facebook.com/ georgiatoday

www.georgiatoday.ge Issue no: 829 • MARCH 25 - 28, 2016 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... Georgia’s Art Palace Receives Europa Nostra Special Mention Award NEWS PAGE 2

FOCUS We Are Not China! ON TERRORISM Pre-Election Recruiting In the wake of the Brussels attacks, we and Returns analyze what is being done to halt the increasing acts of terrorism and the POLITICS PAGE 5 illegal seizure of sovereign territory PAGE 3 Obama’s Foreign Policy European School POLITICS PAGE 6

Makes History as First Ezo - Just Like Mom Makes!

CIS Member School in SOCIETY PAGE 10 Georgia The Lioness of the Keyboard BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES Hits Tbilisi

he European School in Tbilisi has been awarded CULTURE PAGE 17 membership of the prestigious CIS (Council of International Schools) and is the fi rst to achieve such status in Georgia. Alan Scott, a school support and evaluation offi cer Georgia’s 6 Nations Claims Ton a visit to European School, said: “The range of programs and services on offer at the European School is impressive for Louder than Ever after Rout the size of the school. It is well-resourced with appropriate science labs, computer labs, library, cafeteria and physical edu- of Romania cation spaces. Continued on page 2 SPORTS PAGE 19 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS MARCH 25 - 28, 2016 Tbilisi Zoo Hosts New Animals Georgia’s Art Palace Receives Europa

lisi. Director of Tbilisi Zoo, Zurab Gurielidze, Nostra Special Mention Award promised that the Zoo would begin settling new animals in spring 2016 and, as promised, on March 20, the fi rst new Zoo residents arrived from Riga, Latvia. Among the new animals are a camel, a yak, two Ara parrots and three alpacas- never before seen in Georgia. Representatives of the Zoo assure that the animals are in great condition despite the long journey and are already acclimatized to Tbilisi and ready to meet guests. “Currently, the Zoo is in the process of restoring and constructing new enclosures. Therefore, it was decided at the fi rst stage to take only those kinds of animals whose cages did not require signifi cant cost to build. We will be preparing completely new cages for primates and carnivores, which can also be taken on in the near future,” said Gurielidze. Gurielidze says they are also expecting to receive animals from Great Britain, Holland, France, Israel, Turkey and many other countries in May. Among them are likely to be macaque, hamadryas baboons, a kangaroo, mongooses, penguins, porcupines and a koala. Zoo guests will be able to see not only familiar animals, but also those, such as the alpaca, which have never been kept in Georgia before. In parallel with the restoration of the old Tbilisi BY EKA KARSAULIDZE Zoo, a new facility is being built on the territory of Tbilisi Sea, to which the animals will be moved at a later date. Gurielidze noted that, although the The Art Palace museum comprises more than BY TAMAR SVANIDZE evere fl ooding in Tbilisi on June 13, 2015, construction of a new zoo is expected to take a few 300,000 objects that provide comprehensive infor- killed most of the animals in the Tbilisi years, they are already building cages for animals mation on the development of Georgian theater, Zoo. A huge number of European zoos such as bears and wolves. cinema, circus, folklore, opera, and ballet, as well expressed immediate support and offered Visitors can already enjoy the recent arrivals from eorgia’s Georgian State Museum of as providing insight into the lives of eminent fi g- to transfer some of their animals to Tbi- Riga at the acting Tbilisi Zoo. Theatre, Music, Cinema and Chore- ures in the respective fi elds. S ography (Art Palace) has received a Some museum exhibits date back to the classical Special Mention prize by the jury of era: of particular note is the antique mask which Europa Nostra for its outstanding was excavated by archaeologists in the town of Gcontribution to the conservation of historic paint- Vani. ings, furniture and other elements. The Ministry of Culture and Monument Protec- European School According to Europa Nostra’s offi cial website, the tion in Georgia, the National Agency for Cultural Special Mention prize for Cultural Heritage was Heritage Preservation and the National Committee originally announced during the European Herit- at the International Council of Museums (ICOM) age Congress held from 10-14 June 2015 in Oslo, and the US Embassy in Georgia were responsible Makes History as First Norway. for preparing the museum’s nomination. The juries awarded the Special Mention status Uniting 400 member organizations and 1500 to 16 different heritage achievements from 13 Euro- individual members from about 50 countries, pean countries. A Special Mention prize is awarded Europa Nostra focuses on saving Europe’s endan- for outstanding contributions to the conservation gered historical monuments, sites and cultural CIS Member School in and enhancement of heritage. landscapes. Georgia

Continued from page 1 tries, among them Washington International School, United Nations International School (New York), The school is justifi ably proud of its closed circuit Atlanta International School, International School television studio and IT construction and school of Geneva, Institut Auf Dem Rosenberg, Stanford management has ambitious plans for further facil- University, Columbia University New York, Uni- ity development both at the current site and else- versity of Oxford, London School of Economic and where. Each classroom has a computer and projec- Political Science, Kings College, and Queen Mary tor and the school has over 200 computers in all. University. The European School in Tbilisi is now The school is cleaned to an excellent standard. It proud to be on that very same list. demonstrates commitment to the continuous pro- CIS, a global non-profi t membership organization, fessional development of its staff, and this devel- provides services to primary and secondary schools opment is informed by students` learning needs. which aim to assist in the development of students There is good provision for professional develop- as Global Citizens having the knowledge, skills, val- ment in place with a current emphasis on IB cer- ues and attitudes that they need to be able to con- tifi cation and AP training. The ICT manager reports tribute to a more inclusive, just and peaceful world. that staff is always trained in any technology intro- European School IB 12th grader, Giorgi Kikoria, duced to the school. Students are regularly assessed told us: “As a 12th grader, I have experienced the using both internal and external tests including stress of applying to dozens of universities. The MAP testing, IB and AP tests, periodic national fi rst thing those universities look for in my appli- examinations in the Georgian section, and SATs.” cation is the school from which I got my diploma. The CIS is a membership community committed For me as a student, European School’s CIS mem- to high quality international education. The CIS bership means credibility from the university’s community includes more than 660 schools and point of view, giving me the ability to compete with 475 colleges and universities representing 110 coun- students from around the globe.” GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 25 - 28, 2016 NEWS 3 Holding Back the Tide: Brussels’ Importance to the West and its Allies target ripe with symbolism for a group most advanced and richest nations on OP-ED BY NICHOLAS WALLER bent on destroying the basic foundations Earth – have all failed to properly coor- of the European project. dinate a strategy that would ultimately That ISIS quickly claimed responsi- put an end to ISIS’ disciples in Europe uesday’s terrorist attacks bility for twin attacks carried out by and North America. umbrage at ISIS’ brutal treatment of State and the wider security crisis in the in Brussels, which left more members of a large Belgian cell that had This is more than troubling; it has women and minorities as well as its Middle East. than 30 dead and dozens in been trained in Syria and who lived in proven deadly. teaching of Takfi rism, which equally Putin’s recently concluded six-month critical condition after an otherwise quiet European country, Unlike its far larger neighbors, Ger- brands Muslims and non-Muslims as air campaign in Syria did nothing to brothers Khalid and Ibra- was a signal to the West’s governments many and France, Belgium is a relatively apostates. combat ISIS, but succeeded in propping Thim el-Bakraoui detonated themselves that nothing has changed since 130 peo- weak country institutionally. It suffers Dubbed jihadi-chic by the Western up his erstwhile ally Bashar al-Assad, in the administrative heart of the Euro- ple were killed in Paris in November from poor intelligence and security coor- media, this deadly new youth subculture killed thousands of civilians and neutral- pean Union, is yet another sign that the 2015. dination, while at the same time is one in the Islamic world is a formidable foe. ized most of the forces on the ground West’s fractured approach to combating Tuesday’s bombings were possibly a of Europe’s main contributors of would- And while its various branches have capable of defeating the Islamic State in radical terrorist groups like ISIS is sim- retaliatory action by ISIS affi liated groups be jihadis travelling to Syria. scored stunning successes with increas- combat. ply not working. as they came just four days after Belgian Limited resources and even poorer ingly brutal attacks from California to Russia’s unscrupulous Kremlin-con- For the third time in just over 16 months, police arrested the sole survivor of the coordination with some of the world’s Ankara, it can be defeated. trolled media has gone to great lengths a major European city – not including Paris attacks, Salah Abdeslam. best intelligence services in Paris, Berlin to castigate the West’s approach to Syria attacks in Istanbul – has been success- According to Brussels’ chief prosecu- and London have left the country adrift A CALL TO RECALIBRATE and helped Putin successfully defend fully targeted by followers of the Islamic tor, the country’s security services now in its effort to halt the fl ow of radicalized Obama has repeatedly insisted that a his support for the autocratic Assad State, leaving scores dead and most of believe a major terrorist operation may Muslim youths in Brussels’ impoverished military coalition of Western, Turkish, regime and the fi ve-year civil war that the continent’s leaders still searching have been in the works as police Molenbeek neighborhood from leaving Arab and Kurdish allies can defeat ISIS. it has waged on its own people. for a coherent strategy to counter future impounded a huge weapons and explo- for Syria to join ISIS. Since coordinated combat operations The ensuing migrant crisis that has attacks. sives cache after raiding the house of a The Islamic State’s powerful public were launched in August 2014, following engulfed Europe for the last 18 months Lost in the tragedy of Charlie Hebdo, cell commanded by Abdeslam. relations and propaganda tools continue ISIS’ stunning victories in northern Iraq, has nothing but benefi tted Putin in his Paris and now Brussels is a powerful The nature and scope of Abdeslam’s to fi nd a huge following amongst a grow- more than 20 per cent of the group’s ter- attempt to fracture Europe’s cohesion, message to Western leaders – including offi cial relationship with ISIS remains ing number of young Europeans who ritory has been recaptured. and with it, the NATO alliance itself. US President Barack Obama – that the unclear. His actions in Paris – where he are attracted to the violent, irreverent Few Western offi cials, however, advo- The ‘weaponization’ of the refugee fi ght against ISIS has thus far failed to abandoned his fellow terrorists in their life of an international jihadist with easy cate a deeper military commitment that crisis by Putin’s formidable propaganda achieve its main goal of ultimately crush- suicide mission – ran counter to the access to an endless supply of money, would include the deployment of large machine both within Russia and the ing the group’s appeal and destroying group’s praise of martyrdom and was a power, sophisticated weaponry and the numbers of ground forces. This indeci- Middle East has strained Europe to the its ability to indiscriminately kill both direct violation of the ideological impor- seductive appeal of having a place of sive policy has essentially frozen the breaking point and distracted the US Muslims and non-Muslims alike. tance that ISIS places on the act. purpose among like-minded individu- efforts of the international coalition to and UK in their efforts to combat the Obama’s plodding and exceedingly This could indicate that he and his als. destroy ISIS militarily and paralyzed its growing appeal of groups like ISIS. muddled strategy to defeat the Islamic associates are, at best, affi liates or fol- Very few of these young people have efforts to formulate a coherent policy to Putin’s manipulation of the refugee State in Syria and Iraq has done little to lowers of the Islamic State, rather than more than a passing knowledge of the combat the group’s poisonous hi-tech situation and the facts on the ground has dent ISIS’ charismatic appeal, disrupt offi cial ISIS agents. teachings of Islam, though the vast major- propaganda campaign. forced the West to deal with hot-button its propaganda or even prevent it from ity do come from Muslim families. Rather, Inaction at both ends has opened the issues including resettlement, rising killing Europeans on their own soil. LACK OF COHESION they’re more often attracted to what they door for third parties, namely Vladimir crime and a fi rebrand form of national- One of the targets of the Brussels attacks Western law enforcement agencies, see as an empowering status symbol in Putin’s Russia, to enter into the fray and ism that has swept through Europe, the was a metro station directly adjacent to security services and governments – a wider, international movement. further complicate matters by stifl ing UK and US over the last year. the European Union parliament — a many of which belong to some of the This stands to explain why so few take the West’s strategy towards the Islamic Continued on page 9 GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS MARCH 25 - 28, 2016 35th Round of Geneva Talks and its Peripheries

