russian separatists. How- sibility towards our voters. We said. in 2008, is fi rmly opposed,” he added. ever, he added that Russia, Georgia's should prove that the Supreme Gabaidze is the seventh Chairman, but eorgia expects relations The President underlined that Geor- Soviet-era overlord, remained a serious Council is an institution where the fi rst lawyer, to head the legislative with the United States gia’s relations and communication with international player and that Tbilisi Ipublic opinion is represented most of body in its 25 years of existence. He is a under Donald Trump to President Donald Trump, as well as with would pursue a constructive dialogue all. We should fi ll legislative gaps as well PhD student of Law at the I. Djavakh- remain strong despite his Georgia’s friends and allies in Congress with Moscow despite tensions. as successfully monitor the executive ishvili University, is the mediator of the calls for improved ties with from the Republican and Democratic "We think that Russia should be a fac- power - said Davit Gabaidze following Chamber of Commerce Mediation Center; GRussia, and Tbilisi will keep pressing for sides, would be maintained through tor that should be taken into considera- his election to the position of Chairman the arbitrator of Batumi Permanent Arbi- closer collaboration with NATO - Giorgi mutual interests and goals that were and tion by its neighbors as well as by other of Supreme Council, Adjara AR. tration Ltd; and a member of the Geor- Margvelashvili, the President of Georgia, had been shared for the last 25 years. international players," said Margvelash- Two thirds of the Supreme Council gian Bar Association. From 2012 he told Reuters on November 29 in Tbilisi. Margvelashvili said he was disappointed vili, 47, a philosopher by training. members expressed confi dence in 36 worked as a deputy and later as Head of Margvelashvili said that Trump stirred that the visa issue was still "sitting in However, the President emphasized year-old Gabaidze, and while the repre- the Legal and Human Resource Manage- concerns in central and Eastern Europe Brussels" even though Tbilisi has fulfi lled that good relations with Russia were sentatives of three parties voted against ment Department within the Govern- during the US election campaign with all the necessary requirements. only possible if it respected Georgia's him, the newly elected chairman claims ment of the Autonomous Republic his praise for Russian President Vladimir "The EU and NATO are going through a sovereignty and territorial integrity. he expects to have a constructive rela- Administration. Putin and also his suggestion that the conservative phase of re-evaluating chal- "Russia's occupation of Georgia is a his- tionship and close cooperation with the On his last day of duty, the 2012-2016 United States may not defend allies lenges. We think that this conservative torically unfair move. This will never be opposition. Chairman, Avtandil Beridze, wished suc- deemed to spend too little on defense. phase should end at some point with a more accepted by our society nor will it be accepted United National Movement (UNM) cess to Gabaidze and successful dialogue “Georgia wants to join NATO, though active and more engaging agenda," he said. by Georgia's political leadership," he said. representative Petre Zambakhidze, one with the opposition. GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS DECEMBER 2 - 5, 2016 Russia Stacking Both Decks in Armenia and Azerbaijan

former imperial master as a protector. BY JOSEPH LARSEN, GEORGIAN Russia is Armenia’s ally, but it carefully INSTITUTE OF POLITICS maintains a neutral stance on Nagorno- Karabakh, a region it still recognizes as sovereign Azerbaijani territory. Making he South Caucasus coun- the situation even more diffi cult to untan- tries of Armenia and Azer- gle, Russia is now the single-largest pro- baijan have been in confl ict vider of arms to Azerbaijan. According since 1988 when Nagorno- to a 2015 report from the Stockholm Karabakh, a majority-Arme- International Peace Research Institute, nianT enclave in the Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan received 85 percent of its Azerbaijan, demanded to be transferred arms imports from Russia from 2010 to to Armenia. Ethnic tensions boiled over 2014, a period when annual imports more and mob violence was followed by full- than tripled. When war broke out earlier scale war after both countries gained this year, Armenian soldiers were killed independence from the Soviet Union. with helicopter gunships and rocket By the time a ceasefi re was signed in systems that their principal enemy, Azer- 1994, roughly 30,000 people had been baijan, purchased from their principal killed and Nagorno-Karabakh was de ally, Russia. facto independent. The confl ict has been The Kremlin has defended what it sees mostly “frozen” since, but war broke out as a policy of deterrence in Nagorno- again in April, 2016, resulting in more Karabakh. By strictly controlling the fl ow 200 deaths and Azerbaijan regaining a of arms to both countries, the logic goes, small amount of territory, and sending full-scale war is made less likely. But things a stern message: that it isn’t afraid to fl ex came dangerously close during four days its muscle in open war against Armenia. of intense fi ghting this April. Azerbaijan’s Russia, perhaps the confl ict’s most military budget exceeds Armenia’s entire important party, is neutral but very openly government budget, so extra arms for will also allow Armenia to purchase of deterrence holds up and the confl ict gested in a recent commentary, the joint playing both sides. It is Armenia’s self- Azerbaijan don’t even the scales, they tip Russian arms at domestic prices, further stays “frozen”, the military-industrial military force intensifi es the security proclaimed ally. The two countries coop- them in Baku’s favor. And with more peo- bolstering its military capabilities. complex benefi ts from arms sales to both dilemma and makes an Azerbaijani inva- erate bilaterally and within the Collective ple staring down gun barrels on both sides The Russian government insists the sides and the Kremlin benefi ts from sion of Nagorno-Karabakh more likely, Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), of the border, any fi ghting that does break mutual defense clause doesn’t apply to Armenia’s growing political dependence. Russia can step in and ensure the next a grouping of post-Soviet states loosely out will be more deadly. Nagorno-Karabakh--a region it still Russia can also strengthen its political peace agreement suits its purposes fi rst comparable to the North Atlantic Treaty It now appears the Kremlin has found doesn’t recognize as independent. Still, and economic ties with both countries. and foremost. As the Kremlin has learned Organization. Russia sells Armenia large a better way to have its cake and eat it the new security arrangement might give At a trilateral meeting in Baku this August, all too well over the past 25 years, the amounts of sophisticated weaponry at too, to sell copious amounts of deadly Baku’s government reason to pause. In Russian President Vladimir Putin and best way to ensure victory is to play on discount prices and has soldiers perma- weapons to both sides and still ensure case of attack, Armenia will be defended Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev both teams. nently stationed on Armenian territory. that war remains a distant possibility. by Russia’s entire Southern Military announced the desire for mutually ben- The Georgian Institute of Politics was This year, Armenia became the only On November 14, 2016, Russian President District, which includes the Black Sea efi cial cooperation, as did Iranian Pres- founded in 2011 to strengthen institutions country other than Russia to possess Vladimir Putin signed a decree on the Fleet and Caspian Flotilla. The move ident Hassan Rouhani. and promote good governance and devel- Iskander ballistic missile systems; they creation of a joint Russian-Armenian affi rms Russia’s privileged support for Russia appears committed to deterring opment through policy research and have a range of up to 500 kilometers and military force. It will patrol Armenia’s Armenia despite its continued arms sales confl ict through strategic parity, but if advocacy in Georgia. It publishes its blog could potentially strike targets deep in entire land border, and it contains a to Azerbaijan. funneling more weapons into the region with Georgia Today twice per month. Azerbaijani territory. It’s no surprise the mutual defense clause. Any attack on Russia has found a way to strengthen leads to further outbreaks of violence, Check out our website in English and authorities in Yerevan and many Arme- Armenia will be viewed as an attack on its hand in the South Caucasus under a or, as Nona Mikhelidze of the Rome- Georgian at gip.ge for more blogs, data, nian citizens have come to view their Russia, and vice versa. The agreement number of possible scenarios. If the logic based Istituto Affari Internazionali sug- and analyses. Turkmenistan Accedes to International Agreements in Field of Transport

vention on the Harmonization of Control BY TAMTA DARSALIA of Goods expects to facilitate interna- tional transport through the national and international coordination of control ithin the framework and methods of application. of the Global Confer- The conference also saw the signing ence on Sustainable of a number of Memoranda of Under- Transport, held in standing for cooperation in the fi eld of Ashgabat on Novem- transport, including cooperation Wber 26-27, Turkmenistan acceded to the between the Ministry of Railway Trans- Intergovernmental Agreement on the port of Turkmenistan and the Ministry Trans-Asian Railway, the Intergovern- of Land, Infrastructure and Transport mental Agreement on the Asian Highway of the Republic of Korea, a Memoran- Network, the Intergovernmental Agree- dum of Understanding between the ment on Dry Ports and the International Governments of Turkmenistan and the Convention on the Harmonization of Republic of Armenia on the intentions Control of Goods at the Border. for further cooperation in the fi eld of The purpose of these agreements aims transport, and the meeting protocol at the harmonization and simplifi cation between delegations of aviation author- of intermodal transport in the Asia-Pacifi c ities of Turkmenistan and the Kyrgyz region, the expansion of international Republic. trade, improving effi ciency and reducing Among the signed documents was also the cost of transportation and logistics an agreement between the Academy of services, and meeting the needs of coun- Public Service under the President of tries that are not landlocked. Turkmenistan and the United Nations The intergovernmental agreement on Population Fund (UNFPA) for the imple- Dry Ports was signed on November 7, mentation of funded United Nations 2013 in Bangkok (Thailand), by repre- Population Fund Action Plans 2016-2020, sentatives of several countries of the approved in the framework of coopera- Economic and Cocial Commission for tion for the implementation of the coun- Asia and the Pacifi c, in order to simplify try program for Turkmenistan; and Action procedures for marine cargo transporta- Plans between the Academy of Public tion by land transport. The main objec- develop a network of transport and logis- along the road and rail routes included Intergovernmental Agreement on the Service under the President of Turk- tive of the Agreement was to enable tics complexes: Dry Ports of international in the Intergovernmental Agreement on Trans-Asian Railway. menistan and the UNFPA for 2016 and Asian politics and Pacifi c countries to importance in the Asia-Pacifi c region, the Asian Highway Network and the The purpose of the International Con- 2017. GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 2 - 5, 2016 POLITICS 7

