October 9 - 15, 2015

WEEKLY PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY www.georgiatoday.ge Price: GEL 2.50 Today 24 p., Enterprise Georgia 4 p. ISSUE No.787 Georgian President in the IN THIS WEEK’S ISSUE

BUSINESS HEADLINES US: Lost Chance to Boost State Minister of Diaspora: Offering Green Budapest to Georgian Positions the Right Goals Celebrate One Year and Philosophy Anniversary P.11 In light of the EU refugee On the way to MAPIC P.12 crisis and near-miss Gre- Exit, Georgia sat down with Minister Dumbadze to talk about the . P.8 British Council Celebrates Customer Service Week P.13 Life of Syrian Refugees in Berlin’s LaGeSo Georgia Today speaks to the volunteers and refugees at Georgian Ambassador to US criticized for not Berlin's official asylum accompanying President's Delegation. Ambassador argues registration center. P.8 that by law he had to stick with the Prime Minister. Friends of P.2 Georgian Ballet Rustavi 2: Icon of Georgian Democracy? Get Unique Tete-a-Tete with Prima Ballerina P.23

Rustavi2 General Director: The government will shut down before we do! P.2 2 OCTOBER 9 - 15 POLITICS United National Movement Georgian President in the US: Lost Proposes Early Elections Chance to Boost Georgian Positions By Steven Jones

The , , has criticized the Geor- gian Ambassador to the US, Archil Gegeshidze, for “not accompanying his delegation throughout the diverse high- ranking meetings in New York and Washington DC” where the President conducted meetings during the last week of September. UNM supporters at the 2012 electoral campaign.Source: The atlantic.com. Margvelashvili called on the Foreign By Steven Jones (GFF), emphasized that “if the parliamen- Ministry to take adequate measures to tary elections are conducted like the GFF demand the fulfilment of diplomatic eti- United National Movement (UNM), elections, it will not pass peacefully.” quette by those diplomats that are Giorgi Margvelashvili at the Woodrow Wilson Center. Source: Giorgi Margvelashvili the main opposition force in Georgia has Burjanadze claims that the leaders of breaching the law. official, Facebook begun activities demanding Bidzina opposition political parties paid no atten- Gegeshidze replied that, according to gian Law on diplomatic services and did ticipated in the discussion – “Future of Ivanishvili, former Georgian PM, step tion to the elections in the GFF. the law, he was obliged to accompany not breach the law in this instance. Eastern Europe: Strengthening the Role back and a date for early parliamentary Burhanadze commented that observance the second delegation, headed by the PM The argument between the Georgian of Women”. The President also held sev- elections be appointed. of election processes is the case in nor- of Georgia, and as such was unable to government and the President occurred eral bilateral meetings and gave public Irakli Batiashvili, member of The mal states, but unfortunately, Georgia simultaneously be with both delegations on the topic of participating in the UN speeches in both New York and Wash- Democratic Movement party, says former could not manage to become a demo- in different US cities. General Assembly, the 70th anniversary ington DC at various high-caliber think government [UNM] members are plan- cratic country. The President, assessing his visit to of the international organization. The tanks and organizations, such as World ning an attack on . It seems that the Georgian internal the US as successful, raised the issue of two parties, who had previously been Bank and Carnegie Endowment. “I have this information from a reli- political environment, amid the govern- ‘ignorance’ of the Georgian Embassy in united under one coa- Despite President Margvelashvili’s op- able source, with which I have had rela- ment’s failure to fulfill the promises of the US throughout his exclusive inter- lition, decided that two official delega- positional stance toward the Georgian tions since the period when I was the the 2012 elections, is becoming more view with Rustavi 2 TV’s talk-show tions would be led separately by the Dream, he believes his official visit to the Chairman of Information and Intelligence complicated over time. ‘Archevani’ where he discussed the dis- President and Prime Minister. US should have been utilized by the gov- Service. The former government represen- Likewise, Russian information propa- similar aspects of Georgia’s internal and While in the US, PM Garibashvili ernment as an opportunity to further deepen tatives who are now in emigration are plan- ganda robustly endeavors to undermine external political environment. attended diverse formats of official and kick off certain issues, such as talks on ning a terror attack to kill Ivanishvili. Cer- Georgian sovereignty and mislead soci- President Margvelashvili and PM meetings and gave a speech at the UN a Free Trade Agreement with the US. tain individuals have already arrived here ety by creating a negative icon of the EU Garibashvili both headed to the US to General Assembly session on October The President also says that Georgia to prepare the attack,” Batiashvili stated. and NATO in the country. Moreover, the participate in different high-caliber 1. At the same time, some bilateral meet- has disappeared from the US radars, a In response to Batiashvili’s accusa- number of disappointed voters in Geor- meetings. As the presidential adminis- ings within the framework of the Assem- statement later bolstered by Georgian tion, Akaki Bobokhidze from the UNM gia has steadily been growing, as ‘democ- tration reported, the Georgian Ambas- bly were held with Georgia’s interna- Foreign Minister said: “Irakli Batiashvili must have got his racy has offered no tangible results in the sador to the US did not meet the Presi- tional partners. who, when talking with Georgian me- information from the Russian security short run.’ It is believed that this highly dent to accompany his delegation to dif- At the same time, the President was dia, stated he felt certain reason to self- service.” As Bobokhidze explains, the intricate process could simply be taken ferent meetings in New York and Wash- in New York City and Washington DC, criticize when US President Barack UNM is far from having any such plan. as an advantage by Russian political ington DC. The Ambassador claims he having been invited by Lithuanian Presi- Obama did not mention Georgia in his “But it seems he misunderstood the in- forces in the country to win a consider- behaved correctly according to the Geor- dent, Dalia Grybauskaite, where he par- speech at the UN General Assembly. formation”- Bobokhidze went on- “as in able number of places in the Georgian fact the Chechens and Kazakhs may be Parliament. planning on retaliating against the former Is the United National Movement and Rustavi 2: Icon of Georgian Democracy? Prime Minister for his old sins.” the overall political atmosphere in the By Zviad Adzinbaia the freezing of assets, citing that the broad- on an ownership dispute, may pose a threat In the meantime, Nino Burjanadze, country ready for snap elections? How caster has been strictly controlled by the to free media. European MPs, including one of the main Pro-Russian forces from could the political and social processes Last week, Nika Gvaramia, the Gen- United National Movement, the main op- the US side and other Georgia’s interna- the Democratic Party in Georgia, com- develop in the country throughout the eral Director of Rustavi 2, promised that position party in Georgia. According to the tional partners, have expressed their fears menting on last week’s querulous elec- year before the regular date of elections the Georgian Government would be shut two, there are no alternatives for the leg- concerning the case against the TV com- tions of the Georgian Football Federation of October 1, 2016? down before his company was. islative process, which “serves to estab- pany, claiming the decision is dispropor- “The government delivered a death lish fairness in a democratic society.” tionate, excessive and might constitute a sentence when it closed Rustavi 2 TV. In response, Nika Gvaramia cited that threat to media pluralism in Georgia. Now we must attract grants. We are work- both Akimidze and Dvali represented At the same time, Georgian civil soci- ing without pay and we have to increase voices of the government. He went on to ety institutions such as Media Develop- our income. We promise the government accuse the entire government, and the Geor- ment Foundation (MDF), Georgia’s Re- that they will be closed before we are,” gian Dream coalition in general, of attack- forms Association (GRASS) and Toler- Gvaramia stated. ing free media and freedom of speech. ance and Diversity Institution (TDI) have The TV company has said that if they The sequestration was followed by a shown support for Rustavi 2. can raise 6 million Lari from investors, social media campaign in support of the Analysis by Georgia Today’s then the company could survive finan- television station, which has endured a Zviad Adzinbaia: cially. number of attacks from different govern- The Georgian government, while de- “There will be protests within the ments throughout its more than two de- nying its involvement in the process of the framework of freedom of expression. We cades of operation. Thousands of support- attack against the main broadcaster in are different from the government. Their ers have appeared on social networks - Georgia, have openly expressed some representatives and supporters rush into including Georgian expats – with mes- radical positions against the media insti- judges homes and humiliate their children. sages of support for the values they be- tution. Even the statements by the then- We will not allow anybody to do that. We lieve Rustavi 2 is based on. PM Bidzina Ivanishvili and his team mem- will act legally,” Gvaramia declared yes- The story of Rustavi 2 is widely com- bers following the 2012 elections unceas- terday. pared to the case of Imedi TV back in ingly articulated their negative positions 100% percent of Rustavi 2’s proper- 2007, which played a considerable part in against Rustavi 2, which could have been ties were sequestrated at the end of Au- Georgia being refused MAP at the the very sign of a desire to attempt subor- gust at the request of a former stakeholder Bucharest Summit. Notably, Georgia is dination of the Georgian media. in the company, businessman Kibar currently seeking its considerable ad- At this crucial moment for Georgian Khalvashi. Last week, the court deprived vancement at the forthcoming NATO democracy, the case of Rustavi 2 is be- one of the shareholders of Rustavi 2 “TV Warsaw Summit in July 2016. However, lieved to have a multiplier effect on the Company Sakartvelo” from selling their there are negligible questions as to whether general media environment in the coun- shares to benefit Rustavi 2. the attack on Rustavi 2 will result in re- try. Additionally, to ensure the conduct- The TV company itself says the case fusing Georgia any tangible progress re- ing of free and fair parliamentary elections is rife with political motivations and ac- garding the alliance membership. in October 2016, Rustavi 2 is considered cuses the government of fighting media Importantly, the Rustavi 2 case has at- the main institution in spite of its lack of freedom in the country. There are direct tracted international attention. The OSCE sympathies towards the government. Fur- accusations against Bidzina Ivanishvili, Representative on Freedom of the Media, thermore, Rustavi 2 could be regarded as the former Georgian PM, who is believed Dunja Mijatovi, in August assessed that the icon of Georgian democracy and any to be ruling the country from the shadows. excessive court measures against the Geor- threat to the company could equal a threat Rustavi 2, Georgia’s largest TV Com- gian television channel Rustavi 2, based to the rest of the country. pany and the country’s leading media or- ganization, faced an initial attack when 100% of its shares were sequestered on behalf of Georgian businessman Kibar Khalvashi- who filed a lawsuit to attempt to regain his share of the company on August 7 this year. The dispute concern- ing the broadcaster has attracted nation- wide concern. HAVE YOUR HAIR CUT AT OUR SALON Along with Khalvashi, two founders AND GET HAIR DIAGNOSTIC AS A GIFT! of Rustavi 2, Jarji Akimidze and Davit Dvali, released a statement subsequent to Rustavi 2 supporters. Source: Rustavi 2 Facebook Page.

