Issue no: 1069 • JULY 27 - 30, 2018 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue...

Father of Murdered Teen Sets up Charity Foundation NEWS PAGE 2 Georgian PM Dismisses 5 Governors NEWS PAGE 3 Can Trump & Putin Pull Georgia out of the Quagmire? POLITICS PAGE 6 Fereydan Georgians in Iran FOCUS Demand Citizenship ON THE MOON POLITICS PAGE 8 A full lunar eclipse is set to wow the country on July 27 PAGE 2 European Commission to Allocate 12 million Euros to Moldova for Economic Development Will GD Name Its BUSINESS PAGE 9 Vice President of Int’l Federation Presidential Candidate? Red Cross Visits Georgia BY THEA MORRISON

hile the opposition parties have named their presidential candidates, it remains unknown whether the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) will have their own pres- idential candidate or not. WFollowing various comments made by the majority mem- SOCIETY PAGE 10 bers regarding the issue, the GD founder and Chair, ex-PM Bidzina Ivanishvili named several candidates from the Celebrated Georgian Artist team who might be suitable for the President’s post: Jus- tice Minister Thea Tsulukiani; the Minister of Labor, Kordz to Perform with String Health and Social Affairs, David Sergeenko; ex-Minister of Refugees Sozar Subari; and the PM’s Special Repre- Orchestra in Borjomi Park sentative for Relations with Russia, Zurab Abashidze. However, after naming the possible candidates, the GD CULTURE PAGE 12 Chair noted he thinks the ruling party should not name their candidate yet in order to give more space to the The Black Sea Jazz Festival opposition and independent MPs, a demonstration of the high-level of democracy in the country. 2018 Continued on page 2 Photo: GD founder and Chair Bidzina Ivanishvili. Source: rugbyxv.ge CULTURE PAGE 15 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS JULY 27 - 30, 2018 Father of Murdered Teen Sets up Charity Foundation

held in future,” Saralidze noted. BY THEA MORRISON The Khorava Street incident took place in central Tbilisi, during which two teen- agers, Davit Saralidze and Levan Dadu- aza Saralidze, father of the nashvili, were stabbed to death in a brawl teenager killed in the central on December 1, 2017. Tbilisi last year, Davit On May 31, Tbilisi City Court charged Saralidze, set up a charity two minors – one for the premeditated foundation on his son’s birth- murder of Dadunashvili and the second day,Z July 25. for the attempted murder of Saralidze; "Today is my son's birthday and he however, the court could not say who would have turned 17. It is hard for me had killed Saralidze, which sparked mass to speak about it. He was always ready protests in the capital. in his life to do good and to help people, Georgia’s Chief Prosecutor Irakli Sho- so I decided to establish a foundation tadze resigned amid the protest rallies, "Dutucha" which will help all poor peo- while then-Prime Minister Giorgi Kviri- ple, children who suffer from various kashvili ordered a re-investigation of the diseases and socially vulnerable per- case as there were many questions left sons,” Saralidze stated at the press- unanswered. conference. Saralidze’s father, Zaza, asked the The man explained that the foundation authorities to show him concrete results will function through public donations and arrest his son’s killers and all people from people who want to help others. involved, claiming he will not stop until “There will be various charity events all the offenders are held responsible. Photo: 1TV 5 Georgian Citizens Arrested in US Summer Set 2018 - Reincarnation BY SHAWN WAYNE Summer Set will promote the popu- acoustic, and instrumental music stars ADVERTORIAL larity of chill culture in the mountains, with day and night fusion! The Lineup attracting tourists from different Euro- will be announced step by step. t has been reported that US law pean countries. Similar festivals, com- Share - thoughts on ecology, the drug enforcement agencies exposed 5-year history, 15 000 music bining music, sports, mountain resorts, policy, human rights and animal rights, an organized criminal group lovers in one space, more are currently in Europe. healthy lifestyle and everything that engaged in automobile fraud in than 100 stars of electronic Summer Set presents 9 slogans, colors will change after the return of the fes- the USA. music in Georgia: it's The and emotions on its logo. tival! IA group consisting of 25 people from First Scale Electronic Discover - Gudauri in the summer! Love - the environment that Gudauri the US, Ukraine, Latvia, Azerbaijan, Rus- arrested while in hiding with the money AMusic Festival - Summer Set 2018. Colorful festival in the mountains, a offers! Summer Set helps to popularize sia, Kazakhstan, Turkey and a total of 5 they had accumulated. Electronic Music Festival Summer Set magical world where you can relax from Georgia's mountain resorts in the sum- citizens of Georgia were arrested this Standing accused of conspiracy to com- is back with new surprises! The fi rst the city noise, chaos and have the oppor- mer season! week in Michigan, Florida, and New York. mit fraud, the members are facing up to set of the Summer Set will be held on tunity to 'be' with yourself! Change - everything that you do not The group opened automobile front 30 years in prison. It was reported that July 27 on the territory of the electric Feel - your heart, your friends, music like in yourself, in the environment, or companies to which US citizens trans- the criminals may face charges of con- power plant (Tsotne Dadiani 32) as a and the natural, primitive beauty that something that gripes you. Be healthy, ferred an estimated total of $4.5 million spiracy to launder money, which can one-day event headlining Cigarettes the mountains of Georgia offer! improve, walk more, be better! in order to buy cars. The criminals were lead to an additional 20 years in prison. after Sex, WhoMadeWho, Koreless, Breathe - stay in one of the 500 tents Create - a new location, culture, con- Gidge and Baikal. and breathe fresh air in a 24-hour mode. nections and festival! Summer Set is to be moved to Gudauri Move - dance or learn to walk on tight- The partners of the festival are: the Lunar Eclipse to Be Visible This Friday from 2019 and will be held every sum- ropes, ride mountain bikes, paraglide Georgian National Tourism Adminis- mer. The new hybrid model and phi- over the Gudauri mountains, take yoga tration, Ministry of Economy and Sus- and Mars, called a ‘Mars opposi- losophy of the festival will unite the classes: nine types of sport coaches will tainable Development "Mountain BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE tion,’ on the night of July 27. mountain resorts of Georgia, electronic meet you on the territory of the festival. Resorts Development Company," and Earthsky.org says it will be and instrumental music, nine types of Listen - to electronic, experimental, Hotel "Moxy" Tbilisi. “the best Mars opposition sports and various workshops on socio- eorgia will have since 2003,” with Mars glow- cultural topics. a front row seat ing very bright and very red "Our goal is to introduce another nov- to, quite liter- near the eclipsed moon this elty. We started in 2012 when the brand ally, the eclipse of Friday. introduced tens of thousands of people the century this Fri- Visibility varies, but the entire to the electronic music and festival cul- Gday night. eclipse will be visible in the Eurasia ture. It helped put the club business in On the night of July 27-28, the full moon region. The eclipse will begin at 9 pm Tbilisi on the world map. From 2019, will experience the longest lunar eclipse and the total eclipse will last from 11:30 the Festival will be held in Gudauri. of the 21st century. Its totality will last 1 pm – 1:13 am. This year, its presentation event will be hour and 43 minutes. For comparison, Some of the best viewing spots in Tbi- held in Tbilisi," said Nika Dvalidze, PR the shortest total lunar eclipse of the lisi are likely near Lisi Lake, the Chron- Manager of the festival. century was on April 4, 2015 and lasted icles of Georgia statues, and Narikala. Summer Set adds new artists to the a mere 4 minutes and 48 seconds. Mov- A group is also gathering at the Old scene in addition to well-known musi- ing in and out of the totality phase, par- Hippodrome to watch the eclipse, hosted cians. A hundred different groups, pro- tial eclipses will be visible, making the by the Georgia Astronomy Club. ducer and DJs will be able to present entire process around 4 hours long. themselves to festival guests. The Sum- The eclipse will also have a side show www.facebook.com/ mer Set will also introduce beginner – the Earth is passing between the sun events/617479738629114/ musicians. Will GD Name Its Presidential Candidate?

Continued from page 1 including Ivanishvili himself. David Bakradze, presidential candidate Georgia, says it is “shameful” that the post,” expert Gia Nodia stated. “There is a great wish in society to see of the parliamentary minority European ruling party cannot name a presidential Georgian PM, Mamuka Bakhtadze “If there is a worthy independent MP, Bidzina Ivanishvili as the president but as Georgia, says any independent MP who candidate. stated on July 26 that he agrees with we will support this person and if not, we know, the GD Chair has no wish to take is supported by the ruling party, will become “It has never happened in any country Ivanishvili’s position that GD should not the opposition parties can fi ght for the part in the elections,” Talakvadze noted. a GD member as he or she will use all the that a ruling party, which has been in name its own candidate. “The Georgian post,” Ivanishvili told Georgia’s Public The presidential candidate of 10 oppo- resources of the GD to win the elections. power for six years, has no presidential Dream philosophy was to establish a real Broadcaster. sition parties, Grigol Vashadze says it is “Ivanishvili realized that the GD has candidate,” she added. European parliamentary democracy and If this happens, it will be the fi rst case not important who the GD presidential exhausted all its political resources and Analysts say Ivanishvili likes surprises Parliamentary Republic in Georgia…We in the history of independent Georgia candidate will be as all of them obey this is why he wants to bring in a so and he might suddenly decide to take have many worthy candidates, but it where the ruling party does not take part Ivanishvili and will act the same way. called independent candidate, which is part in the elections, or he might be test- would be better if GD did not present a in the presidential elections. “This is a team of unprofessional, cor- a step of false democracy,” the MP noted. ing society with this step, trying to judge candidate. This will be better for our GD parliamentary majority leader, rupt and uneducated people and the Another presidential candidate, Nino what people think about it. democracy,” he said. Archil Talakvadze says there are some population of Georgia should not sup- Burjanadze, the leader of the Russia- “I doubt GD will support no-one and The presidential elections in Georgia worthy candidates within the party, port their candidate,” Vashadze stated. affi liated Democratic Movement-United let the opposition take the President’s will take place in late October. GEORGIA TODAY JULY 27 - 30, 2018 NEWS 3 Georgian PM Dismisses 5 Governors