pragmatically addressing the security BY ZVIAD ADZINBAIA and humanitarian needs of the local population. Yet prior to the Talks, the Russian For- n March 22-23, the 35th eign Ministry on Monday released a round of the Geneva Inter- statement claiming that Tbilisi is actively national Discussions took making anti-Russian outleaps. place. As per tradition, the The statement emphasized that during main format for discussing the Karasin-Abashidze meeting - a for- Georgia’sO occupied territories involved mat set between Russia-Georgia in the offi cial parties from Georgia, the Russian absence of diplomatic ties – Russia called Federation, as well as OSCE, UN, and on the partners to be moderate in terms EU representatives and the US as co- of their ‘PR-exercises’ in order to prevent chairs of the format. Representatives of damaging normalization of the bilateral the de facto governments of Abkhazia relations between the two countries. and South Ossetia were also invited. The Russian MFA underlined that the The location of the Geneva International Discussions. Photo: www.mfa.gov.ge The Georgian Foreign Ministry (MFA) ‘Georgian propaganda’ negatively says special attention during this round affects the atmosphere surrounding Georgia’s territorial integrity and “such tinued efforts started by their predeces- Georgian government has been the gross was paid to the grave human rights situ- the Geneva Talks, and highlighted as a thing should be ruled out.” sors to take care of Georgia’s territorial violation of fundamental rights of those ation in the occupied territories, includ- an example the Georgian MFA’s quar- Following the report, the Georgian integrity. Georgians living under permanent pres- ing new discriminative regulations tar- terly reports on human rights in its MFA also stated that Georgia and Italy sure of both Abkhaz and Russian forces. geted against ethnic Georgians, as well occupied regions. are fi rmly cooperating on the track of COMMENT FROM THE AUTHOR The Geneva International Talks was as the negative impact of the so-called Russian government-supported infor- Georgia’s non-recognition policy and Russia and Georgia have fought a grave established following the Russia-Georgia borderization process on the daily lives mation agency Sputnik then spread Italy honors Georgia’s sovereignty as war for Abkhazia which has been a sov- war of August 2008, which ended with of the local Georgian population. information announcing the alleged well as territorial integrity. ereign part of Georgia for centuries. The the cutting of diplomatic ties between Davit Dondua, head of the Georgian opening of a diplomatic offi ce in Rome There were further surprises last week currently Russian-occupied region in the two countries. Georgia supported delegation of the MFA, said prior to by the de-facto South Ossetian govern- in addition to those mentioned above. Western Georgia faces deadly stagnation the format which would allow some the event that his team hopes that other ment. The report said that after three Abkhazia’s so-called representatives in almost every segment, including essential humanitarian measures to be participants alongside Georgia will years of laborious work, Ossetia was able participated in the well-known annual economy, education and security. The taken in order to protect the rights of approach the negotiations responsibly to open its representation in the Italian tourism exposition held in Paris, 17-20 Russian government, a key protector of Georgians in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali and ensure that the issues on the agenda capital, hoping for Italy’s support in terms March. Georgia’s ex-Ambassador to Abkhazia’s puppet regime, has provided regions, as well as for work to be carried are discussed in a constructive man- of recognizing South Ossetia’s independ- France, Mamuka Kudava, criticized the some limited subsidies for the Abkhaz- out on ultimate peaceful resolution of ner. ence. Georgian government for neglecting the ian residents at the price of utilizing the both confl icts. In addition, the Geneva Optimistically, the discussion faced a The story immediately triggered a issue of Abkhazia’s non-recognition region for military purposes in the Cau- format has been unprecedented as three palpable aftermath leading the parties public outcry in Georgia. Georgian policy. casus region. moderating parties of the US, the UN, to agree on restoration of the Gali Inci- Ambassador to Italy, Kakha Sikharulidze Kudava complained that the govern- Although over 200,000 Georgians were the EU and the OSCE prevent the Rus- dent Prevention and Response Mecha- declared the information disseminated ment must be attentive with regard to forcefully displaced from Abkhazia as a sian side from exerting direct diplomatic nism - which ceased to operate in 2012. through some websites should not be some world renowned agricultural and result of Russia’s ethnic cleansing in pressure on Georgia. The MFA says the restoration of the given credit and explained that the coun- tourism fairs in order to prevent ‘such 1993, some 30,000 Georgians still remain The 36th round of the Geneva Talks Mechanism will positively contribute to try of his diplomatic residence respects lapses’ in the future. He urged for con- in Gali district. The main concern of the will be held on 14-15 June. GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 25 - 28, 2016 POLITICS 5 We Are Not China! Pre-Election Recruiting and Returns

from which we will need to choose in autumn. The The Georgian media had reason to spread such big game. It seems that his three month political OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA governmental party plans on renewing its members information after the parties and non-governmen- vacation has come to an end and it is highly likely at the expense of the host and the players of the tal organizations mistakenly received a list of fi fteen that he will rejoin Georgian Dream, not as a regu- popular show ‘What? Where? When?’ while the GD majoritarans, together with an excel fi le show- lar member, but in the role of a leader. The fact eorgian politics has already switched UNM is placing its bets on the economic experts ing the borders of the new election districts from that the former prime minister posted this infor- to pre-election mode. The fi rst ver- and lawyers experienced in TV debates. Although the governmental party’s headquarters. This is mation on his Facebook page should be enough to sions of elections have been announced offi cially the management of both parties denies when it became known that the government planned lead to speculation that this will be the case. This by the Georgian Dream (GD) and the the existence of such lists, as they say “there’s no on renewing its list with popular talk show people. is quite an unexpected political move. In light of United National Movement (UNM), smoke without fi re.” Unlike that of GD, the UNM’s renewed party lists this, the role of the active Prime Minister Giorgi G were announced by the Governor of Odessa Mikheil Kvirikashvili becomes ambiguous; who will he Saakashvili, the third president of Georgia, who become? If Garibashvili returns as a leader of the said in an interview that the election list of the Georgian Dream then it will mean that the fi rst former governmental party would by all means be person of the country, according to the Constitu- renewed. Following this interview, media spread tion, will be two unoffi cial controlling people – ex- news that Mikheil Saakashvili’s wife, Sandra Roe- premier Garibashvili from the party, as Kvirikash- lofs, would be running as a majoritarian MP in vili is a member of GD, and ex-premier Bidzina Zugdidi, Western Georgia and that the two former Ivanishvili, from the government. The Video Terror Presidents of the National Bank, Giorgi Kadagidze Maybe the governmental party really thinks that and Roman Gotsiridze, were among the fi rst twenty the return of Garibashvili will give a “second might stir the abominable sadist’s interest towards people on the list, together with former Public breath” to GD, but it can be said with confi dence OPED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE your personal life. Defender, Giorgi Tugushi, and lawyers Otar Kakh- that it is their political opponents who will get An analogy with the Abominable Snowman is idze and Zaza Bibilashvili, who showed themselves the real “second breath” in such a case. Even if asking to be used here because both are invisible during the sensational trials of Vano Merabishvili this renewal is received positively by the people, cannot boast my skill and sophistication in and dangerous in the same exact way. I don’t believe and Rustavi 2. Economic expert Giorgi Bedineish- overall, in the election year it will raise doubts a complicated trade like ruling a nation, but there is anything sarcastic in my effort to perpetu- vili and political expert Elene Khoshtaria also top about the bureaucracy and the stability of the I can defi nitely claim a humble general ate the term ‘Abominable Sadist’. This is only my the list, alongside popular pianist Khatia Buniat- government in general. The “suspected bureau- knowledge of governmental structures of desperate attempt to react to what our entire soci- ishvili and former Foreign Affairs minister Eka cracy” will no longer be a useful lever for the rul- various types and times that I have acquainted ety thinks is wrong and intolerable. In our happy Tkeshelashvili. ing party during elections. Our country is not Imyself with thanks to the textbooks I have had a times of freedom and democracy, we should not The main impromptu about the election lists was China. Therefore, while we can still somehow chance to lay my hands on throughout my lifetime. be exposed so brutally and unceremoniously to stated by the governmental party, and it turns out imagine a “Georgian Stalin”, a “Georgian Deng For instance, I am quite familiar with the Platonic those dreadful means of political confrontation. ex-premier Garibashvili plans on returning to the Xiaoping” or even both, is impossible! understanding of state and its management ways Just imagine our people frightened to death because and means; I possess a smattering of Confucian every move of theirs is video or audio recorded, philosophy too, and I have read much about Mach- including their behavior in their own bedrooms. I iavellian insight and practice of handling a ruling understand that objections like exclamations of regime; I have gone through Hitler’s political biog- this kind are not enough to curb the Abominable raphy in detail and I have diligently learnt the Sta- Sadist. Video and audio products have a nasty qual- linist methodology of governing an empire; my ity of being easily copied and momentarily distrib- attention has been attracted by ancient atrocities, uted. On top of all that, just think about the vic- perpetrated by emperors Nero and Caligula, and timized unlucky and unsuspecting characters of the appalling deeds committed by our contempo- those cinematographic masterpieces being buried rary infamous political cannibals like Idi Amin and alive – cursed and condemned forever. Thinking Pol Pot. even better, the act of criminalization of video and This all said and taken down, I do not really know audio activity of this category might be helpful to how many states in the world would use extensively eradicate cyber-terrorism from our lives, but not the video footage of its citizens’ personal lives for enough as a measure. the purpose of suppressing and intimidating them Georgia has taken the recent sleazy development for political reasons, trying to control the unruly very seriously. The problem has hit the newspaper individuals and potential nemeses by compromis- pages, TV screens and radio waves; streets have ing their reputation, if need be, by using the photo, once again witnessed the protesting manifestations; video and audio evidences of a risqué character government has started investigation and our pub- against them. lic has declared the activity illegal. The impression What I know for sure is that this kind of video is that the country has made another strong step activity has burgeoned lately in Georgia to the towards what makes Georgia and its people look chagrin of most of us who still want and intend to and sound more democratically minded than it has live here and feel happy. This is really scary! What ever been. happens is that some invisible unauthorized hand Video terror cannot have its way in this country. is shooting a video of people while they are engaged OK, so much for loud words and emotional inter- in one of the most natural human bodily activities, pretations! In reality, the danger is real and present, plainly called sex, to later put on the air via avail- and it needs proper handling. Otherwise, forget able media of mass communication. about the long dreamed about freedom and the If the question here is ‘why?’, then the answer looming-on-the-horizon democracy. Those two would probably be ‘why not?’ from the sick unbri- things are inching their way towards Georgia with dled sadist who has a chance and technical ability such nerve-wrecking tardiness! This is why we to exploit the viciously shot and cruelly produced really need some patience to equip ourselves with. video pieces to the best advantage of those who If only patience! would pleasurably use the taped excerpts of our per- sonal life as a weapon of political struggle. The real tragedy of the current hideous moment is explicit in the question ‘why not?’ because it refl ects the working style of the crea- tors of those personal-life videos. With those videos out on the air now and in the future, not one member of this society will feel pro- tected. The sense of inse- curity becomes overwhelm- ing even if you are one hundred percent sure that they cannot hurt you as you have done nothing that GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS MARCH 25 - 28, 2016 Obama’s Foreign Policy