4 OCTOBER 9 - 15 ECONOMY

The ISET Policy Institute (ISET-PI, www.iset-pi.ge) is an independent think-tank associated with the International School of Economics at TSU (ISET). Our blog carries economic analysis of current events and policies in Georgia and the South Caucasus region ranging from agriculture, to economic growth, energy, labor markets and the nexus of economics, culture and religion. Thought-provoking and fun to read, our blog posts are written by international faculty teaching at ISET and recent graduates representing the new generation of Georgian, Azerbaijani and Armenian economists. ElitesElites thathatt dondon’’tt CompeteCompete By Florian Biermann liably can one single admissions proce- dure, which people undergo when they The Six Nations Championship is an are still very young, determine the tal- annual rugby competition featuring an ent and skills of people in all those di- exclusive club of European nations: mensions that are relevant for societal England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scot- and economic decision making? land, and Wales. The Six Nations Cham- Educational pseudo-elitism is not a pionship is considered the “elite” rugby problem restricted to France. Students tournament of the Northern Hemisphere, of places like Harvard, Princeton, and matched only by another international Yale have to make it through admissions “elite” tournament, simply called The exams and pay high tuition fees, but af- Rugby Championship. The Rugby terwards there won’t be much of a chal- Championship is played out in another lenge anymore. The tuition fees, by the closed group, made up of Argentina, way, are not very painful for the stu- Australia, New Zealand, and South Af- dents, as many banks are glad to give rica, all belonging to the Southern Hemi- loans to “elite” members, which can sphere. conveniently be paid back once one has These are the elite rugby leagues. But graduated (for a member of the Harvard- what elites? Members of these champi- Yale-Princeton elite, there is no danger onships are only playing with each other not to find a well-paying job). and meet lower tier teams only occasion- ally at the World Cup. Is it possible to MANAGEMENT ELITES be expelled from these two closed rugby Also the international management championships? No. The only conse- elite is a cozy club. If you are the Chief quence of weak performance in the Six Executive Officer (CEO) of a big inter- Nations Championship is the Wooden national corporation, the worst thing that Spoon, awarded to the team that makes can happen to you is quite similar to the the last place. And while this is a very Wooden Spoon in the Six Nations mild consequence, even more conve- Championship. If you mess up, you may nient is the punishment for a team which lose your job, but you won’t have to re- The Georgian rugby team has a tradition of being competitive, even when taking group photographs (picture from 2007). That is not true for some of its “elite” opponents. Source: Wikimedia Commons/Paata Vardanashvili loses all five matches: it will be called imburse the value which you have de- “whitewashed”, a term that does not stroyed. Chances are that you will find that allows for indemnity, their compa- Nations Championship if the level of like the government, must find the best come with overly negative connotations. another elite job, like Leo Apotheker, nies won’t let them pay for it but rather rugby falls behind what is displayed else- talents, try to avoid being biased through What we see here is a phenomenon who failed as CEO of SAP and soon af- effect an insurance which covers man- where. With such structures, it will be the elite nimbus of some applicants. that is common in many different areas terwards failed as CEO of Hewlett- agement failure. And if a CEO is dis- difficult for rugby to ever become a sports Hence, they remove the information of society, namely that the members of Packard, or Carly Fiorina, who became missed for good, the salary made previ- as popular as soccer. about the alma maters from the CVs certain “elites” are not exposed to strong presidential candidate after busting ously allows for a convenient life with- The flaws of French educational elit- when selecting personnel. competition. To the contrary, for many Hewlett-Packard. out employment. ism, however, are even more far-reach- Not unusual for a non-competing elites holds: once you are in, life gets If things go well, on the other hand, ing, as they affect the success of the elite, it is questionable how good the cozy. Let us look at some examples. you can be sure that you will get your THE DIRE CONSEQUENCES whole country. Since many years, French elite schools really are. In the fair share. And the standards by which Last week, Georgia’s rugby team lost France’s economy is falling back dra- influential 2015 Academic Ranking of EDUCATIONAL ELITES your performance is measured won’t be against New Zealand, but it was in no matically, but the énarque François World Universities, primarily based on If one wants to become member of too high: Terry Semel was CEO of Ya- way a clear-cut case. The fears that the Hollande seems largely helpless and in- research performance, the ENA does not the political elite in France, it is almost hoo! from 2001 to 2007 and made spec- Georgian team could be crushed by the competent in view of this strategic chal- show up at all. The two other outstand- inevitable to have graduated from ENA, tacular mistakes, like rejecting the offer elite team from New Zealand lasted only lenge. Perhaps, being good in passing ing French elite schools, the École the École nationale d’administration. to buy Google for $3 billion, based on for the first five minute of the game, un- an admissions exam is in the end not normale supérieure (nicknamed “Ulm”, French Presidents Francoise Hollande, his failure to recognize the potential of til Tsiklauri scored a try (“lelo”). “We’ve what really makes a wise president. as it is located in the Rue d’Ulm) and Jacques Chirac, and Valéry Giscard that company. Despite Yahoo! growing seen through this tournament, compared France would be well-advised to assign the Ecole polytechnique (nicknamed d’Estaing got their degrees at the ENA, slower than most of their competitors to other tournaments that I’ve played in, its important offices not to people who “X”), are ranked on places 72 and shared as well as six French Prime Ministers (like Google) and missing important that the so-called ‘easy’ games aren’t easy belong to some pre-selected elite, but to 301-400, respectively. Within France, and an innumerable number of ordinary opportunities (e.g. social networking), any more”, as New Zealand captain those who prove their potential in on- there are 2 other non-elite schools which ministers. Typically, between one third he received almost half a billion dollar Richie McCaw admitted after the game going competitive struggles. are ranked better than Ulm, and even 15 and one half of French cabinets have as compensation throughout his 6-year against Georgia. However, being part of It is now widely recognized that which are ranked better than “X”. graduated from that one school. Being tenure. a typical elite club, there is no risk that those who managed to excel in some It is not different with the business an énarque (the nickname given to ENA An average CEO in the United States New Zealand has to compete more often admissions process are not necessarily elite. While CEOs often ask their em- graduates) is an insurance for life, as it makes 373 times the salary of an aver- against “second tier” teams like Georgia. the best decision makers. Employers like ployees to accept sharp cuts in compen- is almost impossible for énarques to fail age employee of their company. Yet Only rugby as a sport is suffering: people Deloitte, which are exposed to huge sation and benefits, they are personally in the French society. Competition? Per- even if a top manager makes a mistake won’t be interested in events like the Six competitive pressure and therefore, un- protected trough various safety nets. formance pressure? No way. Once you are the CEO of a big com- One might assume, therefore, that it pany, your life cannot fail anymore. is extremely difficult to obtain a degree When in 2008 and the following years from ENA. There must be a huge drop- the financial industry messed up big out rate, due to the high standards that time, leading to terrible economic con- are demanded from France’s future elite. sequences for many ordinary employ- Yet that is not exactly true. Once one is ees around the world, those who had in the club, it is quite easy to stay. Ac- caused the problem did not have to pay cording to Peter Gumbel, author of the back. Richard Fuld, the last CEO of 2013 book “France’s got Talent – The Lehman Brothers, is still a multi-mil- Woeful Consequences of French Elit- lionaire, as is James Cayne, who was ism”, the dropout rates at French elite CEO of Bear Stearns while it went un- schools are marginal, while in ordinary der. Clearly, members of such elites are French universities about half of the stu- lacking important incentives to perform dents quit within the first year. However, well, and so they don’t. it is difficult to become an ENA student It is of high importance that the no- – only about 6% of the applicants are tion of an “elite” gets redefined. Feel- admitted. good elites, freed from any competition This kind of elitism causes severe and not responsible for the outcome of problems. Should a good deal of the top their deeds, cause a lot of trouble in the positions in a society really be assigned Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 world. Elites should be based on perfor- through the admissions exams of ENA 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] mance, and this performance should and two other similar schools? How re- have to be proved continuously.

6 OCTOBER 9 - 15 ECONOMY

The Galt & Taggart Research team comprises Georgian and Azerbaijani finance and economic experts who have broad experience of covering the macro and corporate sectors of the two countries. Our current product offering includes Georgian and macroeconomic research, Georgian sector research, and fixed income corporate research. For free access to Galt & Taggart Research, please visit gtresearch.ge or contact us at [email protected]. HazHazelnelnutut -- GeorGeorgia’gia’ss PrPreciousecious CommodityCommodity By Tamara Kurdadze suppliers in the world, after Turkey and from Georgia. The largest importer from Italy. The American hazelnut industry, the CIS countries was Kazakhstan, ac- Hazelnut production and handling is even though technology-intensive, is counting for 8% of Georgian hazelnut a multi-billion dollar industry. The bulk facing difficulties at growing and har- exports. of hazelnut supply goes to confection- vesting the hazelnut, as the hazelnut type Several international donors are ac- eries, with Italian Ferrero accounting for most demanded on the world commod- tive in the country with the aim to im- the largest share. Ferrero purchases ¼ ity market is being affected by a region- prove competitiveness of Georgian ag- of the world hazelnut supply to produce specific disease. USA has only 1.4% of ricultural products, along with the liv- its famous Nutella and Ferrero Rocher. total hazelnut planting area (~12,200 ing standards of the rural population. EU In fact, hazelnut is such a critical ingre- ha), but its yield is much higher than in (through ENPARD - European Neighbo- dient in producing the world’s favorite Georgia, as American hazelnut growers urhood Programme for Agriculture and chocolate hazelnut spread that when integrate innovative farming and best Rural Development) and USAID sup- frosts in Turkey slashed the 2014 hazel- Georgia has a real shot at becoming one revenue of US$ 183mn, which placed practices. ply interested parties with relevant re- nut harvest in half, consumers all over of the top 3 hazelnut suppliers in the hazelnuts among Georgia’s top 4 ex- Turkey is a price setter on the hazel- search and farmers with technical assis- the world stocked up on Nutella, as world. Ferrero alone is a multi-billion ports, surpassing even wine. Aside from nut market. In 2014 when the hazelnut tance, aiming to increase productivity prices were expected to spike on the dollar consumer of hazelnuts, with each the large harvest volume, the high ex- harvest suffered from a severe frost in and harvest quality. Furthermore, invest- back of reduced supply. jar of Nutella containing up to 50 hazel- port earnings in 2014 can be attributed Turkey and output almost halved, hazel- ment opportunities abound for post-har- Georgia is conveniently located in a nuts (~170gr). to the global deficit on hazelnuts caused nut prices on the world market doubled vest handling. As the harvest keeps in- climate zone where favorable conditions Food and Agriculture Organization by the frosts in Turkey. Subsequently, from US$ 5.5 to US$ 11.5. This was creasing year after year, the drying, stor- make growing hazelnuts easy, mostly in (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) es- Ferrero decided to purchase the fam- rather beneficial for other nut exporting age, and de-husking facilities are in high a narrow strip of land along the coast of timated the world production of shelled ily-owned Oltan, Turkey’s biggest ha- countries, including Georgia. In August demand. The government of Georgia the . The Ministry of Agricul- hazelnuts at 858,697 tons in 2013, with zelnut exporter, to strengthen its pres- 2015, prices were back to $4.5-5.0, and recently opened a hazelnut drying and ture (MoA) of Georgia has estimated the Turkey having a dominant market share ence in the hazelnut market. Ferrero dipped further in September as the har- storage facility in Darcheli, Zugdidi, average cost for 1 hectare of hazelnut of 63.9%, followed by Italy (13.1%), also owns a large hazelnut orchard in vest outperformed forecasts. In 2015, close to the hazelnut growing grounds. orchard to be GEL 5,700 (~US$ 2,300). USA (4.7%), Georgia (4.6%), and Western Georgia, home to most of the according to the Istanbul Exporters The facility has drying and storage ca- Depending on the hazelnut variety and Azerbaijan (3.6%). In terms of total ha- hazelnut production, and recently ac- Union, Turkey has already earned US$ pacities of 24 tons and 500 tons, respec- climate conditions for the harvest year, zelnut planting area, Georgia is in third quired 700 hectares of hazelnut orchard 2.67bn in 7M15 and exported 208,000 tively, as per the MoA. Upon comple- this translates into an average yield of 1 place after Turkey and Italy. Turkish in Serbia. tons of hazelnut. Georgian hazelnut ex- tion, the facility will be transferred to to 3 tons per hectare and can generate hazelnut trade takes place on the Hazelnut production in Georgia in- ports in 1H15 increased 163% y/y in Darcheli Tkhili – a 500 member coop- revenue of up to US$9,000 at current Giresun Commodity Exchange in Tur- creased at a compound annual growth dollar terms and generated US$73.4mn erative, as part of an effort to stimulate world market prices (~US$ 4.3/kg for key, which makes it the heart of the glo- rate (CAGR) of 6% over 2006 – 2014, in export revenues, up from US$ 28mn the development of farming coopera- in-shell hazelnut). However, hazelnut bal hazelnut trade and the investor’s from 24,000 to 37,000 tons. If Georgia last year. Roughly ¾ of Georgian hazel- tives in Georgia. Further investments orchards need up to 7 years to reach their premier source of data and forecasts on is able to integrate efficient farming nut exports went to the EU, where prices will be necessary as the current post- full yield capacity. Georgian hazelnut the Turkish harvest. In 2014 Georgia practices in order to increase quality and were 43% higher on average than in the harvest handling capacity is far from growers are dependent on world market produced 37,000 tons, the second high- productivity and expand the planted CIS countries (2014 World Bank esti- sufficient to accommodate the total har- conditions, but in the long term, hazel- est annual figure after the 2013 harvest area, the country has an opportunity to mates). Italy, Germany, and Spain jointly vest, according to the Hazelnut Export- nut demand is expected to increase and of 40,000 tons, generating total export land a place among the top 3 hazelnut imported 46% of hazelnuts exported ers Association. OP-ED The Georgian Identity Explained through the Fight for the GFF Presidency By Zaza Jgharkava Georgian Dream could do nothing about when ’s Dinamo and ’s Tor- victory or become so angry they are un- Federation’s president leaves the im- this until now. Upon coming to power, pedo left the football championship of the able to hide it? It is hard to say. Seven pression that it is a football superpower The two-month process that almost the Georgian Dream called for Zviad , and it became necessary million Laris, control over that which is country. This constant, obviously patho- reached the point of life-and-death has Sichinava to resign. They even involved to elect the first, truly independent leader, in the power of the federation president, logical confrontation that has been re- come to an end with the election by the the prosecutor in this issue. However, there was a similar confrontation between is not an amount truly worth so much peating for years, from session to ses- Georgian Football Federation of a new after receiving the yellow card from the the legendary coach of Dinamo, Nodar effort. Seven million is the amount given sion, in fact hinders the development of president. For the next four years the UEFA president Michel Platini, Akhalkatsi and the legendary footballer by the state budget to football. Then Georgian football much more than lack country’s number one sport will be led Sichinava waited for the expiration of his of Dinamo, Kakhi Asatiani. The opinions what causes the government’s passion of money or stadiums and playgrounds. by the former captain of the national team term. This day came on August 9, the day of supporters was also divided. “Ordinary for football? The only correct answer What should we do? Nothing. Drink and former half-defence of German before the Super Cup finals. Battles took people” supported Akhalkatsi more. “The can be that football is the sport of the cold bear, enjoy the premier league and ‘Schalke 04,’ Levan Kobiashvili. He beat place on and off the field as the govern- Elite” was in favor of Kakhi Asatiani. masses and beloved of people, the vot- primer division or good appearances of the acting vice-president Rezo Arveladze ment started fighting for the vacancy of People gathered at the Chess Palace and ers. Leaving football-loving voters and small Switzerland or Slovenia at world by two votes to become the fifth presi- the Foodball Federation’s president. Dur- the delegates elected Nodar Akhalkatsi the authority over that beloved sport to championships. No one will restore the dent of the Federation. The main intrigue ing those days, newspaper Kronika + to be the president of the federation. Con- opponents is equal to losing in the big- Soviet Union with the resources of to- of the election was this minimal differ- wrote that Prime Minister Garibashvili frontations also took place several times ger elections, i.e. the bigger political talitarian mobilization characteristic to ence, which, as the battles at the Hotel had assigned this mission to the Ministry during the epoch of President picture, which means control over a 10 it, and it takes historical evolution to col- Holiday Inn showed, was connected of Security and the ministry had further Shevardnadze while the federation was billion Lari budget. This is why they are lect the necessary skills of a collective more to politics than sports. delegated the task to its subordinate struc- electing Merab Zhordania. It reached fighting and “eating each other.” If not, effort. Thus, not years but decades or After the already former president of ture – counter intelligence. The assign- boiling point when FIFA threatened to how can they help Georgian football? even more are needed and new genera- the Georgian Football Federation, Zviad ment was intensified by the fact that the oust Georgia. This organization does not What can become of Georgian football tions with a totally different and updated Sichinava, stated following the UEFA governmental candidate is a distant rela- stand by when a state interferes in the before the election of the Football national mentality, i.e. a new identity. Super Cup finals that he was resigning, tive of the former Prime Minister Bidzina affairs of football. Events followed al- it became topical who would take his Ivanishvili, which truly doubled the as- most the same scenario during the gov- position. Names of candidates were soon signment of the security services. Levan ernance of Mikheil Saakashvili and now, FOR RENT revealed. The Energy Minister Kakhi Kobiashvili and the billionnaire’s sister’s during the rule of billionaire Ivanishvili Kaladze gave a certain presentation of the children had the same last name, there- and the Georgian Dream. It should be said governmental candidate when he stated fore, were related. that the security services managed to SHERATON BATUMI HOTEL that the Georgian football was in mud and The government’s interest in football complete its mission. At the last moment, Levan Kobiashvili would drag the coun- is nothing new if we ignore the election the opponent of the governmental candi- 107 square meters commercial space for rent. try out of it with the help of the state. of the first president of the Football Fed- date was detained for drug abuse charges Can be used as an office or a shop. After these words, no one had any doubts eration when the Georgian Football Fed- and two more candidates were removed. that Georgian Dream would try to con- eration was still part of the Soviet Foot- Thus, Kobiashvili won. Against such a quer the last bastion of the previous gov- ball Federations and the name of the new background, a question arises: What do ernment. Until now, the Football Federa- federation head was decided at the Chess all the authorities want with the presi- For more information please tion was staffed with people from the Palace instead of in the cabinet of the dency of the Football Federation? contact us 577490009 United National Movement. Period. The Central Committee Secretary. In 1989, Why do they shed tears of joy after