Ivanishvili Praises Current PM, Criticizes Former

"never did so." Kvirikashvili led the team to a danger of BY THEA MORRISON “I think the current PM is competent collapse. and can lead the government… Also, in “Kvirikashvili was not able to carry out such a short period, he started active good team management. The Parliament he founder and Chair of the communication with parliament. We are was actually removed from the decision- set, new approaches are needed in terms BY THEA MORRISON ruling Georgian Dream a parliamentary republic and it is neces- making process. The government could of coordination with the region's man- (GD) party, ex-PM and bil- sary,” Ivanishvili explained. not reach agreement on principal issues agement and central government," the lionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, The GD Chair noted that teamwork is and some delayed decisions were presented Prime Minister said. who is often referred to by also one of the most necessary aspects to society without preparation. This prob- eorgian Prime Minister, It was also reported today that Guria Tthe opposition as the “informal ruler” in government work. lem was refl ected in the team,” he stated. Mamuka Bakhtadze stated Governor Merab Chanukvadze has of Georgia, has praised the new Prime “Mamuka Bakhtadze is committed to Ivanishvili also noted that the rumors that governors of Shida resigned. According to his employees, Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze, but criti- get involved in the work of all ministries, that he is ruling the country are not true. Kartli, Samegrelo-Zemo he said goodbye to them today, but soon cized his former favorite ex-PM Giorgi to understanding the problems, to assist- “The PM is doing his work and I do Svaneti, Mtskheta-Mtian- after it became known that the Prime Kvirikashvili. ing them through consultations, which, not want society to think I am interfer- Geti, Kvemo Kartli and Samtskhe-Javakheti Minister had asked him to stay on. In his interview with the Georgian unfortunately, was not common during ing in this process. Bakhtadze has his have been dismissed from their positions. To note, Bakhtadze reshuffl ed the Public Broadcaster, Ivanishvili said Kvirikashvili’s term,” he noted. own competency…He is doing the PM’s The PM announced his decision at a Cabinet earlier this month and reduced Mamuka Bakhtadze studies the problems According to the former Prime Minis- work and I am doing mine, as the GD special press-conference on July 26. the number of 14 ministries to 11. He also of every ministry, while the former PM ter, the methods of governing used by chair,” he stated. “Due to the goals our government has appointed three new ministers. GEORGIA TODAY 4 NEWS JULY 27 - 30, 2018 China’s View of Eurasia will have to dedicate more economic and militar- ANALYSIS BY EMIL AVDALIANI ily resources to counter the Chinese, which will ease up some pressure in the Asia-Pacifi c. Since domination of the oceans is at the heart of hroughout history there have been US global power, the Chinese initiatives to restruc- many cases where a certain power ture the Eurasian landmass through economy is tried to bring large parts of the Eura- bound to increase suspicions between Beijing and sian continent under its fold. The Washington over the next years and decades. Achaemenid Empire in antiquity, the In the long run, this is more problematic for the TMongols and Tamerlane in the Middle Ages, and US than what it had during the Cold War. Then, many others worked prodigiously to create a uni- the Soviets were competing militarily, and no large fi ed Eurasian space. Beyond the military prepon- or long-lasting economic projects were offered by derance though, these invaders could not provide Moscow. True, the US had to spend plenty of its clear economic or cultural attractiveness for the military and economic resources to stall the Soviet various peoples of the Eurasian landmass. The infl uence, but the Soviet threat nevertheless remained result was more or less a rapid disintegration of only one sided in its military. The attractiveness their conquests. The Russians from the 16th cen- of Communism was non-existent, the Soviet econ- tury, on the other hand, embarked on a project omy was in a shambles, and in the long run, it was where they gradually built an empire with a clear predictable that the US would win the Cold War philosophical approach to its role in world history. race. Strong Russian military was backed up with rela- Today, China, with its powerful economic incen- tively attractive economic incentives for the peo- tives, represents a much bigger threat to the US-led ples of Central Asia, the Caucasus and parts of Eurasian order. China, Iran, Russia and others, Eastern Europe. countries pivotal to the Eurasian landmass, and One of the ideologies underpinning the Russian Visit to the Admiralty building in St. Petersburg by President Putin 30.7.2017 Source: kremlin.ru Washington, enjoy pretty tense relations which drive to dominate Eurasia was Eurasianism, an limits America’s power to prevent an alliance of almost century-old idea which emerged as a dis- Russia’s long-term integration idea/project for Chinese Eurasianism will allow Beijing to gain convenience between several anti-American coun- tinct philosophical movement in the 1920s. There the Eurasian landmass was arguably the most suc- additional foreign policy tools against the US, which tries. are multiple defi nitions of Eurasianism, but the cessful until 2013, when the Chinese government pressures China in the Asia-Pacifi c region. China’s Overall, the Russian vision of the Eurasian land- most vocal among them is the defi nition whereby unveiled a new Eurasia-wide economic and polit- pivot to the West goes primarily through Central mass is being gradually overshadowed by the Chi- Russia is regarded as representing neither Euro- ical idea seen in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Asia, a region which is militarily dominated by the nese vision. China as a continental power sees the pean nor Asian cultures, but rather is a perfect The Chinese focus on connectivity and integra- Russians. The US has little capability to prevent advantages of moving through Central Asia and mixture of the two. The Eurasian doctrine in gen- tion across Eurasia distinguishes it from Russian China from increasing its infl uence in the region. the Middle East to Europe, and Moscow does not eral meant a specifi c geographic and philosophical Eurasianism as the latter failed to counter western This puts Beijing in a relatively good geopolitical possess the necessary capabilities to oppose Bei- identity for Russia. In the Soviet period, Russian economic, cultural and military encroachment into position in bargaining with Washington. The US jing. Eurasianism was overshadowed by communist what was previously considered “the Russian back- universalism where direct Russian infl uence was yard.” The BRI, on the other hand, is based on encouraged to spread not just to Eurasia but eve- strong economic potential as well as solid institu- rywhere around the globe. The current Russian tions, seeking cross-continental connectivity and government tries to re-invigorate the notion and integration between China and Europe. Unlike Georgia's Foreign attractiveness of Eurasianism, but has so far largely Russian Eurasianism, the Chinese version would failed to do so since the new integration project eventually challenge what is provisionally called dubbed “Eurasian Economic Union” is not a pow- Atlanticism, where the US has built a security-based erful enough entity to compete with Europe or umbrella across the entire Eurasian landmass to Asia-Pacifi c. prevent the emergence of a unifi ed Eurasia. Minister Holds Meetings in Washington

Zalkaliani stated that he also informed Corker BY THEA MORRISON about the Georgian government’s peace initiative for the population in the occupied territories, which aims at improving the humanitarian, social and ithin the framework of his visit economic conditions of the populations in Geor- to Washington, Foreign Minister gia’s Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and of Georgia, David Zalkaliani, Tskhinvali. met the Senate’s Foreign Affairs The Minister thanked the US side for active bipar- Committee Chairman, Senator tisan support for Georgia, which was recently WBob Corker. marked by various measures and initiatives. Zalkaliani was invited to Washington by the US Zalkaliani also met Deputy Secretary of State of State Secretary Mike Pompeo to participate in an the US, John Sullivan. During the meeting, Deputy international conference on religious freedom with Secretary Sullivan thanked Georgia for its contri- 40 other foreign ministers and top offi cials taking bution to NATO’s Resolute Support Mission in part in the event. Afghanistan and reinforced US support for Geor- After the meeting with Corker, Zalkaliani stated gia’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial that Georgia has the fi rm support of the US Senate integrity. Foreign Affairs Committee and this support has The two leaders discussed outcomes of the NATO already been revealed many times. Summit and ongoing judicial and economic reforms Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Georgia. reports that the sides discussed Georgia-US stra- Today, Dep. Sec. Sullivan met FM @DZalkaliani tegic partnership and the further enhancement of on sidelines of #IRFMinisterial to thank #Georgia relations, challenges in the region and the situation for contribution to #NATO’s Resolute Support Mis- in the Georgian occupied regions. sion in Afghanistan & underscore US support for “I provided the Senator with information about Georgia’s sovereignty, independence, and territo- the human rights violations in the Abkhazia and rial integrity. https://t.co/pOH4ZnNKCR pic.twit- South Ossetia (Tskhinvali) occupied regions of ter.com/ykj9gZUBd5 Georgia,” Zalkaliani said. — Heather Nauert (@statedeptspox) July 26, 2018

GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS JULY 27 - 30, 2018 Can Trump & Putin Pull Georgia out of the Quagmire?

