Issue no: 891 • OCTOBER 28 - 31, 2016 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... Sandra Roelofs Refuses to Participate in Election Run-off NEWS PAGE 3 The ABC of Diplomacy, or Flying Doctors POLITICS PAGE 6 Rushing towards Amending the Constitution POLITICS PAGE 7 Presenting Planta - the Largest Greenhouse in Georgia BUSINESS PAGE 10 Genuine Brazilian Cuisine in the Heart of Tbilisi SOCIETY PAGE 14 FOCUS HALLOWEEN ON RESTORING FAITH SPECIAL: NATO needs to start being honest with Georgians A Georgian before it's too late PAGE 4 Make-up Artist Prepares for Halloween World Bank: Georgia among SOCIETY PAGE 15 Tbilisi Fashion Week Wrap-Up CULTURE PAGE 17 Top Reformers in Doing Business Davit Kipiani-

BY THEA MORRISON World Bank released its The ‘Moving report- Doing Business 2017 Equal Opportunity Feast’ of for All on Tuesday. eorgia is among the top global Source: World Bank Football improvers for implementing busi- ness friendly reforms, according SPORTS PAGE 18 to the World Bank (WB) report Doing Business 2017 (DB17) - Equal GOpportunity for All, released on Tuesday. Doing Business measures regulations affecting 11 areas of the life of a business. Ten of these areas are included in this year’s ranking on the ease of doing business: starting a business, deal- ing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts and resolving insol- vency. Doing Business (DB) also measures labor market regulation, which is not included in this year’s ranking. Continued on page 12 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS OCTOBER 28 - 31, 2016

Renovated Turtle Lake (KusTba) cable car. Source: on.ge KusTba in 7 Minutes with the Renovated Cable-Car

were renovated, their original 1965 design was BY THEA MORRISON maintained. Before its offi cial opening earlier this month, Tbilisi City Hall tested the new cable car over sev- he renovated cable-car to Tbilisi’s Tur- eral days to ensure its safety. tle Lake has returned to serve Tbilisi A one way ticket costs 1 GEL. One cable car can locals and visitors. The transport can carry 10-12 people and both cars are adapted for take people from Chavchavadze Avenue people with wheelchairs and other disabilities. to Turtle Lake in just 7 minutes. Special bicycle hooks were also installed on the TAfter a 7-year break, the renovated two-car cable- cable cars. way will be able to transport around 2,000 people The new cable cars will serve people from 08.00 per day, which will help to reduce road traffi c to am to 10.00 pm in winter and from 08.00am to the Lake, located at the top of a hill that overlooks midnight during summer. the central Vake district. Turtle Lake, known as Kus Tba in Georgian, is a Tbilisi City Hall allocated 1.1 million GEL (about small lake on the outskirts of Tbilisi popular with USD 469 thousand) to local company Bagirmsheni the city’s residents as a recreational zone and venue to restore the old cableway. Though the cable cars for concerts and festivals. President Appoints New National Security Council Secretary

President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili, and new NSC Secretary, Davit Rakviashvili

lot of complex tasks ahead of him as the ruling BY THEA MORRISON party Georgian Dream (GD) "is trying to reduce the Presidential System and weaken the role of the Security Council." resident of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelash- “Rakviashvili is a professional and knowledgeable vili presented the new secretary of the person in his fi eld. I want to wish him good luck,” National Security Council (NSC), Davit UNM member Sergi Kapanadze stated. Rakviashvili, on Monday. However, majority member Gia Volsky said it Rakviashvili, 48, replaced former NSC would have been better if the President had dis- Psecretary Irine Imerlishvili, who was appointed by cussed Rakviashvili’s candidacy with the members the President as a judge of the Constitutional Court of the NSC. of Georgia in September. “It would have been good if the President had Davit Rakviashvili was a Deputy State Minister consulted with the members of the NSC. However, for Reintegration in 2008-2010 and was involved it is the President's choice- the NSC Secretary is in the Geneva Discussions. his assistant, whose job it is to organize NSC meet- In 2011-2013 he served at the Georgian Embassy ings,” said Volsky. to the United States. Political expert, Soso Tsiskarishvili, believes that For years he led the supervisory board of Geor- Rakviashvili will be able to fulfi ll his duties well, gian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA), where Giorgi because he has worked in a number of relevant Margvelashvili served as Rector. positions and, as such, has good experience. The President described him as an interesting Statutory Members of the NSC meetings are: The and important nominee for the position and noted Prime Minister; Parliament Speaker; Minister of he had known him for 30 years. Foreign Affairs; Defense Minister; Minister of “I assure you that Mr. Rakviashvili is one of the Internal Affairs of Georgia; Chairman of the Defense most prominent climbers of my generation and and Security Committee of the Parliament of Geor- people from this fi eld all know him well. This is a gia; and Chairman of the Foreign Relations Com- serious personal indicator, which is also necessary mittee of the Parliament of Georgia. to hold the position of the Secretary of the National The President of Georgia approves the structure Security Council and to serve the country in strength- of the National Security Council Offi ce, its person- ening its self-defense,” Margvelashvili stated. nel, and regulations concerning the Offi ce and its The newly appointed NSC Secretary thanked the subdivision. President and noted that serving one’s homeland The National Security Council is an advisory is a "great honor for every Georgian." body to the President of Georgia empowered to The opposition approved the President’s choice, consider issues determined by the Organic Law on saying Rakviashvili is a very experienced and com- the National Security Council of Georgia in order petent person and recognizing that he will have a to draft the highest political decisions. GEORGIA TODAY OCTOBER 28 - 31, 2016 NEWS 3 Georgia’s Interior Ministry Sandra Roelofs Refuses to Participate in Election Opens New Operative Run-off Management Center BY THEA MORRISON

andra Roelofs, Majoritarian BY THEA MORRISON Candidate of the opposition party United National Move- ment (UNM) in Zugdidi, Same- he Ministry of Internal drelo region, and estranged Affairs (MIA) of Georgia Swife of ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili, has opened a new alterna- has announced that she will not par- tive Emergency and Oper- ticipate in the October 30 second round Sandra Roelofs. Source: radioazadlyg.org ative Management Center of Georgia’s parliamentary elections. ond round campaign,” said UNM mem- T‘112’ in Rustavi, Kvemo Kartli Region. Roelofs, 47, claims that the elections ber Givi Targamadze. This is the second 112 Center in Georgia, were unfair and falsifi ed. She believes Other UNM majoritarian candidates after the main offi ce in Tbilisi. participation in the run-off of such elec- will be taking part in the second round, According to the MIA, the new center tions is insulting. saying they will not let GD party form will help to offl oad some of the work of The initial election results in several a constitutional majority in parliament. the main center. The new center is polling stations in Zugdidi were invali- “The second round will be very diffi - equipped with modern technologies and dated by the Central Election Commis- cult, however avoiding this battle is sim- will work in a 24-hour regime to connect sion (CEC) after violent incidents marred ply unacceptable,” UNM member Nika citizens in need with the emergency the voting process on October 8. Melia said. rescue services. The repeat vote was held on October According to the CEC, if a candidate Georgia’s Interior Minister, Giorgi 22 and the results revealed that the ex- refuses to participate in the second round, Mghebrishvili, stated that Georgia is the Government Offi cials visit newly-opened 112 Center in Rustavi First Lady had gained the second highest his/her name still appears in the elec- 4th country in the world to have imple- number of votes after the candidate of tion ballots and people can still vote for mented services for disabled people- a to underline that Georgia’s 112 has been tions. The main purpose of 112 is to pro- the ruling party Georgian Dream (GD). them. If this candidate wins the second special mobile application for patrol awarded as Best Innovative Services out tect human lives, as well as private and Roelofs thanked her voters for sup- round, a by-election will be held to fi ll crews– ‘112 for everyone’ which is adapted of 82 foreign countries for the third time. public property. porting her, however, noted that the the vacant majoritarian seat in Parlia- for disabled people and can receive video The opening ceremony of the Rustavi 112 receives emergency calls from all government stole her supporters votes. ment. calls and messages from people with center was attended by Georgia’s Prime over Georgia via a unifi ed emergency “Everyone knows that I won the fi rst Ex-President Saakashvili, who currently special needs. Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Cabinet number - 1-1-2 throughout 24-hours. The round, so it's insulting for me to take serves as governor of Ukraine’s Odessa Furthermore, the Minister noted that members and foreign guests. 112 service is free of charge from all fi xed part in the second round of these unfair region, responded to the criticism of his 112 has also implemented a special ser- According to the PM, Georgia is ready lines and mobile networks even if the elections,” Roelofs stated, adding that wife, saying it was Sandra’s personal vice for tourists. The program represents to provide qualifi ed assistance to its number is disconnected from both sides the elections were falsifi ed not only in decision and her choice should be an alternative channel, which, with the citizens. or there is no SIM-card in the mobile Zugdidi but throughout Georgia. respected. help of a GPS tracker, can connect peo- “We are working hard to ensure the phone. Roelofs' decision was not approved of “I respect Sandra’s decision, as well as ple in need with 112 even from regions safety of every person and always take 112 unifi es three different services in by the majority of UNM members, who the decision of the other UNM candi- out of mobile operator coverage areas. into account international best practices,” Georgia: patrol police, fi re/rescue and claim it will be harmful to the party. dates to fi ght in the run-off. I wish them “The new center will improve the secu- Kvirikashvili stated. medical services. The 112 Emergency "Our party’s political board made a luck,” Saakashvili’s Facebook post reads. rity system of the country and will enable 112 is a Legal Entity of Public Law of Response Centers ensure the processing decision to participate in the second Ex-President expressed hope that more any citizen to contact 112 both verbally the Ministry of MIA, which ensures of received calls and transferring them round. Therefore, Ms. Roelofs' decision Georgian people would support the UNM and visually,” the Minister said, going on operative response to emergency situa- to the relevant services. is unacceptable and it damages the sec- in future. GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS OCTOBER 28 - 31, 2016 Pro-Russian Alliance of Patriots Demands More Seats in Parliament

gave his seat instead to the second num- BY THEA MORRISON ber on the APG party list, Zaza Okru- ashvili. “Our party also hoped to gain at least ro-Russian opposition party 8 mandates in Adjara High Council, Alliance of Patriots of Geor- however, we were given only one man- gia (APG), which is the third date, which is unfair. I hoped to become party to enter new parliament the Head of Adjara Government,” after the parliamentary elec- Tarkhan-Mouravi claimed. Ptions, is demanding 8 instead of 6 man- Alliance of Patriots formed a political dates. bloc with fi ve other opposition parties The party, which hardly managed to in early June, saying teaming up with pass the 5 percent election threshold fi ve small parties will help them achieve during the October 8 parliamentary better results. Others in the bloc are: elections, says the election results were Free Georgia, led by Kakha Kukava; falsifi ed and fi led a lawsuit in Tbilisi Freedom, led by Konstantine Gam- Civil Court asking for an annulment of sakhurdia; Traditionalists, led by Akaki the fi nal protocol of the Central Elec- Asatiani; New Christian-Democrats, led tion Commission (CEC). by Gocha Jojua, and Political Movement The APG claims that the CEC attrib- of Law Enforcement and Armed Forces uted 6 mandates to them but that they Veterans. deserve at least 8 seats. The bloc is famous for its anti-NATO Davit Tarkhan-Mouravi, Leader of the Alliance of patriots. Source: jeje.ge “We will try to carry out a large-scale and anti-Western statements, saying investigation of the elections. By law, Tarkhan-Mouravi, stated. Moreover, Tarkhan-Mouravi has Republic Government. Georgia should mend ties with Russia the percentages of the parties that could He also added that the Alliance of decided not to go ahead with his previ- The APG managed to gain only one and fi nd a common language with the not cross the threshold should be added Patriots will try to be a representative ous plans to enter the Adjara High mandate in the Adjara High Council occupant neighbor in order to join to the parties that have entered Parlia- of the parties that could not cross that Council as he was hoping to become after the elections and Tarkhan-Mouravi, Georgia’s occupied territories South ment,” the leader of the APG, Davit threshold. the Head of the Adjara Autonomous who had intended to enter the Council, Ossetia and Abkhazia. Resetting Georgia- NATO Relations

