Issue no: 1235 • MARCH 13 - 16, 2020 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... FOCUS Coronavirus Updates: Georgia & the World ON A GLOBAL NEWS PAGE 2 PANDEMIC Georgian Government's A look at measures being Statement on Current taken home and abroad to Situation Regarding stop the spread PAGE 2 Coronavirus

NEWS PAGE 2 The Last Tsar of Russia POLITICS PAGE 4 What Do the Amendments to the Georgian Election Code Imply? POLITICS PAGE 5 Image source: tuoitrenews.vn Study: Men Advance Career GD & Opposition Agreement Named Important Easier than Woman in Step to Democracy by Major Intl' Allies Georgian Public Sector BUSINESS PAGE 7 BY ANA DUMBADZE How to Organize Events acilitators of the dialogue between Without Producing So Much Georgia’s political parties released a statement on the agreement achieved Waste? CENN/USAID between the opposition and the gov- ernment on Sunday March 8. Recommendations F“We congratulate the participants of the polit- ical dialogue on [Sunday’s] successful agreement, BUSINESS PAGE 8 which represents a crucial step towards the depolarization and normalization of the politi- cal environment in Georgia in the run-up to the R.O x Konoba to Play parliamentary elections later this year. "Today’s agreement foresees an election sys- Georgia Again tem for 2020 based on 120 proportional mandates and 30 majoritarian mandates, a fair composition CULTURE PAGE 11 of election districts, a 1% threshold, and a cap recognizing that no single party that wins less than 40% of the votes should be able to get its Georgia-Russia Rugby own majority in the next parliament. Georgia’s judicial and electoral processes and and country of Georgia,” reads the statement. "The agreement is accompanied by a joint of avoiding any such actions in the future. After four rounds of talks and negotiations Match to be Held in statement among the sides outlining the agree- "We recognize today’s agreement as a stepping- that ended without results, representatives of ment and recognizing the wider objective of stone on Georgia’s democratic path. We call on the Georgian government and opposition on Empty Stadium amid holding free and fair elections, including the all sides to adhere to it and to safeguard its suc- March 8 reached the agreement on the electoral necessity of addressing actions that could be cessful adoption in Parliament and subsequent model. Coronavirus Risk perceived as an inappropriate politicization of implementation, for the benefi t of the people Continued on page 7 SPORTS PAGE 11 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS MARCH 13 - 16, 2020 Georgian Government's Statement on Current Situation Regarding Coronavirus cil of the Government of Georgia regularly compliance with the rules of self-isolation BY ANA DUMBADZE publishes new resolutions and recom- in full coordination with the Ministry of mendations in line with its Action Plan. Health of Georgia. "One of such most signifi cant preven- "We stress that along with the medical he Government of Georgia tive measure is to avoid the intensive care of our citizens, the Government of on Thursday released a concentration of citizens in closed spaces. Georgia takes intensive steps towards special statement regarding Therefore: effective response against those chal- the current coronavirus 1. Nationwide holidays announced by lenges that may affect the economy of situation in the country. education and child-care institutions the country through a further spread of TThrough the statement, the executive have been extended to April 1, 2020; COVID-19. Work is already actively pur- authorities explain the decisions and 2. Mandatory military recruitment sued with businesses, including the bank- steps taken in the fi ght against the dis- scheduled for spring has also been post- ing and tourism sectors, along with other ease. poned till April 13, 2020; segments of the private sector. The eco- "The World Health Organization (WHO) 3. Part of staff employed at line minis- nomic team of the Government of Geor- has declared the novel coronavirus tries and other public institutions have gia will submit a specifi c Plan of Economic (COVID-19) a global pandemic. The Inter- been temporarily moved to a distance weekends. Also, newly admitted accused to also cover Germany, France, Spain and Incentives by close of business (COB) Agency Coordination Council led by the work schedule and namely those whose and convicted inmates will be placed in Austria. Individuals traveling from these on March 12, 2020, to mitigate the poten- Prime Minister of Georgia is working in work profi le does not require a physical isolation from other accused and con- countries are obliged to: tial impact caused by the global pandemic an intensive manner by taking into account presence at work will work from home. victed inmates during the regime of spe- 1. Present evidence of their lab test for on the economy of Georgia. the current situation in the country and Such a recommendation is given to pri- cial conditions. the novel Coronavirus (COVID -19) (spe- "It needs to be underlined that unfor- global trends, thus implementing its own vate companies as well. Though, we wish 6. Education, sports and other events cifi cally the Polymerase Chain Reaction tunately due to the occupation of terri- Action Plan in line with the pandemic to underline that such a work schedule envisaged for attendance of a wide num- (PCR) Lab Test Results) which will be tories of Georgia and the closure of the preparedness announced by the WHO should not jeopardize the effective per- ber of people will be suspended in Geor- issued by a respective laboratory in the so-called crossing points, the Government several days ago. formance of one's duties and should not gia. country of departure or a transit country, of Georgia lacks the possibility to deliver "By taking into account the current affect the staff remuneration; • The following have already been sus- if traveling through a third country. healthcare services to residents of such statistics from all over the world, the 4. Individuals on probation will be lib- pended: highest-in-rank football cham- 2. If and when an individual fails to occupied territories, which is particularly situation in Georgia remains stable erated from the duty of visiting the Pro- pionship of Georgia, age-related tourna- present the PCR Lab Test Results, s/he vital in the given circumstances. As such, through coordinated and timely imple- bation Bureaus and from complying with ments, national and age-specifi c rugby should undergo an applicable epidemio- the Government of Georgia is working mented measures. Nevertheless, the requirements of the regime through April championships, volleyball championship, logic inspection, followed with a com- in an intensive manner through all pos- challenge is huge and each citizen should 14, 2020. The necessity of physical inter- age-specifi c basketball tournaments, etc.; pulsory 14 day-long quarantine procedure sible means, including those with an demonstrate a high degree of civil respon- action with a probation offi cer, along • Grand Prix in Judo originally sched- in line with the Rules defi ned by the engagement of international partners, to sibility both towards oneself, as well as with the compulsory meetings with social uled for March 27-29 at Tbilisi Olympic Ministry of Refugees from Occupied carry out preventive measures and pro- towards the general public. workers or psychologists is canceled at Palace has been offi cially canceled on Territories of Georgia, Labor, Health and vision of information to residents of the "The Government of Georgia and