Issue no: 1161 • JUNE 21 - 24, 2019 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... UNDP, Government of Sweden Promote Extended Producer Responsibility in Georgia NEWS PAGE 3 A Round-Up of the Week’s Political News

FOCUS POLITICS PAGE 4 ON RUSSIA Georgia to Accelerate Outcry as visiting Russian MP oversteps the mark PAGE 2 Privatization of State Property POLITICS PAGE 4 Presentation of Entrepreneur June Issue & Website Tbilisi Pride: “I’m Worried www.entrepreneur.ge BUSINESS PAGE 6 People Might Die” First Bolnisi Int’l Forum Takes Rural Development Seriously BY AMY JONES SOCIETY PAGE 7

ith the fi rst ever Pride taking The IMMAGICA Exhibition: place in Tbilisi this week, reactions from both the gov- a Journey into Forgotten ernment, right-wing groups and Church have revealed a Forms of Beauty Wdark underbelly and readiness for violence in Georgia. On 15 June, businessman Levan Vesadze, who is known for his extreme hate speech and pro- Russian views, recorded a video address calling on “real” men to create a “people’s legion” to patrol Tbilisi’s streets. “We will not allow the LGBT activists to hold any public action, wherever this happens, in movie theaters, in parks, in the streets, in the mountains or at the lakes,” he said in his video address on June 15. “We will come to you every- where, we will break through any cordon and we will overwhelm you.” Continued on page 3 Image source - Tbilisi Pride CULTURE PAGE 11 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS JUNE 21 - 24, 2019 On the Scandal of the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy gia, as a state should stop operating in BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA this Assembly.” AND THEA MORRISON The Ambassador of Ukraine to Geor- gia left the reception held within the Interparliamentary Assembly on Ortho- he arrival of a Russian doxy in protest when Sergey Gavrilov delegation, headed by was delivering his speech. Sergey Gavrilov, the Mem- Ambassador Igor Dolgov said that he ber of the Parliament of did not want to hear the speech of the the Russian Federation Russian offi cial. The Ukrainian diplo- andT the President of the General Assem- mat underlined that Russia continues bly of the Interparliamentary Assembly occupying Ukraine and Georgia and it on Orthodoxy, which was taking place contradicts all international norms. in Tbilisi June 19-23, was met with pro- Zakaria Kutsnashvili, member of the tests at the Palace of State Ceremonies parliamentary majority, has apologized in Avlabari and has become a matter to the Georgian nation. of strong debates and even confronta- "I understand that the society was tions. irritated to see the Russian Deputy in Gavrilov's addressing the audience Giorgi Antsukhelidze, Giga Otkhozoria, responded. Euro-Atlantic aspirations. the chair of the Speaker of Parliament from the seat of the Georgian Parlia- Archil Tatunashvili and other victims The members of the ruling party also Kakha Kaladze, the Mayor of Tbilisi of Georgia. I want to apologize to the ment Speaker especially escalated the of the Russian occupation, at the ses- stated that seeing the Russian MP on soon announced that, due to the recent public. I realize I should have more tension, and was followed by large-scale sion hall of the Parliament of Georgia. the high tribune was devastating and developments, the Assembly had been intensively worked in the international demonstrations of public and the oppo- Gavrilov, who is also the Chairman of had not been agreed to. cancelled and that the delegation from secretariat," said Kutsnashvili. sition parties, who were claiming that the Committee on Issues of Public Asso- Georgian Parliament Speaker Irakli Russia would leave. After the assembly The Interparliamentary Assembly on taking into account the occupation ciations and Religious Organizations of Kobakhidze stated in his opening speech was canceled, the demonstrators moved Orthodoxy (IAO.) is an interparliamen- policy of Russia, such developments the Federal Assembly of the Russian that despite their Orthodox Christian- to the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel where tary body, set up upon the initiative of are intolerable. Federation, the State Duma, stated he ity, it is the Russian political leadership the politicians were supposed to be. the Hellenic Parliament. The protesters accused Gavrilov of never participated in any hostilities in that stands behind the occupation of Sergei Gavrilov had to leave the Hotel Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, fi ghting against Georgia during the war Abkhazia and says he believes that Rus- the two Georgian regions. with the help of guards and Georgian Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, in the 1990s in occupied Abkhazia. They sia and Georgia should resume relations "It is regrettable that the most painful police, as the protesters had blocked Finland, Georgia, Greece, Kazakhstan, highlighted that Gavrilov initiated a in many directions. problem of our country - violation of the entrances and were throwing bot- Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, draft law in 2011 providing assistance "I think we should contribute not only territorial integrity -is the result of the tles and eggs at him. Romania, the Federation of Russia, Ser- to de-facto authorities of Georgia’s two to tourism and business but also to cul- political leadership of our neighboring Kakha Okriashvili, the Chairman of bia, Montenegro, Slovakia and Ukraine, Russian occupied regions of Abkhazia ture, and I want to answer to the fake state professing the same Orthodox the Faction “Georgian Dream – for as well as, groups of Members of Par- and South Ossetia. news released by the Georgian media. Christianity," he addressed the Assem- Regional Development” has demanded liaments from: Australia, Asia, Africa The demonstrators stressed that MP I have never participated in any hos- bly participants. preterm elections and said that all those and the USA were participating in the Gavrilov is Putin’s “ideological ally” tilities on the territory of Abkhazia. It’s Kobakhidze stressed it is unacceptable responsible for organizing the Assem- 26th General Assembly of the IAO in and he should not have been allowed a lie,” he said. that in the 21st century Russia carries bly should leave the majority. Tbilisi. into Georgia. The organizer of the rally The Russian MP also responded to out such an aggressive policy against “I am responding to the recent devel- At time of going to press, citizens of was the civil movement “Russia Is Occu- the question as to whether he feels Georgia. opment in the Georgian Parliament and Georgia, joined by a number of public pant.” uncomfortable while in the country, “Georgia will not be defeated with want to express my views in this respect,” fi gures have blocked the Rustaveli Avenue, The members of the United National 20% of which is occupied by Russia. violence because today's political course stated Okriashvili. “The Interparliamen- protesting the day’s incident and demand- Movement party displayed the EU and “I have no discomfort at all. I am very of the Georgian people is our historic tary Assembly on Orthodoxy must not ing the government take responsibility Georgian fl ags, as well as photos of happy. Georgia is my homeland,” he choice,” he added, underlining Georgia’s continue. Furthermore, I believe, Geor- for it. GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 21 - 24, 2019 NEWS 3 UNDP, Government of Sweden Promote Extended Producer Responsibility in Georgia