of acquiring national liberty, Georgia has OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE found itself at the mercy of two major rivaling powers that may or may not have the time and desire to squeeze nside the country, the overall Georgia with its current problems into generic belief entertained by our their busy international agenda so that people, is that Georgia is sizable the Georgian people are not constrained enough a nation with solid enough for the rest of their lives to be taking to international renown and serious the streets to let its scarcely audible voice enoughI cultural reputation to be reck- be heard in the geopolitical wilderness oned with, but this kind of judgment is of unlimited size and longevity. only a fake impression, nothing else. In Georgia needs to be heard, and it is actual fact, we are almost nobody, and not! Georgia needs to be right in the here is why: we sell very little of our spotlight of global decision-makers, but product; we generate nothing valuable it is not! Georgia needs a huge amount for extensive trading with other nations; of extra funds in its scanty state coffers we make money in laughable amounts but there is nobody out there to take and spend more than we earn; we can’t care of this! Georgia is hurting badly and make our national identity recognizable it screams for help but the cry is falling universally and have no way to initiate on deaf ears. The only ears that might ourselves in NATO or acquire European effectively react to our squeal belong to Union membership; we have not suc- America and Russia. These are the pow- ceeded in reinstating our lost territorial ers that be! These are the nations whose integrity, failed to reinforce and secure presidents hold the key to the Georgian our state borders; cannot put our cur- problems, especially the dilemma of Image source: Mikhail Klimentyev—AFP/Getty Images rency in the global market; fall short of Georgia’s territorial integrity, which was is what the reality suggests. is stuck in? The best presumption is a to the deal is happy with the conse- upholding the demographic balance; ruined three decades ago as a result of Every other effort, be it forceful or Trump and Putin who talk to each other quences; who think that the correction are not capable of nourishing our pop- the clamorous soviet breakup. diplomatic, is a joke. Every other polit- every so often; who include Georgia in of Georgia’s current situation is pos- ulation without fi ts and starts; and the The solution to Georgia’s main problem ical endeavor, no matter how master- their talks; who think that Georgia is sible; who understand that there is decisions we make are not always con- is a matter of a Trump-Putin political fully it is undertaken, is the subject of worth talking about as a nation; who something terribly unfair in what is ducive to a better standard of living for interaction. Nobody else will ever solve shameful failure. Every other attempt pursue common interests in Georgia, happening to Georgia right now; who the average Georgian citizen. the frozen confl ict that is purely of Rus- to put things straight in favor of Geor- thus fi nding themselves on the same are willing and capable of ending Geor- This said, one can easily imagine what sian-Georgian character. If Trump and gia is doomed to fail. And this is not page concerning Georgia’s future; who gia’s territorial affl iction and its 30 years our freedom and independence has given Putin say, ‘Open Sesame,’ then the Sesame simple pessimism: this is what the last appreciate the Georgian people and the of national anguish, based on that affl ic- us in the short-term or has in store for will open. If not, its door will remain for- 30 years of beating around the bush has Georgian culture so much that main- tion. If we don’t have this kind of Trump us in the long run if that long run is ever ever locked. It is not good, of course, that given us. And fi nally, what kind of Trump taining Georgia’s territorial integrity and Putin as soon as possible, Georgia going to be carved out as a bright pros- Georgia’s future totally depends on only and Putin can be helpful in terms of makes sense to both; who negotiate the will forever stay where it is, while we pect of our future. After almost 30 years two person’s quirks and whims, but this pulling Georgia out of the quagmire it Georgian deal so wisely that every party just talk about it. Monitoring Reveals Parliament’s Activities Have Become More Transparent branch attend committee sessions and ist Afgan Mukhtarli from Tbilisi or the BY THEA MORRISON present periodic reports on their activ- beating of former Auditor General Lasha ities. Committees held 133 sessions in Tordia. this regard. Missing plenary sessions and violation on-Governmental Organ- “During the fi rst year of Parliament of of norms of ethics, sometimes with the ization Transparency the 9th Convocation, MPs were more participation of representatives of the International (TI) Georgia active in proposing legislative initiatives. executive branch, were also listed among has published the results During the period, covered by the report, the negative trends. of the assessment of the 92 MPs exercised this right,” the NGO Transparency International underlines N9th convocation of the Parliament of says. that the Georgian Parliament has not yet Georgia, which reads that parliament’s Among the activities of the lawmakers, adopted a Code of Ethics for MPs, which activities aimed at increasing transpar- it was noted that the parliamentary oppo- would regulate such issues. ency have merited a positive assessment. sition boycotted the work of the Parlia- “MPs fi ll out asset declarations incor- The report, which covers the period ment fi ve times and did not participate rectly, failing, in some cases, to indicate from November 18, 2016 to December in the plenary sessions seven times. company shares that they own. Several 31, 2017, reads that unlike previous con- Photo source: parliament.ge The Georgian President returned leg- MPs also hold the positions of company vocations, no plenary session was halted Organization and the European Court public offi cials has been strengthened, islative initiatives to the Parliament fi ve directors,” the NGO added. due to the absence of a quorum. of Human Rights,” the NGO says, add- noting as an example, “The candidacy times with motivated remarks, but the The report also lists some negative and “Parliament started reviewing the gov- ing that unlike the Parliament of the for the post of Public Defender was MPs did not take his notes into account positive laws, adopted by the 9th Convo- ernment reports on the state of enforce- previous convocations, the Gender Equal- selected based on consultations with and in all cases, the Parliament overrode cation Parliament in the reporting period. ment of the decisions and resolutions ity Council has also been more active. civil society representatives.” the vetoes. The positively assessed laws are: made against Georgia by the correspond- The TI underlined that the involve- Among the positive trends, it was noted Despite signifi cantly increased trans- • Amendments resulting from ratifi ca- ing committee of the United Nations ment of civil society in the election of that the representatives of the executive parency and MP activity, the NGO also tion of the Istanbul Convention, highlighted some negative trends. Accord- • Changes in the procedure of submit- ing to the report, the situation has wors- ting asset declarations, ened with regard to the systematic speed- • Amendments to the Imprisonment ing up of the hearing of draft laws, Code, without good reason. The Parliament of • Abolition of Simplifi ed Electronic the 8th Convocation fast-tracked the hear- Tenders, ing of 437 draft laws, while the Parliament • Initiative on banning tobacco smok- of the 9th Convocation fast-tracked 213 ing in buildings, public areas and trans- draft laws in the fi rst year alone. port. “Postponing of the activation of adopted Amendments which NGOs assessed laws also represents a problem. Parlia- negatively: ment discussed a simplifi ed procedure • Creation of an operative-technical and adopted 77 such draft laws,” the TI agency, stressed, adding the activities of work- • Moratorium on the sale of land, ing groups in some cases were formal • Abolition of self-government entities, and group members were not involved • New rule for staffi ng election com- in the process of elaboration of draft missions, laws. • Changes to the rule of debating leg- The negative trends read that MPs do islative proposals. not make proper use of the possibilities Legislative amendments which require of oversight over the executive branch. improvement are: According to the report, in the given • The Third Wave of Judicial Reform, Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 period, no investigative commission was • Road Safety Reform, 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] established to investigate such important • New Regulations Concerning Remu- cases as the abduction of Azeri journal- neration in Civil Service. GEORGIA TODAY JULY 27 - 30, 2018 POLITICS 7 Choosing from the Ministers

OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA

he “real” leader of the coun- try, Bidzina Ivanishvili, fi nally showed up in public again in an interview with the Georgian Public Broad- Tcaster. However, it was not live, appar- ently checked a few hundred times and cut and pasted. Nevertheless, it was highly awaited by a political class very interested to hear what the Chairman of the Georgian Dream would say about ex-Premier Kvirikashvili and how he would answer the key question of the upcoming political battle: who will the presidential candidate from the ruling party be? Davit SergeenkoSozar Subari Tea Tsulukiani Zurab Abashidze It was rumored within political circles presidential candidate, the example of she too hates the Presidential Residence bit unsuitable for this post. Not because The only candidate who can compete that Ivanishvili himself might run for Margvelashvili alone proves this. We all built by Saakashvili, and is unlikely to he could embarrass the billionaire abroad, right now is Salome Zurabishvili, and President, but he said no, citing his lack know what a headache Margvelashvili veto any decisions of Parliament; how- but because he seemingly lacks charisma. clearly because of the attitude of Ivan- of interest. Hardly surprising- it’s a post was for Ivanishvili and GD, the number ever, moving Tsulukiani to a “minor” The big quartet’s fi nal representative is ishvili, her chances are enormous, and so deprived of power that he is even of vetoes we’ve witnessed and how the post such as that of the President of Zurab Abashidze. There’s no need to the ruling party may well support him ready to pass it to a politician from ruling party changed the legislation Georgia isn’t a good idea, as now she is mention his diplomatic opportunities (also because no one will ask her to another party rather than keep it for against him. Recall the case of the Pres- responsible for a much more important and connections with Russia, we know answer for the election promises of the Georgian Dream. He also mentioned a idential Residence, which was the apple thing: the Court and the Prosecutor’s that. Most importantly though, we should Georgian Dream and because she won’t quartet of his favorites within the party: of discord between Ivanishvili and his system. And who knows what could remember that he is the most acceptable need large funds during the election Zurab Abashidze, Sozar Subari, Davit then-chosen president. But it is early to come to pass with whoever replaces her and familiar candidate for the Kremlin. process). Sergeenko and Tea Tsulukiani, adding conclude what the new President will as minister; maybe one fi ne day they He is the “dignifi ed descendent of the If the main goal of Georgia is to become that although the fi nal decision had yet do, refuse to reside in the Presidential decide to free the political opponents Old Red Intelligentsia,” which is no minor a member of the European Union within to be made, GD has been discussing these Palace or not? But, clearly, Ivanishvili from prison and bury the Georgian quality for a candidate running for this the upcoming 12 years, who better to candidates for a while. won’t be able to bare anyone living there Dreamers once and for all? post. Moreover, Abashidze is not bur- take the relevant steps in this direction Apparently, it is Ivanishvili, who hasn’t anymore, especially when the Presiden- Sozar Subar is a realistic possibility for dened by the electoral promises of the if not a citizen of the European Union made up his mind yet - we all know that tial Palace can be seen in all its grace President of Georgia (videos for his Georgian Dream, hence no one will ask and a woman who was raised in France the so-called Political Committee of the from his own “Residential Palace” above campaign have already been shot in him to comment on those absurd claims. – Salome Zurabishvili. If we take into Georgian Dream does not decide any- Sololaki. In any case, Ivanishvili will Svaneti), but he is quite inexperienced As for the rest, the experienced diplomat consideration the fact that the main can- thing without him, clearly seen in the make the decision on the party’s candi- in big politics, plus his “Rose Revolution- will be able to “fi gure something out.” didates of the oppositional parties are ex-Premier Kvirikashvili incident, and date out of the chosen quartet mentioned ary” past hangs over him like the Sword Even regardless of this, Ivanishvili won’t Grigol Vashadze and Davit Bakradze, it we still don’t know what will happen to above. of Damocles. Sergeenko, then? Well, even have diffi culties collecting the votes, is quite possible that in October we’ll be Kvirikashvili. There’s a lot for Ivanishvili Undoubtedly, Tea Tsulukiani should though he might be the most acceptable therefore, it is highly possible that Ivan- choosing our next president from the to refl ect on and examine about the future be his N1 favorite: just like Ivanishvili, candidate for Ivanishvili, he could be a ishvili will choose him. former Ministers of Foreign Affairs.

