Issue no: 969 • AUGUST 4 - 7, 2017 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... FOCUS ON THE US MESSAGE "We are with you, we continue our alliance, 's future is connected to the West" PAGE 4

New Initiative Increases Tension between President & Ruling Party NEWS PAGE 3 Two Cities, Three Georgias POLITICS PAGE 6

US - Georgia Major Partnership: Signing an Agreement with SSA Marine BUSINESS PAGE 9 Swiss National Day Venice Commission to Mediate Celebrated in SOCIETY PAGE 10 Dialogue between Georgian Ruling The Pleasure of Song CULTURE PAGE 13 Party & Opposition Friendly Baseball Match

BY THEA MORRISON

he Venice Commission is ready to organize a meeting in Strasburg on September 6, in order to facilitate dialogue between the Georgian ruling party and the opposition over the SPORTS PAGE 15 Tcontroversial amendments to the Constitution. The letter of the Venice Commission Head Gianni Buquicchio with the offer to meet in Strasburg was sent to the Parliament Speaker and opposition par- ties. It reads that the Commission is looking for consensus over the issue. The initiative of holding a meeting in Strasburg was raised by the nine non-parliamentary opposi- tion parties of Georgia. The political union, Free Georgia, composed of these nine parties sent a let- ter to Buquicchio on July 25, which introduced the situation to the Venice Commission regarding the constitutional reform process and asked them to organize a meeting. Continued on page 2 Venice Commission Head, Gianni Buquicchio GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS AUGUST 4 - 7, 2017 Georgia Hosts 1 Million International Travelers in July

Chogovadze, Head of Georgian National BY MAKA LOMADZE Tourism Administration. “July was no exception. Just the opposite: around one million international travelers vis- he Ministry of Interior ited Georgia, which is a record fi gure. Affairs has announced that, Generally speaking, 2017 will be a year in July, almost a million of new records. Where in 2016, we sur- international travelers vis- passed 6 million tourists for the fi rst ited Georgia (982,487), up time, in 2017, we will see over 7 million fromT 2016 by 217,724 (+28.5%), a fact international travelers”. never before seen in Georgian history. “The tourism season is in full swing,” The number of tourists overall has Lika Devadze, representative of the increased by 33%. Information-Analytical Department of “We are happy to see the unprecedented the Ministry of Interior Affairs of Geor- increase in the number of tourists is gia, noted. “According to the data of the being maintained in Georgia,” said Giorgi Information-Analytical Department of

Country 2016: July 2017: July Difference Difference in % 1 Russia 136,630 219,145 82,515 60.4% 2 Armenia 166,778 209,098 42,320 25.4% 3 Azerbaijan 167,536 190,621 23,085 13.8% the Ministry of Interior Affairs, the from Lebanon +579%, Jordan +373%, Particular growth was seen from Jordan growth in travelers is 32.9% compared Saudi Arabia +254%, Kuwait +207%, Iran +398%, Lebanon +318%, Saudi Arabia 4 Turkey 140,409 141,270 861 0.6% to the analogous period of the previous +86% and the USA +65%. +218%, Kuwait +185%, Iran +170% and 5 Iran 24,091 44,772 20,681 85.8% year”. Uzbekistan +138%. According to the data of July, the num- JANUARY-JULY 6 Ukraine 22,496 26,171 3,675 16.3% ber of those travelers/tourists who spent 3,978,657 international travelers visited TOURISM AN IMPORTANT 7 13,187 17,219 4,032 30.6% 24 or more hours in Georgia is 519,349, Georgia in January, which surpasses the SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY which surpasses the data of the same same month of 2016 by 572,195 (up 16.8%). According to the data of the fi rst quar- 8 Saudi Arabia 4,777 16,885 12,108 253.5% month of 2016 by 128,651 (up 32.9%). The number of tourists who spent 24 ter of 2017, income from international 9 Kazakhstan 9,849 11,272 1,423 14.4% The top origin countries were Russia or more hours in Georgia January-July, tourism was $434.6 million (up 23.3%), (+60.4%), Armenia (+25.4%), Azerbaijan has reached 1,829,331, which surpasses which surpasses the analogous data of 10 Belarus 6,763 9,704 2,941 43.5% (+13.8%), Turkey (+0.6%) and Iran the same data of 2016 by 423,816 (+30.2%). 2016 by $82 million. The share of tour- 11 Poland 7,283 7,872 589 8.1% (+85.8%). To sum up the seven months, the lead- ism per GDP was 6.8% in the fi rst quar- The positive trend is also maintained ing countries with regards to incoming ter of 2017, a growth of +0.8% compared 12 USA 4,477 7,404 2,927 65.4% from the direction of the EU: from The visitors are from Azerbaijan, Armenia, to the previous year. 13 Germany 5,383 7,155 1,772 32.9% with a growth of +43%, the Russia and Iran. From EU, the top coun- According to the data of January-July 14 Oman 3,845 5,016 1,171 30.5% (+34%), Germany tries in this respect are: +52%, of 2017, operations made by international (+33%) and (+33%). A further the Netherlands +39%, Germany +32%, travelers using foreign cards totaled 15 India 3,778 3,815 37 1.0% growth in number was seen in visitors the United Kingdom +29%, France +26%. $951,335, up +33.5% compared to 2016.