A Criminal in Politics or Politics in a Criminal World which was raised recently; it is still that GD is partly ready to realize the as Deputy Chairman of the Defense and OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA unknown how it will work for the party, ideas that Kvitsiani suggested and soon Security Committee, with the new mem- especially when the initiative does not trying to cross the border into the ter- bers of GD refusing to accept him as belong to GD but instead to Patriotic ritories of occupied Abkhazia and South such. Subsequently, Kvitsiani accused he new parliament started Alliance MP, Emzar Kvitsiani. Ossetia will no longer be illegal but will GD of colluding with the UNM. Further- political prisoner by denying them. by revoking the bill about Similar legislative changes were incur just a 400 GEL fi ne. Georgian more, his party, the Patriotic Alliance, The governmental methods in Georgia condoms and registering demanded by the previous parliament Dream says that the legislative changes has even sued GD for rigging the elec- are truly astonishing: you never know changes to be made to the when GD MPs also raised the issue. At are not based on Kvitsiani’s ambitions tions. what is or is not punishable. A criminal Law of Georgia on Occu- that time, making the legislative changes but are connected with the demands of This was probably the reason the in politics or politics in a criminal world? Tpied Territories. was interrupted by the elections but now international organizations. government chose to remind Kvitsiani MP Kvitsiani demands the creation of a The law known to the general public the elections are over, Kvitsiani is back, “A person who is unaware of the Geor- of his criminal past and the kidnap- Temporary Investigation Commission as “condoms with barbs” was adopted demanding not only changes but com- gian Law on Occupied Territories should pings during Shevardnadze’s time in to conduct a detailed investigation into following the fi rst reading by the previ- plete abolition of the law on the occupied not be punished under criminal law. power. “In the Kodori Gorge, Kvitsiani the events that took place in Kodori ous parliament. Georgian Dream (GD) territories. “This law goes against the Georgia has received reprimands from kidnapped and beat IDP representa- Gorge in 2006. The government hasn’t supported the prohibition with 76 votes Georgian people. This law was adopted international organizations, and sanc- tives of government who had fl ed Abk- responded to his demands. However, it to 14. The ruling party hasn’t been inter- to prevent Georgians, who are citizens tions, because the law was not lifted, GD hazia, and also German observers,” is obvious that by activating Kvitsiani, ested in this law since, but now, it once of Russia, from entering Abkhazia, buy- MP Eka Beselia stated. said the former Minister of Interior and warning him not to cross the red again remembered this issue and revoked ing land there and turning it into Geor- In general, the interests of Georgian Affairs Kakha Targamadze. Kvitsiani lines, the Georgian Dream government the law it initiated four years ago. gia again. That is why Russians made Dream and MP Kvitsiani have crossed has yet to respond to this comment. plans to start a new “Holy War” against It seems that condoms are the luckier Saakashvili adopt this law and it should twice already in the new parliament as, Surprisingly, Kvitsiani was convicted the UNM. The red lines, though, are topic for the Georgian Dream, quite be abolished,” Kvitsiani claims. alongside the above law, there followed on exactly these charges for years and apparently drawn right on the offi cial unlike the law about occupied territories The United National Movement says a fuss about Kvitsiani being appointed was also freed under the status of seat. GEORGIA TODAY 8 POLITICS DECEMBER 2 - 5, 2016 INTERVIEW: Irakli Alasania

he following is an extract will also change our thinking on how we from a podcast interview should protect our country. Don’t get by Lincoln Mitchell, tran- me wrong, I’m not anti-Russian, but I scribed by Natia Liparteli- am defending my country; my country’s ani and edited by Katie Ruth interests are fi rst, and so I see the threat. TDavies. The interview was taken as part I’m a believer in the future of Russia- of Lincoln Mitchell’s Painting the Cor- Georgian relationships and Russia-US ners series titled ‘Episode 11- Joe Maddon relations, but I think it will only come if and Terry Francona in the World Series, Russia sees Georgia and other neighbors Georgia’s future with Trump’s America as they wish to be, with the West strongly and the 26th Man.’ protecting them and their interests. I Former Georgian Defense Minister think US interests rolling back would Irakli Alasania discusses how he sees have a tremendously damaging effect the Georgia-US relationship evolving on prosperity and democracy in my during a Trump administration. region. The support of the US is also exemplary for Europeans. We understand WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES there are domestic issues that need to GEORGIA IS FACING IN THIS be dealt with internally in the USA, like RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD social depression, etc., but those things PARTICULARLY GIVEN THE can be dealt with in parallel. This is why CHANGES INSIDE EUROPE the US is a global power. I don’t like to AND WITH THE UNEXPECTED call them ‘the policy of the world’ but WIN OF DONALD TRUMP then again they are the most powerful IN THE US ELECTIONS? democratic country. We are focused on how the new admin- BEEN ELECTED, I THINK THE I FIND IT INTERESTING THAT, mistic. We see that it’s different, don’t istration will continue or change the GEORGIANS WOULD BE COMING FROM GEORGIA, get me wrong, but this is the rule of the WHAT’S NEXT FOR GEORGIA? policies they have towards the region, a FEELING MORE COMFORTABLE; YOU HAVE LESS CONCERN American people and we have to respect My thinking is that we need to prepare region that is aspiring to be part of NATO. FEELING THAT “WE KNOW AND FEEL SO COMFORTABLE that and also to fi nd ways to make sure ourselves for a post-Putin period. It will We are sitting in a kind of ‘grey area’ WHERE SHE STANDS,” WHICH We are more security conscious and are that the leadership here gets the infor- come. Georgia can’t solve this problem where NATO can’t protect us so we’re YOU CAN’T SAY ABOUT looking at the elections from that prism, mation that is needed to make sound like Ukraine- militarily. There is no putting a lot of emphasis on bilateral TRUMP. PLUS JOHN MCCAIN and I know some of the nominees in the judgments about the things that concern military solution to this. We need to get AND LINDSEY GRAHAM relations with the US. It has been a won- new administration; I have talked to them us. stronger economically, institution-wise; ARE HEADING TO GEORGIA derful relationship for decades through TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT numerous times about Georgia and what to get as close as we can to the stand- party support from both Republicans FOR THE COUNTRY we are facing there. I think there’s going THERE ARE SOME AMERICANS ards of Europe- to develop ourselves and Democrats. Of course, Trump win- to be a tremendous shift for Democrats, WHO WANT THE GOVERNMENT and wait for the window of opportunity ning was unexpected, but we are now I spoke to Mccain a few days ago at a Republicans and even from Trump him- TO INVEST LESS IN EASTERN to open. We need to start people-to thinking about how the policies will security conference. He always aims to self, but this is good. EUROPE AND MORE IN people relations with Abkhazians and develop. In general, from my 20 year reassure Eastern European countries PROTECTING DETROIT OR South Ossetians. I think if Trump sees experience working with the US, I think and countries fi ghting for freedom and IF I WAS SITTING IN TBILISI, I CLEVELAND. HOW DOES THIS that the Russian side is not sincere in when the dust settles the policies will democracy. He said while trump is in WOULD ELECT MITT ROMNEY- ALL LOOK TO SOMEONE negotiating, he’ll end the fruitless talks be the same, because it is in the best power, he doesn’t think the policies will HE’S SMART, RATIONAL AND WHO NEEDS THE AMERICAN and use different tactics in diplomacy. interests of the US to have strong democ- change dramatically and pointed out SUPPORTS A MAINSTREAM UMBRELLA IN A DIPLOMATIC I doubt he’ll sacrifi ce trade- I think every racy in a developing country like Geor- Trump also knows Georgia. He was here AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY AND MILITARY WAY? WHAT president tries to improve relationships. gia; it is in best interests of the US to 6-7 years ago, invited to build a Trump WHICH INVOLVES SUPPORT IS THE FUTURE OF GEORGIA If it improves it will be good for Geor- have countries not threatened by Russian tower in Batumi. So he knows Georgia OF GEORGIA. YOU CAN LIVE IF THE USA IS ABSENT? gia as well, but it won’t happen based interests, as we have seen over the past and he knows what we are worrying WITH HIM, BUT CAN YOU Of course, this is the last thing we want on sacrifi cing US interests. That said, 10 years, with more aggression and the about and I hope that his national secu- LIVE WITH MIKE FLYNN? to see because we’ve been very close to this won’t be happening any time soon. occupation of territories. I understand rity team and he himself will pay atten- I know Flynn well. We had very good the US, security-wise and military-wise, We see that nationalistic sentiments are that nobody will go to war with Russia tion now. We know that every new discussions a couple of years ago about throughout the last 20 years. We’ve been growing even in Central Europe and for Georgia, but I want to make sure that president wants to have a fresh start with security and threats from Russia and he in Afghanistan, we’ve been Iraq, we’re what is happening in the Middle East. the relationship and policies that we Russia. It’s logical and we understand came across as a very rational and solid the closest non-member ally to NATO I think in this context, education is key. have will make us stronger militarily and that. But in trying to do so they should guy on such issues. At the end of day the and I know how much the USA invested And Georgia should also focus on that. economically. be aware that the people of Russia’s institution and institutional memory are in the Georgian military. Without US The education system is outdated- in neighboring countries are very concerned so strong in the US that it will stand any support, such progress militarily would some regions there’s not even access to IF HILLARY CLINTON HAD about the continued Russian oppression. kind of deviation from policies. I’m opti- not be possible. And if this changes, it the internet. Georgia’s Gov’t to Ban Online Loans