-waste management under Organization (PRO). the Extended Producer The project builds on the achievements Responsibility (EPR) in Geor- on the previous work undertaken by gia is the focus of a new pro- UNDP, the Government of Sweden, the ject launched this week by Ministry of Environmental Protection theE United Nations Development Pro- and Agriculture, and GEO in 2017-2018 gram (UNDP) and the Government of to promote EPR as part of Georgia’s Sweden, in cooperation with the Geor- Waste Management Code. gian non-governmental organization The project activities will be imple- GEO (Georgia’s Environmental Outlook) mented in close partnership with the and the Ministry of Environmental Pro- key national and international stakehold- tection and Agriculture. ers – governmental institutions, the pri- The kick-off meeting on 19 June brought vate sector, civil society and international together representatives of the Georgian agencies. Government, civil society and interna- Every year, Georgia generates around tional agencies. 900,000 tons of municipal waste. This Solomon Pavliashvili, Deputy Minister waste contains up to 1,000 non-hazard- of Environmental Protection and Agri- ous and hazardous substances which culture of Georgia; Nino Antadze, UNDP pose a threat to human health and the Environment & Energy Team Leader in environment. Georgia; and Khatuna Zaldastanishlivi, EPR is a policy approach successfully Program Offi cer at the Embassy of Swe- implemented throughout Europe. Under den, addressed the participants of the this instrument, producers and import- meeting with welcome remarks. ers take responsibility for the collection Khatuna Gogaladze, Head of the GEO, and treatment of specifi c waste. presented the main directions of the In Georgia, the principle of Extended planned activities, as well as the pros- Producer Responsibility is part of the pects and challenges associated with the Waste Management Code, adopted in introduction of Extended Producer December 2014. EPR enters into force Responsibility (EPR) in Georgia. from 1 December 2019 for the following The 16-month initiative aims to sup- specifi c waste streams: port the practical implementation of the - packaging waste (plastic, paper/card- Image source: UNDP Georgia EPR principle in e-waste management board, wood, metal, glass), its introduction requires a relevant legal Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle the project, such as the EPR Manual, once it enters into force on 1 December - waste electrical and electronic equip- framework and adequate awareness of as required by the Waste Management e-waste volumes: status and future trends, 2019. It will assist Georgia to fi nalize a ment (WEEE), the public and private sector. Code” was implemented by the Georgian e-waste recycling feasibility study in by-law on waste electrical and electronic - end-of-the life tires (ELTs), In 2017-2018, by the initiative of the Non-governmental organization ‘Geor- Georgia, e-waste management concept equipment (WEEE), conduct an inven- - end-of-the life vehicles (ELVs), Government of Georgia and with the gia’s Environmental Outlook’ to assist and draft bylaw. To further support the tory and strengthen capacities of the - used oils, support of the UNDP and the Govern- the implementation of legal requirements. process a new project “Supporting e-waste informal WEEE stakeholders, and estab- - used batteries and accumulators. ment of Sweden, the project on “Sup- A number of studies were conducted, management capacity development in lish an E-waste Producer Responsibility EPR is a new concept for Georgia and porting the introduction of Extended and various documents prepared under Georgia” was launched in June 2019. The 4th Tourism & Hospitality Conference Held within Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards est-growing industries in our economy, to intermingle and acquire new contacts. BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA and contributes much to the country’s Along with the vital issues of the tour- economic development,” stated Genadi ism and hospitality industry, a detailed Arveladze, adding, “This annual confer- presentation about the 5th Anniversary n June 18, the Radisson Blu ence offers an important platform for Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Iveria hotel hosted the 4th discussion on issues related to the indus- Awards 2019 competition was launched, Tourism and Hospitality try.” seeing new nominations added to the Conference, organized The 4th Conference was divided into list of awards. within the framework of four panels: Governmental Presentations The panels were followed by B2B meet- theO Welcome to Georgia! National Tour- on Challenges and Perspectives / Sta- ings, giving all the major and minor ism Awards. It brought together nearly tistics; Old and New rules of Hospitality; companies operating in the industry a 400 representatives of the public and Responsible Tourism and Sustainability; wonderful chance to present their busi- private sectors as participants and attend- Georgia and the World - Raising Aware- nesses and obtain new contacts from ees. ness, seeing Georgian and foreign experts among the key players of the fi eld. Maryna Chayka, Founder of the Wel- in the fi eld and top market suppliers take The 4th Tourism & Hospitality Con- come to Georgia! National Tourism to the stage to speak and participate in ference represents a unique platform for Awards, was the fi rst to open the confer- panel discussions about the challenges information exchange, cooperating with ence with a speech, followed by Genadi and perspectives of the hospitality indus- potential partners and clientele and fol- Arveladze, Deputy Minister of Economy try in Georgia. Themes included safety lowing the latest trends of the fi eld. and Sustainable Development of Geor- and crisis management and relevant The project is supported by: the Min- gia; Giorgi Danelia, Chief Investment trainings for members of staff, strategies istry of Economy and Sustainable Devel- Offi cer at Partnership Fund; and Anna for sustainable and eco-friendly tourism, opment of Georgia, Tbilisi City Hall and Kekelia, Head of the Brand Development as well as problems related to over- Partnership Fund, Co-organizers: Geor- Department at the Georgian National gia, outlined the challenges that are set ent companies and services together and tourism. gian National Tourism Administration Tourism Agency. All of the presenters to be overcome in the near future, and giving an opportunity to the sector for Each panel was rounded off with a and Bank of Georgia. Project’s Independ- spoke about the current situation in the noted that holding this type of confer- the further development. Q&A session, while the lunch and coffee ent Auditor – “BDO in Georgia”, General tourism and hospitality industry in Geor- ence is vital in terms of bringing differ- “The tourism sector is one of the fast- breaks provided ample chance for guests Sponsor – Alliance Group. Tbilisi Pride: “I’m Worried People Might Die” Continued from page 1 the organizers. released on June 18, the team accused the May 17 a “Family Purity Day.” The fi rst Pride event, a performance of Tamaz Sozashvili also received a mes- government of being ‘inadequate and An infl uential force in Georgia, the Franz Kafka’s ‘Metamorphosis’ already The threat of violence is very real. “I’m sage saying, ‘Tamaz you will die, they’ll ineffective against hate groups’. Orthodox Church is playing a large role took place on Wednesday. worried people might die,” one member fi nd you dead in the night.’ ‘The government has once against shown in attempting to prevent Pride, as in the Speaking to journalists on 19 June, of the LGBTQI community told GEOR- The threat of violence has become a that there is no political will and long-term past. Vasadze’s comments came after the organizer Nino Bolkvadze said: “We want GIA TODAY. bargaining tool for far-right groups. vision that indicates a desire to eradicate Church released a statement saying that to warn everybody who is going to par- On Wednesday, Tbilisi Pride organiz- Vasadze cancelled the “patrols” in Tbi- hatred and push systematic reforms in the Pride was “unacceptable” in Georgia and ticipate in the public march, that there ers evacuated their offi ce following death lisi after the Interior Ministry promised country,’ read the statement. calling on the authorities to prevent it are some risks and they have to decide threats received online. Two Pride organ- to prevent Pride from taking place. Georgia has a poor track record of pro- from happening. whether they are ready to take part in izers posted screenshots of messages Indeed, the Interior Ministry continues tecting the rights of its LGBTQI com- Many priests also attended Vasadze’s the events.” they received on Facebook. to push activists to cancel Pride because munity. Previous LGBTQI protests have gathering, undeterred by his hateful In an interview with GEORGIA TODAY ‘You are still holding pride right? I know they cannot guarantee the safety of its ended violently: in 2013, thousands of speech and violent threats. in February, organizer Tabagari said, where your offi ce is and where your participants. counter-demonstrators clashed with a Despite these intimidations, activists “we’re going to stay strong and united.” home is. I’ll cut your head off and become Nonetheless, the Pride team has insisted small peaceful LGBTQI demonstration are determined to go ahead with the In the face of violence, they have done a hero!’ posted Giorgi Tabagari, one of that the event will be held. In a statement on May 17. The Church has since declared planned events and march on Sunday. just that. GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS JUNE 21 - 24, 2019 A Round-Up of the Week’s Political News

So, who is Levan Vasadze and his “gang” only veiled under the “threat” posed by BY ZAZA JGARKAVA of supporters? Why does he always appear Tbilisi Pride, but in reality is connected on the political arena when the situation with the Parliamentary Elections of 2020, is reaching the red line? What do we which appears to be Vasadze’s main goal. eorgia watches the progress know about him? Almost nothing, other The meeting between the special rep- of Tbilisi Pride as the organ- than the fact that he is the childhood resentative of the Prime Minister of izers revealed the event friend of ex-president Giorgi Margve- Georgia and the Deputy Foreign Affairs will take place regardless lashvili and Bishop Shio, the locum ten- Minister of Russia was held against the of all the opposition. The ant of the Patriarch. What is important backdrop of an announcement made by Gonly thing unknown is where they will and unknown is why the Church of Mike Pompeo. The United States Sec- cross the Rubicon; where will they be Georgia trusts him, giving him the honor retary of State called on the Georgian confronted by the “defenders of holi- to voice its positions. Vasadze became government to fi nish the Anaklia Port ness” and most importantly, how the interested in religion in 2006-07, upon project and not to fall under the eco- government will react. While all three starting his education in the Saint Tik- nomic infl uences of Russia or China. parties are working on strengthening hon's Orthodox University of Humani- Karasin of course condemned the their frontlines, the local political life ties. It was not only Vasadze who became announcement before meeting Abashidze, fl ows onward, offering unexpected twists fascinated with the secrets of theology, but the most important result of the and news as usual. Karasin and Abashidze as his father Shio Vasadze joined shortly, meeting in Prague was the decision to held their 21st meeting and agreed on which was when the former witch-doc- organize the visit of Russian specialists organizing a visit of Russian specialists tor suddenly appeared in society in Image source: Levan Vasadze Facebook to the Lugar Laboratory. It is interesting to the “notorious” Lugar Laboratory this clerical clothing. In religious circles, they is the sparkling wine production Bagra- which was clearly shown in his so-called what the pretentions of the Kremlin will autumn. Unexpected also was the say that from the Church’s side, it is Shio tioni 1892 and the expensive private educational video speeches addressed be once the experts examine the labora- announcement about the construction Vasadze who oversees the production school in Kiketi. Despite all this, Vasadze to society. tory and see that no secret experiments of a Russian church in occupied Tskh- of water Sno, known to be one of the believes that his main virtue is the title This is a short resume of how Vasadze are happening there. invali, which is unlikely to happen with main businesses of the Orthodox Church. of “Knight” that he received from Nug- came to be where he is now, and in the But the main event of the passing week the blessing of the Patriarch of all Geor- A one-year theological course proved zar Bagration-Gruzinsky. After his “inau- recent days of his opposition to the Pride, was still the opening of Shah Deniz 2 – gia Ilia II. Noteworthy is also the fact absolutely enough for the younger Vas- guration,” Vasadze became the main he fortunately realized that his public the pipeline which brings Azerbaijani that the Shah Deniz 2 has reached the adze to enter the world of the big sharks, propagandist of establishing the Consti- support is not that high. At least, not gas through Georgia to Europe and which Turkey-Greece border and the South and he started distribution of veterinary tutional Monarchy and restoration of enough for him to enter Georgian poli- is the new layer of bulletproof armor Stream can now reach the EU. Yet, while products in Moscow; he also founded the royal throne in the country. And tics triumphally. The number of those covering Georgia. Hence, it is clear that many important things are going on in something resembling a Partnership when the ideas of the Church of Georgia, willing to participate in the public gath- all the hassle we witnessed in the streets the country, the topic of Tbilisi Pride Fund, which currently has $50 million the Kremlin and Levan Vasadze coin- ering organized in Vera Garden clearly of Tbilisi is in reality connected more and its main confronter “Knight” Levan in capital, in Russia. The best-known cided, his persona quickly gained another showed the lack of support, but also with the strengthening of Georgia’s safety Vasadze remains in the headlines. business that Vasadze owns in Georgia meaning and he became a “public fi gure,” highlighted that Vasadze’s activeness is than anything else. Georgia to Accelerate Privatization of State Property

