Issue no: 1065 • JULY 13 - 16, 2018 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... EU – FOCUS Partnership Priorities ON THE NATO Reinforce Bilateral Agenda SUMMIT NEWS PAGE 2 No change for PAGE 2,7 Should NATO Fear Russia? POLITICS PAGE 4

The Road ahead for the Ex-PM POLITICS PAGE 7

Image source: brookings.edu

The Trump Era Linguistic PM Bakhtadze Meets EU Analysis POLITICS PAGE 8 Anaklia Deep Sea Port’s Ambassador to Georgia Construction Proceeds to BY THEA MORRISON New Chapter BUSINESS PAGE 9

eorgian Prime Minister met with Janos Herman, Aftermath: & Marneuli EU Ambassador to Georgia, upon SOCIETY PAGE 12 the Diplomat’s completion of his tenure in the country. GSpecial attention was paid to the economic 4th Year of the Georgian integration of Georgia with the EU. Both sides discussed the agenda of EU-Georgia interaction Pantomime Festival and stressed the progress achieved by the coun- try on the way to its European integration. Reforms, which have been implemented for the support of small and medium sized enter- prises (SME), along with the current initiatives of the EU, were positively assessed and it was added they will facilitate the inclusive economic growth, thereby resulting in an increased rate by Georgian authorities towards addressing the EU in the development of Georgia. According of economic integration of Georgia with EU. current challenges in the process of visa-free to Herman, the EU will continue to actively Discussions touched upon the topics related travel, which were clearly commended. provide its solid support of the reforms imple- to visa liberalization and actions implemented Bakhtadze stressed the signifi cant role of the mented by the Government of Georgia. CULTURE PAGE 15 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS JULY 13 - 16, 2018 Georgia’s Territorial Integrity Reinforce in NATO Summit Declaration the construction of border-like obstacles,” BY THEA MORRISON the NATO member states say. The declaration reiterates the decision made at the 2008 Bucharest Summit that he Heads of State and Gov- Georgia will become a member of the ernment participating in Alliance, with MAP as an integral part the meeting of the North of the process. Atlantic Council in Brussels “We recognize the signifi cant progress on July 11-12, 2018 issued a on reforms which Georgia has made and Tjoint declaration which reiterates the must continue, which are helping Geor- Alliance’s support for the territorial gia, an aspirant country, progress in its integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, preparations towards membership, and Georgia, and the Republic of Moldova which strengthen Georgia’s defense and within their internationally recognized interoperability capabilities with the borders. Alliance,” the document reads. “In accordance with its international It also says that Georgia’s relationship commitments, we call on Russia to with- with the Alliance contains all the practi- draw the forces it has stationed in all cal tools to prepare for eventual mem- three countries without their consent,” bership of NATO. the declaration of NATO’s 29-member “We highly appreciate Georgia’s sig- states reads. nifi cant and steadfast contributions to The document also condemns Russia’s the NATO Response Force and the Res- illegal and illegitimate annexation of olute Support mission. These efforts, Crimea and calls on Russia to withdraw along with Georgia’s participation in its troops from the territory of the Repub- EU-led operations, demonstrate the lic of Moldova and Georgia’s occupied country’s commitment and capability to regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. contribute to Euro-Atlantic security,” “We call on Russia to reverse its recog- the document reads. Photo: Heads of NATO 29 states issued a joint declaration on July 11. Source: NATO website nition of the Abkhazia and South Ossetia NATO member states have underlined “We remain committed to our support in the summit stated NATO remains the tively all three core tasks as set out in regions of Georgia as independent states; the fact that they stand ready to enhance for the territorial integrity, independ- foundation for a strong, collective the Strategic Concept: collective defense, to implement the EU-mediated August further their support to Georgia, particu- ence, and sovereignty of , Azer- defense and an essential transatlantic crisis management, and cooperative 12, 2008 ceasefi re agreement, particularly larly in the areas of counter-mobility, train- baijan, Georgia, and the Republic of forum for security consultations and security. the withdrawal of Russian forces from ing and exercises and secure communica- Moldova,” they added. decisions among Allies, adding the Alli- “NATO will continue to strive for peace, the territory of Georgia; to end its mili- tions, adding they look forward to the next In the 79-point declaration, the Heads ance will continue to pursue a 360-degree security, and stability in the whole Euro- tarization of these regions; and to stop NATO-Georgia exercise in 2019. of State and Government participating approach to security and to fulfi l effec- Atlantic area,” the declaration reads. EU – Azerbaijan Partnership Priorities Reinforce Bilateral Agenda

2015 review of the European Neighbor- an ambitious and comprehensive agenda. BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE hood Policy and provides a fresh plat- The agenda will refl ect the values and form for healthy, productive political principles of the European Neighbor- dialogue and cooperation between the hood Policy, including respect for human n 11 July, EU High Repre- EU and Azerbaijan. rights, democracy, the rule of law, and sentative Federica Mogh- EU Neighbors reports that the Partner- dialogue with civil society.” erini and the Minister of ship Priorities “represent an important Ongoing negotiations for a new bilat- Foreign Affairs of Azer- step forward in EU-Azerbaijan relations eral agreement coincide with the fi nali- baijan, Elmar Mammad- and will guide and enhance this partner- zation of the Partnership Priorities deal, yarov,O completed negotiations of the ship over the coming years.” The newly sending a clear signal that both the EU EU-Azerbaijan Partnership Priorities in signed partnership focuses on four main and Azerbaijani sides are interested in the presence of President of the Euro- areas – strengthening institutions and enhancing their relationship. Members pean Council, Donald Tusk, and the good governance; economic development of the EU and Azerbaijan leadership President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. and market opportunities; connectivity, teams hope that the relationship will The process of developing the Partner- energy effi ciency, environment and cli- bring positive results to benefi t the cit- ship Priorities began in November 2016, mate action; and mobility and people-to- izens of both places. when the Council of Europe adopted a people contacts – “while also staying true The Partnership Priorities now moves mandate for the European Commission to the principle of differentiation in the to be formally approved by both parties and the High Representative for Foreign EU's relationships with the Eastern Neigh- before being offi cially adopted but is Affairs and Security Policy to negotiate borhood countries,” says EU Neighbors. expected to be supported by the EU and a comprehensive agreement with the The European Commission press release Photo: European Commission Azerbaijan. Republic of Azerbaijan. The new agree- breaks down the agreement, saying that: The has gradually ment is designed to replace the previous good governance includes the fi ght against cooperation on energy connectivity and Azerbaijani citizens to meet and exchange expanded the scope of its cooperation Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, corruption, public administration reform, signifi cant progress made on the South- experiences. with Azerbaijan since relations were more deeply considering the shared and crime and terror-defense capacity ern Gas Corridor, including support for The Partnership Priorities also provides established in 1991. Azerbaijan has been objectives and modern challenges of the building; economic development includes Azerbaijan's ability to operate as a trade, a policy framework for planned fi nancial included in the European Neighborhood EU and Azerbaijan. Negotiations on the the sustainable diversifi cation of the logistics and transport hub, regulatory cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Policy (ENP) since 2004, and in the new agreement were launched in Febru- economy, support for WTO member- assistance, and sustainable resource European Union through 2020. Eastern Partnership Initiative since its ary 2017 following President Aliyev’s ship, and improving business and invest- management; mobility includes support The EU press release says that “through founding in 2009. A Protocol on Azer- visit to Brussels. The Partnership Pri- ment environments; climate action for education and human capital, and these Partnership Priorities, the EU and baijan's participation in EU Programs orities is laid out along the lines of the includes building on the successful increasing opportunities for EU and Azerbaijan renew their commitment to and Agencies was adopted in July 2016. Georgian President Meets Jens Stoltenberg

talked about the progress Georgia has ble and secure, how to enhance the BY THEA MORRISON achieved in this regard. As he noted, cooperation formats with NATO, which Georgia has all the necessary practical leads to strengthening defense capa- tools to prepare for NATO membership, bilities, the ultimate goal of NATO mem- resident of Georgia Giorgi adding the country is ready to move to bership. I think the Georgian people Margvelashvili held his fi rst the next stage of cooperation with the deserve to move towards an Alliance offi cial meeting within the Alliance. membership at a fast pace," Margvelash- NATO Summit with the Sec- Margvelashvili also talked about the vili said at the joint press-conference. retary General of the Alliance, Russian annexation of Georgia’s occu- Stoltenberg also underlined that Geor- JensP Stoltenberg on Thursday. pied regions and added that Georgia is gia is a valuable partner of NATO. Margvelashvili thanked the NATO Sec- already compatible with NATO standards “NATO's relationship with Georgia is retary General for organizing the NATO- and is a responsible partner, who shares unique. Georgia is one of the most impor- Georgia-Ukraine meeting and noted that the values and responsibilities of NATO tant NATO partners. We are grateful to this occasion, where the Heads of NATO and is actively participating in interna- Georgia for contributing to the mission member states will discuss Georgia's tional missions and therefore, preparing of Afghanistan and for the sacrifi ce of security and defense capabilities, is stra- for the organization's membership. the Georgian people made for our com- tegically important for Georgia. “Today we will discuss with NATO mon security. We fully support Georgia's The President of Georgia spoke about leaders the strong support of Georgia Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Georgia will the country's integration into NATO and and how to make this country more sta- become a NATO member,” he stated. GEORGIA TODAY JULY 13 - 16, 2018 NEWS 3 OSCE PA Passes Resolution on Georgia - "10 Years after the August War”