BY THEA MORRISON

BILISI – Georgia’s government is preparing a consumers rights protection package according to which online loans will no longer be issued. The statement was Tmade by Georgia’s Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili at the fi rst meeting of new Cabi- net on Wednesday. “Online loans will be banned, as requested by our citizens,” the PM said. Moreover, according to Kvirikashvili, the cost of running a gambling business will increase. He explained that the change will ensure the mobilization of additional resources into the budget that will be spent on infrastructural projects of vital importance to the country, as well as on strengthening Georgia’s transit func- tion, healthcare and the implementation of social projects. “We will need some time to select the best model for online casinos but some steps in this direction will be taken shortly,” said Finance Minister Dimitry Kumsishvili, adding that active consultations are underway in relation to the issue and the government would need 6-8 months to regulate the fi eld. "Online casinos are a social problem and we think it is especially important to protect young people. I had a lot of consultations with inter- national consultants and we are taking steps to get it done,” Kumisishvili stated. GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 2 - 5, 2016 SOCIETY 9 It’s All in the Selling and Buying

in order to be better equipped for sur- in Georgia, and there is little hope of OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE vival, but I would love to someday open making it longer. How about listing the the paper and see a list of products in services, then? Is it just as hard to let it that are made in Georgia and sell it grow? What would you say about the ren’t we living in an successfully around the world, bring- artifacts we have always been famous extremely commercial- ing in the foreign currency that could for? Georgian singing and dancing ized world within which prop up the faltering Lari and the could also be foreign currency mag- the human dependence economy attached to it. I wonder how nets, couldn’t they? I have almost for- on commerce is absolutely many articles would be on that list. Is gotten the inventions and industrial overwhelming?A Undoubtedly, our reli- there any chance to grow the list so ideas that could easily be commercial- ance on commerce has always been much that the country’s budget and ized if we knew how to handle their paramount, since time immemorial. our nearly empty pockets feel the power introduction to the interested world. Yet nowadays every step of the way on of commerce in this country? Intellect is appreciated everywhere, the road to a better life is engulfed by At present that list of goods is limited and who knows how promising the it. In simpler words, this trickles down commercial power of our national to the efforts of a person creating an intelligence is!? object that can be sold and, having sold What I am talking about might seem it, providing for the creator’s survival. a little bit far-fetched to some of us but This is the ABC of the survival process. I don’t think either my idea or attitude Why such a wordy introduction to leave any room for doubt, because it this most trivial segment of our life is the classic understanding of economy which is well known to all? Because I We might be and its fi nancial viability that success would like to put it very simply that lies in the art of selling and buying. Georgia’s often criticized economy and lacking fl exibility We might be lacking fl exibility in the its monetary token the Lari will never art of trade, but I know for sure that get stable and reliable unless we man- in the art of trade, we have sharp enough wits and skilled ufacture things that are briskly sellable enough hands to embark on a seri- – by which I mean, sellable both here but I know for sure ous exchange of a variety of prod- and beyond our borders. Sellable could ucts with the rest of the world. be the objects of many different cat- that we have The only thing we need to take egories, items of everyday usage: food, care of is enhancing the qual- drinks, art, inventions, ideas, services, sharp enough wits ity and content of the future and what not. What are we good at? sellable products in the name What could the fastest money-maker and skilled of Georgia. And also more in Georgia be that a man’s hand can confi dence in the possibil- create and sell? enough hands to ity of triggering the world’s I hear all the time that our economic interest towards the magic plans contain the production of goods embark on a liable ‘Made in Georgia’ with that endearing label ‘Made in proudly shining on every Georgia.’ In reality, I am always buying serious exchange manufactured good that things that are ‘Made in China, Turkey travels the world in expecta- and India,’ or any other possible land of a variety of tion of popularity. that produces something that the world In a word – if you sell it, you is interested in. products with the do well, and to sell it, it needs to be Newspapers are packed full of infor- attractive, very attractive to compete mation that I may never need to have rest of the world CARTOON: Brian Patrick Grady with the rest of humanity. GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY DECEMBER 2 - 5, 2016 Disaster Risk Reduction: The Early Warning System at Devdoraki Gorge

cient measure to close the road and warn Both stations are connected to a pass- BY DANIEL TOBLER, STEFAN people of the different elements at risk word-protected data portal where the TOBLER, IRAKLI MEGRELIDZE when an event occurs. It will not prevent NEA can check pictures, river fl ow the road from being blocked, but the risk heights, and temperatures, as well as the of people dying due to a catastrophic health-status of the stations. The stations he Caucasus, like many event can be minimized signifi cantly. work automatically and sending status mountain ranges world- The economic risk (road block) can only reports around the clock. wide, is being dispropor- be eliminated by a technical solution tionately affected by ongo- (such as a tunnel). MONITORING STATION the damage potential (road). The alarm sulting companies with 140 employees ing climate change. A profound knowledge of the ongoing AT 3,000 M A.S.L. system is equipped with: specialized in environmental and TDevastating debris fl ow events originat- processes is essential for the proper The monitoring station for observation - two gauge radars suspended on cables natural disaster risk reduction. It ing at the glaciers in the summit area of design of an EWS. The information of glacial development on Mt. Kazbeg spanned across the channel to measure investigates and assesses areas endan- Mt. Kazbeg have in the past blocked the gained from a detailed hazard assess- is situated on an exposed mountain ridge fl ow height and debris fl ow magnitude. gered by natural hazards, simulate Terek River valley and heavily affected ment was necessary to elaborate realis- at 3000 m a. s. l.. Glacial movements are - two webcams with live-access and process scenarios with numerical the main road to Russia, a gas pipeline, tic hazard scenarios and to determine monitored by two solar-powered cam- infrared fl oodlights allowing night alarm models and plan effective and effi cient a hydro-powerplant and the border con- major parameters for the design of the eras. Pictures are transferred via GSM verifi cation. protection measures. It has over 50 trol. After the debris fl ow event in May EWS. and radio connection to the main station - Trigger lines, which will raise the years experiences in the fi eld of natu- 2014, the National Environmental Agency There was only one possible location in the valley. Local authorities are able alarm when torn from the switch. ral hazards, landslide and debris fl ow (NEA) decided to plan protection meas- for the installation of an EWS to suffi - to determine the glacial movement based In a spectacular one week installation mechanisms. Based in Switzerland, it ures for the main infrastructure and its ciently meet requirements and the dimen- on feature tracking within the images. mission, the EWS-components were has a number of natural hazard related benefi ciaries. Based on a detailed hazard sions of the gorge, as well as the rough The installation of the station was chal- fi xed on the suspension cables by rope projects in Europe (Germany, Austria, assessment provided by the Swiss com- climate during winter, were major chal- lenging because of logistics, rough access. Well trained Swiss experts worked Greece), South America (Chile, Bra- pany GEOTEST Ltd., the Government lenges for the installers. At the location weather conditions and short time frames on the cables hanging more than 50 m sil), China, and Georgia. of Georgia decided to implement an early where the alarm station is installed, the to get the work done. All equipment, over the Gorge. Daniel Tobler is a geologist and mem- warning system (EWS) to monitor gla- gorge is about 50 m deep and 250 m wide. Swiss experts and specialists from the ber of the Executive Board of GEOTEST cial activities in the upper part of Mt. NEA were transported to the mountain CONCLUSIONS Ltd. He is currently working as natural Kazbeg enabling them to warn and pro- THE DEVDORAKI EWS ridge by helicopter. The EWS at Devdoraki Gorge is based hazard expert in the Engineering Geol- tect those living in the valley below who The system consists of two main sta- on terrestrial stations. It is a reliable and ogy Department. Daniel’s primary work are at risk of harm from debris fl ows. tions: ALARM STATION AT THE effi cient tool for local communities / projects are linked to natural hazard The system was installed by GEOTEST - A monitoring station to observe the DEVDORAKI GORGE authorities to reduce risks. With the early assessments (i.e. rockfall, landslides, in autumn 2016. glaciated summit area of Mt. Kazbeg; For the detection of catastrophic events, warning system installed, it will be pos- glacial lakes), planning of mitigation - An alarm station at Devdoraki Gorge automated closure of the road and the sible to plan and build long-term protec- measures and risk management. For the HAZARD ASSESSMENT which will detect debris fl ows and send alerting of local authorities, a large scale tion measures. last few years he has been involved in AND DESIGN OF EARLY a direct warning to the border police monitoring and alarm system was GEOTEST Ltd, Switzerland is one various projects related to climate change WARNING SYSTEM and SMS to persons in charge at the installed in the lower part of the debris of the leading Swiss geological-geo- and its infl uence on high mountain areas The EWS at Devdoraki Gorge is an effi - NEA. channel approximately 3.5 km away from technical and engineering and con- around the globe.