to his 2013 decision not to authorize air at a straw man: “We have to be very also has a liberal’s respect for multilat- BY JOSEPH LARSEN NO TIME FOR TRADITION Readers will notice a president with strikes against Assad. Believing that clear about what our core interests are eralism. The latter becomes obvious little respect for tradition, whether that Syria would be yet another entry in and what we are willing to go to war when he speaks about China. Unlike means traditional ways of thinking about America’s long list of failed interven- for [italics mine].” As cabinet members many people in Washington, Obama s President Obama’s time foreign policy—what Obama derisively tions abroad, he washed his hands of John Kerry and Ashton Carter made believes that a strong, prosperous China in offi ce comes to a close, calls the “Washington playbook”—or the situation. The human toll is regret- clear, the administration could have can be a reliable partner for the United his supporters and critics the country’s traditional allies. In dis- table, but nothing could be done. supported Ukraine fi nancially and mil- States. are beginning to write his cussions with Goldberg, Obama refers itarily without going to war against Perhaps by accident, he acknowledges presidential history. The to American partners in Europe and the ALL THE KING’S STRAW MEN Russia. that the US would benefi t from being AAtlantic writer Jeffrey Goldberg recently Arab world as “free riders.” Despite Obama’s many strengths, I’ve Obama justifi es the lack of action in balanced by a strong rival power: “mul- made a big step in that direction with He also blames Britain and France for been critical of his tendency to reduce Ukraine in two ways: it’s not a major tilateralism regulates hubris.” This “The Obama Doctrine,” a narrative essay the colossal failure of the 2011 NATO the arguments of his opponents to straw strategic interest to the United States, statement says it all. Obama is a realist that draws upon a number of personal intervention in Libya: “When I go back men. This is a common thread in his and Russia’s close proximity means who believes that international stability interviews with the President. Goldberg and I ask myself what went wrong, interviews with Goldberg. In the Pres- Moscow will always have the upper is achieved through balance. A United provides an intimate, dispassionate there’s room for criticism, because I ident’s view, proponents of intervention hand: “Ukraine, which is a non-NATO States that is unmoored in multilateral account of Obama and his foreign policy. had more faith in the Europeans.” in Syria offered no plan other than full- country, is going to be vulnerable to institutions and unbalanced by rival Like his predecessors, the President is Obama also has no regrets over his scale invasion and regime change military domination no matter what we powers poses a danger to both itself a complicated man whose views and val- inaction in Syria, despite the fact that (“invade the country and install a gov- do.” and the international community. ues aren’t easy to separate from the eve- its fi ve-year-long civil war has killed ernment you prefer”). This is patently Goldberg defi nes Obama’s strategy in ryday sausage-making of foreign policy. nearly half a million people, triggered false; the administration had a range of THE OBAMA DOCTRINE simpler terms: “Double down in those Is he a thick-skinned realist? A trigger- a humanitarian and political crisis in options short of putting boots on the LAID BARE parts of the world where success is plau- happy neoconservative? Or, as his lofty the European Union, and strengthened ground, with the imposition of a no-fl y So, what is Obama’s philosophy on for- sible, and limit America’s exposure to the rhetoric suggests, is Obama an idealistic Russia’s geopolitical position in the zone being just one. eign policy? He is a cautious man with rest.” For a president with such sophisti- liberal? The Obama Doctrine goes a long Mediterranean. “I’m very proud of this Obama’s defense of American inaction a realist outlook (he often refers to “core cated views on foreign policy, he has way toward answering those questions. moment,” he tells Goldberg, referring in Ukraine also looks like him fl ailing interests” and “direct threats”), but he strikingly little interest in making it. GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 25 - 28, 2016 POLITICS 7 “Culture is Not One of Life’s Luxuries. It is Life Itself”

eorgia, Armenia and Azer- choreographers. Every year the region baijan – all three countries hosts tours of choreographic companies have started to speak the from foreign countries and local profes- language of contemporary sionals are sent abroad to improve their art thanks to a project pro- skills. Gmoting culture. People serving a com- Mariam Alexidze, Artistic Director mon cause and having shared interests of the Festival, choreographer: “It took have been unifi ed by the Regional Art us quite a while to break through clas- and Culture Project, implemented with sical basis and create something alterna- the support of the Swiss Cooperation tive and new. We invited participants Offi ce for the South Caucasus to last with interesting ideas and performances until February 2017. from all three countries of the region. I “This is a place where people meet, remember the fi rst meeting when the exchange information, fall in love, participants had almost no contact with embrace new ideas, and learn from each each other. Gradually the dances elimi- other,” Catherine Vasenina, a dance critic, nated the differences between them, and wrote about the new Project. “Contem- soon they became friends and started to porary dance is very open and liberal; it speak the language of dance. We can see combines many different genres and how they grow professionally and become stands out from other forms of arts. The better every day. We are very glad and mixture of choreographic language pre- proud of their success: they often get sented at this Festival has been condi- offers from abroad and continue to work tioned by various factors. The diverse independently. This is what we want to and interesting traditional culture of achieve: to assist their further develop- Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia is an ment. Apart from dances, the Festival almost intact source of inspiration; involves experimental art, which is also authentic material that can be used very interesting. For example, this year originally, while it is still little known to a Performance Festival was conducted.” the world of modern dance. The best The Project was born in two organi- way for the Caucasus to introduce and zations simultaneously – the Culture assert itself is to join the traditional cul- and Management Lab and the Swiss ture of contemporary dance, which can Cooperation Offi ce in the South Cau- be done through this Festival.” casus. Very soon after the start of the “Fly Away Black Swallow” performed by Mariam Vasenina’s expectations were met: in project young artists appeared in Tbilisi Aleksidze’s Contemporary Georgian Ballet, ©FDFA 2015 the South Caucasus Contemporary equipped with two mobile folding plat- Dance & Experimental Art Festival was forms with plants, benches, a micro spring” in Batumi, involving lectures, a picture exhibited in a museum, while tle chance of survival and development. held for the second time in Tbilisi. Two library and a projection screen. “The masterclasses, workshops, etc. modern art exceeded the limits and We want to promote and encourage the years ago the Festival was opened in a Garden on Wheels” stopped at differ- “The Regional Art and Culture Project restrictions long ago. We are trying to professional growth of talented young small hall at the Royal District Theatre. ent parts of the city for a few hours to in the South Caucasus plays a signifi cant make the program as diverse as possible. people. The project is aimed at support- Considering the interest of the audience, turn them into a garden, create a green role in generating new ideas; and a small All projects we fi nance represent differ- ing innovations in the South Caucasian in 2015, performances were conducted area and a platform for contemporary grants program is a good start for imple- ent fi elds. A lot of things are happening countries and creating diverse culture at the Rustaveli Theater involving a art. The young “bethonization” ten- menting cultural projects,” one of the in different regions of Georgia, which and art through a dialogue in the regions higher number of participants and guests. dency in the city was supported by creators of the fi rst Georgian video art we cannot see from the capital. So it is as well as in cities. Considering the multi- Shortly after the launch of the project, group Door on the Corner and other archive, Alexi Soselia said. The online our goal to cover all the regions and help ethnic character of the region, art and Swiss dancer and choreographer, Romain artists offering interesting events of archive unites the moving pictures cre- people contact one another. We are work- culture is one important contribution to Guion, said that the organizers of the visual and performance art. This was ated by Georgian artists from 1990s to ing in four directions: the fi rst involves harmonious interaction among people. Festival were ambassadors of contem- the fi rst project of the Regional Art and present. Two days after the presentation social projects for marginalized groups This Project is also important because porary dance to the Caucasus, and the Culture Project in South Caucasus. The of the archive, the Pompidou Center got carried out by the Swiss non-govern- of the social component implying involve- Festival itself served as the source of creative beginning was followed by interested in the collection and, as a mental organization Artasfoundation. ment of socially vulnerable groups of inspiration and a means for its numer- equally interesting events: depicting result, a number of exhibitions and pres- That organization facilitated implemen- population with little possibilities of ous participants to discover themselves. the forgotten culture, the everyday life entations were held in Georgia and abroad tation of many interesting projects in development. According to the policy The idea of the project was born in and lifestyle of Dukhobors living in including participation in Bonn Videon- different parts of Georgia, including of the Swiss Agency for Development 2012 as a response to the fact that in Javakheti in photos; the project “Dis- ale. That online platform is where cura- Abkhazia (43 events were held in 2015 and Cooperation (SDC), culture is not Georgia, and throughout the South Cau- cover your Pirosmani” offering exhibi- tors from different countries often fi nd alone). The second direction concerns one of life’s luxuries, it is life itself. Cul- casus, experimental art and contempo- tions and expositions that made many interesting videos and, consequently, the Festival of Contemporary Dance and ture is very important and valuable for rary dances were undervalued compared viewers ponder art as a live process; invite Georgian artists to video exhibi- Experimental Art; the third has to do us, we are glad and proud to foster its to other traditional forms of art. Along Tskaltubo Art Festival, through which tions. In future the project curators aim with the Small Grants Program; and the expansion.” with the Festival, the program of the many creative people from different to create a video art archive that covers fourth direction involves advanced train- The Swiss Cooperation Offi ce for the project comprised different activities countries and cities established contacts the whole Caucasus. ings for South Caucasian culture manag- South Caucasus is the main organization for the South Caucasus performers, with one another; the festival of con- Tamar Janashia, Executive Director, ers. During the pilot phase we gained implementing humanitarian and other including masterclasses in choreography temporary arts “Ventilation” in Kutaisi; Culture and Management Lab: “Many valuable experience which helped us to development projects funded by differ- and contemporary dances by foreign and the electronic music festival “Sound- people in Georgia still think that art is identify priorities for the future and to ent agencies of the Swiss Government. choose the right path. The main phase The organization started its activities in of the Project comprising 36 months the region in 1988 (the fi rst project was started in September 2014 and involves rendering aid to the victims of the earth- Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. We quake in Spitak, Armenia) and has since solved the problem with regional pro- achieved considerable success in such grams, namely the practice of imple- priority fi elds as providing internally menting projects in all the countries displaced persons with accommodation, according to the same principle. We reducing the risk of natural disasters, worked individually with representatives economic development in rural areas, of each country and set priorities after supporting infrastructure projects and consulting with them. The new compo- economic policy. Olivier Burki thinks nent, which was added to the main phase that the Contemporary Art and Culture of the program and will start as of Feb- Project will also contribute to economic ruary 2016, is the professional develop- growth in the region. The efforts taken ment of cultural managers.” in that direction have already produced Olivier Burki, Regional Director of good results. the Swiss Cooperation Offi ce for the Olivier Burki: “The role and function South Caucasus: “The Caucasus is dis- of the Swiss Cooperation Offi ce is to tinguished for its cultural diversity: contribute to poverty reduction and monumental architecture, strong folk- providing better living conditions for lore, the art of jewelry, painting… and people. Culture and economics are closely the tradition of hospitality. All these need connected with each other and culture further development and new forms, can be used for economic development which requires the coexistence of exper- and growth. There is a big potential for imental and traditional art. Our interest that, for example, tourism and the pro- in contemporary art is conditioned by jects carried out within the frameworks the following factors: it gets less atten- of our program, which help to attract tion than traditional culture; it is under- tourists. Many people come to attend going the process of development, and and participate in festivals. The projects Bicycle Workshop, Tskaltubo is facing challenges and problems. Today, must now become sustainable to be able Art Festival, ©FDFA the people working in that fi eld have lit- to function independently.” GEORGIA TODAY 8 POLITICS MARCH 25 - 28, 2016 Serving the Eternal: Ogden on Church and Russia Kisses Syria Goodbye. Politics