Federation’s military forces from Geor- peace initiative of the Government of BY THEA MORRISON gia’s two occupied regions of Abkhazia Georgia - “A Step to a Better Future”, and South Ossetia (Tskhinvali). aimed at improving the humanitarian The document expresses concern over and socio-economic conditions of peo- he Parliamentary Assembly the repeated denial of access to interna- ple residing in Georgia’s occupied regions, of the Organization for Co- tional and regional human rights mech- as well as towards fostering people-to- Operation and Security in anisms, including the relevant OSCE people contacts and confi dence-building Europe (OSCE PA) passed executive structures to breakaway Abk- between the divided communities. a fi nal resolution at the hazia and Tskhinvali. The resolution Condemns the killing Tannual session in Berlin, urging renewed In addition, it expresses serious con- of Georgian citizens – Archil Tatunash- efforts to resolve confl icts, with a par- cern over the dire security and human- vili, Giga Otkhozoria and Davit Basharuli ticular focus on Ukraine, Georgia, Mol- itarian situation and reports of discrim- – in breakaway Abkhazia and Tskhinvali dova and the Nagorno-Karabakh confl icts. ination based on ethnic grounds in the and urges the Russian Federation to The document, adopted by the OSCE occupied territories of Georgia. It also “refrain from the obstruction of a thor- Photo source: oscepa.org Parliamentary Assembly at the 27th reaffi rms support for the fundamental ough investigation conducted by the ration that we hope will serve to guide Commitments: The Role of Parliaments.” annual session, contains several resolu- rights of hundreds of thousands of inter- Georgian authorities on both cases” with our work in the weeks, months and years August 8-12 marks 10 years since the tions, among them the aforementioned nally displaced persons (IDPs) and the participation of international part- ahead. We should all work to strengthen Georgia-Russia fi ve-day war of 2008, regarding Georgia - "10 Years after the refugees expelled from Abkhazia and ners, and that perpetrators are brought the OSCE, including by implementing which left Georgia’s South Ossetia and August War.” South Ossetia. to justice. its principles and communicating its Abkhazia regions occupied by Russia, The resolution, which was initiated by The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly In addition, the document stresses the messages to our governments and the and resulted in around 170 servicemen, Georgian lawmaker Sofi o Katsarava, calls for the peaceful resolution of the responsibility of the Russian Federation, people of our home countries. We must 14 policemen, and 228 civilians from reaffi rms the full support for the sover- Russian Federation–Georgia confl ict, in “as a power exercising effective control, let people know the value of this organ- Georgia losing their lives, with a further eignty, independence and territorial line with international law and the Hel- to uphold the fundamental freedoms and ization and why it matters,” OSCE PA 1,747 wounded. The August war displaced integrity of Georgia, within its interna- sinki principles. human rights of all people” living in the President George Tsereteli from Georgia 192,000 people in Georgia. Many were tionally recognized borders. OSCE PA supports the policy of the occupied regions of Georgia and ensure said in a speech after the adoption of the able to return to their homes after the It expresses deep regret that ten years Government of Georgia towards a peace- the presence of international human Declaration. war, but around 20,270 people still remain after the August 2008 war, the confl ict ful confl ict resolution, directed towards rights monitoring mechanisms on the Nearly 300 parliamentarians from 53 displaced. between the Russian Federation and the de-occupation of said Georgian ground. OSCE PA urges Russia to allow OSCE participating States and four Part- Russia recognized the independence Georgia remains unresolved and calls regions on the one hand, and the recon- the safe, dignifi ed and unhindered return ners for Co-operation participated in the of Abkhazia and South Ossetia from on Russia to fully implement the EU- ciliation and confi dence-building between of displaced persons to their place of 27th Annual Session, which took place on Georgia on August 26; in response, the mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire the communities divided by the occupa- origin. 7-11 July at the Reichstag building in Berlin Georgian government cut diplomatic Agreement and withdraw the Russian tion lines. It also welcomes the new “We have just adopted a Berlin Decla- under the theme “Implementing OSCE relations with Russia. Chkhenkeli Meets US Asst. Sec. of State for Ed and Culture Marie Royce Culture Marie Roy in Tbilisi. At the meet- supports many successful projects aimed Fulbright Program, San Diego State Uni- (#AFCP), we have awarded $1M+ since BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE ing, both sides discussed cooperation at increasing science and technology versity’s cooperation with Georgian 2001 to assist the country's preservation between Georgia and the United States in development in Georgia. Universities, and others. efforts." During her visit, Royce also had the spheres of science and education. According to Royce, the US govern- Earlier that day, Royce tweeted a photo lunch with US State Department pro- he Minister of Education and Chkhenkeli thanked Marie Roy for ment is of great importance to Georgia's of herself and Tbilisi Art Palace Direc- gram alumni in Tbilisi and with Georgian Science of Georgia, Mikheil projects that are supported by the United efforts to develop education and science. tor Giorgi Kalandia, thanking Kalandia museum curators who participated in Chkhenkeli, met yesterday States of America. The Minister spoke She explained that the role and contri- "for sharing Georgia's #culturalheritage" the Open World exchange program and with US Assistant Secretary about the achievements of the Millen- bution of the Georgian side is crucial to and noting that "through the Ambassa- coordinated the ECA-funded Edward Tof State for Education and nium Challenge Corporation, which carrying out joint projects such as the dor's Fund for Cultural Preservation Curtis exhibit in Tbilisi.

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Indeed, no country economic sanctions against Russia can enter if it is facing a frozen confl ict within its by six more months. The decision borders. In the case of Georgia and Ukraine, the was related to the annexation of Russian interferences coincided with a new step Crimea and the support of separatism towards the EU. At the end of the day, Moldova, inO Eastern Ukraine. For some years now, , Ukraine and Georgia could not join NATO. In this the Baltic States and other member states of NATO way, Russia still has a protective circle like Stalin have been worrying about Russia. Therefore, either did to answer to the Marshall Plan. they reinforce their army or reinstate mandatory But should NATO fear Moscow? Not at all. Indeed, military service. One can understand why: Russia if we compare NATO and Russia in numbers, here frightens them. is the result: Regarding nuclear weapons, Russia In March 1992, after the USSR collapsed, Transn- and NATO come out almost equally powerful. Rus- istria, the eastern part of the Republic of Moldova, sia is also in step with NATO in the number of claimed independance. Currently, even if Russia long-range aircraft. does not recognize the self-proclaimed Pridnestro- But Russia has only 830,000 soldiers, whereas vian Moldavian Republic, Moscow still supports NATO has 3.2 million (almost 1 million from the the separatist government. The posterchild of this USA). The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has support is nothing if not the 1,500 Russian soldiers three times more tanks and fi ve times more armored based there. Less visible, 70% of the national budget vehicles than Russia has. It has fi ve times more comes from Moscow. In this way, Russia ensures combat aircrafts and has 13 aircraft carrier against a continuation of the status quo. only 1 aircraft carrier for Russia. NATO also has In August 2008, ten years ago, Russia invaded eight times more fregates. Georgia with a blitzkrieg, resulting in Moscow In total, NATO spent $954 billion in 2017, whereas ‘protecting’ the regions of Abkhazia and South Russia could only afford to spend $66.3 billion. Ossetia, then recognized their independance. The At the end of the day, NATO spent 15 times more result is alike that of Transnistria. In 2018, the ter- than Russia, but is it enough to deter Russia from Map of grey zones. Image source: Spiridon Ion Cepleanu ritorial dispute remains unresolved. interfering? In March 2014, violent street demonstrations However, in reality, this agressive behaviour from porating his neigbhors. On July 11 - July 12, dozen of heads of state and forced the Ukrainian President, Viktor Ianoukovy- Moscow is nothing new. Russian interferences, So, why is Russian geopolitics aggressive? The government representatives met in Brussels for tch, to fl ee, while the pro-european activists took contrary to the US, are nothing if not a part of the Russian territory is large and not easy to defend. the NATO Summit. power. However, the clumsiness of the new gov- Russian geopolitical identity. From 1804 to 1813, the Access by sea can be easily cut in the Bosporus During this summit, Eastern European countries ernment and some russophobic statements added Russian Empire supported George Obrenovitch, Strait and in the Baltic Sea. Moreover, the majority asked the US to increase the number of troops in fuel to the fi re and led to a sense of insecurity in aka Karageorge, in his will to bring Serbian auton- of Russian harbors are unusable during the winter. their countries as a show of force towards Russia. Eastern Ukraine. Thereafter, the ‘little green men,’ omy from the Ottoman Empire. It is also worth That is the reason Russia has always wanted to Other NATO countries are also expanding their supposely Russian, supported the population there remembering that Russia joined the Greek desire have a kind of buffer zone at its borders. All the presence in , like Canada, which and actively equiped the rebels. Actually, Dombass for independance in the hope they could use its more when NATO is extending to the East. announced plans to extend its military force in and Luhansk still remain a grey-zone. harbors. In 1860, , embodied by Vasil Lev- But why did Putin’s Russia not annexe all these Latvia. Predictably, Moscow has slammed the NATO In March 2014, the Crimean peninsula was annexed ski, started to struggle for independence. At that territories except Crimea ? expansion on its western fl ank. by the Russian Federation through a military inter- time, the Russian Empire supported the fi ght and The question is relevant. In 2015, breakaway South After attending the NATO Summit, Trump is vention and the elections were rejected by the played host to many secret societies. Later, during Ossetia asked Russia to integrate its territory into heading to Finland, where he will meet Russian United Nations. the cold war, Stalin built a protective wall by incor- the Federation. It was the same for eastern Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin.