GEORGIA TODAY 12 SOCIETY DECEMBER 2 - 5, 2016 Consolidating IDP Integration in Georgia: Final Conference Held

Produce in Georgia already exists, initi- Murad Abotia, Head of the IDP Depart- BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI ated by the Government of Georgia, it ment, Ministry of IDPs from the Occu- is still not tailored to the needs of IDP pied Territories, Accommodation and and vulnerable groups, and this is only Refugees of Georgia, talked about the he Danish Refugee Council one of the many challenges that need to role of municipalities in providing hous- (DRC) in the South Cauca- be addressed, alongside issues related ing for IDPs. He mentioned that almost sus held a conference to to offering land rent opportunities for 70 percent of the IDP population is close the fi rst phrase of the IDPs, implementation of vocational train- located in urban residential areas, where project 'Consolidating IDP ing programs, and updating the existing access to services, municipality programs TIntegration in Georgia' on November 29 data resources on available service pro- and employment is easier. Abotia also in Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel Tbilisi, viders and programs. said that Gori, Zugdidi, and Kutaisi funded by the Bureau of Population, “We’re open to discuss the best pos- municipalities are actively involved in Refugees, and Migration – US Depart- sible models for the IDP integration,” supplying IDPs with housing. ment of State. said Grigol Giorgadze, First Deputy Min- Khadra Elmi, Durable Solutions Project The conference focused on the theme ister, Ministry of IDPs from the Occupied Coordinator of the Joint IDP Profi ling of challenges of IDP integration and its Territories, Accommodation and Refu- Service, shared her observations gained perspectives in Georgia, bringing gov- gees of Georgia. “It is very important to while in Georgia, and suggested a detailed ernment offi cials and NGO representa- maximize engagement from all parties, durable solutions analysis be made, “com- tives together to discuss new initiatives be it state or public sector. We have to prehensive with an established time-bound and programs in the social policy sphere pay close attention to what is done working group to guide a secondary data and the necessary mechanisms to make towards the integration process, to make review process that would collect the local/municipal services accessible for social and economic challenges, thus According to offi cial data, in 2015 the further steps to move from status to indicators of durable solution analysis in the IDP population. IDPs remain in need of assistance even unemployment rate in Georgia hit 12 needs; we need to see to what extent Georgia, to later be contextualized.” This The DRC Consolidating IDP Integra- though signifi cant time has passed since percent and although there is no offi cial IDPs have access to the services and collective set of joint recommendations tion in Georgia project aims to provide their displacement,” said Svend Monrad data available, the unemployment rate social programs the state provides.” would prioritize policy and development legislative support to IDPs and to Graunboel, Country director, DRC Geor- among IDPs is much higher than within Presentations were then made by a interventions within Georgia. strengthen their integration into local gia and South Caucasus. “IDPs and vul- the local population. According to the number of guest speakers. As Raimonds Pavlovkis, Regional Refu- communities. The project was realized nerable groups have an important role World Bank report 2013, 80 percent of Amiran Dateshidze, Head of the Social gee Coordinator, Bureau of Population, in 5 Georgian cities: Kutaisi, Tskhaltubo, to play in any country’s development. IDPs consider themselves unemployed. Affairs and Programs Division of the Refugees, and Migration, US Department Poti, Zugdidi and Senaki. 1,870 families As such at DRC we believe that empow- The research undertaken by DRC shows Social Protection Department within the of State underlined, Georgia must take were profi led in 11 IDP settlements within ering the sustainable self-reliance of that one of the major challenges for the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social into account what has been accomplished a project during which 44 informational IDPs through access to employment, solving long term problems endured by Affairs of Georgia, on access of IDPs to and what still needs to be done. “Integra- meetings were organized with 595 IDPs documentation and property rights and IDPs is a lack of employment opportu- municipal services, talked about social tion happens in stages, but transition attending. During the six thematic work- participation should be seen as a central nity perspectives and livelihood programs initiated by the government between the stages is an evolutionary shops, the needs for the protection of part of the general development strategy resources. In order to address the issue, to assist families in need, families with process,” he said, adding that the Govern- IDP rights, their inclusion in social and for Georgia” he said, adding that the one of the many recommendations given children with disabilities, children with ment of Georgia has successfully laid the health programs and again access to the Government of Georgia has made sig- is to promote small and medium scale hearing disabilities and more. “A mother- foundation for an integration policy through local and municipal services were high- nifi cant progress towards IDPs attaining enterprises. Establishing funds that will and-child shelter was opened where services and programs. For the next stage lighted. 10,000 leafl ets were distributed durable solutions through their displace- provide low interest rate loans is also women have a chance to get help to fi nd of integration, the base is to ensure that with information on available services ment. “The reforms initialized clearly seen as a solution, alongside training employment and, with another recent all the programs and services provided by and providers in the region. address the needs of vulnerable groups programs that will focus on developing initiative, orphans have been moved to the government remain accessible to IDPs. “The protected isolation of IDP com- but there is still much to be done,” Graun- entrepreneurial and business manage- live in foster families, which is believed “While work is still ongoing, it may be munities in Georgia has led to complex boel said. ment skills for IDPs. While the program to help their integration into society.” considered as a success.”

RENT YOUR DREAM APARTMENT IN TSKNETI For Want of a Nail...

BY TONY HANMER

id you ever wonder how horseshoes are made? The work is done almost entirely by hand, using heat and steel tools. I have a Dgood friend in Alberta who in his day as a farrier won top prize in the intermedi- ate level of a shoeing competition and, I have no doubt, would have continued this trend upward to fi rst place overall had economic considerations not forced him to seek other lines of work. While my wife and I were visiting Ross Maxwell and his lovely family in rural more diffi cult to hammer into place. So Although hooves are made from keratin, Alberta, he demonstrated in his garage there is a window of temperature range, the same basic material as hair and fi n- the method of turning a straight, single- and one of time, too, as the metal cools gernails, and is thus nerveless, the living grooved steel bar into the required slightly quite rapidly once removed from the tissue inside it does feel pain, of course. asymmetrical, curved, taper-ended mar- furnace fl ames, dulling to red and then To remind us of the importance of good vel, the front and back hoof versions of back to black. Beat, turn, twirl, always shoes, we have this proverb, which has which are different, as is also necessary. aware that the steel will burn right through its fi rst versions in the chivalrous Euro- There is a huge amount of theoretical your skin and deeper if you touch it, pean fourteenth century: Very cosy one bedroom 75 sq.m apartment in Tbilisi area with spec- knowledge and practice which goes into even if it's not glowing! For want of a nail the shoe was lost. a procedure which looks simple only in Every detail of each shoe's form is For want of a shoe the horse was lost. tacular view over the mountains. the hands of a master. critical to its function; there is nothing For want of a horse the rider was lost. Located in Tskneti, a prestigious, quiet, green and safe neighborhood Hammers, tongs and the anvil are the decorative or unnecessary here. The For want of a rider the message was lost. 15 minutes drive from the city center. The bright and sunny apartment instruments with which one forms the angle of the punched nail holes, for For want of a message the battle was lost. is newly furnished and comes with a fully equipped kitchen and bath- shoe, removing it several times from a example, is not uniform. All but one of For want of a battle the kingdom was lost. room. furnace (in this case propane-powered) them on each side set of three allow the And all for the want of a horseshoe nail. Comfortable and stylish living-room, cozy bedroom with closet and which, roaring away, heats the steel to a nails to protrude from the hoof when king-sized bed. 20 sq.m terrace overlooking the mountains. Relax while glowing orange in minutes. "It takes the nails are hammered in, and the far- Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since enjoying the view and unwind with a glass of wine on the balcony as about ten years to learn how steel moves," rier then clips the ends off. 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a you watch the sun set. says Ross, referring to the shaping pro- Compared to the slowly growing col- weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He cesses by which different amounts of lection of thin semicircles of rusted iron Parking & WiFi available. runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook heat and hammer-blows affect the direct- which I have found and gathered in group, now with over 1350 members, at If you are looking for the perfect place to live, this is the apartment ing of parts of the softened metal into Svaneti, these are fi ne protection for the www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- for you! their proper places, such as the clips hooves of equus caballus. My stepmother, sance/ Only long-term residents should apply. which protrude. a champion show-jumper in her youth He and his wife also run their own guest house Ideally suited for a couple or single. Too hot, and the steel will soften too in Rhodesia, was suitably impressed with in Etseri: much, and also will fl ake off in layers. them. She tells me that they prevent the www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti- For more information contact: + 995 595279997 Too cold, too hard, and it's more and hoof from wearing down too fast. long trek GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 2 - 5, 2016 SOCIETY 13 INTERVIEW: Tamara Beruchashvili, Ambassador of Georgia to the UK