Mayoral Candidate Promises Abolition National Food Agency: Georgian Ice-Cream of Contract with C.T. Park Company Free of Pathogenic Microorganisms BY THEA MORRISON is contaminated with pathogenic micro- the street or beach. BY THEA MORRISON organisms. The Agency reports that "Listeria monocytogenesis is a pathogenic laboratory research was conducted on microorganism that creates a signifi cant ndependent mayoral candidate of 105 samples of 21 types of ice cream sold threat to the lives and health of children Tbilisi, Alexander Elisashvili, has he National Food Agency by various business operators in Georgia and pregnant women. Salmonella is a group made a promise that if he wins (NFA) has examined various and the results revealed that they are not of bacteria that causes typhoid diseases the autumn mayoral race, he will types of Georgian ice cream contaminated or harmful for health. The and acute gastroenterocolitis,” the NFA abolish the contract with the park- on the consumer market and study does not appear to have covered says, adding that Georgian ice-cream does Iing regulatory company in the capital assessed that none of them ice cream sold by private individuals on not contain any of these microorganisms. city – C.T. Park. The majority of Tbilisi T residents say they are unhappy with C.T. Park’s services. Photo Source: RFERL The contract between the company the agreement will cost the Mayor’s and the Mayor’s Offi ce was signed under Offi ce GEL 25 million in expenses, a huge the previous government in 2007, seeing sum for the Tbilisi budget. the company receive exclusive rights to Elisashvili has claimed that it is better manage parking services in Tbilisi until to pay GEL 25 million from the budget 2022. than put up with extremely high fi nes However, the service costs and rules from C.T. Park. The politician believes have raised various questions amongst that parking should be a municipal ser- the populace, who disapprove of the vice, governed by City Hall until a new company, claiming it to have high fi nes tender is announced. and unfair conditions. “If I become Mayor, my fi rst act will The current Mayor, Davit Narmania, be abolishing the contract with C.T. Park. has stressed on numerous occasions that After that, an international tender will he is also unsatisfi ed with the work of be announced, which will have three C.T. Park but has explained that the conditions: pay the fi ne to C.T. Park, set- agreement cannot be cancelled because, ting up adequate infrastructure, and according to international auditing com- initiate a parking system in the capital,” pany Ernst & Young, the cancellation of said Elisashvili.

Venice Commission to Mediate Dialogue between Georgian Ruling Party & Opposition

Continued from page 1 part in the meeting in Strasburg. in the main document of the country. in late June. elections. The majority stated after “If the ruling party adopts this ver- GD says they will join the meeting, Parliament will return to discussing consultations with the opposition par- The Chair of Free Georgia, Kakha sion of constitution, this will be a one- however, they do not specify if they will the draft law after three months, as three ties, NGOs and the Venice Commission Kukava, says that the Venice Commis- party document and a step backwards compromise their position or not. readings are mandatory for the fi nal that the changes would take place before sion's proposal is a serious chance to for the democratic development of “We compromised on many issues. adoption of a law in Parliament. the 2020 parliamentary elections. How- exert pressure on the government to Georgia,” Zaza Bibilashvili from the Consensus with the opposition can be The amendments, among many impor- ever, according to the adopted changes, suspend the review of the constitutional UNM stated. reached at this meeting,” Archil Talak- tant changes, include a delay to the full this will now happen no earlier than amendments adopted in the second European Georgia member Irakli Abe- vadze, parliamentary majority leader, move to a proportional election system, 2024. reading. sadze says that the meeting in Strasburg said. as well as indirect presidential elections Georgia has a mixed electoral system, The parliamentary opposition parties, will be fruitful if the ruling Georgian Georgian Dream adopted the proposed until 2018. with 77 lawmakers elected through pro- the United National Movement (UNM) Dream (GD) party decides that the wish changes to the country’s main law, the GD promised a move to a proportional portional elections and the remaining and European Georgia, are going to take of Georgian society has to be refl ected Constitution, with its second reading system prior to the 2012 parliamentary 73 via a majoritarian race. GEORGIA TODAY AUGUST 4 - 7, 2017 NEWS 3 Ukraine’s Prosecutor General New Initiative Increases Does Not Exclude Extradition of Tension between President Saakashvili to Georgia ian citizenship around a week ago. If BY THEA MORRISON he returns to Ukraine, he will be deported to Georgia and held responsible for various charges offi cially raised against & Ruling Party uri Lutsenko, the Prosecu- him in 2014. tor General of Ukraine, has Georgia’s Justice Minister, Thea Tsu- not excluded the extradi- lukiani, said a few days ago that the BY THEA MORRISON tion of Georgia’s ex-Pres- Georgian Prosecutor's Offi ce addressed ident Mikheil Saakashvili Ukraine twice, in both 2014 and 2015, Yto Georgia, when he arrives back in to extradite the ex-president of Georgia. new initiative from the Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian side did not Georgian President Giorgi The information was released by news comply with the request because they Margvelashvili, raised at the agency ‘Ukrainian Apostrophe,’ which were unable to rule out any discrimina- meeting with the United says that the Ukrainian Prosecutor Gen- tory aspects. States Vice President Mike eral held a meeting with bloggers and She added that that the Ukrainian side PenceA a few days ago, about the appoint- said that "he will be forced to extradite has changed their position of late; but ment of a special representative of the Saakashvili to Georgia should he come as Saakashvili is not currently in Ukraine, US to Georgia, has increased tension back to Ukraine." they cannot extradite him now. between the Presidential Administration However, Lutsenko added that it will “As soon as Saakashvili arrives in and the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) and the US side in advance. involved in a dispute against the President happen only if there is a new request Ukraine, they can hand him over on the party. The presidential initiative was Georgia’s State Minister for Reconcili- and his Administration,” she stressed. from Georgia. basis of our request sent to Ukraine two voiced on August 1, when Mike Pence ation and Civic Equality, Ketevan Tsikhe- Lasha Tugushi from the European Geor- Saakashvili was stripped of his Ukrain- years ago,” Tsulukiani said. and Margvelashvili visited the multina- lashvili, says that today Georgia and the gia party believes that no matter what tional NATO-backed Noble Partner 2017 US have unprecedentedly close and suc- idea the president proposes, the majority military drills near Tbilisi. cessful relations and there is no need to always negatively assesses his actions. The President of Georgia thanked the appoint a special representative. “It is very important to make Georgia’s Vice-President for the clear supportive The State Minister of Georgia on Euro- issues more active,” he added. messages delivered during the visit and pean and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Vik- Analysts like the initiative, but point out stated that the appointment of a special tor Dolidze, also shares the position of that this step has once again underlined representative for Georgia will facilitate the ruling party. that there is tension between the Presi- rapid and effi cient implementation of “I see no need to add a new element to dential Administration and the ruling cooperation between Georgia and the this relationship. However, as the initia- party. US. tive belongs to the President, it can be They believe the government should However, soon after the initiative, the discussed,” he stated. have asked for the appointment of a US ruling party criticized the president for The opposition parties approve of the Special Representative to Georgia a long his action, claiming there is no need for new initiative and criticize the GD for time ago, when such a representative was additional mechanisms in relations always criticizing the steps Margvelash- appointed for Ukraine. between the two countries. vili makes. Tinatin Bokuchava, member “The initiative is very interesting and Vice-Speaker of Parliament and mem- of the United National Movement, says timely but, as usual, it is followed by ber of GD, Gia Volsky, said the president’s that the ruling party does not think about negative reactions from the government,” initiative was “incompetent”. the interests of the country. Nodar Kharshiladze, the establisher of He also expressed regret that the issue “Instead of focusing on Georgia’s stra- the Georgian Strategic Analysis Center was not agreed on with the government tegic interests, GD is once again getting stated. GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS AUGUST 4 - 7, 2017 Messages from Pence