AT THE BILTMORE HOTEL 29 Rustaveli Ave, 0108 Tbilisi, Georgia GEORGIA TODAY 8 POLITICS JULY 27 - 30, 2018 Fereydan Georgians in Iran Demand Citizenship At yesterday’s protest in Tbilisi, there BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE were claims of ethnic oppression towards Fereydan Georgians. Demonstrators called on the government to respond swiftly, protest rally was held yes- carrying signs that read “I am Georgian terday in front of Tbilisi’s too – do not let go of your homeland!” Justice House with protes- and “Change the commission’s members!” tors demanding a change Davit Tevzadze, founder of the politi- in the composition of the cal union For Peace, told Rustavi 2 news Acommission on granting citizenship, “I think the approach should be changed because the current commission has with these people and should be changed denied Georgian citizenship to Fereydan at the state level. It is unclear how Geor- Georgians. Feredyan Georgians are a gian people cannot become citizens of population of more than 100,000 ethnic Georgia. It is uncertain and vague in the Georgians living in the Fereydan region articles of the resolution.” of the Isfahan Province in central-west- Chairman of the State Services Devel- ern Iran. Most of the population was opment Agency, Soso Giorgadze, said forcibly resettled from Georgia to Iran that Georgia does want to grant citizen- in the 16th-19th centuries when present- ship to the Fereydan population, and that day Georgia was under the rule of Persia. the commission considers all applica- There are estimates that more than 3 tions for citizenship equally. “By order million Iranians today have some Geor- of the Minister of Justice of Georgia, gian ancestry. Georgians who emigrated from Georgia, In Fereydunshahr County, approxi- including Fereydans, are on our list as a mately 150 km west of Isfahan, there are priority for granting citizenship,” said an estimated 4,000 families, most of Giorgadze, Rustavi 2 reports. whom are Georgian. In their homes, they In the 1970s, a group of Fereydan Geor- speak a dialect of Georgian that many gians successfully lobbied the Iranian linguists believe is similar to the Geor- and Georgian governments to be repat- gian spoken when the people were dis- riated to Kakheti, the eastern Georgian placed 300-500 years ago. They have also region where their ancestors are believed retained the use of the Georgian alpha- to have come from. As explained by Fereydunshahr, Iran. Source: Chai-Khana bet. Adapting to local life, Fereydan Nino-Ana Samkharadze of Chai-Khana, be returned to Fereydan.” Iranians and laid fl owers on the graves the Georgian language, history, and folk Georgians learned Farsi and largely “the transition was not...smooth. The In June 2004, the newly elected Geor- of Georgian-Iranians killed in the Iran– songs. Margvelashvili spoke about the practice Twelver Shia Islam. The Geor- Fereydani women, who had fought hard gian President, Mikheil Saakashvili, vis- Iraq War. problems of Fereydan Georgians, dis- gian name for Fereydunshahr is Mart’kopi to keep the link with Georgia, suddenly ited Fereydunshahr. He was the fi rst In 2017, President of Georgia, Giorgi cussed project objectives, and wished (მარტყოფი). Throughout Fereydan found themselves alienated in their sup- Georgian politician to visit the Iranian Margvelashvili, hosted a group of Fer- its participants success. The visitors, 13 county, a chain of about 10 villages, all posed homeland, where locals saw them Georgian community there, and thou- eydan Georgians at the Presidential Pal- young men and 1 young woman, pre- with Georgian names such as Vashlovani, as ‘Iranian Tatars’ who spoke incompre- sands of Fereydan Georgians welcomed ace. The Presidential Reserve Fund sup- sented the President with a wall panel Chughureti, and Ruvis Piri, is called “Lit- hensible Georgian and followed archaic his delegation. Saakashvili spoke about ports cultural programs in Fereydan that depicting St. George, which hangs in the tle Georgia” by Iranians. customs. Soon, most of them asked to the signifi cant contributions of Georgian- help the population acquire and preserve Presidential Palace. First Graduates Celebrate the US-Georgian Defense Program

Russian President said. “…moving this BY SHAWN WAYNE NATO infrastructure towards our bor- ders would be a threat, and…the reac- tion would be extremely negative. It is he fi rst battalion of what’s a concern for us since NATO is expand- being called “the most ing its infrastructure and facilities, and ambitious program” is the number of servicemen is on the celebrating their gradua- rise in regions where they shouldn’t tion with officials and be." Tmilitary commanders as the fi rst unit If NATO membership is obtained and trained within the Georgia Defense Putin decides to move his forces fur- Readiness Program. ther than he already has into Georgia, This joint Georgian-US program, the troops will now be able to stand launched in May and projected to run their ground with this special training, through 2021, has a full roster of units even if it is just until US reinforcements to undertake training, and started with arrive. service members of the IV Mechanized The GDRP is the perfect solution to Brigade. Having been selected and the Russian threat, being a joint pro- assessed by observers from the US ject of the Ministry of Defense of armed forces and staff from the Geor- Georgia and the US Department of gia based combat training center, this Defense, which aims is to improve the fi rst battalion was subjected to a rigor- combat readiness of Georgian service ous 13-week intensive training regimen, members for territorial defense of the comprising various command and country. combat elements. Phase 1 will be supervised by Amer- The grounds of the CTC at Vaziani ican instructors, with Georgians taking Training Area on the outskirts of Tbi- over from 2020. Nine battalions are lisi is where most of this took place as capital city. awarded on 25 July when the gradua- troops up to standard is a part of that. projected to undergo this intense train- the troops took part in drills for maneu- In order to deal with the unique objec- tion ceremony took place. They were After the recent meeting Putin had ing regimen which includes manning, vering, combat and reconnaissance, tives presented by this program, the addressed by the Minister of Defense with Trump, Putin stated that Russia training and equipping the units over force protection, command and control, battalion was equipped with armament of Georgia, Levan Izoria. will act very negatively should Georgia the next three years. as well as containment operations. The kits based off the NATO standards. The With Georgia pushing for NATO become a member of NATO. Izoria said that “this is the most ambi- rest of the training took the troops to personnel of this fi rst unit who made membership, they are doing everything “For us, it's a direct and immediate tious program in the history of the the Camp Norio area just outside the it through this intense regimen were to make it a reality, and getting their threat for our national security,” the Georgian Armed Forces.” GEORGIA TODAY JULY 27 - 30, 2018 BUSINESS 9 How the New EU Budget 2021-2027 Will Affect the EU Neighborhood Policy

focused approach. EU4Business, EU4Energy, and the Euro- The EU Neighborhood Policy has sup- pean Union Water Initiative Plus for the ported many projects in Georgia aimed Eastern Partnership. at implementing European-friendly In an interview with OPEN Media Hub, political and economic reforms in areas an EU program, senior fellow at the eco- such as economic development and nomic think-tank Bruegel, Zsolt Darvas, developing market opportunities, said, “Very little will change in the exter- strengthening institutions and good gov- nal action part of the next MFF. The ernance, connectivity, energy effi ciency, goals and the scope of the EU programs environment and climate change, and regarding the neighborhood policy will mobility and people-to- people contacts. remain the same...this growth will not Some of the larger projects funded in allow for a signifi cant change in the EU the current budget cycle include Mayors policy towards its closest neighbors.” for Economic Growth (€14.5 million), Bruegel looked at the proposed budget Support to the European Endowment and, calculating for forecasted infl ation, for Democracy (€12 million), and large- estimates no more than a 12-13% increase scale multi-country initiatives such as in real prices in the 2021-2027 budget.