The Geopolitics of Azerbaijan

BY EMIL AVDALIANI Baku, Azerbaijan. Image source: qz.com their respective interests, as both aim at the European gas and oil market and do not want Turkmen gas to he South Caucasus energy corridor is an reach Europe. There is also another important aspect important component of Europe’s energy which constrains Baku’s foreign policy – the Nagorno- effi ciency. True, that the continent needs Karabakh issue. It has been common throughout the more than what the corridor can offer, last several decades to relate the reasons behind the but its operation could nevertheless, albeit Karabakh war between Armenia and Azerbaijan to slightly,T shift Europe’s dependence on Russian gas. that on the ground, with the military situation being Georgia plays a crucial role as a vital transit route. unstable and can easily spill over into an open con- However, it is sometimes forgotten that the source of frontation, as it happened in April 2016. all energy riches comes from Azerbaijan and that it is What is missing though is a bird’s eye view on the not so much Tbilisi, but Baku that actually plays a focal Karabakh problem: the confl ict prevents Azerbaijan point in the geopolitical calculations of the large neigh- from being less hesitant towards foreign policy moves boring states. Azerbaijan’s geographic position is unique and, by extension, increases Russian infl uence over as it occupies the land which for the moment serves the country as Armenia, Azerbaijan’s arch-enemy, is as the shortest and the only (except for the long one Moscow’s close ally. From a geopolitical point of view, through ) land route through which Rus- Azerbaijan, although the country enjoys commerce sia is connected to . The existence of large oil and and other contacts with Russia and Iran, is neverthe- gas deposits see both Teheran and Moscow vie for a less in a restricted neighborhood, where the only exit bigger infl uence over Azerbaijan. to the west is through Georgia. To infl uence Azerbaijan geopolitically means con- Thus, from a broader perspective, Azerbaijan’s posi- trolling the beginning of the South Caucasus Energy tion of being sandwiched between three geopolitically Corridor. Furthermore, Azerbaijan’s position will be covertly or overtly antagonistic countries (Russia, Iran further strengthened as the resolution of the Caspian and Armenia), forces Baku to fi nd a geopolitical coun- Sea bed division nears completion. Technically, this terweight. Georgia, however, cannot act as such in would enable the littoral states to build various pipe- military or economic terms. Alas comes Azerbaijan’s lines. One of such projects is the Trans-Caspian Pipe- pivot to the West, more specifi cally, to , but line (TCP), which, if implemented, would go through again largely through Georgian territory. Azerbaijan, Georgia and on to Europe. Turkish-Azerbaijani relations boom. Ankara under- Russia in the north, Iran to the south – this geographic stands that losing Azerbaijan to Russian or Iranian constantly drives the creation of Azerbaijan’s foreign infl uence would be tantamount to the closure of South- policy. The ideal scenario for Baku would be to play ern Caucasus energy corridor, or to the limitation of the northern neighbor against the southern one. The Turkish infl uence in the Caspian region. This logic problem with this policy, though, is that Teheran and also underpins the increasing collaboration between Moscow’s policies do actually coincide in many ways. Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan in both the military True, the two have historically been geopolitical and economic realms. enemies trying to solidify their respective infl uence Azerbaijan’s foreign policy is based on the country’s in the South Caucasus. However, since the break-up geographic position. A position which is both benefi - of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia and Iran’s aims have cial to enjoy economic benefi ts as a source of energy opposed the advance of western economic as well as riches and as a starting point of the Southern Caucasus military infl uence in the region overall and specifi cally energy corridor, and inconvenient as Russia and Iran in Azerbaijan. Iran does not want to see Azerbaijani have their own geopolitical agendas on how to con- land being used by foreign powers, whether it is Israel strain the government in Baku. Thus, Azerbaijan’s or NATO member states. Similar worries are refl ected foreign policy is rooted in these geographic constraints in Russia’s foreign policy moves. Moreover, Iran and which are further worsened by the lingering Nagorno- Russia also share the view that the TCP would harm Karabakh issue.

GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS JULY 13 - 16, 2018 Georgian PM Presents New Faces of Cabinet requires modern technologies. organization. Kobulia has a great experi- BY THEA MORRISON “Machavariani's experience in this ence in many sectors such as energy, the regard is really crucial. He is one of the integration of different sectors of econ- most experienced people in Georgia. omy in the global economy, increasing rime Minister of Georgia, Therefore, our expectation is that he will competitiveness, the labor market and Mamuka Bakhtadze presented help us in the digital transformation of much more. I am confi dent that he will a reshuffl ed Cabinet of Min- our economy,” he added. contribute signifi cantly to the imple- isters at a press-conference Mikheil Batiashvili is the former rector mentation of the reforms we have on Thursday morning. of the University of Business and Tech- addressed in our government program", PThere are three new faces in the gov- nology and has replaced Mikheil Chkhen- Bakhtadze said. ernment: Mikheil Batiashvili, who is the keli in the post. PM Bakhtadze cut the number of min- candidate for the Minister of Education, The PM believes that Batiashvili will istries from 14 to 10, with the addition Ivane Machavariani has been named as be an effective leader of the Ministry of of one apparatus of the State Ministry the candidate for the Minister of Finance Education, Science, Culture and Sports, functioning separately. and Giorgi Kobulia was put forward as adding he is a member of the Harvard The reshuffl ed composition of the the candidate for the post of the Minis- Business School Strategy and Competi- cabinet will be sent to Parliament for ter of Economy. tiveness Institute and has vast experience approval. Bakhtadze said Machavariani has been of cooperation with foreign scientifi c In addition to presenting new minister the Finance and Commercial Director centers. candidates, Bakhtadze announced that of the Georgian GSM operator Geocell, “We plan to implement a 5-level reform the former Minister of Corrections, which is the part of Telia Company, one that involves the integration of preschool Kakha Kakhishvili, has been appointed of the world's major telecom operators. education, school education, vocational and economics. I am sure Mikheil Batiash- of the global economy and in the fi eld as the Head of the Governmental Admin- The PM underlined that most of the education, higher education and science, vili will be able to implement these very of energy, too. istration, replacing Shalva Tadumadze, government’s planned reforms are related the introduction of innovative education important reforms,” Bakhtadze claimed. “He has been working for a global con- who was selected by the Prosecutorial to the digital economy and 50% of the systems, and more importantly, the deep- While speaking about Kobulia, the PM sulting company in McKinzie for two Council as the candidate for the Chief reforms package, presented by him, ening of close ties between education noted his experience in the development decades. He is Senor Partner of this Prosecutor’s Post. The First Republic: (Un) Deservedly (Un)Revered? had to develop economically but knew WITH ETHNIC MINORITIES. EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY also that it was a cultural unit. For IS IT US NOT LEARNING OR VAZHA TAVBERIDZE Chavchavadze, it was much more about EXTERNAL INFLUENCE? culture, about history, about language. I think the answer to that is both. Rus- One other thing to remember is that sia still has its imperial ambitions in the hat is the legacy of once you move from opposition (Jor- border areas but Georgians could choose the First Republic of dania was in the opposition until 1917) to increase the security of the state by Georgia? The coun- to the ruling party, then your attitude integrating national minorities more try celebrated 100 is bound to change because now you effectively. One of the reasons Russia years of independ- have a much greater responsibility, you was successful with [breakaway] Abk- enceW last month, but is it as cherished are protecting not only the working hazia and South Ossetia is because as it deserves? What lessons can be class, you are protecting your citizens Abkhazians and South Ossetians did learnt from those three years of inde- and this is a different concept and I not think they were part of the Georgian pendence that were ultimately cut short think Zhordania recognized very quickly state; they didn't think that the Geor- by the Russian Bolsheviks? These were that this was no longer about defending gian nation accepted them as equals. In the questions we asked Prof. Stephen a particular class: this was now about many cases, it's the responsibility of Jones, one of the foremost international defending the nation and the state that the larger group to assure the smaller experts on Post-soviet societies and an represented the nation. group that they are equal and that they avid scholar of Georgia’s First Republic. will have equal rights even if the con- The esteemed Professor, alongside other WHAT ABOUT THE cerns of the smaller group are exagger- well-established names, was giving a DECISION NOT TO FIGHT ated or even unreal; they have to be public lecture at a conference dedicated THE SOVIET OCCUPATION reassured and they have to be given to the legacy of the First Republic at FORCES? WAS THERE EVER perhaps some special treatment, at least the when GEOR- A CHANCE OF SUCCESS? temporarily, so that they have this sense GIA TODAY met him to pick his brains It would have been a very bloody defense they are part of the nation. The is no on this very topic. of Tbilisi if they’d tried. The Georgian one way to effectively deal with national armed forces at that time were not very minority problems. If Georgia wants AT ONE OF YOUR LECTURES strong; the economy was very bad, there national security, then it has to integrate IN BRUSSELS YOU SAID was very serious infl ation and problems national minorities more effectively and THAT THE FIRST REPUBLIC WAS IT PERHAPS BECAUSE OF WE CANNOT TALK ABOUT of supplies affecting not just Georgian assure them that they are equal partners HASN’T RECEIVED AS MUCH THE PERCEPTION THAT THEY THE FIRST REPUBLIC civilians but the army too. There were in the nation. RECOGNITION AS IT DESERVED LACKED NATIONAL VISION WITHOUT MENTIONING NOE maybe 20,000 soldiers ready to fi ght, IN GEORGIA, THAT IT WAS AND WERE MUCH MORE ZHORDANIA, CHAIRMAN not enough to defend themselves against ANY INTERNATIONAL NOT A POPULAR SUBJECT TO RELIANT ON SOCIALISM? OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC. DO the Red Army which was much more EXAMPLES YOU’D RESEARCH UNTIL VERY LATELY. I would completely reject that idea. I YOU THINK ONE OF THE powerful and of course much more RECOMMEND GEORGIANS WHY DO YOU THINK THIS IS? think that Georgia of course had social- REASONS FOR THIS LACK OF numerous. If they had fought, they would LOOK AT? I think that the First Republic is very ist ideas, but this was a very popular POPULARITY OF THE FIRST have been overwhelmed by the Red There are many ways to do that. For historically signifi cant, not only for ideology at the time in the rest of the REPUBLIC WOULD BE THE Army. That doesn't mean they shouldn't example, Northern Ireland. After cen- Georgia but for European history Russian Empire; everybody was almost VERY OPEN AND PUBLIC have, maybe they should have, but I turies of bloodshed, Northern Ireland is because it really was the fi rst social anti Tsarist and the solution they sought ROW THAT ZHORDANIA HAD don't think the outcome would have now essentially a non-violent place. The democratic republic in Europe and it was socialism, but it wasn't just social- WITH ILIA CHAVCHAVADZE, been a successful defense of the state. issue was solved by an agreement between was infl uential that many top politi- ism, it was also national liberation, par- WIDELY RECOGNIZED AS THE Ireland, Northern Ireland and England, FATHER OF THE NATION? cians in Europe came to Georgia in ticularly for non-Russians, and Georgia DO YOU THINK THE DECISION solved through shared sovereignty, where 1920 to fi nd out more about it and what developed its own very distinct ideas Ilia Chavchavadze is considered a saint NOT TO FIGHT TARNISHED Northern Ireland was seen in some ways it was doing; so I think the signifi cance about what socialism would look like for Georgians, seen as the father of the THE LEGACY OF THE FIRST as part of Ireland as well as part of the of the Republic is important and is in Georgia; it was socialism in Georgian nation; so by defi nition, anybody who REPUBLIC SOMEWHAT IN United Kingdom; so there are always worth remembering, yet until perhaps colors because it had a very distinct opposed him appeared unpatriotic. Noe THE EYES OF GEORGIANS? imaginative solutions to how to integrate a year ago, nobody was talking about national form. The Georgian Social Zhordania and others in the social Yes. When I when I talk to Georgians, minorities into your country. it; in some sense it took the 100th anni- Democrats were internationalists at democratic organization developed, very often this is the fi rst thing they I'm just giving you an example of a par- versary to bring it back to our minds. some level but they believed at the time changing based on what they were read- will say: that Georgian Social Democrats ticular type of solution; in the Russian Why? Because it was a social demo- they came to power in 1918, when they ing, what they were listening to, what betrayed Georgia because they left case this would not be possible because cratic republic, it was associated with had to build the state and had to con- international developments were hap- without a fi ght; you know this is cer- Russia would not accept it and I think socialism and also with the Soviet solidate a nation, that internationalism pening, and they became more nation- tainly a criticism. right now it's too late in some sense Union, and anything to do with social- was built on the idea of every nation alist. Zhordania was very interesting as because the Abkhazians and South Oss- ism or that period was seen as bad. having the right to self-determination, a theoretician in terms of his under- ONE OF THE MORE VIVID setians now are so hostile to Georgians After the independence of Georgia in built on the idea of a society, of an inter- standing of the relationship between PARALLELS THAT CONNECT THE that no matter what Georgia does, and 1991, nobody was really interested in national society of nations, not of a the nation and socialism, he had an OLD AND NEW GEORGIAN Georgia is always trying to offer some exploring the First Republic because proletariat - they had moved beyond understanding of the nation as some- REPUBLICS IS THE ENDURING solutions, they won't accept it because of the memory of Soviet socialism. that by 1918. thing that was an economic unit and PROBLEM OF DEALING the role of Russia is so powerful. GEORGIA TODAY JULY 13 - 16, 2018 POLITICS 7 The Road ahead for the Ex-PM