tion highlighted in the latest Wardrop Dialogue. We BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES already have initiatives going regarding defence and security, trade and economics, and the cultural and social spheres. We’re hoping to expand the activi- mbassador Beruchashvili visited Geor- ties of the British Council and to get more out of the gia last week to attend the third annual Chevening Scholarships; investing in the develop- Wardrop Dialogues. GEORGIA TODAY ment of human resources. had the opportunity to meet her for We decided to do more, jointly, on Twinning cit- an EXCLUSIVE interview regarding ies. 2018 will be the 30th anniversary of the twinning UK-GeorgiaA relations in the business, culture and of Tbilisi-Bristol, and I have been back and forth to social spheres. meet business persons and university representa- Ambassador Beruchashvili with Professors, experts in Rustaveli and Shakespeare, at the recent joint tives to explore the different dimensions of Twin- celebration in London (see p.2) THE WARDROP DIALOGUE nings, which includes trade and commerce. The Both the visit of Minister Duncan last week and of new Mayor of Bristol is very business-minded, and Georgian conductor Kancheli with a concert by I believe the Georgian people have a good under- Chancellor Hammond in March demonstrated our together we are already organizing to bring the local the London Philharmonic. Katie Melua and the standing of that, and we know that no magic wand shared values and interests. We are alike not only Trades Guild to Georgia next year in preparation Gori choir have sell-out concerts in December. We exists to make it happen any faster. That said, I do because we contribute to global security, have our for the 30th anniversary events- our embassy will want to get involved with the Fringe Festival which believe the visa liberalization (VLAP) needs to hap- soldiers fi ghting shoulder to shoulder with other be very much involved. is celebrating 70 years- Georgia was involved in pen as soon as possible. There is a new generation nationalities in Afghanistan, but also because we I’m looking into organizing a Memorandum of the 90s and we want to put Georgia in the spotlight that is benefi tting from having been wholly or partly are contributing to EU energy security consolida- Understanding between Ilia, TSU and Bristol uni- there. educated abroad, returning to their homeland as tion and expansion of democracy in the region- versities for exchanges and joint research projects. The embassy has established regular contact with more effi cient and open-minded people- there’s a through the good support of the UK. Through the I’m particularly interested in working with the the London Georgian Church- it is a meeting place generational mental shift and a growing need for visits of these two prestigious gentlemen to Georgia, innovation-oriented University of West England in for the diaspora. This year a Tbilisoba event there more interaction and engagement through exchange we were able to upgrade our level of partnership to Bristol which is very attractive in terms of its devel- gathered Georgians and foreign guests in true Geor- opportunities and joint projects. Visa liberalization ‘strategic’ and to show the success of our joint efforts. oping Tech Parks. gian spirit. The church runs a Georgian school and with Europe would enable Georgian youth to expand Such occasions also give our politicians a stronger On that theme, the Georgian Innovation Technol- we try to support it, with Gela Dumbadze, former their horizons. The UK visa is the most expensive voice to show that Georgia is a country that deliv- ogy Agency (GITA) will soon be holding a meeting Georgian Minister of Diaspora, having helped in the and diffi cult to get and the Georgian Prime Minister ers; a reliable, solid partner, important for the region with Innovate UK, which works with people, com- past by providing books. is on the case, having suggested a mechanism be and the wider interests of the UK. panies and partner organizations to fi nd and drive There has been around a 10% increase in UK tour- formed to avoid, for example, cases where a Geor- Our visit to the BP Gardabani pipeline on the last science and technology innovations that will grow ists coming to Georgia and in the past seven months gian student gets UK funding but still has visa issues. day of the talks was benefi cial in showing how the UK economy. We aim to present the activities we have seen a 50% increase in trade over last year important British investment is in Georgia in terms of our embassy and to gain something from the vast and a 44% increase in wine export to the UK- this A BRIGHT FUTURE, A VISION SHARED of generating jobs, putting Georgia on the map of UK experience in terms of developing an appropri- alone promotes Georgia as a country for wine tour- The Georgian government needs to be more service- energy projects, developing important knowledge ate legal framework to promote and support inno- ism. The embassy holds monthly Wine Tables (round oriented, offering business services to legal entities of doing-business and introducing new technolo- vation; to utilize the UK know-how to benefi t the table talks over locally made Khachapuri and Geor- and not only individuals. Georgia is on par with the gies. Another example is the British Medical Journal ongoing process in Georgia. gian wine) to discuss issues, initiatives and develop- UK in its priorities- in the Action Plan recently which, funded by the US government, is upgrading 2018 will see the 25 year anniversary of Georgia- ments, and promote our wine. Wine is also to be announced by Chancellor Hammond, the UK has a the knowledge of Georgian medical professionals UK diplomatic relations and we are busy trying to promoted at a number of upcoming events, as are focus on productivity, innovation, infrastructure through an online program now open to 500 medi- organize various promotional visits and exchanges. Georgian handicrafts. development, and attaining new knowledge for cal professionals, with ideas to expand it to cover The President of Georgia will be going to London employment opportunities. These are the trends in around 3000. next year with the aim of mobilizing both govern- LOOKING TO THE EU Georgia at the moment. ments and investors. We wish to activate the cham- The Georgians, by supporting those parties in the My dream is to get HRH Prince Charles over to BREXIT bers of commerce and the business community, parliamentary elections which have a clear pro- Georgia. He has an understandably tight schedule In the wake of Brexit, the UK will be forging new especially those already on the London Stock European stance, have demonstrated their unwaver- but I know he was gifted a calendar of the Georgian partnerships globally, and Georgia is willing, ready Exchange, to work on these intensifi ed relations ing desire to move in a European direction- not mountains recently so he will undoubtedly be and committed to developing a deeper and wider with the UK and to present themselves as success because they want to please Brussels, but because inspired- it’s one of many projects I will persist partnership, as we very clearly stated during the stories of Georgia. The Mayor of London is set to these are the reforms and developments we want. optimistically on with! Wardrop Dialogue. I believe Georgia could be one come to Georgia next July as an Ambassador of of the fi rst to sign a Free Trade Agreement with the Business, exploring opportunities for British busi- new post-Brexit UK. Britain is a creative country nesses within a regional tour which includes Uzbek- and it needs to be so now more than ever in order istan and Kazakhstan- with Georgia as the logical to successfully navigate the complexities and chal- regional hub between the EU and Asia. Bollywood Masala lenges ahead. CULTURAL ACTIVITIES PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE CONTACTS We are also building a busy cultural calendar. In Indian Restaurant People-to-people contacts are a new priority direc- January we’ll be celebrating the jubilee of famed CENN Introduces Innovation and Green Technologies iming to raise awareness of environ- GreenWatch is a mobile application which allows mental issues throughout Georgia, an us to care for nature together. The app lets users NGO, CENN, together with its part- highlight specifi c threats to the environment by ners have introduced green technol- sending information to CENN and other relevant ogies and innovative approaches the actors, using easy taps and gestures. Taking advan- Aorganization has launched this year and presented tage of faster, more modern means of communica- to the public on November 29. The organization tion, the app will bridge the gap between the pub- believes that using modern technologies makes it lic and government, helping them to work together easier to spread information about environmental to take care of the environment. The app is avail- challenges and increases community participation able on both Android and iOS platforms. in bringing about positive changes. Educational e-game Sort and Recycle was created CENN presented its three new products: the fi rst for the purpose of raising public awareness on ever environmental knowledge portal for the Cau- waste separation and recycling, targeting children casus, a mobile application called GreenWatch, aged 6 and above. The goal of the game is to help Find your next great lunch or and an educational e-game Sort and Recycle. the younger generation understand that not all The Caucasus Environmental Knowledge Portal waste is garbage, that it’s possible to produce use- (environment.cenn.org) is a platform that provides ful items by sorting waste and recycling and saving dinner dining experience featuring updated information to stakeholders on all kinds natural resources. of environmental issues. The platform encourages The presentation event featured children from public participation in environmental decision- the organization’s targeted regions who shared time-honored recipes at New making by providing readily accessible and relevant their stories on how they use various modern tech- information to arouse public interest in environ- nologies and innovative approaches in promoting mental issues. environmental issues in their communities. Bollywood Masala Indian Restaurant

