VISIT WEBSITE & READ DAILY NEWS MARCH 14, 2016 N16

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WEEKLY BILINGUAL NEWSPAPER IN GEORGIA

ANAKLIA PORT NAMED AMONG SAVCHENKO TO BECOME A SYMBOL OF HOPE AND WORLD’S 100 MAJOR RESISTANCE AGAINST RUSSIAN AGGRESSION INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS P. 8 P. 3 LARI CONTINUES TO STRENGTHEN – ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS P. 7

“MIKVARKHAR” WITH FRENCH ACCENT MEANS BEIGBEDER VISITS GEORGIA P. 10

THE NEW LAW MIGHT END CHILD MARRIAGE IN GEORGIA P. 11 GEORGIAN SPORT’S HISTORIAN AND THE MUSEUM GUARD exclusive P. 14

The theme of this year’s Forum was “Strategic Projects - Creating the Foundation for Global Prosperity” and ALL STUDENTS ARE EQUAL, featured projects from countries that are establishing themselves as competitive nations with a developed or de- veloping infrastructure vision. Projects selected for presentation are those that contribute to the competitiveness of BUT SOME ARE MORE their country and the region, offer strong business opportunities, and contribute to job and opportunity creation for EQUAL P. 15 their city, state, province, or country. SOME THOUGHTS ON DEEPENING GEORGIAN ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY P. 5 The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a special guide book for the diplomats working on eco- nomic diplomacy. The guide book summarizes the pur- pose of Georgian economic diplomacy that is tailored to promote Georgian investment capabilities and the envi- ronment on an international level, attract foreign capital and technical support, involve Georgia in international projects, implement regional and international transport and energy projects, and establish preferential export conditions for Georgian goods on diversified markets.

STOLTENBERG SAYS RUSSIA TRYING TO DIVIDE NATO P. 2

Furthermore, he made clear that the Kremlin’s aim to divide NATO and its alliance and intimidate neighbors is not successful and effective since NATO is respond- ing in a very unified way. Earlier in February, NATO approved expanding its military presence near Russia’s borders. The military-political group of the twenty-eight states of the Euro-Atlantic Alliance has decided to pro- vide a serious response to the provocative challenges of a modern world that is changing, the challenges coming from outside the Bloc’s eastern and southern borders. 2 MARCH 14, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE POLITICS STOLTENBERG SAYS RUSSIA TRYING TO DIVIDE NATO GURAM PTSKIALADZE

NATO Secretary General Jens Euro-Atlantic Alliance has de- Stoltenberg stated that Russia cided to provide a serious re- has made numerous attempts to sponse to the provocative chal- intimidate its neighbors and split lenges of a modern world that is NATO. changing, the challenges coming In a live interview with CNN, from outside the Bloc’s eastern Stoltenberg made an announce- and southern borders. The new ment that despite “numerous threats relate primarily to the attempts by Moscow to intimi- overly self-confident Russia’s date its neighbors and break up actions that contradict interna- NATO, the alliance will respond tional law, the spread of terror- with strengthened unity and by ism, and the migrant and refugee adapting our military concepts.” crisis caused by displacement of Stoltenberg stressed that the huge masses of people. strengthening the alliance’s east- At the ministerial meeting ern borders with NATO troops of NATO defense ministers in “makes it possible to keep an as- Brussels in early February, it was sertive Russia under control.” decided to strengthen defenses He also said that NATO is con- and deterrence predominantly cerned about the presence of in Eastern Europe. The decision Russian military in Syria and is based upon the article of the the Mediterranean, asserting that Washington Treaty for the Pro- NATO, seeing Russia’s acts and tection of an Ally in case a non- ensure strong defense of each curred in the case of Ukraine the Middle East, in Syria, there steps, was forced to upsurge the member state attacks its member. member state. He also said that and Georgia. The last instance is we have a tough and tangled number of militaries in Turkey Solidification of NATO’s mili- NATO would respond to any ag- Montenegro, that is on the verge situation. Bashar al-Assad wants and the eastern Mediterranean as tary presence on eastern borders gression against any ally. of joining NATO, that indisput- Russia’s help to stay the head of NATO is worried about the sig- was backed up by many Allies. Recently, Allies have openly ably concerns Russia. the country; at the same time, nificant Russian military buildup Ahead of the Brussels meeting, been expressing their dissatisfac- The Kremlin tries to bring into the airstrikes target mostly not with air forces, ground troops, officials in Washington stated tion with the actions of the Rus- force their “weapons” by using the Islamic State terrorists but and also the naval presence in that it would quadruple the fund- sian Federation. This is not only local Montenegrin pro-Russian rather the opposition forces, and the eastern Mediterranean. The ing for the European Reassur- due to the fact that Russia tries to powers to make the government it affects civilians making them Alliance is therefore respond- ance Initiative up to 3.4 billion change the borders of some inde- change their mind. Moreover, head for the EU. So, in addition ing with assurance measures, in- U.S. dollars. It goes without pendent states, namely Georgia Russia warns Montenegro that if to troubles initiated by Russia, creased military presence in the saying that the White House’s and Ukraine, with the help of the country joins NATO, many the Alliance faces some other area. decision was mostly caused by military forces, but as it does not mutual projects and plans will difficulties, such as a vast num- Furthermore, he made clear Russia’s aggressive politics. The take into account on purpose the be canceled. But unlike Ukraine ber of migrants. That is a head- that the Kremlin’s aim to divide funds will be spent on infrastruc- position of international society and Georgia, Russia has fewer ache not only for the EU but also NATO and its alliance and intim- ture improvements to airfields, for a political settlement in Syria. levers vis-à-vis Montenegro and for NATO, as it creates security idate neighbors is not successful training centers, and ranges Speaking of the influence of while soft power might have no problems within the organiza- and effective since NATO is re- throughout Europe. Russia over its neighbors yearn- power, hard power is very hard tion. Prior to the next NATO sponding in a very unified way. At that time, Stoltenberg ing to enter NATO, the Kremlin and unimaginable to be used by summit, taking place on July 8-9 Earlier in February, NATO ap- claimed that there was not any attempts to use its levers to make Russia for certain reasons (Mon- in Warsaw, the Allies are prepar- proved expanding its military imminent threat to any mem- them rethink their decision join- tenegro is far away from Russia, ing for the adoption of an am- presence near Russia’s borders. ber states of the Alliance, but ing the organization, but it does it is less important than Ukraine, bitious strategic plan aimed at The military-political group of the system of collective secu- not make sense; soft power is Georgia, and other neighbors, enhancing and strengthening the the twenty-eight states of the rity must deter any danger and replaced by hard power as it oc- etc.). As for NATO’s concerns in system of collective security. THE WINTER MILITARY AND MOUNTAIN TRAINING COURSE IS OVER

In the framework of NATO pro- national students, which were pioneer in the Georgia-NATO re- gram - “Partnership for Peace” presented from the Baltic states, lations. The school has 10 years (PfP), the Basic Mountain Train- as well as Azerbaijan, Armenia anniversary this year. Through- ing Winter Course officially and Turkey. We are pleased that out the year we want to hold ended on March 11. The closing all military personnel peacefully many events in this school, so ceremony was held at Colonel and successfully completed the that more people can learn about Besik Kutateladze Sachkhere course. Most importantly, they it and the success that these guys Mountain Training School. Chief have acquired the knowledge have,” said Khidasheli. of General Staff of the Georgian and skills that will be useful for Winter Basic Course began on Armed Forces, Major-General military activities,” said Major- February 21 and lasted for three Vakhtang Kapanadze and mili- General Vakhtang Kapanadze. weeks. tary attaches accredited to Geor- After skiing tracks Ministry Military from NATO and part- gia attended the event. of Defence, Tinatin Khidasheli ner countries, mastered basic At the ceremony, the soldiers talked to the soldiers and con- skills for winter conditions, in- were awarded with certificates gratulated the successful com- cluding skiing, overcoming ob- and badges. pletion of the course. Sachkhere stacles and to make security dots “The course prepared inter- Mountain Training School is a in the snow. 3 MARCH 14, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE POLITICS SAVCHENKO TO BECOME A SYMBOL OF HOPE AND RESISTANCE AGAINST RUSSIAN AGGRESSION SALOME KHVEDELIDZE