pre- this point. Failure to visit probation the decision of the International Judo Social Security of Georgia. occupied territories and to ensure access dominantly Ministries of Health, Interior, bureaus will be deemed excusable and Federation (IJF); "We urge citizens of Georgia to avoid to medical services in case of need. Justice, Foreign Affairs, Economy, Educa- no legal consequences will follow; • The Georgia-Russia game in rugby traveling overseas if not for an unavoid- "In addition, it is very important that tion, Finance and Regional Development, 5. Special conditions have been enforced under the European aegis scheduled for able necessity! citizens of Georgia rely and trust only along with other public institutions, have for two weeks at penitentiary institutions. March 14, 2020, at the Stadium Named "The effective fi ght against the COVID- verifi ed and offi cially validated informa- moved towards a 24/7 work schedule in Accused and convicted inmates will be after Mikheil Meskhi will be held with 19 requires not only the greatest caution tion on the current situation related to the current emergency circumstances. suspended the right of family, long-term no spectators. and attention of the Government but COVID-19, which is available at a website "Currently, 24 individuals have been and short-term visits as envisaged under With the resolution of the Inter-Agency society at large. Hence, absolute adher- designed and administered by the Gov- confi rmed positive for COVID-19. Each the Code of Imprisonment, along with Coordination Council of the Government ence to the rules of self-isolation is most ernment of Georgia at StopCoV.ge," reads patient is under comprehensive medical short-term visits outside the institutions of Georgia, restrictions are being extended important. We categorically call upon the statement. care, while citizens having had interac- restricting their freedom. Also, during for border crossing by air and land trans- you to demonstrate civil consciousness 25 cases of coronavirus have been con- tion with the infected individuals are the regime of special conditions, con- portation both for citizens of Georgia and keep away from breaching the rules fi rmed in Georgia so far. Currently, there subject to procedures defi ned by the victed inmates will be suspended the and foreign travelers: of self-isolation! are 295 people in quarantine and 49 peo- Ministry of Health through its protocols. right to leave institutions for study and/ The list of original countries - China, "The Ministry of Internal Affairs of ple under supervision in hospitals in the "The Inter-Agency Coordination Coun- or work as well as on public holidays and South Korea, Iran, and Italy - is extended Georgia ensures strict control over the country. Coronavirus Updates: Georgia & the World gatherings of 250 people or more until the spread of the virus in the country. they are free from coronavirus at the be informed whether they’re infected or BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE the end of March in response to the Georgia has seen a rise in the number border or undergo a quarantine regime. not the same day.” As such, any Brits coronavirus outbreak, the offi ce of Gov- of quarantined people, as more and more “The regime of crossing the Georgian planning to come to Georgia may end ernor Gavin Newsom said. citizens are asked to return to the coun- border is tightening both for local and up facing quarantine on arrival if Geor- he world faces a growing The country of Georgia might have to try due to the state measures of citizen foreign citizens. We have already imposed gia expands its list of restricted countries number of travel restric- take the same measures, Paata Imnadze, safety. On Thursday, 295 people were in some restrictions for citizens returning before the NHS gets a handle on the tions imposed by many Deputy Head of the Georgian National quarantine and 49 people under super- from China, South Korea and Italy, this testing. countries, suspended games Disease Control Center, said on Thurs- vision in hospitals in Georgia. regime will also apply to citizens arriv- On Thursday morning, the Georgian that were looked forward day morning. The move is not planned One of the confi rmed coronavirus cases ing from Germany, France, Austria and Prime Minister assessed the country’s Tto, and plunging economies, all due to yet, but Imnadze noted that “we don’t is that of Deputy Minister of Environ- Spain, which means that all Georgian standing on preventive measures, and the continuing spread of the coronavirus, want to reach the state that was reached mental Protection and Agriculture of citizens returning to their home country noted that all relevant agencies will work which WHO this week declared a pan- by other countries and then take this Georgia Iuri Nozadze, who tested posi- will undergo a 14-day quarantine regime in emergency mode to help deal with demic. measure”. The ban might include gath- tive for Covid-2019 on Tuesday. while foreign citizens will have to submit the virus outbreak. China has said that the country has erings like weddings and funerals. The Ministry has assured society that a PCR certifi cate of coronavirus, other- "Considering the unfortunate statistics passed its peak of the virus, even going However, bans have already affected there was no threat of the virus spread- wise they will undergo the 14-day quar- from all over the world, we can say that as far as loosening the restrictions, while the educational sector in Georgia, with ing from him to his employees. antine,” the Prime Minister said. we are doing well coping with the chal- Europe and America are facing the need schools, colleges and kindergartens clos- It was then revealed on March 12 that He added that each citizen of Georgia lenges related to COVID-19, however, to take stricter measures. ing for disinfection on March 4, one week the Assistant to the Health Minister of is recommended to refrain from trave- we have no reason to relax or be satis- From Friday March 13, a ban on trave- prior to the planned spring break. The Georgia Ekaterine Tikaradze, whose ling to foreign countries for several fi ed as yet," PM Gakharia said. ling will start functioning on foreigners preventive vacation was supposed to last spouse has tested positive for the new months. “These challenges will increase daily traveling to the United States. President until March 16, but on Wednesday, the coronavirus, is in self-isolation. “This is a very important recommen- and we are obliged to be appropriately Trump imposed a 30-day ban on foreign- off-time from educational institutions The Minister said after the Cabinet dation and we hope that our citizens will prepared to respond to them. Primarily, ers who have been in any of the 26 coun- was extended to April 1. The decision meeting on Thursday that her assistant take this recommendation into account,” we should take care of our elderly, chil- tries that make up the European Union’s was made by the Inter-Agency Council has tested negative for the coronavirus, the head of the government said. dren and each other, of course. Every Schengen Area in the previous two weeks. against Coronavirus. however, she has chosen to remain in While demanding PCR certifi cates government agency is moving to a 24/7 The limits will exempt American citizens Some colleges, like the Free University self-isolation. from foreign nationals when entering work schedule in the given emergency and permanent legal residents and their of Tbilisi, have said they will continue “My assistant has tested negative for the country seems reasonable, there