Issue no: 1121 • FEBRUARY 1 - 4, 2019 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue...

Henrik Hololei on Georgia’s Transport & Economic Goals POLITICS PAGE 4 Rural Communities to Choose How to Spend the Budget POLITICS PAGE 6 Europe’s Easternmost Port

ON GEORGIA'S FUTURE We interview the PM to get his take on Georgia's FOCUS economy now and moving forward PAGE 7 BUSINESS PAGE 8 JSC Nenskra Hydro Georgia Leads Eastern Signs Memorandum of Cooperation with Ministry of Europe & Central Asia Economy of Georgia BUSINESS PAGE 9 2019-2020 Tbilisi in Fighting Corruption Infrastructure Projects SOCIETY PAGE 10

of 35, Eastern Europe and Central Asia is the BY THEA MORRISON second lowest scoring region in the index, ahead Turkish Embassy Hosts of Sub-Saharan Africa which has an average score of 32. Screening to Mark Int’l his year’s Corruption Perceptions The level of perceived corruption is the lowest Index (CPI), released by Transpar- in Denmark (88 points) and the highest in Soma- Holocaust Remembrance Day ency International (TI), reads that lia (10 points). Georgia leads Eastern Europe and Georgia has advanced its score by two points CULTURE PAGE 15 Central Asia countries with its since last year, taking 41st place among 180 coun- Tscore of 58, above Montenegro (45) and Belarus tries. (44). However, the CPI 2018 reads that the country Pachulia: “If there is peace in At the very bottom, Turkmenistan earns the now faces “democratic backsliding, making it lowest score in the region (20), with Uzbekistan both vulnerable to high-level corruption” and the world, everything else is (23) and Tajikistan (25) earning only slightly is “a country to watch moving forward.” more. doable” The report reads that given its average score Continued on page 2 Image source: TI Georgia SPORT PAGE 15 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS FEBRUARY 1 - 4, 2019 Seven Die as a MEP: With Salome Result of Carbon Zurabishvili, Georgia Monoxide Leak Leads the Way Again in Tbilisi BY MARIAM MERABISHVILI

alome Zurabishvili once again caught the attention of foreign politicians and press. Euroac- tiv published an article about the new President of Georgia Swritten by Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and Co-Chair of the Friends of Georgia Group in the Euro- pean Parliament, Clare Moody. In it, she says that Zurabishvili is a worthy mem- ber of the small group of women in the club of world heads of state and govern- ment. Moody spoke about Zurabishvili’s visit to Brussels, her fi rst overseas meeting since taking up her new post, and noted The Mayor of Tbilisi Kakha Kaladze that it was an important one for both BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA has offered his condolences to the fam- Georgia and European member states, Image source: www.euractiv.com ilies of deceased, and stated that regula- which were pleased to meet the fi rst tions have to be tightened: “Of course, woman President of Georgia. In her arti- faced down the misogynist attacks, and vili’s time spent in the Paris Science Po carbon monoxide leak has we need tighter regulations. I fi nd it dif- cle, the MEP demonstrated a positive it is to Georgia’s credit that despite them University and New-York Columbia claimed seven lives at 67, fi cult to answer this question as I am not attitude towards the President and under- she won the fi nal round of the election University. She also highlighted that as Ketevan Tsamebuli Avenue, an employee of the ‘KazTransGas Tbilisi’ lined the existing negative one towards with nearly 60% of the votes. In contrast Georgian Foreign Minister, Zurabishvili in Tbilisi, on Thursday. company,” Kaladze said. gender inequality in politics. to her treatment during the campaign, reached agreement on the withdrawal Their bodies were found KazTransGaz also released a statement “Depressingly, only 7% of heads of state her own platform was based on a very of Russian bases from Georgia. Aon the 7th fl oor of the building where regarding the incident, claiming that the or government around the world are positive agenda,” she added. According to various EU assessments, they were renting an apartment. The water heater had been illegally and inap- women. Despite such a range of achieve- Moody mentioned the President’s Georgia has made remarkable progress neighbors say the victims were working propriately installed, which resulted in ments and experience, Zurabishvili sadly experience, achievements and character, in enshrining democracy, human rights on the construction site of a branch of the accumulation of CO in the apartment. faced what so many other women in which included her return to Georgia in and the rule of law. The country remains Liberty Bank. “Representatives of ‘KazTransGas Tbi- leadership face– a level of abuse that no 2003, her posts as French Ambassador on the right path of development. Davit Sergeenko, the Minister of IDPs, lisi’ business center visited the mentioned men have to endure. Georgia is well in Georgia and Minister of Foreign Affairs, “Many hope it is only a matter of time Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Geor- apartment. They removed the heater known for having ‘robust’ political her founding of political party ‘Georgia’s before Georgia fully integrates into the gia, has confi rmed that carbon monoxide and refused to provide natural gas from debates, but commentators have remarked Way’ in 2006, her leading role in revis- EU and NATO. There is no doubt in my intoxication caused the tragedy. a gas pipe due to a violation of terms of that the tone in this presidential election ing the Constitution and her support of mind that Salome Zurabishvili is prioritiz- Law enforcers were working on site use. Presumably, the owner of the apart- was particularly prejudicial,” Moody the Georgian Diaspora, the occupied ing this agenda and will continue to work and rescue and emergency services were ment voluntarily reconnected the heater wrote. territories, education, science and cul- tirelessly for her country, doing all she mobilized. [to the gas pipe],” reads the statement. “It is to Zurabishvili’s credit that she ture and more. Moody noted Zurabish- can to promote these aims,” Moody wrote. Georgia Leads Eastern Europe & Central Asia in Fighting Corruption Continued from page 1 has failed to establish independent agen- political engagement and public over- methodology, a two-point change is con- The document urges the Georgian cies to take on this mandate. sight,” the report reads. sidered statistically insignifi cant. Nota- government to take immediate steps to “This downturn is due to a lack of The watchdog claims that impunity In the ranking, 100 points indicate the bly, Georgia does not appear on the list ensure the independence of institutions, accountability of law enforcement, cor- contributes to public distrust towards lowest level of perceived corruption of the countries whose CPI score has including the judiciary, and support of ruption and political interference in the state agencies in Georgia. while 0 – the highest. changed signifi cantly, either for better civil society. judiciary and government-sponsored “Progress in anti-corruption will con- Georgia’s CPI scores during the recent or for worse, since 2012. The index is prepared based on research attacks on independent civil society, tinue to stall and reverse if the Georgian years are: 2012 – 52 points, 2013 – 49, 2014 Also, the survey does not refl ect the conducted by reputable international among other issues,” the report reads. government does not take immediate and 2015-52, in 2016 Georgia was placed alleged cases of high-level corruption organizations, each containing an assess- TI added that despite an urgent need steps to ensure the independence of 44th with a score of 57 and in 2017 – 56 publicized in late 2018 which could have ment of the situation prevailing in to investigate cases of corruption and institutions, including the judiciary, and points and 46th place. a negative impact on Georgia’s position various countries with regard to cor- misconduct in the government, Georgia support civil society, which enhances However, according to the survey’s in the ranking in the future. ruption. 20 People Die from H1N1 in Georgia

BY THEA MORRISON

total of 20 cases of death caused by the H1N1 "swine fl u" virus have been con- fi rmed in a laboratory in Georgia,- Amiran Gamkre- Alidze, Head of the National Center of Disease Control (NCDC), announced Wednesday. However, the exact numbers of fl u cases will only be published fol- lowing the winter season. “We had the highest rate in the last Image source: newsbeezer.com week of December. The tendency is of hospitalization. Hence, at this stage, will cover all expenses related to the decreasing in January, though there is we have a relatively calm situation,” he cost of antiviral medicine Tamifl u and no sharp decline. There is a decrease in said. distribute it to all citizens diagnosed the rate of fl u cases, as well as in the rate The Georgian government stated they with infl uenza free of charge. GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 1 - 4, 2019 NEWS 3 Tbilisi Hosts Georgia & the World 2019 Economic Conference talked about the strategies and aspira- BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA tions of the country, noting as he did that even though Georgia has made multiple steps forwards in accelerating n January 29-30, Tbilisi the process of development, a number hosted a two-day Eco- of major problems, including poverty, nomic Conference ‘Geor- still remain. Bakhtadze spoke about the gia and the World 2019,’ at country’s desire to become the region’s Tech Park (TechnoPark), economic hub and summarized the underO the aegis of the World 2019 annual fruitful outcomes of the World Economic edition of The Economist. Forum held in Davos, Switzerland. He The conference aimed to examine accentuated the signifi cance of an edu- Georgia’s progress in numerous fi elds cation-based economy and human and the current position of the country’s resources. economy, consider the future challenges “Our society, our citizens are our coun- the country may face on the pathway of try's main asset. I have pointed out development, and discuss existing oppor- repeatedly that our economic policy will tunities in the working environs. The enable us to reduce poverty in the coun- event brought together more than 100 try, but we will never be able to advance delegates, including the representatives Georgia to the category of developed of the Government of Georgia, interna- economy unless we as a state invest tional organizations, the diplomatic corps, heavily in the education sector to trans- the business sector and academic circles. form it into the dominant component of The agenda of the conference com- our economy as a whole,” he stated. See prised a number of panels, with speakers more from the PM on page 7. and guests of honor discussing, among A welcome speech was also delivered Image source: Georgis Today other themes: Georgia’s potential towards by the honorary guest of the Economic integration into the global economy; Conference, Henrik Hololei, Director- and Sustainable Development of Geor- Kobulia also focused on the challenges and technologies,” he said. Innovative reforms in the fi nancial sec- General for Mobility and Transport at gia, participated in one of the panels and faced by the country in terms of eco- The Minister further focused on the tor; Georgia’s tourism potential: new the EU Commission (See page 4). spoke about the prospects of the country nomic expansion and examined ways fi elds with the highest prospects in the markets and tourism; and product diver- The second day of the Economic Con- in terms of the development of entre- of overcoming them. sector of entrepreneurship and named sifi cation. ference was equally as important and preneurship, presenting the program of “As a government, we aim to fi rst over- the production of clothing, leather goods, The Prime Minister of Georgia, interesting. Various themes were covered the country’s economic growth which come the obstacles in our priority sec- furniture, means of transportation, and Mamuka Bakhtadze, addressed the audi- during the panel discussions, among involves achieving three main goals: the tors, which were outlined as a result of assembly of electric devices as the major ence and answered questions from The them Georgia as an agricultural country, creation of work places and decreasing investigation of the Georgian economy: priorities for the government. He also Economist’s ‘The World in 2019’ Geor- Georgia’s tourism potential, and the the level of countrywide unemployment; power engineering, logistics and trans- mentioned agriculture and noted the gia editor George Sharashidze, Georgia country’s capabilities of becoming an the amelioration of trading potential of portation systems, agriculture and nutri- possibility of credit fi nancing for par- Today Group being the offi cial licensee entrepreneurial country. the country; and attracting innovation- tion industry, enterprises, natural ticular entrepreneurs satisfying given of The Economist in Georgia. The PM Giorgi Kobulia, Minister of Economy based investments. resource management and innovations criteria.