Savchenko to become a symbol accused of murdering two, ap- ficial webpage of the United of hope and resistance against peared in Russian prison, where States Secretary of State: “I Russian aggression she has been staying for twenty am deeply concerned about the Salome Khvedelidze months. health and welfare of Ukrainian Russian court has set a date of The Ukrainian pilot has been pilot and Rada Deputy Nadezhda March 21 for issuing the ver- in pre-trial detention for a long Savchenko, who since Friday has dict in the case against Ukrain- time. Although she holds im- refused food and water to protest ian pilot Nadezhda Savchenko. munity as a Verkhovna Rada MP her continued detention by the If found guilty, she will be sen- and a delegate to the Parliamen- Russian Federation. In the twen- tenced to 20-25 years in prison. tary Assembly of the Council of ty months since she was captured Nadezhdais a very well known Europe, Moscow Court tossed in eastern Ukraine and taken to figure in Ukraine – considering out her complaint over her al- Russia, Ms. Savchenko has re- recent events, she has become leged immunity and did not free portedly endured interrogations, a true hero for Ukrainian na- her. On July 8, 2014, President solitary confinement, and forced tionalists. Savchenko joined the Petro Poroshenko instructed the “psychiatric evaluation.” Her army at the age of sixteen and General Prosecutor of Ukraine trial and continuing imprison- served as the only female soldier to take all measures to release ment demonstrate disregard for among the Ukrainian peacekeep- Savchenko. In response, head of international standards, as well ing troops sent to Iraq in 2004. media liaisons for the Russian as for Russia’s commitments un- She petitioned the Ministry of Federation Investigative Com- der the Minsk agreements. The Defence to admit women to the mittee, Vladimir Markin, said United States once again calls prestigious Air Force Univer- that the chances of her being re- on Russia to immediately release sity of Ukraine. Later, she also leased were on par with those of Ms. Savchenko and return her to became a first lieutenant and a Petro Poroshenko replacing Ba- Ukraine.” gunner and navigator on Mi-24 rack Obama as President of the President Petro Poroshenko helicopter gunships. Since 2014 United States. discussed the issue with Western On March 9, Nadezhda should be noted that the state of she is a Verkhovna Rada MP and Russian authorities rejected the leaders, including Angela Merkel Savchenko gave an emotional her health is getting worse, but a delegate to the Parliamentary offer of Ukrainian officials to and Barack Obama. Both leaders address in Russian court, blam- she is denied an access to doc- Assembly of the Council of Eu- swap Savchenko in prisoner ex- support Ukraine and called for ing Russian authorities for blood- tors. The Minister of Foreign Af- rope. change with separatists support- Russia to immediately release shed not only in Ukraine, but in fairs or Russia, Sergey Lavrov, The Russian side claims that on ed by Russia. According to them, Savchenko. The same purpose Abkhazia, Chechnya, Syria, and revealed that such a decision was June 12, 2014, Savchenko took she is a suspected criminal, and serves the petition, which has Dagestan as well. According to made by the court due her “inso- part in the murder of two Rus- not a war prisoner. President of spread on the internet and was her, her case is ruled by Kremlin lent behavior in court”. sian journalists, Anton Voloshin Russia Vladimir Putin stated signed by famous figures – mem- and the verdict will be delivered It is note-worthy that Ukrain- and Igor Kornelyuk. Moreover, that if found guilty, “she will bers of the European Parliament, by them; the events showed the ian prosecutors have decided to they accuse her of deliberately serve her sentence in accordance MPs, diplomats, Nobel Prize true face of Russian government open a case against seven Rus- directing artillery fire at the men. with the court decision”. Mark winners, writers, journalists, and to the entire world. At the end of sians: their judges, two investi- They also claim she crossed the Feygin, from the defence team other public figures from all over the speech, she said she would gators, and the Deputy Minister bordervoluntarily and thus was of the Ukrainian pilot, stressed the world. return to her homeland, whether of Foreign Affairs, for providing accused of entering the country that “the case of Nadezhda At the same time, Georgia de- alive or dead. false evidence. illegally under the guise of a ref- Savchenko is political” – it is de- mands release of Savchenko side The Ukrainian pilot began her 34 year-old Nadezhda Savchen- ugee. According to her lawyers, cided outside the court room, in by side with the rest of the world. hunger strike on March 3, after ko, who has been imprisoned for mobile phone records prove her Kremlin. Gathering in front of the build- accusing the court of denying her twenty months, became a nation- innocence. More specifically, The trial of Savchenko attract- ing that once housed Moscow’s the chance to make a final state- al hero. On March 2, 2015, Po- it proves she was not present at ed the attention of the world’s embassy in Tbilisi, Georgians ment in her trial for abetting the roshenko awarded her with the the time of the bombardment media. She also received sup- protested her two-year imprison- killing of two Russian journal- Hero of Ukraine title. For people and had been captured an hour port of the international com- ment and demanded her release. ists. As her lawyers claim, on fighting against Russian aggres- before the actual attack. After munity. On March 7, John Kerry Protesters lit lanterns with im- March 10, she stopped dry hun- sion, she has become a symbol of three weeks, Nadezhda, who is released a statement on the of- ages of Savchenko’s face. ger on Poroshenko’s request. It national resistance and fight. GEORGIAN AND RUSSIAN ENVOYS TO MEET IN PRAGUE ON MARCH 16 Another meeting of the Geor- eration in trade, economy, trans- crete agreements, in particular gian envoy on relations with port, culture and in the humani- expanding the list of Georgian Russia Mr. Zurab Abashidze and tarian sphere.” products presented in the Rus- Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minis- This format of Russian-Geor- sian market and increasing haul- ter Mr. Grigori Karasin will take gian Dialogue exists since 2012 age capacity.” Georgian Media place in Prague on March 16, the and it undergoes much criticism also spread the information that Georgian envoy told TASS, Rus- for being unproductive. On the sides will discuss possible sian News Agency on Monday. November 20, after the latest meetings of the President of According to Mr. Abashidze, meeting of Abashidze- Karasin, Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili during the meeting the parties the press service of Georgia’s with Russian President Vladimir will discuss “traditional for this government said that “the latest Putin, however, Mr. Abashidze format detailed issues of coop- Prague meeting resulted in con- did not confirm this information. 4 MARCH 14, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE POLITICS QUOTAS FOR WOMEN IN THE PARLIAMENT – SOLUTION OR DISCRIMINATION EKA PKHOVELISHVILI Gender quotas are an effective women in political life. plies to the Parliament and the 2014,70% of voters would like are women. None of the mayors, way to achieve gender equality. In 2016, before the election, government. The Socialist Left to see more women in politics. nor the governor, is a woman; in Quotas aim at defending women Georgian Parliament may make Party has introduced 40% quo- Increasing the number of wom- addition, according to an NDI from political isolation. Because a change in the electoral code tas for women since 1975. They en in Parliament and introduc- survey, after a 2014 Parliamen- half of the world’s population and law about gender equality also carry the changes of differ- ing quotas was fully supported tary election, out of seventy-one is women, it is logical that this in order to eliminate gender im- ent candidates in a list (zipping by 45% of voters, and partially self-governing bodies of the city group should have appropriate balances, which shows in local, system). by 25%. This trend remained in council’s 2,083 members, only representation in the decision- legislative, and executive levels. The Norwegian Labor Party 2015 as well. According to the 11% are women. making process. This argument The main issue is the mandatory also has 40% quota for women NDI research, “Women’s Po- It should be noted that half of immediately won the support of gender quotas, which serves to since 1983, the Center Party litical Participation in Georgia” the non-governmental organi- the majority; therefore, the quota increase women’s participation since 1989, and Christian Peo- which was conducted at the end zations and populations do not system for women has been suc- in the governing structures. ple’s Party since 1993. of the last year, 68% of the voters agree with the creation of quotas cessfully used in almost every Even in 1980, the world’s lead- It is also necessary that in the support the idea of introducing and consider that this may have country around the world. ing countries, such as Norway, constitution, as well as in the lo- gender quotas in the Parliament. bad results, and sexist stereo- Georgia has the lowest rate Denmark, and Sweden, volun- cal election’s law, there be wom- As Baia Pataraia, representative types and discrimination against in the OSCE region interms of tarily imposed a quota system en’s representatives, clear exam- of the women’s movement point- women which cannot be elimi- representing women in the Par- for women. Over the past dec- ples of which are Norway’s and ed out, “This project is actually nated. Quotas can be considered liament. Women’s participation ade, there were quotas imposed France’s quota systems. suspended, they are neither tak- an artificial mechanism that can- index is on a very low level in in France, Spain, the Nether- Due to the work of the women’s ing away, nor implementing, and not answer the problems and various governmental organiza- lands, and eleven Latin Ameri- political activity group, the idea international organizations are challenges. tions and their representation can countries. In 2002, Norway of introducing gender quotas be- told that Georgian government is The quota system is a necessary should be increased from the has developed even more rapidly came a bill mode. The member working on this issue. If the elec- requirement for Georgia. This current level. Most of the women from this point of view, when in of the Fair Elections and Interna- toral code would not be amended will be an effective, temporary work on low-level work, while 2008, Norway established 40% tional Democracy Society Law- in March, gender quotas in 2016 provision to increase women’s the majority of decision-making quotas for company board direc- yer Nino Janashia hopes that the can no longer act, because the political participation. World ex- positions are occupied by men. tors. Parliament will consider the bill, changes must be done more than perience has shown that 30% is a In 2003, the idea of gender Effective and successful exam- which is represented in the form six months before the elections. critical mass in the representative quotas failed to gain support in ples are internal party quotas. of recommendations. This process is stopped. Neither bodies. This system will be suc- Georgian Parliament, regardless Such practice is frequently used At the same time, it seems that is fully cast, but it is frozen. It cessful in Georgia because many of the elimination of the 29th, in Nordic countries, where wom- an important part of the society may remain in this position, or examples have shown that bal- 34th, and 35th women’s dis- en’s representation in political is in favor of increasing the rep- move forward.” ance is not adequately protected; crimination committees’ recom- life is the highest. Norway and resentatives of women in party If only 12% of members of not only in parties, but also in the mendations, which requires the France have gone so far. As for lists, and generally in the govern- parliament are women, an even Parliament as well. The estab- Georgian government to make Norway’s quota system, 40% of ment. According to the National more acute situation is in the lo- lishment of quota systems will special measures; in particu- ruling positions should be filled Democratic Institute’s (NDI) cal authorities. From fifty-nine be a step ahead on the road to lar, the imposition of quotas for by women. The same rule ap- survey, which was conducted in municipal authorities, only two strengthening gender equality.

SALOME ZURABISHVILI PRESENTED A NEW INITIATIVE TO THE PRIME MINISTER Prime Minister Giorgi Kviri- tion. In particular, Salome Zura- lar decision should be taken in kashvili met the head of UN bishvili believes that Georgian Georgia, as well. Security Council Iran Sanctions citizens, who get foreign citizen- “It was very interesting meet- Committee Experts Salome ship, their Georgian citizenship ing. Many issues were discussed. Zurabishvili.The former Minis- should not automatically ceased, We talked about the current de- ter of Foreign Affairs of Georgia as it is in accordance with the velopments and possible future presented her own initiative re- Georgian legislation. According cooperation”, – she said. The garding the “citizenship law” and to him, this is a common practice prime minister declared that the the amendments to the Constitu- in European countries and simi- new initiative will be discussed. INVESTIGATION ON PRIVATE LIFE VIDEO FOOTAGE IS UNDERWAY On March 11, a video was re- was affected. The action itself as the state!” said Prime Minister of can support with relevant exper- and distribution of materials and leased on youtube, which sup- well as a video footage and up- Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili. tise. other details,” said Speaker. posed to contain one of the poli- load was condemned by the gov- The Prime Minister instructed Chairman of the Parliament For the effectiveness of the tician’s private life depictions. ernment circles, opposition par- the relevant agencies –prosecu- Speaker also called for the in- investigation, the chairman de- Before the relevant services ties, journalists and civil society tors’ office, the State Security volvement of a technical assis- mands to impose one million were trying to block the video, members. Service, and Interior Ministry tance to the international anti- Lari and protecting confidentiali- some journalists (a news agen- “Each state should guarantee to promptly investigate the case. terrorist networks. This action is ty who will lead the investigation cy Inter Press News and Radio the human dignity. What hap- “This is a test of investigative directed against the whole soci- to the guilty people. Usupashvili “Fortuna”) did not want to wait pened today, is not an attack agencies, which they must pass. ety as a moral act of terror. “It also notes that the Parliament and quickly spread information against one person, but against We are committed to the process is impossible in our case to fight will be ready to make a serious about the video, they also men- the whole society. This action of investigation involve any or- alone, but international experts contribution to the budget for tioned the name of a person who will get adequate response from ganization, group of people who will easily identify the origin these purposes. 5 MARCH 14, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE FACT-ANALYSIS SOME THOUGHTS ON DEEPENING GEORGIAN ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY GIORGI CHAPIDZE