I was raised by criminal lawyers). He was later Mission Accomplished? OP-ED BY TIM OGDEN released, professing to be a changed man and talk- ing to a priest every day. Exactly what he and his tary plane. It’s also diverted the attention of the friend the priest were talking about is anyone’s BY MARY KALAN West from Russian actions in the West and opened henever the Patriarch sticks his guess, but soon enough he went on a rampage that a path for closer cooperation between Moscow and oar into politics, it causes a mad resulted in an overturned car and an assault on an Washington. scramble in Parliament that I’m innocent bystander. Perhaps the priest was trying n March 14 President Putin announced In a way Putin can claim victory in Syria. He sure upsets a few tables and to show him what kind of things they got up to at that Russian military forces were to wasn’t bogged down in this Middle Eastern con- chairs and causes papers and the anti-homophobia rally. withdraw from Syria. This came as fl ict, unlike the US which fought wars both in Wfolders to be sent fl ying in every direction as the You’ll have gathered that I don’t have much time surprising news for many political Afghanistan and Iraq. The Assad regime is more dutiful MPs hurry to show how seriously they’re for the Church (or any organized religion) as an pundits, journalists and politicians. stable than it was even a year ago. More impor- considering the words of His Holiness. Whether institution, but I’m not against personal faith. I’ve ORussia will still maintain its capacity from the tantly, Russia made the Syrian opposition accept a this is due to a sincere desire to serve the leader just never been stupid enough to confuse religion Khmeimim airbase, southeast of Latakia, and from ceasefi re that started February 27th and gained of their Church (which goes to show they aren’t with belief in God. If Georgia is to have any future its long-standing naval base in Tartus. Putin pledged Russia a position at the negotiating table. Even the fi t to be politicians in the fi rst place) or a fear of as a democratic society, the Patriarchate’s meddling to protect these two bases from sea, land and air, US had to step back from its original position that being seen not to jump to the Patriarch’s every in state affairs must stop. Whatever your belief on saying that he considers “the objectives that were there would be no peace talks until Assad quit. wish really makes no matter. life imprisonment, to accept that it is the Patriarch’s set for the Defense Ministry to be generally accom- It’s been a win-win situation. Assad is not able to Every Georgian is aware that going against the place to comment on issues such as this is nothing plished.” But does that mean that it is now time for gain more territory without Russian support, thus Church is the political and social equivalent of short of willful ignorance or extreme stupidity. Let diplomacy to kick in? And what does this move he will be more inclined to negotiate with the armed diving into a dustbin full of used syringes. One the priests contemplate the divine hereafter, dunk mean? opposition. Russian withdrawal will also prevent only has to remember the words of Giga Bokeria, babies and put crowns on married couples’ heads, Russian forces entered Syria and began airstrikes a military clash with Turkey. a politician widely renowned for his intellect, who and let the government decided the fate of crimi- in the fi ght against the Islamic State terrorist organ- Either way, it’s good news for the people of Syria said that the Church and its priests should keep nals. ization (ISIS), however, many saw it as a cover up, if the negotiating process continues and if all sides out of politics. While I don’t doubt that Bokeria is Personally, I’d put them into Dinamo Stadium the real reason being to stabilize and support the try to fi nd a compromise. And it’s very good news as clever as they say, his remarks were comfortably with some swords, shields and spears and let them regime of Bashar Al-Assad. This move raised the for Russia, because they accomplished their main within the realms of common sense. The backlash, fi ght it out. There is a distinct lack of gladiatorial stakes in Russian-American relations, reaching a goal in making the West recognize them as a vital however, was astounding; nobody seemed to con- games in the modern world. peak when Turkish forces downed a Russian mili- player at the world’s negotiation table. sider his comments, and instead just enjoyed being outraged at the fact that he had dared direct criti- cism at the Patriarchate. Nor does anybody seem to be able (or willing) to acknowledge the Patriarchate’s blatant contradic- tions. The Patriarch has said many times that “Geor- gia belongs in Europe”, despite the Church’s rejec- tion of Western values. Tolerance and equality come If Georgia is to have to mind; the attacks on gay rights activists in 2013 were led by priests, and though a few were arrested any future as a long after the event, they were released without charge. With every political party currently enjoy- democratic society, the ing tentative support from the public at best, it is hardly surprising that the majority of politicians Patriarchate’s meddling don’t have the stones of Giga Bokeria to criticize the Church; why, according to a recent poll, the Patri- in state affairs must arch is the most trusted man in Georgia! This week, Ilia II decided that life sentences stop

should be abolished, as, appar- ently, “nothing in this life should be endless. Only God is eternal”. We’ll ignore the fact that His Holiness seems to have missed the fact that since life itself has an end, so a life sentence is far from eternal, and concentrate on the relatively few life- serving prisoners in Georgia. After Bidzina released a large number of inmates in a general amnesty in 2012, there are not all that many people still serv- ing a life sentence (providing they weren’t released and then banged up again). Those still left inside are probably there for a damned good reason, and while I appreciate that my own beliefs and politics are somewhere to the right of Louis XIV, Georgia’s prison reform programs have hardly been effective. I had fi rst-hand experience of this when I met the uncle of one of my former partners. He had shown his criminal mastermind by threatening a taxi driver with a knife, which had resulted in a prison sen- tence of about ten years (I’m a big fan of Georgian harsh justice; Britain’s soft sentences have damn near crippled the country’s justice system: I know, GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 25 - 28, 2016 POLITICS 9 Holding Back the Tide: Brussels’ Ukraine in Importance to the West and its Desperate Need Allies Continued from page 1 While both Moscow and ISIS militants gain from the success of the other, offi cials in NATO have to This has deeply shaped public opinion and forced assume that a major defeat will also carry over. of Democracy electorates from Marseilles to Boston into dealing with the rise of xenophobic populist demagogues THE NEED TO UNIFY AGAINST like France’s Marie Le Pen and the US’ Donald A COMMON FOE Trump, rather than form a cohesive alliance against Western leaders must remember that the NATO enemies that the Western world has stood against alliance is a powerful, multinational tool that nei- since the Cold War. ther Putin nor ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has at his disposal. NATO’S ROLE Furthermore, aspirant countries Georgia, Bosnia Shortly after the Paris attacks in November, there and Ukraine, all of whom embody the ideal of the was widespread speculation that France might European project, must be incorporated into a invoke article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organ- newly emboldened NATO. ization’s charter, whereby an attack on one NATO Western governments must remind themselves member will be treated as an assault on the alliance that the alliance was created by likeminded nations as a whole. as the champion and chief defender of the West’s French President Francois Hollande opted not to core values. These are the same ideals that are such do so, but he did publicly declare that France was an existential threat to Putin’s autocratic regime from that moment on at war. or the maniacal barbarism of ISIS. Much like his counterpart in Washington, Hol- When high profi le political fi gures like Trump or lande has yet to defi ne whom the war is being the UK’s radical leftist Labour Leader Jeremy Cor- fought against. And similar to Obama, he’s been byn call for an end to the NATO alliance or a with- unwilling to fully commit France’s vast military drawal of its key members over budgetary concerns, and intelligence resources to the confl ict’s front this only plays into the hands of the alliance’s main line, wherever and with whomever that may be. adversaries. While a limited amount of coordination has taken European governments do have a precedent they place with regard to the relative low number of air can follow when combating such threats. They strikes carried out by NATO members, save for successfully assisted one another to end the mer- Turkey, a unifi ed approach within the alliance has ciless 1970s terrorist campaigns carried by Marxist yet to be created that would combat the robust and groups that included Germany’s Baader-Meinhoff far more affective information war that both ISIS and Italy’s Brigata Rosse. and Russia have declared on the West. A similar effort, under NATO’s direction, must NATO has long sought to expand its infl uence in be undertaken to counter any threat emanating the two decades since the collapse of the Soviet from the faceless bureaucratic halls in Moscow or Union, and when the alliance expanded into coun- the deserts of northern Syria. tries that once comprised the Eastern Bloc, it con- The EU and US remain the world’s two great Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko sciously took on the responsibility of defending bastions of democratic capitalism. But more has the Western aspirations of its new members. to be done to ensure that acts of terrorism and the At present, the alliance still has the option of illegal seizure of sovereign territory are never an expanding its unmatched military capabilities by option for those who promote force and totali- witnessed constant fi ghting in parliament, the decline opening a social and information front aimed at tarianism as an alternative to an open society. OPED BY MARY KALAN of the Hriyvna and of the economy as a whole; they thwarting the infl uence that both ISIS and Putin History will not look back kindly on those who see that their rulers are as corrupt as those backed by currently enjoy. fail to halt that ominous growing tide. the Kremlin. Poroshenko urged the coalition to decide n November 2013 people started gathering on a new cabinet after two small parties quit while on the main square of Kiev, the Maidan in Yatsenyuk, who survived the February 16 no-confi dence order to show their government that they vote, wants to lure another party back into the alliance disapproved of the presidential decision to to avoid early elections. With a parliament in constant stop the process of association with the EU. disarray it is hard to have any political course or to AndI although the fi rst protests were peaceful, it launch needed reforms. And given the lack of confi - soon became clear that there was a split between dence in the current government and Yatsenuk as the Eastern Russian-speaking regions of Ukraine, Prime Minister, a cabinet reshuffl e seems to be one of and Western Ukraine. This confl ict played a great the only legitimate ways to turn the ineffective govern- role in changing international relations and high- ment into a working one. lighted changes on the international arena. The other possibility is early elections, which is What we can see now is a country at civil war that not in the interest of the parties in the current gov- doesn’t control its Eastern borders and is suffering erning coalition who are likely to do less well than from insurgents fi ghting their army and controlling they did in the November 2014 election, given the their major industrial cities. Has anything really lack of economic improvement and other clear improved in the state of the country since 2013? accomplishments. Those who overthrew Yanukovich believed that Yet without either the Prime Minister or the res- by electing president Poroshenko they could open ignation of the current cabinet, or early elections, the way for a transparent and accountable govern- it is unclear how further deepening of the political ment that could lead the country to a democratic crisis can be avoided. On the other hand during the future. In 2013, people in Kiev demonstrated to the no-confi dence vote, the Opposition block that con- world that they were a sovereign nation that wouldn’t tains supporters of the former president did not vote accept pressure from the outside and which is will- to oust the prime minister, but abstained, which ing to fi ght for its ideals. As prominent political means that they are not ready for early elections scientist Benedict Anderson wrote in his book and that they know that without new faces and a ‘Imagined Communities,’ “Nations are political com- clear political program they won’t be able to win munities.” In broader sense Ukrainians became a the elections. It could also mean that the Ukrainian nation when they demanded political independence oligarchs support Poroshenko. and accountability from their government. The situation is similar to the state of Georgia in It seems that nothing has principally changed in 2002 when crime and corruption were rampant. Ukrainian politics since then and dissatisfaction People had to pay bribes to accomplish the simplest with the government in Ukraine has been growing thing; policemen were not paid a normal salary and for some time in light of a devaluing currency, a hike so looked for any opportunity to take a bribe. People in utilities prices against a drop in the living stand- fi nally took to the streets to demand respect and ards, and allegations of corruption in the highest accountability. Building a democratic system is very echelons of the government. And it is not just the hard and a leader needs certain strength not only ministers who are corrupt, but President Poroshenko to fi rmly lead the nation through this hard process, himself who breaks promises. but also to step down when needed. Politicians break their promises all the time, but a Unfortunately for Ukraine there is no such leader; strong leader, if he wants to remain popular, should someone who could bring a new generation of pol- know that certain promises must be kept. For exam- iticians that would have national interest at the top ple, he promised to sell his confectionary empire of their agenda. Sadly, for the people of Ukraine, Roshen, but instead transferred the company into a their current leader Mr Poroshenko lacks not only blind trust, and, unlike the Ukrainian economy, which political will and insight, but also charisma and the that same year declined by 6.8 percent according to instinct that could have helped him to solve at least World Bank, his company’s profi t increased. Despite the political crisis. pressure from the West he didn’t sack his main ally, The future of the country looks gloomy indeed, the prosecutor Victor Shokin, who was accused by but this is the way true changes come about; through many of stalling corruption investigations. Only after mistakes and wrong decisions, when one political the suspension of direct loans from the International generation takes over from another. If Ukrainians Monetary Fund was Shokin forced to resign. This want to prove to the world that they are indeed a demonstrated Poroshenko’s inability to lead and make sovereign nation, they must take the democratic Contact: www.edelbrand.ge fi rm decisions about his government and his allies. way, which is hard, but necessary in order to build Phone: 599 461908 People were promised reforms and instead they a better future. GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY MARCH 25 - 28, 2016 Ezo - Just Like Mom Makes!