paid to both of the ex-ministers, who OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA were at that point sent home. Notably, both of them are considered to be in the closest circle of and t has been almost a month since his team members. The information the now-former Prime Minister spread by the media suggests that Kum- Giorgi Kvirikashvili left his post. sishvili and Alavidze are the main play- His replacement was appointed, ers in the corruption scheme currently who changed the government, but being investigated by the fi nancial police. Ithe discussion surrounding the ex-pre- The punitive loop created by the leg- mier won’t likely come to an end any- islative organs around ex-PM Kvirikash- where in the near future, with people vili is getting narrower. The positions of asking where he’ll pop up next. There 7 of 15 heads of different parliamentary are four possible answers: a) politics b) committees that were formerly occupied prison c) home d) abroad. We do not by the members of Kvirikashvili’s team know which of the above will be true, are now vacant. Those who have found but considering the developments within themselves in Parliament on Kvirikash- the governmental party, most likely it vili’s quota will also need to make a will be one of the fi rst two. choice, among those the youngsters about The fact that the resigned high post whom the government party boasted offi cials have a choice of staying in pol- during the parliamentary elections in itics or going to prison has been proven 2016. We can tell there is a cleansing by numerous former ministers, for exam- within the from the ple, ex-PM Merabishvili and former fact that the former PM was expelled Minister of Defense Bacho Akhalaia, from the political council and then left both of whom have been serving their the GD completely, and all this while in sentence in prison for years already. The the very near past we heard in his pub- likelihood of the ex-PM’s future road lic speeches that he was the loyal soldier as yet unknown path. But the clock is longer wanted to be the clerk of Cartu party. This is why those political experts leading to “Matrosov” prison is further of the party, who would fi ght on every ticking and Kvirikashvili has to make a Bank and wouldn’t continue obeying his who don’t believe in his courage, are heightened by the fact that former min- front the party asked him to. rapid decision and act upon it if he wants orders; he would remain at his post only wrong. Rumors say that Kvirikashvili has ister of economy Dimitri Kumsishvili The recruits of the ex-PM aren’t having to keep his team, that is, if it hasn’t jumped if he could act according to his own deci- the support of the bankers and his “native” and former Infrastructure Minsiter Zurab the best times facing the dilemma of prov- off his sinking ship yet. Otherwise, all sions, or resign, which he eventually did, political organization, the New Rights Alavidze both had to sign an agreement ing their loyalty and heartfelt love for roads for Kvirikashvili will lead to prison. even though it wasn’t the best scenario Party. Therefore, it isn’t entirely impos- not to leave the country at Tbilisi Inter- and the Georgian By resigning, Kvirikashvili clearly con- for Ivanishvili, because it triggered seri- sible that in the near future, we see the national Airport. Apologies were given Dream, or following Kvirikashvili on his veyed a message to Ivanishvili that he no ous tremors within the governmental return of the ex-PM into big politics. NATO-Brussels Summit- Declaration Margvelashvili: NATO Should Enlarge in Response to Russian Policy About Georgia remains one of the largest troop con- tributors. RSM is a mission which aims to advise and assist against terrorism, supported by 13,000 troops in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. NATO recognized the “sacrifi ces and contri- butions the Georgain have made for our shared security”. For the future, the Alliance said it will consider a new phase of cooperation dealing with cyber defense and reiter- rated that they look forward to welcom- ing Georgia into Operation Sea Guardian which aims to protect the Mediterranean Sea. The alliance reiterated also their full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They called on Rus- sia to reverse its recognition of the so- Photo: NATO HQ press called independence of the Georgian Photo: Getty Images The allies welcomed the progress on regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. annexation moves and the situation in BY ANTOINE DEWAEST BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE reforms that the perseverance of Geor- In addition, they pointed out the human the occupied regions of Georgia. The gia had allowed over the past decade, rights violations there. President noted that Ukraine is a con- noting that democracy is consolidated, During the Summit, Georgia reaffi rmed tinuation of Russia’s occupation of Geor- n July 11 - July 12, dozens and Georgia has succeeded in facing its will to achieve NATO membership. n a statement posted on his Face- gia, as it is a result of Russia's aggressive of heads of state and gov- economic problems by achieving stronger The Alliance answered that their deci- book page, Georgian President actions that are seen today more seri- ernment met in Brussels economic development. In addition, sion made at the 2008 Bucharest Summit Giorgi Margvelashvili commented ously. “This is a unifi ed policy that Rus- for the NATO Summit. As NATO congratulated Georgia for the had not changed and Georgia will become on the 2018 Brussels NATO sum- sia is implementing against young democ- a result, the Georgia-NATO modernization of its armed forces. a member of NATO, all the more because mit, currently taking place. He racies, which should be responded to, commissionO made some declarations NATO also thanked Georgia for its Georgia has worked hard for it since Iwrote that NATO’s response to Russia’s and this response should be NATO's new reaffi rming the close cooperation between support in its operations, notably its 2008. policies towards Georgia and Ukraine extension and change of this confronta- Georgia and NATO, and future NATO contribution to the Resolute Support The next NATO-Georgia exercise will should be enlargement. tional paradigm,” the post read. “Today membership. Mission (RSM) in which the country be in March 2019. Margvelashvili addressed world lead- Georgia has all practical tools to prepare ers at a NATO-Georgia-Ukraine meeting for membership. Georgia is ready to held at the level of heads of states of the move to the next stage of cooperation member states of the Alliance. with NATO, open and ready for political The President spoke of the progress that dialogue,” it continued. has been achieved in the Euro-Atlantic According to Tengiz Pkhaladze, the integration process and noted that Geor- Secretary of the President of Georgia, gia is an important contributor to global the NATO Secretary General, as well as security, in the pursuit of which NATO the leaders of the twenty-four countries was formed 16 years ago. He remarked unanimously stated that Georgia is a that Georgia’s impressive progress serves decent, important and responsible part- as an example for all countries. ner. Everyone unanimously supported "Today Georgia is a NATO-friendly, the progress achieved by Georgia and responsible partner that fully shares noted that it is an impressive example NATO values and responsibilities, actively for other post-Soviet countries. participates in international missions "We are grateful for the important con- and therefore is preparing for member- tribution that Georgia puts in common ship," Margvelashvili said. security. Several countries demanded The President of Georgia paid particu- an immediate session to grant Georgia lar attention to the role of Georgia in the a Membership Action Plan. Ultimately, Black Sea region and, in particular, the all countries agree that Georgia has all importance of the region to Euro-Atlan- the practical tool to prepare for mem- tic security. He explained the possibili- bership, and to work together to open a Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 ties of Georgia's cooperation and why window of political opportunity, and 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] Georgia's security is important for NATO. Georgia is ready for this dialogue," said Margvelashvili spoke about Russia’s Pkhaladze. GEORGIA TODAY 8 POLITICS JULY 13 - 16, 2018 The Trump Era Linguistic Analysis

country. Liberals are thirsty to prove that OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE the functioning American President’s behavioral model is a pure emulation of dictators, and that the Trump era is dem- he whole world knows that onstrating increasingly dangerous trends, the mainstream American having totally lost the sense of checks media is a liberal message and balances. They also say that the tool, and conservatives are Trump regime is enjoying absolute con- refusing to take it for trol over the executive branch, being Tgranted. Conservative America has wildly hypocritical and deeply venal, decided to move to the ambiance of having lost the moral compass, stimulat- social media, having taken in stride the ing a fascist-style fear-mongering. The conventional means of mass communi- liberal press continues that Trump, suck- cation like press, radio and television. ered by tyrants, is insulting the allies on The vividness of this statement is cor- a regular basis, having acquired the style roborated by President Trump’s media of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. preferences – the guy tweets! Even in The liberal-minded opposition to Trump my wildest imagination, I could not have maintains that he attacks the law and presumed that a leader of the free world takes politics a business in the belief that would someday talk to his people, his everything is tradable. Liberals unabash- opponents and the rest of the world, only edly call the United States President a via internet-based computer messages. real estate shyster, a messianic huckster The amazing thing is that Don has a huge and an innate bigot. Just have a look at effect on the global process of opinion- the wickedly invented nicknames – only shaping. Trump has unleashed an unre- some out of hundreds – and angrily lenting war on the cancerous liberal thrown both into social and traditional movement all over our ideologically media with the vicious purpose of stig- contaminated planet. And he has the matizing Donald Trump as the worst clearest possible idea of who he hates, ever leader of the nation: Boss Tweet, who he loves and why. He is on the offen- Combover Con Artist, Draft Dodger sive and I doubt that he would ever desist. Don, Fascist, the Fraud of Fifth Avenue, It is his unbridled conservative philoso- Macho, Putin’s Papaya-Flavored Pawn, phy, and his mind-boggling openness Vulgarian, White Pride Piper, and so on and juvenile sincerity, that are murder- and so forth . . . What does this unceas- ing the senescent and ossifi ed political ing embittered verbal diarrhea mean, so and economic ways of bygone centuries. furiously heaved on the President of the No surprise that the liberals of the world United States of America. Where does are livid and are retaliating vehemently. this delirious venom come from? I think Their pathological reaction to President the verbal attack is a last resort for the Trump’s offbeat style is creating a fi erce Us President Trump. Source: thehill.com helplessly angry liberal clique in Amer- and fi lthy linguistic yield. are given without inverted comas) to gone far enough to qualify the current government anything but a regime. This ica who know that this president is not An analysis of the liberal Trump-trash- describe the American chief executive. American administration as the “Trump is a disdainful word that the Americans going to give up, and worst of all for ing lexicon might give us an idea where In most cases, the wordsmiths of those regime,” within the framework of which have always used contemptuously against them, they have a feeling in their bones the political process is headed for in the wrongly descriptive words are the liber- the Supreme Court is turning into a so the most detestable governments they and a very bothering thought in their United States. The American media is als who are still struggling to digest the called “supine court” and Congress is have had to deal with. And now the lib- morbid brains that Donald Trump may literally strewn with nicknames and fact of Trump’s election to the most becoming as feckless as it can get. But erals want to direct the poisoned arrow well end up sitting on the American choice epithets (incidentally, the quotes important offi ce in the world. They have if you ask me, you can call the American onto their own system of ruling the presidential throne for the second term. GEORGIA TODAY JULY 13 - 16, 2018 BUSINESS 9 Anaklia Deep Sea Port’s Construction Proceeds to New Chapter World’s leading Dutch company Van Oord awarded Anaklia Port’s marine contract for dredging and reclamation