Time to face the facts. Jens Stoltenburg needs to be honest with himself and with the Georgian public to help mitigate the feeling of betrayal and disenchantment that Georgians are currently feeling towards NATO little chance of being granted a MAP BY EUGENE KOGAN and, as a result, the country remains in limbo. Furthermore, were Georgia to be offered a substitute for a MAP by NATO, ollowing the 2016 NATO Sum- perhaps an Associated Partnership, it mit in Warsaw, it seems clear would not ease the feeling of disappoint- that Georgia has little chance ment or even betrayal inside the country. of being granted a Member- The biggest question that remains unan- ship Action Plan. However, it swered by both Georgian and NATO offi - isF evident that a business-as-usual cials is the nature of relations between the approach towards its relationship with two after the Warsaw Summit. Will Geor- NATO is ill-advised. Top offi cials from gian offi cials realize that Georgia is a close both Georgia and NATO now need to “partner” and not a NATO “member”? sit down for a serious brainstorming That the process of membership has come session to iron out their differences on to a standstill and needs to be reinvigor- diffi cult issues and set out new guide- ated but lacks new content? Or will they lines for relations going forward. continue to delude themselves, as has been The last eight years have exposed the the case over the last eight years, in order eternal lack of consensus among NATO to not lose their spirit of optimism and member states, starting with the infa- maintain their country’s Euro-Atlantic mous Summit in Bucharest where NATO’s orientation? Will NATO speak with one open door policy towards Georgia was voice and say loud and clear that the Alli- proclaimed. They have also highlighted ance’s open door policy towards Georgia Georgian offi cials’ exaggerated expecta- has failed and that the door is, in reality, tions and optimism about this issue. shut? Or will NATO’s ambiguity continue Following the 2016 NATO Summit in as if nothing has happened? Warsaw, it seems clear that Georgia has Continued on page 8 GEORGIA TODAY OCTOBER 28 - 31, 2016 POLITICS 5 USA-Russia Relations at a New Low- Return of the 1962 Caribbean Crisis?

on combat readiness level all subordinated military a war taking place in the South Caucasus. It seems formations as well as the 49th Army units stationed that Russian senior militaries have drawn some seri- in the Krasnodar Krai region. It would take the lat- ous conclusions from the Russia-Georgia war of ter from 24 to 48 hours to reach Abkhazia, while the 2008. Novorossyisk-based airstrike-capable 7th Maritime The third location for military competition between Division and 10th and 21st Special Destination Bri- Russia and the US is Syria. On October 15, Russia gade attached to GRU leadership would require up decided to reinforce its naval grouping in the Med- to one week. iterranean in order to “promote Russia’s naval The strategic exercise named ‘Kavkaz-2016,’ con- appearance in important operative regions of the ducted in the North Caucasus region in September World’s Oceans,” as the MoD press center claims. included a hypothetical scenario of using a second Two nuclear-capable carriers “Admiral Kuznetsov” strategic wave of units from the Central Military and “Petr Velikii” have entered the operational zone District, previously transferred to the European part of the Russian Naval Force Grouping close to Syrian of Russia from beyond the Urals. It seems that Rus- shores. It means that Syria is highly likely to become Battleship! The strategic exercise ‘Kavkaz-2016,’ conducted in the North Caucasus region included a sian General Staff seriously considers the reality of a frontline between the two parties in the near future. hypothetical scenario of a second strategic wave of units from the Central Military District, previously transferred to the European part of Russia from beyond the Urals. It seems that Russian General Staff seriously considers the reality of a war taking place in the South Caucasus ongoing preparation for a counteroffensive - mas- BY DR. VAKHTANG MAISAIA sive cyber-attacks on Russian governmental servers and key information institutions, most likely media holdings controlled by the Kremlin. In addition to he recent processes in global politics that, the Kremlin has allegedly also ordered a strike have apparently gone above the heads against EU institutions by means of cyberwarfare of Georgian society, which of late is in an inforwar. interested only in petty local politics. In mid-October 2016, the European Parliament’s This is why Georgia is slowly disap- Foreign Affairs Committee created and adopted a Tpearing from the so-called international radar. How- resolution noting and condemning an aggressive ever, a new kind of geostrategic tsunami is gathering propaganda and information offensive on the pop- strength in the vicinity of Georgia – the Black Sea ulations of EU member states, as well as the increase geopolitical area, vitally important from the national in frequency of cyberwarfare attacks. By the above- security perspective. mentioned defi nition, this is a declaration of war The deterioration of relations between Russia and against Russia at the virtual level. This means that USA that has recently taken place points to a stale- a Cuban or Caribbean Crisis-like scenario is loom- mate in international processes that can affect Geor- ing ever closer. Moreover, the geoeconomic back- gia’s foreign policy provisions. In accordance with ground of the war is also clearly visible – economic the international law perspective and defi nition, sanctions and economic blockade proclaimed by “war in a legal sense occurs when two or more states the White House almost a year ago, including the offi cially declare that a condition of hostilities exists so-called Magnitsky List barring several Russian between them,” certainly, if one analyzes the condi- offi cials from the US and the Kremlin’s decision to tion of two great powers at the time being, one can counter-attack with economic sanctions of its own easily determine that Russia and USA have already also means a declaration or, at least, a threat of war declared a condition full of hostilities of geopoliti- between Russia and the USA. And at the last, geo- cal, geoeconomic and even geostrategic origin. strategic, level a war-game scenario is very likely to As for the legal sense, the ongoing war is a clear develop and can occur at any moment. indication and explanation of such relations between Russia has made dangerous steps towards curtail- the Russia and USA. This war was declared, para- ing what its leadership claims to be American aggres- doxically, not on land, sea or air, but in virtual space. sion against Russia. The 152nd Missile Brigade, pos- It happened when the Kremlin decided to employ sessing Iskander ballistic missiles (500 km range) a preemptive strike strategy and ordered its cyber- has been relocated to the town of Chernyakhovsk warfare units to attack the offi cial sites and webpages in Kaliningard Oblast, ready to reinforce the already of the US government and political parties. It is deployed 26th Missile Brigade in the same area. noteworthy that just several weeks before, Russian Additionally, the Kremlin is considering deploying President Vladimir Putin authorized and endorsed a motorized rifl e division armed with Iskander mis- the creation of a special service with direct subor- siles in Kamchatka, close to the Alaska State, repre- dination to Putin’s personal bodyguard and most senting a direct threat to American territory – with loyal supporter Army General Viktor Zolotov, head a nuclear strike capability to boot. of the National Guard. So appeared the Cyberwar- On October 18, the Russian State Duma ratifi ed an fare Department, intended to coordinate and execute agreement according to which Russia will be creat- information warfare against the Western community. ing a special army grouping in the occupied Georgia This also means that, essentially, Vladimir Putin territory of Abkhazia, at least 15 thousand strong holds leadership and command of the newly created and possessing tactical assault and defense arma- Armed Forces formation. It seems he has been suc- ments. According to some sources, the Russian MoD cessful so far: soon after the creation of the new has already deployed four sets of S-400 missile department, American cyberspace was targeted with defense systems in Abkhazia, aiming to create A2/ highly sophisticated attacks from an unknown enemy. AD area denial zones against possible NATO inter- Nevertheless, as soon as they occurred, the US state ference in the Black Sea area. In addition, the mili- special services – CIA, NSA and Cyber Command tary HQ currently stationed in Abkhazia also includes - blamed the Russians. Moreover, Vice President local separatist military formations (approximately Joe Biden announced in an interview with NBC the 5 thousand strong) and is ready to relocate and put GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS OCTOBER 28 - 31, 2016 The ABC of Diplomacy, or Flying Doctors

we can realistically imagine there is a receive treat- OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA helicopter pad. ment they are However, if we take into consideration obliged to travel the meteorological conditions with which to neighboring ccupied South Ossetia has the Java valley is connected with the Georgia. This decided to create its own main watershed range of the Caucasus, project, with airport, de-facto ruler of we can safely assume that this, too, is which they are the territory, Leonid quite unrealistic. It is hardly believable trying to attract Tibilov, announced last that the de-facto leader of the occupied our citizens to Oweek. territory is unaware of these geograph- Georgia, is fi nanced “We need an airport urgently and we ical nuances, which adds even greater by the West,” Tibilov them, the Red Cross is bringing two or are actively discussing this issue with intrigue to this strange initiative. told Vladislav Surkov, three patients from Tskhinvali to Tbilisi Moscow,” Tibilov told Tass news agency. It is no surprise that the policy of whom he met last week Ossetian government runs a on a daily basis. Treatment for these In general, transportation issues are medical diplomacy carried out by Offi - in Moscow. Surkov is the program which sends its citizens for people is free of charge and naturally nothing new in occupied Tskhinvali- the cial Tbilisi is already wielding positive personal adviser of Presi- medical treatment to different cities in the ordinary citizens living in these issue of the Roki tunnel was raised at results. In both the occupied territories dent Vladimir Putin on relations with Russia. However, these clinics have a occupied territories prefer to get free the beginning of this year. However, then, of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, people Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Ukraine. limit which regulates the number of assistance in Gori or Tbilisi rather than Moscow was able to soothe this demand are already openly speaking about the Why did Tibilov raise this airport issue patients from the so-called South Osse- travel thousands of kilometers to Saint- by promising increased subsidies on hospitality of Georgians and the health- now? What will the transfer of, for exam- tian territories that they are obliged to Petersburg or Moscow, where they can transportation to offi cials from Tskhin- care which is in compliance with Euro- ple, one or two Mi-24 helicopters change provide with assistance. This limit has only get limited (and expensive) treat- vali. Nevertheless, we are now witness- pean standards. Local offi cials even say for de-facto Tskhinvali when they have long expired and the Administration of ment. ing another impromptu – “an airport”. that “Georgians are reaching a goal which a long and cold winter ahead, most days Tskhinvali has a large debt which needs Even the government offi cials from The territory of occupied South Osse- they weren’t able to attain through weap- of which will be completely unsuitable to be paid back. Exactly because of this Tskhinvali prefer to send unhappy peo- tia is 3.8 thousand sq. km, running along- ons- through healthcare.” for fl ying? At a fi rst glance, the answer debt some of the Russian hospitals have ple to Tbilisi for treatment and put the side the river Liakhvi valley near the Exactly these arguments were presented would be – nothing. However, in reality, started refusing to give medical treat- money that is allocated for this from watershed range of the Caucasus. The by Tibilov in the Kremlin when he as Dmitry Sanakoyev, current Head of ment to South Ossetians. One such clinic Moscow directly into their pockets. only open space is the city of Tskhinvali demanded the creation of an “independ- the Provisional Administration of South is the hospital of Saint-Petersburg, which Simply put, the events taking place in itself, which is almost divided by the ent airport.” “There is only one highway Ossetia established in 2007 in the Geor- demands about RUB 5 million, (USD the occupied territories are developing occupational line. Given its geographi- connecting us with Russia. The road is gian-controlled territories of this sepa- 80-90,000),” said Sanakoyev. in favor of Tbilisi. Apparently, we are cal arrangement, talking about building damaged quite frequently and we have ratist region, says, by doing so Tibilov While Moscow and Tskhinvali are starting to learn the ABC of diplomacy any sort of serious airport infrastructure trouble getting medical assistance to is negotiating the decrease of their debt clarifying the issue of offsetting debt and are building our long-term strategy is comical. The only infrastructure that patients in need. Therefore, in order to with the Kremlin. “The so-called South and setting up “great aviation” between exactly on such controversies. GEORGIA TODAY OCTOBER 28 - 31, 2016 POLITICS 7 Rushing towards Amending the Constitution