arrived at Ezo and I was pleased to see BY LEA HARRIS that the outside space wasn’t fi lled with parked cars as seems to be the norm. We stepped inside the curtained ter- ith my fi fth visit to race and found the place buzzing with Tbilisi under my belt, the Tbilisi Bo-ho set, locals and foreign I’m inspired and visitors alike (the mix of accents was encouraged by the gratifying - French, English, American attitude of the new as well as Georgian). The staff speak Wrestaurants that have appeared over the excellent English. We were given a table past three years. Don’t get me wrong, I under the red glow of a heat lamp (there love khinkali and khachapuri, the tradi- are tables inside and they even have a expecting maybe four or fi ve dainty chili kick that punched its way through have been sourced as locally as possible tional staple of Georgian cuisine, but I kids’ corner). meatballs but what I got were two huge the interleaved veggies, partly tempered and cooked as simply as possible, packed hanker for the more homely, everyday Along with the menus, we were give bull’s balls! Oh my, the grin on my face by the walnut sauce. with fl avor and exactly what I’d been food that would be found in the homes bread and dips; a vibrant green herb, must have said it all. This was a manly I love Georgian amber wine while he searching for. We loved Ezo so much of ordinary folk. salsa and a creamy one. As we worked plate of food that had a real depth of is partial to the odd glass of Saperavi; that we went back a couple of days later, On this trip we were staying in an our way through the menu and dips, we meaty fl avor; I was in serious umami both wines complemented our meal. ordering the Racha ham and potatoes Airbnb apartment. Our host told us of were offered Adjarian citrus schnapps heaven! The husband’s dish was elegant There is always room for pudding and and the seasoned pork entrecote that several new places that had opened in made by a friend of the owner. We were by comparison, but no less tasty, and by the sweet side of the meal was more had been hung properly - it was suc- recent months and Ezo was one of them, suitably impressed with the spirit; Georgian standards the meat was tender. European, with apple pie, chocolate pie culently juicy and extremely tender. just fi ve minutes’ walk from our front nowhere near as rough as some chachas, The potatoes were superb. I could wax and a good execution of carrot cake Once again, we left with smiles on our door. it was warming, potent and delicious! lyrical about them as I’m a real carb gal. served with a sublime orange custard, faces. “Are you sure you know where you’re We made our choices. I settled for the Both dishes had a gentle heat from a which is what I plumped for. Excellent going?” said the concerned husband as pan-fried meatballs with mash potatoes, deft hand in charge of the chili season- espresso with a thick, long lasting crema EZO we turned into G. Kikodze St. “Of course!” the perfect comfort food for a chill Feb- ing. We overloaded with baked veg with with another glass of the citrus schnapps G. Kikodze St. 16, I replied as I wandered through the gates ruary evening, while he went for the veal walnuts; layered eggplant, zucchini, car- left us replete. Sololaki into a courtyard with a small fountain and potatoes. The dishes arrived swiftly rots, peppers, whole garlic cloves, broc- This isn’t refi ned cooking- this is sim- Telephone: +995 32 299 9876 and a few tables and chairs. We had and I was surprised with mine; I was coli and tomatoes. Again, there was a ple, mostly organic ingredients that Tues - Sun 1-10pm Bar until 1am. GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 25 - 28, 2016 SOCIETY 11

The Climate Challenge from a Georgian Perspective ANNUALLY ON 23RD OF MARCH. wetter. Face the Future,” was chosen to illustrate CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT the reality of climate change. IT AND IF THE NEA JOINED THE The NEA, as a member of the international mete- CELEBRATIONS THIS YEAR? orological community, celebrates Meteorological World Meteorological Day was founded in 1950 by Day annually. I would like to take this opportunity the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and congratulate all Meteorologists in Georgia and an intergovernmental organization established for around the world and wish them professional meteorology and having a membership of around growth! 191 worldwide Member States including Georgia. Each year, the celebrations focus on a theme of Tamar Bagratia is head of the National Environmental topical interest and this year’s theme, “Hotter, drier, Agency

the temperature increment indicated 0.4 - 0.70C. BY TAMAR BAGRATIA The annual overall precipitation change in the past half century was of mosaic character. For most of the western part of Georgia we observed an increase limate change is a reality we can no in precipitation by 5-10%; for most of the eastern longer ignore. Many have observed part of Georgia, unlike Western Georgia, over the unprecedented changes since the 1950s. last 25 years there has been a reduction of pre- We see the impacts in our everyday cipitation by 5% compared with the previous period. lives- the warming of the atmosphere andC ocean water, reduction in the amount of snow DOES CLIMATE CHANGE RESULT and ice, the rise of the sea level and an increase in IN AN INCREASE IN VARIOUS greenhouse gas concentration. NATURAL DISASTERS? The impact of climate change on geological pro- THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL cesses is inevitable. Long and abundant precipita- AGENCY (NEA) IS A STATE INSTITUTION tion, as well as snowfalls, lead to fl oods/fl ashfl oods, THAT OBSERVES AND MONITORS THE landslides and debris-fl ows, avalanches and high CLIMATE CHANGE PROCESS. WHAT HAS likelihood of extreme weather-related natural haz- BEEN DONE TO OBSERVE THIS PROCESS? ards. This is in addition to land erosion processes The hydrometeorological observation network of in the sea coastal zone as well as along river banks. NEA comprises 11 manual meteorological stations, Research and statistics clearly indicate the acti- 14 meteorological gauges, 73 automated meteoro- vation of these processes during the last several logical stations as well as 19 manual hydrological decades, which resulted in a higher number of gauges and 45 automated hydrological stations. casualties and great damage to the country’s econ- Regular meteorological and hydrological observa- omy and natural ecosystems. tion is performed on basic meteorological elements; the transfer and processing of data recieved from WHAT IMPACT CAN CLIMATE the stations into electronic format is done on loca- CHANGE HAVE ON VARIOUS tion and by the Agency’s meteorological and cli- ECONOMIC SECTORS? matological unit specialists in accordance with The negative impact of climate change on the agri- World Meteorological Organization (WMO) rec- cultural sector results in an increase of drought commendations. frequency and power, in a change of temperature The data gained from relatively long-term (over regimes and precipitation volume, and other fac- 30 years) observation points is used for studying tors which in turn leads to changes in crop sowing climate change and research. periods, vegetation phase duration, yield and irri- Our overall goal in this direction is to enhance gation matters. the observation network by increasing the number In terms of energy safety, most alarming is the of stations, to introduce modern technologies in decline of water resources - a negative result of the fi eld and to analyze the risks associated with climate change which can create problems for the climate change regarding the extent of climate water resource based Georgian energy sector. change impact on water resources, agriculture, etc. That said, at present Georgia has no water resource related problems, but intensive melting of glaciers ACCORDING TO THE NEA RESEARCH and fl oods, during which a lot of water is wasted, AND STATISTICS, WHAT TRENDS ARE causes enormous damage to the environment in EMERGING TODAY IN GEORGIA? WHICH general and in the near future this will result in a PARTS OF THE COUNTRY ARE MOST lack of water resources. VULNERABLE TO CLIMATE CHANGE? One should note the growing interest of energy, The instrumental meteorological observation in tourism and construction industries to prepare for Georgia dates back to 1837 while regular observa- such future scenarios. tion has been carried out since the early 20th cen- These scenarios should be taken into account in tury. From the mid 1950s, the meteorological obser- different aspects of planning (for example, modi- vation data has been collected gained from the fi cation of dam design, agricultural potential and whole territory of Georgia. alternative agricultural insurance), particularly During the last 25 years, for most of the western where weather extremes are main determinants. part of Georgia, the temperature has increased by on average 0.3 - 0.50 0C, the most rapid rise was WORLD METEOROLOGICAL DAY IS indicated in the east part of Eastern Georgia, where CELEBRATED AROUND THE WRODL GEORGIA TODAY 12 SOCIETY MARCH 25 - 28, 2016 Maidan Square and Sulfur Baths