8 OCTOBER 9 - 15 SOCIETY State Minister of Diaspora: Offering the Right Goals and Philosophy By Eka Karsaulidze structure, involve media representatives A: Leuville Chateau is a place of ex- and attract public attention to this prob- treme importance for Georgia and its peo- The recent alarming situation involv- lem. In particular, there are some special ple and I can say that it is another achieve- ing refugees in Europe once again put the regions. The biggest Georgian diaspora is ment from our side. After twelve years, spotlight on the very difficult situation in Russia and Greece. we have every reason to believe that we with emigration from Georgia. The Of- A new wave of economic crisis in will sign the agreement of Leuville Cha- fice of the State Minister of Georgia for Greece seemed to create a lot of prob- teau’s transfer to Georgia in 2016. The Diaspora Issues has been working hard lems with repatriation that did not corre- Government of Georgia allocated more and has introduced a number of impor- spond to reality. Despite this, through- than 100,000 Euros to transform and tant events and initiatives throughout the out this year, I visited Greece many times maintain the venue within this transfer last few years. One of them is Global and monitored developments. agreement. In future, a group of well- Diaspora Week, which will take place in There is quite a different situation in known Parisian architects and designers Tbilisi, on October 11-17, 2015. Prior to Russia. According to unofficial sources, will be part of a team to remodel Leuville this event, Georgia Today met with Mr. about half a million are in em- Chateau. We will protect the Chateau, Gela Dumbadze, the State Minister for igration there and, due to the absence of which is considered as a little part of Diaspora Issues, to discuss the Office’s diplomatic relations, we are not allowed Georgia in France. work, emigration problems, the upcom- to go there and fulfill our obligations. Q: There is a very serious issues ing Diaspora Week and the Leuville Cha- Nevertheless, our fellow citizens often concerning refugees in Europe nowa- teau. visit us in Georgia and ask for consulta- days. At the same time a large num- Q: Global Diaspora Week is al- tion or help to cope with some problems. ber of Georgian emigrants are scat- ready the second large diaspora event Q: What can you name as the big- tered throughout the world. Do you this year. What can you tell us about gest achievement of your Office in all have any tools to help stop this exodus it? What awaits us next week? these years? [from Georgia] and make Georgia at- A: In the framework of Diaspora A: We know that after returning home, tractive to our diaspora? Days, we conducted a Professional Fo- our Office is not obliged to serve former A: We call it the “Eternal dream”. I’m rum this May. It was the first profes- emigrants, but we still take on this re- realist and know that diaspora face many sional platform at which local residents sponsibility, because for many years we problems in returning to Georgia and and officials could meet with Georgian Mr. Gela Dumbadze, the State kept in touch with these people. We car- many of them are forced to go back into Minister for Diaspora Issues. professionals working abroad. I am glad ry out the role of the provider. If they emigration. The only solution is in our to announce that it was a very successful A: Diaspora investments in /the/ Geor- Diaspora Week we will have information- have problems with education, together unity. We all should get together – gov- project. Now we are excited to open the gian economy are significant due to the sharing and a concert with the participa- with our consultant they go to the Min- ernment, local people and diaspora - for second Global Diaspora Week with the fact that 12% of annual GDP is made up tion of diaspora celebrities. Our Office istry of Education to solve them, if there Georgia’s wealth and prosperity. The participation of diplomatic corps and our of diaspora money transfers. We will talk also plans to open Giorgi Danelia’s side- are some economic problems, we send majority of our emigrants do not have honored guests – my Turkish, Azer- about this more at our Economic Forum walk star outside Rustaveli Cinema. In them to various investment companies, prestige work abroad, but receive better baijani, Armenian counterparts, high-rank- on October 13. We will also give an op- fact, it is our everyday job to attract the and so on. The second big achievement is salaries. Therefore, if a teacher here is ing experts from the US, UK, Czech Re- portunity to diaspora representatives, attention of the public, state and all struc- that we have created new platforms where guaranteed a 1000 GEL salary, she will public, Germany and many other coun- who already have investments here, to tures to diaspora potential and to involve people are able to exchange experience be more likely to come back. If a busi- tries – people who work on the issues of share their experiences with all stakehold- them in Georgia’s development. and contacts; raise the level of diaspora nessperson knows that Georgia is a bet- emigration and diaspora. Georgia’s Prime ers and ministries. We will also offer a Q: Diaspora face many problems organizations; and have an opportunity ter country to launch a construction Minister will open the tour in Sighnaghi, Kakheti region, where abroad. Do you assist in tackling those to use the conditions of our memoran- project, he will perhaps choose it over event and highlight the main topic of the our guests will be able to see the best problems? dum with the World Bank, USAID, and Turkey and other countries. It seems to Week – Diaspora Investment and its Im- examples of diaspora investments. A: It’s one of the priorities of our Of- foreign embassies. This enables diaspora me that another achievement of our Min- portance for the Georgian Economy. Q: In addition to business topics, fice. Diaspora all around the world have to develop their projects. istry is the offering of the right goals and Q: The economical theme seems you pay a lot of attention to cultural different problems and we conduct regu- Q: You met the French authorities philosophy, without any illusions. We to be the main focus when discussing and information issues. lar meetings with them to study their to discuss the Leuville Chateau issue. just need to build our country’s future diaspora issues. A: In the framework of the Global needs, connect with the right government What was the result of this meeting? together. Life of Syrian Refugees in Berlin’s LaGeSo By Tamar Svanidze Mohamed Ali, 22, has come to Germa- Only after they have registered can the ers into Western culture? After they are to find a job for better life conditions. ny alongside thousands of his compatri- official asylum process begin. granted asylum status they are allowed and He could afford to escape from the Once, a friend of mine posted on his ots from Syria. The young English inter- Christopher is volunteering at the So- supported to study German language and bombings but his married sister refused twitter a comment that he’d overheard preter was forced to leave his hometown, cial Center and has been since the first take up low paid jobs for the first time. to do the same despite the fact that their on public transport in Berlin. An elderly Homs, with his two brothers and sister. day refugees started arriving in Germa- After registering, refugees are housed home is being shelled almost every day. woman asked (of the Syrian refugees): Is It was not easy for him to leave his ny’s capital city, Berlin. in one of Germany’s 16 federal states ac- His dream is to get his sister with him. it really necessary for them to leave their homeland and try to begin life anew. “The main problem is integrating these cording to a formula that takes tax reve- “In my country being different is seen country? “I’m lucky that I’m young and can people into a new society. My personal nue and population size into account. as a threat. It means that Assad’s govern- This is a much discussed question rebuild my life again from scratch. Now I opinion is that the German Government Housing is simple: shared rooms, bunk ment will take away everything; they will these days in Germany, as the country know that I’m safe, but for this I sacri- should provide native speaker interpret- beds and washing facilities – but most seize private property and block any way received tens of thousands of asylum ficed my home and my parents, who have ers to these people to explain the big pic- refugees are just grateful to have even of development. When I realized I could seekers from Syria. Since Germany stayed in Homs,” he said. ture of the current situation, because they survived the journey to Germany. not even breathe in my own country, I opened its doors, more than 31,000 refu- “Two days I spent between Syria and cannot understand many things in Ger- Mohamed Kalag, 28, from Aleppo, started to find alternative ways to sur- gees from the Middle East have come to the Turkish border. We had to try and many because they are from a different who has gained refugee status in Germa- vive and now I am here with big hopes stay in the country. survive. Our plastic boat had broken in culture and society and this would ease ny, has spent most of his life in immigra- for the future,” he said. Before they are given housing and of- the middle of our journey and we had to their integration,” he said. tion. He traveled from Russia to Leba- He added “By the way I have a Geor- ficial refugee status in Germany, they are reach the Greek island by swimming. It What about the integration of newcom- non and finally to Germany in an attempt gian girlfriend, her name is Mariam and allowed to stay at the State Office of was a nightmare for me.” when I can manage my life here in Berlin Health and Social Affairs (LaGeSo), the At the Social Center around two thou- I will propose. I know she will agree. We official asylum registration center for pro- sand Syrians move chaotically around. will get married!” cessing by the German authorities. Large families with children are living in The Syrian civil war is considered by The refugees often spend weeks there the open air and sleeping on the frosty some to be the worst humanitarian disas- trying to get papers in order to live in earth of Berlin’s early autumn days. Chil- ter of our time. In figures it’s estimated Germany. dren run in-between open legs, tired men that 11 million Syrians have fled their The area where the refugees are gath- sleep on their feet. homes since the outbreak of the civil war ered is often very chaotic, very different That’s life at LaGeSo. back in March 2011, taking refuge in from Germany’s well-known nature of pre- Only volunteers are trying to sort with neighboring countries or hiding in Syria cision. People are wandering aimlessly near the chaotic situation and help the masses itself. the center, most lying in the street and of confused people who have no idea According to the United Nations High sleeping in the open before they are given where to start. Most refugees their do Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) accommodation and living permission. not understand German or even English. over 3 million have fled to Syria’s imme- LaGeSo itself looks like a large park Volunteers give them food, clothing, diate neighbors: Turkey, Lebanon, Jor- with several buildings surrounding it, and hygiene products and advice how to get dan and Iraq, with 6.5 million being inter- every inch is full- crowded with thou- the papers they need. Food is provided nally displaced within Syria itself. sands of people seeking asylum, most three times a day, warm food once a day. Meanwhile, around 150,000 Syrians from Syria. This is not a place where a They have unlimited access to water. have declared asylum in the European person can stay comfortably for a long Newcomers are given a piece of paper Union, while member states have pledged period of time. Here, people are regis- with a number on it and have to wait their to resettle a further 33,000. The vast tered, given First Aid, food and clothes turn- this can sometimes take more than majority of these resettlement pledges and then eventually sent on their way. a week. Then they are allowed to register. Adverts for German language courses at the LaGeSo center in Berlin, Germany. come from Germany.