SOCIETY UNICEF: Children Photo: EU Neighbours Eastern neighbors are Belarus, Ukraine, There are seven main spending catego- BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and ries in the MFF, one of which is the Georgia. The European Neighborhood external action budget, proposed at €123 Living & Working on Policy was launched in 2004 to promote billion. Of that, €22 billion is allocated he European Union has peace, stability and economic prosperity for Neighborhood Policy countries, but announced its next budget, throughout the region. Neighborhood lawmakers have not yet determined how a seven-year plan which initiatives are focused on supporting much will go to the Southern vs Eastern the Streets of Georgia will cover spending from political and economic reforms in neighborhoods, nor individual countries. 2021–2027, offi cially known included countries. The 2014-2020 budget The relationship between the EU and Tas the Multi-annual Financial Framework allocated €15.4 billion for activities in Georgia has grown closer in light of the (MFF). Negotiations on the MFF are the Neighborhood, including an esti- Association Agreement and Deep and expected to begin in September with the mated €741 - €906 million specifi cally Comprehensive Free Trade Area (AA/ new EU political season. European Par- for the Regional East program. DCFTA), which lay the foundation for liamentarians and EU member states are The proposed 2021-2027 budget does “far-reaching political and economic expected to approve a budget this fall. not indicate signifi cant changes in the integration with the EU” according to A major component of the EU’s global Neighborhood Policy regarding pace or the EU Neighborhood website. Over 30% outreach is the EU Neighborhood Policy. scale. A new fi nancing mechanism would, of Georgia’s volume of trade is with the Southern neighbors are Middle Eastern however, streamline all funding for exter- EU, making it Georgia’s primary trading and North African countries – Morocco, nal projects, creating a unifi ed fi nancial partner. The EU is the biggest donor in Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Israel, instrument for Neighborhood, Develop- Georgia, providing over €100 million of Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. ment and Internal Cooperation (NDICI). support per year, and takes a results- European Commission to Allocate

ing and working in the streets. This is a BY ANNA ZHVANIA 12 million Euros to Moldova for call to action to make sure that there are strong responses and rehabilitation, so children are not deprived of their basic n July 24, a presentation rights”. Economic Development on ‘Children Living and “It is our duty as parents and as a society Working on the Streets of to protect children who are vulnerable. body has approved the start of negotia- Georgia’ was held at EXPO The EU is very keen to support the initia- tions on a fi nancing agreement between Georgia. According to the tive, because protection of children, both the government of the Republic of Mol- newO study by UNICEF, poverty, family from a protective side and through the dova and the European Commission. dysfunctionality, violence in families and responsive mechanisms outlined in the The funds will be spent on fi nancing parents’ migration were all major factors study, is vital," noted Catalin Gherman, measures related to the fair application contributing to children ending up on Deputy Head of Cooperation Section of of trade legislation, the effective man- the streets. EU Delegation to Georgia. "There has to agement of state assets and public invest- The study presents a qualitative study be a very strong system in place for the ments, the strengthening of investors' and analysis of children living and/or responsive strategy to be successful." rights, and the promotion of reforms in working on the streets of Georgia. It Hans Bederski, Director of World Vision the fi eld of monitoring the fi nancial sec- provides detailed information on the South Caucasus stated that: “When eve- tor. current situation and tailored strategies rything else fails, children end up on the In addition, the funds received will be for children at risk of living on the streets. streets. It is not a child’s choice to live used to assist the development of the The aim was to develop the appropriate on the streets. It is not right that they economy and market opportunities in response mechanism, particularly focus- are abandoned on the streets and they business environment, the Moldovan the regions of the country and in the ing on prevent mechanisms for children deserve a home, a school, primary health- BY DIMITRI DOLABERIDZE government's press service reported this autonomous region of Gagauzia. who are at risk living or working on the care. They need social services to be week. Gagauzia is an autonomous territorial streets. protected from harm and abuse. The The European Commission will pro- formation in the south of Moldova, cre- As Laila O. Gad, UNICEF Representa- research fi ndings now enable us to bet- he European Commission vide more than €12 million to the Repub- ated from settlements where more than tive to Georgia, mentioned, “It is an ter tailor prevention and exit strategies has said it will allocate €12 lic of Moldova to support economic 50% of the residents were Gagauzians opportunity for us to also look at what for children at risk. The report also high- million euros to Moldova development, improve the business or where the majority of residents in the Georgia is doing in terms of compliance lights the gaps in the system we have in to support economic devel- environment and strengthen economic referendums voluntarily agreed to enter with International Standards and a ref- social services”. Topment and improve the management capacity. The executive the autonomy. erence to an action plan to children liv- Continued on page 11 GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY JULY 27 - 30, 2018 Vice President of Int’l Federation Red Cross Visits Georgia

Within the framework of Kinik’s visit, Kinik went on to note the main activ- the Georgian Red Cross warehouses, the fi rst national societies to provide BY ANNA ZHVANIA meetings with high ranking offi cials of ities of the Georgian Red Cross. “[They] which we plan to renovate. Additionally, Georgia with humanitarian support and the government were planned to discuss provide resilient services to society, such we will send some items like shelters assistance. the main policy of the Red Cross, the as disaster preparedness and interven- and tents. We visited the Ministry of “Right now, there are discussions regard- n July 25, Kerem Kinik, opening of a Red Cross Regional Ware- tion, risk reduction, public health pro- Finance and Sustainable Development ing renovations of the Tbilisi warehouse Vice President of Interna- house and Training Center in Georgia, motion and training for fi rst aid, with and plan to meet members of Parliament. and in future to make it more regional tional Federation Red and future goals with Georgia as a mem- the help of the branches and up to 10,000 We are raising some vital issues the in order to have access to equipment for Cross (IFRS) and President ber of the Federation Board of Governors. active volunteers. The Red Cross Society Georgian Red Cross has, such as tax and emergency situations,” she said. of the Turkish Red Cres- VP Kinik spoke to GEORGIA TODAY is an independent NGO, but neverthe- VAT exemptions and property problems “This year, our 100th anniversary year, cent,O visited Georgia. Red Cross Georgia about the purpose of his visit and long- less, has auxiliary roads to their own that they are facing. I received positive it is the fi rst time that the Georgian Red has been a member of the IFRS since term plans within the Georgian Red Cross: Government in extraordinary times or feedback from the Georgian government Cross has been a member of the Govern- 1997. For the fi rst time in history, Georgia “The Georgian Red Cross is celebrat- disasters. and hope that they will support the ing Council. We have planned meetings was chosen by the 190 national society ing its 100th anniversary this year. They “We, at the Turkish Red Crescent, have Georgian Red Cross, as we do.” with the ministries and MPs to discuss representatives to be a member of the have provided excellent services to the decided to contribute to allow the Geor- Loladze noted the long-term coopera- the future policies and next steps of the governing council, with Natia Loladze, community, and now, with the leader- gian Red Cross to build up its own capac- tion between the Georgian Red Cross Federation and to further enhance coop- President of the Georgian Red Cross ship of Natia Loladze, will carry on their ity for disaster preparedness and inter- and Turkish Red Crescent. In 2008 and eration between the government and the Society, as a representative. activities,” he said. vention. Our colleagues are checking 2015, Turkish Red Crescent was one of Red Cross.” Loladze said. GEORGIA TODAY JULY 27 - 30, 2018 SOCIETY 11 Waiting Room: Etseri, Svaneti

BLOG BY TONY HANMER

forgot to mention in last week’s article, about the great scything job recently applied to my yard, that the Horrible Giant Hogweed knows what to do when it’s cut Ishort. It immediately, even right down to an inch high, springs into emergency mode and makes new fl owers! As if hold- ing its breath just for this moment. Because who knows when the sickle will sweep through again and reduce its inability to reproduce? And that’s what this game is all about: fl ourish or perish. So, a couple of weeks after the great buzz cut, the new bunches of hogweed blooms are springing up for all their worth, as if their lives depend on it. Which, after all, they do. But I might just come through for and sit an important exam for improv- dried, then rake in the heat. Those sweat- myself with clippers, and fi ght this fi ght ing her schoolteacher’s qualifi cations. bands I bought for a song in Canada to the end, plant by plant. I just might. She seems to have high expectations after some trips ago were most useful. We still wait for the “kreba,” the village the 5-hour ordeal, but we have until mid- Now that she’s back and in the shop, I meeting at which our new young mayor August before the results will be made can also begin cutting up much of the last will address us as a community for the known. There were not only multiple- load of fi rewood we had delivered. This fi rst time, and many things about infra- choice questions on the test- long-form was largely thin pieces, which my electric structure will be decided or simply written answers were also required, so circular saw can handle, instead of the argued over and laid aside. One can hope, each test must be gone through by one noisier and more dangerous chainsaw, but the precedents do not bode well. But or more people to mark it. With hundreds which needs fuel anyway; electricity’s I still do hope for change and forward or thousands of applicants, this must take free here, so why not make use of it? motion for water, roads, electricity, and considerable time. The wait is hard. We also await news coming out of our much more. At last she’s back home, though, at my friends the Smiths’ murder case, the trial Another thing we are anticipating is side where she belongs. A long trip to for which is set for this autumn. I can the upcoming Svanetoba, the festival of Tbilisi is best made use of by doing as only hope that the truth will out, and Svaneti, to be held in Mestia this Sunday. many things as one can, because we only justice be served. So, many things to wait Every village will have tables of its unique manage to get there several times a year. for, but everything has its time. wares, foods, drinks, arts, handicrafts So, while missing her, I also encouraged and more, in competition. There will be her to see all the people she needed to, Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since an evening concert in both Georgian and do all the little but necessary things 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a Svan. Hundreds of foreigners and locals before returning. I’ve been holding the weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He will come together to celebrate every- fort as best I can, even putting a “closed” runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook thing Svan. I’ll have more to write about sign on the shop a couple of times while group, now with over 1900 members, at once this has happened, of course. I worked the fi eld. It’s vital to make use www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- Waiting is indeed the theme for me this of the weather. The last gleanings of the sance/ week. I had not seen my wife for three scything needed raking up, and you can’t He and his wife also run their own guest house weeks when she came back from Tbilisi do this if they’re wet from rain or even in Etseri: yesterday, having gone mainly to prepare dew- you have to wait until the dew has w.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti UNICEF: Children Living & Working on the Streets of Georgia