over by an ethnic Armenian woman. She says she BY GULNUR KAZIMOVA has been working in the bath house for eight years and gets on well with her ethnic Azerbaijani col- leagues. “I’ve made friends with many Azerbaijani er scrawny little body can hardly be people here. I’m a citizen of Georgia. I think prob- seen in the sulfur steam and her skin lems are a political issue. We, ordinary people, is blushed. Khatuna Jafarova is an should have good relations.” ethnic Azerbaijani woman from Sulfur-bath attendant Marina Aliyeva stands at Rustavi. She is 73 and habitually the entrance advising new-comers to get soaked Hcomes to Tbilisi to wash in the sulfur baths. with soap and shampoo. Then she grabs water with “Sulfur water has so many healing powers that vinegar and scrub and heads to the communal no medicine can compete with it. Look at my thick room. She said the vinegar easily takes lime and hair! This water heals my knee pains. My people microbes out, “We have a diffi cult job but I got used work here; so I come here, talk with them and share with it and don’t get easily tired. I’ve been working my problems with them,” Khatuna says. here for 11 years. People say sulfur water smells Maidan Square in the center of Tbilisi is famous bad but I’ve already got used to it and cannot smell for its sulfur baths. Many inhabitants of the Maidan it. Most bath attendants are Azerbaijani people. area are ethnic Azerbaijanis. Azeri men are working in the men’s part. Our daily You can see steaming chimneys, which look like salary is 5 GEL. I have 4-5 clients per day. In sum- mosques, poking up from the red brick domes of mer we have more tourists. I work every third day the numbered bath houses. Nearby, men argue over and at the end of month I don’t get much salary backgammon and domino boards. A statue of the but since there is no other option, I have to live late President of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, stands with it.” The Maidan Sulfur overlooking security offi cers of the Azerbaijani oil Another female bath attendant, who did not say Baths, a center of Azerbaijani cultural company SOCAR who guard the territory of Maidan her name, said ethnic Azerbaijani employees do life but hosting Park. not have permanent salaries in the bath. Only Geor- many underpaid When you enter the 5th Bath House you will see gian employees have stable salaries. “I don’t know Azeri workers. a corridor heading in two directions: one for women, Georgian and Russian language well. I asked them one for men. In both parts the communal baths are several times to give me a job at the cash desk but more crowded. People pay 3 Lari for a communal they said no. Only Georgian employees get stable Hasan Allahverdiev, who lives near the sulfur Khatuna Jafarova walks slowly back home from bath and 30 Lari for a private room or 80 Lari for salaries. They don’t allow us to work in the better- baths, said the bath is not only a working place for the bath. She believes if she takes a bath in the sul- a VIP bathroom. The dressing room is watched paid positions. Neither we nor Armenians.” local Azerbaijani people; it is an indivisible part of fur water every week, she will stay healthy for the their daily life. “In the past, Azerbaijani people remainder of her life. used to come here more frequently. Not everybody had a bathroom in their house and even residents This article was prepared in the frame of a project imple- of remote villages used to come here. Maidan was mented by the Human Rights House Tbilisi with fi nancial Honored for their Sacrifi ce: The place where Azerbaijani people gathered. It is part support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Nether- of our culture. Going to the bath is a tradition. lands in Tbilisi. Human Rights House Tbilisi is responsible Today, the Azerbaijani people rarely come here; for the content of the article and the views in it do not Ulma Family Museum in Markowa mostly tourists come here who are curious about necessarily express the views of the Embassy of the King- the sulfur baths.” dom of the Netherlands.

On March 17, the Georgian National Parliamentary Library played host to a global exhibition ‘Good Samaritans from Markowa’

also to all the Polish who tried or succeeded in the BY MAKA LOMADZE WITH MERI TALIASHVILI salvage of Jews from Nazis. “Assisting Jews during World War II was a very courageous act from any- one in Polish society. They knew that helping Jews he Memorial Family Museum of trag- would earn them capital punishment, yet they ically murdered Józef and Wiktoria risked their lives for them. By opening the Ulma Ulma was offi cially opened on March Museum, we want to honor every one of them and 17 in Markowa in the South-East of fi rst of all the Ulma family itself,” Ambassador Poland. Józef and pregnant Wiktoria Cieszkowski told GEORGIA TODAY. TUlma, along with their six children, were shot and Darejan Tvaltvadze, vice Rector of Tbilisi State killed by the Nazi Germans on March 24th, 1944, University, said, “I think those who saved the life in Markowa, for hiding Jews in their home during of at least one person in the War saved his own the Holocaust. They also killed the 8 Jews hiding soul and made his own small but signifi cant con- in the Ulma house. tribution to the salvaging of Mankind. Over 6 mil- To commemorate this fact, on March 17, the Geor- lion Jews died in this horrifi c war. Grigol Peradze, gian National Parliamentary Library played host graduate of our university, who went to Poland and to a global exhibition ‘Good Samaritans from was a lecturer at Warsaw University, is a person Markowa’ for the known and unknown names of who unites us – Georgians and Poles – in this kind Poles who were murdered for assisting Jews dur- business. This sin of Nazis has no boundaries. But ing the Second World War. In the spotlight was the limitless, too, is the kindness of the heroes.” Ulma Family. The exhibition was opened in the Over 6,600 ethnic Poles are commemorated in Georgian capital alongside events being held in 28 Israel’s Garden of the Righteous in Jerusalem for countries simultaneously, prepared in 14 languages, aiding Jews during World War II. And in 1995, Israeli including Georgian, Chinese, Burmese and Thai. Yad Vashem, the Authority of Holocaust Martyrs The opening of the Museum in Markowa was and Heroes Remembrance, posthumously bestowed attended by the high offi cials of the country, includ- the Ulma family the titles of ‘Righteous among the ing the President of Poland, Mr. Andrzej Duda. Nations.’ On the 60th anniversary of their execu- Live videos were screened in the following cities: tion, a stone memorial was erected in the village Vienna, Brasilia, Paris, Tel Aviv, Toronto, Vilnius, of Markowa to honor their memory. Berlin, Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Oslo, Bern, Bangkok, Poland’s diplomatic missions abroad are very Rangoon, Washington, Chicago, New York and much engaged in the numerous events marking Rome. the launch of the Ulma Museum as well as in rais- The exhibition in Tbilisi was organized by the ing awareness of those Poles who risked their lives Polish Embassy in Georgia, Ivane Javakhishvili, to save Jews during the Nazi German occupation Tbilisi State University and the International Fund of Poland. The Ulma Museum will stand as the ‘Lea.’ It was opened by Andrzej Cieszkowski, Ambas- fi rst place of its kind to commemorate the brave sador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Poland, acts of the selfl ess Poles. Polish embassies and the who mentioned that the Museum of the Ulma fam- Polish government kindly invite all to see the exhi- ily refers to not only this particular household but bition at the Ulma Family Museum in Markowa. GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 25 - 28, 2016 SOCIETY 13 Medication Prices Decline, Stricter Quality Control Required