naklia Port is set to enter a new important stage of its construction. In August 2018, Georgia will witness an unprecedented scale ofA marine engineering works in the country’s history, as the marine works for dredging and reclamation at Phase 1 Anaklia Deep Sea Port project will begin. After a long and tough selection pro- cess, one of the world’s leading marine engineering contractors, Van Oord, was awarded a contract through an interna- tional tender announced by Anaklia Development Consortium (ADC). Van Oord was selected based on its techni- cal and commercial offer. The Dutch company also acts as a shareholder of Anaklia Deep Sea Port and invests in the construction process. Within a month, Georgia and Anaklia will receive one of the most advanced and technically capable dredging ves- sels ever built. The vessel owned by Van Oord, the Athena, will be deployed for the dredging and reclamation works. Under this contract, Van Oord will perform the reclamation of 5.0 million cubic meters of sand from the sea and placement of the dredged material in the port area which encompasses 70 hectares. In addition, Van Oord will install vertical drains and perform com- paction after the surcharge period. “This is a historical moment, since Georgia has never witnessed marine Anaklia Construction Management. Van Oord have accomplished. starting the dredging activities with our removed all debris and cleaned the works of this kind, taking into consid- Van Oord is a Dutch leading interna- “The construction of Anaklia Deep modern equipment,” said Govert van entire area. On the marine side, the eration the scale and engineering solu- tional contractor which executes dredg- Sea Port is an important project which Oord, Van Oord Area Director. archeological study and removal of tions of the reclamation activities to be ing, marine engineering and offshore will facilitate trade between Asia and Construction of Anaklia Deep Sea Port underwater tetrapods has been per- carried out. We are delighted to announce projects in different parts of the world. Europe. The port will bring develop- commenced in December 2017. Since formed to prepare the basin for the that an internationally renowned com- The construction of Palm Island, Dubai, ment in the country of Georgia, enhance then, ADC has performed early works, dredging works. pany such as Van Oord will be conduct- the Port of Rotterdam’s Maasvlakte 2 regional trade and turn it into a logisti- including the removal of topsoil from Anaklia Deep Sea Port is planned to ing this important part of marine con- expansion and the record-breaking Suez cal hub. We are proud to be involved in 110 hectares of port area, construction go into commercial operation in Decem- struction,” said Ronny Solberg, CEO of Canal are among the projects which this project and are looking forward to of a new 2.5 km water channel, and ber 2020.

SOCIETY Austrian Coffeeshop Company Opens First Georgian Location

when you walk in the door. BY ANNA ZHVANIA Coffeeshop Company Georgia offers special deals for breakfast, lunch, dinner and take-away services. nother international brand, The unoffi cial opening was held on 23 Coffeeshop Company, has June and the grand opening party is entered the Georgian mar- scheduled for late September. ket. Coffeeshop Company Georgia will The licensed franchise contribute further to local tourism devel- Aplans to expand throughout Tbilisi and opment. the regions in the future. Coffeeshop Company has a strong presence in Europe and Asia, with up to 300 cafes and bars around the world. The newly opened Tbilisi cafe is located at 11 Ilo Mosashvili’s and its concept is tailored to the needs of customers. The cafe has a huge terrace where smoking is permitted and offers a large screen for football lovers to enjoy matches. The inside of the lounge exhibits pieces from the Kunst Historisches Museum located in . comes with a side of Viennese and European dessert assort- ments. It retains traditional roots and creates an entirely different ambience GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY JULY 13 - 16, 2018 HUAWEI Opens New Service Center in ‘Karvasla’ Shopping Center

to 19:00, and on Saturdays from 10:00 to phone market is the third largest in the main destinations for smartphones, per- 15:00. world. 16 Research and Development sonal computers, tablets and smart ser- HUAWEI products and services are Centers operate in the US, , vices. HUAWEI's global network is based available in more than 170 countries and Sweden, Russia, India and China. HUA- on 20 years of experience in telecom- are used by a third of the world's popu- WEI Consumer BG is one of the three munications and serves innovative tech- lation. According to 2015 data, the smart- business units in Huawei, one of the nologies for consumers worldwide.

services. In addition to the 12-month BY ANNA ZHVANIA warranty service, owners of HUAWEI P10, P10 Plus and Mate 10 will receive a 3-month guarantee for mobile screens. eading technology and smart- With the HUAWEI P20 and P20 Pro, phone enterprise HUAWEI customers will get an 18-month guaran- has opened a new service tee and a free of charge screen change center at ‘Karvasla’ shopping for the fi rst 6 months. Customers will center, offering customers no longer pay the warranty service fee postalL service throughout Georgia. The for the fi rst 12 months if the item is pur- postal service provides free delivery of chased in store. products directly from the center to the In addition, those who visit the new shipping address. service center will receive gifts. The new The new service center is equipped center of HUAWEI is located in ‘Karva- with a team of professionals and techni- sla’ shopping center, on the fi rst fl oor, cians, offering customers high-quality and is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 HUAWEI P20 Lite - Smartphone for Those Who Prefer a Modern Design

BY ANNA ZHVANIA

op mobile manufacturers continue to strive to be the fi rst, offering a new, unique smartphone to customers, with modern and innova- Ttive functions and design specifi cations. Multifunctional smartphone manufac- turer HUAWEI is the fi rst choice for customers and the brand’s success has been attributed to the P series models. Recently, one of the world’s largest smartphone brands offi cially launched its latest P20 series internationally. The HUAWEI P20 Lite is an all-rounder with the fi nest modern design, exceptional battery life and a great camera. The affordable P20 Lite adapts to current demands with its 19:9 screen, high qual- ity dual camera and increased internal piness is in the small details. memory. It’s notch-based screen and HUAWEI products and services are sturdy-built quality keeps up with the available in more than 170 countries and latest trends, including its compact are used by a third of the world's popu- design. To improve and strengthen the colors, satisfying individual tastes: lation. According to 2015 data, the smart- screen, engineers and designers spent a klein blue, sakura pink, midnight black phone market is the third largest in the lot of time and, according to experts, the and gold. world. 16 Research and Development goal was achieved: the model has all the High quality videos and pictures often Centers operate in the US, Germany, necessary functions and a perfect visual take up the majority of the memory space Sweden, Russia, India and China. HUA- side that makes customers feel comfort- - a problem for many smartphone brands. WEI Consumer BG is one of the three able and self-confi dent. In the case of the HUAWEI P20 Lite, the business units in Huawei, one of the The detailed technical features of the 4GB of RAM 16 MP and 2 MP pri- reality is different. The 64GB internal main destinations for smartphones, per- smartphone are the following: 5.84-inches, mary dual camera at the back, 16 memory allows users to store data and sonal computers, tablets and smart ser- 19:9 ratio, 2280 × 1080 pixels TFT LCD MP on the front, The latest EMUI is useful for long-term use. vices. HUAWEI's global network is based display 2.38 and 1.7 GHz HiSilicon Kirin 8.0 is a consumer interface based So, who should buy the HUAWEI P20 on 20 years’ experience in telecommu- 659 processor, Mali-T830MP2 graphics on Android 8.0. Lite? Those who want a modern design nications, and serves innovative tech- processor 64GB internal memory and The smartphone is available in four and top-quality camera and whose hap- nologies for consumers worldwide. GEORGIA TODAY JULY 13 - 16, 2018 SOCIETY 11 Reviewing the Tbilisi Kindergarten Developments