BY LINCOLN MITCHELL

he election that occurred earlier this month demon- strated that elections and democracy are improving in Georgia, but it also rein- vigoratedT concerns about a pattern of one party dominance re-emerging. There were moments in the last four years when it seemed to many that Georgia could be moving towards a two party system. The simple fact of the United National Move- ment’s (UNM) survival, even despite arrests and indictments of several of their leaders, was unusual by recent Georgian standards and suggested that the Geor- gian Dream (GD) was not as committed to consolidating one party dominance as the UNM had been when they came to power in 2003-4. The recent election, however, raises questions about the future of multi-party politics in Georgia. This is not, as might initially be suspected, due to any efforts of the GD to fraudulently increase their margin of victory in the election. Almost all election monitors agreed that had not occurred. Rather, the failure of the UNM to grow beyond their base and of parties Georgian PM and leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party hugs ex-PM Ivanishvili. Source: AP like the Free Democrats and Republicans to take enough voters away from the GD, making the President appointed by par- sive constitutional theory. Nonetheless, reforming the Constitution and getting ish the single mandate seats altogether, contributed to electoral victory for the liament rather than directly elected by it has worked surprisingly well over the rid of an independent elected president, but they could also replace these single GD that, pending the outcome of the sec- the people, and defi ning marriage as being last few years. the GD is creating problems for them- mandate districts with larger multi-mem- ond round elections on October 30th, between a man and a woman. If you pro- President Giorgi Margvelashvili, who selves, and for Georgia. ber districts or even lower the party list could give the GD a constitutional major- grammed a computer to arrive at two was elected in 2013, has proven to be both The GD won an impressive victory in threshold. ity. If that happens the GD will have proposals that would be bad for Georgia a check on the government and a clear this election, one that is likely to be Signifi cantly, nothing the GD is trying enough votes in parliament not only to and damaging to the image the GD seeks voice for democracy, reform and human increased by the second round of elec- to do now is illegal or unconstitutional, pass more or less any law they want, but to project internationally, it probably rights in Georgia. Margvelashvili has been tions, but they have also benefi tted from nor have they committed fully to these to make changes to the Constitution as would have arrived at these two issues. able to serve this role partially because an electoral system that turns small mar- amendments. They won this election and well. The government has not affi rmatively of his political skill, but also because he gins of votes into medium sized differ- the election was generally viewed as free Given the likelihood that the GD will stated their commitment to making these is not responsible to anybody other than ences in seats, and in the case of this and fair. They benefi ted from opponents either have a constitutional majority or amendments and the Prime Minister has the voters. He is outside of the other election, medium sized vote margins into like the UNM that allowed themselves something very close, the question of suggested other approaches to amending political structures and has an independ- large differences in seats. Accordingly, to be captured by the personal ambitions what they will do with that majority is the Constitution. However, at this writing ent electoral base. That base was, of while the GD has the support of the peo- of former President Mikheil Saakashvili, very important. At the moment, there is it remains very possible that these two course, initially created for him by the ple, they do not enjoy quite the mandate the failure of like-minded parties like the some reason for concern. Shortly after amendments will be part of any consti- GD and its leader Bidzina Ivanishvili, but that their likely constitutional majority Free Democrats and the Republicans to the election, it was reported that the GD tutional changes. he has been able to put it to good use. suggests. In this context, it is hard to view run together and, in general, opponents was going to explore constitutional amend- A constitutional amendment defi ning If Parliament were to appoint both the the proposed change to the presidency who neither coordinated nor executed a ments that would focus on two issues: marriage as between a man and a woman Prime Minister and the President it would and the Constitution as anything other good strategy for the single mandate dis- would be a bad mistake for several rea- be dividing power among two executives than an attempt to consolidate power. tricts. The GD now fi nds itself pulled sons. First, it is never good to write dis- who do not differ in how or by whom Moreover, it is a move that originates between a natural urge to enjoy the spoils crimination into a constitution. The argu- they were elected. In that scenario, divid- with fear and weakness, not with the of a legal and fair election win and the ments in favor of this amendment are ing the power, even if only minimally, strength and confi dence that might be need to put short term political advantage fi rmly on the side of reaction and intoler- between the two Offi ce holders would expected from a party that just won such to the side and do what is best for the ance and have been discredited in many create confusion without any democratic a resounding election victory. Eliminat- longer term political development of the countries around the world, particularly or political rationale. ing the elected presidency suggests a fear country. This is a tough conundrum, but those that Georgia most admires. Second, Amending the Constitution in this man- of any powerful critical voices, rather it is clear that, at the very least, slowing The best way the as Georgia continues to move closer to ner would also be an unambiguous sign than a belief that the GD vision and pol- down on any constitutional reforms would Europe and becomes more integrated that the GD is trying to consolidate power icies can carry the day. be the right thing to do, and in the long GD could use into European economics and culture, and become not just the dominant, but The best way the GD could use their run would strengthen the GD, particularly public opinion in Georgia will change. essentially the only relevant political force likely constitutional majority to deepen internationally. their likely This is precisely why supporters of this in the country. The next presidential elec- Georgian democracy and help build a The Georgia Analysis is a twice monthly amendment want it in the Constitution, tion is currently scheduled for 2018. That genuine multi-party system would be to, analysis of political and other major develop- constitutional because they know time is not on their means that two years from now the Geor- at some point in the not too distant future, ments in Georgia. Lincoln Mitchell is a politi- side. Thus, if this amendment is passed gian people will have the opportunity, if tinker with the electoral system to close cal development, research and strategic majority to it will, in a few years, be out of synch with they so desire, to reign in the power of this discrepancy between votes and seats. consultant who has worked extensively in the Georgian public opinion and be a reminder the GD by electing somebody of a differ- One easy way to do this would be to abol- post-Soviet space. deepen Georgian of a less tolerant time for many Georgians. ent party or who is critical of the GD Third, given the efforts the Georgian leadership. Removing this option by democracy and government in undertaking to demon- changing the Constitution will make it strate to the west that it is genuinely easier for the GD to monopolize offi cial RENT YOUR DREAM help build a western in its outlook, it is not wise to political life in Georgia. pass an amendment that sends the precise In addition to possibly creating further APARTMENT IN TSKNETI genuine multi- opposite message to most western gov- obstacles on what has proven a very ernments as well as to the citizens of treacherous and winding road that may Very cosy one bedroom 75 sq.m apartment in Tbilisi area with spec- party system those countries. Georgia does not need or may not lead to a multi-party democ- tacular view over the mountains. its image in Europe or the US to be as racy, efforts to consolidate power like this Located in Tskneti, a prestigious, quiet, green and safe neighborhood would be to, at another country that has laws discrimi- send absolutely the wrong message to nating against LGBT people. This is a international actors and play directly into 15 minutes drive from the city center. The bright and sunny apartment some point in the particular problem for a country that the hands of the GD’s domestic critics. is newly furnished and comes with a fully equipped kitchen and bath- seeks to increase western tourism and Opponents of the GD are already darkly room. not too distant present itself as a culinary and cultural warning that after this election the GD Comfortable and stylish living-room, cozy bedroom with closet and hub. will tighten its one party grip on the king-sized bed. 20 sq.m terrace overlooking the mountains. Relax while future, tinker with Talk of amending the Constitution to country. Given the magnitude of the GD enjoying the view and unwind with a glass of wine on the balcony as make the president appointed by parlia- victory that is both a real concern and you watch the sun set. the electoral ment rather than directly elected by the perhaps even a political inevitability, it Parking & WiFi available. people is also problematic, albeit for dif- also may be an overstatement as, heated If you are looking for the perfect place to live, this is the apartment system to close ferent reasons. The Georgian Constitu- rhetoric notwithstanding, the GD spent tion, and the division of power between a lot less effort consolidating its power for you! this discrepancy the President and the Prime Minister is than its opponents would like to think. Only long-term residents should apply. an awkward construct, more the product Similarly, winning a big majority of seats Ideally suited for a couple or single. between votes of the ambitions of former President is not the same as undermining democ- and seats Mikheil Saakashviili than of any persua- racy. However, by quickly pushing for For more information contact: + 995 595279997 GEORGIA TODAY 8 POLITICS OCTOBER 28 - 31, 2016 Resetting Georgia-NATO Relations

Continued from page 4 towards NATO. Furthermore, Stolten- is easier said than done. Nevertheless, EU to Grant berg’s statement would help counter both sides need to determine how to solve UNANSWERED QUESTIONS Russia and Russian sympathizers in Geor- the issue of strategic patience. It should Undoubtedly, both NATO and Georgian gia who claim that: “We informed you also be stressed that questions such as offi cials are frustrated by the situation, Georgians all along that NATO was not when Georgia will receive a MAP will be since NATO’s words do not refl ect NATO’s ready to bring you in. You never believed asked repeatedly. deeds, while Georgia’s expectations have us and clung to the hope that the indeci- Fourth, NATO constantly praising Georgia EUR failed to materialize. The implicit veto sive Alliance would stick to the promise Georgian achievements (particularly in that Russia has over Georgia’s desire to it made at the Bucharest Summit back in Afghanistan) whilst at the same time join the Alliance hangs over that country 2008. It is time to face the facts.” pouring cold water on that country’s like the Sword of Damocles, despite expectations, confuse and exasperate repeated statements by western politi- TO START ANEW Georgians. Therefore, NATO offi cials cians and diplomats that Russia has no Several key points outlined below should need to be forthright. 30 mln such veto. be taken into consideration when deter- Fifth, European and American NATO Although Chancellor Angela Merkel, mining the best way to reset relations experts on strategic communications French President François Hollande and following the Warsaw Summit: First and should form a link between NATO, Geor- United States President Barack Obama foremost, Stoltenberg should state loudly gian offi cials and ordinary Georgians. said “no” to a Georgian MAP, European and clearly that a MAP is obligatory for This team of experts must have expertise NATO offi cials have kept a low profi le, Georgia. It is also of the utmost impor- in Georgian domestic, foreign and secu- failing to clearly articulate that Georgia’s tance that the North Atlantic Council rity policy and be capable of delivering chances of receiving a MAP were, and (NAC), as the principal decision-making concise and precise messages from NATO still are, very low. On the other hand, body of NATO, reinforces Stoltenberg’s to Georgia and back. They also need to American NATO offi cials have been more statement that a MAP is not just impor- be fl uent in Russian. This point is of forthcoming, since they have felt obliged tant but crucial for Georgia. Countries utmost importance, since the team should to be frank, blunt and less constrained by that receive a MAP are not simply Alli- debate NATO issues throughout Georgia, political correctness. ance aspirants, but offi cial candidates for not just in the capital, Tbilisi. It is up to There is no doubt whatsoever that the NATO membership. Thus, it is critical to NATO and Georgian offi cials to agree European leaders’ offi cial political cor- emphasize the linkage between a MAP whether or not one of the aims of this rectness hindered them when it comes and membership to Georgian offi cials team is to counter Russian anti-NATO to speaking clearly on this crucial issue. and the expert community in Georgia. propaganda, as well as some of Georgia’s At the same time, Georgian offi cials have Second, discussions in Georgia about political anti-NATO rhetoric. made a grave mistake by not challenging receiving a MAP should be toned down, is no guarantee that these suggestions Kvirikashvili at the Government meeting European NATO offi cials on the issue of de-politicized and the Georgian leader- will be seriously considered by either kashvili said. BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI a MAP or membership. On the other hand, ship should ultimately be sober-minded side. However, without a new impetus in “It underlines the signifi cance of estab- maintaining a calm and amicable position about the chances of Georgia quickly bilateral relations, Georgia has little chance lishing European-type governing institu- has not helped Georgia. In the end, their getting a MAP. of overcoming its impasse, while NATO’s tions in Georgia. Effort will be needed to offi cials are left with plenty of unanswered Third, there is a notion in Georgia that eternal lack of consensus will remain a newly allocated grant of ensure that all the requirements of the questions and thus have a diffi cult task “We Georgians are entitled.” As a result stumbling block. The only winner in this EUR 30 mln is to be given EU Association Agreement are dully met in trying to convey a clear message to of the country’s progress in following situation will be Russia. In the end, acri- to Georgia for the success- and that Georgia has governance that ordinary Georgians. NATO and EU guidelines in pursuing mony and accusations may fl y, but they ful implementation of the complies with European legislation, and various reforms and strengthening democ- do not help Georgia or NATO under the public management reform, involves each citizen in the governing DISAPPOINTMENT AND ANGER racy, Georgia feels that it deserves to get current, diffi cult circumstances. APrime Minister Kvirikashvili announced. and decision-making process,” he added. Bearing all this in mind, what can we NATO membership. This sense of enti- Kogan is a defense and security expert “Public Management is an integral part Kvirikashvili and the the Ambassador expect from Georgian offi cials after the tlement needs to be toned down. For affi liated with the Tbilisi-based Georgian of the four stage governmental reform of the EU to Georgia, Janos Herman, will Warsaw Summit? those impatient Georgians who live in Foundation for Strategic and International and support from the European Union discuss the details of the agreement dur- What Georgian leaders have to under- the shadow of a belligerent Russia, this Studies. is very important in this regard,” Kviri- ing a briefi ng scheduled for Friday. stand and acknowledge is that they were the ones who failed to revise their poli- cies and relations with NATO over the last eight years. Today, they urgently need not just revision, which is long overdue, but a whole new way of thinking, a new approach and fi nally, a new understand- ing with NATO. On the other hand, NATO is likely to be very reluctant to admit that its consistent open door policy towards Georgia has failed. Even so, NATO has to realize that its open door policy, which successfully brought Albania and Croatia into NATO in 2008 and which has recently led to Montenegro being invited to join, cannot be equaled by granting Georgia a MAP and ultimately bringing it into the Alliance. The decision to grant Georgia a MAP means that the Alliance is ready to defend Georgia against Russia, even though Georgia is not yet a member. The threat of Russia attacking Georgia cannot be underestimated and is very real. Defending Georgia remains the most diffi cult issue for the Alliance to unani- mously agree upon. NATO pursues a very cautious approach towards Russia, not because it is afraid of it but because it understands that confrontation with Rus- sia would require the support of the EU population, would be very costly and would create a heavy burden for the allied leaders to carry. These crucial points are neither explained nor understood in Georgia and, as a result, need to be con- veyed and explained at length to both Georgian politicians and ordinary Geor- gians alike. What is evident is that after the Warsaw Summit, both Georgian and NATO top offi cials need to sit down for a serious brainstorming session to iron out their differences on diffi cult issues and set out new guidelines for Georgia-NATO rela- tions. Transparency aside, certain parts of these new guidelines should be con- veyed to the Georgian public. They should receive a clear explanation as to why NATO has failed to bring Georgia into the Alliance over the last eight years. Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary General of the Alliance, should clearly state that: “Yes, Georgia is our closest partner but is not a member, since the Alliance lacks con- sensus on that issue.” Being honest with himself and with the Georgian public will help mitigate the feeling of betrayal and disenchantment that Georgians are currently feeling GEORGIA TODAY OCTOBER 28 - 31, 2016 POLITICS 9 In the Constitutional Majority We Trust

OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE

onstitutional Majority- this pair of words is the most overused and over- charged polit-lingual entry in today’s political vocabulary of Georgia. The talk about majority in general, and constitutionalC majority in particular, is presently big and bitter in the country. Technically, the word ‘majority’ is not diffi cult to comprehend but perception-wise it might take a lot of time and smarts to fi gure out. There are 150 deputies in our parliament and the majority is made up of seventy-six of them, which is called a simple majority: 75+1= 76. The so called constitutional majority, according to the current text of the main law of the land, is made of three fourths of the par- liamentary membership, which constitutes 113 members. This fi gure was constitutionally estab- lished with the only purpose to render practically impossible any further changes to the big document if it occurred to somebody to go against the will of the introducers of the ‘one-fourth’. The generic information has it that in most countries the fi gure is ‘two-thirds’. A majority is used for passing most of the laws to the liking of the extant majority, but its majesty, the constitutional majority, is meant for getting bigger jobs done, like alterations of the constitutional text or amendments to said text, if necessary. We could probably call the election results in Georgia a “trilateral democracy,” or democracy expressed in the will and act of three political par- ties, – one of them the ruling majority, the other what a salubrious democratic process is asking for comes the hard part: seventy-fi ve percent of the 50 constitutional majority, might use the newly acquired the minority and the third the mini-minority, so to in terms of nursing and maintaining it as part of state legislatures have six years to pass it, otherwise absolute power in its own interests. On the other speak. Well, this is better than nothing because the our public life. it will not happen. Here is an example: In 1946, hand, the self same ruling party has shown no incli- expectations concerning the new parliamentary If a relevant American paradigm would mean Congress passed and the president signed an amend- nation towards dictatorship in the last four years, forces were much more diversifi ed than this. Let anything when dwelling upon the issue of consti- ment to limit the presidency to two four-year terms. so the people’s trust in their anti-dictatorial char- us call it a surprise if nothing else. tutional majority, here it goes: the US House and/ By 1951, the required 75 percent of the state legis- acter is fi rm enough to have them give the major- But the bigger surprise is yet to come, and that or Senate can only do business if a majority of latures had passed it. Bingo: the XXII Amendment! ity of their votes to that party. is the constitutional majority to be won by the rul- members, called a quorum, are present in the This example won’t help us much in designing a Hopefully, the next four years of rule will remain ing party. This is exactly where the nation is split respective chamber. Changing the Constitution is more rational pattern for the main law, but it might, clean of the desire to usurp the entire political power on whether it is good or bad for the country. Hav- diffi cult. There are only 27 amendments, and 10 as a minimum, serve as an instance of practicality even if the constitutional majority is at their disposal. ing talked to some of the most reliable experts, I were adopted in the late 18th century. Any change in politics. In this case, any majority, be it simple or constitu- came to believe that a constitutional majority, in requires both the House and Senate to pass an There is of course suspicion that the ruling party, tional, is not going to be overly dangerous for our its classic understanding of the term, is not quite amendment and the president to sign it. Then which is in a couple of days is expected to win the budding democracy. Maybe even the contrary! European Parliament Calls on EU Council to Start Negotiations over Georgia’s Visa-Liberalization

BY THEA MORRISON

uropean Parliament's Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee (LIBE) has sent a letter to European Chair country Slovakia, requesting they start negotiations over Geor- gia’s visa-liberalization without further delay. EP Members (MEPs) are calling on the Council to start trilateral negotiations "as soon as possible, ideally in early November." EAccording to the European Parliament, Georgia has fulfi lled all obligations undertaken under the Visa Liberalization Action Plan (VLAP) which includes four blocks of benchmarks related to document security, including biometrics; border management, migration and asylum; public order and security; and external relations and fundamental rights. Moreover, in their letter, the MEPs disagree with the decision of EU Council, according to which the three-party talks should not begin until an agreement on a “suspension mechanism” is reached. The Committee of Permanent Representatives in the European Union (COREPER) agreed to engage in fi nal discussions about Georgia’s visa-free travel to the European Union (EU) in early October. The decision came after members of the LIBE voted in favor of opening inter-institutional negotia- tions on Georgia’s visa waiver proposal– a legislative procedure in which the European Parliament enters into negotiations on a legislative proposal with other EU institutions, including the European Council, whose approval is also required for the visa-liberalization to enter into force. The Council approved the Commission’s proposal to allow Georgian citizens to travel in the Schen- gen Zone without visas for a stay of 90 days in any 180-day period. However, the European Council has the view that Georgia’s visa-liberalization should come into effect at the same time as the "suspension mechanism”. The “suspension mech- anism” makes it easier for member states to highlight circumstances which might lead to a suspension, by enabling the Commis- sion to trigger the mecha- nism on its own initiative, and by tasking the Com- mission to send an annual report to the European Parliament and Council on the extent to which visa-exempt third coun- tries continue to meet the necessary criteria. European parliament building. Source: edu.hstry.co GEORGIA TODAY 10 POLITICS OCTOBER 28 - 31, 2016 Holy C**p: Ogden on the Pope, Russia & Georgian Sentiment

sworn to a life of celibacy could give OP-ED BY TIM OGDEN meaningful relationship advice beyond 'Be a good wife, it's written in the book that you should be'. I could be wrong; n the whole I've nothing perhaps the Georgian priestly academy particularly against faith is a combination of monastery, the Inter- and the belief in life after national School of Economics, and the death. While I personally Dr. Phil show. hope that the afterlife I would be prepared to bet that most resemblesO something like the Viking Georgians, offhand, could not say what notion of Valhalla, I don't particularly the major differences between Catholi- mind if some devout Georgians would cism and Orthodoxy might be, and that prefer it to be an everlasting supra with the anger felt by Georgian conservatives their families; to each their own. So, Bebo stems from the fact that the Pope rep- (the Georgian for 'grandmother'), you resents a foreign entity rather than a enjoy listening to endless toasts about different religious doctrine. Religion and your family given by your late grandfa- culture are so historically entwined in ther, I'll be in the next fi eld spearing my Georgia, a perceived threat against one celestial enemies and then rolling around is seen as endangering the other. on the grass with big busted Valkyries. It seems that anti-West is synonymous (I hope there's not a hell, but if there is with pro-Russia, hence the election of the I imagine it would resemble something Alliance of Patriots into Parliament in this like an eternal debate between Hillary month's election. Growing apathy and Clinton and Donald Trump, or reading an disenchantment with the West is some- endless version of one of those insane and thing I can well understand, but pro-Rus- nonsensical posts from that chap Winston sian sentiment from Georgians is far beyond Davison or whoever the hell he is.) me. Some Georgians, it appears, have I have, however, never been foolish selective memories of their history; the enough to confuse religion with belief 2008 war, the Abkhaz confl icts of the 1990s, in God. I feel I should point out that the 1989 Tbilisi massacre, the Soviet occu- while this is indeed a problem that affects pation, and Russia's failure to aid Georgia Georgia, my adopted homeland is not against its Muslim enemies in the 1800s alone in its affl iction, and at least hard- despite military assistance being the chief core Orthodox Christians can be trusted CARTOON: Brian Patrick Grady term on which Georgia was incorporated not to start terrorist groups and fl y planes Catholocism, but it is likely it has far understanding of their faith) the differ- Georgians I've met have claimed to read into the Muscovite empire...NATO and through buildings and put bombs on more to do with the increasing anti- ences between Catholicism and Ortho- the Bible, and from hearing that those the EU might not have lived up to their buses. European sentiment in the country. doxy matter little and less. After all, both who say they do go to speak to their promises yet, but a little Western hesitancy However, the Orthodox fervour in I feel that I should also say that on a are branches of the same religion, both priests have gone to seek advice about pales in comparison to Russia's relations Georgia has become stronger and more personal level, I don't see what all the believe in Jesus, and since it is from him matters such as relationships, fi nance with Georgia. worrying recently, as the national reac- fuss is about. Were it a Muslim imam that Christianity takes its name and the and employment. Perhaps if the EU sticks to its word and tion to the visit of Pope Francis showed. coming to preach in a stadium, I might beliefs are fundamentally the same, you'd I can understand one going to a priest grants Georgia visa liberalization with The old schism between the Orthodox see the point of any protesting angry think that Christians might be able to for clarifi cation on matters of faith, or the continent in January it would go and the Catholic churches was ostensi- Georgians who have a rather mixed (put- rub along well enough without too much perhaps with understanding a tricky some way to restoring Georgians' opin- bly the reason behind the demonstrations ting it mildly) history with Islam, but to hassle. passage of the Bible. I cannot see how a ion of the West, but whatever happens, against Pope Francis' visit to Georgia, the layman (and from what I've seen, I My doubt about Georgian church-goers' priest could do a better job in advising I would love for someone to explain to as they claimed that the Pope was intend- can't help but think that even church- knowledge of their religion stems from people about fi nance than TBC Bank me exactly how Putin's Russia would be ing to convert Orthodox Georgians to going Georgians have only the most basic the fact that few traditionally-minded employees, nor can I see how a man a better partner for our country.

BUSINESS Presenting Planta - the Largest Greenhouse in Georgia

BY THEA MORRISON

n Wednesday, Georgia’s Co-Investment Fund (GCF) presented the larg- est greenhouse complex in the country - Planta. TheO complex is another successful invest- ment project administered by the GCF, implemented in cooperation with the French Richel Group and Dutch Com- pany Certhon. The greenhouse is located in Garda- bani, Kakheti region, and its fi rst stage, which envisaged developing the green- house complex on an area of 4.4 hectares, was fi nalized in 2015. More than 10 mil- lion GEL was initially invested in the project. Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and gov’t offi cials at Planta- the largest greenhouse Co-investment Fund plays an important “This is a clear example of using exist- complex in Georgia The second stage was implemented in role in developing local industry and ing opportunities, including the Free 2016 and the complex was extended to technologists and biologists supervising producing 2000 tons of goods per year fostering employment opportunities. Trade Agreement with the European 12 hectares, which enabled the complex the working process. The high quality but since increasing the greenhouse area, “I am very glad that an agricultural Union, to increase local investment and to triple its production. The investment products grown in the greenhouse com- annual production capacity is now enterprise of such high quality exists in employment opportunities,” said Kviri- of the project was increased to USD 22.2 plex carry the trademark of Planta. It is expected to exceed 6000 tons. Georgia today," the Prime Minister stated, kashvili. million. the only exporter of cucumber in Geor- The Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi adding that the production of Planta, 146 local residents are currently Planta greenhouse is equipped with gia, exporting large quantities to the Kvirikashvili, and other government which meets European standards, will employed at the enterprise but this is modern technologies and has experi- Russian Federation. offi cials visited the complex on Wednes- be sold on the local market and will also expected to increase to 250 by the end enced Dutch and French agro engineers, This greenhouse complex has been day. Kvirikashvili noted that Georgia’s be exported. of the year.