10 OCTOBER 9 - 15 BUSINESS LafargeHolcim and Georgian Company to Develop Concrete Market

After the cement project, that in- Leader Cement visited LafargeHolcim’s volves a construction of Cement grind- state-of-the-art Research Center in Lyon. ing station in Poti Lafarge-Holcim and Q: What is the current status of Leader Cement’s cooperation format construction of the Poti cement plant will expand. It will become bigger and and when will it be finished? will also include a ready-mix direction. A: The construction of the plant began LafargeHolcim was created in 2015 in 2014. The construction process will be with the merger of two leaders in con- finished at the end of this year. After test- struction materials sector from French ing period and PAC certification, the plant Lafarge and Swiss Holcim. The com- will be put to use at full capacity, produc- pany is represented in 90 countries and ing 250-300k tons of cement per year. Our is a leading player in cement, concrete, company has a strategic development plan and aggregate business. The company that is made up of several phases. If de- has 115,000 employees. The group owns mand for cement increases on the market, more than 2,500 plants around the world we will be able to increase the capacity. including over 1600 in ready mix, over The possibility of such an upgrade is in- 180 in cement and 70 grinding plants. corporated in our plant design. R&D is the cornerstone of innova- Q: The construction of such a large tion at LafargeHolcim. The Swiss-based cement plant and its successful opera- Group combines best-in-class technical tion is associated with many risks and expertise, the latest equipment, and the challenges. most noteworthy international research A: Before the implementation of the partners to offer an R&D capacity that project, a feasibility study was carried is unmatched in our sector. The company out. The study showed that the western Leader Cement is cooperating with Georgian market was largely served by LafargeHolcim to finish the construction imported Turkish cement. There was of a cement grinding plant in Poti that still enough space for one bigger player. Merab Chikhradze partner of LafargeHolcim in Georgia.

frastructure creates some challenges. We nology buildings for large-scale testing. will fully address this problem with our As the new leader of the building mate- tailor-made products including slag ce- rials industry, LafargeHolcim has lever- ment that is aimed at big HPP’s. aged its high-level research capabilities Q: How protected are eco norms and experienced industrial know-how to in your plant? Cement production is develop the best range of multi-purpose a heavy industry which means that it concrete products and solutions on the has problems with pollution… market. A: In this regard, our plant will be Q: How would you assess your visit among the best in the region. The plant to France and what are your plans for will be equipped with 11 dust collection future? filters to ensure air purity of up to d” A: During our visit, we met with the 30mg/Nm3 that beats air quality stan- representatives of LafargeHolcim top dards allowed under Georgian legisla- management. We have a long-term de- tion. Leader Cement pays special atten- velopment plan that consists of several tion to eco norms. Our aim is to pro- stages. Therefore, it was planned that duce high-quality cement without ad- after this cement project our coopera- versely affecting the environment. tion format will expand. It will become Q: You just returned from France bigger and will include also a ready-mix where you visited the research center direction. First a plant we will be in- of LafargeHolcim. stalled in Tbilisi, then gradually we will A: The research center of Lafarge- reach out to the whole of Georgia. In will produce 250 000 thousand tons of We hastened to decide as soon as pos- tion of several large industrial and in- Holcim is quite impressive. With an an- Western Georgia we will have good syn- cement annually in the initial stage. sible because we were afraid that an- frastructure projects, including large- nual budget 112 Million Euro its 223 en- ergy with our cement plant. The Leader Cement team was invited other foreign company would be keen scale plants and a new port in Western gineers and technicians seek to under- Q: What type of concrete will you to France in order to get acquainted with to enter Georgian market. If that hap- Georgia, was a further incentive for us. stand physical and chemical mechanisms offer local consumers? the up to date achievements of Lafarge- pened, there would not be any place on We aim to fully supply the companies and elaborate new technologies. The A: After preparation works we will Holcim in cement and concrete produc- the saturated market, and we would have and provide them with a diversified 15,000 m² site boasts state-of-the-art begin the implementation of a ready-mix tion. During the visit representatives of lost the opportunity. The implementa- product range. The development of in- laboratories, pilot workshops and tech- production project in Tbilisi that will be equipped according to LafargeHolcim standards and will be unique to this par- ticular region. According to our plan, after Tbilisi our project will be imple- mented also in other cities. Our aim is to introduce European standards on the market. We saw that there is a demand also for special con- cretes. So we have decided that it is time we provide such innovative products to Georgian builders that will enable them to curb all existing challenges. With the help of the most advanced R&D facilities worldwide, Lafarge- Holcim has developed the most innova- tive range of ready-mix, prefabricated concrete solutions and services. They are designed to support buildings and infra- structure construction players in meet- ing their challenges: CO2 footprint re- duction and energy efficiency of build- ings, costs and speed of construction and worksite productivity. Q: What can you offer your cus- tomers? A: We will offer stable service, timely deliveries and solutions tailored to individual needs. Our production is designed for modern constructions. That is why we will offer architects such con- crete products that will enable them to create visually appealing buildings. This will help them to fulfill their ideas and work with such construction materials that will improve the architectural and visual appearance of the buildings. Handcrafted Georgian natural wines and tapas style food 6, Erekle II str (old town) 0322 93 21 21 OCTOBER 9 - 15 Business ICCA: Every Wednesday Georgian Tapas On the way Strengthening the 20% off on special Menu at g.Vino Construction and Georgian artisan wine! to MAPIC Business Sector 0322 93 21 21 fb: g.vinotbilisi 6, Erekle II str (old town) P.12 P.13 Green Budapest to Celebrate One Year Anniversary

the Minister and Deputy Minister of Economy and takes those problems into consideration and cre- unique opportunity to select the color and quality Sustainable Development of Georgia, the Mayor ates the ideal conditions to solve or make things of internal repair materials on their own. Addi- of Tbilisi, the company’s management, represen- easier. The intensity of a city makes each second tionally, construction is going on at a rapid pace tatives of partner companies and Green Budapest wasted on basic services significant. Residents of and will end in May 2016 instead of September residents. After the official part the guests will see Green Budapest will be provided with a number of that year. Residential area protection, cleaning, the show rooms, followed by unofficial part: live of services in their own protected area. And this green area care-protection will be free of charge music, a Georgian and European buffet, the cake is granted to them by the company Maqro Con- during a year. cutting, and distribution of gifts. Most impor- struction whose main working principle is to cre- Maqro Construction is one of the largest in- tant, the residents will have the opportunity to meet ate maximum comfort. The 11700 sq. meter resi- vestors in Georgia and has invested in the coun- each other. dential complex of Green Budapest offers 351 Eu- try’s economy since 2013. During this short peri- “We do our best to meet our clients’ interests ropean-standard apartments with complete reno- od the company has implemented such large-scale with sales groups working with each of the cli- vation - bathroom set, kitchen furniture and built- projects as furniture factory Belissa and Teleset, ents individually. The anniversary celebration is in appliances. Diverse infrastructure includes a residential project Green Budapest, and interna- a confirmation of our respect for our clients. We’d basketball court, treadmill, skateboard ramp and tional four-star hotel Mercure Tbilisi Old Town. like them to get better acquainted with each other children’s playgrounds, child care and fitness cen- Based on the preliminary data of 2015 of the and make friends in a comfortable atmosphere,” ters. The first floor will be devoted to the primary National Statistics Office of Georgia, Maqro Con- General Director of the company, Murat Avci, told use of the goods stores, beauty salons, entertain- struction’s two important projects, residential Georgia Today. ment and recreational centers, cafes and other Complex Green Budapest ($45 m.) and hotel Mer- International construction company Maqro Purchasing a new apartment means improving important facilities. The complex is located in the cure Tbilisi Old Town ($16 m.) are the top direct Construction will be celebrating the one year an- living conditions and changing your life for the city center and is surrounded by a recreational area foreign investments in Georgia. niversary of one of its most important residential better. But comfort counts tenfold in your own that is a guarantee of a healthy ecological and cozy complexes, Green Budapest, on October 9th. The apartment when the company takes care of the ev- environment. The construction is carried out with Live Happily! Maqro Construction will take event will be attended by 300 guests, among them eryday problems of residents right from the start; the latest safe materials. Residents are given the care of the rest! 12 OCTOBER 9 - 15 BUSINESS On the way to MAPIC Georgia Today had the privi- Q: What are your future lege to meet Nina Kipiani, Coun- plans? try Director of Cushman & A: As you know, with over Wakefield | Veritas Brown 200 participants, the Investment (CW|VB), to discuss the upcom- Forum Batumi 2015 was suc- HotelHotelHotelHotel ing international retail property cessfully held in Batumi at the market event MAPIC to be held Hilton Hotel in the Black Sea on November 18 – 20 in Cannes, region of Adjara. The event was SympatiaSympatiaSympatiaSympatia France. organized by Cushman & Wake- Nina Kipiani joined CW | VB field | Veritas Brown together in 2012 as a Senior Real Estate with the Georgian National In- Consultant and was responsible vestment Agency and the Gov- for coordinating the company’s ernment of Autonomous Repub- agency services across the re- lic of Adjara. The forum brought gion. Nina has seven years’ ex- together key policy-makers, gov- perience in commercial real es- ernment officials, investors and tate brokerage, including four business people who discussed years heading up Rakeen’s inter- different investment opportuni- nal sales team and two years as ties and business prospects a senior leasing manager in across the Adjara region and Turkmall. Currently, Nina is Georgia. Nina Kipiani, Country Director of Cushman & Wakefield | Veritas Brown 4, V. Daraselia Str. heading the Georgian office as (CW|VB) Delegate feedback was high- Tbilisi, Georgia Country Director for CW | VB. ly positive and Cushman & vidual presence as CW | VB, pre- Black Sea Coast, with projects Georgia Today: What is Wakefield | Veritas Brown can Tel: (995 32) 2 99 55 88, 2 37 05 90 senting not only the global cli- such as “Atlas Georgia” which MAPIC? announce that several high pro- Tel./Fax: (995 32) 2 37 62 63 ents of the large global firm but is an integrated development that Nina Kipiani, Country Di- file projects in Batumi as well as Hotel’s network www.sympatia.ge also the projects from the regions will be built on an area of ap- rector of Cushman & Wake- in other areas of Georgia have “Sympatia” E-mail: [email protected] field | Veritas Brown (CW|VB): that we cover. The idea for our proximately 4 hectares in Ba- received investor pre-contacts as Since 1995, MAPIC has gath- stand-alone presentation was tumi. The CW|VB team were a direct result of the conference. ered the world’s leading retail determined by the volume of requested to undertake a devel- A similar forum was orga- real estate professionals under projects that we represent though opment feasibility study for the nized in London in May 2015 by one roof to foster innovation, CW|VB. CW and CW|VB stands proposed project and, as the ex- CW|VB and the Georgian Na- build partnerships and spark will be located next to each oth- clusive retail agent for this tional Investment Agency which deals during three days of dedi- er as alliance partners’ under one project, will be representing At- showed reported success. Geor- Car Rent cated conferences, exhibitions umbrella. las Georgia on MAPIC. gia demonstrated itself as an op- and networking events. Having Q: What are the projects And last but not least we will portunistic market for invest- Tel: 599 16 16 70 celebrated its 20th anniversary in that you will present as CW | present Merani Center, which is ment and gained further interna- 2014, MAPIC has become a VB? located on Rustaveli Avenue, tional recognition as a competi- major industry event gathering A: As CW | VB we are pro- with very good transport acces- tive country to invest in. 8,400+ international partici- moting six main retail projects sibility from both the historic From all of the above you can from 35 euro per day pants, including over 2,400 re- from Kazakhstan and Georgia, part of the city and the modern see that we enjoy close collabo- tailers and 2,300 property devel- like the St. Regis Astana, the lux- center of the city. ration with the Georgian govern- opers for exhibitions, conferenc- ury hotel and residential project We are looking forward to ment in the framework of invest- Tours to all direc- es and networking events target- located in Astana central park. attending the exhibition and of ment forums. We are also plan- ing all types of retail property: The new-build hotel will have course our expectations are op- ning to participate in the upcom- tions of Georgia city and shopping centers, fac- 120 guest rooms, including 18 timistic. ing Silk Road Forum. (with driver and tory outlets, leisure areas and suites and a Presidential Suite. Q: What kind of outcome CW|VB provides a full range transit zones. MAPIC gives the For meetings and events, the are you looking for? of real estate services and is in a Guide) for 4 per- opportunity to stay on top of re- hotel will have a ballroom, five A: During the last few years position to meet all kinds of cli- son from 40 euro. Nissan pathfinder – tail real estate trends, launch new meeting rooms and a business we have been introduced to many ent requirements. Taking into 2004, 4X4, AT products and find great stories. center. useful contacts at MAPIC and, as consideration the country’s It’s a great opportunity to join The hotel has the podium of a result of these meetings, we promising prospect, especially in live debates, hear from key in- high street retail accommodation have completed many successful the hospitality sector, we are dustry players and discover the seats below the residences pro- deals and have some projects in seeking to increase our resourc- latest retail and property trends. viding premium retail and food the pipeline. One of the core es in this direction and commit To sum up, it gives the best facilities, and CW|VB will be the projects that we implemented to new projects. What’s more, platform for retailers to gather exclusive agent for this project. within the framework of MAPIC the Government is working on new contacts with the view of One of the most important is “Defacto” which we brought to different projects to redevelop efficient future cooperation for projects is EXPO -2017. On the Georgian market. Therefore, and create other tourist destina- achieving targeted goals; thus we November 22, 2012 Astana was from this perspective we are ex- tions. We see great potential to are looking forward to MAPIC chosen by the International Ex- tremely positive about the up- add value through our services. Mercedes-Benz Viano – 2004 Toyota RAV 4 – 2000, being held next month in hibitions Bureau (BIE) to host coming events and hope that our Cushman & Wakefield has 4X4, AT Cannes. EXPO-2017, focusing on the mutual relations with all MAPIC given permission to expand our Q: What are the projects “Future Energy” theme. More participants and interested parties footprint across the region and that you are presenting at than 100 countries and 10 inter- will be extremely beneficial and open new offices. Therefore, I MAPIC? national organizations are ex- the result of our intensive work assume that we have busy and A: As CW|VB we have al- pected to participate. Around 2- will be positively reflected on the positive years ahead of us! ready attended MAPIC for four 3 million people are expected to Georgian market. www.veritasbrown.com years at the Cushman & Wake- visit the international pavilions field (CW) stand. Unlike previ- from June to September 2017. ous years, CW | VB will have its This is a massive project and we own stand separated from the are excited to be the lead retail main CW exhibition stand, there- broker and consultant. fore we will enjoy the pros of Apart from the capital city of being a part of CW and the indi- Georgia, we actively promote the Arbitration Days in Tbilisi 2015 Tbilisi is hosting an interna- President of the Georgian ternational Arbitration Center based International Center for tional conference “Regional Chamber of Commerce and In- (GIAC) and the Permanent Court Dispute Resolution (ICDR) – Development of Arbitration – dustry (GCCI). of Arbitration (PCA), an inter- the largest provider of global Reality, Challenges and Per- Dimitri Kumsishvili, Minis- governmental arbitral institution arbitration and dispute resolu- spectives”. The three-day ter of Economy and Sustainable established to facilitate arbitra- tion, and the International event, which was opened on 8 Development of Georgia; Nino tion and other forms of dispute Council for Commercial Arbi- October 2015, is part of the Bakakuri, Georgia Supreme resolution between states. The tration (ICCA). annual Arbitration Days in Court judge; H.E. Johannes (Jos) Memorandum creates new op- The Conference “Regional Tbilisi and is organised by the Douma, Ambassador of the portunities for the GIAC to share Development of Arbitration – Georgian International Arbitra- Netherlands to Georgia and Ar- the PCA practice, engage in joint Reality, Challenges and Per- tion Center (GIAC) with finan- menia; and Shombi Sharp, act- educational activities and coop- spectives” will continue until cial support from the United ing Head of UNDP in Georgia, erate on dispute resolution cas- 10 October 2015, bringing to- Nations Development Program addressed participants at the es. gether a wide range of Govern- (UNDP) and the Government opening session. The Conference also provides ment officials, representatives of the Kingdom of the Nether- The first day of the Confer- opportunities for lawyers, stu- of civil society and internation- lands. ence was marked with the sign- dents and young practitioners to al organizations, as well as The Conference was ing of an Agreement on Cooper- attend seminars and master leading international experts in opened by Nino Chikovani, ation between the Georgian In- classes organised by the US- the area of arbitration. BUSINESS OCTOBER 9 - 15 13