Georgian Politicians Assess NDI Poll Results polls, which have “made it clear that alarming. The majority of the population opment but I would like their surveys politicians need to have more commu- says that we are not living in a demo- to be more reliable… Not only is the fi ght nication with society.” cratic country. This is a direct result of against corruption very active, but also “The results of the poll raised serious informal governance,” he said, referring the prevention of corruption too. We discussions throughout the whole polit- to Bidzina Ivanishvili, GD founder and have no reason to worry in this regard," ical spectrum because it is obvious that Chair. said Tskitishvili. people are disappointed in politicians,” However, the ruling party disagrees The results refl ect data collected from he said. with the survey results. Maia Tskitishvili, December 6-20, 2018, through face-to- Gigi Ugulava, one of the leaders of the Minister of Regional Development and face interviews with a nationwide rep- parliamentary minority European Geor- Infrastructure of Georgia, says she does resentative sample of Georgia’s adult gia, says the survey shows how acute not trust the NDI research. population, excluding occupied territo- corruption is in Georgia. “I greatly respect NDI as an institution- ries, that included 2,205 completed inter- “The erosion of democracy is also ally strong partner of democratic devel- views.

71% reporting that the body is dominated BY THEA MORRISON by political bickering, 55% saying it has failed to put forward important policies, 57% believing it is poorly organized and ecent poll results released ineffi cient, and 63% saying it fails to by the National Democratic investigate important matters. Institute (NDI) and CRRC “Georgians also do not see their MPs Georgia on Wednesday were as qualifi ed, working hard for the coun- followed by varied assess- try, behaving in an ethical manner, or mentsR from the opposition and the rul- being inclusive. Only 28% can name their ing Georgian Dream (GD) politicians. majoritarian representative,” the survey The results of the political part of the reads. survey read that 92% of Georgians assert When it comes to political parties, only that living in a democracy is important, 13% believe the parties represent the and a majority believes a western-style interests of the citizens. 27% say that the democracy is best for the country. ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party is 46% of the interviewed people stated closest to them, followed by the United that Georgia is a democracy, while 43% National Movement (UNM) at 12%, and claim the opposite. European Georgia (EG) and Alliance of NDI notes that this lack of belief in Patriots both at 3%. Georgian democracy is at its highest 52% say they are undecided about how since 2013. The results are worst in Tbi- they would vote in an election tomor- lisi, with 53% saying Georgia is not a row. In a future vote, GD has 24%, the democracy. UNM 11%, and Alliance of Patriots 3%. In addition, Georgians do not believe Furthermore, the majority of Georgians they have signifi cant infl uence over their believe there is some corruption in all country’s decisions, with 36% saying government structures: state institutions, they have no say in decisions, and 14% police, local government, prosecutor’s believing that they have a lot. offi ce, courts, parliament, ministries, and Regarding the performance of the gov- political parties. In all bodies, the major- ernment, half of the respondents assessed ity points to nepotism as the main type it as bad and 44% as good, with more of corruption. negative assessments in Tbilisi (60%). One of the leaders of the UNM, Grigol Parliament has a worse evaluation, with Vashadze, says he fully trusts the NDI GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS FEBRUARY 1 - 4, 2019 Henrik Hololei on Georgia’s Transport & Economic Goals

markings. Secondly, vehicles must be in EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW a safe condition. The introduction of BY AMY JONES mandatory vehicle testing in Georgia is a step in the right direction, but Georgia still has many unsafe cars on the road. ue to Georgia’s strategic Finally, there is the human component. location on the Silk Road, Road-users must change their driving it has historically been one behavior by not speeding or drink driv- of the most important ing. Behavioral changes are the most transport and trade routes challenging, Hololei notes. Din the world, connecting Europe and From our discussion, it is clear that Asia. Transport was a key topic at the Georgia has huge potential to harness Economic Forum in Tbilisi from 29 to its geographical location and transport 30 January. The ability of Georgia to re- to grow its economy and improve the establish itself as an important transit quality of life of its citizens. By overcom- hub is key to its economic development. ing challenges and creating a stable and We sat down with Henrik Hololei, the predictable environment, Georgia could European Commission’s Director Gen- attract further investments for future eral for Mobility and Transport, to dis- infrastructure projects. “I see a strong cuss how the EU is working together commitment from the government and with Georgia to help them achieve the developers,” says Hololei. With EU sup- county’s transport and economic goals. port and further investment, Georgia should be able to create better, greener, ON TRANSPORT AND TRADE and safer transport in Georgia, fully- The EU and Georgia have been working benefi t from its trade potential and together on numerous projects to improve become a transport hub for the region infrastructure and exploit Georgia’s and beyond. advantageous geographical location. By developing its transport networks and potentially also opening processing cent- ers, Georgia can benefi t from adding value to its transport systems. However, as Hololei says, “in order to be able to get these goods, you have to have links Image source: Georgis Today that guarantee a seamless and smooth There is no doubt movement of goods. For that, there is a what the problems are but not what the by more than 9% every year. Georgia system, as well as carsharing and pool- lot on the table and a lot to do.” priorities are. Europe’s issue is how to benefi ted from joining the agreement ing, the government hopes to incentivize He notes that the Tbilisi-Kars railway better link the Eastern part of the EU to early on. people to leave their cars at home. Fewer that Georgia as a game changer in the region and a the West, because the transport networks “Other Eastern Partnership countries cars on the road could also encourage very important trade route asset, but there are not that intense. For Georgia, that have signed or are in the process of people to cycle. “Here [Tbilisi], you needs a deep-sea adds Georgia should not just develop its it is a question of how to use such a geo- signing this agreement, have done so hardly see anybody cycling and this is transport links on land, but also at sea. graphical location for the maximum much later. Georgia has had the fi rst- not a common view in most European port. 75% of ships “There is no doubt that Georgia needs benefi t of the transport corridors.” move benefi t.” cities,” says Hololei. “Many cities have a deep-sea port. 75% of ships are unable The European Commission recently already made a lot of effort and devel- are unable to call to call at Georgia because of the current decided to extend its Ten-T project to ON POLLUTION oped programs to incentivize people.” limitations. Georgia needs to re-establish Georgia. “This is the backbone of Euro- Air pollution in Georgia, especially Tbi- Yet he is positive about the government’s at Georgia itself in the Black Sea,” he says, “Black pean connectivity and the European lisi, has become a priority for the Geor- efforts for sustainable transport. “There Sea trade is very important because that infrastructure policy,” says Hololei. “Of gian government. With transport being needs to be a good understanding on because of the is the direct link to the European Union”. course, the world doesn’t stop at the a major emitter of harmful substances, both the city and government level. To The EU recently pledged EUR 233 mil- European borders.” cleaner transport plays in an important me, it seems that the government level current limitations. lion in investment towards the construc- role in becoming greener. “I’m very is defi nitely there, and I am sure that tion of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port. ON AVIATION encouraged that in discussions with the they will be working hard towards their Georgia needs to The development of the Trans-European At the Economic Forum, Hololei praised Prime Minister as well as the Mayor of environmental goals.” transport network to Georgia and other Georgia as being the leading aviation Tbilisi, they both underlined the need re-establish itself in Eastern Partnership countries will fur- country in the Eastern Partnership. How to modernize and ‘green’ the economy ON ROAD SAFETY ther facilitate easier trading between the has Georgia managed to become so suc- to make it more sustainable.” The gov- Road deaths in Georgia are on average the Black Sea. EU and Georgia. In addition, the Trans- cessful? We asked him. “Georgia has ernment is looking at ways to replace 2.5 times higher than elsewhere in Geor- port Implementation Action Plan, devel- dared to make bold decisions and it has the current fl eet with cleaner cars. How- gia, although still lower than in most Black Sea trade is oped in January, will continue to build also considered aviation as a strategic ever, “it’s important to have the whole Asian countries. “The Prime Minister on these corridors. sector,” he replies. eco-system in mind,” says Hololei. “For has underlined his very strong commit- very important With the target of EUR 3.4 billion in “Most importantly, it has opened itself example, roads should not just be new, ment to improving road safety and min- consolidated investment, the EU has up and said ‘we are keen to have more but smart and sustainable, ‘smart’ mean- imizing the number of people killed on because that is identifi ed 18 priority projects both in connectivity.” ing they embrace digitalization which is the roads,” says Hololei. He goes on to Georgia and the EU. “That is creating Since the Georgia-EU aviation agree- a tool to deal with pollution. They also discuss the three components upon the direct link to predictability and clarity for potential ment was signed in 2010, as well as Wizz have to include charging stations.” which road safety is built. Firstly, infra- investors by identifying the priorities,” Air’s establishment in Georgia, traffi c In addition, by implementing a cleaner, structure must be safe, with, for example, the European says Hololei. “We very often understand between the EU and Georgia has grown more reliable and modernized metro roads displaying the correct signs and Union SUBSCRIBE!

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 [email protected] +995 32 229 59 19  Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 1 - 4, 2019 POLITICS 5 Moving Nowhere

Image source: vestnikkavkaza.net

point and wait for the roads to open. Media and OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA analytical circles thought the visit to be connected with discussing the transit of Armenian goods, especially when the agreement signed with Russia he snowfalls closed the roads, in par- is ready and could be activated. Said agreement ticular all the transport corridors con- suggests the opening and movement of transit cor- necting Georgia to Russia. The Kobi- ridors through the occupied Abhkazian and Tskh- Gudauri section of the Jvari Gorge invali regions. But it seems the preliminary forecasts was closed due to avalanche risks, were mistaken, because, although the Armenian Twhile the actual avalanche happened by the Roki and Georgian PMs did discuss transit, it was not tunnel on the occupied territories. Once again, the about going through Sokhumi and Tskhinvali, but weather saw fi t to infl uence the local political from Iran via Armenia to Batumi. agenda, forcing people to actively discuss the need Media outlet Echo Kavkaza wrote that the Euro- to provide humanitarian aid for those trapped in pean Union is ready to allocate EUR 780 million the snow siege- most of all for those in the occu- if the parties present a mutual Armenian-Georgian pied Tskhinvali region, which was left without the application for this project. An anonymous source option to import food or other products for weeks. suggested that apart from a budget for the con- Markets in Tskhinvali, Java and Akhalgori were all struction of the highway, the project will also cover but empty. Around 56 thousand people were left a few side roads leading to it and checkpoints at at the goodwill of the weather and the occupational the Iranian-Armenian border. The idea of building regime: either the weather gets better and the ava- a road from Armenia to Batumi is nothing new, lanche by the Roki tunnel can be cleared, or the though, and Offi cial Yerevan was asking for per- occupational regime will terminate the quarantine mission to build it from Jvakheti as early as 1917, established at the so-called border of occupied during the times of the Transcaucasian Sejm. Pres- Akhalgori in order to “protect locals from the Swine ident Saakashvili held negotiations with the pre- Flu,” which has seen cases popping up throughout decessor of PM Pashinyan, but without results. A Georgia. preliminary agreement has only been made about Aleko Elisashvili, leader of the Civil Movement, the mutual rehabilitation of Goderdzi Gorge, and was the fi rst to react to the Tskhinvali situation, it seems that Yerevan only just realized that Goderdzi calling for the government to send a humanitarian Gorge is just as risky in terms of avalanches as Jvari, convoy. His initiative was supported by Ketevan and came to recall this century-old project. Tsikhelashvili, State Minister for Reconciliation As for the issue of opening the border corridors and Civic Equality, who called for the de facto gov- from Sokhumi and Tskhinvali, Georgian Dream ernment to accept humanitarian aid from Georgia. remains silent. Even if the border terminals and Tskhinvali rejected the offer, saying: “We went Swiss observers are there, this doesn’t mean that through the war, the blockade and endured. We cargo will start moving via Abkhazia and Tskhin- will endure this crisis too.” What fueled this opti- vali. Who would carry out border passport control mism is unknown, but it could have been enhanced for one? Who would collect the taxes? And one by the fact that the de facto leader Anatoly Bibilov more thing, we have an active Law on Occupied was on vacation in Moscow, and so unaffected by Territories, which restricts the transit or any eco- the discomforts of the avalanche. Despite his luck, nomic activity on the non-controlled territories. people were standing by the Roki tunnel and in So, will Armenian businessmen need to get a spe- Akhalgori for days, demanding the right to get to cial permit from the Georgian government to move Tbilisi or Vladikavkaz to seek medical aid. their cargo through the un-controlled territories? Apart from the humanitarian aspect, the weather Some think no-one will demand a change of gov- seems to be infl uencing a few other political nuances. ernment just because it allows the transit of goods, Georgia was recently visited by the newly elected and while the Georgian Dream has two more years Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan. The before the parliamentary elections of 2020, the meeting in Bolnisi was held while Armenian trucks, economic benefi ts gained during this period could loaded with goods, had to stop at the Larsi check- outweigh the existing political nuances. Venezuela’s Temporary Government Ready to Abolish Recognition of Occupied Zones