BY THEA MORRISON & NINO GUGUNISHVILI

e appreciate Georgian-Ameri- can relations, which have been developing throughout the last 25 years. Georgia is our most important strategic partner. We respectW its territorial integrity and aspiration to join NATO, - Mike Pence, the Vice-President of the United States, said during his two-day visit to Georgia on August 1. The PM’s Press Offi ce reports that during the VP’s visit with Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikash- vili, both sides discussed key issues of the Geor- gia-US strategic partnership. The meeting was focused on defense and security and the United States' role in developing the Georgian Armed Forces and enhancing Georgia's defense capa- bilities. The importance of NATO-backed military drills in Georgia, Noble Partner, underway in Georgia until August 12, and its role in the strengthening of security, stability and peace in the region was also acknowledged. “You stand shoulder in shoulder with our secu- rity, you stand together for the liberty of our peo- ple, this is why you are noble and your partnership of free movement. 20 percent of the country is “I bring greetings from the leader of the free tration will always give a strict response to those is vital for our common welfare,” President Marg- occupied by Russia because Georgia decided to world, President of the United States of America, countries that try to undermine Georgia's territo- velashvili said in his speech to participants of the be a free and independent nation”. Donald Trump. The President sent me here, to rial integrity and sovereignty. multinational military exercise the same day. “My country, as a European nation, creates great this place and at this time, simply to thank you all He also stated that the US and Georgia will “Freedom is of the highest value for Georgians opportunities for further strengthening ties between for serving your nations,” he said, adding that the intensify their economic relations. and for Americans, their dedication to liberty uni- both East and West, but to do so our freedom has US and Georgia are bound together by an abiding “We will work in the business fi eld and strengthen fi es both nations. Our countries are strategic part- to be secured, therefore, today, we need a fi rm call friendship and by a shared commitment to defend our business relationships. The ongoing reforms ners, sharing common values and goals,” he noted, to tear down those walls,” Margvelashvili said. freedom. in Georgia clearly demonstrate [Georgia’s] com- underlining that the US Government's assistance Mike Pence in turn said it was an honor for him "Georgia has been a strategic partner of the mitment to the strengthening of business relations to Georgia is crucial. “Not too far away, wire fences to address the men and women of exercise Nobel United States for years. Thousands of Georgian with the West,” he added. exist, depriving the citizens of Georgia the right Partner. servicemen served with dignity together with the During his visit, VP Pence also met with mem- Americans in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq. Georgia bers of the political opposition. has sent more military personnel per capita than “We talked about the processes that are currently any other country worldwide,” the Vice-President ongoing in our country, the constitutional and stated, recalling the 31 Georgian soldiers who had election reform, issues related to the freedom of sacrifi ced their lives in the struggle for freedom. speech and Rustavi 2,” David Bakradze, leader of Kvirikashvili later stated that, with the help of the European Georgia party, said. “Our position the US, today Georgia has moved on from its and the position of our American partners coin- Soviet past. cides fully: that a democratic Georgia is a country “Today, we are a European democracy associ- which can expect maximum support, that will fi nd ated with the EU, and we are proud to stand by itself in the Euro-Atlantic area and NATO, and the Americans in the fi ght for global security, and which will be able to defend itself from Russian make our contribution to regional stability,” he aggression,” he noted. stated, adding that Georgia is ready for high-level Shalva Shavgulidze, leader of the Free Demo- trade and investment relations with the United crats, spoke about the informal governance threats States, based on bilateral economic benefi ts. and the problems of democratic development in “The US companies’ cooperation with the Anak- the country. lia Deep Sea port once again confi rms the growing “It was a very interesting meeting, more produc- interest in American business as well as the great tive than I expected,” Nika Melia, Leader of the potential for transforming our country into a UNM, said. “The US Vice President’s visit to regional hub,” he added. Georgia demonstrates that both the US adminis- Mike Pence thanked Georgia for its hospitality tration and the Vice President himself support and warm welcome, and noted that he is impressed the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independ- with Georgian traditions, cuisine and folklore. ence of Georgia. We discussed numerous topics “Georgia is at the crossroads of civilizations and during the meeting: the necessary constitutional nations. For millennia, this country has created changes and political, social and economic secu- richer traditions, has its own language, original- rity, which is the cornerstone of the country’s ity…The US is ready to deepen relations with development,” Melia said. He also mentioned that Georgia,” he confi rmed. he spoke about Georgia’s former president Mikheil “I would like to once again emphasize Donald Saakashvili, but stated that he didn’t want to dis- Trump's words: we are with you, we continue our close any details. alliance, Georgia's future is connected to the West,” VP Mike Pence also met the Catholicos Patriarch he reiterated. of Georgia Ilia II in Sioni Cathedral, after which According to Pence, Donald Trump's adminis- he and his delegation left Georgia for Montenegro.

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GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS AUGUST 4 - 7, 2017 Two Cities, Three Georgias