District’s kindergartens, shown in the 14 A commission featuring representa- BY DIMITRI DOLABERIDZE or so presentations given that day. tives of state agencies and NGOs revealed During her presentation, Tsiklauri three winners of the competition by the addressed the preparatory readiness pro- results of the sum of points of the two he Tbilisi Public Kinder- gram for the physical, cognitive and stages. garten Management Agency cognitive-social development of children. “Third place was given to Marika has established a new stand- She talked about the variety of topics the Eititashvili, one of our teachers,” Tsiklauri ard of accountability and children were exposed to within the cur- said. “This is a very important and suc- transparency, with the riculum, including ecological-awareness, cessful project for our kindergarten.” Tdirectors of kindergartens expected to professions, markets and hypermarkets, GEORGIA TODAY spoke to Kakhaber report on their activities before the authors and book production, theater and Gvantseladze, Head of the Tbilisi Public Agency and parents. hands-on experiences with high-technol- Kindergarten Management Agency. Presentations were given by the direc- ogy (namely, the robot Pepper). tors of the Mtatsminda District kinder- “At our kindergarten, we are always WHAT PURPOSE DO THE RECENT gartens on July 6. Important projects, excited to get the children involved in PRESENTATIONS SERVE? methodological novelties, infrastructural inspiring activities, making the learning I strongly believe that it is a very good changes and the distribution of fi nancial process fun, hands-on and more memo- practice, which, in addition to the great expenditures which the district’s kin- rable and impactful,” the Director said. work of the kindergarten teams, will also dergartens have implemented since “Our children have visited Hypermarket encourage them to become more moti- January, were introduced to the Head of Carrefour, the Mtatsminda District Res- vated in the future in the childcare pro- the Agency, Kakhaber Gvantseladze and cue Service, the Ambulance Service, they cess and will help them to plan and attending parents. In addition, time was have seen how books are created and implement new, creative projects and given to discuss future plans and solu- printed at the Bakur Sulakauri Publish- activities. In addition, we are obliged to tions to ongoing issues, in most cases ing House, visited the Ivane Javakhishvili introduce the work that was done to related to infrastructure development Museum of Zoology, and spent time at ensure parents have the opportunity to or food delivery services, both priorities Geolab, where robot Pepper is kept.” be fully onboard in their children’s edu- for the heads of the kindergartens. The kindergarten, like others in its cation process. Nino Tsiklauri, Director of 162 Kinder- district, so far this year has put a special We have to account for each other. Ide- garten, based on the outskirts of Tbilisi, emphasis on the environment, helping ally, parents should be involved because made a presentation about the nursery’s the children to clean up the local nature it concerns their children. It is important last six months of work, describing its in a responsible way and, with the help for parents to know what services and open and transparent format of fi nanc- of the Municipal Environmental Protec- funding exist, and what diffi culties we ing, a method which was initiated by tion Service of City Hall, to plant trees have, what the development plans are Gvantseladze, who in January approved and fl owers in the yard. and so on. With that in mind, the active the annual budget for the kindergartens. Caring for the planet, children’s rights, involvement of parents will become Tsiklauri introduced the invoice prin- mother language, and recognition of mandatory in future. ciples which had allowed them to make Down’s Syndrome and Autism on their Child health and safety is a priority of the right decisions in the direction of respective international days were also the Agency, and we are doing many procurement and noted the importance spotlighted in the Mtatsminda kinder- things in this regard, for example, build- of a safe and healthy environment for gartens through various physical and ing or renovating kindergarten facilities, the development of children. educational activities. installing and ensuring fi re safety equip- “In Kindergarden 162, safety nets were Unique to the initiative of Kindergarten ment, supplying electric pumps for cen- installed on the windows, the road-access 162 was the presentations and concerts tral heating ahead of winter, and adjust- gate was replaced, protective handles arranged for foreign diplomats, expos- ing and improving the daily menus and on the playground equipment were ing the children to new faces and encour- food delivery service. installed, a ramp enabling wheelchair aging them to take pride in their work. Both ordinary and administrative per- access was built, the main staircase of “At the meeting, we noted our success sonnel are checking these activities. The the entrance was changed, and fi re safety in the competition for promoting pre- Ministry of Education has approved the equipment was installed to modern school environmental education and training of teachers and is working to standards,” Tsiklauri told the attendees environmental issues, where, of 30 kin- ensure their qualifi cations and expertise. at the presentation. dergartens from Tbilisi, the 15 best par- This is a historical moment in reinforc- These were changes that had been seen ticipants were selected for the second ing the Tbilisi kindergarten system and in many, but not yet all, of the Mtatsminda round,” Tsiklauri noted. bringing it to new levels of development. GEORGIA TODAY 12 SOCIETY JULY 13 - 16, 2018 Aftermath: Tbilisi & Marneuli sive experience in the Caucasus region BLOG BY TONY HANMER and like us had really fallen in love with the area, and especially the Azerbaijani people. Ryan, a real artist in many ways, hat else COULD I was so interested in reviving the ancient write about this week art of rug weaving. Honestly, I had no but the deaths, idea of the full extent of it, but we said, increasingly certainly "That sounds great!". So, from then on by murder, of my we considered ourselves partners in this Wfriends Ryan and Lora Smith and their great Georgian adventure. 4-year-old boy Caleb, while on holiday in Dusheti? Yes, but I’m trying not to HOW DID YOU GET NEWS rush in “where angels fear to tread”. The OF THEIR DEATHS? story is certainly fraught with emotion, We were actually in Ukraine when we and also laden with agendas. So, I’m not heard from our mutual friends about the going to give news or even “versions” of tragic death of Ryan, Lora and their ador- it here. able 4-year-old, Caleb. We just sat there Dennis Holt is another American with in shock! Then we almost immediately dual Georgian citizenship who has been bought tickets back to Tbilisi. When we living here with his family for more than arrived we immediately went to Marneuli 13 years now. He runs an NGO called to meet with and comfort our friends Purposful Youth and was also good there. friends with the Smith family. I asked him some questions in relation to them WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE recently. DEALING WITH EVERYTHING THAT HAS FOLLOWED SINCE? HOW LONG DID YOU KNOW Traumatic. Especially as the news for me, every day she asked me how I Wow, how can you some up someone’s after them. THE SMITHS AND WHAT unfolded and it went from an accident was doing." life, especially the Smiths’, in just words We mourn their loss and we struggle WAS YOUR CONNECTION? to a terrible murder scene in just days. What do you say to that? We search or a few lines? I would say they were with the thought of "How do we move We knew the Ryan and Lora for around Our hearts were already hurting and for the right words, words that will bring models to us all of service, love and forward?" But I know this is what Ryan eight years. Even before they came to then the pain only got worse know- comfort and healing, but sometimes they compassion. They loved the people of and Lora would want. Georgia, we met with them. They were ing that they suffered (we hope not just don't come. So, we hug people, we Marneuli and beyond, not just in words It reminds me of the words of Christ asking us lots of questions about life in long) and that their lives were stolen pray for people, and search for words but in their lives and actions. They gave from the Gospels, "Greater love has no Georgia and the opportunities here. We away by an unthinking young man, that will bring healing. Phone calls, e up a life they could have had in Cali- man than this, that a man lay down his were really excited about their desire to no doubt in an emotional, horrible mails, Facebook posts, etc., all coming fornia, USA, to come to a country that life for his friends." This was their desire come here and we encouraged them in decision to take their lives. We are at us from all over the world wanting to most of their friends in the USA had and passion to give all they could—even it all we could! all struggling with these thoughts. know what happened, offering condo- never heard of. They really lived life their lives, to those they loved. My wife and I started an NGO here We see our friends in our minds, we lences, offering prayers. The positive to the full! If you look at Ryan's Face- back in 2006, I believe it was. We had remember the good times, I see Caleb response has been overwhelming. Even book page you will see a story of joy, Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since fi rst visited Georgia in 2004 and really running through my house with a media outlets wanting stories, wanting adventure, and love for people and life. 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a fallen in love with it, so in 2005 we moved look of glee on his face. the inside story, even some looking for I don't even have time to go into the weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He our family of fi ve here to Tbilisi and have Sometimes, looking into the eyes of controversy, I have not given any—except deep impact in people's lives that the runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook been here ever since. Ryan and Lora got some of the people that Ryan and Lora this one, because Tony, you are my trusted ReWoven project had; it touched the group, now with nearly 1900 members, at in touch with us through mutual friends worked with is even worse, seeing their friend and I know you also knew Ryan, poorest of the poor in Georgia and www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- we had from Azerbaijan. Ryan had spent looks of pain. One dear Azerbaijani Lora and Caleb. brought hope and life into the lives of sance/ a couple years there before he was mar- woman just clung to me and wept for the weavers and their families. Lora's He and his wife also run their own guest house ried to his lovely wife Lora. So by the quite some time and then said, "Lora HOW WOULD YOU SUM UP work in education and also with women in Etseri: time we met them, he already had exten- was my dearest friend, she cared so much THE FAMILY IN TRIBUTE? stands as a model to all who would come w.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti GEORGIA TODAY JULY 13 - 16, 2018 CULTURE 13

Zaza Burchuladze Awarded Literary Prize

versa. Her best-known translated books are Aka BY SHAWN WAYNE Morchiladze’s “Santa Esperanza” and Tamta Gelash- vili’s “Counting Out”. For the translation of the latter, she was awarded the Saba Literary Prize for iterary critics have awarded Georgian the Best Translation from Georgian and German author Zaza Burchuladze and translator Youth Literature in 2013. Natia Mikeladze-Bakhsoliani for bring- The duo received the Brücke Berlin Literary and ing the popular novel A Tourist’s Break- Translator Award of the BHF BANK Foundation, fast to German-speaking readers. organizers of the prize announced this week. Zaza LBorn in 1973, Zaza is a contemporary postmodern Burchuladze’s best-selling work was published in writer and dramatist. He graduated the Monumen- Georgian back in 2015, translated by Mikeladze- tal and Ornamental Painting department of Tbilisi Bakhsoliani and printed by Berlin-based Blumen- State Academy of Arts and began writing and pub- bar Verlag publishing house last year. lishing his books at the age of 24. Until 2001, he The book in question, A Tourist’s Breakfast, fol- published his works under the pen-name of Gregory lows the protagonist in their wanders around Ber- Zamza. His short stories have been regularly pub- lin, accompanied by recollections of his previous lished in Georgian literary and art magazines. Bur- life in Tbilisi. Receiving half of the 20,000 EUR chuladze translated numerous Russian contemporary prize money that came with the win, the two will novels and classics, some of these include authors be formally distinguished at a ceremony in Berlin like Fyodor Dostoyevsky and Vladimir Sorokin. He later this year. worked as a freelance journalist for Radio Free “This book is an example of documentary, auto- Europe/Radio Liberty and taught Literature and biographical prose, although the text is also written Contemporary Art at the Caucasian Media Institute. in such a way that you never fully understand Burchuladze’ narratives often startle the audience whether the stories he tells are invented or true,” with his experimental way of writing and the pro- said a Georgian National Book Center summary. vocative themes he takes up, often topics considered Burchuladze, the author of other notable works, taboo. He writes texts about political conformity, including Adibas and Infl atable Angel, was labeled violence and brutality, addressing ideological and one of the most important writers of post-Soviet religious topics as well as sexuality. In Georgia, he Georgian literature by The Wiedling Literary is well known not only for his scandalous novels, Agency. but also as a very talented actor who successfully “’Sometimes I think what a darling I am,’ some- starred in a Georgian feature movie in 2008. Bur- one bursts out to Zaza, and it really is like that: he chuladze’s novels have been translated and published is very appealing in this book, because of his sin- in Russia, Poland and Romania. His novel The Infl at- cerity, his way of thinking, his sudden spurts of able Angel won the 'Best Novel of the Year' in 2011, humor and carefreeness and, of course, his sharp an annual literary award held by Ilia State University. teeth always slipping out in this humor or carefree- He was invited to la Nuit de la Littérature 2014 in ness,” said Shota Iatashvili, critic. Paris, France. In 2011, he participated in the Literary The publication of A Tourist’s Breakfast in Ger- Colloquium in Berlin. man language coincides with Georgia’s represen- Natia Mikeladze-Bakhsoliani was born in 1966. tation at this year’s upcoming Frankfurt Book Fair She translates from Georgian into German or vice as the offi cial Guest of Honor country. ‘Materiel’ Going Global: 30 Potential Buyers Internationally