BY AMY JONES

he temporary Venezuelan government is ready to abolish their recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent countries. Gustavo Tarre Briceno, a Venezuelan Tpolitician in the National Assembly and a Special Representative to the Organization of American States, expressed readiness to change their stance during an interview with the Kurier newspaper. Photo source: La Prensa When asked if Venezuela would continue to rec- ognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia and his opinion William Braunfeld also spoke about Venezuela’s on potential diffi culties with Venezuela’s relations recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. He with Russia, he said “of course. You don't even believes that Georgia has the right to insist that need to ask this question. We're not going to con- Venezuela abolishes their recognition. tinue as the Maduro administration. We’re not Venezuela, Russia, Nicaragua, and Syria are among afraid of the Russian Federation.” the countries that recognize Georgia’s occupied The Former Ambassador to the United States territories as independent states. GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS FEBRUARY 1 - 4, 2019 Who to Orbit? fully supports Ukraine, with the excep- ful in your relationships with one OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA tion of Mikheil Saakashvili, who has another.” decided to remain uncharacteristically The leader of the visiting delegation, silent for the moment and has yet to Metropolitan Emanuel of France, told he two-day visit is over. The share his position publicly on this epic the media that the aim of the visit was leaders of the Ecumenical event. to inform the Georgian Patriarchate Patriarchate visited Georgia When it became known that the del- about the decision and details of the in support of the autoceph- egation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate granting of autocephaly to Ukraine, aly of Ukraine, but, alas, was visiting Georgia, the Georgian rather than “imposing a certain idea or Tthey returned to Istanbul without results. Orthodox Church released the follow- pressure.” He also added: “We know The Georgian Church states that the ing statement: “The granting of the that the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia visit was unable to infl uence their posi- tomos to the Church of Ukraine has Ilia II has wisdom and will make a wise tion and seems still reluctant to share given rise to disputes throughout the decision.” The French Metropolitan its decision as to whether to recognize Orthodox world, both in secular and stressed repeatedly that, “Now is the the autocephaly of Ukraine or not. Now ecclesiastical circles. Two opposing time to maintain unity within the Ortho- it is time for the Russian Church to visit sides have surfaced in our country, and dox churches.” He also maintained that Georgia and try to convince its Church each is trying by all means to defend the visit was not due to any disagree- leaders not to support Ukraine. The the position they consider just. There ments between the Ecumenical Patriar- meeting should be held in a few days. have been political and religious assess- chate and the Georgian Church. “We The results of the visit from the del- ments, and statements made by religious are not here because of any problems egation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and secular personalities. Neither side in our relationship with the Georgian were predictable, with, a few days prior, abstains from offensive and contemptu- Church. We have a common position, both secular and clerical authorities ous expressions, as well as blackmail, common views, and this is just an ordi- openly stating anti-Ukrainian positions. thus casting a shadow on all. We need nary friendly meeting between brotherly Bishops Iakob, Shio and Spiridon said to know that the responsibility of each churches.” that it wasn’t wise to spoil relations with of us is great, and that hasty and reck- What we must do now is wait for the Russia, and, in order to support his argu- Ukraine. MP Irma Inashvili wrote an become public beyond its borders.” In less actions will not lead to any good. visit of the Russian Church leaders, ment, Bishop Spiridon brought the exam- open letter in the name of her political her letter, she called on Ilia II to recog- At this time, the most important thing whose comments will shed clearer light ple of Patriarch Filaret who was refused party to Patriarch Ilia II in which she nize Patriarch Kirill and the Patriarchate is to preserve the unity of the Church, on the position of the Georgian Church, baptism. MPs Zviad Dzidziguri, Gia stressed the “criminal” actions of the of Moscow as leading rather than the to make sure the tension is reduced, and which plans to discuss the issue of rec- Volsky and Zaza Papuashvili were more World Ecumenical Patriarchate and its Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constan- to create a peaceful environment based ognizing Ukraine’s autocephaly during radical in their public statements, claim- supporters: “These church leaders forget tinople and Bartholomew I. Unlike the on justice. Our efforts should be directed the Holy Synod this spring. This will ing it was “not worth” angering Russia that the Church is not an NGO, and the Alliance of Patriots and other govern- to this unity with prayer and work. We also mean deciding who to orbit: Mos- by recognizing the autocephaly of divided opinions within should not mental parties, the political opposition therefore call on all of you to be respect- cow or Constantinople? Teachers' Trade Rural Communities Union Against to Choose How to Abolishing School- Leaving Exams Spend the Budget planned to be carried out by March 1. coastal work; road and bridge renovation; BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA The Minister of Regional Development street lighting; sporting grounds; and and Infrastructure of Georgia, Maia cultural facilities are among those areas Tskitishvili, focused on the importance the locals want fi nances allocated for. ithin the framework of including the local population in the The initiative comes from the Fund for of a government pro- decision-making process about the vital the Implementation of Regional Projects, gram aimed at con- issues: “We see a very important plat- managed by the Infrastructure and tributing to the devel- form being created. Direct communica- Regional Development Ministry. A total opment of rural areas, tion will take place between the central of 20 million GEL has been allocated by Wthe residents of 3,700 Georgian villages and local governments and the local the government to support the develop- will be given an opportunity to allocate population,’’ she said. ment of small infrastructure projects in a set budget according to their own needs Meetings between the local government the rural areas of the country. and priorities. The fi nal decision will be authorities have already been held in 800 If a village fails to reach consensus made as a result of negotiations with villages. Repairing drinking water infra- about future projects, the assigned government bodies. The project is structure; irrigation and drainage systems; fi nances will be returned to the Fund.

need to pass for universities,” she noted. BY THEA MORRISON Kobakhidze called on the Education Ministry to thoroughly reconsider all aspects of the planned reforms and not eorgian Teachers’ Trade to rely on the assessments of a number Union says the decision of of experts. the Ministry of Education School graduation exams will be abol- to abolish the school-leav- ished from 2020, Sopho Gorgodze, the ing exams is unacceptable. Director of the National Examination GThe President of the Teachers’ Union, Center, announced at a presentation of Manana Kobakhidze says the abolition the new education system model. of the school graduation exams will Gorgodze stated that major changes “diminish the role of the school, will will be enacted in the education system reduce the motivation of students and from 2020. Prior to that, in 2019, 11th lead to negative processes in schools.” graders will be exempted from graduate “This will merely increase the role of pri- exams, but these exams will be retained vate tutors in subjects which the students for 12th-grade students. GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 1 - 4, 2019 BUSINESS 7 The Prime Minister on the Davos Forum & Georgia’s Economic Prospects

TRANSCRIBED AND TRANSLATED BY KETI KVARATSKHELIYA

xport to EU countries increased by 11% in 2018, mostly thanks to the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Georgia has with the EU. GeorgiaE is also a unique country in that it has FTAs with both the EU and China. On the World Bank Doing Business Rank- ings, Georgia is in 6th place, and in 2018 it saw eight million tourists grace its shores. Overall, the situation seems to be looking up. But much still needs to be done to keep it up and boost it further. Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze recently returned from Davos, Switzer- land, where he attended the World Eco- nomic Forum (WEF) and saw himself and his country evaluated very positively by the high-level fi gures there, includ- ing the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. George Sharashidze, Editor-in-Chief of ‘The Economist World in 2019 – Georgia’ sat down with the Georgian PM to fi nd out more.

WHAT WERE THE EXPECTATIONS OF GEORGIA AT THE WEF? The World Economic Forum 2019 was especially successful for Georgia. Our major strategy is to make Georgia an economic center of the region in trade, fi nance, logistics, tourism and education. At the Forum in Davos, we received a positive reciprocal connection from all the major players participating in the event, including the representatives of both the business and political sectors. Georgia was also assessed positively [there] for its reforms. Georgia is con- Image source: Georgis Today sidered the most successful country in this region in terms of democratic and economic transformation. other major rankings as well. Moreover, economy will help us to better deal with and has allocated a budget to eradicate The reforms that are set for future if the country has the ambition to become these obstacles. these troubles. implementation in our country also a regional economic center, it is a primary Sadly, in the Human Capital Index, It is also vital to take into account that received good reviews. The possibility necessity for Georgia to be included in Georgia is not very successful. In the attracting major players to the Georgian of online registration for companies is the Top 5 countries. We are involved in 21st century, an era of technological market is incredibly important for us to one of the most important future reforms. the global competition and, thus, we need development, human capital is of a be involved more effectively in the global Another new legislative initiative under paramount importance. I do believe Georgia has economic chain. The idea of offering consideration comprises offering special that Georgia has incredible prospects special tax rates to transnational com- tax rates to transnational companies in human capital, and one of our main incredible panies has been catalyzed by this aspect. which launch headquarters in Georgia aims is to invest in education and develop And we are actively in the process of and serve their customers from our our country’s human resources, which prospects in negotiating an FTA with the USA. I’m country. Large technological companies will fi nally contribute to the inclusion very optimistic about reaching a con- which set up part of their research and of Georgia on the list of developed human capital, sensus on this topic. development infrastructure in Georgia Georgia is countries. will also benefi t from the same offer. and one of our TOURISM IS ONE OF THE These offers have already garnered considered the WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FASTEST GROWING INDUSTRIES interest, with negotiations begun with TO ACCELERATE GEORGIA’S main aims is to IN GEORGIA. HOW WILL THE a number of major companies in Davos. most successful INTEGRATION INTO THE GOV’T BOOST THIS AND WHAT Such initiatives will certainly contribute GLOBAL ECONOMY? DO invest in WEAKNESSES HAVE BEEN to the attraction of important and valu- country in this YOU EXPECT AN FTA WITH IDENTIFIED IN THE SECTOR? able investments. THE USA AT ANY POINT? education Tourism is and will remain the most And we are well aware that even region in terms of Our aim is for Georgia to be effectively dynamically developing industry in our though the World Economic Forum integrated into the global economy. economic sector. We are certainly inter- 2019 was effective, we will be expected democratic and Without completing this task, Georgia tion, we need to meet particularly high ested in diversifying our tourism options; to present the fruitful outcomes of the will fail to become the regional economic standards. however, we also need to overcome par- above mentioned initiatives when we economic hub. Having a free trade regime with One of the major aspirations is for ticular barriers. The number of direct visit Davos in 2020. the EU and China is certainly a histori- Georgia to become a full member of the fl ights to European cities is not yet sat- transformation cal achievement for Georgia. Yet, it is EU, and our successes in the economic isfactory, and sea transportation also YOU HAVE AN AMBITIOUS important not to take the given success fi eld help us to make steps towards this needs to be developed. PLAN TO INCLUDE GEORGIA to maintain our position and even advance for granted and to use it effi ciently. goal. We must ameliorate the quality of tour- AMONG THE TOP 5 COUNTRIES it. Being included in signifi cant ranking Although we have those FTAs, it is clearly Nevertheless, there are a number of ism and adopt new segments in this IN ALL THE MAJOR RANKINGS. systems is not an aim without purpose: impossible to double the rate of exports issues faced by the country in satisfying industry, as well as improve the infra- HOW WILL YOU DO IT? it is an opportunity for the country to immediately. However, the existent aug- the standards. There is lack of well- structure of the country. Coming 6th place in such a prestigious overcome the challenges facing it in the mentation of this fi gure clearly under- equipped laboratories and infrastructure Georgia has real potential for establish- ranking system as Doing Business already economic sphere, the most painful among lines the FTAs’ importance for the eco- for the fast and appropriate development ing recreational, health and cultural proves that Georgia has the potential and them being poverty. I believe more effec- nomic development of the country. As of the agricultural fi eld. And the govern- tourism. The government aims to espe- capability to obtain leading positions in tive integration of Georgia into the global we are involved in the global competi- ment is putting a lot of effort into this cially support these fi elds. GEORGIA TODAY 8 BUSINESS FEBRUARY 1 - 4, 2019 Europe’s Easternmost Port