ing the software, i.e. creating the electronic be sold this year, which can be increased BY THEA MORRISON platform. It will take about six months to GEL 100 million where possible. and in the fi rst half of 2020, we will have The Minister noted it is hard to say exactly the platform up in test mode, after which how much money the state budget will get fter it was noted that the we will start using it,” she explained. after privatization of some property, adding National Agency of State While speaking about the plans for the cost of the property on the privatization Property of Georgia has sold privatization of state property, Turnava list depends on many factors. twice less state property noted some complex privatization objects The price of state property sold by the compared to 2018, Georgia’s remain in state ownership and require National Agency of State Property in MinisterA of Economy and Sustainable special preparation before sale. fi ve months 2019 is GEL 35,457,138, which Development, Natia Turnava said the “We intend to transfer the property is approximately twice less compared privatization process must be accelerated rights of the Gori Wind Power Plant in a to the same period of last year - GEL in order to use the property owned by month or so. There is a loan agreement 60,984,612. Also in 2018, the total amount the state in economic processes. with the EBRD and we have to prepare of state property sold saw GEL 116,892,431 The LEPL National Agency of State this object [for transfer] following their transferred to the state budget. This Property was established on September obligations. Georgian Post is another resulted in 151% fulfi llment of the pri- 17, 2012. To date, the Agency falls under example. We have other objects too, which vatization plan by the National Agency Image source: attorneycordero.com the governance of the Ministry of Econ- require the proper preparation [prior to of State Property last year. omy and Sustainable Development of necessary to improve the privatization The Minister noted that another step transfer],” the Minister said. Currently, the LEPL National Agency Georgia and exercises rights related to process and accelerate it. in this direction is the introduction of Turnava stressed that, in parallel, an of State Property manages 97 state-owned privatization of state property, transfer “The Property Agency and the Service an electronic system of privatization electronic database is being created on enterprises. However, their number was of the right of use of state property and Agency of the Ministry of Finance will which is expected to accelerate the pri- which all state property will be listed. much more in past years. In 2012, when managing companies established with be united, which will give us the oppor- vatization process of state property. “This will help us to offer investors the it was established, the agency managed government shareholdings. tunity to get property sold via the open “This is not a simple process but we property they want,” she noted. 490 enterprises, in 2013 it had 463 enter- Turnava says reorganization of the window principle through only one have a specifi c plan. At this stage, special- Turnava set a plan according to which prises, 442 in 2014, 282 in 2015, 180 in National Agency of State Property is agency,” she explained. ists have been invited and will start writ- state property worth GEL 70 million will 2016 and 127 enterprises in 2017. New TV Journalism in Georgia with a mass media which is so franti- will remain forever, but last Saturday, it OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE cally concentrated on perpetuating a also acquired a new individual internet solely crippled image of the nation, site, www.postv.tv, an address which is the only reason for this kind of nega- soon to be fi rmly instilled in the nation’s he United States President tive informational anxiousness being memory. recently accused one of the a political power takeover, ordered by Even a child knows that information most infl uential newspa- the owners thereof. This kind of jour- is moving from our home television pers of the nation of a vir- nalism doesn’t even smell of democ- screens straight into our mobile phones, tual act of treason, having racy, and this is exactly what America’s eternally sitting either in our pockets or Tstated that it is desperate for a story even chief executive wanted to emphasize on our palms. Actually, the greatest pre- if the story is bad for the country, describ- in his sensational statement. The good requisite for further development of ing the paper as the enemy of the people. news though is that the sophistication PosTv is the worldwide palmtop frenzy, Frankly, the statement could easily be of our local media is a nonstop social which has overwhelmed billions around tailored to some of the Georgian media process which neutralizes the sharply the globe. It is nothing but a sharp sense that, on a regular basis, meanly circulate deviated journalistic attitudes and of its creators for future public tastes only the bad news in the country, dig- straightens out the one-sided infor- and demands. It is an easy guess that ging out every gloomy piece of informa- mational approach. this little electronic darling is gradually tion and disseminating it with vicious As a result of the current worldwide but very confi dently taking over the vigor, using the frighteningly ominous technological progress, which is drasti- news-oriented hearts and minds in the tones in their journalists’ unnerving cally changing the style of action in country and beyond, especially of the voices. media, the fi ght for fairness and objec- young. In a word, the air is literally thick in tivity in the realm of news is becoming In addition to its highly urbane tech- Georgia with slanderous reports and fairer and easier to stick to. Georgia is nological basis, the genuine potential for erate now that the quality of life that we to those priorities, one of them being hearsay, often exclusively devised with catching up with this kind of media development lies in its youthful journal- are so hopeful to build depends much fairness and professionalism in terms of the purpose of warping an average vot- development, one of the best examples istic team, which is ready to talk to peo- on our choice of preferences and their informing and edifying our current and er’s fragile mind. They do this with spo- of which is the creation of a new power- ple in a balanced tranquil tone, totally undelayed implementation. Those pref- upcoming generations. Speaking about radic success but mostly aiming for a ful internet television two years ago devoid of any panic and hysteria, putting erences are often confused, to my great life, the eternal fi ght between good and fi asco, desiring to put the discontented under the name of PosTv which has so a lot of sense into what they are saying chagrin, but we are learning fast. For evil continues, and the fresh media play- and brainwashed people back onto the far enjoyed millions and millions of hits about many different walks of our life. instance, the young and powerful jour- ers like PosTv are fearlessly throwing streets of the country for recurring riots by its faithful truth-and-knowledge- And life is not only about elections and nalistic squad of PosTv is a group of the gauntlet into the arena where those and revolution. So far, in vain! hungry viewers. Up until now, it was occasional power takeovers. I have said strong and stylish specialists who know opposed powers so fi ercely confront There must be something wrong based in the Facebook domain, where it this many times and I am ready to reit- well and are giving a reasonable chance each other. GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 21 - 24, 2019 POLITICS 5 40 Graves to Be Excavated to Identify Victims of Abkhaz War he International Commit- tee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is to begin another round of excavations in search of the remains of people who Twent missing as a consequence of the 1992-93 armed confl ict in Abkhazia. ICRC forensic experts plan to concen- trate their efforts, from June 19 to Sep- tember, on more than 40 potential gravesites. The decision to proceed with excava- tions was taken within the framework of the coordination mechanism estab- lished in 2010 under the aegis of the ICRC in its capacity as neutral interme- diary. This mechanism is made up of Abkhaz and Georgian participants and works on strictly humanitarian grounds secutive year participate in the process of identifying the other recovered mor- to provide answers for the families of of excavation and exhumation as part of tal remains is ongoing. missing people. Its sole purpose is to their on-the-job training. ascertain the fate and whereabouts of Since 2010, some 430 sets of human For additional information, please contact: those who remain unaccounted for, years remains have been recovered. Of these, Maia Kardava, ICRC Tbilisi, + 995 5 99 after the end of the confl ict. 163 were identifi ed by drawing on ICRC 55 88 18 Local specialists, archeologists and forensic expertise, and were handed over Boris Kazanba, ICRC Sukhum/i anthropologists, will for the 3rd con- to the families concerned. The process +79409215373 BUSINESS HUAWEI Keeps Leading Position among World’s Most Important Brands