are conditions. It particularly applies to the families, although they could be subject the semester online, with more details the coronavirus but has been in self- some factors that need to be considered. Ministries of Health, Interior, Education to enhanced screening at the airports. to come. isolation for one week, as a preventive Some countries, like the UK, can fi nd and Justice, along with those of Foreign The newly-declared pandemic is dis- The latest coronavirus statistics in the measure,” Tikaradze said. patients waiting weeks to get a PCR cer- Affairs and Finance through subsidiaries rupting numerous sporting events. world claim that there are a total of 126, On March 11, Turkey was the last of tifi cate, as thousands are being tested of the latter that operate at the border While the NBA suspended its season 621 cases around the globe; 4,638 deaths Georgia’s land neighbors to confi rm the each day for the new coronavirus. On of the country,” he noted. after a player preliminarily tested positive from the virus; and recoveries of 68,322. fi rst coronavirus case. A day later, Geor- Wednesday, the British media outlet The Soothing the unceasing concern over for coronavirus, Japan has said that there The latest reports from the Georgian gia’s government announced their deci- Guardian wrote that “To avoid over- the coronavirus pandemic, The Guard- is no way to cancel the Summer Olympics. government say that Georgia has a total sion to set entry restrictions for incom- whelming limited testing facilities, the ian wrote on Wednesday evening that a Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said of 24 cases of coronavirus confi rmed in ing foreigners. National Health Service (NHS) said it newly-created remedy has helped a US cancelling the summer Olympic Games the country. Entry restrictions at the Georgian bor- would test only people with a “high patient recover from the disease. was "impossible", further noting that On March 10, eight new cases were der will be imposed for citizens arriving chance” of having the illness, meaning Hopes are rising over the experimen- Japan was "not thinking of changing taken into account, one of them a girl of from German, France, Austria, and Spain, people who had had close contact with tal drug's effectiveness against corona- directions nor changing plans at all". 12 years old- a family member of the Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakha- a confi rmed case or who had recently virus, as it has shown a positive outcome The usually intense rugby game between fourth confi rmed case who returned ria said at the government meeting on gone to a high-risk country”, while The on a 35-year-old man in Washington; the Georgians and Russians will take place from a vacation in Italy late February. Thursday morning. Sun wrote that “the NHS is planning to however, full trials are needed to prove in Tbilisi on March 14 without any cheers On March 11, another new case was All Georgian nationals returning from ‘ramp up’ testing facilities in the coming the effectiveness of the drug. This will from an audience, as attendance is pro- confi rmed. The information was published these countries will undergo a 14-day weeks so that 10,000 coronavirus tests be coming in the next few weeks. hibited due to the fear of Covid-2019. on the website stopcov.ge, specially cre- quarantine regime, and foreign nationals can be performed each day. It’s also been California has decided to ban mass ated by the local government to monitor must provide a PCR certifi cate proving promised that in most cases patients will Get the latest updates on georgiatoday.ge. GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 13 - 16, 2020 NEWS 3 Maintaining its Humanitarian Approach, the UAE Evacuates 215 Individuals of Different Nationalities from China’s Hubei Province cal and laboratory tests to ensure their safety. Throughout the 14-day period of quarantine, they were provided with full healthcare service in accordance with the standards of the World Health Organ- ization. The Government of the UAE success- fully carried out this humanitarian mis- sion in coordination with Chinese gov- ernment and the embassies of the countries in concern. These individuals will be returned to their homelands and families full of hap- piness and have already expressed their gratitude towards all who assisted in carrying out the evacuation process. The UAE is always a pioneer among the countries of the world in bringing Georgian Citizen such initiatives and extends a helping hand to people without discrimination of any kind based on race, religion or geographical location. This approach hails from the noble humanity and fi rm in Italy Recovers values of the country to enhance inter- national efforts and reduce the aftermath of victims or affected people and tackle the challenges that hinder Mankind's from Coronavirus journey towards stability and progres- sive development. Georgian citizen who was at one of Rome’s clinics. Therefore, the UAE carried out its infected with COVID-19 in On March 11, the World Health Organ- Al Nahyan made a decision to evacuate humanitarian duty in solidarity with those Italy has been discharged ization (WHO) offi cially declared the BY H.E. ESSA ALNOAIMI - THE approximately 215 individuals of several who were affected by the outbreak of from the hospital as she novel coronavirus outbreak a pandemic, AMBASSADOR OF THE UNITED nationalities from China’s Hubei Prov- coronavirus. Starting from early stages of recovered from the illness. pushing the threat beyond the global ARAB EMIRATES IN GEORGIA ince, upon the request of their govern- coronavirus spread, the UAE openly sup- A“A Georgian citizen in Italy became health emergency it had issued in Janu- ments. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed ported the government and citizens of the infected with coronavirus and was under- ary. bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of People's Republic of China and then this going due treatment at a hospital in The organization calls for countries to ithin the framework Abu Dhabi, was commanded to supply humanitarian initiative was launched to Rome. Our citizen has recovered from declare an emergency and focus on con- of its humanitarian an aircraft equipped with advanced evacuate the citizens of certain countries, the illness. She will return to her family trol rather than on mitigation in the approach, the United medical services and specifi cally trained most of whom were students. healthy. We are delighted with the news”, healthcare system. Arab Emirates strives humanitarian response team, on Wednes- Finally, we can say that the humanitar- said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, David As of now, 24 cases of coronavirus have for standing with the day March 4. ian effort of the UAE and communica- Zalkaliani. been confi rmed in Georgia. There are Wrest of the world to confront the outbreak The evacuees were transported to tion with the peoples of the world focuses The Georgian citizen residing in Italy 295 people in quarantine and 49 remain of the Novel Coronavirus "Covid- Emirates humanitarian city, which was on two subjects: health and education, was registered as infected with a pneu- in hospital. 19"emerged in China. fully supplied with all the necessary which are the two main pillars of devel- monia-like illness on March 4. The young The Georgian government has moved His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed equipment in order to undertake medi- opment in societies. woman underwent a course of treatment to a state of emergency.