ICCA: Strengthening the Construction Multi-Clinic Innova Opens in Tbilisi and Business Sector with Support of Bank of Georgia A new multifunctional clinic, Inno- By Ana Akhalaia va, opened on Sandro Euli Street #7 last week. The clinic’s main areas of work The role of construction companies will include neurosurgery, gynecology, in the country’s economy and infrastruc- traumatology, and general surgery. ture development was one of the main The head of Innova, Giorgi Kipia- topics that was discussed at the presen- ni, addressed the gathered audience on tation of the Infrastructure Construction the opening day of the clinic. Companies Association (ICCA). “We are very pleased to open a new The presentation of the new Associ- multifunctional clinic in Tbilisi. Inno- ation took place at Holiday Inn on Oc- va is equipped with ultra-modern med- tober 8. The NGO was founded in June Attendees at the ICCA presentation. ical technology. We have gathered the by 18 companies which work on infra- best specialists of the South Caucasus structure projects including roads and ate agencies. We have to involve inter- tion sector that should be introduced in region in our clinic. Starting today, the David Sergeenko, Minister of Health, bridges, reconstruction and the construc- national experts to adjust the procure- some years. The terms of the Associa- and Giorgi Kipiani, Head of Innova tour population of Georgia will have an op- tion of state-owned buildings. ment law,’’ Toidze said. tion Agreement are strictly defined.’’ the new clinic. portunity to get medical treatment of The head of the ICCA, Zviad Toidze, Everyone has the right to participate Another issue is that no Georgian the highest quality at our clinic. A large well-thought out fully functional equip- discussed issues which led to the forma- in tenders for construction. However, company is involved in large interna- portion of Georgia’s population is en- ment which will allow clinic personnel tion of the Association and its goals. He gaps in the law were revealed which tional tenders due to a lack of experi- rolled in the Universal Healthcare pro- to aptly respond to any new challenges spoke about the importance of strengthen- hinder healthy competition. For exam- ence. This is another of the reasons why gram. Today, there is no medical cen- facing it,” he said, before adding: “In- ing the construction sector with the agree- ple, for most of the companies in the the ICCA was founded. ter that is not part of the Universal nova is practically a universal center. ment of the government, international or- ICCA it is impossible to participate in “All the construction companies Healthcare program, and we are also There are more than 104 beds in the clin- ganisations and the business sector; insti- online (electronic) tenders as many have have the same problems,” said Davit going to be cooperating with it,” the ic, along with a large ambulatory. I wish tutional development of the companies in- limited budgets following the deprecia- Choladze, the founder of ‘Construction head of the clinic noted. success to my colleagues.” volved in the sector; also the pro-active role tion of the . Company N1’ and member of the ICCA Innova’s founder is Tbilisi Central “The Bank of Georgia is very ac- of the business sector in the economic de- Some companies take advantage of board. “The preparation of tender doc- Hospital, which still continues to invest tive in financing the health sector. We velopment process of Georgia. this situation and even decrease their uments, procurement law, providing prices sometimes by 50%. This results experts for facilities, national currency in the medical field. This is Tbilisi Cen- have financed three projects from this in damage which is ultimately sustained devaluation, the standardisation of ma- tral Hospital Group’s second totally group already. The previous two by the state when projects are not com- terials, quality control and many other new medical clinic. The project was projects were very successful and I’m pleted or can only be completed with issues. If we want European standards fully financed by the Bank of Georgia, confident this next project will also be poor quality. In many cases it turns out we should work with the government which contributed financially not only a success,” the Bank of Georgia Depu- that the tender commission is focused and agencies. The goal of the Associa- in the construction, but also the acqui- ty Director-General said. on low price and the issue of quality is tion is to help builders to solve these sition of inventory. Innova clinic has 7,000 square insignificant. problems,” he added. Bank of Georgia has been actively meters of space and is equipped with “Many strong construction compa- “Different construction companies involved in the healthcare field in Geor- the latest high-technology. It has 8 op- nies are capable of ensuring better qual- want to join the ICCA every day. The gia for the last couple of years. The erational blocks, 30-bed intensive care, ity. These companies point to this gap only restriction is that they have to be Bank plans to continue crediting in or- and a 70-bed hospital space. The clinic in the law where price has more signif- conscientious and have a good business der to financially assist healthcare also has a high-tech diagnostic center icance than quality. Of course, we are reputation. This is the main requirement projects that have great promise. where such professional and successful working on this,” said Eka Sepashvili, that we, the board members, consider,’’ “Today, yet another high-tech medi- doctors as Mr. Aghlemashvili, Vadim Deputy Minister of Regional Develop- Toidze said. cal center opened in Tbilisi. I am delight- Khatiashvili, Rezo People, Irakli Tod- ment and Infrastructure of Georgia. The presentation was attended by ed that the clinic has been equipped with ua, Gocha Chutkerashvili, Irakli Chel- The head of the ICCA, Zviad Toidze. “Quality should be the main goal. Geor- government and business sector repre- the latest technology,” said Minister of ishvili, David Datoshvili and Zurab Health David Sergeenko. “The clinic has Narimanidze will work together. “There are some gaps in the law that gia signed the Association Agreement sentatives (banks, insurance companies, the previous government failed to elim- last year. There are a lot of technical reg- construction companies), international inate. The goal of the Association is to ulations and quality requirements in the organizations (USAID, EBRD, World 12 Reasons You Should Drink Beer work on these issues with the appropri- Agreement that apply to the construc- Bank), NGOs and other associations. The 12 benefits of drinking beer: study concluded that the elevated lev- 1. Beer keeps your kidneys healthy. els of silicon in beer can contribute to British Council Celebrates Customer A Finnish study singled out beer among higher bone density. other alcoholic beverages, finding that 6. Beer as a cure for insomnia. Service Week it was better for your kidneys. In fact, Lactoflavin and nicotinic acid, which each bottle of beer you drink reduces are both present in beer, can promote By Meri Taliashvili the risk of developing kidney stones by sleep! 40%. 7. Beer reduces your risk of a heart Customer Service Week is a week of 2. Beer for better digestion. Beer, and attack. Beer drinkers have a 40 to 60 opportunity to raise awareness of cus- especially dark beer, contains up to one percent reduced risk of suffering a heart tomer service and the crucial role it plays gram of soluble fibre* in each 30 cl glass attack compared with non-beer drink- in successful business performance and - unlike wine, which doesn’t contain any ers. growth of the economy. It is observed fibre at all. Fibre plays an important role 8. Beer helps prevent blood clots. annually in the first week of October in intestinal transit (a fibre deficiency The ingredients in beer help prevent worldwide. Georgia Today met with can cause gastric and intestinal disor- blood clots from forming. Zaza Purtseladze, Director of the Brit- ders such as constipation or diarrhoea). 9. Beer boosts your memory. Ac- ish Council in Georgia, and Salome 3. Beer to lower your bad cholester- cording to studies, beer drinkers are less Shalamberidze, Customer Service Co- ol. The fibre in beer can also help re- likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s dis- ordinator of British Council and winner duce your levels of LDL cholesterol, i.e. ease and dementia than non-beer drink- of Global Customer Service of 2013, to The British Council thanks its Team in support of Customer Service Week. the “bad” type of cholesterol. ers. find out what Customer Service Week is a holistic approach to customer ser- courses are like. We try to spread infor- 4. Beer can increase your vitamin B 10. Beer helps combat stress. Re- deals with and how it is celebrated in vice that organizations should apply to mation and hope other organizations will levels. Beer contains several B vitamins searchers at the University of Montreal Georgia. every aspect of their processes, proce- join us in celebrating this week. (B1, B2, B6 and B12). A Dutch study found that two glasses of beer a day can Q: Salome, what is Customer Ser- dures, quality control and strategy in Q: Zaza, what does customer ser- found that beer drinkers had 30 percent reduce work-related stress or anxiety. vice Week? order to succeed. Our organization is vice mean to the British Council? higher levels of vitamin B6 than their 11. Beer as a cold remedy. Drinking A: Customer Service Week is a very working very hard on getting the whole A: We take customer service very se- non-drinking counterparts, and levels warm beer is an excellent cold remedy! important event celebrated differently in organization to have this marketing, sell- riously. Customer Service Week is huge- that were twice as high as those of wine When barley is warmed up it improves every country. In the UK it is called the ing and policy of delivering as one team. ly important for the success of our busi- drinkers. Beer is also a generous source blood circulation and helps you breathe National Customer Service Week. Dur- Because customer service does not deal ness operation, particularly for our teach- of vitamin B12, an anti-anaemic factor when you feel congested. It also pro- ing one week in October, all the organi- with only frontline staff. It is market- ing center. We want excellence of cus- not found in many foods. vides relief for joint pain and boosts zations celebrate it. The main idea is to ing; the message that goes from the or- tomer service in our country. We have an 5. Beer for stronger bones. A 2009 your immunity. So, how do you prepare highlight customer service in almost all ganization, finishing with the policy ‘we absolutely brilliant customer service it? Heat a bottle of beer in a double boil- fields that develop and grow business. promised and we deliver.’ team, working very hard to help our cus- er and then add four small teaspoons of During the week, organizations get the We started our 2015 celebration with tomers, to make their journey easier and honey. opportunity to emphasize the value of World Teachers’ Day and had a meeting provide them with the best possible ser- 12. Beer makes skin more beautiful. their customer service team, specifical- in-house. We thanked our teachers for vices. Once again, I think that success of Good news for women! Certain vita- ly employees who work at the frontline their hard work and they felt valued and our teaching operation hugely depends mins in beer can regenerate the skin and and directly face customers. Secondly, a part of our chain. Additionally, through- on customer service. That’s why we take have a positive impact on pigmentation. they get to thank customers for being out the week we’re collecting customer it very seriously and want to share this Your skin becomes smoother and sup- loyal and for trusting in the organiza- feedback and will be posting it on Face- information with other organizations in pler. tions. For the organizations it is a unique book for promotion. Also, we have two Georgia and to acknowledge the impor- Convinced? Then let’s go! Two opportunity to demonstrate that they winner customers we awarded with who tance of customer service in general. beers for memory, two for better diges- value and care about their customers. joined our teaching center in autumn tion, another for better bone density, one Q: How do you celebrate Custom- 2013 and have since reached their ad- FROM THE EDITOR: In the spirit for your kidneys and the rest as a cold er Service Week in Georgia? vanced level. We met them personally of Customer Service Week, Georgia To- remedy… Normally this should guar- A: In Georgia, British Council has and thanked them for their loyalty. This day would like to thank its loyal Read- antee good health, right? (J). Of course, been celebrating this week for many is very rewarding to see how many peo- ers and hard-working Team. Georgia Doctor “GoodFood” is joking. The idea years, choosing different themes each ple trust us. We will also be going to Today has been going for a fabulous 15 is not to get drunk every night, but in- year that are important for customer ser- schools, delivering presentations about years and goes from strength-to- stead to enjoy a nice refreshing beer vice. This year our theme is attracting, exam activities, the teaching center, con- strength- something that it could not do now and then, without excess! winning and retaining customers. This ducting lessons to show them what our without your support! 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ASB: Getting Kids Ready to Face Disaster Azzedine Alaia’s Debut Fragrance By Eka Karsulidze rable game. Yet the children do under- stand the danger of natural disasters. Now on Georgian Market Georgia is a highly disaster-prone re- In total 27,297 people, including 24,612 gion with a hazard-profile of floods, children, are benefiting directly from the earthquakes, droughts, storms, landslides, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) project and Hundreds of perfumes are released mudflows, avalanches and other extreme 344 preschool institutions are being cov- each year, but only a few of are awaited climate events. The disastrous flood of ered in areas highly exposed to natural haz- so eagerly and for so long with such a June 13 in Tbilisi is evidence of this. That ards and disaster risks, such as Georgian level of anticipation. Azzedine Alaïa is is why Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund’s (ASB) regions: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Adjara, known for his perfectionism and his project We are Ready! – Building Disas- Samtkhe-Javakheti and Tbilisi. strong ties to freedom from which he ter Resilient Preschools in Georgia seems The project is realized in partnership never compromises, to the degree that of vital importance. with relevant ministries of the Govern- he is known to hold fashion shows only The project was started on June 2014 ment of Georgia: the Emergency Man- when he has something to show. Now and over 18 months experts are teaching agement Department of the Ministry of I am holding the heavy glass flacon in kindergarten children and their teachers Internal Affairs, Ministry of Education my hand and admiring it in all its glory. how to behave during disasters. Care-giv- and Science, Ministry of Environment The gorgeous black bottle is em- ers receive child centered First Aid Protection and Natural Resources, and bossed with a pattern of one of Alaïa’s trainings, so they have basic and neces- Regional and Local Authorities – who laser-cut designs and it is completed in sary information how to save a child’s each have a role to play in coordinating its gold & black luxuriousness by a gold life before professional help arrives, and disaster management and reduction ac- cap. The composition is signed by are involved in awareness-raising activi- tivities in order to ensure that the policy perfumer Marie Salamagne. ties. The project also envisages provision development for disaster risk reduction It opens as a fresh spicy fragrance. where possible of equipment within kin- supports the sustainable results of the You’ll find the steaming blend of wa- dergartens- fire extinguishers, mega- project. ter and chalk mostly in the top notes, phones, and First Aid kits to increase their According to the latest reports, the which read as a special effect more than disaster preparedness capacity. ministries of Georgia endorse all DRR as individual notes — on skin, it’s fresh, Organizers highlight that their main materials. The culture of safety is stan- airy, mineral, peppery, and warm all at aim is to instill a culture of safety in chil- dardized and made into an integral part once. dren from the very early years. Trainings of the educational agenda. In addition, The heart of the scent has a trans- for children are fun and interactive – with DRR is now introduced in Samtskhe- parent floral character and yet smells response to disaster made into a memo- Javakheti University as a teaching course. like no flower in nature, and the base is likewise abstract- musky ambery woods, warmish but not at all heavy, with a slight but lingering mineral un- dertone. It was the desire of Alaïa to blend all into a sensual, lightly smoky and musky, slightly powdery direction which is very pleasant and unique. Alaïa Eau de Parfum screams luxury, confidence, intimacy and so- phistication. Alaïa’s Eau de Parfum is now avail- able in Georgia at Ici Paris stores in 30, 50 and 100 ml. Preschool children during an ASB Disaster Risk Reduction training / ASB.