China’s BRI has elicited a skeptical BY S. FREDERICK STARR response from many in the West and many elsewhere as well. However, nei- ther in the Caucasus nor in Central Asia hat is one of the are the declared interests of China, world’s largest dredg- Europe and the United States in confl ict. ing vessels doing in In fact, these are regions where one could Georgia, a country imagine East and West working out prac- that is several thou- tical understandings. If Anaklia could Wsand miles from the nearest ocean and help bring that about, it will have been boasts some of Europe’s highest moun- an agent of compromise in a situation tains? It is there because little Georgia, otherwise defi ned by confl ict. with a population of only 3.7 million, is Second, Anaklia–port and city–will be constructing a major international deep as the biggest development project ever sea port on its Black Sea coast. Anaklia, undertaken in the western Caucasus. As as the new port has been named, will be such, it has the potential to impact pos- a game changer in just about every respect. itively on the entire region, including Anyone who has seen the huge ships in both Russia’s North Caucasus, Armenia, the Bosporus at Istanbul knows the prob- northern Iran, and the poorer regions of lem Anaklia is designed to solve. An western Georgia itself. In light of the ocean-going freighter from the Americas fact that these regions have been several or Africa can pass into the Mediterra- times been riven by confl ict since the nean at Gibraltar or arrive from the Per- collapse of the USSR, the economic and sian Gulf via Suez. All of these, as well social development Anaklia fosters is as large ships from any port in Europe, bound to be benefi cial. can pass easily into the Black Sea. But if Third, the benefi ts this new port and their cargo is headed to the East—Azer- commercial center will bring to Georgia baijan, Central Asia, China, Afghanistan Source: europeaninterest.eu/ itself are notable. They will create thou- or even Pakistan—there has not been sands of jobs, most of them requiring any port on the eastern end of the Black the massive growth of east-west and larly, Romania will benefi t by being linked signifi cant part of this Europe-bound modern skills and a signifi cant number Sea that can accommodate them. west-east transport over the coming to the East through its major port of trade to the Caucasus route, i.e., to the of them being in emerging sectors of The same problem existed for goods years. All three of these mega-projects Constanza, while other Central European EU’s TRASECA. The exact extent of this technology and fi nance. This in turn will coming from the East. New Caspian ports will pour goods through Anaklia and countries will gain similar access via the shift will depend less on governments diversify Georgia’s economy and make being built by Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, will in turn serve as entrepots for goods Rhine-Danube Corridor and its direct than the judgment of the market. At any it more self-sustaining, which in turn and Azerbaijan will enable goods to go being sent east from Anaklia. link to Constanza. Meanwhile, of course, rate, China itself seeks to make greater will render the society more modern directly West by rail from Baku, Azer- The Government of Georgia has moved Europe’s Mediterranean and North Seas use of the Caucasus route and therefore and forward looking. Anaklia looks both baijan, to Georgia and on to Turkey. But quickly to expand its relations with China ports will be able to send goods to the has supported Anaklia. east and west, but its strongest impact the alternate sea route from Georgia to and to make sure that its Anaklia project entire East through Anaklia. If this hap- Meanwhile, the size of the labor force on Georgia will be to strengthen its ties the rest of the world has been blocked occupies a signifi cant place on China’s pens, Georgia’s new port will have ena- of the Indian sub-continent (India, Paki- with Europe and the Atlantic world. by the absence of a deep-sea port. Such global transport maps. It convened a “Silk bled Poland to implement its centuries- stan, and Bangladesh) is soaring while Georgians themselves have already a port must accommodate ships with a Road Forum” in Tbilisi in 2015 and then old dream of connecting the Baltic and the number of its retirees remains rela- declared integration with European life draft of up to seventeen meters. That in 2017 held a “Belt and Road Forum,” Black Seas. tively small. With a labor force that will and culture to be their strategic objec- will be Anaklia. with strong representation from China. At fi rst glance Turkey might seem to be twice the size of China’s within a tive. By offering European economies a Once functioning, Anaklia will be the Georgia also bought 28 Chinese freight pose a problem for Anaklia. Has it not generation, it is all but inevitable that new path by which their products can only deep -sea port east of the Bosporus locomotives and agreed to collaborate invested heavily in the railroad connect- the Indian sub-continent will become a reach the East, it will strengthen Europe’s able to host “Panamax” vessels, i.e., those with China on developing both its energy ing Baku and Istanbul by way of north- world economic center, as indeed is appreciation of Georgia, not just as an that can traverse the widened and deep- network and agriculture. China has become eastern Anatolia? But Georgia has been already happening. This will generate attractive if curious distant land but as ened Panama Canal. Goods crossing Georgia’s third largest trading partner, a partner in that Baku-Tbilisi-Kars pro- great demand for east-west transport, a country that contributes directly to from Anaklia can then proceed by ship an increase of 40 times since 2002. ject from the beginning and sees the rail which will be met by a combination of Europe’s own welfare. into the Danube system, or by train to The Anaklia project is expected to and sea links not as competitors but as sea and land routes. The Great India These and many other considerations anywhere in Central or southern Europe. receive up to $400 million in loans from complementary to one another. Moreo- Road, India’s counterpart to the Silk Road underscore the value and importance of Or they can proceed directly to the the diversifi ed pool of four European, ver, Anaklia will give eastern Turkey’s to China, is older and longer than the Anaklia for the United States. True, it Mediterranean and beyond. American, and Asian fi nancial institu- agricultural hinterland ready access to China route. Until it was cut by the Soviet will bring profi ts and jobs to the port’s Since 2017, hundreds of workers from tions, with China’s new Asian Infrastruc- a deep-sea port, whence foodstuffs can borders, it also carried more goods and builder, Conti Group of New Jersey, and the surrounding area have been hard at ture Development Bank providing 25% be sent to diverse markets on several was less frequently interrupted than the to SSA Marine of Seattle, which will work constructing the new port. In the of the total. Further funding comes from continents. Much the same can be said Silk Road between China and Europe. oversee its operations. And by expand- near future they will begin building the Government of Georgia and private of northern Iran. To be sure, the Iranians This route went straight to the Caspian ing the channels for continental trade Anaklia City, which is designed to be a Georgian investors. are working hard to complete a modern shores at Baku, Azerbaijan and thence across Eurasia, Anaklia (and the upgraded free-trade zone and regional commercial SSA Marine of Seattle, one of the world’s rail line from Turkey to its new Gulf of to the Black Sea. but smaller port at nearby Poti) will cre- center serving Georgia, Armenia, Azer- largest port managers, will run Anaklia’s Oman port and free trade zone at Chaba- The revival of this long-forgotten Great ate opportunities for American manu- baijan, the Russian Caucasus, and north- terminal. Anaklia City’s judicial and har, currently under Indian management. India Road will more than make up for facturers and their branches in Europe, eastern Turkey. Because of the country’s mediation services are expected to oper- This could eventually provide competi- any long-term decline of Chinese ship- and for American fi rms in such diverse central location, its sixth place ranking ate on the basis of British law. German, tion to the railroad running between ping through Anaklia that might occur. areas as shipping, logistics, insurance, (out of 190 countries) in the World Bank’s Swiss, and Danish logistics giants are Baku and Istanbul, although important Indeed, the fi rst steps towards this revival hotels, and storage. These important “Ease of Doing Business” report, and to expected to dominate west-east shipping. impediments (of which sanctions are are already being taken. Thus, Afghani- developments will all have a positive its having the second lowest perceived The Georgians have not forgotten the only one) would fi rst have to be over- stan and Turkmenistan are working to impact regionally, involving equally incidence of crime in Europe, according Russian army’s invasion of their country come. But if shippers from India wish revive what they call the Lapis Lazuli Azerbaijan and its new port at Aylat, and to the NUMBEO Crime Index,[1] Geor- in August 2008, nor can they ignore the to get their goods to northern Europe or Corridor from their common border both Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, with gians hope that fi rms from both Europe pressure Moscow is exerting against North America, a far more effi cient route clear to Europe via the Caucasus. And their new Caspian ports. Others who and Asia will fi nd it convenient to base Ukraine’s Black Sea ports at Kerch, Berdy- than sending them by rail from Chabahar only recently Afghanistan, Pakistan, will benefi t from the expanded corridor their Silk Road offi ces in the new city. ansk, and Mariupol. However, for the to Istanbul would be to trans-ship them Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Russia created by Anaklia will include Uzbek- Many countries have eyed the route time being, Putin and his foreign minis- directly to Anaklia via the railroad con- signed a deal to complete the rail con- istan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan, all of from the Caspian Sea through the Cau- ter, Sergei Lavrov, have kept their silence nection through Baku. nection across the width of Afghanistan which fi gure prominently among U.S. casus to the Black Sea as key elements about Anaklia. To be sure, in an interview Finally, we should note the potential to Peshawar in Pakistan. Meanwhile, two interests. Such developments will help of the emerging continent-spanning with Russian journalist D. Aslomov, Lav- value of Anaklia to the countries of Cen- newly built ports on the Arabian Sea– both Washington and Brussels to defi ne transport corridors. The European Union rov hinted that Russia would respond to tral Asia. Uzbekistan, for example, is the Pakistan’s Gwadar and Iran‘s Chabahar– a new strategy towards the Caucasus launched its TRASECA program (Trans- any military activity in Anaklia, but he world’s fourth largest producer of raw will enable goods shipped from the East and Central Asia, one that stresses con- port Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia) went no further.[2] Perhaps he and Putin cotton, much of which it still markets to proceed westward by land, with the tinental trade through the region, and in order to open the Caucasus and Cen- want to avoid further confl ict with Europe through the distant Baltic ports, which route through the Caucasus to Anaklia which is prepared to fi nd common cause tral Asia to the West. Then Azerbaijan, and America or, more likely, are not pre- they reach via the Russian railroad net- being a strong option. with other powers–including China, Georgia, Turkey and western partners pared to oppose something favored by work. Both Tajikistan and Turkmenistan There is no lack of hypothetical imped- Russia, and India–so long as they respect teamed up to build a new pipeline from its nominal ally, China. Or perhaps they grow cotton as well, and share Uzbeki- iments to the future success of Anaklia. the sovereignty and self-determination the Caspian to the Mediterranean and have concluded that the new port does stan’s diffi culties in getting their crop to Among them, none is more compelling of both regions. In the end, Anaklia ben- then a new highway and railroad from Russia no harm and could even benefi t market. Anaklia could greatly speed this than the possibility of continued low efi ts all countries that seek a new order the Baku clear through Georgia and Tur- its impoverished and confl icted provinces process and also cut costs. Other prod- international prices on oil. This would in the Caucasus and Central Asia based key to Istanbul and beyond. in the North Caucasus. ucts of landlocked Central Asia could reduce the cost of shipping goods from not on confrontation and interference Topping off this massive multinational If Anaklia poses no direct threat to Rus- reach markets more effi ciently by being China to Europe by sea and could there- but on trade and cooperation. effort was the construction of no fewer sia, it will be a positive boon to Central shipped from the eastern Caspian ports fore cut into the volume of land cargo Anaklia is a fi fty-two year project and than fi ve entirely new ports on the Cas- and East European countries that were of Aktau or Turkmenbashi to Aylat in from the East that should feed Anaklia. it is only now beginning its second year. pian Sea itself. Throughout the Soviet once under Moscow’s sway. For Poland, Azerbaijan and thence by a short over- But that shift would at the same time Many aspects of its future development era the Caspian had served mainly as a it mitigates the risk of depending on the land trip to Anaklia. benefi t Anaklia by reducing shipping have yet to be worked out, and its impact north-south sea link between Iran and unreliable Belarus-Russia border and the In the absence of a functioning deep- cost for the deep-sea vessels it will on the world around it for now remains Russia. Thanks to these initiatives aris- railroad line running south to Kazakh- water port on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, accommodate. In other words, like all hypothetical. What is already clear, how- ing from both the Caucasus and Central stan, which Russia could close at any and with the Caspian ports of Aktau and the other potentially retarding factors ever, is that Georgians are capable of Asia the Caspian has been transformed time. Polish goods will be able to reach Aylat only now beginning to fl ourish, discussed here, there are good reasons conceiving, planning, and carrying out into a major corridor of east-west trans- Anaklia through the Krakow-Constanza nearly all cargo from China has reached to think that this one may not prove sig- highly complex and signifi cant projects port. To achieve this, the littoral coun- route or via Katowice and Odessa. Indeed, Europe by crossing Kazakhstan and then nifi cant, if it emerges at all. that serve their country, their region, tries—Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Polish producers are already looking to diverting northward to Russia’s Trans- On the other side of the ledger are the and the world. Not bad for a country of Turkmenistan –have constructed modern Anaklia as the gateway through which Siberian Railroad, and thence to north- many potential benefi ts that Anaklia may 3.75 million that is better known for its new ports at Aylat, Aktau, and Turkmen- they can reach markets in Central Asia, ern Germany. Anaklia, working in tandem bring. First, it will facilitate trade and wine and tourism than for its contribu- bashi to serve what they expect to be China, the Middle East, and India. Simi- with Aktau and Aylat, should attract a interaction between Europe and China. tion to continental commerce. GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 1 - 4, 2019 BUSINESS 9 Approaching European Standards by Developing Skills in the Construction Sector