system of the HUAWEI P30 smartphone tiative brings to life how Artifi cial Intel- TRANSLATED BY KETEVAN series, unprecedented 5G technological ligence can be a transformative technology KVARATSKHELIYA capabilities and the foldable design of the when applied to helping humanity over- HUAWEI Mate X, have caught the eye of come challenges and improve life chances. media and customers in equal measure. Recent projects include translating books nnovative products, a loyal sales This success has naturally positively into sign language for deaf children, read- strategy and dedication to techno- refl ected on sales. ing facial expressions for the blind and logical development: this is a small Experts state that HUAWEI is exemplary diagnosing visual impairments at a stage list of the elements representing for other Chinese brands, for its achieving early enough for effective treatment. the key for the success of the HUA- success in the world economy. 15 Chinese HUAWEI products and services are WEII company and just what makes its companies were included in the Top 100 available in more than 170 countries and products so appealing. list of BrandZ. are used by a third of the world's popula- Huawei has strengthened its position in According to the expert’s statement, the tion. There are 16 research and develop- a leading global brand index while also loyalty of HUAWEI towards technological ment centers operating worldwide in the increasing its brand value. BrandZ’s annual developments leads to customer trust, USA, Germany, Sweden, Russia, India and Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands which certainly contributes to increasing China. HUAWEI Consumer BG is one of study, published by WPP’s research arm the company’s reputation on a global scale three business units of HUAWEI, mainly Kantar, ranks Huawei 47th (up one place in the long-term. focusing on the production of smartphones, from last year) with an eight percent Looking to the future, Huawei’s commit- personal computers, tablets and cloud increase in brand value. It’s the fourth ment to developing technologies that services. The HUAWEI Global Network consecutive year that Huawei has been benefi t society, as well as consumers, is is based on 20 years of experience in the featured in the top 50. sure to boost its reputation and standing telecommunications business and serves Revolutionary products and innovative among global audiences. to the production of innovative technolo- offers, including the improved camera For example, Huawei’s ‘AI for Good’ ini- gies to customers around the world. GEORGIA TODAY 6 BUSINESS JUNE 21 - 24, 2019 Tbilisi Mayor Discusses Labor Safety

The legislation describes and mandates people employed at construction sites BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE a system of effective mechanisms of are safe. There have recently been a enforcement and inspection. The amend- number of changes in the law. Today, we ments expand the mandate of the labor had a meeting with representatives of ast week, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha inspectorate, and the supervisory body the construction sector. Every single one Kaladze met with construc- is authorized to check any workplace of them should understand how impor- tion companies to discuss the without prior warning and at any time, tant the safety and security of people issue of labor safety in Geor- to ensure the full implementation and are. We have seen cases where helmets gia’s capital city. application of labor safety norms. are not worn at construction sites or LIn February of this year, Parliament In discussions last week, Kaladze workers do not use appropriate protec- adopted amendments to the Georgian reminded construction companies that tive harnesses while working on high law on labor safety. The amendments Tbilisi city hall will begin sending out fl oors. All this must be done with a will come into force on September 1, inspectors to monitor labor conditions supervisor who will control such mat- 2019. The original law on labor safety starting July 1. The working meeting was ters related to safety. Fines alone are not was passed in March 2018, but only also attended by Deputy Mayors of Tbi- the solution; since we tightened regula- applied to 11 categories of jobs – those lisi, representatives of the Parliament of tions, the number of fatalities has been considered particularly dangerous and Georgia, namely MP Dimitri Tskitishvili, reduced. This does not mean that we potentially harmful. The civil society representatives of the Ministry of Econ- have achieved the desired outcome. Dur- sector heavily criticized the narrow scope omy and Sustainable Development, ing today's meeting, we heard comments of the law. The new amendments will Deputy Minister of Internally Displaced Image source: Tbilisi City Hall and opinions from [the construction expand the law to apply to all jobs across Persons from the Occupied Territories, resentatives and the construction com- told reporters, “The safety of people sector]. The central government, the the Georgian economy. Labor, Health and Social Affairs, Tamuna panies, sharing concerns and problems employed at construction sites is very Parliament, the business ombudsman is The amendments defi ne labor safety Barkalaia, and the Business Ombudsman, about the new regulations’ effect on the important, which we have discussed also involved in the process and all of regulations and general principles of Irakli Lekvinadze. A conversation construction industry. multiple times. To this end, we have us together, with our united coordina- preventive measures in the workplace. emerged between the public sector rep- After the working meeting, Kaladze tightened regulations to ensure that tion, will solve this problem.” Presentation of Entrepreneur June Issue & Website www.entrepreneur.ge

TRANSLATED BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA

n June 14, the Moxy Tbilisi Hotel hosted the launch of the Entrepreneur Geor- gia Magazine and Entre- preneur website (www. Oentrepreneur.ge), attended by featured Entrepreneur respondents, contributors, business partners and Entrepreneur Club members. The event was opened by George Shar- ashidze, Entrepreneur Magazine Editor in Chief, who presented the June issue and the new product, the online version of the magazine – Entrepreneur.ge to the sentative of Pasha Bank, spoke about the Georgia Magazine and Georgian Library attendees. importance of the bilateral cooperation, Association, called 1 subscription=1 library Nato Chakvetadze, the web editor, focusing on the necessity of the devel- was announced at the event. Within the spoke about the digitalized version of opment of the magazine, as a signifi cant framework of the auction, for 1-year sub- the magazine, including its aims, the- element of the business sector. scription, a 2nd subscription will be matic directions and content types, where In addition, the company Kokhi was implemented automatically for a village the key role is to be played by the read- presented within the E2E (Entrepreneur library, which will receive all new issues ers. The new formats, vlogs, video-inter- to Entrepreneur) format, where the new of the magazine throughout the year. views and podcasts, for clientele were company presented itself to guests. Villages adjacent to the occupied terri- highlighted. In addition, it was noted Within the scope of the Talk format, tories will be chosen at the fi rst stage. that as there are to be no restrictions on the Entrepreneur contributors shared The distribution of the magazines to the publishing information on the web, all their entrepreneurial experience with regions is to be ensured by the National contributors will be able to submit arti- the attendees. Speeches were delivered Library of Georgia and the Library Asso- cles to negotiate. by the speakers as follows: ciation. The presentation of the fi rst Georgian • Marita Genebashvili (INEBE.GE) Two tickets for The Black Eyed Peas business podcast was also launched at • Khatia Alpaidze (Katiani and Friends) Concert, taking place at the Black Sea the event. George Sharashidze is the • Nikoloz Gogochuri (VREX) Arena on June 16, were played for at the author of the idea. • Leko Shatirishvili (INEBE.GE) end of the event. Giorgi Sheshaberidze, At the opening ceremony of the event, • Ana Tikaradze (NAMU) an 11-year old entrepreneur who had the sponsor of the magazine addressed • Tamta Gvelesiani (SPARK) been dreaming of attending the concert, the audience. Vazha Menabde, repre- The joint project of the Entrepreneur was the lucky winner. SUBSCRIBE!

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 [email protected] +995 32 229 59 19  Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 21 - 24, 2019 SOCIETY 7 Sporting Chances: Etseri, Svaneti

pairings were over almost before they had begun, BLOG BY TONY HANMER others took a few more seconds, but overall it wrapped up quite fast. Overall winner was Levan Charkviani, also from Becho. ejoice, children! You now have a full The Georgian wrestling also began on the sand, THREE MONTHS off school, a seem- but when rain began pelting down, we hurried ingly endless period of bliss, as Ray indoors to the school’s gym, which was already Bradbury once put it, more or less! prepared with the proper fl oor mats. MC Tolik Enjoy! (Anatoli) had already announced that here the RTo kick things off on the right note, our village winner would receive a ram and 20 liters of wine, recently celebrated with a day-long multi-village a tradition which he hoped would continue in future invitational men’s sports competition, briefl y inter- years. rupted by rain, which actually did nothing to dampen The grunting, red faces, sweat and merely hold- the high spirits. ing on to one another for rest pauses indicated just We began with the long jump, onto a newly set- how much energy the pairs were exerting. There up sand pit below the school. This was won by were quite some acrobatics in evidence as well, Dato Kvitsiani from Becho: congratulations! with the various fl ips and other moves allowed by Next came arm wrestling, using a specially built the rules, which were taken very seriously by a standard table just for the sport. This one has put whistle-toting umpire. Georgia won gold in the Etseri on the map: one of its citizens has won the Graeco-Roman version of this event at the 2004 event at world level many times, as well as Euro- Olympics, followed by more victories, so it is one pean and Soviet events of the same. His brother of our strongest sports as a people. This might be was in attendance, though not participating. Some one of the places where it has been practiced long-