SOCIETY OCTOBER 9 - 15 17 UN Adopts Sustainable Development Goals In achieving the Millennium Devel- Strategy and Action Plan and many oth- Goal 12 - Ensure sustainable con- opment Goals (MDGs), the joint effort ers, to mutually deliver on the aspira- sumption and production patterns and cooperation of countries and people tions so clearly demanded by over Goal 13 - Take urgent action to com- across the world has demonstrated 10,000 Georgians in the post-2015 My bat climate change and its impacts clearly the importance of the existence World survey.” Goal 14 - Conserve and sustainably of a common global agenda in order to The 17 Sustainable Development use the oceans, seas and marine re- tackle challenges such as poverty eradi- Goals include: sources for sustainable development cation. Global reduction of the main Goal 1- End poverty in all its forms, Goal 15 - Protect, restore and pro- challenges to development still remains everywhere mote sustainable use of terrestrial eco- relevant for the world despite having Goal 2 - End hunger, achieve food systems, sustainably manage forests, achieved impressive results in the last security and improved nutrition and pro- combat desertification, and halt and re- 15 years. mote sustainable agriculture verse land degradation and halt This 15-year cycle of accomplish- Goal 3 - Ensure healthy lives and biodiversity loss ment of the Millennium Development promote well-being for all, at all ages Goal 16 - Promote peaceful and in- Goals concludes this year. In practical Goal 4 - Ensure inclusive and equi- clusive societies for sustainable devel- terms, speaking of Georgia, delivering table quality education and promote life- opment provide access to justice for all on the MDGs has meant real changes in long learning opportunities for all and build effective, accountable and in- people’s lives, from a significant reduc- Goal 5 - Achieve gender equality and clusive institutions at all levels tion in extreme poverty to increased ac- the MDGs, are a global call to end pov- ment Goals represent an important empower all women and girls Goal 17 - Strengthen the means of cess to schooling for young children, erty, protect the planet and ensure that means of linking a broad range of im- Goal 6 - Ensure availability and sus- implementation and revitalize the glo- from new laws to protect human rights all human beings enjoy peace and pros- portant, interconnected development tainable management of water and sani- bal partnership for sustainable develop- and prevent discrimination to reduced perity. The 17 Global Goals consist of priorities within one framework. More tation for all ment child and maternal mortality, stronger 169 targets and will guide policy and than ever before, challenges such as Goal 7 - Ensure access to affordable, World leaders formally adopted the measures to protect the environment and funding for the next 15 years. Building making sure that growth not only exists, reliable, sustainable and modern energy SDGs at a three day summit in New protect people from natural disasters, on the successes of the MDGs, the Glo- but that it is sustainable and its benefits for all York at UN headquarters in September and much more. bal Goals include new areas such as eco- broadly shared, that society is inclusive Goal 8 - Promote sustained, inclu- 25-27. All of the UN’s 193 Member To maintain this momentum, address nomic inequality, innovation, climate and protective of the rights of all citi- sive and sustainable economic growth, States participated in the summit. The targets still not achieved under the change, sustainable consumption, and zens, and that the government is ac- full and productive employment and UNDP also co-organized the Social MDGs and introduce critical new as- peace and justice. The SDGs are univer- countable – these are all both non-ne- decent work for all Good Summit, which ran parallel to the pects, especially in the area of gover- sal, inclusive and a bold commitment to gotiable and fully achievable. We are Goal 9 - Build resilient infrastructure, SDG Summit and examined the impact nance transparency and accountability, people and the planet. now working with the Government Ad- promote inclusive and sustainable indus- of technology and new media on human the world again came together at the UN Shombi Sharp, Deputy Head of the ministration, which is already leading trialization and foster innovation development worldwide. More than 100 last month to craft a new global agenda UNDP (United Nations Development the way towards mapping how SDG tar- Goal 10 - Reduce inequality within countries hosted their own Social Good that defines world development priori- Programme) in Georgia, commented on gets relate to existing national priorities and among countries Summits in order to bring the Global ties beyond 2015. the importance of the SDGs: “For and strategies, from the Georgia 2020 Goal 11 - Make cities and human Goals to prominence. The new SDGs The newly adopted Sustainable De- middle-income and transition countries document and the Association Agree- settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and and targets will be coming into effect velopment Goals (SDGs), reinforcing like Georgia, the Sustainable Develop- ment, to the National Human Rights sustainable on 1st January 2016. CULTURE Nobel Prize for Literature Nominee, Kanta Imbragimov: On War and Friendship

By Dimitri Dolaberidze the feeling that I should write the truth about this war and about Chechens who For the second time, Chechen were indiscriminately labeled as crimi- writer Kanta Imbragimov has been nals. I also had to keep my promise to included in the list of official nomi- my grandfather. He had a very difficult nees for the Nobel Prize for Litera- fate; he went through unthinkable hard- ture. Kanta Ibragimov was already ships, including Kolyma. I dedicated my nominated for the Nobel Prize in 2010 first novel to him ‘Past War.’ In my mind for his novel ‘Children’s World.‘ the plan for the second novel was al- Georgia Today got the unique chance ready born ‘Gray Caucasus,’ and again to meet the Nobel Nominee. it was mostly about the war. Frankly Q. Mr. Ibragimov, you literally speaking, I thought that I would write burst into the literature world rela- several books about the issues which tively recently, immediately becoming were the most painful for me, which the new discovery for creative writ- would show that Chechens are no worse ing lovers in many countries. Before or better than others. I only write on that you were a scientist with inter- paper. It is absolutely different from typ- Kanta Imbragimov in Kazbegi. national recognition and a very suc- ing on the computer; livelier, more soul- cessful business. What prompted you ful, that’s why you feel that you and your Chechen people was born not today but Q. You are actively engaged in pub- Zakharov returned to the museum of the to become a writer? composition are part of one whole. tested for centuries. Affection, friend- lic activities. Tell us a little about it. republic as it was named after Zakharov A: The blessing of literary work, I Q. In Georgia there are many ad- ship, love, respect, as well as cultural A. My main task at present is par- before the military actions.His heritage received from my father, but it was war mirers of your talent, two of your and scientific connections, all these con- ticipation in the organizational commit- belongs not only to the Chechen people, that forced me to take up the pen and books have been published in Geor- stitute only small part of the mutual re- tee of the Year of Literature in Russia but to all Caucasia in general. A little start writing. Actually, I’d had a dream gia ‘Tale of East’ and ‘Stigal.’ We lations between our nations. I have plans which includes the organization of dif- orphan boy who should, in that situa- to become a writer since I was a child, know that a third novel ‘Children’s to do everything in order to strengthen ferent events, book fairs, meetings with tion, have died but survived- taken care especially after well-known writers vis- World’ is being prepared for publish- those cultural, literary, and scientific writers and the public, helping young of by a Georgian monk… He went on ited our school. I was appalled by how ing. How will you please your Geor- connections that have been recently writers and so on. In particular, right to become a well-known 19th century and what they told us, how they were gian readership this time? weakened. Work in this direction has now we are preparing for the 85th anni- painter, earning the status of a free reading their poems. And their books! A. This novel is most sacred for me, already started. Our frequent guest is the versary of the Union of Writers of the painter. He retained his identity; he did It was back then that I realized one day most touching and most actual because director of the Center for the Study of Chechen Republic. Notably, we are also not reject his roots and he signed his I wanted to hold a book in my hands this novel is about the children in war. Problems in the Complex Development planning events connected with the paintings: ‘Chechen from the Dada- which had been written by me. I even In my novel is a boy asking the mute of Georgia (at the Ivane Javakhishvili 200th anniversary of outstanding painter Urt’.’ promised my grandfather that I would question: “Why is everyone beating us ), Doctor of Po- Petr Zakharov-Chechenec. This is my write a book about him, but all family and shooting at us?” He lives surrounded litical Sciences, Levan Metreveli. The topic- I’m involved in it both as a writer I want to end with my love of Geor- members were scientists. Father had a by the smell of death and war, where a outcome of our meetings is the signing and as a public figure. As a writer I al- gia, but this time with the words of Ph.D. in chemistry; he was a professor child’s world is painted in dark colors. of agreements regarding cooperation ready published a book about the painter Lermontov: and academician. He wanted his chil- Meanwhile, the boy is exceptionally tal- between Tbilisi State University and and am working on a second, as well as And before him a picture dren to follow in his footsteps by dedi- ented in music; he is composing an an- Chechnya State University, also between on a Catalogue-Album of the paintings Beauty blooming alive: cating themselves to the science and to them for peace for the new children’s The Georgian National Academy of Sci- of Zakharov with the expectation that Georgia, luxurious valley achieve considerable success in that world. Unable to cope with the hell of ences and Academy of Sciences of the next year will be announced the Year of Carpets spread far; field. As a result, five members of my war, he takes a step torwards this other Chechen Republic, which includes ex- Zakharov in our republic and the title of Happy, lush end of the earth. family have a PH.D. At the age of 37 I world. Children should not be aware of change programs and joint scientific re- obtained a PH.D. in economics, I was a war. Unfortunately, they are. All over the search in the fields of philology, history, professor, I had my own business, and I world they know about it and adults are culture and literature. Mr Metreveli and FOR SALE had a favorable position. My father the ones who should be blamed for let- I are planning to establish a Georgia- knew about my most sacred desire of ting this happen. Chechnya community of friendship to 9,8 ha non-agricultural, privately owned parcel for becoming a writer. He told me: “If you Q. There are many things which allow the exchange of experience re- have ideas, if you are able to write, then connect you with our country. You are garding scientific-creative activities in industrial use (cadaster code # 01.19.26.004.088) write!” Times were hard and we needed the only foreigner to be a member of the fields of culture, literature, history the money to sustain our large family. the committee of the National Acad- and science. I also plan to establish close located next to Tbilisi Airport But my father insisted: “If you distance emy of Sciences of Georgia. Tell us relations with the Union of Writers of yourself from literature, and devote all about your plans connected with Georgia with the aim of creative ex- your time to business, you won’t be able Georgia. changes and for the translation of liter- Address: Airport settlement, Samgori district, Tbilisi to go back!” So I gave up the fight. The A. Can I firstly confess my love for ary works. Georgia is an ancient, devel- Tel: +995 599 529 529 war at the end of 20th century brought this amazing country; Georgia? After all, oped, beautiful country, and we have a unspeakable tragedy to my nation. I had mutual affection between Georgian and lot to learn and to adopt. [email protected]