nical Vocational Education and Training BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES in the South Caucasus’ (PSD TVET SC) in close cooperation with the Union of Experts for Sustainable Energy and Envi- n 29 January the Ministry ronment (UESEE). of Education, Science, Cul- Successful participants of the training ture and Sport of Georgia ‘Occupational Health and Safety in and the Infrastructure Construction’ were handed certifi cates Construction Companies’ by the Deputy Minister of Internally AssociationO (ICCA) hosted the Coop- Displaced Persons from Occupied Ter- eration Forum ‘Skills for Construction ritories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs – Construction for Skills’ with the sup- of Georgia, Tamila Barkalaia. OHS train- port of GIZ, at the Georgian Technical ing helps to save the lives of Georgian University. The guiding theme of the construction workers and to introduce event was vocational qualifi cation in the international standards to increase construction sector in Georgia. Repre- safety on construction sites in the short- sentatives of construction companies, term and to improve the competitive- associations, training institutions, and ness of Georgian construction compa- ministries engaged in a lively dialogue nies in the long run, as they adhere to about how to provide construction pro- EU standards and expand their busi- fessionals with the skills needed to meet nesses. European standards. The event particu- The event was supported by the Private larly considered the state of implemen- Sector Development and Technical Voca- tation of dual vocational training which tional Education and Training Programme recently started in ten construction South Caucasus, implemented by companies and three vocational colleges. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Dual TVET is a specifi c form of voca- Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), on behalf of the tional education that is particularly Federal Ministry for Economic Coop- responsive to the job market and is jointly Education, Science, Culture and Sport of well-trained and bring a combination of Practical orientation for construction eration and Development (BMZ). It designed by the state, the business sec- Georgia, highlighted the necessity of skills up-to-date theoretical and practical pro- companies to enhance the energy effi - highlighted the fruitful cooperation of tor and civil society. It combines training related to occupational health and safety fessional skills,” she stated. This was ciency standards in buildings was pro- Georgia and Germany in supporting the at the VET College and in the company (OHS) and energy effi ciency. “The con- confi rmed by construction companies vided by distributing and discussing the private sector in adapting to European and provides "better skills for better struction sector is one of the most rapidly that underlined their commitment to guidebook ‘Energy Effi ciency in Con- standards, particularly in the fi elds of business." growing and dynamic sectors in Georgia. contribute to training young people in struction’ – a result of the programme energy effi ciency and work safety in the Irina Abuladze, Deputy Minister of Companies seek young people that are the Georgian construction sector. ‘Private Sector Development and Tech- construction sector. JSC Nenskra Hydro Signs Memorandum of Cooperation with Ministry of Economy of Georgia tainable Development of Georgia. The Sunyoung Kim, Chief Executive Offi cer BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES signing of the Memorandum was part of of JSC Nenskra Hydro. the offi cial visit of Mr. Hak Soo Lee, Chief “During our meeting with the Minister, Executive Offi cer of Korea Water Resources we discussed the issues of current and n January 28, a Memoran- Corporation, the Nenskra Hydropower future cooperation within the framework dum of Cooperation was Plant (HPP) Project investor company. of the Nenskra HPP project,” said Mr. signed between JSC Nen- The Memorandum was signed by Hak Soo Lee. “We intend to continue our skra Hydro and the Minis- George Kobulia, Minister of Economy close cooperation with the Government Otry of Economy and Sus- and Sustainable Development, and of Georgia and local self-government

with the purpose of developing the region of cooperation between Korea Water and the well-being of the local commu- Resources Corporation K-water and nity. This will remain the most signifi cant JSC Partnership Fund. The company guarantee of the project success.” will construct the Nenskra Hydropower Founded in 1967, Korea Water Resources Plant in the Nenskra and Nakra River Corporation K-Water is a state-owned Valleys in Mestia Municipality of the company. K-Water has implemented 67 Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region. The high complexity projects in 24 countries. 280 MW Nenskra Hydropower Plant Presently, K-water is managing 16 multi- will generate approximately 1,200.00 functional dams. GWh of electricity annually, which will Nenskra Hydro is a project-based be fully consumed by the Georgian company established in 2015 as a result market. Georgian Business House Opens in China town, Guangzhou for the fi rst time. gian Business House, including products BY MARIAM MERABISHVILI Ambassador of Georgia to the People's such as Georgian wine, chacha, canned Republic of China Archil Kalandia, and products, mineral water, honey, olive oil, representatives of local self-government, lemonade, and tea. he Georgian business house took part in the offi cial opening ceremony. The Special Representative of the of the One Belt-One Road According to Beka Mikaberidze, Special Chamber of Commerce and Industry of initiative was opened with Representative of the Georgian Chamber Georgia has been functioning in Guang- the support of the Georgian of Commerce and Industry in Guang- zhou, China, since September 2017 with Chamber of Commerce dong Province, the project echoes the the purpose of promoting trade relations andT Industry in Guangzhou, China on initiative of the President of the People's between the two countries. Representa- January 28. According to the Chamber, Republic of China about uniting One tions give consultation about the Chinese the project is unprecedented in that it Belt-One Road states on one platform. market to Georgian entrepreneurs and enables numerous Georgian products At the fi rst phase, up to 20 Georgian help to establish business communica- to be presented to the Chinese market companies were exhibited in the Geor- tion with local business. GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY FEBRUARY 1 - 4, 2019 2019-2020 Tbilisi Infrastructure Projects BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE

his Tuesday, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze presented the major infra- structural projects planned for the city in 2019-2020. Large projects will be implemented Tby Tbilisi City Hall’s Infrastructure Development Department, while small and medium projects will be implemented by the governments of Tbilisi’s districts. “The everyday routine of our work is a step-by- step approach to building a European, modern, orderly, comfortable and safe city…These are the issues we have accumulated over three decades, and each of us is puzzled. Of course, it is impos- sible to solve all the problems with one hand, but I am sure that we will solve everything with a united effort,” Kaladze said. The major projects for the coming two years include: • A new road connecting Machavariani Street and Marshal Gelovani Avenue, 18 million GEL ($6.8 mln) • Renovation of the underground crossings at Image source: Tbilisi City Hall Heroes Square, 3.8 million GEL ($1.43 mln) • A new road leading to Lisi Lake, supporting the GEL ($4.9 mln) • Renovation of Pirosmani Street, 50 million GEL frontage roads. All communication networks have area’s developing infrastructure (tender to be • Renovation of Vekua-Khizanishvili streets (the ($18.83 mln) already been replaced. The greenery and lighting announced soon) two main streets of Gldani), 10 million GEL ($3.8 • Renovation of Gudiashvili-Purtseladze streets network will be fully renovated. In the area around • Dighomi Chalebi park will be completed in 2020, mln) 45 million GEL ($16.95 mln) the [Man and Sun] monument, we have a similar 11.6 million GEL ($4.37 mln) • Renovation of Kandelaki St., 1.6 million GEL • Mtkvari River area development, 110 million approach – green spaces will be created. Within • A new sewer network in Dighomi village, 3 mil- ($60,000) GEL ($41.43 mln) the works, a drainage system, lighting, and an arti- lion GEL ($1.13 mln) • Renovation of Kikvidze Park, 4.9 million GEL fi cial lake will be created to make a nice space in • A new sewer network in the Mukhiani settle- ($1.85 mln) Kaladze noted the importance of the area of Dig- the city,” Kaladze explained. ments, 1.9 million GEL ($72,000) • Repair work on the bridges over the Gldanula homi for the city’s ecological health, saying “The Kikvidze Park, offi cially called the Veterans’ Rest • Renovation of the underground crossing at First River in Gldani, 4 million GEL ($1.51 mln) next very important project is to regulate the area and Culture Park, will be renovated by the end of Republic Square (near the Radisson Blu hotel), • A new vehicle bridge connecting University of Dighomi. We talk a lot about improving eco- the year. “The renovation of this park is carried 2 million GEL ($75,000) Street and Tskneti highway (Bagebi), 20-30 mil- logical conditions, what the municipality and the out within the projects that serve to create green • Renovation of the vehicle tunnel near Rustaveli lion GEL ($7.5 – 11.3 mln) population should do to improve the situation. We spaces and improve ecological conditions. Here, metro 1.3 million GEL ($49,000) • The construction of multiuse community cent- have already tightened regulations on construction. we have two directions: fi rst - regulation and main- • Full rehabilitation of the Kakheti highway, 45 ers in Didi Dighomi and Vareketili, 12 million Also, we pay great attention to the creation of green tenance of the existing parks, and second, the con- million GEL ($16.95 million) plus 7 million GEL GEL ($4.52 mln) each spaces. Not one construction permit has been issued struction of new city parks and squares, which the ($2.64 mln) for street lights and 7.1 million GEL • Converting concrete road islands into green from our side [that would damage] green spaces, governors [of Tbilisi’s districts] perform at a very ($2.67 mln) for green spaces along the highway spaces, 753,773 GEL ($283,906) sports grounds, etc. Special attention is paid to high level…New spaces will be created for children, • Renovation of the monument “Man and Sun,” • A new road to the settlement of Vashlijvari, 2.7 creating a lot of green spaces.” an amphitheater and bicycle area will be arranged. near the Tbilisi Airport, 3.6 million GEL ($1.36 million GEL ($1.02 mln) The Kakheti Highway project is a major under- In this and every other city park there will be a mln) • Renovation of Dry Bridge and the Saarbrucken taking, which began in 2018. “At the fi rst stage [of sports zone with equipment for people of any age • Renovation of Chavchavadze Ave., 13 million Square area, 9.9 million GEL ($3.73 mln). the project], we started to adjust the right and left to use,” said the Mayor. Multiuse community centers are planned for Didi Dighomi and Varketili, in line with Kaladze’s elec- tion campaign promises. “Of course, we will fulfi ll this promise,” said Kaladze, “Last year, one complex was opened in Temka, but it is not enough. This year we are launching two important projects in Didi Dighomi and Varketili. These are multifunc- tional centers where there will be all kinds of sport facilities, a swimming pool, a mediathek [digital library and co-working space], cafes, libraries. We will present similar projects in different districts and will start implementing them next year.” There are also plans for a major renovation of the area around Dry Bridge and Saarbrucken Square. “We are planning to rehabilitate the surrounding area, including Dedaena Park. Green spaces, which are in poor condition, need care and attention. In this area, interest is high. The complete rehabilita- tion of Orbeliani Square will soon be completed and the two parks will be in harmony with each other,” promised Kaladze. Some of the biggest projects include the renova- tion of Pirosmani Street, Gudiashvili-Purtseladze streets, and the redesign of the territory along the Mtkvari River, near Gorgasali Street in central Tbi- lisi. Kaladze explained that the Pirosmani Street work will take two years. “Every house on this street is in a state of emergency,” he said, “Within the framework of the project, all this will be sorted, starting with underground communications which needs to be entirely replaced and repaired. I'm sure local businesses will be involved in the process. The renovation works on Gudiashvili and Purtse- ladze streets are important projects that will be completed in 2020.” Speaking of the Mtkvari riverbank development, the Mayor said, “This is a very important project. We would like to arrange a vehicle tunnel and, above the tunnel, have a pedestrianized green space with 10 hectares of landscaping. We also want to construct a pedestrian bridge that will connect directly to the Avlabari metro station.” GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 1 - 4, 2019 SOCIETY 11 British Council Runs ‘Licensing & Copyright in the UK’ Workshop

sessions and research reports; and through BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES education programme CMU:DIY, which supports early-career artists and future industry talent. Of the Tbilisi workshop, s part of the British Coun- Cooke said: “It’s great to meet people cil’s Selector PRO pro- who are members of the music industry gramme, Chris Cooke, a working with arts and songwriters in journalist and media entre- Georgia. Back in the UK, we believe preneur from the UK, was everyone should know the basics of Ainvited to deliver a workshop on ‘Licens- copyright.” ing and Copyright in the UK’ on 30 The British Council Programme Selec- January for producers, musical events tor PRO aims to share the UK experience managers and journalists. The three-hour of managing in the music industry in workshop was followed by a Question order for Georgian professionals to build and Answer session where participants on the existing knowledge and enhance had the chance to get additional infor- their skills in the management of the mation about the issues raised and share music industry. The idea for Selector PRO their experience and challenges. evolved out of the Selector radio show Chris Cooke is an editor, journalist and produced by the British Council, which media entrepreneur. He is co-founder has been bringing the best new music and MD of CMU, a company that helps from the UK to Georgian audiences since people navigate and understand the 2010 through Radio Green Wave (FM music business. It does this through 107.4) and features exclusive live sessions, media like the CMU Daily bulletin, Set mixes and interviews with some of the list podcast and CMU Trends library; most exciting British artists, covering through consultancy unit CMU Insights styles of music from indie, dubstep, folk, with its training courses, conference soul, electro and everything in between. Dighmis Chalebi - Georgia Leading Safest Dighomi's Newest Countries of Caucasus Park Moving Region

Armenia is in 62nd place, Azerbaijan 8 Singapore 7.34 BY THEA MORRISON Forward – 71, Turkey – 107, and Russia – 108. 9 Denmark 7.41 The 2019 Global Finance safety score 10 New Zealand 7.42 for countries equally weighs each of eorgia is the leader in the three factors: war and peace, personal The list of the 10 least safe countries is: Caucasus region on the list security, and natural disaster risk. 119 Mali 14.15 of Safest Countries 2019 in The list of the top safest countries 2019 120 Chad 14.31 the world, based on the is as follows: 121 Bangladesh 14.66 rating of Global Finance 1 Iceland 6.16 122 Colombia 14.79 GMagazine Safety Index. 2 Switzerland 7.01 123 Pakistan 14.80 On the list of 128 countries, Georgia 3 Finland 7.04 124 Nigeria 14.88 takes 49th place with 9.68 points and 4 Portugal 7.07 125 El Salvador 15.43 leads the other states in the Caucasus 5 Austria 7.08 126 Guatemala 15.81 region. 6 Norway 7.27 127 Yemen 15.93 7 Qatar 7.28 128 Philippines 17.70

and city planners see the space as one BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE of Tbilisi's best recreation areas in the future. "We are talking about the ecological n June last year, Tbilisi City Hall situation and its solutions. We pay great announced plans to rennovate attention to tightening regulations and parks throughout the city and creating green spaces. We have not issued build several new parks. At least even one permission at the expense of two new parks will be built – in green spaces and sports grounds during Ithe Dighomi area, a park called ‘Dighmis this year,” said Kaladze. Chalebi’ and a park called ‘Temkis Khevi’ By the end of 2019, City Hall plans to in the Temka area. There are also plans renovate 12 big parks in Tbilisi, includ- to build a third new park in Gldani’s VI ing its most well-known public green microdistrict which will be more than space – Vake Park. The renovations will three hectares in size. include benches, lighting, footpaths, and The Dighmis Chalebi project will cost different attractions for children. In Vake 11 million GEL, and will take nearly two Park, there will be a special dog area for years to complete. pets and their owners. There are also The project is part of the Tbilisi Land discussions to build a small amusement Use Master Plan, explained Mayor Kakha park in Vake Park, as there was during Kaladze at a presentation on Tuesday, Soviet times. GEORGIA TODAY 12 SOCIETY FEBRUARY 1 - 4, 2019 Stand Up Comedy in Tbilisi