ticularly if you stay in the center and in OP-ED BY LINCOLN MITCHELL the more cosmopolitan neighborhoods, it is not hard to see Georgia as European. The cafes dotting the old city, the mix n a recent trip to Georgia, of centuries old churches next to hip I spent about week in restaurants serving interesting fusion Batumi and slightly more cuisines, the melange of European lan- than that in Tbilisi. I fi rst guages one hears at these places and the visited Batumi in 2003 growing imprint of western youth cul- whenO I got the full Alsan Abashidze ture all give Tbilisi a very European feel. treatment complete with tours of the Batumi, on the other hand, is, by any city, long meals, lectures about the his- measure, considerably less European. tory of the Abashidze family in Adjara Parts of the city are beautiful, but much that lasted for hours and even a perfor- less European feeling than parts of Tbi- mances at the opera house. I have made lisi. There are a handful of cafes and several visits there in the intervening 14 restaurants that have a true Western years so have seen the extraordinary vibe, but they are much less part of the development and growth of that city. I fabric of Batumi than is the case in Tbi- have, of course, spent a great deal of time lisi. Moreover, the huge presence of in Tbilisi over the last fi fteen years, so tourists from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, have a pretty good sense of both cities. the Middle East and elsewhere makes Tbilisi and Batumi are both interesting Batumi a fascinating, but not entirely cities with their own charms and attrac- European-seeming town. Batumi is none- tions. At fi rst glance, the differences are theless fl ourishing and represents a dif- most of the rest of Georgia. their Western allies. Given those options, where Georgia already has a signifi cant also obvious. Tbilisi is much bigger. ferent relationship between Georgia and Ideally, Georgia could synergize these the choice is easy, but Batumi implicitly comparative advantage. There is a les- Batumi is a beach town, while Tbilisi is the rest of the world. Batumi’s growth two visions, becoming both European presents an alternative, one that recog- son there for other regions and economic in the middle of the country and has a and success as a beach town and tourist and a crossroads of the Middle East, nizes that Georgia’s European identity sectors in Georgia. much larger and more diverse economy. destination rests not directly on Geor- former Soviet Union, Europe and Asia, may not be as deeply entrenched, or as The quest to be part of Europe also has Tbilisi feels more urban, while Batumi gia’s European orientation as there are but that will not be easy. Achieving either natural, as the elite consensus suggests, its limitations for Georgia. By identify- feels more like a very fast growing small relatively few European tourists there. of these goals requires smart policy- while also presenting an alternative that ing so heavily as part of Europe, Georgia town that is somewhat removed from Instead, Batumi benefi ts from Georgia’s making, political stability and a clear is not Russia. misses an opportunity to exploit one of the central government in the capital. location at a crossroads of many differ- vision. Achieving both would be much The identity suggested by Batumi is its strategic advantages: its location and There is another difference that may ent countries, reputation as a safe and more diffi cult, necessitating a nuanced complex and not easy, but it may also be strong geographic and indeed cultural be more signifi cant and that becomes tolerant place and residual nostalgia policy approach that threads a needle more natural for Georgia. While Georgia ties to several different regions. For apparent very quickly when visiting both from the Soviet period. between these two sometimes clashing has strong European elements, the fi t example, the Georgian government has cities. In Tbilisi, English is the unoffi cial In some respects, these two cities rep- visions. has always been diffi cult, not least because indicated that it sees positioning Geor- second language, particularly in hotels, resent different possible futures for The dialectic between Tbilisi and of simple realities of geography and gia as a transit corridor between Asia good restaurants and in the old city. It Georgia. The Tbilisi future is one where Batumi is not, however, exactly a policy much of the history that grew out of that and the West an important component is also heard in the government offi ces Georgia accelerates its integration into question. The government cannot simply geography over the centuries. Georgia’s of economic development. There is no that are based in the capital. However, Europe and becomes something of a decide to move the country in one direc- historical ties, not just to Russia and to guarantee that the strategy will be suc- in hotels and restaurants in Batumi one European outpost in the South Caucasus, tion or another. Additionally, continuing other countries that were once part of cessful, but it recognizes Georgia’s poten- more frequently hears Russian, Turkish, on the geographical fringe of what most to think about Georgia’s future largely the Soviet empire, but also to Iran, the tial strategic advantage. The vision of Arabic or Persian. Even the Hebrew one people would view as Europe. The Batumi in terms of orientation and direction, Middle East and Israel, for example, are Georgia’s future represented in Batumi hears in Batumi is more likely to be Rus- future is one where Georgia becomes a rather than concrete policy actions is different, and in many cases closer than refl ects that advantage as well. sian accented than that coming from the genuine crossroads of the Middle East, not the most productive approach to those of most European countries. This is not just an economic question Israeli tourists and businesspeople who the former Soviet Union and, to a lesser governance. However, policy-makers, as For years, Georgia’s European orienta- as it also speaks to what kind of country go to Tbilisi. In general, there are many extent, Asia and Europe. In this vision, well as civil society advocates, media tion has been as much, or more, about Georgians want. At fi rst glance, it seems European and North American business it is not just tourists, but investors and and others in the broader policy arena, Georgia’s self-perception, as about secu- that if they want a European one, that people, tourists, long term residents and trade that comes to Georgia from these would be well served to recognize that rity, economics or politics. For Georgia, the model presented in Tbilisi is best, visitors in Tbilisi, while the European parts of the world. both of these cities represent important aspiring to be part of Europe is a way to but that is something of an oversimpli- and North American footprint in Batumi It should not be overlooked that while and distinct visions for Georgia’s future. reinforce its vision of itself as being part fi cation because it addresses the politi- is much lighter. The point here is not these two cities represent two differ- Equally importantly, they are refl ections of the advanced, affl uent West and to cal, but not the economic. If Georgia’s simply one of linguistic difference, nor ent possible futures for Georgia, there of important trends in Georgia now. differentiate itself from its less affl uent, commitment to democracy and other is it a Tom Friedmanesque attempt to is a third possible future for Georgia. Tbilisi and Batumi represent two pos- less successful neighbors. This desire European values is strong enough, then explain Georgia by hanging out in hotel That is the one represented by large sible development and policy directions has spurred Georgia towards reform and the Batumi model will not undermine lobbies in Tbilisi and Batumi. Rather, parts of the country outside these two for Georgia, but they also represent two been one of the key engines of its dem- that commitment. Moreover, if the com- there are some bigger differences between relatively dynamic cities and is much Georgian identities. The notion that ocratic development, so it has contrib- mitment is not strong enough, then sim- the two cities, that represent competing less positive. The underemployment, Georgia is European and that Georgia’s uted much to Georgia. However, the ply restating its European orientation visions of Georgia’s future, of which relative economic stagnation and lack future lies with greater ties to Europe desire to differentiate itself from its and aspiration will not be enough to these observations are illustrative. of opportunity that has proven to be has been axiomatic among broad swaths neighbors may have also created unnec- ensure Georgia moves meaningfully in In Tbilisi, Georgia’s European inclina- enduring in much of rural Georgia of the political elite for years. It is fre- essary barriers to economic development. that direction anyway. tion and aspirations are very evident. represents a very depressing vision for quently reinforced by framing the alter- Because Batumi is so dependent on tour- Not only does the city feel more Euro- Georgia’s future. Thus, one way to think native to Europe as Russia and all the ism, it is a good example of this. A big Lincoln Mitchell is a political development, pean, but it is much more connected to about the major question for Georgia negatives, from occupation to lack of part of the success of Batumi is precisely research and strategic consultant who has Europe through business, politics and is which vision, Tbilisi or Batumi, is freedom, that are associated with that because it has not pursued the European worked extensively in the post-Soviet region. people. If you spend time in Tbilisi, par- best suited to address the ills plaguing country in the minds of Georgians and market, but instead focused on markets See more on [email protected]. Ruhadze on Westernizing Georgia