BY KETI DIDEBULIDZE Nino Popkhadze, head of the NGO Healthcare Platform

Economic expert Solomon Pavliashvili ino Popkhadze, head of the NGO Healthcare Plat- form, talked to GEORGIA TODAY about the decline Hospital Sector in medication costs. N“Georgian pharmaceutical market realities are changing at high speed fol- lowing on from statements by the major Development to pharmacy networks regarding plans for lowering the cost of medication. More- over, the Georgian Healthcare Group Reduce Outfl ow of (GHG) (Bank of Georgia holding) recently purchased the GPC pharmacy network. Medication price reduction is the Patients to Foreign logical result of new rules of the game gaining momentum and the company applying due leverages and promoting on the market. Despite pharmaceutical is relying on the serious fi nancial poten- a competitive environment without companies referring to the GEL exchange tial of the Bank of Georgia. GHG is able interference in the business process. rate recovery to substantiate the med- to achieve any business task quickly. Its Thanks to these efforts, the Authori- Hospitals ication price reduction, this is not the entrance into the pharmacy business ties have kept their promise to lower only reason they reduced prices. will further boost the lowering costs of medication prices and make them First, Humanity Georgia recently medication because the company will affordable. Therefore, at this stage, we implemented similar projects, for exam- entered the market with serious ambi- supply medications to its own insurance should set stricter quality control BY KETI DIDEBULIDZE ple, Rixos in Borjomi. In this case, the tions to supply affordable and high- benefi ciaries and patients and also serve mechanisms for citizens to be confi - government acts as a partner and it is quality generics. As reported, much of potential clients outside its own net- dent that all medications on the market not decisive whether the partner is rep- the company-imported medications works. are effi cient and of high quality,” Nino he Austrian company Alpha- resented by the government or a private are already being sold at 30% lower I believe the government is effi ciently Popkhadze said. Medic has reached the fi nal company. The form of management will tariffs through various pharmacy net- stage of the tender be either a limited liability company or works. According to latest reports, announced by the Partner- a joint stock company. The project will Humanity Georgia plans to import 200 ship Fund for the rehabili- be implemented through co-participation. new medications. Naturally, this move tationT of three hospitals in Tbilisi. Alpha- I think it would be better for a private will inspire additional changes in the Medic Consortium unites such company to fully own this or that enter- market and medication prices will experienced companies as FMK, Keppie, prise, but in this specifi c case, the gov- cheapen further. The Humanity Geor- The Health Partnership, and FESP. As ernment is applying stimulating mecha- gia portfolio consists of the most in- discussed in previous articles in GEOR- nisms, an acceptable approach in this demand drugs. GIA TODAY, the Authorities plan to case, as this is the mission of the Part- Another important determinant that carry out the management of the men- nership Fund,” Pavliashvili said. is expected to intensify the price reduc- tioned three clinics using the public–pri- “I believe medical tourism is one of tion process is related to the purchase vate partnership (PPP) model. the most progressive directions in our by Georgian Healthcare Group of the We spoke to economic expert Solomon country and it would be excellent if the GPC network of pharmacies. Pavliashvili. Authorities promote its development. This was an unexpected transaction “The Authorities and the private sec- The three hospitals will be equipped and, naturally, it will cause changes in tor will be partners, but the management with modern technology, the staff will the market. GHG has become a serious will not be public. The legal entity of be retrained and the service quality will market player, in fact, one of the lead- private law and the government will be increase. If all these plans are fulfi lled ers in the hospital sector and health represented by their stakes. This is a adequately, Georgia will be able to develop insurance markets, thanks to the acqui- form of co-participation through which medical tourism and the number of sition of GPC pharmacies. the state owns a stake. According to my patients leaving for foreign hospitals will It is questionable whether it is expe- information, the election stake must be decrease if high-quality medical services dient and correct to unite the full cycle owned by a private company. are available at affordable prices,” Pav- of the healthcare fi eld under the same “The Partnership Fund has already liashvili concluded. umbrella, but it is a fact that GHG is GEORGIA TODAY 14 SOCIETY MARCH 25 - 28, 2016 Kakhet-away I hadn’t been to my in-laws’ place for BY TONY HANMER a couple of years or so, and it was a good time to see them. No one has aged notice- ably, but the house is getting some much ast week’s list of possible needed attention in the form of renova- future articles has grown and tion, with a well and in-yard water grown; more of those soon. arranged, as well as in-house water in Meantime, come with me to the process of being fi nished. My brother- the other end of the country in-law has even sent the outfl ow to exactly fromL my usual abode... the same kind of destination as I have: It only took me ten hours door to door an underground rock-lined pit, there to from my house in Upper Svaneti to my leach into the surrounding land. He might wife’s family home in the Lagodekhi have had no choice, but he did it well. region of Kakheti, east Georgia. Not bad, The fi g tree whose leaves did a similar considering the distance and the roads, job for my wife and me at our honey- and the three forms of transport I needed: moon bedroom’s window as they did for marshroutka (minivan bus), Tbilisi Metro Adam and Eve is gone now, though, its and shared taxi. Once again I rejoiced shadow deemed more of a nuisance than in not being over-tall as I traveled, put its fruit a benefi t. my journey pillow around my neck, My wife had asked me to take some switched on my e-book reader and ignored photos of the udders of her parents’ two time out of existence. cows to compare with those in our Svan And once again experienced the time village. Being that this pair give a full travel effect when leaving from and bucket of milk per session, I can see why returning to Svaneti: you move forward she wants people to see; it’s quite impres- roughly a season as you descend, in this sive. Now that our own two are both ing, with my press from last summer Backbreaking, not to mention heartbreak- case from a minus 12 degree morning to giving us all their milk, their heifers working hard. But more milk ing. Not for me. fruit trees blooming, and reverse the weaned off it onto whey and hay, I’m than the half of the Kakheti On the night train back from Tbilisi to process at the other end (always harder). free to use all the milk for cheese-mak- amount which we get, I Zugdidi, I had decided to go fi rst class can’t actually imagine (a two-berth cabin), being that it’s a mere using, or needing; I’m ten Lari more than second class’s four not yet set up for such berths. My travelling companion was a a volume of cheese, practising surgeon from Samegrelo, now either in storage widowed, returning to his ancestral home space or in the time to tidy it up. Last year he was the oldest to work with it. We participant in an international run in the have plenty for now! east, completing fi ve kilometres. His age? I was there for the Ninety-three. wedding of my wife’s The train rocked me to sleep as it usu- cousin, and this, in ally does, another thing I’m always grate- comparison with the ful for. After several hours’ wait to fi ll typical Svan version, was our marshroutka to a cost-effective point, mercifully early and it was back up, backward into the fi ercely short- we had left the feast resurgent winter currently affecting us, long before it would have warmed by my wife’s waiting arms. Our even started in the mountains. passengers included a couple from Kakheti, too, is in full bloom, Kazakhstan and a young lady from Bra- so it’s really Svaneti which is zil, who is torn between inability to bear “back” in time compared to her country’s political crisis and need the majority of the country. Eve- to know what’s going on back home. A rywhere people were working normal party, in other words. Home on their gardens or in the fi elds, again! taking advantage of the warmth to get things going as soon as pos- Tony Hanmer runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” sible. Now that I have seen, and Facebook group, now with over 1300 mem- been involved in, the amount of bers, at work it takes to coddle cucumbers www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- into fruition, I can tell you that in sance/ my opinion they should cost their He and his wife also run their own guest weight in blue cheese, if not gold. house in Etseri: Instead—it’s peanuts, as they say! www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti

Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected]

GEORGIA TODAY 16 CULTURE MARCH 25 - 28, 2016 Female Painter’s Talent, a Tasteful Mix of Georgian Folk Traditions and Innovations

ited, but the displays were followed by fashion BY MAKA LOMADZE shows of her garments. She also actively takes part in folk art symposiums and conferences. “This is my job, my creative work, my way. I’m t is not possible to witness the rich palette always inspired. Several years ago, I started work- of colors embodied in her dresses, coats and ing on and developing new technologies. I opened mats, or to catch a glimpse of her composi- a school and taught youngsters even outside it. I tions, and not to become intrigued by Tina really wanted to create something new. I would Kldiashvili’s persona. The exhibition ‘Kalei- qualify my works as synthesized felt,” the artist Idoscope’ took place on March 18-23 at Tbilisi His- told us, adding that she has also used print tech- tory Museum under the Georgian National Museum nologies. umbrella, revealing her latest works and resulting Ketevan Trapaidze, Manager of Educational Direc- in high interest and unanimous admiration. tion of the Tbilisi History Museum told GEORGIA The exposition showcased 24 works by the artist TODAY, “Tina Kldiashvili is a distinguished painter that were displayed to the public for the fi rst time. who is well known in respected circles not only in Among them were 7 works in felt, 7 silk papers and Georgia but also in the West. Today’s exposition, 10 costumes which Kldiashvili created in 6 months as always, very distinctly conveys a positive dis- and united under one idea, the ‘Kaleidoscope’ of position, which spreads all over the guests. You life. can see how full the exhibition hall is. I can ensure Tina Kldiashvili graduated the Apolon Kutate- you that this is the case at each of her expositions. ladze State Academy of Arts. She was a rector of Tina Kldiashvili is very well acquainted with the the Academy and now she is the Dean of the Design Georgian folk traditions, but always adds an inno- Faculty. For many years, she has worked as a teacher vation of her own.” and is involved in a variety of educational and Ketevan Pkhakadze, architect, was one of the exhibition projects. many guests in rapture at the exhibition. “These Under Kldiashvili’s leadership, the manufactur- artworks are created with the highest level of pro- ing technology of the Georgian historic Blue Table- fessionalism. The artist holds exhibitions annually cloth has been restored, contributing to the pro- and she never repeats herself. She always manages motion of folk arts. She also works with felt, to astonish the viewer. Her garments are so delicate Gobelin/tapestry and batik and also synthesizes and subtle – the most beautiful mixture of con- various technologies. servative traditions and modernity. I am enjoying She has participated in exhibitions in Georgia, the exhibition immensely and wish as many people France, Italy, Germany, USA and Canada. In Bul- to come as possible to see what good and exquisite garia and the US, not only were her works exhib- artists we have,” she told GEORGIA TODAY. GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 25 - 28, 2016 CULTURE 17 The Lioness of the Keyboard Hits Tbilisi

FOR SALE

9,8 ha non-agricultural, privately owned parcel for industrial use (cadaster code # 01.19.26.004.088) located next to Tbilisi Airport (It is possible to divide it into several parts)

Liza Leonskaia - legendary female pianist Address: Airport settlement, Samgori district, Tbilisi Tel: +995 599 529 529

Enescu, Marguerite Long and Queen journalists before the concerts. “It’s sym- [email protected] BY MAKA LOMADZE Elizabeth competitions. bolic, as Leonskaia and the Orchestra Her creative path was strongly infl u- both have birthdays.” enced by collaboration with Sviatoslav Leonskaia is an honorary and frequent iza Leonskaia - legendary Rikhter, one of the greatest musicians guest at the Salzburg, Vienna and Lut- female pianist, born and raised of the 20th century. This friendship and sern prestigious summer festivals. She in Georgia, recently turned cooperation lasted until the death of the gives solo concerts at leading concert 70 and gave two unforgettable latter. It implied not only giving of advice halls of Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Lon- concerts to celebrate. The fi rst and studying, but also duos, as Rikhter don, Edinburg, Munich and Vienna. In oneL took place on the 21st of March at acknowledged her particular talent. spite of her tight solo career, she pays the Opera and Ballet Theater- a concert Her international career began shortly considerable attention to chamber music, dedicated to the 90th jubilee of the after she left Moscow for Vienna. Her collaborating with Emerson, Borodin National Symphonic Orchestra, and the irreversible success story began follow- and Artemis quartets. second on the 22nd at Rustaveli Theater, ing her sensational performance at Salz- A lot of records confi rm Leonskaia’s where she participated in a soiree dedi- burg Festival in 1979. As a soloist, she particular performing class. She has cated to the 50th anniversary of the has cooperated with all leading orches- received the Caecilia Prize for Brahms Sulkhan Tsintsadze Georgian State String tras of the world: New York, Los Ange- piano sonatas, Diapazon d’Or for Liszt Quartet. les London, Berlin and Royal Philhar- works, and more. In her second home- On the fi rst day, Leonskaia, together monic Orchestras, BBC Symphonic land, Austria, she is a real star. Liza is with the National Symphonic Orchestra, Orchestra London, Zurich Tonhalle the honorary member of Vienna Konz- under the baton of famous conductor Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Ham- erthaus. In 2006, she got the highest and composer, Nika Rachveli, performed burg, Koln and Munich radio orchestras. award of Austria in the sphere of culture Beethoven’s Concerto No.3 for piano, “I dreamed of inviting her and my – fi rst degree Honor Cross. Today, Leon- capping it with Scriabin’s Poem of Ecstasy, dream came true,” Nika Rachveli told skaia is baptized as a ‘lioness of keyboard.’ which was dedicated to the memory of Her virtuoso technique is beyond any the recently deceased soloist of orches- praise, received with great warmth and tra percussion, Ms. Diana Metreveli. delight everywhere. Therefore, together with the birthday Besides being a great musician, Leon- disposition, the fi rst concert bore a sad skaia is a great philanthropist. She was hue, too. one of the fi rst to give a helping hand to At the Rustaveli Theater, together with talented Georgian youngsters and estab- the Sulkhan Tsintsadze String Quartet A wunderkind, lished the SOLO Charity Fund. In 20 made up of Constantine Vardeli, Tamaz years, she has funded over 100 gifted Batiashvili, Nodar Jvania and Otar Chubi- she gave her fi rst Georgian young performers, including nishvili, Leonskaia played Maurice Rav- Khatia Buniatishvili, Anita Rachvelish- el’s String Quartet F dur and Antonin concert at the age vili, and Levan Tskhadadze. She is still Dvorak’s piano Quintet A dur. Having observing the promising young musi- worked for many years in Germany, the of 11 and, with cians’ development, the majority of whom quartet members came back to Georgia are studying in the US and European in 2006 on the initiative of the Georgian extraordinary conservatoires and schools. National Music Center. “The members of the quartet are my Liza Leonskaia was considered a wun- talent, continued old friends and colleagues with whom derkind. She gave her fi rst concert at the I have played several times. After so age of 11 and, with extraordinary talent, her studies at many years, it was a great pleasure to continued her studies at Moscow Con- have played with them again,” Leonskaia servatoire, attaining prizes at prestigious Moscow said following the concert held at international piano contests such as Conservatoire Rustaveli Theater. GEORGIA TODAY 18 CULTURE MARCH 25 - 28, 2016