IInn thethe veryvery heartheart ooff tthehe citycity

Address: 17 Wine Ascent Tbilisi, Georgia Tel: (+995) 322 22 11 16 www.facebook.com/BricksTbilisi/ GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS MARCH 13 - 16, 2020 The Last Tsar of Russia been the fi rst: other eternal leaders of OP-ED BY DAVID BRAGVADZE, the Post Soviet world already resorted GEORGIAN INSTITUTE to this method, such as Belarus’ FOR SECURITY POLICY Lukashenko and Azerbaijan’s Alyev, in 2004 and 2009 respectively. The Kazakh- stan constitution also rather helpfully week or two ago, most of clarifi es that while the president can be the scholars of Putin’s Rus- elected only twice, this restriction doesn’t sia would think that they apply to the First President. had solved each and every Russian sources claim that Putin was puzzle that this regime had in fact against changing that bit in the Ato offer – Putin had nothing left in tank constitution. And probably because he to shock and surprise them. took such a “principled” stand on this, Back in January, when he fi rst men- man of superior morals that he is, it fell tioned the “possible initative” of intro- down to a member of the Duma from ducing changes to the Russian constitu- the majority “United Russia” party, to tion, the West’s collective eyebrow was address the Duma with the initative to unmoved: most of the changes were to “annul” the previous presidential terms be expected. The single novelty was his of Putin. Now Tereshkova should need insistence to remove the word “succes- no introduction to anyone from the Post sively” from the rule dealing with the Soviet world, but it seems that the “First procedures of electing a president. This woman in space” decided she has to was viewed as a rather formal, “for-the leave a much more dubious legacy in books” attempt of transforming Russia, history. with Putin fi rmly remaining in power, The same sources also claim that Putin although nominally he would not be the views this option favorably. Not that “fi rst man”. anyone thinks that it took much persua- Tyutchev’s poem: “ Russia is understood encounter some diffi culties, so he prob- hasn’t declared himself as the Grand In less than two months, Putin proved sion to get him agree to it. He’s got only not by the mind”. ably doesn’t want the extra headaches. Prince of Kievan Rus or the Hetman of once again that he can always surprise one condition, apparently: the Consti- Another question one might ask is why Clinging to power is the basic instinct Ukraine. Despite that, he can be called us when he decided that it might be a tutional Court of Russia should deem Putin optted against the “rule behind- for every dictator out there: they change the Last Tsar of Russia. The Russian tad too hard for his liking to rule the this procedure not against the constitu- the-scenes” option. Especially consider- laws, or just ignore them. It’s hard to say System will try to leave Putin in power country from behind the scenes, either tion. Knowing the high degree of inde- ing his experience, no-one in their right which of these two Putins went with as long as it can, as Putin and Russia that, or he decided he was belligerent prendence of the Russian judicial system, mind will claim he wasn’t the main man here. One thing that’s certain, though, is have become synonymous. enough not to pretend anymore. Many nobody entertains the notion that the in 2008-2012, even though President that President Putin embarked on that And one last question: What will the thought that since he already had expe- court’s decision will be any different to Medvedev did his best to pretend he rocky road that the most fl amboyant 83-year-old Putin do in 2036? Will he rience of doing that in 2008-2012, run- Tereshkova’s opinion. mattered. In 2008, Putin was 55 years African dictators trod before. To annul enjoy a much deserved (and delayed) ning the country from the seat of Prime Now if you wanted to conduct a seri- old, today he is 67. Considering the fact 4 (!) terms of presidential tenure can retirement? Or will he decide to take Minister with President Medvedev ous analysis of this absudist political that the presidential term has been only be compared to what the infamous some rest and move behind the scenes? reduced to providing timed nods to his sketch, you might ask yourself just why extended from 4 to 6, in 2024 he will be Ugandan dictator Idi Amin did, when Or maybe annul again? To be honest, it decisions, he’d pull something like that Putin is so adamantly against the suc- 71 and one hopes that his body and mind he nonchalantly declared himself, in would save all of us all the headache if again – which position he’d settle for was cessive terms? The naïve amongst us at least have limits. Perhaps the all-pow- response to the United Kingdom freez- he just declared himself President for the only point of argument. might think that Putin is trying to dupe erful President of Russia is aware of time ing diplomatic relations with his regime, Life. As Tsar’s were. It’s only fi tting. The question now is why Putin is put- us into thinking Russia is a democratic creeping up on him and doesn’t relish that he was, OFFICIALLY, “the conqueror But before that, on March 17, 2024, Rus- ting up this charade: if he didnt want to country. Well, the annulment of previ- the manipulations that the behind-the- of the empire of Great Britain” and the sia will have presidential elections. And go, he’d have just removed the “succes- ous terms throws that theory out of the scenes option entails. 55-year-old Putin rightful King of Scotland. the law-abiding citizens of Russia will sive electing” part through one of his window. The only plausible explanation would easily handle that, the 71-year-old Despite his propensity to seize lands cast their votes and elect Putin as if they edicts. And it’s not like he would have is offered by a famous line from F. version, and for six years at that, might of other sovereign nations, Putin so far have never done it before. GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 13 - 16, 2020 POLITICS 5 What Do the Amendments to the Georgian Election Code Imply? The project reads that to determine BY TEA MARIAMIDZE the number of seats won by a political Image source: droa.ge party or election bloc, the number of actual votes it receives is multiplied by 2. Vake district Nikozi, Tirdznisi, Skra and Shindisi of 30. The municipalities of Ambrolauri, he draft constitutional 120 and divided by the sum of the actual 3. Saburtalo district Gori Municipality; Oni, Tsageri, Lentekhi and Mestia amendments regarding the votes received by all political parties and 4. Isani district 17. Municipalities of Akhaltsikhe, Bor- The draft reads that the rules and con- new Georgian electoral election blocs that crossed the electoral 5. Samgori district jomi, Adigeni and Aspindza; ditions for running for the elections, as system, agreed between the threshold. The number received this way 6. Didube and Chugureti districts 18. Akhalkalaki and Ninotsminda well as the rules for the distribution of ruling Georgian Dream is the number of seats won by a political 7. Gldani district municipalities; seats for members of parliament, shall T(GD) majority and the opposition par- party or election bloc. If the number of 8. Nadzaladevi district 19. Kutaisi Municipality; be determined by the election law. ties on March 8, have been initiated in seats won by political parties and elec- Other constituencies will be located in: 20. Sachkhere, Chiatura and Kharagauli The agreement reached between the Parliament. tion blocs is less than 120, the unbalanced 9. Akhmeta, Kvareli and Lagodekhi municipalities; authorities and the united opposition The amendments read that the upcom- mandates shall be distributed to the par- municipalities; 21. Tkibuli, Terjola, Zestafoni and Bagh- underlines that only the upcoming elec- ing parliamentary elections in October ties and election blocs that got the high- 10. Gurjaani, Sagarejo, Dedoplistskaro dati municipalities; tions will be held by 120/30 system, 2020 will be held with 120 seats in the est balance of votes. and Signagi municipalities; 22. Municipalities of Samtredia, changing from the previous 77/73 system. legislative body to be distributed via a The percentage of the total number of 11. Rustavi Municipality and adminis- Tskaltubo, Vani and Khoni; All following elections will take place proportional vote, and the remaining 30 seats won by the political party or bloc trative units of Norio, Martkopi, Akhal- 23. Zugdidi Municipality; through a fully proportional system via the majoritarian system. in the majoritarian system shall not sofeli, Sartichala, Gamarjveba, Akhali 24. Poti, Khobi and Senaki municipal- which means that all 150 seats in the The agreement also envisages a fair exceed the percentage of the total num- Samgori, Lemshveniera, Teleti, Kumi ities; parliament will be distributed through composition of election districts, a 1% ber of votes in the proportional system and Krtsanisi of Gardabani Municipal- 25. The municipalities of Tsalenjikha, proportional elections. threshold, and a cap recognizing that no and the sum of one quarter of this pro- ity; Chkhorotsku, Martvili and Abasha; The consensus between the ruling party single party that wins less than 40% of portion. 12. Marneuli and Gardabani munici- 26. Ozurgeti, Lanchkhuti and Chokha- and the majority was welcomed by the the votes should be able to get its own The constitutional amendments envis- palities; tauri municipalities; European Parliamentarians, Council of majority in the next parliament. At the age the creation of 30 single-mandate 13. Municipalities of Bolnisi, Dmanisi, 27. Batumi Municipality; Europe, United States of Department of same time, blocks are allowed, though majoritarian constituencies in accord- Tetritskaro and Tsalka; 28. Kobuleti municipality and admin- State, US Senators, NGOs and the dip- with a different threshold. The percent- ance with the administrative boundaries 14. Mtskheta, Dusheti, Tianeti and Kaz- istrative units of Makhinjauri, Ortaba- lomatic corps based in Georgia. age of votes received by election blocs in force at the time of the adoption of begi municipalities; tumi, Akhalsheni and Peria in Khel- Their positive assessments say that it must be at least 1% multiplied to the the law: 15. Kaspi and Gori municipalities; vachauri municipality; is a step forward towards normalization number of political parties within the Tbilisi Municipality: 16. Khashuri and Kareli municipalities 29. Khelvachauri, Keda, Shuakhevi and of the political situation and a healthy election bloc. 1. Mtatsminda and Krtsanisi districts and administrative units of Variani, Khulo municipalities; electoral environment in Georgia.

What is the most important, the team of the clinic Innova Invitro does not spare efforts to ensure the completion of this process in the shortest time period and The Place Where Parenting Dreams Come True offersthegentic research of the smbryo, much faciliating the procesure.

Innova In Vitro clinic specializes in various directions, related to the fi eld: In vitro fertilizia- tion; insemination; Donation-Surrogacy Programs; Gynecological Endocrinology; Neuroendocrinol- ogy; Conservative Gynecology; Estabilishing the causes of miscarriages and their appropriate treatment, as well as Contraception.

Each client of the clinic is treated with a special care, accentuating the signifi cance of individual factors. Therefore, the reproductologist is to individually evaluate the chances of success in each case.

Through the high-quality of services, transparency of procedures and individual approach to the clientele, the Innova In Vitro clinic is now welcom- ing local, as well es the international patients from various countries of the globe.