Continued from page 9 entertainment, to cultivate friendship, The study was conducted by UNICEF and to cooperate in economic activities Georgia with the support of the Euro- The study shows that the population like petty trading, street begging, and pean Union and in collaboration with of children living and/or working on the petty crime. Other groups of children the Ministry of Internally Displaced streets of Georgia is highly diverse and have internal structures that divide them Persons from Occupied Territories, the includes youth/children who live and into seniors/superiors and subordinates. Ministry of Labor, Health and Social work on the streets without protective Older children sometimes use younger Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, care from parents, children who spend children below age 14 (subordinate chil- World Vision International, the Open most of their daytime hours working on dren) as ‘shields’ to avoid criminal pros- Society Georgia Foundation, Caritas the streets and who themselves contrib- ecution, pushing them to carry out Georgia and UNICEF Azerbaijan. It was ute income to the family, children who criminal activities and hand over the carried out by Fafo, a Norweigian research are accompanied by adults who are also profi ts. institute. street workers, and children of migrant Based on the study fi ndings and its The presentation was opened with street families who are predominantly recommendations, the Steering Com- welcome speeches by Laila O. Gad, Roma and Azerbaijani Kurds. mittee worked out country-specifi c rec- UNICEF Representative to Georgia, Children who work and live on the ommendations that entail the develop- Catalin Gherman, Deputy Head of Coop- street are particularly vulnerable to vio- ment of an overarching vision, strategy, eration Section of EU Delegation to lence from caretakers. Moreover, the and action plan to ensure adequate pre- Georgia, Tamila Barkalaia, Deputy Min- absolute majority of street-connected vention and response measures to safe- ister of Internally Displaced Persons children do not have access to education guard children from street life. from Occupied Territories, Labour, Health nor medical services beyond emergency Preventative measures includes screen- and Social Affairs Ministry, Natia Mez- care. ing tools tailored to the needs of at-risk vrishvili, Deputy Minister of Internal Differences in social assistance schemes children to be used in government Affairs Ministry, Gocha Lortkipanidze, in Georgia and Azerbaijan, as well as families, children to be provided with Deputy Minister of Justice, and Hans different legal frameworks (like prohibi- ID papers at birth and social services Bederski, Director of World Vision South tions on begging and stricter enforce- to be strengthened. Response measures Caucasia. The opening ceremony was ment of sanctions against petty trade) should take into account availability of followed by a presentation on the research and the depreciation of the Azerbaijani services and how to develop them fur- results and recommendations by Ketevan currency, lead many Azerbaijani families ther, especially on the Black Sea Coast. Melikadze, Social Welfare Offi cer at to migrate to Georgia and resort to a life Moreover, establishment and strength- UNICEF and Steering Committee rec- on the street. ening of social safety nets should be ommendations by Mari Tsereteli, Head The research reveals that some groups considered as well as funding of NGO of Guardianship, Custody and Social of children live and move together in services, legal reforms and response of Programs Department of LEPL Social order to protect each other, to fi nd places city authorities and police to criminal Service Agency. A Q&A discussion fol- to sleep, to create spaces for leisure and activities. lowed shortly after. GEORGIA TODAY 12 CULTURE JULY 27 - 30, 2018 Celebrated Georgian Artist Kordz to Perform with String Orchestra in Borjomi Park

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY LIKA CHIGLADZE

f you’re a classic music enthusiast, electronic music geek or just love dis- covering new extraordinary pieces, then head to Borjomi so as not to miss out on the upcoming concert by inter- Inationally-renowned contemporary artist Alexandre Kordzaia together with the Zagareli String Orchestra. Set to take place right in the Central Park of Georgia’s Borjomi City, the concert is being carried out within the frames of the govern- ment’s ‘Check in Georgia’ project. Entrance is free. Alexandre Kordzaia (23) is a Georgian art- ist and DJ better known by his nickname Kordz. He is currently based in The Nether- lands, where he is working on a Master’s Degree in Acoustic Composition in La Hague University, yet from time to time he is invited to perform in different countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Italy and, of course, Georgia. Educated as a classical musician, he developed a love of jazz and house music and started composing his own classic and electronic pieces. Kordz is well-known to the Georgian audience, having performed at Spacehall, Mtkvarze, Fabrika, Tbilisi Open Air Fes- composed specially for strings, a piece composed tival, Black Sea Jazz Festival, Tsinandali Award and for the Tsinandali Award named Topic, and then now with a busy schedule of concerts planned both several electronic pieces modifi ed for strings.” in Georgia and abroad. His music is characterized On August 11, Kordz will play in Bakhmaro, a by cheerful and positive tunes that boost your mood highland village in western Georgia, as part of a instantly. Kordz’s most famous and popular tracks small electronic music festival named Taoba, with are Deep Thoughts, Satellite, Mtkvarze, Topic, and other contemporary Georgian artists and DJs. On Chitebi (Birds). Previously, GEORGIA TODAY August 24, on ‘Georgian Days in Frankfurt,’ he will was hosted by Kordz at his grandma’s house where be in Germany playing together with a string he usually stays while in the country, and we met orchestra. On September 15, he has been invited to him there again for a catch-up. perform on the anniversary of Beethoven in Bonn, “The series of my performances in Georgia kicked Germany. off in Tusheti,” the artist told us. “I was part of the “It’s going to be quite an extraordinary show, since project Ak Tusheti (Here Tusheti) that took place the 5th Symphony will be performed and in the in our country’s historic highland. Artists from the middle, I’ll be able to play my pieces,” Kordz said. Caucasus were brought to one place, to the moun- “This will be followed by my next performance at tains of Georgia, to work together, share experi- the International Chess Championship to be held ences with one another and perform for audiences. in Georgia. The opening ceremony of the champi- Young musicians from different corners of the onship will be held at the Black Sea Arena, where country, as well as from Azerbaijan, Chechnya, and I’ll be performing together with Nikoz Rachveli’s the upper Caucasus united in Omalo, Tusheti, and orchestra. Then on September 26, I’ll be perform- collaborated for over 10 days within the project. ing as a part of the Marjanishvili Theater Festival,” Each of the participants, both folk music repre- the artist said. sentatives and electronic music artists, delivered Over the past year, Kordz has performed in a concerts to the local audience, tourists and other number of prestigious music halls around world attendees. Anyone could attend the events for free. such as Muziekgebouw in Amsterdam; Ellbphil- I performed on July 13 and the day was really suc- harmonie in Hamburg, and Funkhaus in Berlin. But cessful. The fi rst folk ensemble, Anchiskhati, deliv- he plans to come back to Georgia for a while. ered a concert and then I took to the stage and “My mom has been organizing the festival CLOSE introduced my own music. It turned out a really Encounters since 2006. In the beginning, the fes- interesting combination, folk music followed by tival seemed very strange to many people, yet peo- electronic pieces. The atmosphere was really won- ple slowly started to see it differently. In 2016, the derful since the stage was nestled between the atmosphere was totally different and the interest mountains. My music was received by the locals was higher. This year, the festival will be even more very well, both elderly people and kids enjoyed it, diverse, since I’m bringing my foreign musician you could tell it from their emotions and faces. It friends and artists from England and Germany. was my fi rst time in Tusheti and I was left very We’re planning to hold a grand event at Mtkvari impressed. It’s quite a remote region yet very beau- on September 30. Natali Beridze, Feredric Robin- tiful with vast lands, making it good for horse- son and Anushka Chkheidze will also take to the riding. I had my fi rst experience riding in Tusheti stage. The festival is aimed at introducing and pro- and I really enjoyed it.” moting new kinds of music and pieces that are Kordz continues his Georgia tour with his next fi rmly established in European culture but are less performance, together with the Zagareli String known and widespread in Georgia. The festival Orchestra, to be held in Borjomi Park on July 28. As will last several days, Zagareli – Strings will be the musician told us, the idea of organizing a concert performing pieces by Georgian and European com- together with strings was born a few months ago. posers, followed by the event at Mtkvarze, two “We teamed up with Art Area, which organizes concerts in Tbilisi Conservatoire and two in Geor- various musical events in the open air, both within gian villages. the city and other places,” Kordz told GEORGIA After such a busy schedule and tours, the musi- TODAY. “I decided to compose one entire set as a cian prefers to spend his vacation in his village complete piece. It will be a classical piece performed Kavtiskhevi and devote his entire time to making with strings and organically merged with electronic music. music elements. I think it will be a really interest- “I’m in my fi nal year of Master’s Degree at the ing experiment and little bit strange, but the good Hague University and I’m planning to stay in Geor- thing about performing in Georgia is that you are gia for six months from September and continue not restricted, and you can be completely free to experimenting here. I’ll use the time to generate experiment with various genres and styles before new ideas and bring to reality existing ones,” the giving a concert. I’m going to deliver a new piece artist told us.

GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE JULY 27 - 30, 2018

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER CAVEA GALLERY NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL and Ethnography hosts an ADIL HIANI, ARGENIS BRITO, Address: 2/4 Rustaveli Ave. COLLECTIONS exhibition "MAGNUM PHOTO 70 AUDIO SPACE, RATI, VASIL Telephone: 200 70 07 - GEORGIAN JOURNAL: ROBERT GABRIADZE THEATER Start time: 16:00 April 26 – September 1 CAPA 1947, THOMAS DWORZAK Address: 13 Shavtelis St. Ticket: 30 GEL Every Wednesday ticket: 8 GEL UNKNOWN COLLECTIONS 2017". Telephone: 2 98 65 93 July 27- August 2 OF GEORGIAN NATIONAL SUMMER SET MUSEUM– INDIA, CHINA, JAPAN SIGHNAGHI MUSEUM July 27 Address: Electro Carriage Factory, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - FALLOUT The exhibition showcases up to Address: 8 Sh. Rustaveli Blind-alley RAMONA 32 Ts. Dadiani Str. (Info Above) 500 artworks - paintings, sculptures Rezo Gabriadze Language: English and samples of applied art, the Exhibition Directed by Rezo Gabriadze July 27 PORTRAITS OF KAKHETIAN English Subtitles Start time: 19:40 chronological range of which is Summer Set Reincarnation: NOBLES – Start time: 20:00 Language: Russian wide. ELECTRONIC MUSIC FESTIVAL FROM THE BEGINNING OF Ticket: 20, 30 GEL Start time: 13:15, 16:30, 19:20, 22:30 Line up: Ticket: 11-19 GEL May 26 – September 30 GEORGIAN EASEL PAINTING UP DUDEY, ZIAD ALIEV, APOLLOE, TO 20TH CENTURY July 28 THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC KILLAGES, CIGARETTES STALINGRAD ZOE OF GEORGIA - 100 YEARS The exposition comprises portraits AFTER SEX, KORELESS, WHO of Kakhetian historical fi gures, such Rezo Gabriadze (Info Above) The Georgian National Museum MADE WHO, GIDGE, BAIKAL, Language: Russian and Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi as: King Erekle II, Queen Darejan, Directed by Rezo Gabriadze ENDORPHINS Start time: 17:30, 22:15 State University, National Prince Vakhtang Dimitris-dze English Subtitles Start time: 21:00 Ticket: 14-19 GEL Parliamentary Library of Georgia, Janbakur-Orbeliani, Princess Tekla Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 40-60 GEL Ticket: 20, 30 GEL Korneli Kekelidze Georgian and David Guramishvili, as well as SKYSCRAPER National Center of Manuscripts Qajar paintings of representatives SOUND OF GEORGIA July 29 Directed by Rawson Marshall and National Archives of Georgia, of the Andronikashvili family. An animated documentary fi lm Thurberwson Marshall Thurber presents the exhibition Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Neve SAMTSKHE-JAVAKHETI August 1, 2 REZO Regular mini-concerts of traditional Directed by Leo Gabriadze Campbell, Pablo Schreiber June 12 – August 31 MUSEUM Genre: Action, Crime, Drama Georgian National Museum Address: Rabati Fortress, Georgian live music in the Old Start time: 20:00 Town. Ticket: 15 GEL Language: Russian presents the exhibition 1 P. Kharistchirashvili Str.1, Akhaltsikhe Start time: 14:30, 22:30 CAUCASUS BIODIVERSITY Get to know and fall in love with the Georgian character and culture. SHALIKASHVILI THEATER Ticket: 11-19 GEL The exhibition is dedicated to the The Georgian National Museum Start time: 17:00 Address: 37 Rustaveli Ave. 100the anniversary of the First presents the renovated exhibition Ticket: 23 GEL Telephone: 595 50 02 03 HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3: Democratic Republic of Georgia. spaces at the Samtskhe-Javakheti SUMMER VACATION Museum, which see the addition Venues: August 1-2 Turgenevi Str., July 28 Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky IOSEB GRISHASHVILI of recently discovered exhibits, Tbilisi yard, August 2- Europe sq., KRIMANCHULI Cast: David Spade, Adam Sandler, TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM and technical updates according to 2 D. Megreli Str. Directed by Amiran Shalikashvili Andy Samberg - KARVASLA modern museum standards. Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family Address: 8 Sioni St. MELOGRANO A performance of comedy GALLERY genre novels based on Georgian Language: English Telephone: 2 98 22 81 Address: Z. Chichinadze Str. national themes: Review, Cinema, Start time: 12:10 Telephone: 219 20 21 Sailors, Today is a football, Fire, Language: Russian June 27 – September 10 THE NATIONAL GALLERY Chichetura, Vineyard, Krimanchuli, Start time: 17:00, 22:00 Georgian National Museum and Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. July 29 Bath-house attendants, Final. Ticket: 10-19 GEL The Goethe Institute, in connection www.museum.ge NUCI NEBIERIDZE & Start time: 20:00 with 200 years of relations between PAPUNA SHARIKADZE Ticket: 15 GEL BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB Germany and Georgia, presents a May 15 – August 5 WITH FRIENDS Directed by James Cox project For International Museum Day The concert will present the CINEMA Cast: Taron Egerton, Emma THE DYNASTIES - PARALLEL GNM presents the Georgian original compositions and Roberts, Suki Waterhouse PERSPECTIVE National Museum festival, arrangements of various jazz- AMIRANI CINEMA Genre: Biography, Drama, Thriller The exhibition features the dedicated to the 100th anniversary standards and songs by Nuci Address: 36 Kostava St. Language: Russian historic-cultural and, in particular, of the First Democratic Republic of Nebieridze. Telephone: 2 99 99 55 Start time: 14:45, 19:45 architectural legacy that has been Georgia. Start time: 20:00 www.kinoafi sha.ge Ticket: 11-19 GEL created and developed in parallel in Exhibition Ticket: 15 GEL Germany and Georgia, representing TITIAN - MASTER OF COLOR: MUSEUM THE VIRGIN AND CHILD Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL two different architectural family BLUES FEST This exhibition is part of a large July 27- August 2 dynasties- the Böhms and the Address: Lagodekhi GEORGIAN NATIONAL Kurdianis in Germany and Georgia, project, which also comprises exhibitions of Leonardo da Vinci, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - FALLOUT MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA respectively. July 28 MUSEUM Raphael and other great Italian Directed by Christopher The second blues festival organized Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. MUSEUM OF SOVIET artists in the Georgian National McQuarrieMarshall Thurber by the company BluesfestGe Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 OCCUPATION Museum. Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca presents the legendary, highly in- www.museum.ge Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. Ferguson, Henry Cavill demand blues band SOBO Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 May 25-August 26 Start time: 20:00 Language: English Exhibitions: www.museum.ge The Georgian National Museum Ticket: 20-70 GEL Start time: 21:45 GEORGIAN COSTUME AND and the Embassy of Italy to Language: Russian WEAPONRY OF THE 18TH-20TH PERMANENT EXHIBITION Georgia, within the Museum Fest, Start time: 13:30, 16:15 CENTURIES Discover the State's personal fi les present the exhibition ZUGDIDI ART CENTER Ticket: 10-14 GEL of "subversive" Georgian public EVIDENCE. A NEW STATE OF ART Address: 12 D. Janashia Str. NUMISMATIC TREASURY fi gures, orders to shoot or exile, and The National Gallery is hosting ZOE Exhibition showcasing a long other artifacts representing Soviet- the exhibition of Garuzzo Institute July 30 Directed by Drake Doremusarshall history of money circulation on the era cultural and political repression for Visual Arts- presenting GROUP URSA WITH Thurber territory of modern Georgia from in Georgia. contemporary Italian artists' RENEWED PROGRAM Cast: Theo James, Ewan McGregor, the 6th century BC. to 1834. artworks created since the 1950s. Start time: 19:00 Rashida Jones SVANETI MUSEUM Ticket: 20 GEL Genre: Romance, Sci-Fi EXHIBITION STONE AGE Address: Mestia, Svaneti May 25-August 26 Language: Russian GEORGIA GENIUSES OF RENAISSANCE ADJARA Start time: 14:45, 19:45 May 19 – August 19 The Georgian National Museum MUSEUM Ticket: 12-15 GEL ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE The Svaneti Museum of History and the Embassy of Italy to Georgia, within the Museum Fest, Visitor Center of Kobuleti-Kintrishi present the exhibition Protected Areas Address: 271 D. Aghmashenebeli Str., LADO GUDIASHVILI ART Kobuleti GALLERY Address: Gudiashvili Atr. July 5 – July 5 2019 Telephone: 293 23 05 The Georgian National Museum presents a new exhibition depicting Tickets: General - 5 GEL, the unique ecosystems of Adjara, Ages 6-18 - 3 Gel, Students and in particular the Kobuleti wetland Pensioners - 3 GEL, areas, the Kintrishi forests and Free admission for orphan groups their biodiversity. Discover the and children under 6 Ispani sphagnum peatlands and the Kintrishi forest illuminated in light- EXHIBITION OF PREVIOUSLY UNKNOWN ART PIECES boxes. CREATED BY MUSIC LEGENDARY ARTIST LADO GUDIASHVILI: 1 + 70 UNKNOWN BATUMI SUMMER THEATER MUSIC August 1 CHARITY CONCERT #4BEKA MTATSMINDA HILL Participants: Sopho Khalvashi, Niko Beridze, Anri Guchmanidze, Giorgi July 28 Tughushi, Salome Mirianashvili, Mzesumzira Records and Cosmo Giorgi Putkaradze, Teona records’ collaboration: Chitishvili, Folk Band Aisi and BSU MZESUMZIRA RECORDS AT band. CAFFE STAGE Start time: 19:00 Lineup: Ticket: 20 GEL GEORGIA TODAY JULY 27 - 30, 2018 CULTURE 15 The Black Sea Jazz Festival 2018 Press Conference on Nani