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATRE Directed by Dimitri Khvtisiashvili Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 Lari December 21 - March 31 March 11-27 Language: Russian THE TRAVELING MUSEUM OF EXHIBITION ‘STREPPE’ BY Main Hall March 25-31 THE CAUCASUS GRIBOEDOVI THEATRE BRITISH ARTIST AIGANA GALI. Start time: 12:00 LONDON HAS FALLEN Address: 2 Rustaveli Ave. Ticket price: From 6 Lari (Info Above) THE PERMANENT EXHIBITION GALLERY Telephone: 2 93 43 36 Language: Russian NUMISMATIC TREASURY CINEMA Start time: 17:35, 20:15, 22:00 March 25 THE NATIONAL GALLERY Ticket price: 1-14 Lari March 22-31 THE ELDER SON Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. AMIRANI CINEMA KOKA GOGSADZE’S FIRST SOLO Alexander Vampilov www.museum.ge Directed by Giorgi Margvelashvili Address: 36 Kostava St. BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN EXHIBITION - “MY LIFE” Telephone: 2 99 99 55 OF JUSTICE Small Stage PERMANENT EXHIBITION Language: Russian www.kinoafi sha.ge (Info Above) March 24 – April 15 Start time: 12:00, 16:00, 19:15, 22;30 PHOTO EXHIBITION Niko Pirosmanashvili, David Start time: 18:00 Kakabadze, Lado Gudiashvili and Ticket price: 5 Lari Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 Lari Ticket price: 8-14 Lari “ILLUSIONS” BY MANANA MENABDE sculptor Iakob Nikoladze March 26 March 25-31 JANE GOT A GUN The exposition showcases the VAUDEVILLE, VAUDEVILLE Directed by Gavin O’Connor artist’s photo series created on March 25 – April 14 Directed by Vakhtang Nikolava LONDON HAS FALLEN Genre: Action, Drama, Western different photo motives from Jubilee exhibition of Georgian Musical Comedy Directed by Babak Najafi Cast: Natalie Portman, Joel the 1990s to the present: Tango prominent Temo Gotsadze Language: Russian Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller Edgerton, Ewan McGregor Shadows, Mannequin and the Life, FROM BLUE STALLIONS TO Start time: 18:00 Cast: Gerard Butler, Morgan Language: Russian Graphic Photos, Watercolor, Pastel, ABSTRACTION Ticket price: From 5 Lari Freeman, Charlotte Riley Start time: 17:15, 19:40 Light and Shadows. Language: English Ticket price: 11-14 Lari THE EUROPE HOUSE March 27 Start time: 22:00 SHALVA AMIRANASHVILI Address: 1 Freedom Sq. Language: Russian THE DIVERGENT SERIES: MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS SCARLET SAIL Telephone: 2 47 03 11 Alexander Grin Start time: 12:00, 14:15 ALLEGIANT Address: 1 Lado Gudiashvili Str. Ticket price: 8-14 Lari Directed by Robert Schwentke Telephone: 2 99 99 09 Directed by Avtandil Varsimashvili March 14-27 Language: Russian Cast: Shailene Woodley, Zoë www.museum.ge Georgian Center for Security and Start time: 18:00 STRANGERLAND Kravitz, Theo James Development (GCSD) presents Ticket price: From 5 Lari Directed by Kim Farrant Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi March 11-27 Genre: Drama, Thriller Language: Russian THE OPENING OF THE the documentary photo exhibition: ILIAUNI THEATRE Cast: Nicole Kidman, Joseph Start time: 14:30, 22:00 EXHIBITION A LOOK BEYOND THE Address: 32 a Chavchavadze Ave. Fiennes, Hugo Weaving Ticket price: 9-14 Lari STREPPE HEADLINES’ Telephone: 2 29 47 15 Language: Russian BY BRITISH ARTIST AIGANA GALI. Start time: 19:30, 22:15 DEADPOOL BLACK & WHITE GALLERY March 25 Ticket price: 13-14 Lari Directed by Tim Miller ZURAB TSERETELI MUSEUM Address: 46 Iakob Gogebashvili Str. ANTIGONE Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi OF MODERN ART Directed by Gaga Goshadze BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Karan Soni, Address: 27 Rustaveli Ave. March 28 English Subtitles OF JUSTICE Ed Skrein Telephone: 2 14 84 11, 2 98 60 04 BESO DARCHIA’S EXHIBITION Start time: 20:00 Directed by Zack Snyder Language: Russian www.momatbilisi.ge STIGMA Ticket price: 10 Lari Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy Start time: 12:00 Cast: Ben Affl eck, Henry Cavill, Ticket price: 8-9 Lari March 9 – April 3 MAGTI CLUB TBILISI NODAR DUMBADZE Amy Adams EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS BY MUSEUM Address: 22 Rustaveli Ave. STATE CENTRAL CHILDREN’S Language: Russian MERAB ABRAMISHVILI Telephone: 591 40 49 49 THEATRE Start time: 19:00, 19:10, 22:15 Exhibition curator: Baia Tsikoridze Address: 99/1 Agmashenebeli Ave. Ticket price: 13-14 Lari GEORGIAN NATIONAL Telephone: 2 95 39 27 MUSEUM SHALVA AMIRANASHVILI March 25 RUSTAVELI CINEMA SIMON JANASHIA MUSEUM MUSEUM OF ART EKA KVALIASHVILI March 26 Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. Address: 1 Lado Gudiashvili St. I AM A WOMAN THE PRINCESS, FROG, HANSEL Telephone: 2 55 50 00 Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 Telephone: 2 99 99 09 Start time: 19:00 AND GRETEL www.kinoafi sha.ge www.museum.ge www.museum.ge Ticket price: 30, 35 Lari GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 25 - 28, 2016 SPORTS 19 Georgia’s 6 Nations Claims Louder than Ever after Rout of Romania group victories at last year’s World Cup BY ALASTAIR WATT and Georgia’s case for stiffer regular opposition is stronger than ever. Wales head coach Warren Gatland has already hree tries in each half gave questioned whether a relegation/promo- Georgia an emphatic 38-9 tion play-off could be initiated, a thought win over Romania in front not echoed in increasingly twitchy Italian of more than 50,000 ecstatic rugby circles. supporters at the Dinamo Perhaps Georgia suffers for its location. ArenaT in Tbilisi on the early evening of Welcoming Italy to the fold at the turn of March 19, a result and an attendance which the century, increasing the Five Nations reverberated around the world of rugby. to Six, seemed a straight forward transi- Clinching yet another European Nations tion with a trip to Rome hardly an impo- Cup, Georgian fans greeted their heroes sition for players, fans or pundits. euphorically during a richly deserved lap While tourism is growing here, Georgia of honor while head coach Milton Haig’s and Tbilisi remains off the beaten track jubilation alongside his two daughters on and is a six-hour charter fl ight from Lon- the Dinamo pitch was clearly visible. don. Were the exploits of Georgian rugby In a swashbuckling display, tries from being carried out by Spain, Germany or Anton Peikrishvili (2), Alexandre Todua, Netherlands, you wonder whether the Giorgi Pruidze, Giorgi Nemsadze and reception would be quite so lukewarm. Karlen Asieshvili steered the Lelos to an Georgia will visit Scotland in the fall, historic triumph. upon the delivery of a promise by the IRB The 29-point winning margin represents to give tier two nations like Georgia more Georgia’s biggest win over Romania, tra- experience against tier one sides. It is a ditionally seen as Eastern Europe’s main step in right direction, but a small one. rugby power, but now struggling to keep Hosting Georgia is one thing, but you up with a Georgian side that overtook don’t appreciate the passion and potential them years ago and continues to warrant of Georgian rugby until you experience serious consideration for entry into the it in their backyard. The Lelos have earned Six Nations. the right not only to play the elite nations, Newspapers and rugby commentators but to host them. Bring England, Ireland across Western Europe, refl ecting on or Wales to Tbilisi for a test and the penny another underwhelming Six Nations might just drop. campaign for Italy who now lie two places below Georgia in the world rankings, have again been raising the Georgia question this week. Not only have Georgia gone more than four years without a defeat in the Euro- pean Nations Cup, essentially a second- tier Six Nations, they have now twice in The 29-point the space of two years attracted a crowd of over 50,000 for a rugby international winning margin against a lesser side (the other occasion being 2014 v Russia). represents It is worth considering for a moment what kind of crowd Scotland or Italy Georgia’s biggest would attract to a home rugby interna- tional with Romania. Sparse, is the answer. win over Romania Add to that the unprecedented two FOR SALE: BMW – 321 model Date of issue 1936 PRICE 10.000 USD

CONTACT PERSON 557 12 38 90

PUBLISHER & GM Journalists: Photographer: ADDRESS Reproducing material, photos George Sharashidze Tony Hanmer, Tamar Svanidze, Zviad Nikolaishvili 1 Melikishvili Str. and advertisements without Zviad Adzinbaia, Beqa Tbilisi, 0179, Georgia prior editorial permission is COMMERCIAL Kirtava, Meri Taliashvili, Eka Layout: strictly forbidden. DEPARTMENT Karsaulidze, Zaza Jgarkava, Misha Mchedlishvili Tel.: +995 32 229 59 19 The author is responsible for Commercial Director: Maka Bibilashvili, Karen E: [email protected] all material. Rights of authors Iva Merabishvili Tovmasyan, Dimitri Webmaster: F: GeorgiaToday are preserved. The newspaper Marketing Manager: Dolaberidze, Maka Sergey Gevenov is registered in Mtatsminda Mako Burduli Lomadze, Tim Ogden, ADVERTISING & district court. Ana Akhalaia, Robert Isaf, Circulation Managers: SUBSCRIPTION EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT: Joseph Larsen, Will Cathcart, David Kerdikashvili, +995 595 279997 GEORGIA TODAY Editor-In-Chief: Vazha Tavberidze, Nugzar B. David Djandjgava E-mail: marketing@ Reg. # 06/4-309 Katie Ruth Davies Ruhadze georgiatoday.ge