est in the world, being an ancient neighbor of the perienced back. I did have to ride a horse back from sport’s homelands. One Dato Girvliani won this, Mestia to Etseri once in 2007, which took a couple First Bolnisi Int’l besting our village’s teacher of the sport, who also of hours for the 28 km and left my thighs bleeding. put up a really good fi ght, giving us all plenty of More such days, please, to encourage local boys suspense until the last few seconds on the mats. and men in friendly competition against one another Finally, there were volleyball and soccer, which and show them that living here has quite a few I had to miss due to having guests and guest after- upsides compared to sweaty, polluted, noisy, over- Forum Takes Rural maths to attend to at home. These were won by crowded Tbilisi! (More sport for the ladies, too, Chuberi and Etseri respectively. The horse race, would not be amiss, even arm wrestling for those unfortunately, was called off due to not having who milk a few cows twice a day, which is quite a enough of the animals at hand; in this season they workout, take it from me…) are roaming free on the surrounding hills and Development Seriously mountains, and can be quite hard to bring in. Many Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti of the village boys aged 10 or even younger are since 2007, and been a weekly writer for GT since early adept bareback riders, so when one does get the 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook chance to see a gallop, it is quite thrilling. As for group, now with nearly 2000 members, at www.face- me, galloping is the only gait I enjoy, because it’s book.com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ nice and smooth, almost like fl ying; all the other He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: things a horse offers are too bouncy for my inex- www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti

in the area’s major economic sectors – agriculture BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE and tourism. “We hope that with the support of our international partners we will achieve this goal, and we are planning to hold the Bolnisi Forum n Thursday and Friday of last week, annually as a platform for growth and exchange,” June 13-14, the fi rst Bolnisi Interna- said Sherazadishvili. tional Forum took place. The event, Also addressing the gathered crowd was Catalin co-organized by the municipal gov- Gherman, Deputy Head of the Cooperation Sec- ernment of Bolnisi and the Mayors tion at the EU Delegation to Georgia. Gherman forO Economic Growth (M4EG) Secretariat, was emphasized the value and importance of the forum, designed to support local agribusiness and promote and its role in engaging a diverse range of actors rural development. from the development landscape. “This event shows The forum, which organizers say “aspires to the awareness of the municipalities of their need become an annual forum for relevant discussions to develop local capacity in stimulating economy, and partnership building,” was held within the and their demand for new solutions and approaches,” framework of the project Establishing a Platform he said. “No national policy, however great it is, is for Effi cient Flow of Business Activities in Bolnisi, enough to produce real change on the ground, funded by the EU – one of the 16 Pioneer Projects without the local authorities taking the lead.” within the Mayors for Economic Growth program. Forum participants engaged in robust discussions, It was attended by rural development actors from networked within the industry, and were given the Georgia and other Eastern Partnership countries. opportunity to learn about investment opportuni- More than 150 representatives from the Georgian ties in the Bolnisi municipality, including informa- government, the EU Delegation to Georgia, local tion on how the local government can support governments, civil society, the private sector, micro- investors and entrepreneurs. fi nance organizations, and other development The M4EG Secretariat hosted two thematic, dis- actors. International development organizations cussion-focused panels, on best practices and sur- were also presented: UNDP, EBRD, and USAID. mounting the challenges of agribusiness development Participants came from across the region, includ- from the Eastern Partnership. The panels expressed ing Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, and Azer- a culmination of efforts from the M4EG thematic baijan. They shared experiences and good practices group on Agriculture, which is made up of repre- on a variety of rural development topics, with par- sentatives from municipalities in the Black Sea region, ticular attention to the role of good local govern- “whose Local Economic Development Plans have ments and how to support agricultural businesses agricultural business development as one of the high and small farmers. priorities for the local economy,” explains M4EG. David Sherazadishvili, Mayor of Bolnisi, opened The First Bolnisi International Forum was con- the event with an address to participants, explain- cluded with a grape vine planting ceremony, wine ing that his municipality is working to gather, learn, tasting, and a Georgian folk music and dance per- and apply international best practices, particularly formance. GEORGIA TODAY 8 SOCIETY JUNE 21 - 24, 2019 Georgia Is About To Get Tough On Animal Cruelty