ZZ.. AAnjafaridzenjafaridze SStr.tr. 1 tturnurn ##66 TTel:el: 22-232-232-232-232 / 5596-232-23296-232-232 MMail:ail: [email protected][email protected] FFB:B: IInnovannova IInvitro/nvitro/ინოვა ინვიტრო GEORGIA TODAY 6 BUSINESS MARCH 13 - 16, 2020 Cooperation Between Dirsi & Bank of Georgia is Moving to a New Stage irsi has signed another pany is constantly striving to create agreement with the Bank products tailored to customer needs; of Georgia, which envis- and this same purpose lies behind ages offering simplified the joint offer of the Bank of Georgia mortgage loan proce- and the development company. duresD to those wishing to purchase Being the largest residential com- an apartment in a DIRSI residential plex in the city, comprising 3000 complex. Dirsi has been working with completed apartments, Dirsi pampers Bank of Georgia since 2014. The com- its residents with the finest infra-

structure and services to create a safe the river Mtkvari, pedestrian zones, tens, a birthday party center and other and enjoyable atmosphere for living infrastructure, a bicycle lane, basket- commercial facilities. and leisure. These include but are ball and football stadiums, cafes, a The investment in the construction not limited to a unique boulevard on supermarket, a pharmacy, kindergar- of the complex over $170 million. GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 13 - 16, 2020 BUSINESS 7 GD & Opposition Agreement Named Important Step to Democracy by Major Intl' Allies

Continued from page 1 Germany and the Council of Europe. The above decision was announced after a meet- "We look forward to the adoption in Parliament ing held at the US Ambassador's residence, which of the provisions of this agreement, as well as all was attended by newly appointed US Ambassador other necessary changes to the electoral legisla- to Georgia Kelly Degnan and EU Ambassador to tion, in line with international recommendations. Georgia Carl Hartzell. The Council of Europe including its Venice Com- "This is a great benefi t for all Georgians," Hartzell mission will continue to offer its assistance to said after the meeting. “All parties achieved an Georgian authorities towards successful comple- agreement…I want to congratulate everyone that tion of the process. a compromise has been achieved,” the Ambassador "We commend political parties’ commitment to said. strive for the highest standards of the functioning The US Embassy to Georgia released the text of of Georgia’s judiciary and protect judicial and elec- the Memorandum of Understanding signed between toral processes from inappropriate political inter- the opposition and the government, expressing ference. This will contribute to upholding the rel- pleasure that the participants of the political dia- evant provisions of the European Convention of logue reached a successful agreement, which is "an Human Rights and the Council of Europe standards important step in the run-up to the parliamentary on electoral matters," reads the statement. elections." The Spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs and “The undersigned parties agree to support changes Security Policy of the European Union released a to the election system based on the following draft statemen on the agreement, pointing out that it is text of the Constitution’s transitional provision an important and visible signal of political leader- defi ning the rules for the 2020 Parliamentary Elec- ship from all sides which refl ects a desire to decrease tions,” the MoU reads. the unhealthy political polarization in Georgia. Puri Guliani – this is what our ancestors called pastries that they "The elected Parliament shall consist of 120 mem- “On Sunday, all the main political parties in Geor- earnestly created all over Georgia with variety of fillings. These pastries bers elected through the proportional system and gia reached an agreement on constitutional amend- were later shared with important and beloved people, marking the 30 members elected through the majoritarian sys- ments related to the election system in the form tem. The electoral threshold for proportional elec- of a Memorandum of Understanding. The parties significance of the dishes. tions shall be set at 1%. also signed a Joint Statement underlining the impor- "A capping mechanism will defi ne that no single tance of free and fair parliamentary elections in That’s why we call our Sakhabazo (bakery) and kitchen Puri Guliani. party that receives less than 40% of the votes cast 2020 and on the need to avoid actions that could Here we bring history to life and contribute to the everlasting tradition is allowed to receive a majority of seats in the Par- be perceived as inappropriate politicization of of Georgian baking. Every day our team creates new variations of liament. Further caps and provisions will be intro- Georgia’s judicial and electoral processes. This was duced in the legislation with the aim of facilitating the outcome of more than three months of intense traditional dishes, Guliani breads, pastries and mouthwatering desserts a more proportional distribution of mandates negotiations facilitated by the representatives of by using only Georgian wheat and regional products. relative to the votes received by the parties. the European Union, Germany, the Council of "The 30 electoral districts will be drawn in com- Europe and the United States, in Georgia. pliance with the relevant ruling of the Georgian "This agreement is a very welcome, important Constitutional Court and the Venice Commission and visible signal of political leadership from all recommendation, suggesting that the deviation sides which refl ects a desire to decrease the unhealthy Saarbrucken Square, Tbilisi from the average electorate size of districts should political polarisation in Georgia. We congratulate not exceed 15%. Preference should always be given all the signatories as they have put the interests of Call: 577 00 00 83 to creating districts within the same region unless the Georgian citizens and the consolidation of the distribution of the electorate requires other- Georgia's democracy fi rst. wise. Up to three limited exceptions from the above "We trust that all sides will adhere to the agree- 9:00AM - 11:00PM districting rules can be introduced throughout the ment and ensure its successful adoption in the country in the interest of encouraging the repre- Parliament in the coming weeks and later on effec- sentation of ethnic minority groups, citizens resid- tive implementation. We also call on all parties to ing in mountainous regions, or for accommodating swiftly and fully address the OSCE/ODIHR recom- particular geographic needs. mendations following the last elections, in order "The Parliamentary majority will publicly present to ensure that the upcoming parliamentary elec- its proposed mapping of electoral districts, in line tions attain the highest level of confi dence by the with the principles described above, no later than Georgian people and the international community,” ten days from initiating the constitutional amend- reads the statement. ments in the Parliament. On March 10, four Members of the European Par- "Should there be early parliamentary elections liament (MEP) issued a joint statement welcoming between 2020 and 2024, the fi rst such election will the March 8 electoral system reform agreement. be held based on the election system guiding the “Last Sunday marked a turning point in Georgia’s 2020 elections. Any subsequent elections will be political life, as the representatives of the country’s held based on the fully proportional election sys- main political forces agreed on a Memorandum of tem as foreseen for the 2024 Parliamentary Elec- Understanding that defi nes the electoral system in tions. the run-up to the parliamentary elections. "The undersigned party declares full support for "The accord foresees an electoral system for 2020 the above changes and commits to ensuring its based on 120 proportional mandates and 30 major- affi rmative votes in the Parliament to pass the con- itarian mandates, a cap determining that no single stitutional amendments”. party that receives less than 40% of the votes can Brock Bierman, USAID Assistant Administrator, form its own majority, and a 1% electoral threshold. also echoed the agreement between the sides, "We wish to congratulate all the participants of expressing support toward Georgia's democratic this sometimes arduous political dialogue for put- future on behalf of the Organization. ting the greater interest of their country and their "We are encouraged by this weekend's agreement citizens fi rst. Our gratitude also goes to the diplo- and look forward to Parliament's full adoption of mats who have facilitated this process through their electoral reforms leading to free, fair, and transpar- valuable mediation - in particular the EU Ambas- ent 2020 elections. USAID will continue to support sador to Georgia, H.E. Carl Hartzell. progress toward the democratic future that all "We are also pleased to note that the signatories Georgians deserve", Bierman wrote on social media. have committed themselves to hold free and fair Congressman Adam Kinzinger, who is Co-chair elections and to avoid any actions that could be of the Friends of Georgia Group in the United States interpreted as an inappropriate politicization of Congress, responded to the agreement. Georgia’s electoral or judicial processes. We would "My heartfelt 'congrats' to the people of Georgia like to reiterate the importance of building trust in for reaching an agreement on the 2020 parliamen- the judicial system and call to avoid any appoint- tary elections. Democracy is hard work, but worth ments to key positions that would not be conducive it. Speaker Talakvadze and many others deserve to this process. appreciation for their work," the Republican Con- "We now call on our Georgian partners to fully gressman tweeted. implement the agreement and to ensure that the Kinzinger was among those US congressmen who corresponding constitutional amendments are warned the Georgian Dream of the possible com- adopted swiftly by their parliament and that the plications to expect if they failed to reach an agree- next elections are held in accordance with the rec- ment on the 2020 parliamentary election system ommendations issued by the OSCE/ODIHR, as with opposition members. these steps will be decisive in further reducing the The Council of Europe endorsed the agreement political polarisation of Georgia and consolidating reached between the ruling Georgian Dream party its democracy. We also remind that pluralistic and and the opposition, saying that it "puts an end to balanced media are crucial for a smooth and suc- the uncertainty that lasted for several months and cessful electoral process,” reads the statement by opens the way to depolarization of the political leading MEPs. debate, in the run-up of this year’s elections." The statement was co-signed by David McAllis- "We welcome the political agreement reached ter (EPP, DE), Chair of the European Parliament’s yesterday, 8 March, by the majority and opposition Foreign Affairs Committee; Marina Kaljurand (S&D, in Georgia on the 2020 electoral system, which ET), Chair of the European Parliament’s delegation puts an end to the uncertainty that lasted for sev- for relations with the South Caucasus; Sven Mikser eral months and opens the way to depolarization (S&D, ET), The European Parliament’s standing of the political debate, in the run-up of this year’s rapporteur for Georgia, and Viola Von Cramon elections. Talks were facilitated by representatives Taubadel (The Greens/EFA, DE), European Parlia- of the international community in Georgia includ- ment’s lead member for democracy support activ- ing from the European Union, the United States, ities in Georgia. GEORGIA TODAY 8 BUSINESS MARCH 13 - 16, 2020 How to Organize Events Without Producing So Much Waste? CENN/USAID Recommendations