Georgian foreign minister ment on an international level, articulates his position towards Mikheil Janelidze has stated that attract foreign capital and tech- economic diplomacy that is be- economic diplomacy is among nical support, involve Georgia lieved to be the foremost prior- the core priorities for the Minis- in international projects, imple- ity of Georgian embassies. Kap- try of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. ment regional and international anadze thinks that working with He believes that Georgian em- transport and energy projects, respect to economic diplomacy, bassies should work in theeco- and establish preferential export ambassadors should pursue tra- nomic field since the attraction conditions for Georgian goods ditionally crucial policies simul- of direct foreign investment is on diversified markets. Geor- taneously such as de-occupation, the tool for stabilizing Georgian gian diplomats should cooper- integration in the Western po- national currency. The Minister ate with international financial litical institutions and relations declared that the economic de- institutions and other entities with the Russian Federation. He partment works with the embas- working on the relevant issues also outlined the importance of sies to coordinate and advance to improve the Georgian social economic diplomacy within the Georgian economic diplomacy. environment and attract funds context of hyperinflation of the One of the obvious reasons for infrastructural projects. national currency. Foreign in- for appointing current Georgian Despite the explicit aim to en- vestments are considered to be Prime Minister Giorgi Kviri- courage the inflow of foreign in- a cure for unconfined inflation kashvili as the country’s foreign vestment in Georgia, several con- rate. Kapanadze also stated that minister in September 2015 was ditions of targeted policy remain economic diplomacy is not a his experience as a proficient quite vague. Some diplomats new tool for normalizing the eco- manager during his tenure at the have neither the practice nor the nomic situation in the country. Ministry of Economy and Sus- competence to promote Geor- Former governments have ad- tainable Development. Georgian gia’s investment environment. vanced economic diplomacy macy would not intercept po- sion in its embassy in the United Foreign Ministry organizes the This consideration is mainly true after the August War when the litical framework of Georgian States, aimed at promoting and Ambassadorial once a year for for the diplomats who only have embassies were given the di- embassies? Some ambassadors facilitating trade and invest- Georgian diplomats to discuss political profile. Furthermore, rectives to promote Georgian even during the Ambassadorial ment between the countries. the ways in which the embas- disregard of the Non recognition investment environment. The have stated that this kind of di- This commercial mission helps sies should serve the country’s Policy of occupied Georgian ter- foreign ministry started send- plomacy would be effective if to establish bilateral commercial focal foreign policy objectives. ritories is a reasonable issue that ing more and more econo- the relevant framework is cre- relations with American govern- During the latest Ambassadorial may emerge when diplomats’ ba- mists to work in the embassies. ated within the embassies. This mental institutions, such as Unit- one of theprime concerns was sic objective is to convince for- Former deputy foreign min- branch should consist of econo- ed States Trade Representative economic diplomacy. Georgian eign business sectors to allocate ister declared that the main mists who know the characteris- (USTR), and also with the pri- ambassadors were given the money for Georgia’s economy or problems with investments do tic of local business sectors and vate sector. If Georgian foreign definiteorders to rearrange their invest in Georgia’s market. Also not stem from embassies’ un- their possible interests in invest- ministry considers opening such agenda and start working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs fruitful policies but from the ing in Georgia. These groups are economic branches in certain local business sectors in their of Georgiashould not evaluates Georgian government’s incon- expected to promote Georgian countries where Georgian mar- respective countries tostrength- ambassadors’ success based on sistent regulations that discour- investment environment on busi- ket may seem attractive (most en the bond with businessmen the number of investments com- age foreign businessmen from ness meetings and conferences. probable: USA, Turkey, Ukraine, and make them more enthusi- ing from the country where they putting a large sum of money Even though this distinction is etc.), economic diplomacy will astic in investing in Georgia. are in charge of embassies. In in unstable Georgian economy. connected with additional expen- be more targeted and presum- The Georgian Ministry of For- some cases, ambassadors may He also fears that the foreign ditures, it could still be beneficial ably successful. Despite eco- eign Affairs has issued a special promote Georgia’s economic ministry would demand real re- not only for economic diplo- nomic diplomacy and its tools, guide book for the diplomats environment and create the ba- sult with regard to investment macy but also for political ob- Georgia should have a stable working on economic diploma- sis for investment but this can’t from ambassadors and they will jectives of Georgian embassies. political climate and economic cy. The guide book summarizes be done in remote countries, be forced to withdraw their at- Having commercial missions in regulations that do not change the purpose of Georgian eco- where citizens are not inter- tention from the above-men- certain states is atypical charac- every month. Unless these con- nomic diplomacy that is tailored ested in the Caucasus region. tioned foreign policy issues that teristic of successful economic ditions are provided, big inves- to promote Georgian investment Former deputy foreign minis- are also crucial for the country. diplomacy. For instance, Israel tors will hesitate to invest in capabilities and the environ- ter of Georgia Sergi Kapanadze What kind of economic diplo- has a special commercial mis- Georgia’s turbulent economy. GEORGIAN FOREIGN MINISTER TO PAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO US On March 14-18, 2016, meetings with the mem- Minister of Foreign Affairs, bers of Senate and Con- Mikheil Janelidze will pay of- gress. Among them he will ficial visit to the United States. meet the friends of Georgia The minister will meet with (Georgia Caucus) co-chairs. the US Executive and Legisla- He will also hold meetings tive authority Representatives. with the United States lead- Foreign Minister will meet ing Research centers and non- with the US Secretary of State governmental organizations. John Kerry. During the visit, The Minister will also deliver a meetings will be held with rep- speech at the Atlantic Council. resentatives of the White House. Janelidze will give interviews Mikheil Janelidze will hold to the US leading media outlets. 6 MARCH 14, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE FACT-ANALYSIS ARIA ABOUT ARYAN, OR EUROPE DOESN’T WEAR BLACK TEIMURAZ SHA On March 6, 2016, the Parlia- Bulgaria (“Attack”), Croatia political organizations, but there mentary Election were held in (HČSP), Germany (National are some regional, ethnic-based, Slovak Republic, where the gov- Democratic Party), Hungary language-based transnational un- erned party won with 28.3 per- (“Jobbik”), Estonia (EKRE), and ions as are Scandinavia’s People cent of the vote. The elections Latvia (National Alliance). In Front, Fund of the Purity of Celt- of this central European country many of those counties, the far ic Race, and etc. The interesting would not be very interesting for right parties have so many seats, fact is that in all countries or re- international society, if not for that automatically make them gions, neo-Nazi or neo-Fascist the fact that 14 seats out of 150 deputy representative in the Eu- groups use the same cliché pop- in the Slovakia’s People Rada ropean Parliament. According to ulism – “Save [particular] eth- have been taken by the far right a different source, at least 21 out nos/nation through the exclusion neo-Nazi political movement; of 751 EU Parliament members and persecution of others [ethnic “Kotleba – People’s Party Our are of far-right or neo-Nazi po- minorities, religious minorities, Slovakia”. They were elected to litical party. Sure, it is not even migrants and etc.].” They also the Parliament by 8% of the vot- 3%, but still. lift the topic of local problems, ers, and it is the first time in the European Integration, as one which population faces every history of the country when the of the world’s most fruitful po- day, and blame all failures on party with such a kind of ideol- litical processes, was found as an those “others”. ogy has entered the Parliament. idea in Europe ruined by Nazis Should be mentioned that far Slavic wheel of Sun and Life. are seeking asylum. According Party “Kotleba – Our Slova- and Fascists. In 1930s idea and right groups have their specific According to different internet to the polls and elections, the kia” was founded in 2010 by the propaganda of the “White symbols. In major cases it is the portals, Georgian neo-Nazis use support of the far right politi- a young neo-Nazi group, and Europe” became one of the same conceptually, and repre- ancient Georgian symbol “Bor- cal powers is bigger in Central since the establishment, it was most actual among the far right sented as the ethnic solar symbol jghali”, which is a kind of swas- and Easter European countries, widely known with its racist and groups on the West of Europe. (symbol of sun, cross, other kind tika and was used by Caucasians where the number of refugees is xenophobic statements, which As a result, it brought millions of graphems which have astro- thousands years ago. Besides the small, but there is a perspective actually were based on the typi- of victims, mass terror, and radi- logical origin), that is used in the solar symbols, neo-Nazis also of refugee distribution that actu- cal primordialistic populism. It cal ethno/racial-centrism, which traditional clothes of particular use the image of Eagle, as a sym- ally scares the majority of the lo- should be mentioned, that Slo- broke up the national borders for ethnic community was discov- bol of freedom and strength. cal population. vak Republic is not the first EU that time and provoked World ered by archeologists, was an Such unusual activism of the In the frame of European leg- member-state, where neo-Nazi/ War II. old spiritual symbol, or simply neo-Nazis and far-rights in Eu- islation, were the Human Rights neo-Fascist groups enter the Besides the historical memory associated with the group of peo- rope can be provoked from one to have a key place, such kind of Parliament of country. Far right of Europeans, far right move- ple. For example, still now Ger- side by the globalization and group will have not big results, powers are presented in differ- ments still exist across the Eu- man neo-Nazis use the swastika pan-European idea, where the though of course the danger ex- ent parliaments of the Central rope, including Russia and – Aryan symbol of Sun and Pro- key identity is based on the Eu- ists. Especially nowadays, when and Eastern European states, Georgia. Moreover, in many ductivity; Greeks use the Mean- ropean citizenship, and from the the refugee flow has no finish, particularly in Greece (“Golden countries they have special mili- dr – ancient ornament, which is other side – by the refugee crisis and the attitude of Europeans to- Dawn”), Austria (Freedom Par- tary groups. Though, there is affiliated to the solar symbolism; and two million migrants, who wards this topic becomes more ty), Denmark (People’s Party), not any European union of such Russians use the “Kolovrat”, the already crossed the borders and negative. EUROPEAN COMMISSION PROPOSES TO LIFT VISA OBLIGATIONS FOR CITIZENS OF GEORGIA