REVIEW BY INGA MUMLADZE Bregvadze’s Upcoming Concert at Black Sea Arena lenty of stories have been written about this summer’s Jazz festival already – and a major reason for it is the never-dwindling army of fans thatP Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin boast in Georgia (deservedly, mind you). Some outlets were especially generous with lavish praise, one going as far as to call it “the festival that wrote history.” Was that the case? Well, let’s fi nd out. But before we do, let me tell you about my journey to Batumi – considering the lion’s share of people that are attending the Batumi Jazz festival are not from there, I think it could be a valuable piece of information. Regular tickets for trains are usually sold out a week before, so PHOTO: Sera Dzneladze, TBC STATUS there were only 100 GEL ones left at the was nowhere to found, still. After some almost faint as she was handed the micro- Bank of Georgia, Khatuna Kakabadze. BY ANNA ZHVANIA time when I decided to embark on this more time, Trombone Shorty returned phone), he was up to new antics – pro- On August 16, the Black Sea Arena will journey. Minibuses, if you value your without any of the audience asking them posing to swap shirts with somebody present an artistic evening of the legend- health, time and are past your hitch- to. And so they played and played and from the audience. I could not fi nd the ary Georgian singer Nani Bregvadze hiking years, are a solution best sneered played again, as Badu seemed in no hurry image of Wyclef Jean sporting a China- n July 25, a press confer- together with the Grammy Winner at. So, in a carefree move befi tting a to show up. I have nothing against trom- manufactured Adibas shirt online, but ence was held to present American trumpeter and composer, Chris queen, I went for the Lux option and got bones, mind you, nor against shorties of trust me, it happened and it was lovely. the upcoming Nani Breg- Botti. The Batumi State Musical Center a plane ticket from Tbilisi to Batumi for any kind, but it seemed that they’d have In short, he entertained us for three vadze concert at the Writ- will also perform during the concert, 125 GEL. The fl ight's usually at 10 in the better fi tted the Tbilisi Jazz Festival than hours, and I saw some of my friends, ers' House. The open while Evgeni Mikeladze’s Georgian morning and lasts about one hour. All Batumi. It was way too high-brow and who literally never dance, unable to help meetingO saw the organizers and par- National Symphony Orchestra will per- cozy and comfortable. If it’s not your you’d need to be a real trombone fanatic themselves to a wiggle or two. ticipants discussing in detail what sur- form together with soloists to present fi rst time in Georgia, you probably know to spend two hours on your feet, unable prises await the Georgian audience. famous and beloved melodies created this already, but still: beware the taxi to dance, amid noise and still enjoy it. DAY FOUR Also in attendance were Eka Mamaladze, by Nikoloz Rachveli. The event is ded- drivers at the airport. They charge triple So the valiant efforts of Trombone Shorty And on day four, it rained. Free rain- Natalia Kutateladze, Nikoloz Rachveli, icated to the 100th anniversary of the at best. The ones you encounter on the to entertain the crowd afore Badu’s arrival coats were soon claimed and I had to Teo Jorbenadze (Artist Union Artistic Georgian Independence Day. road aren’t much better – basically if were sadly thwarted. pay 5 GEL for one. The injustice! Some Director), Nino Nakhutrishvili (National Tickets are on sale. The general spon- anybody tells you to pay 20 GEL to get Now fi rmly in Waiting for Godot mood, people came with umbrellas. The nerve! Musical Center General Director), Ani sor of the event is Bank of Georgia and from the airport to the center, they’re and receiving only confused shrugs from Well, in short, the rain dampened eve- Kavleushvili (Black Sea Arena Director), the general partner is the Artists Union ripping you off. It’s best to call a cab the organizers, the audience began to rything quite a bit. A symbolic image: Giorgi Chogovadze (Georgian National ConceptArt. Supporters include Imedi, offi ce and order one. Also, you might disperse. Clever as I am, I gave the friendly a young black man, with long dreads Tourism Administration Director), and Fortuna, ambebi.ge, marketer.ge and OK! want to remember that the usual open- security person my number to call me on the stage, clad in a Chokha. With a Head of Public Relations Department of magazine. ing venue for the Batumi Jazz fest – the on Badu’s arrival and left too. At about face dismayed at nature’s whims, he Black Sea Arena isn’t in fact in Batumi, 01:40, my phone rang and I hastened uttered for everyone to hear: f**k this but in Shekvetili resort – so you’ll have back to the venue. After all this wait, one rain! Amen to that. That man was Wayne to pay another 30-35 GEL to get there. would expect the performer would try Snow, a Berlin based singer and song- ‘Shvidkatsa’ Presents their It’s well worth it though, as the Black to redeem herself and put on a fascinat- writer, who seamlessly blends a multi- Sea Arena is rightfully considered the ing show. Alas, it wasn’t to be. Sub-par tude of genres to produce music that is best concert venue in the Caucasus. The would be a generous assessment and both intricate, soulful and at the same Black Sea Arena Concert equipment, acoustic, logistics are all one could see she wasn’t really putting time, very modern. You could see Snow top-notch. much effort into it. A major disappoint- was quite pumped up for the show and ment, really, considering once again how inspired by the previous night’s magic, DAY ONE many fans, enticed by her records, went and we soon forgot the rain. The music Robert Plant was, of course, late. The to Batumi (plenty of foreigners too!) to was sublime and the performers cer- show started at about 10:30pm, by which fi nally see her perform live. And if you tainly spared no effort, but this was a time the arena was fully packed with think I went into a bit of a rant here, I’d performance better enjoyed while sit- people of every age and kind here – from suggest you don’t read the comments ting, listening to every note and hushing die-hard Led zeppelin fans to children that some of the less-amused fans have anybody foolish enough to produce as and of course, those who thought this left on social media regarding this per- much as a squeak. This, once again, was “the cool thing to do”. These, how- formance. would have been better served in the ever, were in minority and Plant, 69 and Tbilisi Concert Hall and you could hear still going strong, enjoyed an ecstatic, DAY THREE some bewildered (and inebriated) audi- exultant crowd as he dished out a won- This was a day of redemption. A day that ence members voicing their displeasure derful, age-belying performance. There really wrote history for me, you might about the repertoire. This band defi - was never a dull moment; people applaud- say. Add some more high-strung exple- nitely deserved more – more applause, ing, chanting, singing along, dancing. tives and you’ll still not come close to more love, more appreciation of what The seats were empty as everyone thought what we feasted on that day, courtesy of they do. Another lesson for the future, to partake into this wonderful magic the Wyclef Jean, who started at exactly 21:00. perhaps? old wizard was weaving in front of their Unheard of! eyes. And, truth be told, if you were a His second act of awesomeness was a CONCLUSION Led Zeppelin fan (something I am not), joke or two about Erykah Badu and her So, what’s there to say? Did this festival this probably was the night that wrote being sleepy. Amen to that, brother! write history? Sort of, for both good and history for you. For about two hours, Next awesome act– he put his all into bad reasons. Plant and Wyclef Jean both Plant rocked, singing 12 songs and then, it. Soul, body, emotions, energy. One put in milestone performances that will n July 26, at the Central frames of the government’s ‘Check In after the initial showdown and applause, could not shake the feeling that this guy be diffi cult to surpass, while Badu’s faux Offi ce of Bank of Georgia, Georgia’ program, and will see Shvid- he returned once more to sing Whole was singing for friends. Perhaps his close pass was equally embarrassing. But the Shvidkatsa held a press katsa perform at the Black Sea Arena, Lotta Love, much to everyone’s delight. friendship with Bera (who was also pre- most important thing is that the Batumi conference together with dedicating the evening to their 20th sent and provided a solid performance Jazz Festival has become imprinted into the members of the ensem- anniversary and the 100th anniversary DAY TWO on his own) explains it, but this was public conscience, both in Georgia and ble,O Conductor Nikoloz Rachveli, Direc- of Georgia’s Independence. A special This was a day that might have written certainly a man with boundless charisma, abroad, as a purveyor and provider of tor Basa Potskhishvili, Director of the guest will be the 10-times Grammy Win- history, albeit for all the wrong reasons. a man who fi nds supreme joy in what quality music every summer. Black Sea Arena, Ani Kavlelishvili, and ner, Acapella Group Take 6’. The National The main attraction was Erykah Badu, he is doing and is more than happy to P.s. Compared to last year, the number Head of Public Relations Department of Symphony Orchestra of Georgia, headed and although the name isn’t as big as connect it all to the listener. A major, of sponsors of the festival must have Bank of Georgia, Khatuna Kakabadze. by Nikoloz Rachveli, will also perform that of Plant, she still has no shortage of major performance and defi nitely one tripled. Brand stands were abound: TKT. During the press conference, attendees during the concert. fans in Georgia and many of them headed of the best showmen to ever grace Geor- ge, Heineken, Sobranie, Geocell, you discussed the 20th anniversary evening The general Sponsor of the event is to Batumi just for her. The day was gia. Halfway through the show, after name it, every kind of beast present. Oh, of Shvidkatsa to be celebrated through Bank of Georgia. opened by Trombone Shorty who were… getting about half the attending children there was also a small yet vastly popular a concert at the Black Sea Arena on Media Supporters include Imedi, For- competent. But not what those hundreds on stage and dancing and singing with stand by Nikora, selling hotdogs. Good August 11. tuna, ambebi.ge, marketer.ge, and OK! of people were waiting there for. Erykah them (I swear I saw the wide-eyed kid thinking, that. The concert is to be held within the magazine.

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