rranging eco-friendly events The Low Waste Event Guide helps to ment protection. Therefore, CENN gives will soon be a priority. plan events in a way that prevents as recommendations on how to inform Regardless of event size, much waste as possible, which can be attendees of your event about waste there are simple steps an achieved through careful planning, clear recycling. organizer can take to dras- communication with event organizers It is also suggested to include a mes- Atically reduce the negative impact on the and attendees, and a bit of creativity. sage that the event is zero waste in the environment. The guide explains the basics of low invitations, speeches, presentation open- With sustainability and social respon- waste events by focusing on reducing ings, social media posts, and press- sibility hot topics these days, there is paper, plastic, and food waste, and recy- releases, and also place the message on tremendous opportunity to make any cling what is left. the materials in order to raise public high-profi le event a platform for increas- The guide includes several practical awareness. ing public awareness about eco-friendly and useful tips on how to organize events Following the event, organizers can alternatives available and the importance in a way that will create minimum dam- bring the collected recyclable items to of recycling. age to nature. one of Tbilisi, Kobuleti, Khelvachauri In order to contribute to decreasing or Batumi’s waste separation corners the harmful impact on the environment, REDUCING PAPER WASTE (the map of locations can be found in CENN/USAID WMTR program has “E-mail attendees the schedule and any online version of the guide available on developed a special Low Waste Event event documents ahead of time,” the CENN website). Guide that teaches companies and indi- guide reads. “Alternatively, when planning the event, viduals how to reduce waste when organ- Among many detailed tips, the Guide communicate with the local aggregating izing various events. The online version highlights the importance of sending out company Clean World and arrange with of the guide is available on the CENN electronic invitations and advising attend- clable is also important. CENN advises part in terms of environment protection. them to collect the separated waste,” Environmental Knowledge Portal (http:// ees to keep an e-version of the invitation those who care for the environment to The guide provides detailed tips on how reads the guide. environment.cenn.org/waste-manage- on the cloud or a smartphone. avoid bright-colored, dark-colored, fl u- to achieve this goal. Additional recommendations related ment/). Making sure that an invitation is recy- orescent or metallic papers, which can- One of the recommendations by CENN to arranging eco-friendly event include not be recycled. If your event requires to event organizers is that caterers only avoiding decorations designed for one- tickets, going digital or having a guest prepare enough food for the number of time use (banners developed for this list ready is also highly recommended. attendees, keeping in mind that many event, streamers, balloons, etc.); building people may not eat a full meal. your theme around recyclable décor; PLASTIC WASTE It is also important to plan the menu fi nd venues that use alternative energy The second section of the guide focuses to include only plant-based foods, as a sources when possible (solar, wind, geo- on reducing plastic waste. The fi rst reduction in meat consumption will lead thermal, biomass or hydro) and provid- important issue in this direction is reduc- to a reduction in dietary GHG emissions. ing LED lights on timers/motion sensors ing plastic water/beverage bottles. To Companies and individuals are advised if natural light isn’t possible. solve this, it is recommended to provide to keep track of the amount of food The full version of the Low Waste Event a water pitcher/glass dispensers and leftover after the event and, if necessary, Guide is available on the CENN Envi- reusable cups, or offer beverages in recy- order that percentage less for the next ronmental Knowledge Portal (http:// clable glass bottles and/or aluminum event with the same caterer. environment.cenn.org/waste-manage- cans when hosting the event. ment/). The event organizers are advised to WASTE SORTING provide reusable plates and metal uten- In order to ensure waste sorting, hosts sils instead of single-use plastic items, of the events are suggested to place sig- particularly when it comes to single use nage on bins to indicate which items can condiment packaging, which results in be put in which bin and note that all unnecessary waste. items placed in the recycling bin must be clean and dry. FOOD WASTE Education and awareness raising plays Reducing Food Waste is an important an important role in terms of environ- Area Expo Postponed due to Coronavirus Risks rea Expo 2020, traditionally hosts up to 2000 which was to be visitors, is a platform whereby held at the Sher- Georgian developers get a aton Grand Tbi- chance to offer special prices lisi Metechi Pal- and terms to those interested Aace on April 4-5, has been in purchasing residential or postponed due to the spread commercial spaces. Area of COVID-19 virus in Georgia. Group is holding the event for Area Group considers holding the third time in Tbilisi. Area the exhibition impossible given Expo represents an annual the high probability of spread- exhibition-sale where the ing the virus in public spaces. developers and fi nancial insti- The company regards such tutions presented on the Geor- measures indispensable for gian market gather in one space taking care of the health of to provide access to diverse visitors, participants and the products and financial public in general. resources for people interested The new date for the event in acquiring real estate. The will be known in one week’s exhibition is likewise interest- time, following thorough ing for those who want to fi nd observation of the circum- information about the real stances. Area Group wishes estate market and study it. you good health and urges you Here, one can observe market to follow preventative meas- trends, discover business play- ures. ers in the fi eld, and choose a Area Expo, Georgia’s largest business partner to invest in real estate exhibition-sale that a real estate business. GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 13 - 16, 2020 SOCIETY 9 Epic Volleys: Etseri, Svaneti