Tel: +995 551 526 000; +995 592 900 002 Add: Str. Kostava 44, Tbilisi, Georgia Email: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE DECEMBER 2 - 5, 2016 Rafael Aguirre in Tbilisi: Unexpected Things in a Predictable World

his audience at the age of eight, when he began BY MARÍA JOSÉ RIQUELME DEL VALLE giving concerts: “I feel the way people listen and from that one can learn how a country listens. Here in Tbilisi I felt that the people attending the con- t was the most important classical guitar cert were very curious at the beginning, and then concert in Georgia in decades. But Aguirre’s at the end it seemed like they were delighted, and virtuosity was not only seen in his creating the mix of their reaction with the beauty of the an impossible range of sounds with his gui- Rustaveli Theater was just amazing”. tar; it was in keeping a note dying for the The Spanish virtuoso was there indeed, and at Iexact amount of time, making the audience hold the same time he wasn’t. Seeing him playing, some- their breath just so. Aguirre made his listeners an times with his eyes closed, one could feel that he essential part of a memorable concert. was very far away: “Music has the power to bring It was of mathematical beauty, the lapse of time you to another place. Like, for example, when I play a single note would be left reverberating in the air: music by composer Erik Satie I am in a quiet world, any other second would be annoyingly long, one with just a few sounds- I imagine myself in Paris less, unforgivably short. And Aguirre knew, as he or perhaps in an imaginary world.” knew how to make the audience a part of his music, Aguirre spoke to GEORGIA TODAY just hours as if he were an orchestral director, and we the before the start of the concert. The theater is empty, musicians: “The audience is to a large extent respon- as is the stage. Behind the wings, some props from predictable world. Music is abstraction. Music goes instead talks about what real success means to him: sible for how a performance goes. A concert is an past performances, an old cardboard horse among beyond objective parameters, beyond what can be “My aim is for people to experience some sort of act of mutual communication between the artist them. That night, when the concert starts, Aguirre’s measured and counted”. This is the magic world transformation through the music, to leave the and the public, and music is in the middle, creating strumming seems to echo the horse’s trot on his Aguirre has inhabited since the age of 6. “I did not theater different to the person they were at the the perfect bond,” he says. way to that imaginary world. chose the guitar, it chose me” he declares. “I was beginning of the concert.” For him, this goes beyond Aguirre started developing the capacity to feel “Music makes unexpected things happen in a studying in the Conservatory and had to choose mere pleasure, and in our time is rather a need: between piano or guitar, and even the night before “We live in a society based on the visual, starting I still hadn’t decided. We are so obsessed with plan- from mobiles and the internet. But it is through the ning our lives, we don’t realise that it is life that ear that we reach the most spiritual, the deepest plans us.” connection to the world. This is why concerts are “Then one day I was at home, I was about 8. I was so necessary.” sitting in the sofa, my feet not yet able to reach the At the end of the concert, the compositions of fl oor, listening to an album featuring several musi- Enrique Granados and Vicente Amigo take us from cians, Narciso Yepes among them. I was bewitched. a rainy fall to open summer parties and paper chains I could barely pull a few sounds from my guitar of light. Notes reverberate like the aftertaste of wine and that man could produce millions… I felt some- and laughter, awakening strange corners of ourselves. thing I had never felt, it’s diffi cult to explain but it The verses of Spanish poet Federico García Lorca was like a spiritual revelation, I deeply came to gain life through Aguirre’s fi ngers: “the weeping of know that that would be my world”. the guitar (…) how southern sands yell for white Aguirre goes on to tell us how back then he thought camellias.” Flowers that, in Aguirre’s world, blend he would never be able to imitate Yepes’ virtuosity. with the scents of fruit and incense that he links to Time proved him wrong. 13 fi rst prizes at interna- Georgia. “Notes die in a different way in every place; tional competitions and recitals in leading concert there is something distinctive in the way music pen- halls such as the Carnegie Hall, the Vienna Konz- etrates people in each part of the world.” erthaus and the Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow are To Aguirre’s world of camellias, fruit and incense the proof. perhaps even that cardboard horse is heading. Free Sitting in one of the maroon velvet chairs in the but enslaved, because, in the virtuoso’s words: empty theater, Aguirre, talkative, funny and wise, “When music is played properly it hooks you and makes no mention of these achievements, and you can’t escape.”

ROUTING FLIGHT NUMBER WEEK DAYS DEPARTURE ARRIVAL TK 387 05.50 07.25 TBILISI - TK 385 11.45 13.25 ISTANBUL ATATURK AIRPORT TK 383 18.10 20.00 EVERYDAY TK 386 01.40 04.55 ISTANBUL ATATURK AIRPORT - TK 384 07.30 10.50 TBILISI TK 382 13.55 17.15 TBILISI - TK 381 07.40 09.00 ISTANBUL SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT EVERYDAY ISTANBUL SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT - TK 380 20.45 00.10+1 TBILISI BATUMI - ISTANBUL TK 393 17.50 19.10 EVERYDAY ISTANBUL - BATUMI TK 392 13.55 16.55

TIFLIS KIS TARIFESI 7.5x6cm ING.indd 1 02/11/16 15:23 GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 2 - 5, 2016 CULTURE 15

Georgian Artist Rusiko Chikvaidze’s New Artworks

pleasure to me- things that I love,” the artist says, BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI going on to explain that her paintings are often about philosophy, life, human relations, and ecol- ogy, to which she even dedicated a special series ith her paintings kept in muse- of art works called ‘Civilization - More ecology.’ ums and many private collec- In it the message that while the world has still to tions all over the world in US, develop, more attention must be paid to ecologi- Canada, China, Russia, Japan, cal issues. Netherlands, Austria, UK, The new winter series was inspired by spending UnitedW Arab Emirates, and others, Georgian Art- Christmas and New Year in Paris and Vienna. It ist Rusiko Chikvaidze, also a laureate of UINESCO appears both autumn and winter offer a certain golden and bronze medals for her contribution to coziness for Chikvaidze: sitting in a café and drink- culture, is no stranger to the spotlight. Yet she has ing a hot cinnamon cacao, chocolate or coffee chosen her homeland in which to introduce her brings different sensations and feelings. “It’s a new collection of art works, inspired by her trav- time for getting more into your inner-self and els to Vienna and Venice, at Christmas and New enjoying more in-depth thinking and working,” Year. the artist says. “Art makes the world more interesting and loyal,” “My family and friends always encourage and she says. “I love the creative process of painting: support me, and I hope that all the positive energy it’s immensely pleasurable for me to make a new I put in my works returns to them. If my works world on a white canvas.” help others to get positive vibes and emotions, if She prefers to be alone when working, although they interact and engage with the world I create generally she loves spending time with her friends in my paintings, if they feel more joyful and happy, and meeting interesting people. I think my mission as an artist is accomplished “I don’t paint aggression. There’s a lot of it in and it makes me even happier,” she says. the world already. Even the problems I see I try See Rusiko’s artworks at: rusiko-chikvaidze.com. to transform positively in my works. Every indi- She owns the Art Academy Gallery in Tbilisi and vidual has freedom of expression, particularly an her works can be seen in the Ambassador Hotel artist. I’m trying to paint what brings joy and Tbilisi and Radisson BLU Batumi. GEORGIA TODAY 16 CULTURE DECEMBER 2 - 5, 2016 Iakob Nikoladze: From Rodin to Georgia

ent Georgia. It aims to make us realize BY MAKA LOMADZE together that we need to be familiar with those who wrote Georgian history. Nikoladze showed that Georgians can he Georgian National be successful in all spheres, including Museum Dimitri Shevard- sculpture, which was not naturally well- nadze National Gallery is developed in those days. Let’s continue holding an exhibition ded- this tradition and get our museum exhib- icated to the 140th anniver- its out of their bags and give society a Tsary of Iakob Nikoladze. The opening chance to see and enjoy them.” event took place on November 29. “Iakob Nikoladze was a person who Iakob Nikoladze is the founder of mod- created the history of Georgia even while ern Georgian sculpture. His art came to he was still alive,” said Mikheil Giorgadze, light in the late 19th century and begin- returnee to the post of Minister of Cul- ning of the 20th, when Georgia was ture and Monument Protection. “He was returning to the bosom of European the founder of Georgian realistic sculp- culture and sculpture was increasing in ture. For people of my generation and popularity once again. younger, this is the fi rst time we’ve had In 1906-1908, over 15 months, Nikoladze a chance to see these sculptors ‘live.’ I’m worked with the greatest sculptor of sure that the exhibition will raise great modernity - Auguste Rodin. Despite a interest in Georgian society. We are also number of suggestions to work in Europe presenting an album detailing the life and America, Nikoladze decided to bring and creative work of Nikoladze with the the experience gained with Rodin back support of our ministry and that of the to Georgia and to set up a school of Tbilisi City Hall Center of Cultural sculpture in his home country. Nikoladze, Events.” founder of Georgian realistic sculpture, “We are celebrating the jubilee of an was one of the founders of the Tbilisi artist whose importance is irreplaceable Academy of Fine Arts. in the history of Georgian culture,” Eka Guram Nikoladze is his grandson from Kiknadze, curator of this rare and mem- Tbilisi State Academy of Arts, Nikoladze his mother’s side. Bearing his honorable orably exposition, said briefl y. “I am sure led the Faculty of Sculpture and worked grandfather’s surname, Guram is also a that more and more spectators will come with students until the end of his days. sculptor, as well as the director of the to see these works.” As the students remember, he constantly Iakob Nikoladze House-Museum. On display are a series of busts of Shota repeated the words which he was told “Even though I don’t remember my Rustaveli, Petre Melikishvili and Galak- by Rodin: Work as you sing, but more grandpa, as he died in 1951 and I was tion Tabidze; imposing, made in marble, loudly! born in 1954, I was always surrounded stone and gypsum. And an exquisite The exhibition ‘Iakob Nikoladze 140’ by his works at home. I was planning on series of women: ‘Dancer,’ ‘Parisian showcases artworks, photos, documen- entering the faculty of painting but my Woman,’ and ‘Naiada.’ tary and memorial material from the mother, Iakob’s daughter, advised me to While studying in France, Nikoladze various establishments: the Georgian choose her father’s path,” Guram told took part in fulfi lling the orders of Rodin, National Museum Shalva Amiranashvili GEORGIA TODAY. among which is the portrait of D’Oreville, Museum of Fine Arts, the Iakob Nikoladze Davit Lortkipanidze, Director General which Rodin liked so much that he House-Museum, the National Archives of the Georgian National Museum, opened decided to make not one change to the of Georgia, the Georgian State Museum the recent exhibition. face. ‘The Wind’ is one of Nikoladze’s of Theater, Music, Cinema and Chore- “If we ask who was number one for most impressive works, expressed in the ography, the Giorgi Leonidze State sculpture in Georgia, there is no ques- form of a woman standing in windy Museum of Georgian Literature as well tion about the answer: Iakob Nikoladze,” weather, demonstrating plasticity, as do from numerous private collections. Lortkipanidze enthused. “Such a large ‘Salome,’ ‘Dancer’ and ‘A Girl from the WHERE: Dimitri Shevardnadze National Gal- exhibition of Nikoladze’s works has never North.’ lery, 11 Rustaveli Ave. Tbilisi taken place in the history of independ- Following the establishment of the WHEN: Until February 28, 2017

Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 2 - 5, 2016 CULTURE 17 BI Auction for Georgian Artists

surrounded by works of art. My family BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI had a collection from Turkey and abroad, and throughout my career, while work- ing at Turkey’s biggest companies in the t was Bengu Akcardak Kucuk and sector (Sabancı Group, Manajans JWT) Ika Bokuchava’s idea to organize I also had the chance to be connected the BI Auction for Arts last year with artworks. I had my fi rst auction to feature some of Georgia’s best- experience 20 years ago abroad, then I known artists. Following that fi rst followed all the major art auctions in successfulI attempt, they decided to do Istanbul and it was a great opportunity it again in 2016 with a massive exhibition to learn how it all works. I met with Ika prior to the art auction itself. (Ika Bokuchava) last year in Tbilisi and The exhibition will showcase works shared my wish to make an art auction by Lado Gudiashvili, Elene Akhvlediani, of Georgian Artists and that’s how our Merab Abramishvili, Sergo Kobuladze, cooperation was born. Ika has a wonder- Zurab Nijaradze, Temo Gotsadze, Irakli ful understanding and knowledge of Parjiani. Georgian art and the art market; she is GEORGIA TODAY met with the organ- a great collectioner and she owns an art izers to talk about how they came up gallery, so she is really very active in the with the idea of the auction and more fi eld. I felt we had to do something for generally on the art market in Georgia. Georgian art and artists.

Bengu: My husband and I are both WHAT ARE YOUR lovers and collectors of art. So, we were EXPECTATIONS FOR very excited with the opportunity to live THE ART AUCTION? and work in Tbilisi! We had heard that Ika: The auction is benefi cial both for Tbilisi was a city of art but when we artists and buyers and we give buyers came here we didn’t particularly feel the freedom to make a choice. We want that way. Although there was an artistic to show the best collection of Georgian spirit to the city, visible in its culture, paintings from classics to contemporary. history and architecture, there was a At our fi rst auction we had such big great lack of information on Georgian names as Ketevan Magalashvili, Lado WHAT PROBLEMS CAN YOU Artists shouldn’t spend their time and pieces we can show. Our goal is to develop artists especially for foreigners. We Gudiashvili, Elene Akhvlediani, Mose HIGHLIGHT WITH REGARDS TO energy on fi nding ways to sell their works; and expand a reliable art market in Geor- couldn’t fi nd reliable pricing, or any Toidze, and Levan Tsutskiridze. We are THE ARTS MARKET IN GEORGIA? they must use their talent to create bet- gia and we also want to attract a new organization that could provide that thankful to the galleries and artists for Ika: The market has to grow and the ter and better pieces. We put enormous generation of buyers not only from Geor- information for us. That’s when the idea their support. I think Bengu and I make demand will increase accordingly… There effort into fi nding pieces to offer. We gia but from abroad. We want to get of creating an art auction came to me. a good tandem, learning from each oth- must be more galleries and artists col- select portfolios very carefully. We’re Georgian artists into the spotlight and Initially, it was regarded as something er’s opinions, sometimes arguing, dis- laborating with each other. not in a rush… we want to do it step by to support them. Owning a piece of art very diffi cult and even crazy to do, but cussing- but all as a very healthy process. Bengu: I think people should be more step. I’m deeply impressed by how much is a fantastic and an amazing journey; it I didn’t hold back. I prepared a project Bengu is so motivated, so engaged, she oriented towards the future. Participat- Georgians know about art, because they brings value to our life. A good piece of and made a presentation, but lots of already knows so much about Georgia ing in an art auction gives the opportu- grew with it around them, at home… art is a good investment which you can people thought the timing to realize it and her life is connected to arts; that’s nity for the buyers to fi nd good art pieces many paintings are kept in private col- not only pass to the next generations, wasn’t good because the market wasn’t what made me agree to do our auction by learning and comparing- and it’s good lections. We’re trying to attract Georgian but also evaluate. Art, music…culture ready. The thing is, all my life I’ve been project. for artists’ careers, for their promotion. art collectors, presenting them the best brings color to life. GEORGIA TODAY 18 CULTURE DECEMBER 2 - 5, 2016