The European Commission is the citizens of Georgia. Today’s business, tourist or family pur- today proposing to the Council proposal recognises the efforts poses. The visa exemption does of the European Union and the of the Georgian authorities to not provide for the right to work European Parliament to lift visa carry out far-reaching and dif- in the EU. requirements for the citizens of ficult reforms with a significant The enhanced mobility of citi- Georgia by transferring Georgia impact on the rule of law and the zens in a secure and well-man- to the list of countries whose citi- justice system. I am very satis- aged environment is one of the visa requirements is taken once Commission adopted its second zens can travel without a visa to fied with the progress achieved, core objectives of the Eastern all benchmarks set out in the progress report which conclud- the Schengen area. and I hope that the European Partnership. To this end, the EU Visa Liberalisation Action Plan ed that Georgia had fulfilled The proposal comes after the Parliament and the Council will carries out Visa Liberalisation have been fulfilled. the first-phase benchmarks of Commission gave a positive as- adopt our proposal very soon.” Dialogues with interested part- The EU-Georgia Visa Liberali- the VLAP and was ready to be sessment last December, con- Once the proposal has been ner countries. sation Dialogue was launched on assessed on the second-phase firming that Georgia successful- adopted by the European Parlia- The main tool of the dialogue 4 June 2012 and the Visa Liberal- benchmarks. In its Conclusions ly met all benchmarks under the ment and the Council, Georgian is the Visa Liberalisation Action isation Action Plan was present- of 17 November 2014, the Coun- Visa Liberalisation Action Plan. citizens with biometric passports Plan (VLAP) which is tailor- ed to the Georgian authorities on cil concurred with the Commis- Commissioner for Migration, will no longer require visas when made for each partner coun- 25 February 2013. Benchmarks sion’s assessment. Home Affairs and Citizenship, travelling for up to 90 days to the try and structured around four were set with a view to adopting The Commission adopted the Dimitris Avramopoulos said: Schengen area. The visa-free blocks concerning i) document a legislative, policy and institu- third progress report on Geor- “Today we follow up on our travel will apply to all EU Mem- security, including biometrics; ii) tional framework (phase 1) and gia’s implementation of the commitment to propose visa-free ber States except for Ireland integrated border management, ensuring its effective and sus- VLAP on 8 May 2015. The re- travel for Georgian citizens to the and the UK, as well as the four migration management, asylum; tainable implementation (ph. 2). port took note of significant EU. Visa free travel will further Schengen associated countries iii) public order and security; and In its first progress report progress made by the Georgian facilitate people-to-people con- (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway iv) external relations and funda- adopted in November 2013 the authorities in implementing the tacts and strengthen business, so- and Switzerland). The exemp- mental rights. In the context of Commission made a number of second phase of the VLAP and cial and cultural ties between the tion concerns only short-stay the visa liberalisation dialogue, recommendations for complet- acknowledged the fulfilment of European Union and Georgia – it visas valid for up to 90 days of each country is assessed on its ing the first legislative and plan- many benchmarks under the four is an important achievement for travel in any 180-day period for own merit and a proposal to lift ning phase. In October 2014, the blocks. 7 MARCH 14, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE ECONOMICS LARI CONTINUES TO STRENGTHEN – ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS NATA BITSADZE

Lari Continues to Strengthen – In this regard, it’s importantto loan refinancing one billion GEL Estimates and Forecasts know whatpolicy the next presi- for once, but the central bank re- According to “Bloomberg”, dent of the National Bank will peated it several times. Georgia’snational currency have, but it is still unknown The chairman of the Interna- exchange rate has begun to when Giorgi Kadagidze will be tional Council of Economics and strengthen in the last few days. replaced by a new president. Law(ICEL),IrakliTedoradze, It may turn out to be the begin- Economists are hoping that the says to “Observer” that the Prime ning of a big appreciation of new president will be more ef- Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, accumulate financial resources. vides economic stability for each the national currency and keep fective than the former. quite adequately and effectively An economist has proposed a citizen. However, an economist up the current trend. The Min- Kadagidze’sseven-year gov- triedto obtain investments and concrete plan forthe government also pointed out that it is impor- ister of Finance, NodarKhaduri, ernance period turned out to be he encourages new business pro- to keep up a stable rate of the tant to Georgia that all credits has positive predictions too. On negative for the Georgian econo- jects too, it is also important that national currency. As Tedoradze will be issued in GEL according March 7th, the Minister noted my. Economists said that the rea- in the National Bank changes said, it is necessary to put large to dollar equivalent. with journalists that he estimates sons were: the banking system, take place in the new election investments in agriculture and to IrakliTedoradze supposes that stabilization of GEL exchange which has become a mechanism of the President. Tedoradze said use the opportunity of a relation- if the government’s economic rate in the short-term and appre- that extorted money from the that these reasons give the basis ship with Iran, which create jobs. team will be able to do all these ciation in the medium-term. The Georgian economy; an undevel- for the stability of the GEL and However, it’s important that issues, then the new exchange expectation of Khaduri is based oped capital market; unlimited the currency rate will be more investments in the agriculture rate will be acceptable and it will on investments in a private sec- ownership by the Bank to have acceptable to the population, but sector are not more than 10% begin appreciating. tor. As Khaduri said, new tour- non-core assets; the bank’s huge it does not automatically mean of the total investment while the Expert Nodar Kapanadze be- ist facilitiesare being built in the profits against the background of that GEL will return to the past share of agriculture in the total lieves that it is realistic to sub- field of energy, transport, and problems in business and eco- level - 1.67 s. employment is more than 50%. stantially improve economic and communications, as well as the nomics; the fact that the banking The government has developed Economist Nodar Kapanadze social conditions for a five to Millennium project of Anaklia sector has issued 17 billion loan- reforms to regulate the exchange said this means that in this distri- seven year period, but it is un- water port. sin return for 300 billion worth rate: an untapped tax of profit bution, the majority of the popu- clear what time the Minister of Furthermore, the Minister is of property, at the period of GEL exemption for companies and lation, as before, remains out of Finance means in the medium talking about state implemented devaluation inefficiency of re- with 300 million reductions of the game. An expert explains that term period. But an economist investments and gives the exam- structuring loans; andetc. budget spending. However, it it is an important part how many explains that he does not see ple of Khashuri-Zestaponi high- Economic expert Nodar Kap- should consider that the reform investments will go to the real the real, feasible and reasonable way construction, which was anadze said in an interview with about an untapped tax of profit sector of the economy and what strategy today. funded by the Japanese govern- “Observer” that GEL exchange exemption will take effect from conditions will be, otherwise, The government and economic ment through 38.5 million USD. rate stability appreciates and July 1st, 2016, while in previ- only appreciate GEL rate cannot experts believe that nothing is The Minister of Finance expects falls depending on many aspects. ous years, one of the budget cuts be a positive development. impossible to stabilize the na- that these plans, oil prices stabi- Among them are the factors, that to the Ministry but its growth in Irakli Tedoradze offers to the tional currency, but everything lizing, and do not pressure from country’s influence is minimal, other agencies, so it is neces- government thatliberalization of depends on the government’s the state budget to the GEL ex- for example - external factors. sary to come up with this reform tax for small and medium busi- measures, external factors, the change rate, will promote the However, he said, when we un- more effectively. Nevertheless, nesses, and simplified record- National Bank’s right policies, country’s economic develop- derstand all the potential risk such initiatives will provide ben- keeping and accounting, also, investments, the new reforms, ment and will appreciate the na- factors, it is possible to reduce efits and stabilize the exchange should enact an insurance sys- etc. tional currency. adverse effects in such condi- rate in the long-term, but it can- tem of industrial and agricultural It is necessary that the govern- The Minister’s thoughts are tions. not cause significant changes in business risks. Tedoradze notes ment foresee assessments and shared by some economists. Kapanadze considers that the October. that it will be a good move if the recommendations of economic They say that devaluation of the National Bank under the or- Tedoradze talks about four ba- government will review regula- experts in order to continue the national currency against the ders of Kadagidze was already sic components of the exchange tory laws of credit and standards upward trend of GEL, to in- dollar imbalance has already complicateingthe situation for rate stability: the National because impaired people do not creasecountry’s economically passed and resolved, but now the worse and his share of GEL Bank’s adequate financial, mon- get heavy burden anymore. In strength, do not become a sub- the major challenge is to keep up depreciation is quite large. An etary, and credit policy; large- this regard, ICEL proposed the ject of various speculations and the trend and appreciate the GEL economist thinks that for cur- scale foreign investments;and bill. Tedoradze said that the bill instead of banks, citizens find even further. rency devaluation, it is enough to positive external trade balance to will appreciate GEL and pro- out favor. GEORGIAN WINE COMPANIES GOT THE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION AWARDS

Food and drink 41th Inter- ket for Georgian wine”,- said the national Exhibition FOODEX head of the National Agency. JAPAN 2016 is currently being The head of Competition Saku- held in Tokyo, where 8 Georgian ra, Japan’s top-class sommelier wine companies are presented Tanabe Yumi said that Georgian with support of the National wine gave her the desire to visit Wine Agency and the Embassy Georgia. of Georgia in Japan. FOODEX JAPAN has been At the opening day Georgian held since 1976 and is one of the wine companies got awards of largest exhibitions in Asia. international competition Saku- It should be noted that in 2015, ra. “Georgian wine exports to Ja- 138 290 bottles of wine were pan has great potential. As well exported from Georgia to Ja- as the East-Asian region, Japan pan, which is 5% higher than the represents a growing export mar- 2014 export. 8 MARCH 14, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE ECONOMICS ANAKLIA PORT NAMED AMONG WORLD’S 100 MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Anaklia Deep-Sea port named from countries that are establish- Sea- indeed, cargo demand in- logistics center. in November. among world’s 100 major infra- ing themselves as competitive creased by 12% between 2012 “We are sure that Anaklia Deep- “I’m glad to be here to see my structure projects nations with a developed or de- and 2013. However, Georgia Sea port is a strategic project, friend, the Vice-Premier. When I 9th Global Infrastructure Lead- veloping infrastructure vision. lacked the deep-sea ports and which will change the relation- visited Tbilisi in 2015 to attend ership Forum took place in Projects selected for presentation logistics infrastructure necessary ship between Asia, China and the Silk Road Forum, Georgia Washington on March 9-11. 400 are those that contribute to the to accommodate larger container Europe. This will be a significant made a lasting impression on executives from the public and competitiveness of their country ships, effectively barring it off door, which should serve freight both current and planned in- private sector gathered to discuss and the region, offer strong busi- from economic opportunity in its traffic” - said Kumsishvili. frastructure projects,” said An- infrastructure projects. The Fo- ness opportunities, and contrib- backyard. The Anaklia deep-sea Deputy Prime Minister appre- drews. Bruce Andrews said he rum is a dynamic infrastructure ute to job and opportunity crea- port looks to change this with a ciated the fact that the US Com- was impressed by the efforts the marketplace designed to facili- tion for their city, state, province, facility featuring a 1,800 meter- merce Department supports the government is trying to use the tate business and promote pro- or country. long berth, a minimum depth implementation of this project. country’s geographical location, jects across the globe, as well as Georgian projects: the Anaklia of 15 meters, and 100 hectares “We hope that this support will, to the economic benefit of its showcase the cities, provinces, Port and the East-West Highway worth of reclaimed land with in the end, transformed in the fi- people. countries and regions with the were selected in top 100 World modern utilities. Further inte- nancial instruments to develop “Countries of the region are most innovative infrastructure infrastructure projects. The grating east and west, this would and attract funding for the con- well aware that if you set up plans. Project sponsors delivered Anaklia Port is to be located near allow Georgia to benefit from the sortium, which is important for a common economic interest- targeted presentations focused the Anaklia resort on the Black expected 1.4 million TEU ex- the project,” said Kumsishvili. bearing block, each country will on project scope, timelines, and Sea coast of Georgia, and has pected to cross its path by 2030. Within the forum, Dimitry be able to bring more benefits specific business opportunities received funding interest from Vice Prime Minister of Georgia Kumsishvili held the meeting for the people. But for this, they in the next 3-18 months. Deep- both Chinese and American in- and Minister of Economy and with Bruce Andrews, Deputy should create a common infra- dive workshops and roundtable vestors. It will accommodate Sustainable Development, Dim- Secretary at U.S. Department of structure to be able to connect discussions were led by Forum vessels of up to 6,500 TEUs, and itry Kumsishvili spoke about Commerce, where the sides dis- markets and make it possible for Partners and public sector offi- will be part of the Caucasus na- the reforms being implemented cussed issues of bilateral coop- goods and services between the cials, focused on key policy is- tion’s effort to develop logistics to improve Georgia’s economic eration. Kumsishvili spoke about countries are free to move,” said sues surrounding project finance and natural gas export capacity situation, attract foreign invest- the ongoing reforms in Georgia US Commerce Deputy Secretary, and delivery. in the region. ment, business incentives and in- and the Prime Minister’s pro- and added:” We are convinced The theme of this year’s Forum A result of China’s new “Silk crease the country’s international posed 4-point plan for govern- that the American companies was “Strategic Projects - Creat- Road” strategy, more and more recognition. Minister stressed ment reform. Kumsishvili invit- in the region will apply modern ing the Foundation for Global shipping companies have shift- the importance of Georgia as a ed Bruce Andrews at the second technology, service, proper ex- Prosperity” and featured projects ed their businesses to the Black potential regional transport and Silk Road forum that will be held perience and knowledge. “