CULTURE OCTOBER 9 - 15 19 In Frankfurt? Head over to the Georgian Stand… By Katie Ruth Davies Book Fair as the most beneficial interna- catalogues, but more is planned for 2016. October 15 / 17:00-17:30 October 16 / 16:00-17:00 tional platform for presenting Georgian Forum International Dialogue / Hall Lesezelt / Agora See below for the latest from those in Literature and particularly Georgian au- Georgian Program of the Frank- 5.1, A128 ZAZA BURCHULADZE the know and the program which starts thors to a wide range of readers. Starting furt Book Fair 2015 SHOTA RUSTAVELI ADIBAS next week. in 2010, step by step we have been gain- October 14 / 15:00-16:00 KNIGHT IN THE PANTHER’S Presentation / Discussion: Zaza Q: The 2015 Frankfurt Bookfair is ing international awareness which in fact Lesezelt / Agora SKIN Burchuladze and Jurij Andruchowytsch imminent. How do you see Georgia’s got us to the point where Georgia was LASHA BUGADZE Shota Rustaveli’s Knight in the on Burchuladze’s Adibas. Writers will talk participation this year in contrast to selected to be the Guest of Honor Coun- ZEUS VS EUROPE (HOMO EX Panther’s Skin is regarded as the national about literary writing in politically un- previous years? try at the 2018 Frankfurt Book Fair. From MACHINA) epic of Georgians. The 1955 German ad- easy times. THE GEORGIAN NATIONAL the Book Fair this year, we expect to gain Reading / Performance: A crisis can aptation by Hugo Huppert, reprinted in Author: Zaza Burchuladze’s narra- BOOK CENTER (Dea Metreveli): Par- more experience by having consultations appear in many forms – international cri- the present edition, attempts to render tives often startle the reader with his ticipation of Georgia at the Frankfurt and working meetings with our partners sis, ecological crisis, middle age crisis and the style and content of the epic as closely experimental way of writing and pro- Book Fair and organizing the National who have been Guest of Honor in previ- the hardest one – economic crisis. The as possible. The volume is decorated with vocative themes that he takes up, in Stand has always been among the main ous years. last one recently popularized Greece in a 54 illuminations from the 17th-18th cen- most cases considered taboos. He writes priorities for us. Since 2010 the dynamic THE PUBLISHER: More informa- manner such as was unattainable even by tury manuscript, which exhibit strong about political conformity, violence and of activities which Georgia is realizing tion about e-books and new trends in digi- the Acropolis. influences of Persian models in their fili- brutality, addressing ideological and re- within the framework of the Frankfurt talization of various kinds of books, in- Storm-breaker Zeus got old and re- greed design. ligious topics as well as sexuality. Adibas Book Fair, is permanently increasing. This cluding children’s; more new titles to trans- tired, Dionysus joined the Alcoholics Moderation: Prof. Manana Tandashvili is his first book published in German. year Georgia will be presented with a re- late and more Georgian rights sold abroad. Anonymous, Apollo started a modeling / Goethe University Frankfurt Moderation: Lasha Bakradze / Geor- newed stand and enriched cultural pro- Q: How are preparations going for career, Hermes sells lottery tickets and Participants: Prof. Dr. Jost Gippert / gian Literature Museum gram which will include several readings, Frankfurt 2018? silicon-addicted Aphrodite lost her Goethe University Frankfurt; Ursula Participant: Jurij Andruchowytsch / presentations, performances and discus- THE GEORGIAN NATIONAL beauty… Reichert / Reichert Verlag Aufbau Verlag sions. Traditionally, various Georgian BOOK CENTER: Preparation for the Who will rescue Greece from eviction writers will attend the Book Fair and par- Guest of Honor Presentation at the Frank- out of Europe? What will happen with October 16 / 11:30-12:00 October 17 / 12:30-13:00 ticipate in the events planned by the Geor- furt Book Fair in 2018 started in 2014. the idea of a united Europe? Forum International Dialogue / Hall Forum International Dialogue / Hall gian National Book Center, along with The Georgian National Book Center as Author: Lasha Bugadze focuses his 5.1, A128 5.1, A128 international partners. Three thematical the LEPL organization was established critical and ironic attention on relation- FOUR GEORGIAN TITLES BY ANNA KORDZAIA-SAMADA- catalogues, prepared specially for the under the Ministry of Culture and Monu- ships between the generations, and he POP VERLAG SHVILI Book Fair for the first time, will be pre- ment Protection of Georgia right after sign- describes situations in which people fall Presentation: Four Georgian authors, WHO KILLED CHAIKA? sented to international publishers, part- ing the Agreement between the Georgian victim to their prejudices, fixed ideas or four different stylistic and thematic flows: This is a very complicated and in- ners and readers interested in Georgian government and Frankfurt Book Fair to stereotypes. Tchola Lomtatidze, Ekaterine Gabashvili, triguing story written in a very catchy contemporary as well as modern classic ensure that the working process, related Esma Oniani and David Barbakadze. way. Who Killed Chaika? won the and non-fiction titles. with the Guest of Honour Presentation October 14 / 17:00-18:00 Reading / Discussion: David THE PUBLISHER (Tina Mamula- will be coordinated in relevance with the Georgian National Stand / Hall 5.0 B 100 Barbakadze about his book The Triangle IliaUni Literary Award (Georgia) as the shvili of Bakur Sulakauri Publishing requirements of the project. So far we are PROMOTING GEORGIAN LIT- of Cranes. Best Novel of 2013. The central figures House): This year does not differ a lot meeting the deadlines set by the Frank- ERATURE ABROAD Author: David Barbakadze is a poet of this novel, with all their idiosyncra- from previous years - we prepared ev- furt Book Fair, and the Georgian National Presentation: Welcoming Reception at with a background in philosophy and sies and emotional outbursts, are as lov- erything in advance and are ready meet Book Center, as the coordinator of the the Georgian National Stand accompa- psychology. He abandoned a standard able as the characters of Almodóvar. our fellow publishers from all over the process, is in permanent touch with nied by and snacks. academic career to pursue independent Moderation: Tim Mücke / Verlag Hans world to discuss new projects. Frankfurt Book Fair management on the Topic: Initiatives by the Georgian projects in Georgian and German Litera- Schiler Q: What do you hope to gain from one hand and the state institutions within National Book Center / Medea ture. Barbakadze has been a member of Author: Anna Kordzaia-Samada- this year’s Fair (in general and in the Organizing Committee of the Guest Metreveli of the Georgian National Book the European Writers’ Union Kogge since shvili’s expressive and emotional tales and readiness for being Guest of Honor in of Honour project. Center 2007. short stories about men and women, love 2018)? THE PUBLISHER: Active prepara- Georgia’s young and dynamic book Moderation: Traian Pop / Pop Verlag and hate, sex and disappointment are THE GEORGIAN NATIONAL tions will start only next year. We are market / Gvantsa Jobava of the Georgian Participants: Steffi Khotivari-Juenger somewhat outré and sarcastic, but it is BOOK CENTER: We see the Frankfurt gradually preparing the translations and Publishers & Booksellers Association / translator; Artchil Khotivari / translator this that gives them their appeal. WHAT'S ON IN TBILISI THEATRE Directed by Giorgi Margvelashvili October 9 Start time: 17:25 June 27 – October 31 GABRIADZE THEATRE Small Stage THE 164TH SEASON OPENING Ticket price: 9.50 – 10.50 Lari GEORGIANS IN WORLD WAR II Address: 13 Shavtelis St. Language: Russian One act ballets and two premiers: EXHIBITION DEDICATED THE Telephone: 2 98 65 93 Start time: 18:00 ‘’Symphony in C’’ (George EVEREST 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE Ticket price: 5 Lari Balanchine) and ‘’Le Spectre de la Directed by Baltasar Kormákur VICTORY OVER FASCISM. October 9 rose’’ (Mikhail Fokin). Cast: Jason Clarke, Ang Phula AUTUMN OF MY SPRING October 10 Start time: 20:00 Sherpa, Thomas M. Wright MOMA TBILISI ZURAB Ticket price: From 10 Lari Rezo Gabriadze THE MARRIAGE Genre: Adventure, Drama, Thriller TSERETELI Venue: Tbilisi Concert Hall Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Nikolay Gogol Language: Russian Address: 27 Rustaveli Ave. Directed by Avtandil Varsimashvili Start time: 22:50 English Subtitles CINEMA Telephone: 298 60 30 Start time: 20:00 Small Stage Ticket price: 11.50 – 12.50 Lari Language: Russian RUSTAVELI CINEMA Ticket price: 10, 15, 20 Lari October 2-18 Start time: 18:00 AMIRANI CINEMA Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. Address: 36 Kostava St. GUCHA KVARATSKHELIA’S October 10 Ticket price: 5 Lari Telephone: 255 50 00 Telephone: 299 99 55 EXHIBITION RAMONA www.kinoafisha.ge www.kinoafisha.ge Our Black and White and Coloured Rezo Gabriadze October 11 October 9-15 Earthly life Directed by Rezo Gabriadze CHIPOLLINO October 9-15 English Subtitles Jianni Rodari THE MARTIAN THE MARTIAN October 9 – November 15 Start time: 20:00 Directed by Gogi Todadze Directed by Ridley Scott (Info Above) OLEG TIMCHENKO’S EXHIBITION Ticket price: 10, 15, 20 Lari Small Stage Cast: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Start time: 12:30, 16:00, 19:40, 22:30 Language: Russian Kristen Wiig Ticket price: 7.50 – 12.50 Lari October 11 Start time: 12:00 Genre: Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi October 9-13 MARSHAL DE FANTIE’S DIAMOND Ticket price: 5 Lari Language: English PAN 3D TBILISI FASHION WEEK Rezo Gabriadze Start time: 20:00 (Info Above) NEW NORDIC FASHION Directed by Rezo Gabriadze TBILISI VASO ABASHIDZE Language: Russian Start time: 12:00, 14:20, 16:30, EXHIBITION English Subtitles MUSIC AND DRAMA STATE Start time: 13:00, 16:30, 19:50, 22:40 19:45, 22:10 Start time: 20:00 THEATRE Ticket price: 7.50 – 12.50 Lari Ticket price: 7.50 – 12.50 Lari MUSIC Ticket price: 10, 15, 20 Lari Address:182 D.Agmashenebeli Ave. Telephone: 2 34 80 90 PAN 3D LEGEND INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT THEATRE www.musictheatre.ge Directed by Joe Wright (Info Above) MUSIC FESTIVAL Cast: Levi Miller, Hugh Jackman, Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., Start time: 19:30 “AUTUMN TBILSI” – 2015 Mushthaid park October 11 Garrett Hedlund Ticket price: 11.50 – 12.50 Lari Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy Address: Dj. Kakhidze Tbilisi Center Telephone: 599 555 260 MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Language: Russian for Music and Culture, William Shakespeare THE INTERN Start time: 17:00, 19:30, 22:00 125 Agmashenebeli Ave. October 9, 10 11 Directed by Davit Doiashvili (Info Above) Ticket price: 7.50 – 12.50 Lari Telephone: 296 12 43 FAN DO’S MAGORY Musical Start time: 16:50 * Premiere Ticket price: 9.50 – 10.50 Lari Start time: 19:00 LEGEND October 10 One Act Tale Ticket price: From 8 Lari Directed by Brian Helgeland TBILISI SYMPHONY Directed by Kakha Bakuradze EVEREST Cast: Tom Hardy, Emily Browning, ORCHESTRA Author: Ioseb Bakuradze October 15 (Info Above) Taron Egerton Soloist – MARINA NADIRADZE Start time: 21:30 DIVORCE Start time: 15:20, 22:40 Genre: Biography, Crime, Thriller (piano, Great Britain) Ticket price: From 15 Lari Giorgi Eristavi Language: Russian Ticket price: 8.50 – 12.50 Lari Conductor – AMOS TALMON Directed by Davit Doiashvili Start time: 12:00, 14:40 MUSEUM (Israel) GRIBOEDOV THEATRE Musical Ticket price: 7.50 – 12.50 Lari Address: 2 Rustaveli Ave. Start time: 19:00 VERDI – Overture from the opera Telephone: 2 93 11 06 Ticket price: From 8 Lari THE INTERN SIMON JANASHIA MUSEUM “La Forza del destino” www.griboedovtheatre.ge Directed by Nancy Meyers OF GEORGIA MOZART – Concerto for piano and TBILISI ZAKARIA PALIASHVILI Cast: Robert De Niro, Anne Address: 3 Rustaveli Ave. orchestra No.20 October 9 OPERA AND BALLET THEATRE Hathaway, Rene Russo Telephone: 2 99 80 22 FRANK – Symphony d-moll THE ELDER SON Address: 25 Rustaveli Ave. Genre: Comedy Start time: 19:30 Language: Russian Alexander Vampilov Telephone: 2 99 04 56 ARCHAEOLOGICAL TREASURE Ticket price: 4-20 Lari

SOCIETY OCTOBER 9 - 15 21 NotNot withoutwithout aa Fight:Fight: IrIreland-Sveland-Svanetianeti