everyday life. I’m not even talking about OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE the more serious issues that a keen West- ern eye would notice every second and every step of the way in this culture and his is a serious statement country. That keen western eye will fi rst coming from me, not borne behold and then be embarrassed by and of anger but based on pure fi nally be angered at the badly parked logic and bitter experience. cars in front of their gates, or right in front Georgia’s “westernization” of their cars in public parking lots, or willT take centuries to come, and here’s right in the middle of a street with their why: western culture, character and model two idiot drivers sticking their stupid of behavior cannot be learned overnight, heads out of their car windows to chat as and it cannot be achieved by means of if they own the road. And such is hap- our miserable political and quasi-diplo- pening in a country of ancient civilization matic efforts. The ‘West’ must be ham- and in a land of people who are terribly, mered into our impenetrable heads by terribly proud of their history and their mastering Western rules and laws, and great culture. Why? Why are we this way, through prolonged and perseverant emu- folks? What’s wrong with us? Can’t we at lation of the Western way of life. We will least pretend to be civilized? Just pretend, never become members of NATO and nothing else, to allow the impression that the EU unless we learn how to drive and we make on the West drag us somehow park our cars, or clean the mess our pets into our dream of the North Atlantic make in the streets or stop littering our Treaty Organization and the European environment. This is but a few details of Union!

GEORGIA TODAY 8 POLITICS AUGUST 4 - 7, 2017 US & Russia: Exploring Potential Cooperation

OP-ED BY EMIL AVDALIANI Source: russiancouncil.ru

hen last week Russia introduced counter- sanctions against the US by ordering 755 American diplomats Wout of the country, it was propagated inside Russia as a veritable sign of Rus- sia’s anger. In reality though, the move should rather be considered as a belated countermeasure against those actions which were taken by the former US president Barrack Obama in late 2016. The reality is that Moscow cannot afford to impose serious countersanc- tions against Washington as they would harm the problem-stricken Russian economy more than that of the US. For instance, power engines manufactured in Russia for NASA in the US bring a lot of money for Russia and ceasing their export will cost the Russian economy as much as $1 bln within a few years. Some analysts could see that as a sign the end of the Cold War, and it could get war of 2008. The Russians even in bilateral relations since the end of cooperation is the Korean peninsula of Russia trying to leave even a small worse". announced that the upcoming visit spe- the Cold War, the two powers may still where both countries oppose North chance for the improvement of relations Moscow sees that the pressure from cifi cally comes against Pence’s visit in fi nd some common ground for coop- Korea’s nuclear program and fear that between the countries. But it is more the US has signifi cantly increased over Tbilisi. eration. Syria is a primary example, this could be a fi nal blow to the non- plausible to think that Moscow simply the past several months. The US mili- Thus, the relations are indeed compli- when the ceasefi re in the south-western proliferation policy which is already cannot respond proportionately to the tary and security build-up in Eastern cated, with no sign of abating as the US part of the country was reached in early under certain pressure from both Mos- new US-imposed sanctions. Europe, along with open statements has made it repeatedly clear that any July during the meeting of the two cow and Washington. However, despite And Moscow should be worried about from American high offi cials on how improvement is contingent on Russia presidents in Hamburg. Indeed, both the shared vision, Tillerson recently the existing international situation. The supportive Washington will be in case making concessions in her current stance countries share a vision of defeating criticized Russia along with China for very fact that Washington imposed sanc- of a confl ict with Russia, are clear signs on Ukraine, Georgia and elsewhere. the Islamic State. not doing enough to stop Pyongyang’s tions on Russia together with North of the US resolve. US Vice President Putin‘s grand strategy of tying up the Afghanistan could be another theater nuclear program. Korea and Iran makes it clear how the Mike Pence’s recent visit to Estonia and Syrian crisis with the Ukrainian one in of cooperation as Russia fears the spill- These are the theaters across the globe White House currently views Russian Georgia was a good refl ection of this order to gain leverage in negotiations over of militancy across the Afghan where Russia and the US could cooper- actions in terms of the instability they policy. Moreover, the largest ever-in- with the West did not work. Further, border into central Asia. Moscow, at ate, but the question is how this poten- create for their neighbors in Eurasia. Georgia military exercises are now being hopes that under Trump the relations least in theory, should not be entirely tial cooperation could spill over onto The relations between Moscow and held on Georgian soil with the partici- would improve were also dashed and against the US in Afghanistan since, the former Soviet space. As we have Washington may even worsen. The US pation of the US and other allies. A we are now seeing the beginning of a despite Moscow’s military presence in seen there is very little understanding Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, said further sign of the complicated situation protracted confrontation. Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, its military between the two powers on Ukraine, this Tuesday that "as I indicated on my the Kremlin is fi nding itself in, is the forces might not be effective against Georgia and wider eastern European fi rst trip to Moscow, following meetings announcement that Putin will be visit- HOPES OF COOPERATION, trans-border attacks from the Taliban security. This leaves dim prospects for at the Kremlin with President Putin, the ing Abkhazia on August 8 – the anni- HOWEVER LIMITED and the Islamic State fi ghters. any change in the coming months and relationship was at a historic low since versary of the short Russo-Georgian However, despite this, the lowest point The third geographic area of likely possibly even years. Purely American Values… and Us