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3 ,Gorgasali Street , 0105 , Tbilisi ,Georgia Tel: +995 32 2 000 245 www.tiflispalace.ge 9 MARCH 14, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE LAW NEW DEPARTMENT BEGINS “RESTORING JUSTICE” IN GEORGIA

IRAKLI PAVLENISHVILI

Justice restoration was called detained the director and founder with the investigation, discre- purchasing the residential apart- criminal prosecution on all cases as one of the main pre-election of the Construction Company tion was used towards the former ment and the office space, on the within the scope of the by-laws, promises and slogans of the rul- Builder XXI Century Merab prosecutor accused of depriving basis of which he had been de- or if only certain cases will be se- ing coalition Georgian Dream. Lursmanashvili and Nugzar Bar- the men of their apartments, and prived of the mentioned real es- lected. Even if selected, the cri- Its essence was the punishment bakadze, who were accused of he was not prosecuted. As a re- tate, regarding which the Court teria that the Prosecutor’s Office of the victims of the crimes com- fraud and illegal usage of the sult of the cooperation, investi- of Appeals acquitted Ramaz of Georgia will be guided by are mitted by the former government meeting protocol of the partner- gation will be continued towards Totladze on February 29th, 2016 unknown. and rehabilitation of victims of ship in the process of the con- the former head officials of the and cancelled nine years of his Categories of cases within the these crimes. Criminal prosecu- struction. Prosecution Service. imprisonment and the fine of scope of the Department’s activi- tions against representatives of During the investigation the Two apartments, one 166 50,000 GEL. ties require further specification, the previous government served representatives of the Chief square meters and the other 87, Based on the mention, the and the case selection criteria as a restoration of justice, too. Prosecution Service called the worth up to 1500 000 USD, lo- Prosecution Service of Geor- must be made publicly available. However, this process has result- spouses of the detained construc- cated at 39 Tskneti Road, cur- gia addressed to the Ministry of Given the principles guiding the ed in a very tough assessment of tors, Marine Ruadze and Marine rently being owned by the state, Economy and Sustainable De- Department’s activities, namely the international community and Mamatsashvili, and declared to will be returned to the affected velopment, in order to return the to ensure objectivity and impar- some of them have been esti- them that if they wanted a plea citizens Marine Mamatsashvili, 535 square meters duplex apart- tiality, it is important to define mated as a politically motivated agreement to be concluded with Merab Lursmanashvili, Nugzar ment, worth up to half a million the procedure for recruitment process and prisoners as political their husbands, it was necessary Barbakadze, and Marine Ruadze. USD, currently under the owner- and appointment of the staff, as prisoners. to give up the residential apart- In addition, the department of ship of the state, located in Tbi- well as securing maximum open- Under the process of restoration ments which had been in their the investigation of crime com- lisi, Janashia street and 57.04 ness and transparency of the De- of justice, last year the govern- legal ownership, located at 39 mitted in the criminal proceed- square meters of office space, partment’s operations. ment set up a new Department Tskneti Road, free of charge. ings of the Chief Prosecution located on the same street, to the The general prosecutor’s of- of the Prosecutor’s Office that Otherwise, Nugzar Barbakadze Service of Georgia managed to affected citizen Ramaz Totladze. fice has made a statement which works on the crimes committed and Merab Lursmanashvili had restore the infringed right of one The activities of the Depart- underlined that “The process, by the previous government dur- to stay in prison longer. As a re- more affected citizen, Ramaz ment of Investigation into which was started by the new ing the proceedings. sult of the mentioned pressure Totladze. Tbilisi Court of Ap- Crimes Committed throughout department, established at the The Prosecutor General’s office and numerous calls at the Pros- peals unreasonably found Ramaz the Judicial Process of the Chief Prosecution Service and which said that his office has been ad- ecution Service, Marine Ruadze Totladze guilty of money laun- Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia is associated with the return of dressed by thousands of applica- and Marine Mamatsashvili felt dering and prescribed nine years are regulated by its by-laws. Pur- confiscated property of the af- tions about torture, inhuman and compelled to accept the illegal of imprisonment, a fine of 50,000 suant to the by-laws, the Depart- fected citizens in the period until degrading treatment, coercion, request of the Prosecution Ser- GEL as punishment, and confis- ment shall pursue its activities October 1st, 2012, is actively un- as well as the assignment of the vice and reregistered their own cated his residential apartment by observing the principles of derway and it will have an irre- alleged facts foreclosure against apartments to the ownership of and his office space. On January lawfulness and fairness, objec- versible character.” It is unclear citizens during the proceedings. the state. 14th, 2016, a newly established tivity, impartiality, and political why the department rules out the In the Prosecutor’s office, it Only after that did the Pros- department of the Prosecution neutrality. Its key tasks are to in- existence of similar crimes under was said that the newly estab- ecution Service concluded a plea Service, addressed the Court of vestigate crimes which may have the leadership of current govern- lished department not only en- agreement with the accused, Appeals with a request to review been committed throughout the ment. This raises the question of sures investigation of the above where the “shadow condition” the judgment due to the newly judicial process, and to pursue reasonable doubt in the by-law mentioned crimes but also prose- of the agreement – concession discovered circumstances, and criminal prosecution. mentioned departments principle cutorial supervision of investiga- of the apartments, was not re- requested Ramaz Totladze’s re- The by-laws stipulate as well of political neutrality. tion and supporting state charge flected and the suspended sen- habilitation, his acquittal, and that the Department fully in- It should also be noted that on trial. tences were determined for the return of the confiscated resi- vestigate and pursue criminal from the above mentioned thou- Several cases have been opened defendants, the penalties were dential apartment and the office prosecution “of cases as deter- sands of cases, only very few during the last months by the de- imposed, and they left the deten- space back to him. mined by the Chief Prosecutor cases were investigated. All of partment of the investigation of tion facilities. As for the illegally It should be noted that the Court of Georgia”. The meaning of this raises a reasonable doubt crime committed in the criminal confiscated apartments, they of Appeals has fully upheld the this wording in the by-laws, and that the Georgian Dream native proceedings. Namely, the con- were recorded on the balance of petition of the Prosecution Ser- limitations that it sets for the De- performance about systemic ducted investigation revealed the Prosecution Service and the vice and considered that Ramaz partment, are vague. crimes of illegal seizure of pri- that on September 6th, 2010, the Ministry of Defense. Totladze was illegally disputed It is unclear also if the Depart- vate property under the previous Chief Prosecution Service had Due to the special cooperation acquisition of large sums through ment investigates and pursues government is false. ABKHAZIA AND SOUTH OSSETIA DE FACTO AUTHORITIES RELEASED GEORGIAN PRISONERS

Near Enguri bridge, in the facto Abkhazia and South Os- during 11 years served, they framework of peace process setia. In return Georgian side re- were sentenced to life in prison. among Georgian and de facto au- leased 4 persons. We were responsible to do eve- thorities of Abkhazia and South “It is a real valuable decision. rything what the state could do to Ossetia prisoners were released. I can give you an example of Is- release them”,- Paata Zakareish- According the agreement of rael, when in return of 1 person vili said. Abkhazia and South Ossetia de one side released 1000 people. Prisoners release was agred on facto authorities, Georgian side These people, who are accused the basis of the negotiation with handed over 13 citizens having having been participated in the de facto Abkhazia and South Os- been under illegal arrest by de terrorist act were under arrest setia authorities. 10 MARCH 14, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE SOCIETY “MIKVARKHAR” WITH FRENCH ACCENT MEANS BEIGBEDER VISITS GEORGIA