It got quite loud a few times, with way taking part and scoring. When I BLOG BY TONY HANMER shouting matches against one of the share the above statistics of snow two net referees’ decisions, but gener- removal, they are even more impressed, ally his word was accepted. I was the and express their gratitude, saying that o need to panic for fear other ref, or mostly bilingual score- at least another month would have gone of guests with a scary keeper, so that the foreigners could keep by if the snow was left untouched. With virus! The international track. Several times the score went neck a second week off from school, the chil- group of 12 which has and neck past the required 25 points dren are delighted at their unexpected come up from two weeks per game as the win must be by at least gift of a clean playing fi eld so early. I, Nin Batumi has earned a good deal of local two points. There were several sets of too, am pleased that the 1600m altitude respect for its hard work in clearing the best of three games, with a few specta- doesn’t seem to affect my guests much. snow off the school’s outdoor sports tors coming for the excitement, which Tomorrow, they’ll do some house stadium. (We measured: 0.9 x 12.7 x 25.2m was considerable as the level of skill cleaning here, some snow removal for = roughly 288 cubic m! Can my calcula- was rather great, given that no one there a lady expecting hay in her barn, and tions for packed snow density be right was actually a professional. Beer was another stint of either soccer or vol- that that weighs roughly… 138 tons?! passed around, but not to excess; sev- leyball. Then off home around the world, That’s 11.5 tons, or over 200 times my eral local guys had a smoke during play. separating ways eventually, some per- body weight, for each of the 12 people). Our guests bought snacks for all from haps to return, others possibly never, The gift of a new net and volleyballs the shop near the end. but who knows? All touched by this was put to immediate use in the indoor Meanwhile, outside, shoveling of the place and leaving much goodwill and gym, as soon as we could fi nd the guy outdoor arena continued, our group fond memories behind. We then have with the key and arrange openings. We having enough members to spare for quite a long hiatus before anyone is cleared all the wrestling mats from the this simultaneously with playing vol- scheduled to appear on our doorstep fl oor and swept it. Then, a few shouts leyball, and a couple of them making from outside: a month or more, to wait over people’s fences that the game was lunch too! They returned to the lit space and see as the virus creeps closer, today on, word got around, and on the young after supper, it being lit at night, for a having appeared via foreigners in a vil- men came. fi nal push for the day. Each morning I lage 10 km away. At least Etseri’s tour- At least the regular rules of volleyball would round up a few free shovels and ism season doesn’t start until early are recognized, so, no need to agree on an extra wheelbarrow from neighbors summer. A month might see things this or that version. The village fellows glad to lend their support, and they dug looking very different. are fi ercely competitive, perhaps remind- in. The darkness of the astroturf means ing one of the Haka ritual before a New that a thin layer of snow left on it will Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since Zealand rugby game; but our guests also quickly evaporate in the strong spring 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been acquitted themselves very well. As it sun, which warms it well. a weekly writer and photographer for GT turned out, neither team was purely one Today it’s four-a-side soccer (includ- since early 2011. He runs the “Svaneti set or the other, so the “us versus them” ing goalies) in this newly prepared, Renaissance” Facebook group, now with idea was not very strong. We even had spotless, fenced-in quadrangle. First nearly 2000 members, at www.facebook. a few ladies taking part, and the locals side to get four goals wins, regardless com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ included a boy just starting his teen of time. Here, too, the locals are pressed He and his wife also run their own guest years alongside men three times his hard by our guest team, which for a house in Etseri: age; all were equal to the play. while even has a young lady from Nor- www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti GEORGIA TODAY 10 CULTURE MARCH 13 - 16, 2020

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI CINEMA Start time: 12:00, 14:30, 17:00, 19:30, 22:15 until March 17, in order to prevent The exhibition hall is equipped SPHERO Ticket: 10-19 GEL the possible spread of coronavirus with monitors, where visitors City Mall Saburtalo, infection. can see documentaries of various Veranda, II Floor AMIRANI CINEMA THE INVISIBLE MAN historical events. 36 Kostava St. (Info above) GEORGIAN NATIONAL SPHERE TEL (+995 32) 2 99 99 55 Start time: 19:30, 22:15 MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA A domed cognitive-entertainment www.kinoafi sha.ge MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS Ticket: 16-19 GEL MUSEUM 10 Betlemi Str. space where you can become 3 Rustaveli Ave. part of an impressive 360-degree BLOODSHOT FANTASY ISLAND TEL (+995 32) 299 80 22, 293 48 21 panorama image. For all ages. Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi Discover the Museum of Illusions Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Horror www.museum.ge Be brave and jump into an illusion Director: Dave Wilson Director: Jeff Wadlow TBILISI DIGITAL SPACE Cast: Vin Diesel, Sam Heughan, created by the Vortex, deform the Cast: Lucy Hale, Maggie Q , Portia Exhibitions: Tbilisi Mall Eiza González image of yourself in the Mirror Doubleday GEORGIAN COSTUME AND Language: English Room, free yourself in the Infi nity Language: English WEAPONRY OF THE 18TH-20TH The fi rst museum of digital art in Georgian Subtitles Room, resist the laws of gravity Georgian Subtitles CENTURIES Tbilisi, where you will meet three Start time: 17:00, 19:30, 22:15 and size, and take selfi es in every Start time: 22:15 NUMISMATIC TREASURY different spaces: Vazha-Pshavela's Ticket: 13, 14 GEL possible pose. Enjoy the collection Ticket: 16-19 GEL EXHIBITION STONE AGE "Dried beech", the world of torches, of holograms and discover optical GEORGIA and a digital space decorated with THE INVISIBLE MAN various graphic and visuals effects. CAVEA CITY MALL ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE illusions. Genre: Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi In the main hall, decorated with SABURTALO NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL Director: Leigh Whannell GALLERY video projections and mirrors, 1 P. Kavtaradze Str. COLLECTIONS Cast: Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid, +995 32 255 50 000, 00 70 07 you will discover that there is no Harriet Dyer boundary between Man and nature. www.kinoafi sha.ge Until December 5 THE NATIONAL GALLERY Language: English 11 Rustaveli Ave. THE GEORGIAN ROOM Ammunition, memorials, paintings, FOREST OF LIGHTS Georgian Subtitles BIRDS OF PREY TEL (+995 32) 215 73 00 sculptures of oriental deity and MAIN HALL WITH VIDEO Start time: 22:15 Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime household items - The Georgian PROJECTIONS AND MIRRORS Ticket: 15 GEL Director: Cathy Yan GRAND MASTERS FROM THE National Museum presents DIGITAL EXHIBITION OF Cast: Margot Robbie, Mary THE UNKNOWN COLLECTION GEORGIAN DOLITTLE GUSTAV KLIMT Elizabeth Winstead, Ewan OF GENERAL ZURAB NATIONAL MUSEUM Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy The work of art nouveau painter McGregor KOBIASHVILI COLLECTION XIX – XX CENTURY Gustav Klimt is brought to life Director: Stephen Gaghan Language: English Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Antonio by digital technology in Tbilisi Georgian Subtitles IOSEB GRISHASHVILI Until March 29 Banderas, Michael Sheen in an immersive exhibition that Start time: 17:00, 19:40, 22:15 TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM Language: English The Georgian National Museum marks the 120th anniversary of the Ticket: 19:25 GEL - KARVASLA Georgian Subtitles presents an exhibition of painter’s. See his works brought 8 Sioni St. Start time: 12:00 Giorgi Gugushvili’s artworks to life with sounds and music, and BLOODSHOT TEL (+995 32) 2 98 22 81 Ticket: 11 GEL CALLIGRAPHIC COMPOSITIONS colors exploding throughout Digital (Info above) The artist’s monumental vision is Space’s immense projection surface Start time: 12:00, 14:00, 16:50, 19:30 Until April 2 LITTLE WOMEN transformed into a dynamic and for a one-of-a-kind experience. Ticket: 10-19 GEL Georgian National Museum and art Genre: Drama, Romance expressive fl ow in 21 compositions Ticket: 5-20 GEL organisation Propaganda.network Director: Greta Gerwig created in various media. THE INVISIBLE MAN present the fi rst exhibition of Iosen MUSIC Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, (Info above) Gabashvili- FROM THE HISTORY Timothée Chalamet HOLOSEUM Start time: 14:15 OF MODERNISM: IOSEB SPACEHALL Language: English 10 Betlemi Str. Ticket: 11-15 GEL GABASHVILI 2 A Tsereteli Ave Georgian Subtitles The exhibition unites up to Start time: 19:45 FANTASY ISLAND 200 works in various mediums: At the new Museum of Holograms March 13 Ticket: 15 GEL (Info above) painting, graphics, illustration, in Tbilisi, 120 projectors splash GR – TOBIAS, ANSWER CODE Start time: 17:00 stage and fi lm production design, art onto the walls, the characters REQUEST, MICHAILO, RYUU, CAVEA GALLERIA Ticket: 13-16 GEL created from 1920 to 1950. turning, twisting and moving as ZAPA 2/4 Rustaveli Ave. visitors watch, bringing art to life. Get a new experience with well- +995 32 255 50 000, 00 70 07 MUSEUM MUSEUM OF SOVIET The museum has opened with an known artists, new sounds and www.kinoafi sha.ge OCCUPATION exhibition of NIKO PIROSMANI'S magical vibes before the summer The exhibition spaces of the 4 Rustaveli Ave. ART. festival comes. BLOODSHOT Georgian National Museum will TEL (+995 32) 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 Ticket: 19.50 GEL, children: 12.5 GEL, Start time: 23:00 (Info above) be temporarily closed to visitors www.museum.ge students: 14.5 GEL Price: 30 GEL