GEORGIA TODAY 12 BUSINESS OCTOBER 28 - 31, 2016 World Bank: Georgia among Top Reformers in Doing Business TBC Bank Group Becomes the Owner of KOPENBUR Insurance Company

BUR, as a new and re-branded insur- BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI ance company, becomes a major partner for TBC Bank, while the group also plans to expand its service portfolio by BC Bank Group has signed adding new insurance products: travel an agreement with insur- insurance, credit line, life insurance, ance company KOPEN- business property and loan insurance BUR, becoming its 100% to its spectrum. shareholder in a decision The new insurance company will be madeT by the TBC Bank Group accord- oriented towards the retail market and ing to their strategy for diverse fi nancial services for physical entities. TBC Bank services and varied products to offer plans to reach 25% of the market, the clients. fi rst investment to be up to 8 million The re-branding of KOPENBUR is GEL for the upgrade of the company planned for the upcoming months, with capital and its technological develop- clients able to use the insurance com- ment. pany’s products from the New Year. KOPENBUR currently employs almost Continued from page 1 an electricity network remote monitor- lights that Georgia made paying taxes KOPENBUR was set up in 2014 with 100 professionals who will continue to ing system for the monitoring of outages easier by abolishing an additional annex a focus on car insurance, holding 9% of work under the experienced manage- The report revealed that Georgia has and introducing penalties on the Utility to corporate income tax returns and by the market, according to the data from ment of Paata Ghadzadze - Deputy improved its positions in several areas for excessive outages. improving the effi ciency of the online June 30. Director of TBC Bank and David Kigu- compared to the report of the previous As for registering property, the WB system used for fi ling VAT returns. Following the acquisition, KOPEN- radze, who has previously worked as a year, now in the 16th position among 190 report says that globally, Georgia stands Moreover, Georgia stands at 54 in the director for numerous TBC Bank-owned countries. Last year Georgia’s overall at 3 in the ranking of 190 economies on ranking of 190 economies on the ease of companies in Azerbaijan and Georgia, position in this raking was 23. the ease of registering property, preced- trading across borders. According to the in addition to the experience of manag- According to the report, globally, Geor- ing its neighbor countries in the region. previous report, Georgia stood at 62 in ing one of the leading insurance com- gia stands at 8 in the ranking of 190 “Georgia improved the quality of land the ranking. DB 2017 underlines that this panies in the country. economies on the ease of starting a busi- administration by increasing coverage year Georgia made export and import “We will primarily focus on the devel- ness. The WB notes that in 2012, Georgia of all maps for privately held land plots documentary compliance faster by opment of retail business. TBC Bank simplifi ed business start-ups by elimi- in the main business city,” the report improving its electronic document pro- The group plans gives an excellent opportunity for that, nating the requirement to visit a bank reads. cessing system, as well as introducing which most importantly means intro- to pay registration fees. The report also Georgia stands at 7 in the ranking of an advanced electronic document sub- to expand its ducing new products and providing bet- found that in Georgia women could start 190 economies on the ease of getting mission option. ter service offerings to our clients, for a business in the same way as men. credit, the same position as the previous Georgia stands at 16 in the ranking of service portfolio which TBC is already well-known. We As for the dealing with construction year. However, the report says that Geor- 190 economies on the ease of enforcing aim to have the best service and product permits, Georgia stands at 8 in the rank- gia improved its credit information sys- contracts, slightly improving its position. by adding new that our clients can fully benefi t from,” ing, preceding Armenia, Turkey and tem by implementing a new law on per- According to DB 2016, Georgia made said Vakhtang Butskhrikidze TBC Bank Azerbaijan. According to the report, in sonal data protection. enforcing contracts easier by introduc- insurance CEO during the press conference to 2016 Georgia made dealing with con- According to WB, Georgia is in 7th ing an electronic fi ling system for court introduce the recent acquisition. struction permits easier by reducing the position on the strength of minority users. products: travel According to Paata Ghadzadze by time needed for issuing building permits. investor protection index, which is a The report says that well-functioning becoming the 100% shareholder of According to data collected by Doing huge step forward, as it held position 22 insolvency systems can facilitate access insurance, credit Kopenbur, TBC Bank will be better able Business, Georgia is in the 39th position in this category last year. to fi nance, save more viable businesses to accommodate for complex insurance on ease of getting electricity. Last year “Georgia strengthened minority inves- and sustainably grow the economy. Geor- line, life policies as required by its clientele, not Georgia held 65th position in this cate- tor protections by increasing shareholder gia stands at 106 in the ranking, without only specially tailored to their needs gory. The report underlines that in 2013 rights and role in major corporate deci- having made any progress in this fi eld, insurance, but also designed to be less time con- Georgia made getting electricity easier sions and by clarifying ownership and as last year, it was in the 101st position. suming and extremely client-friendly. by simplifying the process of connecting control structures,” the DB 2017 report Doing Business 2017 presents the indi- business property At the same time this transaction fully new customers to the distribution net- reads. cators, analyzes their relationship with complies with the group’s fi nancial work and reducing connection fees and As for the category of paying taxes, economic outcomes and presents busi- and loan strategy to expand its area of fi nancial in 2016 the government increased the Georgia is in the 22nd position, up from ness regulatory reforms. The report is services and make the company more reliability of power supply by rolling out 35 in the DB 2016 report. DB 2017 high- based on the data of June 1, 2016. insurance attractive to the investors. PASHA Bank to Sponsor TMG 2016 – Telecom Meetings in Georgia experiences and make new connections. visit TMG every year in order to business events in future,” said Goga Among the participants are mobile and strengthen the existing contacts with Japaridze, Commercial Director and fi xed line operators, internet providers local operators and to seek new oppor- Member of the Board of Directors at and manufacturers of various telecom tunities. PASHA Bank Georgia. equipment, such as LINX Telecom (Neth- “It is the second year that PASHA Bank “PASHA Bank is sponsoring our event erlands), Apelby Communications (Czech is sponsoring TMG, once again under- for the second year. Considering the or the second consecutive year, gia (TMG) have acted as an important Republic), PCCW Global (Hong Kong), lining our desire to support the develop- Bank’s strategy to support those projects PASHA Bank is to sponsor platform for around 100 representatives OTEGLOBE (Greece), Turkcell Super- ment of local business and economy. We aimed at development and growth of the Telecom Meetings in Georgia, of medium and large sized enterprises online (Turkey) and other telecom sec- hope the meetings will contribute to the country’s economy, we are more than a two-day annual event that from Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and tor players. development of the country’s telecom happy that TMG 2016 is among those will take place on October Europe. There has been a growing interest industry. Considering our focus on cor- projects and PASHA Bank sees its impor- 26-27.F TMG is an important event for both towards the region recently, which is porate business development, we are tance,” said Sophie Amiranashvili, organ- Since 2010, Telecom Meetings in Geor- local and international operators to share why, the above-mentioned companies willing to continue supporting similar izer of TMG 2015. GEORGIA TODAY OCTOBER 28 - 31, 2016 SOCIETY 13 Doing Doors: Etseri, Svaneti

lengths, so I made a special Saturday trip BY TONY HANMER to Zugdidi, public transport from our village being the cheapest and most con- venient way to do this, and ordered them, building project up here in paid, picked them up, and delivered them the middle of nowhere can home. be a daunting prospect, Then began a lengthy welding process, where materials, skilled for which my "puny" 400 GEL welding labor and equipment might machine was inadequate; another neigh- Abe few and very far between. Take my bor's ancient, heavy monster one was garage. My father in law and brother in called for, one which takes so much law came about 600 km from Kakheti to electricity that they had to wire it straight build its walls; not because no one else into the house mains. What a saga! could, of course, but just to help us out. The builder even made a platform of The roof was added a year later, by two logs and planks at working height so he local men who have "putting in two small could weld in comfort without having windows" as part of their agreed role; to bend to the ground; he and his uni- we’re still waiting a year later, despite versity-age son did the lifting while I much pleading. was out. I returned, and two huge, pon- But the doors... two big main ones derously weighty main doors were through which I'll drive the 4x4, and a assembled, leaving us (me, at least) to small personal one? The sheet steel and consider how we would move them into other components for them I bought in position for the critically accurate step Zugdidi, 110 km below us, about two of welding the doors, hinges and frame years ago, following my father in law's to each other. instructions. There's a big metal bazaar The son left for Tbilisi; he's about to there. The only thing is, you have to buy start a uni course in Ukraine. So I asked things in certain minimum amounts. If a couple of other neighbor lads to help you want a 6 mm thick steel sheet of a with the remaining heavy work. They particular size, cut, you have to buy the soon appeared. perhaps several square meters extra Lift onto concrete blocks; lever, wedge, which it came from; they don't store and stabilize; rinse and repeat, getting ever sell off-cuts, more's the pity. It can get closer to the level in all three dimen- gone before, but I could see myself get- inside, so that these doors can't be Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since expensive! Now we want to have the sions, and fi xing each door there. It was ting this, too, badly wrong, and ending unlocked at all from outside; my idea, 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a thing lockable, before the onset of yet a good demonstration of using mechan- up with two doors fi xed and unable to but he agreed that it was useful because, weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He another winter, so we can, you know, ical advantage to do jobs both much too move at all, or welded to each other, or after all, the main lock can be on the runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook PUT stuff into it. heavy and too exacting for one or two some other such travesty. In my work- smaller, person-size door. Which we'll group, now with over 1350 members, at So the doors' designer and builder are people alone, brains winning over brawn. man's hands it went smoothly; or at least get to once my wife and I return from a www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- separated by about 600 km and two years. I was impressed; he's clearly done this if anything went awry and needed him few days' trip to her people in Kakheti. sance/ Would things still line up? More or less; many times before! to repair it, he coolly kept this knowledge And THEN... not only the car, but a whole He and his wife also run their own guest house the builder decided that we were short Welding four hinges into place seemed from me, which was also fi ne. houseful of tools will have its permanent in Etseri: a few 90-degree angle irons of various almost trivial compared to what had just He added a mechanical lock from the home! www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti GEORGIA TODAY 14 SOCIETY OCTOBER 28 - 31, 2016 Games for Peace, Melting Ice between People Living in Frozen Confl icts both sides think about such small details, ing Minecraft, a well-known internet strong team, though apart and able to the peace resolution between us will be game, which is popular among youngsters see each other only through the screen, To break confl ict-related stereotypes much more effective,” Kalandarishvili around the world. it really amused me. Not being able to between divided parts of society, tech said. To break the confl ict-related stereo- talk each other's languages, they tried specialists from Elva Community Sandor Koles, a Hungarian-born soci- types between the divided parts of soci- to use a "third" language that only they Engagement developed an online game ologist and Senior Advisor to the Buda- ety, tech specialists from Elva Commu- could speak and understand,” she said. named Peace Park that connects peers from across the dividing lines. Source: Elva pest based International Center for nity Engagement, in cooperation with Yet Sandro Asatiani, coordinator of a Democratic Transition (ICDT), who has the European Union and UNDP in Geor- new media and technology master pro- carried out a number of peacebuilding gia, developed an online game named gram at Georgia’s Institute of Public are unable to return to their homes which projects across Eastern Europe, empha- Peace Park that connects peers from Affairs (GIPA), emphasizes that although BY TAMAR SVANIDZE they were forced to leave after the wars. sized that to build trust it is important across the dividing lines, with the goal virtual reality has its advantages in bring- Following the collapse of the Soviet to break through the mental borders of transforming them into peace brokers. ing together a divided part of society, Union in the early 1990s, this small coun- dividing separated parts of society, and Nino Nanitashvili, Country Manager giving them the chance to go and see decade ago if someone had try of 3 million people suffered a number equally important to change the narra- of Elva, emphasized that the aim of the different places, and meet with different mentioned that internet of civil wars which left thousands of tive from confl ict to cooperation. project was to overcome political, geo- people without restrictions, at the same games and new technolo- people homeless and about 20 percent “If people see that they are similar and graphical and even verbal barriers time it runs the risk of spreading a vast gies would be an effective of its territory occupied. understand each other's motivations and between youngsters who have had little amount of “dis-information” potentially way to build trust between Nino Kalandarishvili, Chair of the Board attitudes, we have made the fi rst steps communication with each other over damaging to the peacebuilding process. Aconfl icting parts of society, it would have of the Institute for the Study of Nation- towards building confi dence, which leads the last 20 years. “People are not always nice enough to been akin to science fi ction. alism and Confl icts (ISNC) emphasizes us to the next step, which is fi nding com- “Participants of the project were born use technologies to make the world a But today it is a reality, with internet that negative narratives and propaganda mon practical themes and issues around after the civil war between Georgians better place to live in,” Asatiani says. being actively used to diminish physical from both sides have created an infor- which the people can start to cooperate and Abkhaz. Their perception of and “Internet is uncontrolled and a perfect borders between divided parts of society mational vacuum between communities, with each other,” Koles said, highlight- attitudes towards each other were based means to spread any kind of information and make it easier to fi ll the information causing them to lose trust in each other ing that, together with physical barriers, on stories which they had heard from or propaganda which can aggravate the gap between communities in confl ict, who as they perceive their own version of in many cases mutual mistrust is a psy- the older generation, narratives which confl ict rather than solve it. We should often know very little about each other. reality, where very often information is chological obstacle, a mental border are mostly negative. Our goal was to be very careful when using the internet At least two decades have passed since either out of date or feeds a common which prevents the two disputing parts create a positive experience and positive as a tool for peace promotion.” ethnic confl icts broke out between Geor- narrative disseminated by more vocal from communicating. narratives between Georgian and Abk- The participants of the project, how- gia and its two breakaway regions Abk- parts of society. Today, the internet has changed peace haz peers,” Nanitashvili said. ever, see things in a positive way. “Dec- hazia and South Ossetia. Today, this “From 2012 the Georgian Government building approaches and organizations Lana, a facilitator of the Gali team in a ades have passed since Georgians and confl ict remains “frozen,” which means changed the narrative and policy toward focused on confl ict resolution projects town located between Georgia and its Abkhaz people lost faith in each other. there are no clear military activities, but its breakaway regions and is now focused often use the internet as a tool to con- breakaway region of Abkhazia, believes I think it’s time to start rebuilding the the territories are still occupied, admin- on trust building. The Ministry of Rein- nect people from different sides with that games which are separated from broken bridge. If we don’t start, the right istrative borders are drawn between tegration became the Ministry of Rec- different backgrounds. arguments and politics should ‘defi nitely’ time for it will never come. I believe now Georgia and its breakaway territories, onciliation and Civil Equality. Such tiny Two years ago a group of Georgian and be used for peacebuilding between those is the time to start rebuilding peace people lack free movement inside the details in the trust building process make Abkhaz teenagers participated in a pro- parts of society not on speaking terms. between us,” said project participant country and internally displaced persons a lot of sense. And if youngsters from ject which aimed to build trust by play- “When I saw how they played as a Keti Evsia from Zugdidi. Genuine Brazilian Cuisine in the Heart of Tbilisi