more complete. When it comes to CHAR- also known as one of the American val- OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE ITY, America can truly be proud – it ues; we like change just as much, espe- really is a classic country of charity, but cially in our political life. PERSONAL Georgia is only now learning how to be CONTROL OVER THE ENVIRONMENT ost of the values that a charitable society. PERSEVERENCE, is what Americans have in their blood Americans want to con- PROFESSIONALISM and CONCEN- while in Georgia this feature of human sider as their own are TRATION characterize Americans, but character is hardly effective as yet. TIME universally recognized I cannot call my fellow Georgians ter- AND ITS CONTROL is the feature which human ideals, shared by ribly perseverant and concentrated pro- runs life in America and in the West in Mmost nations, including Georgia. So, it fessionals as laziness and superfi ciality general, but here in Georgia, time has might be fun to compare our two cultures. are stuck in our bones, somehow. Amer- not yet become something of a great After all, we are Strategic Partners, aren’t icans can be counted on for their RELI- value. RELIGIOUSNESS, SPIRITUAL- we? Well, this sounds a little like an over- ABILITY and ACOUNTABILITY, some- ISM, FAITH, TRADITION and IDEAL- statement, but it is a loveable overstate- thing which I cannot ascribe to most of ISM are the most common values that ment, especially at the moment when we my countrymen. America is a country unite America and Georgia – we are both have so much ‘America’ in Georgia. of OPPORTUNITY, but Georgia has to very much into these. OPENNESS is also Let us start with HONESTY, INTEG- go another mile until it becomes one. characteristic for both nations. A sense RITY and TRUTHFULNESS – they still FORGIVENESS, LOYALTY, GOODWILL, of COMPETITION has made America, matter in America as valuable human DEVOTION and DEDICATION are but Georgia is still awaiting its rebirth features and are appreciated in Georgia, strikingly American moral values, taking in such environment. SELF-HELP? Yes, too, but with a veneer of dubiousness root in its Christian past, whereas in Americans have acquired this valuable and suspicion to it. How about LIBERTY? us Georgians, subjectivity is more val- DISCIPLINE – these values still charac- Georgia, of even older Christian tradi- feature of character through the fron- This purely fundamental American value ued. Americans appreciate SERIOUS- terize the American everyday life, but tion, a sense of vengeance, reckoning, tier’s hardships; in Georgia, self-pity is is elevated to the rank of national ideal NESS but Georgians seem to be more in Georgia, forget it! COMPASSION – in retaliation, retribution and punishment trendier. Americans have high-level in Georgia in conjunction with INDE- susceptible to levity. RIGHTEOUSNESS this, we are no worse, if not a little bet- is more prevalent. Americans are famed WORK ORIENTATION, ACTION, INI- PENDENCE, exactly as it is in America. is truly what the American spiritual ter, than Americans. MODESTY and for their SMILE worldwide, it is valued TIATIVE and EFFICIENCY; we, con- EQUALITY – this constitutional value existence is defi ned by; we used to be HUMILITY – in America, it is very trendy as their best stock in trade; Georgians versely, enjoy leisure, inertness and pas- should be working in America, but in the same way historically, but this feature to wax modest anywhere and anytime, are a smiling nation, too, but smiling at sivity, acquired in the years of socialist Georgia, it still needs to be nursed. SELF- of our national character is gradually but in Georgia, modesty and humility a stranger is still taken here as a strange labor. And fi nally, PRIVACY! Americans GOVERNMENT – this is one of the pil- fading away. FAIRNESS has become a do not help us to look attractive and gesture. AQUISITIVENESS and MATE- need it as they do air and water. In Geor- lars of the American political establish- problem in our times in general, but dignifi ed. REASON is one of the fore- RIALISM is one of the best descriptions gia, stop dreaming about privacy right ment, but here in Georgia, it is not always Americans are still trying to maintain most features of the American character, of the American national character, and now. honored. OBJECTIVITY characterizes this value; in Georgia, it triumphs only but for a regular Georgian, it is a burden this is exactly where the Georgians never This is how much alike and different the American to a certain extent, but for sporadically. ACCURACY and SELF- – rather, emotion is what makes us feel lag behind. Proclivity for CHANGE is we are! GEORGIA TODAY AUGUST 4 - 7, 2017 BUSINESS 9 US - Georgia Major Partnership: Signing an Agreement with SSA Marine

BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI

SA Marine, a company regarded as having a strong future focus and possessing a long history of international trade and Anaklia is being highly effi cient logistics, is now positioned as the Soffi cially appointed as Terminal Opera- tor for the Anaklia Deep Sea Port. Hailed as the start of “a journey into the future,” main trade the agreement signing ceremony between the Anaklia Development Consortium gateway to the and the leading US terminal operator, SSA Marine, was held on August 1. Caucasus and The signing of the agreement took place within the framework of the US beyond, Vice President Mike Pence’s two-day visit to Georgia, bringing even more providing a vital the operating rights to the Anaklia Deep ates over 30 intermodal rail ramps for of US companies in large regional infra- signifi cance to the event. Sea Port’s container terminal for the next US Class I railroads. structural projects is “very important”. “The Anaklia Deep Sea Port shows the link for economic twenty years. The Anaklia Deep Sea The construction of the Anaklia Deep ”Along with our American partners, potential of stronger bilateral relations project is expected to further strengthen Sea Port is to be launched later this year we have been given the opportunity to between our nations,” Pence said. “Amer- development economic growth both nationally and while Operational Phase 1 is scheduled open Georgia’s gateway to the sea and regionally, while establishing a maritime to start in 2020-2021 to mark Anaklia’s place on the world across the entire corridor between China and Europe. Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Prime Minister of map and convert it into a most crucial Alongside yet another leading US infra- Georgia; Anaklia Development Consor- logistics hub. The fact that such a pow- region structure and capital projects developer, tium founder, Mamuka Khazaradze; Kurt erful American company as SSA Marine ican companies are investing, alongside Conti International, a company which Conti, Co- Founder of ADC, Senior is investing in Georgia is itself a strategic their Georgian counterparts, in this is a part of the Anaklia Development Vice President of SSA Marine, Robert and important precedent for our coun- multi-billion dollar project as we look Consortium, while Conti Group is the Watters, and members of the Georgian try,” Khazaradze said prior to the offi cial American to the future of our two nations- having investor of the project, SSA Marine is government attended the August 1 sign- signing ceremony. untold opportunities to contribute even said to have been chosen as the port’s ing. The agreement was signed by Levan companies are more to each other’s prosperity”. terminal operator for its vast experience Underlining the importance of the Akhvlediani, CEO, Anaklia Development Anaklia is being positioned as the main in overseeing over 250 operations across agreement, the PM said, “We are com- Consortium, and Robert Watters, Senior investing, trade gateway to the Caucasus and beyond, the fi ve continents, managing terminals mitted to bringing more economic sub- Vice President of SSA Marine. providing a vital link for economic devel- in nine countries and servicing 27.2 mil- stance to our strategic, bilateral coop- alongside their opment across the entire region, “a place lion containers (TEU). The company eration and this is high proof of the fact”. of great signifi cance to the future of also handles more than 75 million tons He also noted that the goal is to create Georgian regional and global commerce”. of dry bulk globally, manages cruise ship the best platform for US business inter- counterparts, in The agreement grants SSA Marine with operations in US and Mexico, and oper- ests in the region, and the involvement this multi-billion We have been dollar project as given the we look to the opportunity to future of our two open Georgia’s nations- having gateway to the untold sea and to mark opportunities to Anaklia’s place contribute even on the world map more to each and convert it into other’s prosperity" a most crucial - VP Pence logistics hub

Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY AUGUST 4 - 7, 2017 Swiss National Day Celebrated in Tbilisi

Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Ambassador Lukas Beglinger and his spouse, Barbara Kohler-Beglinger

building in the South Caucasus region, lished a modern, Swiss-quality farm in BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI in addition to protecting power mandates the Racha region together with his Geor- on behalf of Georgia and of the Russian gian buisness partner Irakli Kervalishvili Federation”. back in 2008, which isnow a successful wiss National Day was cele- The evening then continued with the venture producing fresh meat and meat brated with an offi cial recep- address of Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Prime products, said, “Our cultures and men- tion held at Otium restaurant, Minister of Georgia. talities are very alike. Together with my Tbilisi, on August 1. The day “Our partnership is growing stronger friend, who himself comes from Racha, also marked the 25th anniver- in all dimensions; covering political, we decided to do something for farmers Ssary of Swiss-Georgian diplomatic rela- economic, and cultural, and all other there and came up with the idea of set- tions and saw foreign diplomats, Geor- fi elds,” the PM said, adding that Georgia ting up the farm. We are very satisfi ed gian government officials and is to host Doris Leuthard, President of with the results and we’re still investing: representatives of international organi- the Swiss Confederation, in December the quality is very high, the people work- zations gathered at the event. this year and on September 1, the Free ing for us have high skills now and it’s a “Today, we celebrate the 726th birthday Trade Agreement with the European pleasure to work with them.” The future of the Swiss Confederation. But this is Free Trade Association (EFTA) will come plans, he says, involve founding schools also an occasion to celebrate 25 years of into force. “While trade, business and for butcher-farmers and cheese-makers diplomatic relations between Switzer- investments are very important to Geor- in Georgia, as well as retraining paravets. land and Georgia: 25 years of close and gia, as are Swiss relations, the coopera- “Georgia is a typical agricultural country successful partnership, marked by mutual tion between the two countries extends and it needs development to be able to sympathy, respect and trust,” Lukas Beg- well beyond that,” he said. produce good quality and healthy prod- linger, Ambassador of Switzerland to “Georgia, like Switzerland, has a huge ucts,” Blauenstein said. “It takes a lot of Georgia said in his welcoming speech heritage in its mountains, in fact, we can work for the people in the countryside at the reception, expressing his gratitude safely say our mountainous regions are and makes the countryside more viable to the Georgian authorities, fellow citi- a real treasure trove of Georgian culture to live in. In Racha, only a few people were zens and international partners who, as and traditions, and I’m delighted that living there year-round: now there are he noted, “contributed in the past two Georgia is closely cooperating with hundreds. Add to that the fact that tour- and a half decades to developing Swiss- experts from Switzerland and will soon ism is developing really well- more and Georgian relations and supporting Geor- be able to benefi t from Switzerland’s more people are coming to Georgia: I even gia’s way forward in its quest for demo- extensive experience to keep our moun- had a hard time fi nding a hotel room as cratic nation-building, rule of law, peace tain region heritage sustainable,” the everything was booked up!” and prosperity”. Prime Minister said, going on to point Since 1991, following recognition of The Ambassador went on to note that to the fact that Switzerland, with only 8 Georgia’s independence, Switzerland Georgia can continue to count on Swit- million citizens, is one of the most devel- has maintained successful diplomatic zerland’s sympathy and active support, oped and richest countries, boasting relations with it as an active partner, as the two countries maintain strong some of the world’s largest fi nancial cooperating in economic, educational, bilateral relations across various fi elds capitals, Zurich and Geneva, a global hub cultural, research and innovation areas. and “have a lot to share”. He underlined for doing business and in many ways a In 2016, Switzerland was Georgia’s nine- the fact that the Swiss Cooperation pro- role model for Georgia. teenth commercial partner, worth $124 gram in Georgia is aimed at maintaining “Like Switzerland, we would like to million in trade, making up 1.32 percent tangible results in promoting agricultural transform our country into a regional of Georgia’s total trade, while Swiss production and public services locally. hub for doing business and attract global exports to Georgia amounted to $42 mil- The active contribution from Swiss com- investments. I’m pleased to say that lion, and exports from Georgia to Swit- panies and investors to Georgia’s devel- Georgia is already safely set on this zerland made $82 million, according to opment in creating work places, estab- track,” Kvirikashvili said, adding that the latest fi gures. Swiss Humanitarian lishing quality standards and providing Switzerland has been “instrumental in Aid has been present and active in Geor- trainings, as well as international outreach promoting peaceful resolution of the gia throughout the confl icts in Abkhazia and innovation, was also underlined by confl ict in Georgia”. and South Ossetia. Switzerland has stood Ambassador Beglinger. “Switzerland is In an exclusive comment to GEORGIA as the appointed mediator in regulating committed to contributing to confl ict TODAY, Mr. Max Blauenstein, a busi- the confl ict between Georgia and Russia transformation, reconciliation and peace- nessman from Switzerland who estab- since 2009.