MAJESTIQUE GIFT STORE

The ancient country of Georgia, over the past years, has been establishing itself as one of the top destinations for travel. Indeed, it is a country with an abundance of attractions: history, culture, architecture, polyphony, wine production and cuisine.

MAJESTIQUE is an attempt, by Georgian art historians, to promote Georgian national theme. For that, the group used the concept of a gift store, which helps to reach out across international borders. MAJESTIQUE offers a variety of artworks by Georgian artists, as well as handmade jewelry, ceramic decorative items, handmade textiles, along with books, wine and gift packages made up with Georgian gastronomic goods.

The store is located in Tbilisi Marriott Hotel, 13 Rustaveli Avenue.

Doors are open every day from 10 to 7 pm. Email: [email protected] (+995) 599 55 92 20 *Majestique* Group wishes you a pleasant stay in our country! GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 13 - 16, 2020 CULTURE 11

SPORTS R.O x Konoba to Georgia-Russia Rugby Play Georgia Again Match to be Held in real name is Raphael Esterhazy, spent Empty Stadium amid fi ve years in the UK learning music pro- duction. Then he headed back to his native Belgium to launch a career as Konoba. While the duo did just fi ne in Coronavirus Risk their solo careers, together as it turned out they work the best: their hit song On Our Knees was quick to reach 600,000 views on YouTube and now its offi cial video has over 40 million views on the website. They’ve been collaborating since they met in 2015. The duo’s tune ‘Get Home’, a joyous mix of modern electro pop, came after On Our Knees and rose to popularity just as much. They recently completed the 10 Project. The idea was simple: the duo travelled for 10 months to 10 different countries, making one track in each of the countries. Composing and producing on the go, R.O x Konoba also collaborated with local fi lmmakers, making a video for each track that showcased their journey and the country they were traveling to. It was a win-win: while this proved to be a great marketing piece for each of these coun- tries, the duo winded up creating an album of various styles and infl uences. The 10 Project cemented their place on the mod- In 2020, R.O. x Konoba will perform in ern electro music scene. BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE Tbilisi’s MONO HALL on March 27. Georgia was one of the countries they the new coronavirus, the match between BY ANA DUMBADZE R.O x Konoba is a musical duo founded fi lmed in their video clips in, for the song the Georgian and Russian rugby teams in Brussels, known for their alternative called ‘Roll the Dice’, and it was greeted will be held without spectators. Those ur last live show in Tbilisi sound. Their music is a miscellaneous with outstanding cheer at Tbilisi Open who have already bought the tickets to was unforgettable. While collection of sounds from instruments, Air in the summer of 2018, when the duo he Georgia-Russia rugby attend the match should address TKT. performing our song ‘On machines, dreams and realities, melan- performed the track, awakening patriotic match scheduled for March GE to get their money back. Our Knees’, we felt an cholic vocal and pop melodies. sentiments in the audience. 14 at the Mikheil Meskhi "We apologize for the inconvenience emotion coming from the R.O and Konoba are one of those duos The duo fi rst came to Georgia in 2017. Stadium in Tbilisi will be and thank you very much for being a audienceO that we haven’t felt in any other in the contemporary music world that The fi rst and the upcoming show in held without spectators fan," the Rugby Union of Georgia said country in the world. We’d very much actually compliment and complete each March were both organized my Move- Tamid coronavirus fears, the Georgian in a statement. like to thank the Georgians for this, - the other. R.O is a producer who’s been mak- ment the event planner organization in Rugby Union has announced. 24 cases of coronavirus have been con- members of the duo R. O x Konoba said ing music since he was 13. He has suc- Georgia. Those citizens who have already bought fi rmed in Georgia so far. Currently, there about Georgia. So it’s pretty clear, why, ceeded in becoming an expert of sound Tickets currently costing 40 GEL can tickets to attend the match, will get their are 298 people in quarantine and 46 then, the duo is returning to perform in manipulation and blending future hip be found online at tkt.ge. Minors under ticket money back. people under supervision in hospitals Georgia for the fourth time. hop, soul and bass music. Konoba, whose 16 are allowed with adult supervision. “Given the current situation related to in the country.

US Embassy Diplomats to Read to Georgian Children in English Online

mat will read to you in English and talk BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE about the brilliance and importance of the story. “This is a wonderful opportunity to n light of schools being closed in work on your English and fi nd out more an effort to prevent the further about America,” writes the US Embassy spread of the coronavirus in Geor- in Tbilisi in a Facebook post, announc- gia, the US Embassy in Tbilisi has ing the initiative. come up with an initiative that On Friday, The Lorax by Dr. Seuss will Iwill help children continue their educa- be read. Join the Facebook LIVE of the tion. US Embassy in Tbilisi daily at 2 PM and From March 13, every weekday at 2 PM become a part of this wonderful initia- via Facebook LIVE, an American diplo- tive.

PUBLISHER & GM Journalists: Photographer: ADDRESS Reproducing material, photos George Sharashidze Ana Dumbadze, Aleksei Serov 1 Melikishvili Str. and advertisements without Vazha Tavberidze, Website Manager/Editor: Tbilisi, 0179, Georgia prior editorial permission is COMMERCIAL Nini Dakhundaridze, Katie Ruth Davies strictly forbidden. DEPARTMENT Tea Mariamidze, Tel.: +995 32 229 59 19 The author is responsible for Commercial Director: Tony Hanmer, Layout: E: [email protected] all material. Rights of authors Iva Merabishvili Emil Avdaliani, Misha Mchedlishvili F: GeorgiaToday are preserved. The newspaper Marketing Manager: is registered in Mtatsminda Zaza Jgarkava, Webmaster: Natalia Chikvaidze Nugzar B. Ruhadze, Sergey Gevenov ADVERTISING & district court. Beka Alexishvili, SUBSCRIPTION GEORGIA TODAY EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT: Elene Dzebizashvili, Circulation Managers: +995 555 00 14 46 Editor-In-Chief: Maka Bibilashvili David Kerdikashvili, E-mail: Reg. # 06/4-309 Katie Ruth Davies David Djandjgava [email protected]