offered his help. His career as a chef BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES took off from there and now he spends his time traveling around the world opening restaurants and training staff he fi rst of its kind in Geor- in the Brazilian way. He has so far opened gia, and headed by restaurants in Italy, London, Scotland, renowned Brazilian chef the USA, Ukraine and now Georgia. Luiz Alberto Chimello- who Rio the Brazilian Grill has already has a plethora of restaurants seen the elite of Tbilisi society pass- Tunder his belt- seven in London alone, ing through its doors- from the Bra- Rio the Brazilian Grill opened just three zilian Ambassador himself to various weeks ago. government offi cials, models and TV Luiz’s inspiration? His mother’s kitchen. personalities. Yet the restaurant is “I miss my mother very much,” he says. also aiming to cater for other segments “She was an incredible woman- so tal- of society- with the Tbilisi State Uni- ented, so professional, so creative. She versity just one block away, Rio is never needed a recipe book. Cooking offering the student population a 10 was my fi rst love- it is my life.” % discount on meals. The deal for all A fi ve year stint working in a bank is “come hungry and eat all you can” confi rmed his life choice and he took of the set price buffet: soups, daily himself to Italy in 2005, where he hap- fresh salads, a cheese assortment, and pened upon a Brazilian restaurant and a variety of hot and cold dishes- includ- ing the famed Brazilian Grilled Pine- black bean ‘Feijoada’- “They just won’t their opinion. So far we’ve been getting apple with Cinnamon and Churrasco go for it,” he says. top reviews and ‘5-star’ ratings.” a Rodizio, already very popular with Presentation is everything- and each Amir and his father Amin, from Iran, the Georgian clientele. dish, from fresh buffet salad to spit-roast, became interested in Brazilian cuisine “They come for an original experience,” appears against a backdrop as colorful from their experiences in China and the Chef says. “And we give it to them- I and energetic as the Brazilians them- Ukraine. They fi rst heard about Chef don’t compromise on that.” selves. Luis in Kyiv. You will fi nd no fusion dishes in Rio “We are a happy people,” the Chef tells The only feature lacking in Rio right – just pure Brazilian tastes, smells and me. “Always smiling. That is how it must now is a live Brazilian band. sounds. be in every restaurant; that is how it is “We’re looking,” Amir says. “But before “All the meat comes from Georgia- the here.” that we’ll have a few well-known Brazil- beef, chicken, pork and lamb. The ingre- And certainly the staff were very atten- ian singers coming- we’ll let you know dients here are just right. Every day at tive, friendly and smartly dressed. The the line-up soon. For now, it’s a secret!” Rio restaurant we offer around 15 meat restaurant features a blend of homely Our advice? Give Rio a try this week- dishes- pork & parmesan, chicken with and contemporary- equal parts wood end. Not only will you leave full, but bacon, lamb chops...all presented just and glass, with high ceilings and a cozy you’ll take away a little piece of that so.” mezzanine. Brazilian warmth and positivity, too. Chef Luiz admires the Georgians and “Since opening two weeks ago we have says he has enjoyed training them. The been giving each of our customers feed- 8 Napareuli Street, Vake only challenge he has faced so far is try- back forms to fi ll in before they go,” Amir, 591 68 00 02 ing to get Georgians to like the famous son of the owner, told me. “We value Open: 12:00PM - 2:00AM GEORGIA TODAY OCTOBER 28 - 31, 2016 SOCIETY 15 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL: A Georgian Make- up Artist Prepares for Halloween creative, but at the same time precise: where you can express yourself, and it one tiny mistake can ruin the look. Get- has nothing to do with something evil, ting it right takes practice. as is often thought in Georgia. I don’t watch horror movies at all, but HOW DO YOU SEE I think scary makeup goes wonderfully YOURSELF IN THE FUTURE: with Halloween. A PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP ARTIST OR A LAWYER? DO YOU HAVE A STUDIO? I don’t know… I think make-up is still I use my own room in my apartment, my hobby, a second profession maybe. where I have loads and loads of material, There are so many lawyers in Georgia, a mirror and everything I need. My fam- and the competition is so high- you have ily is hugely supportive. I prefer buying to really be a top professional in the fi eld make-up equipment and material to to succeed. I’m often told I have to have spending my money on clothes. I buy another profession, too. For some it will everything online, to be sure it’s the exact sound funny for a lawyer or judge to also quality I need. There’s only one shop I Tina Shalikashvili’s Halloween Makeup be a make-up artist, but I don’t think it’s use locally. impossible. I think there’s nothing shame- I’m focused on my studies at the Free my childhood, that’s why I already knew ful in having additional income. BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF University Faculty of Law, Tbilisi, which the basics of it. Youtube videos are YOU RECEIVED AN OFFER takes up a lot of my time. I really have to extremely helpful and I watch a lot of DO YOU HAVE ANY TO WORK AS A MAKE-UP study hard, but the make-up side is becom- them. Make-up is a hugely popular trend OTHER HOBBIES? ARTIST ON A MOVIE SET? ith Halloween just ing increasingly important to me- so I in the world right now, but not in Geor- I love painting and singing. I admire That would be great! I don’t have much around the corner, often study at night and practice make-up gia, unfortunately, people who are extraordinary and do experience yet, but having a chance to GEORGIA TODAY during the day. I often fi nd myself lacking not allow themselves to be stuck in a work as an assistant to someone would got in touch with up- in sleep! WHAT DREW YOU TO box of limitation. I often go out to see be wonderful! and-coming make-up HALLOWEEN MAKEUP exhibitions and art events. artist,W Tinna Shalikashvili, 19, who is gain- HAVE YOU ENROLLED ON SPECIFICALLY? DO YOU PLAN TO PURSUE ing popularity with her horrifying makeup ANY TRAINING COURSES Probably my love of everything extraor- WHAT DOES HALLOWEEN YOUR STUDIES IN MAKE-UP? transformations through her private FOR MAKE-UP? dinary and different… I like to do things MEAN TO YOU? Yes! Defi nitely! There’s a make-up school hobby-studio “Make-up By Tinnash.” No. I don’t think it’s necessary; I would according to my own tastes, indepen- At the age of three, I started studying in Hollywood I would love to study at say you can learn through practice and dently. In regular make-up you are lim- English and our teacher always made and my mom supports me in that. But WHY AND HOW DID the Internet is an enormous resource for ited to the choice of the palette, whereas Halloween parties for us kids, and we studies fi rst, and maybe make-up for the YOU DECIDE TO GET INTO that. Of course, it’s important to know Halloween make-up has no boundaries always dressed up, so Halloween for me future. I still have time… THEATRICAL MAKE-UP? the structure of the human face and appli- and you’re free to improvise, to do is associated with happy childhood Check our Tinna’s Facebook page to At the moment it’s more like a hobby as cation techniques. I’ve been drawing since whatever you would like to do. It’s very memories and warmth. It’s a celebration see more of her horrifying creations!

CULTURE Georgian Magazine ‘Arril’ Showcases Italian Characters and Masterpieces

BY MAKA LOMADZE

n October 24, the Georgian National Library hosted the presentation of a spe- cial issue of the monthly Georgian literary-societal Omagazine ‘Arril’ dedicated to Italy and the 70th year of its being a republic. The issue was made with the coopera- tion of the Italian Embassy in Georgia with the intention of tightening relations the two nations. It speaks about the Ital- ian genius and offers an imaginary jour- ney from Dante to Umberto Eco, from Dario Fo, recipient of a Nobel Prize in Literature, to fi lm director Pasolini. It features Cesare Pavese’s poetry, trans- lated into Georgian for the fi rst time, as Levan Berdzenishvili, philologist, writes founder of “Slow Food,” says that those well as music, gastronomy, architecture an article about Dante in which he presents who think cooking is not art are totally and history – an ample gallery of char- Dante’s hell in a jovial way, seeing positiv- mislead. His idea of eating without haste acters and masterpieces. ity in Dante’s ability to remain alive amidst was born in philosophical and somehow The Ambassador of Italy, Antonio his own hell. “This is a country of design, hedonistic talks, but reached the level Enrico Bartoli, said: “After World War beauty, football, splendid authors and of art. Two, the Republic of Italy was born. In more,” Berdzenishvili said of Italy. “It is Arril also presents famous Fernanda the referendum, for the fi rst time, Italian also a country of paradoxes. In 2002, the Pivano, translator, who translated women were entitled to take part. The BBC held a TV survey – 100 best Britons, Faulkner, Fitzgerald and others to Ital- monarchy was defeated. There is some which included the likes of Winston ians. similarity between our two countries– Churchill and Lady Di. In the Italian ver- The publishers do not forget the Ital- Italy and Georgia are both ancient nations, sion of this list, Italians said that there was ian architects either, who have contrib- but quite young republics. By publishing no place for Garibaldi or Victor Emanuel uted a lot to Tbilisi – the most European Read. Learn. Enjoy. this issue [of Arril], we were particularly in the top ten because the fi rst place capital of the Caucasus – in creating its interested in what Georgians think about belonged to Leonardo Da Vinci. The sec- unique air, giving it a multicultural and Pick up a copy of Georgia Today Education Italy. This is about the past of Italy, but ond position went to Giuseppe Verdi. Italy multifaceted character - names like it also implies a vision of the future. always prefers form to content, with a Scudiere, Moret, Fuksas. at any BIBLUS shop or phone 229 59 19 Seventy years ago, Italy was reborn. The special attitude to life, wine, women, The issue ends, but this is only the restored freedom and new republic was beauty… If there were any contests between start of such bilateral relations between followed by abrupt political, economic, the states, I think Italy deserves to be a Georgia and Italy. “We have to develop social and cultural progress. The Octo- champion country in all aspects!” he added. our capacities via talent, love and friend- ber issue of Arril showcases this.” In this issue of Arril, Carlo Petrini, ship,” said the Ambassador. Price: 2 Gel GEORGIA TODAY 16 CULTURE OCTOBER 28 - 31, 2016 CinéDoc 2016 Hearts Beating as One: Libby Concludes in Tbilisi Skala on the 3 Amazing Women that Inspired Her

BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI

ibby Skala returned to the GIFT International Arts Fes- tival in Tbilisi with her new show -Felicitas this week- tell- ing the story of her aunt, a midwifeL who escaped the Nazi regime BY ZYGIMANTAS KAPOCIUS in Austria and immigrated to America to start a new life there.