every June 19, report signifi cantly less of the law with Mariam Chkhikvishvili, though the proposed effective date has bloodshed over the last couple of years. the lead veterinary surgeon of the Agri- moved from January 1st to May 1st, 2020) Still, there’s a number of “pilgrims” who cultural University Veterinary Clinic, cling to the warped idea of lamb slaugh- the President of the GEOSAVA, the ARE YOU HAPPY WITH THE ter as something pleasing to God - the Georgian chapter of the World Small DRAFT, IN ITS CURRENT massacre of Agnus Dei, representing the Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). FORMAT? I’VE READ YOUR sacrifi cial innocence in Christianity, of As I verify that I got her credentials right, SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS, all things. Mariam is quick to point out that she’s YOU’VE RAISED SEVERAL Against this backdrop, it’s no wonder speaking not just as a veterinarian with POINTS THERE… that some publications had the draft of a sizable input to the draft’s wording, I’m happy that the draft is moving through the “Pet Welfare Law” under the “weird but also as a founder and Chair of the the process of becoming a piece of leg- and funny” category – gosh, there will Homeless Pets Help Organization islature; this is the fi rst time for a law be fi nes for backyard breeders, how crazy (HPHO) – the organization that has been like this, and there will be some adjust- is that! Or, zoophilia is violating the rights working with stray animals since 2008, ments made later, hopefully. Practice of the animals, hilarious! Municipalities and has initiated multi-faceted stray always shows what might not work as establishing the breeding age for animals, population management projects both originally intended: for example, I’ve bua-ha-ha! in Tbilisi and the semi-rural areas. been vocal about two distinctly different And yet, the draft of the Law is a real- types of shelters being lumped together. ity, an achievement in a country where HOW DID THIS PET WELFARE These are municipal ones and what is pet advocates routinely hear “you’d bet- LAW COME ABOUT? defi ned family-style, essentially, the ter take care of humans, not animals” as WHO INITIATED IT? home-based temporary shelters. The a rebuttal, and where Gandhi’s quote For years, there’s been a lot of talk about parts about providing proper veterinary correlating the greatness of the nation the dire situation in Georgia with regards care, observing hygienic norms and and the way its animals are treated is to the treatment of animals, especially record-keeping are fi ne, but what about frowned upon. Activists, animal lovers cats and dogs. Then, about four years the volieres? Outside of the quarantine and professionals in the fi eld deserve a ago, Tinatin Chavchanidze, the Chair of period, there is no need for keeping cats big pat on the back for bringing this item the Animal Rights Committee, proposed and dogs caged. Also, the family-style to the legislators and putting it fi rmly a draft of the legislation meant to cover shelters would have to obtain permis- on the agenda. Sure, certain requirements these issues. The text was published as sions from neighbors and owners of to get the regulations in line with the a Parliamentary initiative and, as is usu- adjacent properties – that might pose rest of the progressive world came with ally the case, various groups started quite a problem. the EU Association Agreement, but the discussing it, focusing on fl aws and origin of this law is unmistakably a grass- shortcomings. DO YOU THINK NEIGHBORS, roots effort. What’s important is that EN MASSE, WILL BE AGAINST politicians have endorsed the draft, and STILL, IT WAS A BIG STEP HOME-BASED SHELTERS? legislators, regardless of political affi li- FORWARD, TO GET THE It really depends on the individual rela- ation, have added the respective meas- BALL ROLLING, WOULDN’T tionships the current family-style shelter ures to the CCG and ACG in order to YOU AGREE? operators have built within the commu- toughen up the punishment for cruel Absolutely, somebody had to make the nities. Most people aren’t thrilled about treatment of animals, from largely dec- fi rst step. She (Mrs. Chavchanidze) did having a number of cats and dogs stay- orative fi nes to serving prison time. it, taking it from Facebook back-and-forth ing next door, but I understand the need Sure, there are some weaknesses that arguments to the legislative initiative. to respect the neighbors’ opinions, to many animal organizations and activists And despite the initial criticism, all the create a situation that’s comfortable for have brought up in discussions; for exam- stakeholders eventually realised that the them, too. It’s a very delicate balance: ple, the language of the law almost uni- constructive approach was the only way educating people about animals and versally limits “pets” to cats and dogs. to get the things right. raising awareness of the positive aspects exotic animals up close and personal, if The requirement to walk your pet cannot is the way to tip the scales of public BY KYRA DEVDARIANI not for those captive settings. By con- be applied to that goldfi sh you have in THERE ARE LOTS OF ANIMAL opinion in that direction. trast, today, in the age of internet and a tank, or the parrot happily squeaking RIGHTS GROUPS AND At this point, I felt I could ask about livestreams, free travel and Cirque du its way on your shoulder as you’re read- INDIVIDUAL ACTIVISTS that paragraph in Article 4.4 that puz- ith Lomisoba this Soleil, going to a place that presents ani- ing this article. Still, there are a lot of IN GEORGIA, AND THEY zled me. The draft reads: “The following week (June 19), and mals that were beaten and tortured into positives: registration of pets and their OFTEN DISAGREE ON MANY is not directed against the welfare and the Pet Welfare Law submission is nothing short of barbaric. owners, so that the latter take responsi- THINGS, FROM PET CARE protection of a pet: (a) the program of under discussion, the It may be hard to reconcile our child- bility for the puppies and kittens tossed TO BREEDING TO STRAY catching, sterilization, castration, anti- issue of animal cru- hood’s happy memories of going to the out once they outgrow their “cuteness” POPULATION MANAGEMENT. rabies vaccination and return of the pet.” Welty is at the epicenter of the Georgian circus on weekends with the images of stage. Putting a stop to backyard breed- True, and still, the 13 main stakeholders public’s attention, along with the Pride whimpering tigers and bloodied ele- ing that is ruining the proper breed got together, not just those representing WHY DID THE LEGISLATORS FEEL parade and who said what on that. What phants, without feeling as if we are selection, especially for the working some well-established organizations, but THAT THE LAW SHOULD EVEN these two have in common is that ad-hoc betraying our carefree years. Now that breeds and those native to Georgia. The also individuals who have been actively EXPLAIN THAT VACCINATION sporadic communication from the we know better, we should take the stand much-needed creation of municipal fostering animals, taking care of the ani- IS NOT HARMFUL TO THE PET? authorities, as to how they plan to pro- as dictated by our conscience, not distant shelters in regions with strict oversight mal community for years. So, the current It may be obvious to you, but there is ceed and deal with the respective issues, memories or ignorance! and proper record-keeping is a welcome draft is a result of our collective work, still a large part of the population that doesn’t get the message across. The arti- There’s a similar approach to Lomisoba addition to the current infrastructure. with the support of the Parliamentary doesn’t see the benefi ts of the TVNR cle below aims to provide exhaustive mentioned in the opening sentence. For And yet, as I was reading the draft, the Committee on Environmental Protection (tag-vaccinate-neuter-release) program information on the former topic. decades interrupted by the communist wording of Article 4.4(a) made me feel – they will be presenting the Law to the that HPHO and other similar organiza- In fact, the animal cruelty discussion rule, people made the pilgrimage to a as if I was unable to grasp an important rest of the legislators. tion have been running for years, for came into the spotlight even before the small but signifi cant Chapel of St George point, and needed to consult a profes- (Note: since our discussion, the draft stray population management purposes. draft of the Pet Welfare Law, and accom- in Lomisa. The chapel, one of many bear- sional. We sat down to discuss the origins has been approved in the fi rst hearing, Many of those who advocate for allow- panying changes in the Criminal Code ing that name and built over a thousand ing their own or community cats and (CCG) and Administrative Code of Geor- years ago on a site of a pagan place of dogs to procreate, see no problem in gia (ACG), was up for a committee review. worship, had a special importance as a abandoning or killing the litter, which is The arrival of a Russian circus with ani- religious destination of the mountainous prohibited under the current law. What mal “performers” triggered protests both regions of Mtiuleti and Khevi. Having we need is an increased focus on edu- in front of the Tbilisi circus building, no feudal overlords, the tribesmen cational aspects of the program, raising and inside it, during the performance. pledged allegiance directly to the king awareness using different channels to Many of those holding posters against in that chapel – before God – especially reach various age groups, to convince the use of animals in the circus (espe- when called to the battlefi eld, as was them that as owners or caregivers, peo- cially traveling ones) came from a gen- often the case. Others came to bear the ple are responsible for the well-being of eration that grew up cheering on lions heavy metal chain kept in the Chapel as the pets and community animals alike. and elephants, monkeys and bears doing a way of atoning for their sins. No doubt, * * * neat tricks. I know I belong to that gen- there was animal sacrifi ce, too – the As this article goes to print, the draft of the eration, and I see no shame in that. Back ritual harkening back to the pagan roots, “Pet Welfare Law” is under review, having then, we didn’t know what kind of cru- a sheep or two when the warriors returned made its way out of the Committee and will elty and neglect were hiding behind victorious, for the purpose of having a be presented to the Parliament for fl oor discus- these dolled-up performances. Person- feast. It was nowhere near the mass sion. Please send your thoughts and comments ally, I just found out days ago that arthri- slaughter of lambs seen in the post- via social media (GEORGIA TODAY has tis in elephants – regardless of age! – communist era, ostensibly, for religious presence on Facebook https://www.face- occurs only in captivity, that is, in zoo purposes, the proper bloodbath that can book.com/GeorgiaToday/ and Twitter and circus environs (thank you, Wild be seen in many photos making the https://twitter.com/GeorgiaToday_GT) or Earth and your SafariLive streams). Also, rounds in social media for several years email [email protected]. We will be fol- at the time of our circus-going years, now. The good news is that eyewitnesses, lowing this topic closely, and keep reporting there was no other way of seeing many including guides going to Lomisa Chapel any new developments. GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 21 - 24, 2019 SOCIETY 9 Innova In Vitro Clinic

is an essential piece of the equation. But BY KETEVAN KVARSTKHELIYA a critical part of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process happens in a place that most patients never see: our laboratory. Innova In Vitro labs are state-of-the-art he medical sphere is one facilities with every aspect designed to of the most rapidly-devel- maximize your chances of having a oping fi elds in the busy and healthy baby. Our research teams have ever-changing modern worked tirelessly to determine the best world, enabling individuals environment, technology and equipment Tto fi ght serious illnesses, live and enjoy in our labs to achieve successful preg- a ‘full’ life. nancies, and they are constantly working Georgia is on the list of those countries to improve these standards. Not all fer- making major steps forward in the med- tility labs are equal in terms of the qual- ical sector, with a number of modern ity of the environment and measures clinics having been launched in the taken to ensure the maximal chances of country in recent years, boasting teams creating and growing embryos. It is the of experienced professionals. quality of our labs and our esteemed Innova In Vitro, a multidisciplinary research facility that sets us apart from and customer-oriented clinic, is one such our peers. Our expertise and dedication medical institution, which with the hard to lab operations continuously produces work of the management team, profes- high success rates sionalism of its experts, and comfortable and high-quality services offered to cli- …AND THE INNOVA TEAM entele, has already strongly established The team at the Innova In Vitro clinic, itself on the market. This is a clinic formed with highly-trained experts in launched in partnership with IVI, the the spheres of Gynecology, Biology, world’s largest network of assisted repro- Genetics and Surgery, with 15 years in duction clinics, specialized in reproduc- vitro fertilization experience, led by tive health, one of the fi elds of paramount Ketevan Osidze, and with Spanish embry- importance in today’s world. ologist Garcia Jordan as IVF Lab Direc- Innova In Vitro is equipped with the tor, have set the requirements of the latest technologies, in accordance with patients and achieving the most fruitful internationally recognized standards, outcomes as their main priorities, syn- and offers services in various fi elds, thus thesizing their brilliant theoretical knowl- representing a signifi cant platform in edge with innovative treatment methods. terms of development of the medical At the clinic, patients are offered com- fi eld countrywide. plete diagnostics and management of all infertility abnormalities, followed by WHAT IS IVF? application of the relevant treatments. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex What is most important, the team spares series of procedures used to treat fertil- no effort to ensure the completion of ity or genetic problems and assist with this process in the shortest time possible the conception of a child. During IVF, and also offers a genetic study of the mature eggs are collected from a wom- embryo, much facilitating the procedure. an’s ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a Each client of the clinic is treated with lab. Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or special care, accentuating the signifi cance eggs are implanted into the woman’s of individual factors. The reproductolo- uterus. One cycle of IVF takes about two gist individually evaluates the chances weeks. of success in each case. IVF is the most effective form of assisted Through the high-quality of services, reproductive technology and Innova In transparency of procedures and indi- Vitro is the one providing the best ser- vidual approach to the clientele, the vices in this regard. Innova In Vitro clinic is now welcoming local, as well as international patients FERTILITY SUCCESS STARTS from various countries worldwide. WITH THE LAB… There are many factors that must come Z. Anjafaridze Str. 1 turn #6 together to help our patients achieve a Tel: 2-232-232 / 596-232-232 successful, healthy pregnancy. The exper- Mail: [email protected] tise of our world-class doctors and staff FB: Innova Invitro/ინოვა ინვიტრო GEORGIA TODAY 10 CULTURE JUNE 21 - 24, 2019