BY ANNA ZHVANIA

eorgian Fashion Brand ‘Materiel’ is awaiting orders from 30 retail stores globally. According to information from bpn.ge, these countries include Italy, France, UK, USA, China, Japan Gand UAE. Nuki Chabukiani, 'Materiel' International Sales Manager, will announce more information on this matter in the following weeks. With the support of Enterprise Georgia, ‘Mate- rial’ showcased its line in ‘Moredash Showroom’, ‘MisonPyramide’ and ‘Paper Mache Tiger’ show- Source: bpn.ge rooms in Paris, along with other Georgian design- Photo Source: Facebook ers. These internationally-scaled showrooms are of the oldest apparel manufacturers and fashion essential for business development process: attract- retailers in Georgia. In 2012, the brand introduced ing buyers, selling, and contacting the right press. a premium line ‘Materiel’, a unique brand present- Taking place on 19-26 June in Paris, France, over ing collections by talented Georgian designers, 100 brands, 130 buyers and media representatives Aleksandre Akhalkatsishvili and Lado Bokuchava. attended the event. ‘DOTS’ was founded in 2016, a line offered to all ‘Fashion House Materia’, founded in 1949, is one customer segments. GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE JULY 13 - 16, 2018

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family ADRIFT Germany and Georgia, presents a May 25-August 26 Language: Russian Directed by Baltasar Kormákur project GENIUSES OF RENAISSANCE Start time: 12:15 Cast: Shailene Woodley, Sam THE DYNASTIES - PARALLEL The Georgian National Museum GABRIADZE THEATER Ticket: 8-9 GEL Clafl in, Grace Palmer PERSPECTIVE and the Embassy of Italy to Address: 13 Shavtelis St. Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama The exhibition features the Telephone: 2 98 65 93 Georgia, within the Museum Fest, ANT-MAN AND THE WASP Language: Russian historic-cultural and, in particular, present the exhibition Directed by Peyton Reed Start time: 22:15 architectural legacy that has been July 13 Cast: Evangeline Lilly, Hannah Ticket: 16-19 GEL created and developed in parallel in RAMONA VISITOR CENTER OF John-Kamen, Walton Goggins Germany and Georgia, representing KOBULETI-KINTRISHI Rezo Gabriadze MUSEUM Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi two different architectural family PROTECTED AREAS English Subtitles Language: Russian dynasties- the Böhms and the Address: 271 D. Aghmashenebeli Str., Start time: 20:00 Start time: 22:00 GEORGIAN NATIONAL Kurdianis in Germany and Georgia, Kobuleti Ticket: 20, 30 GEL Ticket: 13-14 GEL MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA respectively. MUSEUM July 5 20018 – July 5 2019 July 14 OCEAN’S 8 Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. MUSEUM OF SOVIET Georgian National Museum STALINGRAD Directed by Gary Ross Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 OCCUPATION presents new exhibition. The Rezo Gabriadze Cast: Sandra Bullock, Cate www.museum.ge Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. exposition depicts the unique Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Blanchett, Anne Hathaway Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 ecosystems of Adjara, in particular English Subtitles Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime Exhibitions: www.museum.ge the Kobuleti wetland areas, Start time: 20:00 Language: Russian GEORGIAN COSTUME AND the Kintrishi forests and their Ticket: 20, 30 GEL Start time: 22:30 WEAPONRY OF THE 18TH-20TH PERMANENT EXHIBITION biodiversity. The most interesting Ticket: 15 GEL CENTURIES Discover the State's personal fi les and spectacular parts of the July 15, 17, 18 of "subversive" Georgian public exhibition are the Ispani sphagnum An animated documentary fi lm CAVEA GALLERY NUMISMATIC TREASURY fi gures, orders to shoot or exile, and peatlands and the Kintrishi forest REZO Address: 2/4 Rustaveli Ave. Exhibition showcasing a long other artifacts representing Soviet- illuminated light-boxes. Directed by Leo Gabriadze Telephone: 200 70 07 history of money circulation on the era cultural and political repression MUSIC Start time: 20:00 territory of modern Georgia from in Georgia. Ticket: 15 GEL Every Wednesday ticket: 8 GEL the 6th century BC. to 1834. July 13-19 SVANETI MUSEUM SOUND OF GEORGIA CINEMA EXHIBITION STONE AGE Address: Mestia, Svaneti ANT-MAN AND THE WASP GEORGIA July 13, 18, 19 AMIRANI CINEMA (Info Above) May 19 – August 19 Regular mini-concerts of traditional Address: 36 Kostava St. Language: English ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE The Svaneti Museum of History Georgian live music in Old Town Telephone: 2 99 99 55 Start time: 22:30 NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL and Ethnography hosts an will make you get to know and www.kinoafi sha.ge Language: Russian COLLECTIONS exhibition "MAGNUM PHOTO 70 fall in love with Georgian character Start time: 14:00, 16:45, 19:45 - GEORGIAN JOURNAL: ROBERT and culture. Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL Ticket: 11-19 GEL April 26 – September 1 CAPA 1947, THOMAS DWORZAK Start time: 17:00 July 13-19 UNKNOWN COLLECTIONS 2017". Ticket: 23 GEL SKYSCRAPER OF GEORGIAN NATIONAL Venues: July 13 - 9 Agmashenebeli Ave., July 17 (Info Above) MUSEUM– INDIA, CHINA, JAPAN SIGHNAGHI MUSEUM wine bar "Wine Station", New Tifl is EVENT CINEMA Language: English The exhibition showcases up to Address: 8 Sh. Rustaveli Blind-alley July 18 - 2 Turgenevi Str., Tbilisi yard EUGENE ONEGIN Start time: 19:45 500 artworks - paintings, sculptures July 19 - Europe Aq., Dutu Megreli str. Directed by Robert Carsen Language: Russian and samples of applied art, the The exhibition Cast: Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Renee Start time: 12:15, 14:45, 17:15, 20:00, 22:15 chronological range of which is PORTRAITS OF KAKHETIAN EZO FESTIVAL 2018 Fleming, Ticket: 10-19 GEL wide. NOBLES – Venue: Mtatsminda Park Ramon Vargas, Brian Large FROM THE BEGINNING OF Genre: Opera IN DARKNESS May 26 – September 30 GEORGIAN EASEL PAINTING UP June 15 (Info Above) THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC Start time: 19:30 TO 20TH CENTURY eZo stage: Zurkin, Gabunia, Language: Russian OF GEORGIA - 100 YEARS The exposition comprises portraits Ticket: 25 GEL Phil Weeks, Steve Bug Start time: 17:15 The Georgian National Museum of Kakhetian historical fi gures, such Start time: 15:00 Ticket: 14-19 GEL and Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi as: King Erekle II, Queen Darejan, SKYSCRAPER Ticket: 50 GEL Directed by Rawson Marshall State University, National Prince Vakhtang Dimitris-dze HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3: Parliamentary Library of Georgia, Janbakur-Orbeliani, Princess Tekla Thurberwson Marshall Thurber June 16 SUMMER VACATION Korneli Kekelidze Georgian and David Guramishvili, as well as Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Neve eZo stage: Autumn Tree (Leon), (Info Above) National Center of Manuscripts Qajar paintings of representatives Campbell, Pablo Schreiber Rati, La Fleur, Chez Damier, Cafe Language: Russian and National Archives of Georgia, of the Andronikashvili family. Genre: Action, Crime, Drama Stage: Start time: 11:45, 22:00 presents the exhibition Language: English MZESUMZIRA WITH FRIENDS: Start time: 22:15 Ticket: 10-19 GEL SAMTSKHE-JAVAKHETI Ako Von Unten Language: Russian June 12 – August 31 MUSEUM Audio Space, Gabunia, Dj Start time: 15:00, 17:30, 19:45 SICARIO: DAY OF THE SOLDADO Georgian National Museum Address: Rabati Fortress, Tomwildculture, L8, Micro Bax, Ticket: 8-15 GEL Directed by Stefano Sollima presents the exhibition 1 P. Kharistchirashvili Str.1, Cast: Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro, CAUCASUS BIODIVERSITY Akhaltsikhe Nika J, Radio Grue, Rati, Tobacco Twins, Vasil IN DARKNESS Isabela Moner The exhibition is dedicated to the Directed by Anthony Byrne Genre: Action, Crime, Drama 100the anniversary of the First Georgian National Museum Start time: 15:00 Cast: Emily Ratajkowski, Natalie Language: Russian Democratic Republic of Georgia. presents the renovated exhibition Ticket: 50 GEL Dormer, Ed Skrein Start time: 21:45 spaces at Samtskhe-Javakheti Genre: Thriller Ticket: 16-19 GEL IOSEB GRISHASHVILI Museum. The exhibition was BLACK SEA ARENA Language: Russian TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM added recently discovered exhibits, Address: Village Natanebi Start time: 22:00 TAG - KARVASLA exposition was technically updated (Shekvetili), Ozurgeti, Guria Ticket: 12 GEL Directed by Jeff Tomsic Address: 8 Sioni St. and equipped with the modernized Cast: Isla Fisher, Annabelle Wallis, Telephone: 2 98 22 81 lighting system according to the July 19 HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3: Jon Hamm modern museum standards. BLACK SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL SUMMER VACATION Genre: Comedy June 27 – September 10 ROBERT PLANT Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky Language: Russian Georgian National Museum and GALLERY Golden Ring Cast: David Spade, Adam Sandler, Start time: 19:45 The Goethe Institute, in connection Start time: 18:00 Andy Samberg Ticket: 16-19 GEL with 200 years of relations between THE NATIONAL GALLERY Ticket: 250-1500 GEL Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. www.museum.ge ART GENE FESTIVAL Start time: Folk Crafts and May 15 – August 5 contemporary art exhibitions- 12:00 For International Museum Day -18:00 GNM presents the Georgian Folklore Region- 20:00-21:30 National Museum festival, The Final Concerts- 22:00 dedicated to the 100th anniversary Venue: Ethnographic Museum of the First Democratic Republic of Georgia. July 13 Exhibition Folk Crafts and contemporary art TITIAN - MASTER OF COLOR: exhibitions THE VIRGIN AND CHILD Folklore Region: Letckhumi, Racha- This exhibition is part of a large Ziriani project, which also comprises Closing Concert: exhibitions of Leonardo da Vinci, SUKHISHVILEBI Raphael and other great Italian artists in the Georgian National July 14 Museum. Folk Crafts and contemporary art exhibitions May 25-August 26 Folklore Region: Adjara-Elesa The Georgian National Museum Closing Concert: and the Embassy of Italy to REGGAEON Georgia, within the Museum Fest, present the exhibition July 15 EVIDENCE. A NEW STATE OF ART Folk Crafts and contemporary art The National Gallery is hosting exhibitions the exhibition of Garuzzo Institute Folklor: Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Lela for Visual Arts- presenting Tataraidze contemporary Italian artists' Closing Concert: artworks created since the 1950s. NIAZ DIASAMIDZE AND 33A GEORGIA TODAY JULY 13 - 16, 2018 CULTURE 15 4th Year of the Georgian Pantomime Festival