etween October 21 and 25, TELL US HOW ALL OF IT the Georgian capital hosted STARTED AND WHY YOU the fourth edition of the only DECIDED TO MAKE A TRILOGY international documentary With a diverse ABOUT YOUR FAMILY? fi lm festival in the Caucasus line-up of 45 fi lms Gary Austin inspired me, the way Mikhail regionB CinéDoc Tbilisi 2016. With a Tumanishvili inspired Keti (Keti Dolidze diverse line-up consisting of 45 fi lms and - Georgian fi lm and theater director and 6 competitive categories, the festival and 6 competitive the founder of GIFT International Fes- Libby Skala with her husband Steven May garnered an international audience, who tival of Arts) and all of the other won- had the chance to not only appreciate categories, the derful artists. nominee), suggested that I write a one WHAT IS THE MESSAGE the work of talented fi lmmakers, but also Austin is a teacher who travels and woman show about my grandmother. YOU WANT TO DELIVER to delve deeper into the creative process festival garnered teaches improvisation, working with So I wrote that show, performed it, and WITH YOUR PLAYS? through Q&A sessions and master classes some of the greatest actors based on Del brought it to Tbilisi in 2006. In the mean- With Felicitas and all my other shows I with the participants of the festival. An an international Close’s technique. He started the Ground- time I wrote another one about the mid- feel that I’m telling the truth about life… award ceremony held on the fi nal day of lings Theater in Los Angeles. and came dle sister, the dancer, who was only sis- About a person, about their struggles, the festival at Tbilisi’s National Youth audience, who to Seattle to give workshops. ter still alive when I started writing the how they see their lives, how they inter- Palace honored the jury’s and the audi- He had me do a special exercise talk- show about my grandmother. I inter- pret them. I feel that somehow, in being ence’s favorites. had the chance to ing to the class about someone I found viewed her and had three audiotapes so personal, it becomes universal. I feel Wojchiech Staron’s (Poland) monu- interesting, compelling or fascinating. I about their childhood. My great aunt that the audience takes away with Felic- mental fi lm ‘Brothers’ triumphed in the not only spoke about my grandmother Lilia Skala would answer every question like: I don’t itas a little window into how we can get international competition of CinéDoc who came from Vienna and was the fi rst know about Lily, but I… it was all about through our diffi culties. 2016, in addition to winning the sympa- appreciate the woman architect in Austria. I said noth- her. After she passed away I made a play thies of the Student Jury. ‘Brothers’ is an ing about her being an actress, I said based on the stories she told me, sup- TELL US ABOUT THE MUSICAL impressive manifestation of more than work of talented simply that she was someone of a high posedly about my grandmother. SIDE OF FELICITAS 20 years of work of Staron, who accom- social standard I suppose, and then, when The third sister was the total opposite, All I knew at the beginning was that panied two Polish siblings, displaced in fi lmmakers, but Hitler came to power, she left for the the midwife, Lizy. She was the midwife I wanted to include music in the third Kazakhstan following the mass deporta- US, without a penny to her name, and at my birth. She had a very busy nurs- play. Steve is a musician [Libby’s hus- tions in the 1940s, on their journey back also to delve started work in a factory, knowing no ing practice and never talked about her band Steven May] and he’d never writ- to their homeland. Rather than focusing English. work because of confi dentiality. She was ten music but he does improvisations. on the grand history or sentimental jour- deeper into the Each of her sisters came separately to a very private and quite person. His primary instrument is violin and neys to the past, Staron provides an the US, each having their own circum- we thought we would try Felicitas insight into the daily rituals of two creative process stances, but when they came they became WASN’T IT CHALLENGING with it, because the play begins in inseparable yet different characters as a very close-knit family. When I fi rst TO TELL SUCH AN INTIMATE, Vienna. But we found that my voice they aim to rebuild their lives in spite of and social rights, coming in conjunction started writing the fi rst show about my PERSONAL STORY? HOW DID was very similar to the pitch of the dramatic events. with a pitching forum Civil Pitch where grandmother Lilia, it was really with the YOU FIND A BALANCE? violin and so we had to rethink- Steve As CinéDoc is the sole festival in the Georgian NGOs presented their work nurturing infl uence of this teacher Gary When I shared the most interesting would simply follow the emotional Caucasus region focusing on documen- to Georgian fi lmmakers. The inaugural Austin, who, after I spoke for several aspects of the story for me with my fam- tune of the story and that’s how it taries, it dedicated one its sections, Focus CivilDoc award went to Pankaj Johar’s minutes about my grandmother (again, ily members, they asked me not to include evolved. People often told us after- Caucasus, to presenting local and regional (India, Norway) investigative documen- nothing said about her being an actress them in the story. I felt a bit of confl ict, wards that the music in Felicitas seems productions. The main award in this tary ‘Cecilia,’ shedding light on the issue and ending up as an Academy Award because for me they were exactly the to represent the babies in the life of category went to Arman Yeritsyan’s of child labor traffi cking in India. The details that made the story interesting. my great aunt. (Armenia) light-hearted fi lm ‘One, two, fi lm joins Cecilia, a 54-year-old house- three…’ which focuses on a group of “The keeper, in her fi ght for justice following HOW DID YOU COME UP THE WHAT ARE YOUR IMPRESSIONS Chosen Ones,” a troupe of elderly Arme- the death of her 14-year-old daughter IDEA FOR A MONO PLAY? OF TBILISI AND GIFT? nians defying their personal struggles under mysterious circumstances. It per- When I fi rst began it was diffi cult to hold Oh, there are so many changes since my and the harsh conditions for senior sistently exposes deep-rooted problems the stage all by myself, but because I began last visit 10 years ago! Many new build- citizens in the country through dance. and showcases the integrity of the pro- in small segments, where I would maybe ings, beautiful, just gorgeous! We’ve A collection of very individual yet inter- tagonist in her struggle for children's I’m telling the truth do just fi ve minutes in the class, it was seen some amazing performances so far, twined stories, it was described as “a rights. like a muscle. At fi rst it was very diffi cult from classical Georgian music to modern study guide for all generations” by the CinéDoc is the fi rst fi lm festival in about life… I feel and sometimes if I wasn’t feeling ener- plays and King Lear from director Zura competition’s jury, emblematic of the Georgia supported by the Creative Europe getic that day the performance would Getsadze which was so done so well protagonists’ courage to live in a world Program of the European Union, and that somehow, in suffer, but as the play took off at full length, here. Somehow, Keti Dolidze recognized many don’t have the necessary boldness aims to introduce the wider Georgian and after performing it hundreds of times, the need to bring international artists to live in. public to the world of documentary cin- being so I now feel like the audience is my sup- together and although we all come from The 2016 edition of CinéDoc introduced ema. The festival will be followed by a port, my scene partner. They are the ones a different background and experience, a new competitive section, CivilDoc, year-long screening tour ‘CinéDoc-On personal, it that I talk to, the ones I feel there listen- when it comes to the arts it’s as though dedicated to fi lms dealing with human Tour’ covering all Georgian regions. becomes universal ing; I can feel them with me. our hearts can beat as one.

ROUTING FLIGHT NUMBER WEEK DAYS DEPARTURE ARRIVAL TK 379 02:35 04:05 TBILISI - ISTANBUL ATATURK AIRPORT TK 387EVERYDAY 06:35 08:05 TK 383 22:55 00:30+1 TK 386 01:40 04:55 ISTANBUL ATATURK AIRPORT - TBILISI TK 382EVERYDAY 18:10 21:30 TK 378 21:15 00:30+1 TK 381 1/2/4/5/6/7 04:25 05:50 TBILISI - ISTANBUL SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT TK 381 3 05:05 06:30 ISTANBUL SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT - TBILISI TK 380 EVERYDAY 19:40 22:55 TK 391 1/2/4/6/7 10:35 11:40 BATUMI - ISTANBUL TK 393 1/3/4/5/7 20:15 21:20 TK 390 1/2/4/6/7 06:25 09:20 ISTANBUL - BATUMI TK 392 1/3/4/5/7 16:20 19:20 Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected]

TIFLIS 7.5x6cm ING.indd 1 13/06/16 15:16 GEORGIA TODAY OCTOBER 28 - 31, 2016 CULTURE 17 Tbilisi Fashion Week Wrap-Up

ber of young and talented designers. BY NATIA LIPARTELIANI GEORGIA TODAY talked to new designer Merry C, who had her fi rst ever show- case this year. n October 19, the 14th sea- “The name of my collection is #Taste- son of Tbilisi Fashion Week Graffi ti, inspired by the human mood. I was offi cially opened. Dur- wanted to create the type of collection ing the fi ve-day celebration that gives out positive vibes. In almost of Georgian fashion, estab- everyone’s life there comes a ‘grey period’ lishedO designers and newly emerged like those grey, dull walls present on designers showcased their collections almost every street- people pass them in 20 fashion shows. by, but no one pays any attention. It is With the support of National Tourism enough to add some colors to those walls Administration, Tbilisi Fashion Week and suddenly everything changes for the was attended by representatives of major better. I wanted my collection to have international publications, including that same free street-art-vibe” Merry Vogue Italia, Vogue Britain, Vogue Rus- Shengelia said of her debut collection. sia, ELLE Russia, Fabulous Muses Blog, Razmadze commented on the impor- Harper's Bazaar Kazakhstan, and British tance of giving a platform to such new GQ. designers: Givi Razmadze, editor of streetstyle. “This year we saw lots of new faces ge, shared his impressions of this year's and learned about the works of new fashion week with GEORGIA TODAY: designers who were previously unknown “Tbilisi Fashion Week 2016 saw the dis- to society. This is very important as covery of 14 times more new designers, newcomers give stimulus to established as well as the promotion of already estab- designers to develop and improve their lished ones. Respected international fash- products, as well as offer fresh, often ion news outlets like W magazine and risky but innovative perspectives. How- Harper’s Bazaar all promoted and exposed ever, I would not say that this season Georgian designers to the wider public was the best so far. I’d say the most out- throughout the event. These very maga- standing designers participated in the zines dictate the fashion climate in the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. But there 20s vintage inspired collection had a world and now, in our case, with a help of is a huge amount of progress in Georgia’s special impact on guests, with the show- such foreign media presence, it became fashion industry overall,” he said. case style also being very original- the FOR SALE: BMW – 321 model possible to mark Georgia fi rmly on the Razmadze considers the major high- Sukhishvili dancers replacing the mod- Date of issue 1936 world fashion map,” Razmadze said. light of the 2016 Tbilisi Fashion Week els of Fashion Week on the catwalk for PRICE 10.000 USD Tbilisi Fashion Week featured a num- Nino Ramishvili’s performance: “The the very fi rst time,” Razmadze told us. “If You Do Not Live, You

Will Not Die” Tariverdiev CONTACT PERSON 557 12 38 90 Tribute Concert BY MAKA LOMADZE

n October 25, a gala con- cert was held to commem- orate Mikael Tariverdiev, famous Tbilisi-born com- poser of Armenian descent, atO the Georgian Opera and Ballet Theater. Tariverdiev lived in Tbilisi until the age of 19. His debut as a composer took place on the Opera theatrical stage in 1949, where his choreographic etudes were performed. His multicolored crea- tive works comprise music for opera, ballet, organ, as well as still-popular soundtracks. The list of the participants of the 3-hour anniversary concert to mark the 85th year of the deceased maestro was almost as impressive as the music itself. The invited musicians from Russia – Alex- ander Polianichko (conductor), and Alexei Goribol (pianist) were the main and nearly constant personages of the The second part of the event was packed The greatest ovation went to Tariver- evening. The 16-year old Georgian young with fi lm-music. Tariverdiev was fond of diev’s songs and shots on screen from composer and pianist Sandro Nebieridze cinemaand never took part in anything the immortal Russian fi lm “Irony of Fate”, and actors of the Tbilisi Alexander Gri- he did not love. “Goodbye, guys” was the which is still watched in Georgia every boedov Russian Drama Theater, Orches- fi rst motion picture from which the prel- New Year’s. The lyric of the most popu- tra of Georgian State Opera and its solo- ude was performed by Alexei Goribol. lar one goes like this: “If you have no ists, also took part in the grandiose The overture and fi nal was played from wife, she will not go to another man… If musical event. the movie “Golden River” by the Orches- you have no home, you will not fear fi re… The fi rst act opened with Nebieridze’s tra. Young Georgian female singer Lela If you have no dog, no neighbor will performance of prelude from the fi lm “I Telia performed a suite from the fi lm poison him…If you do not live, then you will go, as I have promised” followed by “King-Deer”, namely, “Angela’s Ballade.” will not die…” Russian trio Meridian who offered the Maia Baratashvili, singer, soloist of the The gala concert was staged by direc- vocal cycle of verses by Andrei Voznesen- Tbilisi Big Band, Best Jazz Vocalist of tor Andro Enukidze and organized by ski. The fi rst act was capped by the Monte Carlo International Jazz Awards the Mikael Tariverdiev Charity Fund and mono-opera “Anticipation,” performed 2007, performed “Don’t Vanish” from the International Cultural-Educational Union by young soprano Termine Zaryan. fi lm “Olga Sergeevna.” And more… Russian Club. GEORGIA TODAY 18 CULTURE OCTOBER 28 - 31, 2016