By Tony Hanmer posure or a fall on a small mountain or climb technically with pitons, axe and a hill as on a Kazbegi or a Shkhara. If ropes, but that does not at all belittle his Some weeks ago I was contacted via you’re not prepared for the weather, or efforts. We look forward to hearing next Facebook message by an Irishman who it changes beyond your preparations, or week from his own notes of his time here had a few questions about particular you get stuck somewhere... wherever in our neck of the woods: what was new things in Mestia, which I was glad to be you are, it can mean the end for you. and wonderful, what the unique things able to answer. He was coming to the And so it happens, both in the UK and were- both good and bad. I’m sure he region soon to do some hiking up moun- in the mighty Caucasus. will have much to tell. tains, and I also had the opportunity to Fergal hopes that his determination I, too, find myself challenged from my find out more about him. Herewith, an will be an inspiration to people with introduction to Fergal not to give up on introduction to one of the kinds of people challenges everywhere, of whatever the things which are in my way, both who are drawn to the Caucasus, fol- sort, to push themselves and do more physical and mental. There are plenty of lowed hopefully next week by his own than they think or others tell them they things which I know (or suspect) that I thoughts on Svaneti itself. Fergal Hingerty - no ordinary hiker or mountaineer. can. The resulting euphoria from such can’t do at all, or can’t do alone without Fergal Hingerty turns out to be no success must make up for the struggle, help. And others which I am supposed to ordinary hiker or mountaineer. Not only after a pinched nerve, always to lift have been just what he needed because and silence the naysayers too. tackle and in the process grow. Not nec- because of the remarkable things he has something off the ground with bent legs Fergal is now the first person on record Now, having extended his adventures essarily becoming more self-reliant (I achieved and records he has broken on but a straight back, never bending down to have climbed all the county tops beyond the UK into other parts of Eu- know my weaknesses), but still, to grow. the high places of the UK, but doubly to it, but squatting. I’ve been careful to (highest point in a county) in both Ire- rope, Fergal has turned to some of the Next week we’ll hear from the man so because of the hurdles he has had to avoid his issues, and the hard work land and Wales, as documented at heights of Svaneti. He’s not looking to himself after his visit to Svaneti. overcome to be walking at all... sometimes required in village life in www.hill-bagging.co.uk. No small feat Now about 50 years old, in 2001 Svaneti, along with no injury, has paid for a fit person, but for one recovering Tony Hanmer runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group, now with over Fergal was diagnosed with chronic back off. Fergal was not so lucky in the in- from such an ailment—really remark- 1250 members, at pain due to spinal degeneration, brought jury department; these things happen! able and worthy of commemoration. www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ on by an earlier back injury. Back pain? He underwent an operation of nearly Now, a Caucasus native might scoff He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: That’s it? Well, given that the spine is ten hours, and about ten years of treat- at what the UK calls “mountains”: in- www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti central to the body, if it goes wrong, the ment overall, most of it unsuccessful. deed, the highest point in the UK is whole body suffers. So chronic back The despair and agony of all that and its Scotland’s Ben Nevis, a mere 1344 CULTURE pain should be bad enough to stop a nor- attendant recovery process are some- meters above sea level. Ushguli isn’t mal person from considering going up thing one can hardly imagine. But here even a mountain and it’s 2200 meters mountains, wouldn’t you think? was someone determined not to let it up, Europe’s highest village! My house Follow the Museum For all its centrality, the muscles of sideline him. He pushed himself through in Etseri is at a higher altitude than Ben the back are generally much weaker than rehabilitation, and the hill walking be- Nevis! However, as a British booklet I the leg muscles. My father told me, from came part of his recovery process. Great have called ‘Safety on Mountains’ points and Become Part of It his own position of two fused vertebrae views and measurable challenges must out, one can die just as easily from ex- By Eka Karsaulidze Museum staff. “I think they are a huge part of the The Georgian National Museum is National Museum Most had worked all giving its visitors the chance to learn their lives there and they are really more about curatorial work and prepa- happy. I was surprised that they are so ration of exhibitions, see what is inside passionate and involved in their work- the museum funds, how the restoration young and old,” said Oganova. processes take place and what happens The Instagram page of the National in those science labs. The behind-the- Museum is the first Instagram-exhibi- scene journey is possible now via the tion in Georgia. According to Ana Museum’s new Instagram page Verulashvili, Head of the PR Depart- @georgiannationalmuseum. ment of the Georgian National Museum, “About 10 years ago we conduct the a special feature of this exhibition is that first Museum event, but the only par- all photos were handled only by ticipants came from museum field. Now Instagram’s filters and presented in the I’m happy to see so many guests here,” Museum via the Instagram interface. In said David Lordkipanidze, Director of addition, to make the exhibition more the Georgian National Museum, at the interactive, the organizers offered visi- presentation of the Instagram page this tors the chance to choose the best photo week. “With new technologies, we try using heart stickers (which means to link our rich history with future op- “Like” in Instagram speak). portunities. We make our history acces- “Using modern technologies and so- sible to people all over the world. The cial media to connect museums and their main point is that the Museum belongs visitors is a very diverse experience and not only to us, but to all people,” he interesting process. In the modern world, added. time is a very valuable asset. With the Representatives of the PR Depart- growing accessibility to the Internet, we ment of the Museum, who were initia- receive more information and I think an tors of this project, admitted that they Instagram page is a good opportunity for did not want merely to open an modern museums to attract new visi- Instagram page but to create an exhibi- tors,” said Davit Tchalidze, Georgian tion with the participation of five young photographer and participant in the and popular Georgian photographers project. each of whom have their own unique Natalia Davlianidze, of the PR De- view of what a museum is. partment of the Georgian National Mu- “Visiting museums and filming its seum announced that from now every- spaces is part of my professional life,” one could become a photographer of the said Levan Maisuradze, Georgian pho- Museum. Every person who posts a tographer and participant in the project. photo on Instagram with the hashtag “Even so, I was excited to participate in #museuminfocus will have the oppor- this project as I was granted with more tunity to present their work on the offi- possibilities, like free access to all the cial Georgian National Museum museum spaces [Open Air Museum of Instagram page. “From now on we will Ethnography, Tbilisi History Museum, post different behind-the-scenes photos National Gallery etc.] and the chance to of the Museum, as well as we look see and capture them from the different through our visitors’ photos. We aim to angle.” make people more interactive and in- Along with Maisuradze, artists volved in our history and the life of the Louisa Chalatashvili, Davit Tchalidze, Museum,” she said. Dina Oganova and Nata Abashidze- Romanovskaya also took photos. Through their works the photogra- phers tried to show a new side to the Museum: they captured familiar exhib- its from a new angle, showed places that were previously inaccessible to visitors, so integrating visitors with the museum. Additionally, Dina Oganova showed people who often go unnoticed. Her pro- fession, she says, is to capture people, so when she entered the Museum she had no doubts – her heroes would be the

SPORTS OCTOBER 9 - 15 23 GeorGeorgiangian RRugbugbyy GetsGets RRooyyalal AApprppreciaeciationtion

By Nini Gegidze Borjgali, represent the Georgian inter- national in Georgia and are HRH Prince Harry, who is honorary take part in the annual European nation president of England 2015, vice-patron championship and participates in of the RFU and patron of the RFU All the Rugby world cup which takes place School’s Program, attended the Namibia every four years. The most experienced vs Georgia rugby match, before the game Georgian line-up ever was selected for meeting a group of 16-24 year olds who this year’s Rugby World Cup. The Lelos had gone through the Rugby Empower- will line up at Sandy Park in Exeter with ing Employment Program. He witnessed 693 Test caps, beating the 654 selected Georgia make history and automatically for the 43-10 loss to New Zealand last qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup Friday. Coach Haig has made seven after beating Namibia 17-16. changes to his forward pack and a fur- Georgia‘s form this World Cup has ther positional change, with captain been impressive so far – a shock win keeping his place over Tonga before a hard-fought loss to but moving back to No 8. 18-year-old Argentina and a relentless display to , the World Cup’s give World Champions New Zealand a youngest ever player, returns to the start- scare. Namibian captain Jacque Burger ing XV at scrum-half along with inside and Georgian general Mamuka Gor- tion so far, Gorgodze will likely have a center and full-back In another positional change, Tamaz hold on to their single-point lead and godze both make their 11th World Cup massive impact on the outcome of this , who wins his 88th Mchedlidze moves from inside center earn a historic win that is almost certain appearances, beating their respective game. The Georgia national rugby union Test cap and should extend his national to his preferred spot on the right wing. to guarantee them a spot in Japan in four nations’ records. After a great competi- team, nicknamed The Lelos or Men of team scoring record beyond 660 points. The Georgian players managed to years’ time. CULTURE Friends of Georgian Ballet Get Unique Tete-a-Tete with Prima Ballerina By Katie Ruth Davies be performing at the event. The Ballet whom were Georgian and had been Company will introduce two one-act ‘brought up’ by Nina in the State Ballet The Friends of Georgian Ballet, a ballet premieres: “Symphony in C” by School- Nutsa Chekurashvili, Nino group of ladies and gentlemen- all bal- George Balanchine and “Le Spectre de Samadashvili, and Eka Surmava. The let enthusiasts -of various nationalities, la Rose” by Mikhail Fokin. The program international members- Brit William were able to enjoy an exclusive tete-a- also includes Balanchine’s “Serenade”. Pratt, American Philip Fedulov, Dutch tete with Prima Ballerina Nina The gala will be accompanied by the Frank van Tongeren and Japanese Yonen Ananiashvili, seven leading young stars Orchestra of the Tbilisi Z. Paliashvili Takano – all seemed to have ended up from the Georgian State Ballet Company Opera and Ballet State Theatre. in Georgia for one reason: the chance to and their guest and guiding light for the Georgia Today had the honor of host- dance with Prima Ballerina Nina upcoming season opener, Ben Huys, ing the interview/round-table, in the pro- Ananiashvili. Belgian répétiteur for the George cess finding out what has been going on William told us: “Nina was the main Balanchine Trust and internationally re- behind the scenes of preparation for the reason for me joining the Georgian bal- nowned choreographer, here from the opening of the new ballet season and let. When you’ve got this ballerina and US to give just four weeks of training. what expectations are had for the up- this repertoire, well, there aren’t many The Friends of the Georgian Ballet, coming performances and the Georgian ballet companies in the world like it.” a non-profit organisation established in ballet scene in general. For her part, Nina complimented her 2006, aims to help the State Ballet of Ben Huys: “I started ballet dancing team: “They are all motivated, full of

Georgia with various programs, provid- when I was seven- I hadn’t seen ballet Nina Ananiashvili, Ben Huys and soloists of the Georgian State Ballet at a private energy. It’s not easy to wake every day, ing scholarships for promising young before that but when a school in our vil- meeting in the Blue Hall of the Tbilisi Opera House. body hurting, needing to warm up. But ballet students and supporting the par- lage offered lessons, I joined. My de- When I retired from the stage, having the title. We asked Huys what he felt then you start dancing and you get ad- ticipation of the Ballet Company’s danc- sire to dance came from within. When I danced most of the repertoire of the when performing Symphony in C. dicted all over again- each and every ers in prestigious ballet competitions and was 12, I joined the professional ballet NYC, I expressed my interest in work- “It’s challenging. The movements are day. This is the life of a professional master classes all over the world. school in Belgium [Antwerp]. I then ing for the Balanchine Trust. That’s how very quick, very specific. I’ve danced ballet dancer.” The Tbilisi Z. Paliashvili Opera and won the 1985 Prix de Lausanne which I ended up assigned to Georgia, one of the first movement a lot and I still get We asked Nina about the motivation Ballet State Theatre will hold the open- got me a scholarship to the NYC Ballet the best companies in the world.” stressed when I hear it. That first move- of the next generation of Georgian bal- ing performance of its 164th season at Company. I loved the aesthetic there. I’d “I’m thankful to Balanchine Trust for ment is under-appreciated. Audiences let dancers. She pointed out the continu- the Tbilisi Concert Hall on Friday, 9th heard of Balanchine, seen the pictures their 25 years of support for Georgian are sitting waiting for second part- an ing stigma against boys participating in October at 20:00. Prima Ballerina and and the repertoire, and I decided I was State Ballet,” Nina says. “They have a adagio - to come on. But it’s thrilling ballet dance in Georgia- where Georgian Artistic Director, Nina Ananiashvili, will going to do everything I could to join. brilliant work ethic- if they say they’ll music and brilliant choreography. That dance is considered traditionally more do something, they do it! In my 10 years last note really gets you out of your seat. masculine. Of the 300-odd students in with the Georgian State Ballet, we have Fantastic.” the State Ballet School (up from 120 in done nine Balanchine ballets. Some will “The most difficult aspect of our past years), only 20 are boys. Nina is be in this season’s repertoire, some not, training [for Symphony C] was to not discouraged by this, however. “Look but those not will be brought back in fu- count,” added Nina. “In our [company’s] at these boys,” she exclaimed. “They are ture. It was my dream to show Sym- preparation we count as a standard: ‘And all muscle. We are here to change this phony in C to Georgia.” one, and two…’ Balanchine, however, mentality and show the strength of the Nina performed Symphony in C for being a musician and composer, starts ballet dancers.” the first time on ‘Balanchine’s’ stage in down (on the one) so there were a lot of About the Friends of the Georgian NYC. “Then with the Royal Ballet in missed steps.” Ballet: The Friends have a special rela- Covent Garden, then the Bolshoi in “I had to correct their instinct every tionship with the Georgian Ballet – they Moscow, but I never had a chance to day,” Huys says, laughing. “Each dance receive information on the Company’s dance it here.” The original idea of the company has its own style. The Geor- news, upcoming performances and other State Ballet Company was to reopen the gian dancers needed to train in the events on a regular basis, invitations to Opera House with Balanchine but reno- [Balanchine] speed and different tech- special celebrations (e.g. the season vation works on the building are ex- nique. They have to get it in their bod- opening reception and scholarship pected to continue until December. Nina ies, breathe it; feel it in their bodies. But awarding ceremony, Opera House tour, says, however, that the Company will I’m definitely pleased with their book presentation) where they can meet be performing Balanchine there at some progress. They’ve applied themselves and interact with Nina and the Ballet point this season and, in the meantime, and have been working very hard. I have Company’s soloists in person and get to will continue to stage both classic and high expectations for the opening on know more about the life of the Geor- contemporary ballet works in the October 9th.” gian Ballet. For more information or to Gribodoev Theatre. Georgia Today heard from some of join, contact: friends.georgian- Bizet composed his Symphony in C the seven soloists in the room, three of [email protected] major when he was a 17-year-old pupil of Charles Gounod at the Paris Conser- vatory. The manuscript was lost for de- cades, and was published only after it was discovered in the Conservatory’s library in 1933. Georgian born George Balanchine first learned of the long-van- ished score from Stravinsky. He needed only two weeks to choreograph it as Le Palais de Cristal for the Paris Opera Bal- let, where he was serving as a guest bal- let master. When he revived the work the following year for the first performance of the New York City Ballet, he simpli- fied the sets and costumes and changed Address: 1 Melikishvili Str. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF - Katie Ruth Davies Reproducing material, photos and Tbilisi, 0179, Georgia advertisements without prior editorial GENERAL MANAGER - George Sharashidze JOURNALISTS: Tony Hanmer, Tamar Svanidze, Zviad Adzinbaia, Beqa Kirtava, Meri Taliashvili, Eka Karsaulidze, Tel.: (995 32) 229 59 19, 294 55 24 permission is strictly forbidden. The Baia Dzagnidze, Zaza Jgharkava, Ana Lomtadze, Maka Bibilashvili, Nina Ioseliani, Tatia Megeneishvili, Karen Tovmasyan, Advertising, Subscription: author is responsible for all material. Nino Gegidze, Dimitri Dolaberidze, Nino Japarashvili, Maka Lomadze BUSINESS MANAGER - Iva Merabishvili PHOTOGRAPHER: Zviad Nikolaishvili 597 970444; 597 955565 Rights of authors are preserved. 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