There wasn’t much of a comedy scene the same in every language. When we BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE here at all. Many people told me comedy laugh, we are fundamentally the same. here was a TV show, [but] stand-up It took some time to write specifi cally comedy is in a global boom. People want for Georgia. I was incredibly surprised tand-Up Tbilisi (SUT) is a to laugh. There has never been a better to fi nd a joke that was my best joke, my group of people interested in time for stand-up. We were fortunate closer when performing regularly in growing the art of stand-up enough to fi nd each other and make it Sydney, Australia and the USA, gets comedy in the capital city, happen, but if we hadn’t, it would have absolutely no laughs here. I had to write comprised of diverse perform- happened here eventually. English com- about my experiences in Georgia and Sers that want to get better at stand-up edy works here because English for the the differences between our cultures, comedy and make people laugh. The most part is a global language…We want and the different ways my wife and I team is currently made up of around 10 Georgian stand-up events as well. In fact, experience the world. regular performers and several others SUT will be holding Georgian stand-up Georgians are funny. From time spent who occasionally get on stage. Georgia’s events again soon. with my in-laws in Kutaisi, I know most fi rst English language stand-up comedy Georgians can tell a story that makes event series was founded by Rezi Arse- YOU’VE PERFORMED ALL those around them laugh- and what great nidze, Jora, Pasqualino Masa, and Nate OVER THE WORLD. DO YOU laughs! Georgians are a durable people Eubanks. GEORGIA TODAY sat down HAVE TO TAILOR YOUR JOKES and have experienced incredibly diffi cult with Nate to talk about his involvement TO AUDIENCES IN DIFFERENT hardships in their past and recent his- and the city’s growing comedy scene. COUNTRIES? WHAT ABOUT tory. They fi nd joy in each other and GEORGIA IN PARTICULAR– relationships. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? WHAT IS PEOPLE’S SENSE My brother and I have always loved OF HUMOR LIKE HERE? HOW HAS THE DEVELOPMENT up, and what is the worst? Have an idea of what you want to say. comedy. Possibly because my dad was Always. I edit my material for the coun- PROCESS BEEN FOR The best feeling in the world is making Then, either contact us on Facebook, so funny, and my mom had such a great try in which I perform. Performing inter- STAND-UP TBILISI? a room full of strangers laugh. The worst IG, or twitter and we will put you on laugh. I encouraged my brother to per- nationally, the focus has to be on what We want to make something good and feeling is bombing. Every performance the lineup Thursday evening. We wel- form, and I wrote some jokes for him. is universally funny. It is beautiful when something that lasts. For us, that means has the chance for either of those out- come new performers. We are espe- He started performing more improv people from different countries and cul- expanding when it makes sense. Our comes. A friend of mine recently per- cially looking for more female come- comedy, so I also gave it a shot. I love it. tures laugh together. Laughing sounds home is Creator Bar and, recently, we formed for the stand-up for the fi rst time. dians. Performing is frightening, but I think I’ll always write jokes and try to have had up to 10 comedians performing He claimed stand-up was scarier than our audience is kind. They want you make people laugh…I’ve been fortunate and a nearly full room. It is starting to when he was in a war zone. He may have to succeed. A common mistake is drink- enough to perform in over a dozen coun- look reasonable to expand to other nights… been exaggerating, but there is some ing before performing. Do not get tries on excellent shows and made friends Our challenges are to make a quality truth to it. drunk before performing. It’s not bet- with comedians around the world. event, grow as performers, attract an Writing jokes takes listening to your ter: it’s worse. Only you think it is bet- I moved to Georgia to be close to my interested audience, and bring them back own thoughts and communicating your ter. Don’t do it! wife’s family. My wife is Georgian. We again. Since Tbilisi has a small metro- ideas to strangers and hope they think For those not quite ready to get up on met when we were both living in Kuwait. Laughing sounds politan area, we have to write new mate- it’s funny. If they hate it, in a way, they stage, come watch, says Nate, “Watching I know, it’s little cliché: move to Kuwait, rial more often, which is challenging. hate you because it is your thoughts they a new comedian develop, and get more fall in love, end up in Georgia. You prob- the same in every My long-term vision for Stand-up Tbilisi hate. The euphoria of the magical con- and more laughs, is a beautiful thing to ably get that all the time. I love Georgia. is huge. In the near future, we hope to nection, where shared thoughts make a see…you are witnessing the infancy of I love how close people can be to family, language. When bring regional English-speaking headlin- laugh spontaneously appear from noth- future great comedians and the birth of friends and neighbors. ing comedians to Tbilisi. But my vision ing, is often worth those harrowing, a comedy scene in Tbilisi. Come laugh we laugh, we are is bigger than that. With regular perfor- excruciatingly painful bombs. with us!” WHEN YOU STARTED, WHAT mances, our local comedians will improve Learn more about Nate at http://nateeu- WAS THE COMEDY SCENE fundamentally the to where they perform internationally in HOW CAN SOMEONE GET banks.com/ (including a sneak peak at his LIKE IN TBILISI ? WHAT MADE shows and festivals. I have such high hopes INVOLVED IN PERFORMING? comedy routine!) and catch the next Stand YOU THINK ENGLISH STAND- same. for what we are trying to build here. The thoughts or stories you fi nd Up Tbilisi show by following facebook. UP WOULD WORK HERE? What is the best part about doing stand- yourself repeating, write them down. com/standuptbilisi and @Standuptbilisi. Feminism, Gayism, Drugism & All That Jazz Tens of books are being written on the know well, within a healthy familial OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE topic, trying to prove that a daycare- environment with male-female partici- centered society is better than a mom- pation, not with the help of gay partner- oriented civilization. In a word, feminists ship. So “gayism” is also the stopper of hese are not just naïve are on the assault and the rest of the a demographic boom in Georgia. innocuous terms describing globe is on the defensive, and contro- I am an extremely tolerant man and a regular human weaknesses. versy between them seems to be inter- very reasonable citizen, but a baby boom These are the woes that hurt minable. for me is the most elevated worth in this Georgia’s future which abso- I couldn’t care less, but when the fem- country. I believe less in all the attribu- lutelyT and irrevocably depends on its inist movement makes its way into the tive values that are displayed around us. multiplying for success. Everything else, Georgian national reality, things become And fi nally, drug addicts make lousy including economic efforts, political scary because the Georgian ethnicity procreators, whereas Georgia needs to endeavors and social labors makes no and culture have no way to survive except guarantee its future survival and devel- sense without nationwide demographic through family, in which we have to see opment only based on the advent of a prosperity. OK, but what has feminism involved as many young men and women physically and mentally strong genera- got to do with Georgia’s national exigen- as possible. Again, nothing makes sense tion, which is practically impossible to cies and what’s so terribly wrong about if we are not bodily here. Marriage, fam- achieve through drug-based marital it? a radical feminist might ask. The rest ily and baby boom are the only builders couples. of humankind would answer that the of this nation’s future – not politics, not It does not take a genius to happily worst part of feminism is the outrageous education, not arts, not technology and conclude that the suggested discourse belligerency of gender warriors who want not economy! And the feminist stupor, is extremely simplistic but unpopular, Image source: krystalwoodbridge.com to weaken the family as such and elimi- in an accelerated fashion, is killing our which does nothing to save the day. The nate marriage as the most convenient the world. There is no doubt that women feminist idea that fathers and husbands chance to survive because its aim is to day-saver is buried deeper in our national and productive union between Mars and should not have to face discrimination make women’s worst enemies? Should expunge from human memory values psyche within which the priorities are Venus, letting their offspring grow and neither in employment nor in educa- we really believe that there are no innate like family, marriage and maternal care. pathologically confused. I just wonder mature in bi-parental love and care. tional opportunities, but how to quieten sex differences in existence? How fair But the epidemic, called feminism, is if our western friends and partners The much-deliberated-on and talked- the loud-mouthed feminist truth-killers and civilized is it to arrive at the conclu- defi nitely not the only killer of the joy. understand this. about equality of sexes and female social who say that a babysitter or daycare is sion that kids no longer need motherly There are other pests that are curtailing Thank you for the precepts in democ- integration are tolerable ideas and even better for children than their own bio- love because it is a myth that men have our national survival opportunity, and racy, human rights and fair elections; have the potential to give additional logical moms? Everyone knows that created, as some most celebrated femi- those are drug addiction and the homo- thank you for being so humanly tolerant sense to a traitional male-female union rape, sexual harassment and domestic nists would say. Certainly, the radical sexual alternative to the physical life of towards feminists, homosexuals and drug in general, but hardly anybody knows violence are intolerable vices of human egalitarian attitude will never admit that the sexes. The Georgian people need fi ends. But would you by any chance how to handle in the meantime the non- society that have to be relentlessly fought the world is clearly divided by gender rich and ripe posterity which cannot have some usable tips for your beloved stop fi lthy anti-family and anti-marriage and eliminated, but should we in the and nothing can change the pattern happen without an excessive number of Georgia on how to guarantee its physi- propaganda promoted by feminists of meantime be putting up with fl agrant unless a sexual Armageddon takes place. childbirths, and kids are made, as we all cal survival? Yes, physical! GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 1 - 4, 2019 SOCIETY 13 Flat: Khaishi, Svaneti

and my full weight of c. 55 kg, and jacked Some elarji (potatoes and cheese) and BLOG BY TONY HANMER up the car as high as the jack would allow. ajapsandali (mixed vegetable stew, spiced Not high enough, as it turned out, to up for the Mingrelian renovation guys) remove the damaged tire! That alone and wine later, I retired for the night, he dreaded day came for left me stuck and needing help. A call to most grateful for a roof, full belly, warmth which I had practiced and my insurance company, which has been and safety. had experience in my ear- receiving $65/month for the privilege of Next morning, we retrieved an electric lier car, but so far had been being such, was no help at all, even when tire pump, fi lled the somewhat disused- able to avoid in this one for they eventually found me in their system, depleted spare tire, I said my goodbyes, Tover 2½ years. while my name and phone number had was allowed to borrow said pump as a It happened when I was driving a car done nothing to locate me (vehicle ID just in case for my onward journey of completely full of shopping for our shop did the trick). Svaneti is, apparently, out- nearly 50 km, and off I set again, unevent- back up from the Zugdidi trip, which side their zones of support, or a fl at tire fully, home. included the vehicle inspection I wrote doesn’t count as an accident, or some- Further Notes to Self: buy a similar about last week. Driving with all four thing. Note to Self: DROP them, loudly pump (mine was recently spoiled by wheels active, in 2nd gear in snow, a enough to be heard for a large radius. local guys; don’t lend out the new one!), couple of km below Khaishi, suddenly Replace with something better. a higher-extending jack, a new tire as an extra vibration began, something By this time, Georgian Mountain Law the fl at one is really irreparable; and new. It was that gentle. Had I been bar- being what it blessedly is, a minivan with consider winter tires into the bargain, reling down a highway somewhere at three men had stopped and jacked me despite the expense and the hassle of 110 km/h, the result on my control could up high enough to exchange the wheels. swapping out and storing the other set… have been far scarier. As it was, I was One of them was local and insisted on Be Prepared better, former Boy Scout, able simply to pull to a stop from my 20 putting me up for the night; otherwise for as much as possible! km/h and have a look. A Flat Tire, rear I would have walked to Khaishi and tried Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since passenger side. my luck there, where at least there are 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a Evening was approaching; snow had a couple of guest houses and such. I weekly writer for GT since early 2011. already been coming down for quite a drove slowly behind them to his house, He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Face- while and I had this to deal with on my parked the car, brought in to his freezer book group, now with nearly 2000 mem- own. Dig out the bag with all my travel a couple of things needing the cold, and bers, at www.facebook.com/groups/ goodies in it: steel tow cable, jumper was installed for the night. SvanetiRenaissance/ cables, jack, tools, shovel and more. I It turned out that the young man’s He and his wife also run their own removed the spare tire from its position mother was a teacher at Khaishi school, guest house in Etseri: under the rear of the car, loosened the and we had given her a ride to Zugdidi www.facebook.com/hanmer.house. bolts of the fl at tire with the tire iron once; she was delighted to put me up. svaneti GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE FEBRUARY 1 - 4, 2019