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER GRIBOEDOVI THEATRE October 31 DOCTOR STRANGE September 28 - September 28 (2017) GEORGIAN Address: 2 Rustaveli Ave. VEZHLIVY OTKAZ (Info Above) PIROSMANI’S ROE AT A STREAM INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL Telephone: 2 93 43 36 A TROIS Start time: 12:00, 14:40, 17:20, OF ARTS GIFT IN TBILISI Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10-14 GEL November 3-23 October 15 – November 25 October 28 Ticket: Free THE ANNIVERSARY ELDER SON JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK EXHIBITION BY GOGI ALEXI- October 27 Directed by Gogi Margvelashvili TBILISI CIRCUS Directed by Edward Zwick MESKHISHVILI AS MANY DEMONS AS YOU LIKE Comedy Address: Heroes Sq. Cast: Tom Cruise, Cobie Smulders, The exposition will showcase Based on Jerzy Pilch’s story Language: Russian Danika Yarosh artworks created in different media “Wieledemonów” Start time: 18:00 October 29, 30 Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime in over 50 years. Directed by Jašek Glomb Ticket: 5 GEL TRIUMPHS OF THE ARENA Language: Russian Gogi Alexi-Meskhishvili has Batumi Drama Theater Start time: October 29 – 17:00, Start time: 17:00, 19:45, 22:15, 20:00 created sets and costumes for Start time: 20:00 October 3 October 30 - 13:00, 17:00 Ticket: 10-14 GEL hundreds of performances around Address: Tumanishvili Fim Actors CHIPOLLINO Ticket: From 10 GEL the world. In 1999, he represented Theater, 164 Agmashenebeli Ave. Jianni Rodari MUSEUM The Republic of Georgia at the Directed by Gogi Todadze CINEMA Venice Biennale at the Prague October 29, 30 Small Stage GEORGIAN NATIONAL Quadrienalle in 2011 ITALIA YEAR 10 Language: Russian AMIRANI CINEMA MUSEUM SIMON In addition to his design work, By Eduardo Erba Start time: 12:00 Address: 36 Kostava St. JANASHIA MUSEUM Alexi-Meskhishvili is a recognized Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. The GIFT FESTIVAL 2016 in Ticket: 5 GEL Telephone: 2 99 99 55 artist, his painting and collages has Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 collaboration with www.kinoafi sha.ge been displayed in the numerous Italian Embassy Tbilisi presents a GABRIADZE THEATRE www.museum.ge galleries, museums and private new program Address: 13 Shavtelis St. Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 Lari collections around the world. PERMANENT EXHIBITION: “ITALIAN FOCUS" Telephone: 2 98 65 93 October 28 – November 3 Gogi Alexi Meskhishvili continues ATIRTeatroRinghiera GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY to work with different theatres FROM 8TH MILLENNIUM B.C. Directed by Serena Sinigaglia October 27 DOCTOR STRANGE around the world. TO 4TH CENTURY A.D Milan, Italy MARSHAL DE FANTIE’S Directed by Scott Derrickson Start time: 20:00 DIAMOND Cast: Rachel McAdams, Benedict NECTAR GALLERY EXHIBITION OF GEORGIAN Address: TumanishviliFim Actors Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Cumberbatch, Mads Mikkelsen Address: 88 Bochorishvili Str. WEAPONRY Theater, 164 Agmashenebeli Ave. English Subtitles Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy October 11 – November 5 Start time: 20:00 Language: English NUMISMATIC TREASURY SHINDISI SCREENS KETUTA November 1-7 Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL Start time: 19:30 The exhibition showcases a long ALEXI-MESKHISHVILI MANANA MENABDE PERSONAL Language: Russian history of money circulation on the IN COLLABORATION WITH EXHOBITION October 28 Start time: 16:45, 19:30, 21:15 territory of modern Georgia from LEVAN CHOGOSHVILI Start time: 15:00 AUTUMN OF MY SPRING Ticket: 10-14 GEL Address: Tumanishvili Fim Actors Directed by Rezo Gabriadze the 6th century BC. to 1834. NATIONAL Theater, 164 Agmashenebeli Ave. English Subtitles JUSTE LA FIN DU MONDE June 11 – March 11 (2017) PARLIAMENTARY LIBRARY Start time: 20:00 Directed by Xavier Dolan OF GEORGIA TBILISI ZAKARIA EXHIBITION "MEDIEVAL Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL Cast: Nathalie Baye, Vincent Cassel, Address: 7 Gudiashvili Str. PALIASHVILI OPERA AND TREASURY" Marion Cotillard BALLET THEATRE October 29 Genre: Drama Address: 25 Rustaveli Ave. June 16 – December 16 October 27-31 STALINGRAD Language: Russian Telephone: 2 99 04 56 THE EXHIBITION TBILISI BIENNALE OF STAGE Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Start time: 22:15 “NEW DISCOVERIES - DESIGN English Subtitles Ticket: 13-14 GEL October 28, 29, 30 GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY” MASTERS' LABORATORY Start time: 20:00 GORDA Robert Sturua – Artistic director Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL I, DANIEL BLAKE Davit Toradze September 27 – September 22 (2017) of the Shota Rustaveli State Drama Choreography by Vakhtang Directed by Ken Loach EXHIBITION Theatre, October 30 Chabukiani Cast: Dave Johns, Hayley Squires, "STONE AGE GEORGIA" Liubov Oves - Ph.D., Associate RAMONA Chorographical redaction and Sharon Percy Professor of Russian Theatre staging by Nino Ananiashvili Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Genre: drama MUSEUM OF SOVIET Department of the Russian Institute Start time: 19:00 English Subtitles Language: Russian OCCUPATION of Art History, Ticket: 10 - 50 GEL Start time: 20:00 Start time: 22:00 Address: 3 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. Elena Stepanova - Theatre designer, Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL Ticket: 13-14 GEL twice winner of the "Golden Mask". GEORGIAN STATE PERMANENT EXHIBITION Curators: PANTOMIME THEATRE MOVEMENT THEATER RUSTAVELI CINEMA Nino Gunia-Kuznetsova Address: 37 Rustaveli Ave. Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. IOSEB GRISHASHVILI Executive Director Telephone: 2 99 63 14 Mushthaid park Telephone: 2 55 50 00 TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM V. Gunia Union of Young Theatre Telephone: 599 555 260 www.kinoafi sha.ge KARVASLA Artists (YTA UNION) - Georgian October 28 Address: 8 Sioni St. Centre of OISTAT CHRIST October 28 Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL Telephone: 2 98 22 81 Inna Mirzoyan Directed by Amiran Shalikashvili RECITATIVE IN THE CITY October 21-27 Start time: 19:00 Directed by Kakha Bakuradze October 15-27 ARTAREA GALLERY Ticket: 10 GEL Start time: 21:00 INFERNO EXHIBITION "HERE THERE. Address: 10 Dodo Abashidze Str. Free Entry Directed by Ron Howard MATTERS OF LOCATION, Telephone: 599 91 05 06 CONTEMPORARY October 29 Cast: Tom Hanks, Felicity Jones, GEORGIAN ART" SONNETS October 29, 30 Ben Foster October 4 – November 1 The third international exhibition Adaptation of William Shakespeare Premiere Genre: Mystery, Thriller LOVE SONG EXHIBITION which is composed of fi ve artists Directed by Davit Shalikashvili THE TEMPEST Language: Russian who live and work in Europe and Start time: 20:00 MUSIC Start time: 19:00 Start time: 11:45, 19:30 Georgia. The question is: does their Ticket: 10 GEL Ticket: 15 GEL Ticket: 8, 14 GEL location make a difference to the FABRIKA character of their work? Is there specifi city in each work determined Address: Ninoshvili Str. by where it has been made? Does their place of birth and upbringing October 30 determine and shape their work? NIGHTMARE IN DIVEXFABRIKA Or, perhaps place and location HALLOWEEN NIGHT simply informs and artists work, David woo (dj set Psycho) as one of many factors infl uence a Start time: 22:00 person's life and work. Ticket: 10 GEL MOVEMENT THEATER October 19-28 Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., EXHIBITION "NEW Mushthaid park BABYLONIANS" Telephone: 599 555 260 GALLERY November 1, 3 JAM SESSION THE NATIONAL GALLERY Leaders: Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. Reso Kiknadze (sax), www.museum.ge Nika Gabadze (guitar), Misha Japaridze (bass), PERMANENT EXHIBITION Irakli Choladze / Gio Kapanadze Niko Pirosmanashvili, David (drums) Kakabadze, Lado Gudiashvili and Start time: 21:00 sculptor Iakob Nikoladze. November 2 June 24, 2016 – June 24, 2017 TANGO EVENING NIKO PIROSMANASHVILI’S Milonga La Kumparsita WORKS “YARD CLEANER” AND Start time: 21:00 “EAGLE SEIZING A HARE” Ticket: 5 GEL GEORGIA TODAY OCTOBER 28 - 31, 2016 SPORTS 19 Davit Kipiani- The ‘Moving Feast’ of Football

Maradona, and in the group of three Georgia, only the teams trained by him BY GIORGI GORGODZE compiled by the Mondial itself, the list would become champions; for instance, was made up in the following order: Tbilisi Dinamo six times and Kutaisi Maradona, Kipiani, Platini. Incidentally, Torpedo twice. Twice, at different times, ere goes the remembrance it was the French themselves who placed he was the head coach of the Georgian of Davit Kipiani, our Dato Kipiani before Platini. National Football Team. – the legendary Georgian Yet Davit Kipiani never made it to the He won numerous prizes and high football player of the championship because, in a preceding titles, but one of them is exceptional world renown! Let us match with Real Madrid in Spain, he indeed. FIFA awarded him Order of Hrefresh our memory for a second and double-fractured his leg, and at the peak Merit for his outstanding achievements think of the virtuoso athlete and his of his career the 31-year old football star and special contribution to world foot- exquisite personality, he who possessed was compelled to give up his sporting ball. In the Diploma for this honorary the magic ability to turn a football game career. order we read: ‘David Kipiani is a national into a real feast which would stay with The legendary Russian goal-keeper hero for football fans in his home coun- you forever. Lev Yashin wrote: ‘David Kipiani is the try of Georgia, both as a player and a In the period between 1976 and 1981, most illustrious fi gure in Soviet football; coach.’ Kipiani was the fi rst fi ddle of the mag- he is simply unparalleled. The intelli- The great Indian Swami Vivekananda nifi cent ‘orchestra’ called Tbilisi Dinamo. gent Kipiani, with his exquisite manner once said: “Each individual has only This was the time when his beloved of playing, is able to see his teammates one central theme at the basis of his life team defeated the greats of football like excellently and has the capacity to – a central tune around which all other Liverpool, Inter Milan and others in resolve the most diffi cult of issues on tunes of harmony are accumulated.” various European tournaments. the football fi eld.’ With Davit Kipiani, it is not diffi cult at Kipiani is one of the representatives Still needing an athletic career, Kipi- all to identify the unique theme on of the outstanding Group of Number ani continued working in the capacity which his entire life was based. He was 10s which has become a literal pride of of coach. When he was working in haunted by a craving for a feast of a world football. He is often compared to game which he would then dedicate to contemporary football stars like Johan the spectators, hundreds of thousands Kruiff and Michel Platini. of fans who jammed the world stadi- Once, FIFA rightly noted that Kipiani ums- there to watch him give genuine was an amazing player who helped place delight to his happy audience. his club Tbilisi Dinamo on the map of His love for fans, who in their turn world football. His international career adored him, was the greatest award for was recognized by fans around the globe. David Kipiani is a Kipiani. Like the legendary Brazilian The World Soccer magazine wrote: footballer Garrincha, he too deserves ‘If Kipiani were a player on a western national hero for the title of ‘People’s Delight’. team, he would be a real superstar.’ In The following are the words of famous March 1982, just before the World Foot- football fans in his Georgian actor Kakhi Kavsadze, dedi- ball Championship in Spain, the French cated to Davit Kipiani: “Is there a man football journal Mondial published a home country of or a machine anywhere that would be survey about the three best footballers. capable of measuring the amount of Kipiani came second after Zico among Georgia, both as delight Kipiani granted the Georgian the best three named by the Brazilians. people? I don’t think there is. Davit Among the three selected by the Span- a player and a belonged among those people endowed iards – the hosts of the championship with a rare gift of bestowing love on – Kipiani’s name came second after coach- FIFA everybody around – once and for all.’

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