TAMAR UMPRIANI

Frederic Beigbeder, the au- and has a notorious lifestyle, has tograph in the Biblus Gallery. Towers on September 11th, thor of the worldwide bestseller been raised in a family of French The experience he gained while 2001. During the process, Fred- 99 Frank arrived in Georgia on aristocrats. While his big brother working on advertisements eric was a regular costumer in a March 11th. An eccentric and had been becoming a part of the helped him to become a bestsell- café which is located in Paris, at notorious French author, Beig- French business elite, Frederic ing writer. He knows the tastes 56th grade of Monpasan Tower. beder met readers in Biblus Gal- had been studying political sci- of the book buyers as well as “I used to sit in the café every lery. ences. Though, after gradua- he remembers people’s taste in day, trying to imagine myself as Readers who came to meet with tion, he continued working in a yogurt. “I write and you read, I one of the workers in the Twin their favorite writer had a chance different direction. He has built write and you buy my book. It Towers when the plane crashed to see him comfortably sitting on a successful career as an adver- happens because I know how and collapsed the building. I had the chair rail and drinking Geor- tisement screenwriter. In the end, to sell my books to you,” says been planning to write about gian red wine. After a while, after having ten years’ experi- Frederic. the topic since 2001. For me, as Frederic aimed to show off his ence in the advertisement indus- During the meeting, he men- a writer, it was a moral duty to of hedonist and narcissist like I write about it. Though it took am. Although he is a real tyrant several years to find out the with women, am I not the same right way of writing it, one day I kind? Maybe my wife left me for woke up and realized the day had this reason, too,” says Frederic. come,” says Beigbeder. In 2008, once again people Critics often mention that there started gossiping about his no- is an obvious connection be- torious and crazy lifestyle, when tween the author and his books’ police arrested him for posses- lead characters, as they claim sion of three grams of cocaine at most of his books contain auto- his home. Though it is a painful biographical moments. During memory for him, he still jokes the ’90s he published three auto- around and says that having biographical romances (Holiday powerful friends and his broth- in a Coma, Love Lasts Three er, who was close to the French Years, and Romantic Egoist). president, can really do magic. On March 12th, the movie After two days of journeying made about Love Lasts Three in Georgia, the beloved author Years was shown on the big left the country. I can’t predict screen at Amirani cinema. Beig- if he remembers the architecture beder attended it as well and of old Tbilisi, because he recalls after the movie he didn’t refuse “nightlife tourism” on his jour- taking selfies and giving -auto neys, he goes out only at night to graphs to fans. The main lead visit nightclubs. Though, maybe little Georgian and confessed his try he wrote 99 Frank, which has tioned that working on “Win- of the book has the same type of he won’t forget the numerous love to the readers. become his first bestseller. It was dows on the World” was the lifestyle as the author. Both of Georgian fans, Georgian cuisine, Beigbeder, who is a famous also the mostly common book most difficult. The book is about them are addicted to drugs and and Chacha, which he tasted a lover of night clubs, glamour, which readers brought for an au- the terrorist attack on the Twins sex. “Maronie is the same kind lot during his stay here. GENDER EQUALITY CAMPAIGN #MYRUSTAVELI On 9 March 2016, at Rustaveli tion to the timeless values of hu- from Shota Rustaveli’s epic “The National Theatre in Tbilisi, the manity and equality. Knight in the Panther’s Skin” United Nations Development Niels Scott, Head of the Unit- performed by the actors of the Programme (UNDP), Ministry of ed Nations in Georgia; Tamar Rustaveli National Theatre. Ket- Education and Science of Geor- Sanikidze, Minister of Education evan Makharashvili of UN Joint gia and Ministry of Culture and and Science of Georgia, Mikheil Programme for Gender Equality NATIONAL TOURISM Monument Protection of Georgia Giorgadze, Minister of Culture in Georgia spoke about the stu- jointly presented the students’ and Monument Protection of dents’ contest and a year-long ADMINISTRATION HOLDS essay contest and gender equal- Georgia, and representative of gender equality campaign to be THE INTERNATIONAL ity campaign #MyRustaveli. the Embassy of Sweden to Geor- ongoing till the end of 2016. The initiative celebrates 850th gia – Helena Sancho, addressed The initiative is part of the Gen- CONFERENCE anniversary of the iconic Geor- participants and guests with der Equality Week 2016 which tra- gian poet – Shota Rustaveli and opening remarks.The event also ditionally celebrates Internation- On April 15, 2016 the Nation- The conference aims to pro- once again draws public atten- saw the recital of selected verses al Women’s Women in Georgia. al Tourism Administration will mote the involvement of stu- host an international conference dents in the country’s tourism on the topic: ,,Tourism develop- development. ment prospects in Georgia and Participants will be able to con- the world experience. ” duct individual research and of- The conference is open to the fer new ideas to National Tour- students from accredited univer- ism Administration. sities in Georgia and from other The winners will be awarded by countries. The work should con- special prizes, and the selected cern the tourism sector, however papers will be published together wine tourism directions and in- with the Tourism Administration novative ideas will be preferred. annual report. 11 MARCH 14, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE SOCIETY THE NEW LAW MIGHT END CHILD MARRIAGE IN GEORGIA NINI JAPARIDZE

Early marriage and its conse- you and then I will commit sui- gia there is nothing special about is to raise the awareness in peo- don’t have enough information, quences is aproblem which mod- cide.’ In the beginning I resisted, it. Unfortunately it still happens; ple about the possible tragic con- services which can provide them ern society can’t seem to solve though later my husband’s fami- the rights of women are violated. sequences of early marriages. the information aren’t reachable even in the 21st century. Georgia ly tricked me. They told my fam- There is a new initiative that “Our job is very cohesive. In for them – this is the problem. is among those countries where ily that I accepted his proposal, became a law a year ago which order to obtain the result, we Ethnical minorities have the this problem is still a big issue. that I loved my husband and I can change everything, reduce collaborate with different insti- higher number of early mar- According to the research made was very happy with him. When the number of early, forced mar- tutions including the NGOs. We riages. This happens not because by UNICEF in 2015, the number my parents visited me I told my riages and its consequences, in- hold an informative meeting both of the origin, it happens because of early marriages in Georgia mom that I had been kidnapped cluding miscarriages and high in the Capital and the regions as they aren’t informed as well as was 14%more than in our neigh- and imprisoned against my will. mortality rates, both mothers and well. We try to inform the soci- they have to be. Unfortunately, bor country Azerbaijan (12%), I told her that I was not in love, children. ety that early marriage might be ethnical minorities and socially and Armenia with the lowest but she answered that she was Ekaterine Mskhiladze, the rep- linked to very bad consequences. unprotected people belong to the indicator (-7%). It must be men- not able to take me back to my resentative of the Ombudsman, For them it is very important to crisis group, the situations in re- tioned that Armenia differs from house as all my neighbours al- said that the office tried its best be aware about the results,” said gions are also pretty difficult,” Georgia in that it doesn’t have ready knew that I got married. I to change the regulations for pre- Skhiladze. said Skhiladze. the law which would regulate the had no other way but to accept ventingthe early marriage. From In an interview with “Observ- While speaking with us she also early marriage. the things that were going on in 2015, this act is criminal and is er” the representative of om- named the statistics, according There are a number of reasons my life and I stayed. Soon after being punished. budsman said that the law was a to her in 2015 about six hundred for early marriage, though lack my marriage I gave a birth to “In 2015, Ombudsman applied strong tool in order to reduce the adults quit studying at schools; of education and awareness are a short-lived child who died, I to Georgian parliament with the early marriage. When asked why the main reason for them was an two of the main causes. In those think it happened because of my initiative to change the regula- Georgia has a higher number of early marriage. regions of Georgia where part of age. I was fourteen years old at tions regarding marriages in early marriages thanits neighbor “In 2015, 576 adults left their the society has a lack of commu- that time. Now I have a girl, and adults from 16 to 18years. Par- countries Armenia and Azerbai- schools, the reason is that they nication, people depend on old I would like to ask every man liament accepted the initiative jan, she said that the possible got married. Among adults aged and torn perceptions and under- not to marry a woman without and converted it into law. Cur- reason could be the law aware- 13 to 16, the number of cases standings. permission. Forced marriage can rently those people whose age ness about early marriages, ex- were equal to 225, among adults Liana is a teacher; she is from ruin a whole life. varies from 16 to 18 can marry cept of that one of the main rea- from 16 to 18, the number was the Kareli region. In her early Last year, when my daughter only if the court will accept this; sons is that the institutions which equal to 611. Before the law was age she was the victim of vio- was seventeen years old, a coun- moreover, this regulation will should be responsible for these established, 1,500 mothers un- lence. Her husband kidnapped try man from a nearby village work until 2017. The only excep- typesof marriages are not work- der age 18 were registered, so her when she was still at school. kidnapped her. I immediately tion will be accepted for families ing sufficiently. it clearly says that unregistered As she said, he never made a rang the alarm. I was not inter- with children. Now marrying an “I agree with you regarding marriages were always taking proposal to her, he just kid- ested in what my neighbours adult is the criminal and is be- the numbers. This is a statistics place,” said Skhiladze napped her and imprisoned her were thinking of it. I took my ing punished by an article,” said which is approved by the inter- The representative of the office at a house for forty days, warn- daughter back to my house. Now Skhiladze. national organizations. Now, we hopes that the law will become ing if she wouldn’t marry him, she is leaving and studying in According to the representative do have a law which will prevent a strong tool which will be able he would kill her and then com- the Capital. She must live a long of Ombudsman, Office made a early marriages and the situation to reduce the early marriages mitted suicide. and happy life. I hope that she huge job in order to implement in Georgia hopefully will be bet- in Georgia. Ombudsman plans “In my own wedding, I was marries the person she falls in the law against early marriages. ter, though it must be said that to raise the awareness of peo- thirteen years old. Before my love with, and I hope it happens In order to find the cases, they the appropriate organizations ple both in the Capital and the wedding, I met my future hus- when she is an adult,” said Liana have cooperated with the minis- which should be responsible regions with the help of both band only one time. He was Osipova. In a civilized world, try of internal affairs, Ministry of for the process – for example, formal and informal education. eighteen years older than me. where early, forced marriage is Education, Health and Labor, so- the police, educational institu- Though according to her, the After kidnapping me, he cap- supposed to be criminal, Liana’s cial agency, and the prosecutor. tions, and social agencies– are government is not the only in- tured me for forty days. He said, story would be named as an un- Ombudsman works in regions as not working as well as they have stitution to implement this law; ‘If you don’t marry me, I will kill believable tragedy, but in Geor- well; the main task for the office to. People who live in regions society has to be helpful as well. 12 MARCH 14, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE SOCIETY “SALVE”: NEW FOUNDATION TO PROTECT AND SUPPORT STREET CHILDREN MARI TABATADZE

Georgia’s Justice Minister Tea Georgia now. This, of course, It should be noted that the Tsulukiani, in cooperation with prevents them from physical and head of international law firm the President of the Georgia- intellectual development. As it is “Descartes” in Georgia, Nicolas France Chamber of Commerce known, eradication of this deficit Mariani, has offered free legal and Industry, Antoine Bardon, is the most difficult after the age services to the foundation. founded and recently officially of two. Therefore, according to On the other hand, the French registered non-profit organiza- the Minister of Justice, this is an co-founder, Antoine Bardon, tion: “Salve”. important issue, explaining why said that the problem is actually According to the Ministry of she decided that one of the main in the country. He considers that Justice, the newly-established purposes of the fund should be to it is totally impermissible that12- fund has two specific goals. One eliminate food shortages. year-old children are collecting of them is planning, implement- Tea Tsulukiani emphasizes that money for food in the streets, ing, and financing a variety of it is necessary for the projects and in order to eliminate the projects for the homeless chil- to be “created for the children problem, he is willingly involved dren living and working on the working on the streets and they to in the process of implementing streets. In addition, the fund aims be placed under care and avoid- different projects. In addition, to eradicate malnutrition prob- edfrom the street, instead of this, the President of the Georgia- lems in newborn children from they should be involved in a new France Chamber of Commerce vulnerable families. community called a family.” and Industry estimates the fact of In order to realize the targets, At the same time, the Minister establishing the fund as the first the fund “Salve” plans to finance of Justice is pleased that the fund step and at the same time is con- such projects which will help was established with her French fident that it will be successful. children living and working on friends, going on to say, “I would It should be noted that the first the above mentioned contribu- beneficiaries are scheduled to be the streets. As for the second like to thank Georgia’s French people to donate to the fund tors purchased the items given financed. purpose, the vulnerable infants friends and especially Mr. An- have already appeared. They are to Georgia-France Chamber of More specifically, what pro- will get special gift packages. toine Bardon for supporting the the former French ambassador Commerce and Industry by the jects the newly established fund Reportedly, in the package with most vulnerable youth of our to Georgia, Renaud Salins, as various organizations, artists, “Salve” is planning to implement other necessary things there will country.” Tea Tsulukiani added, well as French, Georgian, and and athletes. are still unknown. However, the be vitamins, which are neces- “My only desire was to inspirit American businessmen work- As a result, the Minister of founders from the two countries sary for the elimination of mal- the fund. With Mr. Bardon, the ing in Georgia. Tea Tsulukiani Justice reports, “at first stage, hope that the fund will be able nutrition according to UNICEF supervisor of UNICEF has also and Antoine Bardon established the first ten thousand GEL have to function well, and they also standards. encouraged me to do so. Now the fund at a dinner held by the already been collected which express readiness to implement According to statistics, there I’m looking for people and or- Georgia-France Chamber of gives hope to start implementa- a number of successful projects are more than 100,000 children ganizations that provide support Commerce in Kazbegi. Also the tion projects from June 1.” Con- in the process of achieving their suffering from malnutrition in on specific projects.” auction was held therewhere sequently, by that time, the first goals. GEORGIA JOINS DOWN SYNDROME WORLD DAY WITH DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES

“Our Children” marks the photo exhibition “My friends”, Within the week, is also World Down Syndrome Day for which includes 25 pictures taken planned: the 5th time this year on March by professional photographers March 15, 18:00 discussion 21 in partnership with the Inter- showed contemporary portraits on “Challenges of people with national Organisation “Down of people with Down syndrome. Down syndrome in today’s Geor- Syndrome International”. Photographers involved are: gia.” Vake Park, Media Center This week was officially Guram Tsibakhashvili Goga March 18, 11:00 Conference opened on Sunday, March 13 Chanadiri, Djibouti, Tamar, Nino on “Challenges of People with at the exhibition center “Expo Baidauri, Daro Sulakauri, Marie Down syndrome in today’s Georgia”, the 6th pavilion. The Nakani and other photographers. Georgia.” Justice Training Cent- er, Sandroeuli 3a March 19, 18:00 performance - “FriendART”. D. Shevardnadze National Gallery March 21, 12:00 ‘procession from Vake park to Tbilisi State University Building March 21, 19:00 ‘play “The Little Prince”. Movement Theatre, Mushtaedi Park MARCH 14, 2016 13 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE CULTURE GEORGIAN FREELANCER’S ROAD TO GERMANY NINI MACHAVARIANI exclusive

Georgian National Museum “Observer” discussed the au- watching my work, if something held a presentation of Keti Ka- thor’s new book and her plans needs to be added I immediately panadze’s monograph named for the future. perform the work. During taking “What is love?” The book was You have lived in many coun- the photos, I go out.But in the published by the well-known tries, where do you work now? early period I was taking photos German publishing house “Ver- I have worked as a freelance from home. During the time of lag Ketter”, the editor of the book artist since 1983, the same time I living in Kazan I made a cycle - Gia Edzgveradze invited foreign was studying at the Art Academy a view of the city and the people critics to write articles for this in Tbilisi. After graduating I con- in the house, a man whose face book: Noemi Smolik from Bonn, tinued to work. In the ’90s there was not visible. Now I live in a curator at Neuer Berliner Kunst- were more opportunities to hold big house, where I have my work verein Catherine Becker; Brook- the exhibition. I have often had a room. lyn Pratt lecturer Dominique Na- variety of scholarships: 1992 in Did you find it difficult to has; and David Lillington from England, Switzerland, and from get establish in Germany, and the University of London. 2000 to Germany, where I used what problems have you en- Keti Kapanadze had worked on to live near the city Stuttgart. I countered? the problems of modern artdur- stayed in Germany and have co- Because of the fact that I had ing her study period at the Tbi- operated with various art galler- a scholarship, I have not had to lisi Art Academy (1982-1990). ies. start everything from scratch. Al- In the beginning of the 21st What is highlighted in the ready arrived in some situations, century, she moved to Germa- new book? however, after the graduation I ny, where she actively contin- This is a monograph - it in- should take care of my contracts, uesthose activities. In 2002 pub- cludes all the work that was pre- exhibitions, and many other lishing house “Ketter” published viously created. Various kinds of things. I did not want to work her first book; Not Only Hands works of art in one book: 1980s in a foreign country, but with- But Shoulders. black graphics, photos taken in out that I would lose creativity. Keti Kapanadze became the the 1990s, as well as works of When I went to Germany I was In your opinion, how will the What is your most successful owner of a number of grants and 2012-2013. about thirty-six years old; this is society react to the new book? work? scholarships. In 2008-2009 she Why the book is called “What an age when a painter may come I hope they will finally see what The exhibition at Hamburger lived and worked with a schol- is love?” across such difficulties that one was done and what cultural sig- Bahnhof Museum, which is lo- arship of Baden Wutenberg in This was a name of one of the might not expect. For example, nificance it has. So, that will be cated in Berlin. I remember Paris. first installations I made. For a in Georgia, at the beginning of interesting to the public. many things were sold and some while, I worked a lot with texts the conversation with the person You’re the first woman to works were stolen. and words, I was doing it with a and his art, you are not interested make a modern art work, what When do you start working nickel. The exhibition was held in his age. Here it is different, kind of difficulties was it- re on a new book? in 1998 in Georgia. I worked hence different culture has dif- lated to? We already discussed the idea with the words, which are often ferent problems. Because I was the first woman about a new book. Because I still used, for example: Angel, Love - Are you going to return to working in contemporary art, have a lot of works that have not and many others. Georgia? some people perceived it as fem- been included in the latest book. What is your work environ- From time to time I visit, but inism. Then it was very difficult What is your favorite phrase ment? I’m not going to stay there. I to establish, or to comment on of Life? Basically, where I work, I live got used to the life and the cul- the sex of the individual commu- Einstein’s words; “Stay curi- there. I had a studio in Germany, ture in other countries. I believe nities. Often people were com- ous.” I love this phrase, because where I lived for a long time. Pic- that Georgia is cut off from the ing from the Ministry of Culture in spite of all, the person can still torial works of setting the time I cultural environment, that’s why and bringing foreigners to show be curious. If we believe that we am working during the day, sleep living as an artist is not interest- contemporary art created by a know everything, then our busi- at night and in the morning I am ing there. woman in Georgia. ness is gone. AGENCY OF PROTECTED AREAS PARTICIPATES IN BERLIN INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EXHIBITION

Agency of Protected Areas organizations working in these participate in Germany in the directions. Our stand is located international tourism exhibition- in this space too. I think Geor- ITB Berlin, which is one of the gia and the South Caucasus has largest international tourism ex- a great potential for the develop- hibition and is held annually in ment of ecotourism”,- said the Berlin. The exhibition covers all chairman of the Agency of Pro- areas of tourism, including eco- tected Areas Lasha Moistsrap- tourism, which is one of the main ishvili. components of the protected ar- In order to promote the pro- eas. tected areas, the agency is plan- “Eco and adventure tourism are ning to participate in other inter- the future of the industry. The national tourism exhibitions, as exhibition hall hosts a separate well. 14 MARCH 14, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE CULTURE GEORGIAN SPORT’S HISTORIAN AND THE MUSEUM GUARD NINI MACHAVARIANI exclusive

The year 2015 was outstand- Because of space limit in the seum’s most senior officer. ing for the Georgian sport, the exhibition hall, only a small part As the historian said, gen- country has hosted several ma- of the protected 10 thousand ex- erations come and go, the main jor international competitions, ponents are exhibited. Here are thing that they are currently deal- celebrated many famous athletes the documents, which reflect the ing with remains. A lot of good anniversary, Rugby players tra- development of physical culture things happened over the years, ditionally made us happy with and sports in Georgia from an- and despite the disappointments, the victory and the women chess cient times to the present day. all these challenges, They Never players from Georgia became tri- These unique photographs and Gave Up. umphant at the World Cup. documents, which are famous 2008 was a particularly diffi- “The sport has never lacked for world sport. cult. The Museum were robbed the stars and great victories - The Sports Museum is a long in spring, unique items includ- we were always pampered with way until 2016, and it has come ing Olympic gold medals were great football players, basket- up with a special contribution by robbed. During this period, the girls and they were giving the football, chess and more. ball, volley-ball, chess, judo Mrs. Lily Lomsadze - loyal guard museum’s existence is endan- most valuable things - the gold Ketevan Losaberidze “gold” wrestlers, bike riders, wrestling of the museum, which serve mu- gered, but now the museum is medals, cups, commemorative Olympic bow, the European and other types of sport”, - said seum since its inception. still full of various awards, med- badges and etc. champion, David Kvachadze the Minister of Sport and Youth “When people lose their past, als or publishing. Georgian sports museum keeps boxer belt, the world champion, Affairs Tariel Khechikashvili. the future disappears. In the Georgia Sports Fame Museum a treatise published in 1677 in Irene Gabashvili ball and so on. Georgian Sports Museum meantime, this museum I had al- was opened on March 6, 1985 at Italy, in a commercial point of The awards, which won Levan shows a glorious past, confirmed ways remembered those words. the Sports Palace. The idea be- view this is priceless. Tediashvili, Zurab Sakandelidze, by the Georgian sport cups, med- Faithful to this place since its longed to the sports enthusiast, In this museum you can find Anzor Kiknadze, Alexander Me- als and numerous other awards inception. I am glad that we Professor Michael Giorgadze, out about the past of the ath- treveli, Omar Pkhakadze, Nana that are exhibited. In 2015 the have so many things. I spent my who first started collecting ex- letes, their achievements. Here Ioseliani are also displayed. museum had it 50th anniversary. whole life in collecting these and hibits. His work was continued you can see the “Dinamo” play- Recent exhibits, which were During half a century sports it will be no exaggeration to say by Levan Giorgadze. ers that obtained “Karavela” in added to the museum is the award museum gathered medals, rib- that this whole Georgian sport is However the museum did not Spain 1973, which was a de- by Sports Journalists Association bons or sports-related items. my life “, - said Lily Lomsadze have a building, Lily Lomsadze served victory of Georgian team of the “best athlete of XX Cen- Here is the museum’s first Olym- to Observer. and Aza Mogeladze allocated a together with England, Portugal tury” , which is decorated with pic champion, David tsimaku- On August 14, 1965 in Consti- small room at Constitution Street and Spain champions of the tra- autographs of athletes and mu- ridze gold medal, the first inter- tution Street, the Scientific Re- and were able to bring every- ditional four nations tournament seum colleagues. The museum is national triumph of Georgian search Institute of Physical Cul- thing in order. Museum fund against “Benfica” and “Atletico”. continuously filled with awards, football “Columbus Karavela”, ture was opened in the museum, had neither money nor property, All Champions are presented that is a merit of Georgian ath- various athletes’ archives and where most young historian was which it holds today. The sports- in the museum. Here are the the- letes and a female guard of this history footage. Lily Lomsadze. Today the mu- men had confidence in these two matic stands: mountaineering, museum. THE EXHIBITION GEORGIAN PAINTERS PARTICIPATE IN THE “NUMISMATIC TREASURY” INTERNATIONAL WILL BE OPENED IN CONTEMPORARY NATIONAL MUSEUM ART EXHIBITION With support of the Ministry of pany -ATUS and Turkish Artists Culture and Monument Protec- Union, as well as Galleries Asso- tion of Georgia 30 paintings of ciation (TUSGAD). 3 modern artist – Guram Tserts- Turkish and other countries’ vadze, Avtandil Topuria and galleries participate in the Inter- David Popiashvili are presented national Contemporary Art Ex- at the international exhibition- hibition. ART-ANKARA is one ART-ANKARA in Turkey. The of the largest contemporary art event is being held from 9 to 16 platform which promotes the de- March. ART-ANKARA is organ- velopment and popularization of ized by Turkish exhibition com- contemporary art.