with his future colleague and friend established an impressive 54 years ago. BY LIKA CHIGLADZE Amiran Shalikashvili, who later founded In 1976, the theater earned the title of The Georgian Pantomime Theater. State Theater, and in 1978 a special fac- The festival saw two major perfor- ulty was established at the Shota Rustaveli rom July 6-8, Tbilisi hosted a mances of two world classics. Director Theater and Film Georgia State Univer- three-day Georgian Panto- Davit Shalikashvili brought Ernest Hem- sity. Over the years, the theater func- mime Festival that is now in ingway’s famous novel The Old Man and tioned successfully, it toured throughout its 4th year. The festival was the Sea to life to the stage, which was Europe and was quite famous at that organized by the Shalikashvili accompanied by electronic, rock and time. Despite many hardships such as StateF Pantomime Theater, which was jazz musical elements. The second per- civil war, when there were clashes in the established in Georgia in 1965. Over the formance was the 12th century Georgian streets, the theater did not close, and my course of the 3 days, people had an poem The Knight in the Panther's Skin, father was performing on stage on his opportunity to become acquainted with Amiran Shalikashvili’s signature play. own. Now I think the new era in the his- Georgian pantomime, attend various Besides the new generation of mime tory of Georgian pantomime has com- shows, performances, book presenta- artists, veteran artists also took part in premiers, The Old Man and The Sea by held, on July 7 Giorgi Shengelaia’s art- menced, with new life breathed in to the tions, exhibitions and most importantly, the performances. Dato Shalikashvili, and also a live per- work was displayed and as the festival theater, the recruitment of new staff as a yoga master class by Baptiste Marceau, GEORGIA TODAY talked with Junior formance broadcast via Facebook. The drew to a close on July 8, internationally well as a new generation of artists par- son of the great Marcel Marceau of Amiran Shalikashvili , the son of the founder latter was only intended for social media celebrated Georgian artist Rusudan Pet- ticipating. Yet, simultaneously, we strive French pantomime. of the theater, who currently is the lead yet accumulated around 10,000 views. viashvili’s exhibition was held. The fes- to preserve the classic form of Georgian Baptiste’s introduction to yoga came for mime theater and has many plans: The performance was directed profes- tival was very diverse and colorful, offer- pantomime as well as transfer it to future naturally. Thirty-one years ago, while “One of the most important things in sionally with two cameras. This was held ing people of different interests and ages generations. For this reason, we closed travelling as a renounced sadhu, he found this festival was having Baptiste Marceau for the second time this year and we plan various kinds of performances and shows, the festival with the stage version of the himself at a Himalayan temple in India. as part of our festival. The son of world to deliver live performances annually to together with live electronic music events. poem The Knight in the Panther's Skin. There, he encountered an elder sadhu famous mime artist Marcel Marceau reach a more global audience. “We fully used our space, both the hall This classic still remains popular and is who had white hair and a youthful appear- came to Georgia especially for this occa- Amiran Shalikashvili, my father, who and the yard of the festival. It is note- included in our program. This is Geor- ance. Pleased with Baptistes admiration sion. Marceau was the founder of the is about to turn 80, took to the stage on worthy that people of all ages were inter- gia’s trademark in the world of panto- for the impressive sequences he had French mime school, who was also a the closing of the festival. He staged the ested in the festival and 80 percent of mime, thus we should strive to keep it executed, the elder offered Baptiste the friend of my father. Our meeting was play Knight in the Panther’s Skin on the the audience was foreigners and tourists. alive. I try to maintain it and to adjust chance to try yoga. Since then, yoga has quite symbolic, since our fathers gave last day of the festival. He is currently Overall in comparison with previous the modernity to refl ect current times”, become an integral part of his life. His birth to the art of pantomime in both working on pieces by the famous Geor- years the festival was quite successful”, - Junior Amiran Shalikashvili told us. father was a French Actor and Mime countries. Baptiste Marceau held yoga gian poet Galaktion Tabidze and plans Junior Amiran Shalikashvili elaborated. Apart from The Shalikashvili Panto- Artist, mostly known for his stage per- masterclass and we, together, held a to transform his rhymes into plays on “My father started mastering mime in mime Festival, the theater operates on sona as "Bip the Clown". He referred to presentation of a book by my father the stage” Junior Shalikashvili explained. the 1960s. In 1961, he met the great Mar- year-round and offers weekly plays. The mime as the "art of silence” and per- Amiran Shalikashvili. The book is about The festival also included Kakha cel Marceau by chance and became good good thing about Pantomime Theater is formed professionally worldwide for the world mime school, and it has been Bakuradze’s Recitative in the City from friends with him. On May 13, 1965, Amiran’s that there is no language barrier and over 60 years. During his career, he vis- released in English for the fi rst time. the well-known Movement Theater. As debut performance was held in Tbilisi. anyone can attend and enjoy fascinating ited Georgia and became acquainted Within three days, the festival saw two part of the festival, two exhibitions were The Georgian Pantomime Theater was performances by professional artists.

France-: 2018 GEM Fest Canceled Youth Vs Experience BY ANTOINE DEWAEST In June, we received an offer from the international global blockchain project to support our GEM family and sponsor 4 great upcoming events in January, May, t's offi cial: France vs Croatia will August and October. These events will be the 2018 World Cup Final. One take place in Georgia and beyond its bor- can say this World Cup is nothing ders. if not surprising: Germany knocked This blockchain project will become out at the beginning of the com- our trusted partner and future develop- Ipetition, Spain defeated by Russia, and ment guarantor. This kind of cooperation Croatia reaching the fi nal! is about to take GEM FEST to a new level If France perseveres (winners in 1998 and make it the fi rst crypto festival ever. and fi nalists in 2006), Croatia will dis- We promise you that 2019 will be explo- cover for the fi rst time what a fi nal is. sive and we will start right away in the France is powered by players such as new year. You will receive details and Kylian Mbappe who is 19 years-old, the interesting news very shortly." very player who scored twice versus GEM Fest organizers also stated guests Argentina. On the other side, Croatia is will receive full refund on tickets pur- full of players such as Mandzukic, 32, chased. older but still a good player. For those who already purchased a A country of 65 million versus the 4th ticket, there are three options: smallest country of the 32 World Cup 1. Full refund of ticket: Upload a photo teams (4 million people). So, who will of your ticket, indicate the purchase date win? and provide bank account details to the In 1998, Croatia did indeed reach the following address: Refundgemfestticket@ semi-fi nals, but lost to France. So, as gmail.com Plenkovic said, they now have a chance 2. Attend all 4 events from January to for revenge. the government, with the Ministry of Is it fair to treat a project which put October: Send ticket photo and details to BY ANNA ZHVANIA Economy and Sustainable Development Anaklia on the world’s Festival map like this address: [email protected] rejecting the organizer’s application to this? Let history and society judge. We 3. Exchange ticket for crypto currency rent a plot in Anaklia. got what we got: the land where the fes- and receive GEL 150 worth of coins in n a statement released on Facebook, While the festival canceled its 2018 edi- tival took place will not be hosting us this your wallet: You can either transfer, sell GEM Fest has made the decision tion, organizers spoke of hopes for future summer. or purchase anything at GEM FEST, to cancel the 2018 edition of the projects. Check out the offi cial statement Yes, we considered organizing the fes- including tickets, drinks, food and all at popular electronic music festival. below: tival on private property in Anaklia, yet event venues. Send the ticket photo and GEM Fest, or the Georgian Elec- "Today is July 10th and we can't wait without a beach. We discussed this option details to the following address and you Itronic Music Festival, took place on Anak- any longer. Festival planning needs time with you and agreed not to downgrade will receive instructions on how to open lia Beach for the past three years and ran and serious preparation. As you know, the level of the event and decided to the wallet and receive coins: Cryptogems- over the course of 10-30 days. In 2017, we still haven't had any response from refrain from such risk. We keep fi ghting [email protected] GEM Fest run for a whole in August, with Ministry of Economy. We applied twice. and the project GEM FEST will stay alive. The deadline to make a decision is big headliners attracting locals and tour- The fi rst time, in March, they refused us And not just alive, it will be reborn. August 30. Afterwards, GEM Fest will ists alike. The decision to cancel the fes- without any explanation or reason. The We expected an inadequate reaction proceed with applications, transfer funds tival was made by the organizers on 10 second time they simply gave us the silent from the ex-ministers and we didn't lose (within one week), exchange tickets and July after facing several obstacles from treatment. time. transfer coins. Photo: Kylian Mbappe

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