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER electronic music” June 21, 22 MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS Night Ticket - 35 GEL “Madmoiselle me..!” KRIMANCHULI 10 Betlemi Str. Camping Zone - 30 GEL TBILISI ZAKARIA Based on Johan Sebastian Bach, Comedy based on Georgian Ludwig Van Beethoven, PALIASHVILI OPERA AND national motives. Discover the Museum of Illusions June 21 Robert Schumann and Frédéric BALLET THEATER Pantomime novels: Be brave enough to jump into an Main Stage Chopin works. 25 Rustaveli Ave. Review, Cinema, Sailors, Today illusion created by the Vortex, 19:00- 4 Dimensional Monster The performance includes the TEL (+995 32) 2 99 04 56 is a football, Fire, Chichetura, deform the image of yourself in a Lobsters || 19:40 St. Nudes || 20:30 part of the electronic music work Mirror Room, be free in the Infi nity Vineyard, Krimanchuli, Bath-house Loudspeakers || 21:30 Mokumoku || “Bismuth” by Tete Noise with attendants, Finale. room, resist the laws of gravity and June 22, 23 23:00 Franz Ferdinand original vocal version. Start time: 20:00 size ratio, and take selfi es in every THE TWO PIGEONS Guest Musician: David Aladashvili Eyestage Ticket: 15 GEL possible pose. Enjoy the collection André Messager (Piano) 00:30- Enforcement || 00:45 Boyd Ballet in two acts of holograms, and discover optical Choreography: Natia Bunturi MUSEUM Schidt || 03:30 Tobias. || 05:00 Moritz Choreography by Frederick Ashton illusions. Start time: 17:00, 20:00 Von Oswald || 08:00- Edit Select || Conductor- Papuna Gvaberidze Ticket: 10-15 GEL Holger Simon Paulli GEORGIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF BROKEN 11:00 Othr RELATIONSHIPS Garden Stage LE CONSERVATOIRE GABRIADZE THEATER MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA 10 Betlemi Str. 00:30- G.M.S. || 02:00 Psymmetrix || Dancing School 13 Shavtelis St. MUSEUM 03:30 Oogway || 05:30 Aardvarkk || August Bournonville’s TEL (+995 32) 2 98 65 93 3 Rustaveli Ave. Choreography TEL (+995 32) 299 80 22, 293 48 21 THE MUSEUM OF BROKEN 07:30 1200 Mics By Riktam || 09:00 RELATIONSHIPS Staged by Frank Andersen & Eva June 21 www.museum.ge Acidwave || 12:00 3 Of Life || 13:30 The unique collection of the Kloborg THE AUTUMN OF MY Ancient Om museum aims to provoke Conductor- Irakli Cholokashvili SPRINGTIME Exhibitions: Singer Stage / Day feelings of understanding among Start time: 20:00 Revaz Gabriadze GEORGIAN COSTUME AND Day - 16:15 Forest Rain || 17:00 individuals and serve as some Ticket: 10-70 GEL Directed by Revaz Gabriadze WEAPONRY OF THE 18TH-20TH Explorer's Vibe || 17:45 Tornike kind of therapy for those who have English Subtitles CENTURIES experience break-ups. Gagoshvili June 25, 26 Start time: 20:00 NUMISMATIC TREASURY Singer Stage / Night K-ARTS DANCE COMPANY Ticket: 20, 30, 40 GEL EXHIBITION STONE AGE Night - 00:30 Dini Virsaladze Fragments from classical and GALLERY GEORGIA Quintet || 01:45 Auditorium A Feat. contemporary ballets: June 22, 23 ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE Guja Mardini || 03:00 Kemo Sextet Hallyangmu, Between, STALINGRAD NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL THE NATIONAL GALLERY La Sylphide, Pearl, Revaz Gabriadze COLLECTIONS 11 Rustaveli Ave. The White Road, Bow, Directed by Revaz Gabriadze TEL (+995 32) 215 73 00 June 22 Main Stage Tchaikovsky Pas de deux, English Subtitles Until September 10 Start time: 20:00 Whispering and calling, Under the joint initiative of Until February 26 (2020) 19:00- Nemra || 19:40 არა || 20:30 Ticket: 20, 30, 40 GEL Sabre Dance, Gak-si, Georgian National Museum and GRAND MASTERS FROM THE Green Room || 21:30 Rhye || 23:00 Diana and Actaeon, Georgian Post, GEORGIAN Unkle June 25 Sogo Chum, Exhibition: STORY TOLD BY NATIONAL MUSEUM Eyestage (Hand drum dance) Animated documentary fi lm COLLECTION XIX – XX 00:30- Anushka Chkheidze || 02:00 REZO POSTAGE STAMPS MOB Dedicated to the 100th anniversary CENTURY David August || 03:15 Maayan Artistic Director- Misook Jeon Directed by Leo Gabriadze Start time: 20:00 of the fi rst Georgian stamp. Nidam || 06:30 Gio Shengelia || 09:30 Artistic Director of the Tbilisi Until July 4 Tomma B2b Bacho Ballet Festival: Nina Ananiashvili Ticket: 15 GEL Until August 31 SOLO EXHIBITION Garden Stage Start time: 20:00 ZERO June 26, 27 Multimedia technology exhibition- 23:00- Ellarge || 01:00 Dirty Saffi Ticket: 10-100 GEL BY GEORGIAN ARTIST VAKHO RAMONA IMMAGICA. A JOURNEY INTO || 03:00 Dj Nuky || 04:30 Katana BUGADZE Revaz Gabriadze BEAUTY June 27 || 06:30 Alta || 08:00 Pixel || 09:30 Directed by Revaz Gabriadze An impressive journey within GISELLE MUSIC Marcuss || 11:30 Dm3 English Subtitles time, introducing us to Italian Ballet in two acts Singer Stage / Day Start time: 20:00 paintings of the XIV-XIX centuries; Choreography by Jean Coralli, Jules Day- 15:30 Freeride || 16:30 Old Road Ticket: 20, 30, 40 GEL a combination of voice, lighting, GRIBOEDOVI THEATER Perrot and Marius Petipa Band || 17:30 Blues Factor immersive visual and multimedia. 2/4 Rustaveli Ave. Choreographic version by Alexey Singer Stage / Night MOVEMENT THEATER Giotto– ‘Ognissanti Madonna’ and Fadeechev Night - 00:30 Zura Ramishvili 182 Aghmashenebeli Ave. the ‘Scrovegni Chapel,’ Leonardo June 22 Principal dancers of the Joffrey Quartet || 01:45 Zuka Simoinsvili TEL (+995 32) 598 19 29 36 da Vinci– ‘Annunciation,’ Botticelli– SHAVLEGO Ballet (Chicago, USA): 100 Georgian dancers present ‘The Birth of Venus’ and ‘Spring,’ Quintet || 03:00 Amaze || 04:00 Giselle– Victoria Jaiani, Two-hour solo program June 21 Raffaello– ‘The Madonna of the Natia Dix. & Band Prince Albrecht– Temur Suluashvili "We are Georgians" Silence, Rehearsal! Goldfi nch, Bellotto– ‘Piazza San Conductor: Alevtina Ioffe (Russia) Language: Non verbal Start time: 20:00 Marco,’ ‘Castello Sforzesco,’ June 23 Artistic Director of the Tbilisi Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Ticket: 20-30 GEL Canaletto– “The Chapel of Eton Main Stage Ballet Festival: Nina Ananiashvili Start time: 20:00 College”, Canova– ‘Amor e Psyche’ 19:00- Bedford Falls || 19:40 Salio || Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15 GEL SOUNDS OF GEORGIA Ticket: 10-100 GEL and ‘The Graces’. 20:30 Michelle Gurevich || 21:30 The June 22 June 21, 22, 26, 27 Subways || 23:00- Mogwai SILK FACTORY STUDIO Divine Comedy MUSEUM OF SOVIET SING AND DRINK Eyestage 59 Kostava Ave. Language: Non-verbal OCCUPATION Mini concerts in the cozy 00:00- Beqa || 01:00 Mozzy || 02:45 Directed by Ioseb Bakuradze 4 Rustaveli Ave. atmosphere of Old Tbilisi, a mix Cestlek || 04:30 Andrey Pushkarev || June 22, 23 Start time: 20:00 TEL (+995 32) 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 of traditional Georgian music of 07:30 Matthew Dekay || 10:30 Vako Maka Makharadze Ballet Studio- Ticket: 10, 15 GEL www.museum.ge different genres: folklore, a capella, T B2b Lasha Maruashvili “Tanz Class of Vera district” and guitar, and Georgian pop and city Garden Stage Silk Factory Studio present: SHALIKASHVILI THEATER Exhibition songs. 21:30- Obri & Zen || 23:00 Space A contemporary ballet in one act- 37 Rustaveli Ave. RED TERROR AND GEORGIAN Start time: 17:00 Teriyaki || 00:00 Additivv || 01:30 “Grans pas from baroque to TEL 595 50 02 03 ARTISTS Ticket: 24 GEL Freedom Fighters || 04:30 Nigel || Venue: June 21- 06:00 Dimitree || 07:30 Kassra || 10 Erekle II Sq., Tekla Palace Hotel, 09:00 Infest June 22- Singer Stage / Day New Tifl is, 9 Agmashenebeli Ave., Day - 15:30 Lekso Ratiani || 16:30 Wine bar ‘Wine Station’, Bacho Jickidze & Band || 17:30 June 26- Corner of 2 Turgenev Str., and 37 Windshield (Acoustic) Javakhishvili Str. Singer Stage / Night June 27- Night - 00:30 Reso Kiknadze Sextet Europe Square, 2 D. Megreli Str., || 01:45 String Quartet Feat. Dani || Hotel “Nata” 03:00 Blue Moor || 04:00 Metastasis