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER REFLECTION THE FAVOURITE Exhibitions: Until February 24 Show dedicated to Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos GEORGIAN COSTUME AND FELIX VARLAMISHVILI (VARLA) SOLO EXHIBITION GABRIADZE THEATER the memory of Cast: Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, WEAPONRY OF THE 18TH-20TH For the fi rst time, enjoy more than 14 Shavteli Str. Amiran Shalikashvili Rachel Weisz CENTURIES Start time: 20:00 Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama NUMISMATIC TREASURY 60 artworks by the author from the Georgian National Museum and Ticket: 10 GEL Language: English EXHIBITION STONE AGE February 1, 2 private collections. REZO Start time: 19:30 GEORGIA Language: Russian Animated documentary fi lm ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE KHIDI CINEMA Start time: 22:00 Directed by Leo Gabriadze NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL V. Bagrationi Bridge, Right Emb. Ticket: 15 GEL Script: Revaz Gabriadze COLLECTIONS Every Tuesday, from 15:00-20:00 Genre: Animation, Biography AMIRANI CINEMA CAVEA GALLERY Language: Georgian 36 Kostava Str. Until February 28 Until February 20 English Subtitles 2/4 Rustaveli Ave. TEL (+995 32) 299 99 55 In the framework of the Multidisciplinary exhibition project Start time: 20:00 www.kinoafi sha.ge TEL (+995 32) 200 70 07 celebrations of the European Year IN-BETWEEN CONDITIONS Ticket: 15 GEL ‘In-between conditions’ displays of Cultural Heritage in Georgia 18 work contributions expressing Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL Every Wednesday ticket: 8 GEL the Georgian National Museum VASO ABASHIDZE MUSIC February 1-7 February 1-7 cultural impulses affected by AND DRAMA THEATER presents the exhibition political or social forces. WISDOM TRANSFORMED INTO 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave. GLASS GLASS GOLD Directed by M. Night Shyamalan WINDOW PROJECT (Info Above) GALLERY February 1 Cast: Sarah Paulson, Bruce Willis, MARRIAGE Language: English MUSEUM OF SOVIET 7 Tatishvili Str. Samuel L. Jackson Directed by Davit Doiashvili Start time: 13:30, 19:30 OCCUPATION TEL (+995) 577 55 35 53 Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi Choreographer: Konstantine Language: Russian 3 Rustaveli Ave. Language: Russian Purtseladze Start time: 16:30, 22:30 TEL (+995 32) 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 VAKHTANG KOKIASHVILI’S Musical Start time: 19:30 Ticket: 11-19 GEL www.museum.ge SOLO EXHIBITION Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 11-19 GEL SECOND ORDER Ticket: 15-20 GEL HOLMES & WATSON Until March 1 BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY Exhibition Directed by Etan Cohen DÉDICACE GALLERY Directed by Bryan Singer RED TERROR AND GEORGIAN 27 Atoneli Str. MOVEMENT THEATER Cast: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Cast: Rami Malek, Joseph Mazzello, ARTISTS 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave. Ralph Fiennes TEL (+995 32) 598 19 29 36 Mike Myers A showcase of artworks by Dimitri Until February 11 Genre: Biography, Drama, Music Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Crime Shevardnadze, Petre Otskheli, KOTE JINCHARADZE’S Language: Russian February 1 Language: English Henryk Hryniewski, Richard EXHIBITION Sommer, Kiril Zdanevich, Vasily IGGI Start time: 16:45 Start time: 12:00 SAND GLASS Shukhaev, Elene Akhvlediani, Lado Jemal Karchkhadze Ticket: 14 GEL Ticket: 10-15 GEL Gudiashvili, David Kakabadze, Ucha MUSIC Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Japharidze, Aleksandre Bajbeuk- Music: Sandro Nikoladze MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY Melikov, Korneli Sanadze and more. DJ. KAKHIDZE CENTER FOR (Info Above) Start time: 20:00 Directed by Josie Rourk The exposition also showcases MUSIC & CULTURE Ticket: 10-15 GEL Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie, Language: English documentary footage depicting the 123a Agmashenebli Ave. Jack Lowden Start time: 22:15 1920-30s repressions. February 2 Genre: Biography, Drama, History Ticket: 16-19 GEL February 2 Concert of Tbilisi Symphony ASTIGMATISTS Language: Russian TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM Directed by Ioseb Bakuradze Orchestra Start time: 16:45 AQUAMAN KARVASLA Conductor– Revaz Djavakhishvili. Composer: Sandro Nikoladze Ticket: 14 GEL Directed by James Wan 8 Sioni Str Program: Start time: 20:00 Cast: Amber Heard, Jason Momoa, Symphonic poem “The Youth of Ticket: 10-15 GEL GREEN BOOK Nicole Kidman February 8-15 Hercules” by C. Saint-Seans, Directed by Peter Farrelly Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy A RETROSPECTIVE SOLO February 3 EXHIBITION OF Symphony N3 by Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Language: English SILENCE, REHEARSAL! GEORGIAN PHOTOGRAPHER C. Saint-Saens and Ali, Linda Cardellini Start time: 19:15 Concerto for bassoon and chamber Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Genre: Biography, Comedy, History VAKHO KHETAGURI Language: Russian orchestra by Performance consists of various Language: Russian The exhibition displays 12 series short novels: Start time: 22:30 Vivaldi with young soloist Start time: 22:00 created in eight different countries George Alavidze. "Good Morning", "Cinemat", Ticket: 16-19 GEL Ticket: 15 GEL and covering various genres Start time: 19:30 "Welcome-Host", of photography - conceptual, Tickets: 10-30 GEL "Shirley Beis", "Painter", "Bohemian MUSEUM documentary and photojournalism. SERENITY Rhapsody" Exhibition curator: Myriam CAFE MZIURI Directed by Steven Knight Start time: 20:00 GEORGIAN NATIONAL Grigalashvili. Mziuri Park Ticket: 10-15 GEL Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Diane Lane MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA GALLERY February 3 MUSEUM SHALIKASHVILI THEATER Genre: Drama, Thriller SAKVIARO FOR CHILDREN Language: Russian 3 Rustaveli Ave. THE NATIONAL GALLERY Great fun with invited guests 37 Rustaveli Ave. Start time: 12:00-14:00 Start time: 19:45 TEL (+995 32) 299 80 22, 293 48 21 11 Rustaveli Ave. February 1, 2 Ticket: 15 GEL www.museum.ge TEL (+995 32) 215 73 00 MOVEMENT THEATER 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave. TEL (+995 32) 598 19 29 36

February 2 JAM SESSION Every Tuesday Musical art director- Sandro Nikoladze Entry: Free

BASSIANI 2 A. Tsereteli Ave.

February 1 Fast Forward Productions: SUGAR, SCHACKE, REPRO HOROOM: HVL, MERCURRIO Start time: 23:55 Ticket: 20-30 GEL

February 2 Vodkast Records with DJ Fett Burger, Zurkin, Vakho Start time: 23:00 Ticket: 10-20 GEL

KHIDI V. Bagrationi Bridge, Right Emb.

February 1 999999999 SEPT JORJICK A.TABUKASHVILI DJ SOUL EXPLOSION Start time: 23:55 Ticket: 20-40 GEL

February 2 CILLIAN QUERUBIM YASAMANI Start time: 23:55 Ticket: 10-20 GEL GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 1 - 4, 2019 CULTURE 15 Turkish Embassy Hosts Screening to Mark Int’l Holocaust Remembrance Day vors who was living with her family on ing to his wife’s death. Amato clutches BY LIKA CHIGLADZE the island of Rhodes, Greece, when the her red Turkish passport, a symbol of Nazis occupied the island. More than her freedom, and says how she regrets 1700 Jews were living there then. The she never had the chance to meet Ülkü- n January 24, the Embassy Turkish Consul-General Selahattin Ülkü- men and thank him. Yad Vashem, The of Turkey in Georgia men falsifi ed documents to save some World Holocaust Remembrance Center, marked International Hol- on the basis of their Turkish citizenship. ultimately recognized him as “Righteous ocaust Remembrance Day, He was one of a group of Turkish Con- among the Nations” in 1989. which commemorates the suls serving in Europe at the time. This ‘The Story of Lina Amato’ is an honest tragedyO of the Holocaust that occurred is their story and we would like to stand and unforgettable story in commemora- during the Second World War. In rela- and respect the memories of all the vic- tion of International Holocaust Remem- tion to the Day, the Turkish Embassy in tims and all the survivors,” she said. brance Day. The fi lm features clear his- Georgia organized the screening of The fi lm was made in association with torical context by Richard Freedman, documentary fi lm ‘The Story of Lina the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs director of the SA Holocaust and Geno- Amato.’ The event was attended by the and the Turkish Embassy in Pretoria. cide Foundation, and a brief interview ambassadors of other countries to Geor- ‘The Story of Lina Amato’ is based on with the current Turkish Ambassador gia, diplomats, media, and other guests. the true story of Lina Kantor (Amato), in South Africa, Elif Çomoglu Ülken. But H.E. Fatma Ceren Yazgan, the Ambas- one of the few remaining survivors of the essence of the story is captured by sador of Turkey to Georgia, welcomed the Holocaust, now residing in Cape Lina herself. Her words are carefully guests and highlighted the importance Town, South Africa. This extraordinary chosen; her silences, devastating. of the day, noting that each victim of the documentary by fi lmmaker Johnathan The main hero of the fi lm also honors Holocaust has a story and these stories Andrews uncovers the rare account of Italian residents on Rhodes, Girolamo Lina Amato. Photo by Johnathan Andrews should be told. how the interventions of Turkish Consul- and Bianca Sotgiu, family friends of the “We are here today to commemorate General Selahattin Ülkümen saved 42 Amatos, who took Lina, then eight years how he agreed that he would save as “This is one of the biggest tragedies of the International Day of the Holocaust. Jews from deportation by the Nazis to old, into their care when Jewish citizens many Jews as he could under the pretext human history of the 20th century. We It is our duty to remember and to tell Auschwitz in July 1944. were ordered by the Gestapo to report of their being Turkish citizens. After the have to remember this issue and not the next generations what happened,” In the fi lm, Lina speaks from the heart to the local barracks. She tells how they war, Lina and her parents left Rhodes forget the heroes. We are happy that the the Ambassador told GEORGIA TODAY as she guides viewers through the his- taught her Catholic ways, including the for Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and later Turkish Embassy organized this docu- before the screening. “The Holocaust is tory of her time spent on Rhodes Island recitation of Latin prayers, to protect moved to South Africa. mentary screening dedicated to this important in many terms; it is pain not as a child, and how her family was saved her. Lina’s parents had Italian passports, Ambassador of Lithuania to Georgia important day. We need to know our only for Jewish people all over the world, through the efforts of Ülkümen. Eventu- but her grandmother was Turkish. She Giedrius Puodziunas , who also attended past to learn the lesson and fi ght all pho- but also for all of us. This documentary ally, the Germans attacked Ülkümen’s describes how Bianca Sotgiu came up the screening, elaborated on the Inter- bias of the present day,” he told GEOR- shows the memoirs of one of the survi- home in retribution for his efforts, lead- with the idea to approach Ülkümen, and national Holocaust Remembrance Day. GIA TODAY.

SPORTS Pachulia: “If there is peace in the world, everything else is doable” Yes, we’re developing 700 young play- For some players it might be better to EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY ALFON- ers, but we are also giving our coaches come to the US for high school or college SO ARAMENDÍA (WASHINGTON) the opportunity to grow as professionals. and play with players their own age. It’s We put a lot of effort into training the important to choose what suits you per- coaches who are raising our kids. It goes sonally. n 2017, Georgian basketball star hand in hand. You need good coaches to Zaza Pachulia became the fi rst teach the best basketball. We take it very LAST MONTH, THE NBA Georgian ever to win the NBA seriously, and we are happy that the NBA CELEBRATED MARTIN LUTHER champion’s title. He was also is helping us. Coaches Vaso Mchedlishvili KING (MLK) DAY, AND awarded the Order of Honor in and Guga Pataraia will benefi t from this TEAMS HAD THE “I HAVE A Irecognition for his efforts to develop NBA experience, and I’m confi dent other DREAM” MESSAGE ON THEIR local sport and represent his country coaches will enjoy similar opportunities. SWEATSHIRTS. IF YOU WERE TO abroad. We caught up with him last week HAVE AN “I HAVE A DREAM” to fi nd out the latest. THE SUCCESSFUL DEBUT MOMENT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? OF SLOVENIAN PLAYER My dream is world peace. Unfortu- IN THE PRE-SEASON, YOU LUKA DONCIC IN THE NBA nately, we still see a lot of tension among TOOK CLASSES AT HARVARD OPENED A DEBATE ABOUT countries and that’s not good. MLK’s BUSINESS SCHOOL (HBS). TELL THE BEST WAY FOR A PLAYER message was more political and domes- US ABOUT THAT EXPERIENCE. TO BE DEVELOPED: NCAA tic. He was talking about peace and I believe in educating oneself, in work- VS EUROPEAN CLUBS. equality in the US. I would draw a paral- ing hard and developing. HBS is one of Both approaches have pros and cons. I lel at the world level. Since MLK’s speech, the best places to learn. We had an amaz- guess it depends on your personality, on the world has become a more open space ing professor, Anita Elberse, who leads what team you’re in, on what position in terms of borders. But that openness a mentoring program for professional you play, and on what kind of opportunity doesn’t make sense if there’s no peace. athletes. It’s called "Crossover into Busi- to play you get. It’s very hard for a 16-year- It’s enriching to visit places, to meet new ness." I enjoyed learning from her and old to play with professionals, including people and to learn from other cultures; from the other students. It was a great former NBA players and players who but to have peace is a prerequisite in experience. I’m glad I made that deci- have been through a lot and know the order to do that. If there is peace in the sion and I’m thankful for the opportunity. game very well. There’s a big difference world, everything else is doable. between strength and basketball IQ. But TWO COACHES FROM THE Luka is so gifted and has a lot of confi - AND YOUR DREAM AT A ZAZA PACHULIA BASKETBALL dence. I think for Luka it worked better MORE PERSONAL LEVEL? ACADEMY IN TBILISI WERE to become a professional player in Europe My dream is to enjoy playing basket- INVITED TO ATTEND A TWO- at such a young age, though not every ball, which I do, to win games, and to WEEK NBA SEMINAR. young European player has those skills. spend quality time with my family.

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