The renewed exhibition of including unique pieces of Col- Georgian National Museum Si- “Numismatic Treasury” will be chian tetri; stater of the Colchis mon Janashia Museum of Geor- opened on March 10 at Nation- king Akos; local imitations of gia contains up to 100 000 coins al Museum. It showcase a long Alexander the Great’s and Lysi- most of which were found on the history of money circulation on machus’ staters, the denarius of territory of Georgia. It should be the territory of modern Georgia the first Roman Emperor -Octa noted, that the Ministry of Fi- starting from the 6th century BC. vian and Iberian imitations of nance delivered several models until 1834 year. The exhibition the Roman Empire Aurei. The of Numismatics to the National showcases up to 3.500 coins, numismatic depository of the Museum a few days ago. 15 MARCH 14, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE EDUCATION ALL STUDENTS ARE EQUAL, BUT SOME ARE MORE EQUAL GVANTSA SILIKASHVILI

“Destitute!” them. The university security pants of the action turned back to “Real autonomy of university!” and students confronted each the members of the self-govern- On the 11thof March, using other with force. Administrative ment and university. According these slogans, students of Ivane police came to the location. After to their explanation, the adminis- Javakhishvili Tbilisi State Uni- four hours of action, members of tration of the university behaved versity arranged demonstrative the senate couldn’t enter the hall, like this: pacing with the live chain. They and the meeting was canceled. There were invariably demands demanded reformation of the Students slept all night in the of the action members: election of the chancellor and ap- university. 1. We demand that self-govern- pealed to Giorgi Gaprindashvili Gaprindashvili was a member of ment, management, and the rec- to withdraw his candidacy. the first and second convocation tor take responsible for financing Some lecturers of the university of self-government. From2010 like this project. In our mind it is and students of Ilia State Univer- until today, he worked as an as- a senseless budget. sity joined the students. sistant director of management. 2. Fix the upper limit of financ- The prime minister made a Students say that during his ing projects. statement about current process. work in 2011, during the presen- 3. The function of self-govern- He asked Vladimer Papava to se- tation of the students’ movement ment should only be as a repre- This sum was consumed by the dacy. He expressed readiness. cure the transmissivity and inde- “targmne”, members of the self- sentative organ. Abolish its bu- students of the self-government, Eight members of the senate pendence of the election. He also government confronted them by reaucratic system. who work without gratis, arrang- met with students. Most of them asked Giorgi Gaprindashvili to force. GiorgiGaprindashvili said 4. During the election of self- ing projects for students. I can’t said that after Ioseb ArChvadze withdraw his candidacy. to journalists that nobody beat government, don’t use adminis- say that it is an unneeded budg- withdrew his candidacy, they LadoPapava commented on his anyone. trative and financial sources to et.” voted for Giorgi Gaprindashvili. statement and said that he was “He is a member of a forcible support a so-called independent Signed training was carried out Some of them had no informa- ready to arrange transmissivity system, who in 2011 restricted candidate. four times in this year. In 2015, tion about him. Students were of the election. freedom of expression and con- The students’ self-government students demanded budget ac- dissatisfied with this fact. “Every student is equal- no fronted them by force,” says the refused the accusation and ex- count of arrangement which Later, one of the organizer of privileged self-government!” organizer of the action. plained that they did nottake part were organized by the self- action, Irakli Kupradze, was With this title, on March 7th, Confirmation of this fact ex- in such arrangements where a re- government. As it turned out, a talking about pressure. He said students took action against self- ists in the investigation of studio ward is prize. training program, which was car- that police establishments were government. Participants of the “monitori” and video, where stu- If they plan to arrange such ried out in February 2015, cost interested in his family after he action protested against dissipa- dents talk about violence. training next year too, Vice-pres- 19,000 lari. After this, students had charged Giorgi Gaprindash- tion of the budget. Self-government back him up ident Paata Bakhturidze says that met Vladimer Papava. He called vili. On the 10th of March, students in public. Students have doubt; he expires that time in May and this a “blemish” and promised State Security Service respond- presented a new slogan: “No to if he becomes a chancellor, self- doesn’t know anything about it. them that such a thing wouldn’t ed to the charge that, “diffused violator chancellor. Every stu- government will be more privi- The chairman of the faculty of happen anymore. Although in information that worker of State dent is equal.” They protested leged and increase students’ in- humanities of self-government, 2016, the university has already Security Service arrived Ku- against the return only candidacy equality and expenses. Shota Kejerashvili, said, “The used up 24,600 lari for such a pradze’s family, we don’t con- of Giorgi Gaprindashvili on the The original reason for the pro- self-government has duties project. firm.” senate council. test was the training of “manage- within the framework we work. During the talk to students, Among the students’ demands, The action went from the yard ment of projects and strategic For example, organization of ar- Vladimer Papava said that last the main request is not to nomi- into the first building. Students management”, where seventy- rangements. Concerning student year from the sum for students, nate Giorgi Gaprindashvili as demanded to attend the sen- five members of self-government demands – e.g. helping students only 22% was spent on self-gov- chancellor. ate council. After members of participated. This training cost with deactivated status –, this ernment. He also confirmed ex- We are waiting for the decision the senate Irakli Kupradze and 24,600 lari. sum is controlled by administra- istence of so called “Special Op- of the senate. Giorgi Gaprin- Shota Lortqipanidze refused ad- On March 7th, the action start- tion and the rector, but not we. eration Officer”. Student asked dashvili refuses withdrawing his mittance to them, students tried ed in front of the first building of Students appeal to 24,000 lari, him to appeal Giorgi Gaprin- candidacy. Results probably will entering. Security obstructed Tbilisi State University. Partici- which was spent on the training. dashvili to withdraw his candi- be in this week. INCLUSIVE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION WAS NAMED AS THE BEST INITIATIVE IN THE REGION European Development Fund outside the system to the labor among dozens of European and market. Results-oriented, coop- partner country initiatives in erative, effective and based on professional education named European values ​​in practice – Georgian Inclusive Professional this is the assessment of inclu- Education as the best initiative in sive professional education in the region. At the basis of “Mer- Georgia. European Development misi” professional school it was Fund awarded Georgian delega- defined that Inclusive education tion with honorary prize. The is very successful in the whole article about Georgia’s success- Caucasus. ful inclusive education was pub- This initiative has opened the lished, which contains several way for hundreds of people Georgian cases. 15 MARCH 14, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE SPORT

airBaltic flights from Tbilisi via Riga to Oslo, Helsinki, RIGA - TBILISI BT 722 5,7 RIX TBS 23:05 04:35 +1 735 03:30 Copenhagen, Amsterdam, London, Milan, Paris, Ber- lin, Munich, Vilnius, Tallinn and Warsaw have mini- TBILISI - RIGA BT 723 1,6 TBS RIX 05:20 06:55 735 03:55 mum connection time 25-30 minutes in Riga airport GEORGIAN “LELOS” DEFEAT RUSSIAN RUGBY TEAM ONCE AGAIN VAKO KIPIANI

On March 12, Georgian Na- Georgia, but again failed. made a third try fueling the Rus- score 7:24. Unfortunately, the ponent, Romania. Romanian tional Rugby team defeated Rus- In the first fifteen minutes, our sian team. Merab Kvirikashvili team was not able to conclude “Oaks” also defeated their op- sian opponents in Sochi by 7:24. team struck twice. Merab Kviri- again performed the conversion and gain a bonus point for four ponent, Germany, with the score Both got 2 yellow cards. Russian kashvili was not able to make accurately and report has become tries. The next match Lelos will 61:7. On March 19, the team “Bears” had only one try and one first penalty with a score, in the 0:24. After seventy-one minutes, play against the Romania. Toulons: Mamuka Gorgodze, conversion, while Georgian “Le- fourteenth minute Kvirikashvili, the Russians managed to reduce By this time, our team has 38 Levan Chilachava, and Konstan- los” scored 10 half-time points, opened the report (0:3). the score. “Lelos” soon transfig- points from 9 games and is 4 tine Mikautadze, will also help 3 tries, 3 conversions, and 1 pen- After the eighteenth minute, ured it and also scored the final points ahead of the nearest op- the team. alty. Russians hoped that this Levan Khmaladze brilliantly time they would be able to defeat slung the ball, which Tamaz Mchedlidze took and grounded on the first try. Kvirikashvili scored transfigured (0:10). In the first half, the score was not changed. After four minutes of the sec- ond half, Peikrishvili laid a try, conversion and report accurately performed Merab Kvirikashvili (0:17). With sixty-two minutes played, the Russians were proved wrong. Kushnarevi confused, it was well used by Giorgi Nemsadze,who WEEKLY SPORT NEWS Wrestling 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block. Georgian Handball Girls’ youth team of defeated Belgium 18:14 Georgian freestyle wrestling Handball at IHF / EHF’s Cup semi-final team completed the game with a and reached the final. triumph in Riga in the European Championships. Revaz Mindo- rashvili team gained 2 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze medals, the team took first place. European champions became Vladimer Khinchegashvili (61) and Geno Petriashvili (125).

Football Basketball * * * * *

At the next round of French National Basketball Champion- Beka Burjanadze played an- Ligue 1 JabaKankava “Reims” ship Cup matches is known. The other successful match in the got one point. On March 11, 30th cup quarter-final match, in which Spanish second league. It was round of the meeting was held, the winner of the qualifying his team’s fifth consecutive where the “Monaco” hosted round “Vita” will play against victory. Georgian forward Kankava “Reims”. The meeting “Dinamo”. The game will be gained 7 two-points out of 13, 1 ended with the score 2:2. Kanka- held on March 30, the Tbilisi three points out of 5, and three va played through the whole Sports Palace, will be held at 2-2 free throws. Burjanad- match. 19:45. ze overall scored 19 points,

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