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER Directed by Giorgi Margvelashvili Garfi eld, Luke Bracey UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS AND "EAGLE SEIZING A HARE" Comedy Genre: Biography, Drama, Romance (Info Above) ON DISPLAY Language: Russian Language: Russian Start time: 22:30 Both paintings were in the TBILISI ZAKARIA Start time: 18:00 Start time: 19:15, 22:00 Ticket: 9-14 GEL PALIASHVILI OPERA AND ownership of Ilya and Kirill Ticket: 5 GEL Ticket: 13-14 GEL BALLET THEATRE Zdanevich until 1930 when Dimitri FANTASTIC BEASTS AND Address: 25 Rustaveli Ave. Shevardnadze bought part of their December 4 FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM Telephone: 200 44 66 collection (39 paintings) including SCARLET SAIL WHERE TO FIND THEM (Info Above) the above. Alexander Grin Directed by David Yates Start time: 22:30 December 3, 4 Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Ezra Miller, Directed by Avtandil Varsimashvili Ticket: 13-14 GEL September 28 - September 28 (2017) THE FIREBIRD Ron Perlman Language: Russian PIROSMANI’S ROE AT A STREAM Choreographer: Mikhail Fokine Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy MUSEUM Start time: 18:00 Kept by the Tsitsishvili- Les Sylphides, Firebird and Le Language: Russian Spectre de la Rose Ticket: 5 GEL Gedevanishvili family from 1949 Start time: 13:15, 16:15, 19:15, 22:15 GEORGIAN NATIONAL Three one-act ballets Ticket: 9-14 GEL until 2011, the painting has never MUSEUM SIMON Music by Igor Stravinsky GABRIADZE THEATRE been exhibited to the public before. Address: 13 Shavtelis St. JANASHIA MUSEUM Start time: 19:00 UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS In 2011, the artwork left Georgia Telephone: 2 98 65 93 Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. Ticket: 10-50 GEL Directed by Anna Foerster and was sold at Sotheby's auction. Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Theo James, It appeared at the same auction www.museum.ge TBILISI VASO ABASHIDZE December 2 Bradley James again in 2016 where it was bought MUSIC AND DRAMA MARSHAL DE FANTIE’S Genre: Action, Horror by Bidzina Ivanishvili and Cartu PERMANENT EXHIBITION: STATE THEATRE DIAMOND Language: Russian Fund and donated to the Georgian GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY Address: 182 D.Agmashenebeli Ave. Rezo Gabriadze Start time: 17:00, 22:05 National Museum. Telephone: 2 34 80 90 Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Ticket: 10-14 GEL FROM 8TH MILLENNIUM B.C. English Subtitles TO 4TH CENTURY A.D www.musictheatre.ge November 29 - January 28 (2017) Start time: 20:00 RUSTAVELI CINEMA EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL EXHIBITION OF GEORGIAN December 4 Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. THE 140TH ANNIVERSARY OF WEAPONRY DIVORCE Telephone: 2 55 50 00 IAKOB NIKOLADZE December 3 Giorgi Eristavi www.kinoafi sha.ge In 1906-1908 Nikoladze worked RAMONA NUMISMATIC TREASURY Directed by Davit Doiashvili with the greatest sculptor of Rezo Gabriadze The exhibition showcases money Musical Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL modernity, Auguste Rodin. Despite Directed by Rezo Gabriadze circulation on the territory of Start time: 19:00 December 1-8 a number of suggestions to work English Subtitles Georgia from the 6th century BC. Ticket: From 8 GEL in Europe and America, Nikoladze Start time: 20:00 to 1834. MOANA brought his experience gained with Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL Directed by Ron Clements, Don GEORGIAN STATE Rodin to Georgia and founded the PANTOMIME THEATRE Hall, John Musker, Chris Williams June 11 – March 11 (2017) school of sculpture in his home Address: 37 Rustaveli Ave. December 4, 8 Cast: Auli'i Cravalho, Dwayne EXHIBITION "MEDIEVAL country. Telephone: 2 99 63 14 AUTUMN OF MY SPRING Johnson, Rachel House TREASURY" Rezo Gabriadze Genre: Animation, Adventure, The exhibition showcases pre- FABRIKA December 2 Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Comedy Christian and Georgian medieval Address: 8 E. Ninoshvili Str. SONNETS English Subtitles Language: Russian art William Shakespeare Start time: 20:00 Start time: 22:00 November 18 – December 18 Directed by Davit Shalikashvili Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL Ticket: 13-14 GEL June 16 – December 16 BRIAN GRIFFIN EXHIBITION Start time: 19:00 THE EXHIBITION Ticket: 10 GEL MOVEMENT THEATER KEEPING UP WITH THE “NEW DISCOVERIES - 'MOTHER GEORGIA' FOR Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., JONESES GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY” COMME DES GARCONS December 3 Mushthaid park Directed by Zach Galifi anakis, Isla Held in the frame of the LUARSABI Telephone: 599 555 260 Fisher, Jon Hamm, Gal Gadot international conference “On Salt, ESTIA Ilia Chavchavadze Cast: Zach Galifi anakis, Isla Fisher, Copper, and Gold: The Origins of Address: 60 Tsinamzgvrishvili Str. Directed by Luka Chkhaidze December 2 Jon Hamm, Gal Gadot Early Mining and Metallurgy in the Start time: 19:00 RECITATIVE IN THE CITY Genre: Action, Comedy Caucasus” December 7 Ticket: 10 GEL Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Language: Russian ANETA BASISHVILI’S Start time: 21:00 Start time: 22:25 September 27 – September 22 (2017) EXHIBITION GRIBOEDOVI THEATRE Free Admission Ticket: 13-14 GEL EXHIBITION Address: 2 Rustaveli Ave. "STONE AGE GEORGIA" GALLERY VERNISSAGE CINEMA Telephone: 2 93 43 36 ARRIVAL Address: 7 Br. Zubalashvilebi St. Directed by Denis Villeneuve November 28 – December 4 Telephone: 2 99 88 08 December 2 AMIRANI CINEMA Cast: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, EXHIBITION THE FROZEN IMAGES Address: 36 Kostava St. Forest Whitaker A WEEK WITHIN OTAR November 25 – December 5 Kristian Smeds Telephone: 2 99 99 55 Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi IOSELIANI'S WORLD TAMUNA MELIKISHVILI’S Directed by Jari Juutinen www.kinoafi sha.ge Language: Russian The exhibition showcases 50 EXHIBITION Language: Russian Start time: 11:45 drawings from the Ioseliani’s FRAGMENTS Start time: 18:00 Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 Lari Ticket: 8-9 GEL private archives that have never Ticket: 5 GEL December 2-8 been exhibited to the public before. MUSIC HACKSAW RIDGE At the exhibition also displayed is December 3 HACKSAW RIDGE (Info Above) the storyboard of the fi lm "Falling TBILISI STATE Leaves" ("Giorgobistve") hand- THE PLAYERS Directed by Mel Gibson Start time: 14:20, 17:15, 22:20 CONSERVATOIRE illustrated by the director himself. N. Gogol Cast: Teresa Palmer, Andrew Ticket: 11-12 GEL Address: 8 Griboedov St. Telephone: 2 93 46 24 MUSEUM OF SOVIET OCCUPATION December 6 Address: 3 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. ENSEMBLE IALONI "Ialoni" a Georgian traditional PERMANENT EXHIBITION woman's choir, introducing Discover the State's personal fi les Georgian folk, chant and urban of "subversive" Georgian public music fi gures, orders to shoot or exile, and other artifacts representing Soviet- Start time: 19:30 era cultural and political repression Ticket: 5-12 GEL in Georgia. J. KAKHIDZE CENTER GALLERY December 4 THE NATIONAL GALLERY VAKHTANG KAKHIDZE AND Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. GIORGI MIKADZE www.museum.ge The orchestra will perform Igor Stravinsky’s suite from the ballet PERMANENT EXHIBITION “Firebird”, Works by distinguished 20th George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in century Georgian artists- Niko Blue” for piano and orchestra and Pirosmanashvili, David Kakabadze, suite from the opera “Porgy and Lado Gudiashvili and sculptor Bess” and Iakob Nikoladze. The piano concerto of Vakhtang Kakhidze. June 24, 2016 – June 24, 2017 Start time: 19:30 PIROSMANI’S "YARD CLEANER" Ticket: From 10 GEL GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 2 - 5, 2016 CULTURE 19 50th Anniversary of Iosseliani’s Falling Leaves

of a retrospective.” idealist Nico does not think so… He, BY MAKA LOMADZE We spoke to Baadur Tsuladze, a direc- together with his quite different friend tor and actor who participated in the Otar, begins working at the wine factory. fi lm Falling Leaves. He remembered the There is a concrete schedule and the n November 28, the Geor- working process of the genius: workers have to stick to it. However, gian National Museum “Otar and I studied together. One day, Nico’s honest nature does not permit Simon Janashia Museum he suggested I take part in this movie him to pour such low-quality wine in of Georgia hosted the and I ageed. He was highly organized bottles in order to make the annual quota. opening of the exhibition and was particularly quick with the work- He still mixes the gelatin with wine to ‘AO Week within Otar Iosseliani's World.’ ing process. And he never stopped because make it better, even though he has been The exhibition showcases 50 of Ios- he knew exactly what he was shooting. warned that it takes time and they are seliani's drawings from his private He had very strict discipline!” lagging behind. However, in spite of the archives, never before exhibited to the “The beginning of 1960s was a period Soviet pressure, Nico is loved by every- public. Also on display is the storyboard in the history of Georgian cinematogra- one in the factory. The fi lm is structured of the fi lm ‘Falling Leaves’ (Giorgobistve) phy which saw a new era and generation in terms of different days of the week. hand-illustrated by the director himself. of directors emerging who said no to Because of his disobedience, it is likely The exhibition is dedicated to the 50th that aggression that was so accepted and that Nico will be fi red. Yet, the director anniversary of the fi lm. legalized during Soviet rule,” said Merab of the factory instead fi res everyone but “Today, no one else works as I do,” Ios- Kokochashvili, top Georgian fi lm direc- he who did not betray his homeland – seliani laments. “A storyboard of shots, tor and artist. “Considering this, Otar like Nico’s friend Otar did for the ben- a sketch of the camera movement – eve- Iosseliani represents one of those Geor- efi t of his own career inspirations. The rything is signifi cant. In order to avoid gian fi lm directors who found his own excellent direction and acting (starring spending too much time thinking how way to illustrate the whole Soviet system. deceased Ramaz Giorgobiani as Nico and what to shoot, I prepare everything His principle was to tell the whole truth, and Gogi Kharabadze as Otar) made the beforehand.” enriched with irony and sarcasm. This fi lm one of Iosseliani’s masterpieces of The exhibition is organized by the exhibition depicts his preparatory work- world cinema. In 1968, the picture won International fi lm festival ‘Kinovino.’ ing process through sketches and it offers the George Sadoul Prize and in 1976, won “By holding this exhibition, which very interesting material for young peo- the FIPRESCI prize at the Cannes Film coincides with the anniversary of ‘Fall- ple to learn from.” Festival. ing Leaves,’ our fi lm festival has demon- Iosseliani graduated the Tbilisi State Otar Iosseliani, who is 82, shot his last strated its respect towards Otar Iosseli- Conservatoire and went on to study movie ‘Winter Song’ in 2015, in which ani and to good cinema in general,” Nino mathematics, but eventually ended up his indelible aesthetical strength is pre- Kacharava, Art-Director of International as one of the most prominent fi lm direc- sent, resembling music and poetry. It Film Festival Kinovino, told GEORGIA tors of the globe. was screened during last year’s Tbilisi TODAY. “This is a miraculous journey ‘Giorgobistve’ was the fi rst feature fi lm International Film Festival ‘Prometheus.’ into his world. And we will by all means of the Georgian-French fi lm-maker. Get online and check it out! pay tribute to other fi lms as well in our The fi lm is about wine making. There WHERE: Simon Janashia Museum of Geor- festival ‘Kinovino,’ which is something is no room for principles, however, young gia, 3 Rustaveli Ave.

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