SPACEHALL KAKHIDZE MUSIC CENTER 1 Tsereteli Ave. 125/127 Agmashenebeli Ave.

June 21 June 22 SOLOMUN / COSMIC LOVE Concert of Choral Music ROTATION / TADE Participants: “Capitol Hill Chorale” Start time: 23:30 from Washington DC, under the Ticket: 60 GEL baton of Frederick Blinkholder, Georgian State Choir, under the TBILISI OPEN AIR 2019 Lisi Wonderland, near the New baton of Archil Ushveridze Hippodrome The choir from USA will perform “Georgian Liturgy” by Daily Ticket - 75 GEL (10% discount Z.Paliashvili in the Georgian only for TBC cards) language. 3-Day Pass - 180 GEL (10% discount Start time: 19:30 only for TBC cards) Ticket: 10-30 GEL GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 21 - 24, 2019 CULTURE 11 The IMMAGICA Exhibition: a Journey into Forgotten Forms of Beauty

It is easily understandable and accessible BY GABRIELLE COLCHEN for everyone for its use of precise lan- guage from a scientifi c point of view. This exhibition is not only a way to he Georgian National re-discover Renaissance subjects such Museum is currently hold- as Venus, Madonna or Greek mytho- ing a multimedia technology logical subjects, but it is also a way to exhibition "IMMAGICA. A ask ourselves what beauty means and Journey into Beauty" at the meant at this time. SimonT Janashia Museum of Georgia. In the Renaissance and Neo-classical The exhibition presents Italian paint- periods, the concept of beauty was at ings and sculptures between 14th-19th the heart of life and art. Especially dur- centuries, including Giotto’s ‘Ognissanti ing the Renaissance, the main focus of Madonna’ and the ‘Scrovegni Chapel,’ the artists was to come back to ancient Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Annunciation,’ Bot- subjects and especially to the represen- ticelli’s ‘The Birth of Venus’ and ‘Spring,’ tation of their bodies. The nude was a Raffaello’s ‘The Madonna of the Gold- must for sculptors and the body was at fi nch,’ Bellotto’s ‘Piazza San Marco’ and the heart of the concept of beauty. Beauty ‘Castello Sforzesco,’ Canaletto’s ‘The was all about order, harmony and grace. Chapel of Eton College’ and Canova’s The artists tried to fi nd the perfect pro- ‘Amor e Psyche’ and ‘The Graces.’ portions and often painted bodies as if It is a combination of voice, lighting, they were statues. The face was one of immersive visual and multimedia. It the most important things to represent: enables the discovery of art using the it had to be symmetrical and perfect. most modern technologies; it is a new Artists followed very specifi c rules. tool for receiving impressions and broad- Women were at the heart of the sculp- ening knowledge. The images of the tures and paintings; nothing was more artworks are projected on several walls sacred than this beauty. Today, it sometimes of the exhibition room, each person has seems like the concept of beauty has been headphones with music and a voice that impoverished and vulgarized and it is describes the artworks, their meaning interesting to be in contact with the sub- and history. It is a great occasion for the limed concept of beauty of this time. public to plunge into some of the most famous and beautiful Renaissance and The exhibition will last until July 31. Neo-classical paintings and sculptures. Image: The Birth of Venus by Botticelli More information on museum.ge Not to Miss Tbilisi Ballet Festival - Famed Troupes, Int’l & Local Stars to Perform

is staged by Frank Andersen and Eva BY LIKO CHIGLADZE Kloborg, who earlier came at the invita- tion of Nino Ananiashvili to train the Georgian dancers in the Bournonville he 3rd edition of the Tbilisi dance style. Ballet Festival officially “Christopher Carr, a choreographer opens on June 22 and closes from the British Royal Theater, came on with a grandiose gala con- a special visit to Tbilisi to work on stag- cert on June 30. The festival ing The Two Pigeons. It was very inter- Twill traditionally bring in-demand danc- esting to collaborate with him,” Georgian ers, ballet companies and stars to the lead soloist Nutsa Chekurashvili told city’s primary Opera Theater to delight GEORGIA TODAY. the local audience and theater goers The K-Arts Dance Company from Korea alike. The festival was established in 2017 will perform on June 25-26. This will be on the initiative of Artistic Director the troupe’s fi rst visit to Georgia, bring- Prima Ballerina Nino Ananiashvili and ing both contemporary and classical ultimately has formed as a tradition cel- shows to the stage of the Tbilisi Opera. ebrated annually. Like in previous years, Their program is to feature: ‘What about apart from the Georgian State Company, Classical Movements?’ ‘Hallyangmu,’ every year.” the festival is to introduce a new product the Bolshoi Ballet in the title roles. this year the festival will host other ‘Between,’ ‘La Sylphide,’ ‘Pearl,’ ‘The On June 27, the audience will see to the larger audience, not only through On June 30, the festival will close with international bright stars and world- White Road,’ ‘Bow,’ ‘Tchaikovsky Pas de Adolphe Adam’s two-act Giselle with our performance but also through that an impressive concert involving the State renowned troupes as well. The festival deux,’ ‘Whispering and Calling,’ ‘Sabre the participation of guest ballet stars. of international troupes. The Korean Ballet Company and invited stars: Vic- also seeks to present productions from Dance,’ ‘Gak-si,’ ‘Diana and Actaeon,’ The title roles will be performed by solo- company is one of the best-recognized toria Jaiani, Temur Suluashvili (Joffrey annual performance seasons of the State ‘Sogo Chum,’ and ‘MOB.’ ists of Taras Shevchenko National Opera ballet troupe in the world. The festival Ballet, Chicago, USA), Francesco Pic- Ballet of Georgia. “The festival week encompasses per- and the Ballet Theater of Ukraine, with is important in many ways, as it gives cinin (Estonian National Ballet), Martina The main part of the festival will be a formances of different epochs and mas- choreography by Jean Coralli, Jules Per- the Georgian audience an opportunity Arduino, Marco Agostino (La Scala guest performance from the K-Arts Dance terpieces by great choreographers, such rot and Marius Petipa. to see extraordinary performances by Theatre, Milan, Italy), Ruslan Skvortsov, Company (Korea). The Korean troupe as Frederick Ashton, Bournonville, “The concept of this festival is to pre- international stars as well as helps to Anastasiia Goriacheva, Ana Turazashvili will present both contemporary and Marius Petipa,” Georgian soloist Nino sent contemporary ballet along with position Georgia on the world map,” the (The Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, Russia). classical ballet shows. Samadashvili told us. “The festival will traditional,” Ekaterine Surmava, young dancer added. All the performances will be accom- On June 22-23 the audience will see be closed with a Gala Concert where we Georgian dancer and soloist of the State On June 28, the beloved two-act Swan panied by the Orchestra of the Tbilisi revived ballets The Two Pigeons by will perform Sagalobeli (chant) by Pos- Ballet told GEORGIA TODAY. “It is a Lake by Pyotr Tchaikovsky will be pre- Opera and Ballet State Theater. André Messager, and Holger Simon sokhov; this is our trademark dance, well-known fact that the Georgian audi- sented, showcasing Nino Samadashvili Paulli’s Le Conservatoire with August since it is staged to Georgian National ence is more attracted by classical ballet (Odette/Odile) and Ruslan Skvortsov Tickets are available online https://tkt.ge/ Bournonville’s choreography. The latter music and we traditionally perform it than modern, so one of the missions of (Prince Siegfried), principal dancer of Show/6883/tbilisis-baletis-festivali

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