GEORGIA TODAY 12 SOCIETY AUGUST 4 - 7, 2017 The Svaneti Festival: Mestia

abstract or scenic details in relief. BLOG BY TONY HANMER Felt pictures, made using different colors of the material to make landscapes, especially mountains and towers. The traditional men’s skull cap, from ne of the meanings of Georgian words wearable sizes down to dolls’ versions. Needlepoint, ending in “oba” is a day dedicated to drawing, painting. the bit which comes before that end- This was all just the stalls. A large stage was also ing: these are typically festivals for set up, and here, mid-afternoon, the internationally people or places. So, Tbilisoba; famous Riho men’s choir opened proceedings with Mtskhetaoba;O Maryamoba; and so on. A new one several well know songs in Svan. They were fol- for me was this year’s Svanetoba, though it was lowed by local song, dance and music groups from actually founded (entirely unknown to me) last all over the region, crowned by the national Erisioni year, when my wife and I were in Canada. and Sukhishvili folk singing and dancing groups, Svanetoba seems to be patterned somewhat after also very popular around the world. It went on well the huge annual autumn Tbilisoba, which features into the night, past when we could stay. the best of fall produce from all over the country Apparently, Idliani won the stalls competition, a on stalls in the capital, as well as visual and per- less well-known village, one to which I have never forming arts displays and events. My wife and I even been. I was delighted that the prize went to drove to Mestia, regional capital, on midday of July such a place, demonstrating that the fi eld was wide 29 (the day after the much older, better known open to all. The event was a great display of how Kvirikoba church festival), did some necessary varied life and culture are in Svaneti from place to shopping, and went to check out the stalls. place; there are even four distinct dialects of Svan Every village or recognized group of villages was spoken here, with eighteen vowels among them, represented by a separate table, with its own sign, compared just fi ve vowels for Georgian itself. unique foods and drinks, and handicrafts. Although There has very occasionally been an Ushguloba the set of dishes known particularly to be Svan is festival too, celebrating all things especially of quite limited, here were displayed many variations. Ushguli; but not in the nearly two decades I have Sculptures made of cheese. Different cheeses spe- been in Georgia. However, 2018 sees the 60th anni- cial to their locations. Changes on khachapuri, versary of the opening of the school in that village, Georgian cheese bread; on k’ubdari, the local meat which is certainly a reason to celebrate, and one pie. Whole roast piglets. Sausages and corn breads; really hopes that this will be done. I taught English delicious vegetable pates; araqi, the local moon- in that school in the winters of 2007-8 and 2008-9, shine. We were allowed to sample everything as at the villagers’ request, and will never forget those of 3pm, and this turned out to be a much more months. The 50th anniversary came and went with- civilized occasion than the mad rush I was fearing. out event, so this time we really must make the The large crowds behaved themselves. effort! More. Carved wooden items: I here fi rst had the idea of turning the miniature Svan tower Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti ornament into a set of earrings, either of wood since 2007, and been a weekly writer for GT since early or the minutely detailed, ancient enamel at which 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook Georgians are expert. Everything right up to group, now with nearly 1500 members, at www.face- whole sets of furniture, carved all over with book.com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ GEORGIA TODAY AUGUST 4 - 7, 2017 CULTURE 13 The Pleasure of Song

how I felt recording each and every one of love and, truth be told, it would take INTERVIEW BY GIORGI IASHVILI of my songs, starting from the very fi rst a much fancier talker than me to describe album ending with every concert. And all the myriads of feelings that these these feeling are what I really cherish. songs can invoke. ino Katamadze is a bona- fi de star: just give a quick HOW LONG DO YOU YOU’VE TOURED ABROAD glance at the vast army of NEED TO TUNE UP AND EXTENSIVELY. WHICH WAS fans the singer has CREATE A NEW SONG? YOUR FAVORITE AUDIENCE? amassed over her career. The main component of my musical life Apart from Georgia, you mean? Well, NArmed with a vast array of questions in is my band – Insight. We started together, we go where we’re wanted. Where we advance of her upcoming Black Sea Arena and are still together, nobody left, nobody can warm other people’s hearts, do some concert, GEORGIA TODAY went to come in. As for time, well, once again, good, get them to see a better tomorrow. meet her. it’s not about time, it’s how and what do That’s why we often go to places where you feel. You can “give birth” to three it’s diffi cult to sing, but then again, the be on top of everything. We’re inviting where there are loads of gadgets to help WHAT MADE YOU compositions in one day, but that would real bravery is to face whatever reality the Sameba Cathedral Choir, which con- me see him, talk to him and so on. It’s a DECIDE TO SING? have to be a really special day. We wouldn’t you are in, to sing when you’re in war. sists of 33 people, so you’re in for a musi- painful topic. Really. And then you imag- It’s not something you can decide; it’s a call ourselves composers, we take more Half of Earth’s population is our listener, cal feast, trust me. There will be a bit of ine how those mothers feel, mothers rather intimate, innate process. I for one after painters, if that’s a thing in music. so it’s really hard to pick favorites. Wher- everything: Georgian songs, hip songs, who are abroad to sustain their families… think that I still have miles to go before And let me tell you, its hugely emotional. ever there is sea, that means the audi- we’ve got DJ Trouble, who’s been doing it gives you motivation to put all you’ve I get this inner confi dence that allows When you create music, when you unite ence is more relaxed, more easy-going, “Real Music” for decades now and we’re got into what you’re doing, because you’re you to step on the stage without fear. this dissonance into something harmo- so you need a different kind of repertoire. really excited to be collaborating with doing it for them; you dedicate it to them. Music is all about making mundane nious, melodic, it’s a real miracle. The But then again, if I’m pressed to say, I’m him. We’ve got the Sixtet “Quintesence”, If you don’t then I don’t know what art things magical. Each morning, each per- emotions are… pure would be the right totally in love with Art-Gen. There was which… Actually, I won’t describe them of activity can be worth the time you’re son you meet, everything should be word, I suppose. And you have to cher- this one time I was singing Turpa, at 3am. – you’ve just got to listen to it. Well, per- taking from your partner, your child. It’s looked on through this magical prism ish and take care of that wholeness, too, We weren’t allowed to leave and I was haps one sentence – it’s music that warms diffi cult. because you cannot bring mundane into because it can go away. basically laying on the fl oor singing and your soul. Nikoloz Rachveli will also be music. I open my eyes and see 12 other people performing, of course Insight will be WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO YOU LIKE ALL also laying on the fl oor beside me. there, the orchestra, everything. It’s a DO BUT STRUGGLE TO? WHAT SONG BRINGS YOUR SONGS? huge space and we’re determined to fi ll I would rather like to travel and visit my YOU THE HAPPIEST Like, not like… it’s not like that. There TELL US ABOUT YOUR it to the brim. The preparations are going friends, who need my attention, my MEMORIES AND WHY? are times when I fi nd it diffi cult to sing. AUGUST 21 CONCERT AT apace and I’m sure you won’t be disap- friendship and I’m unable to do that as With me, it’s more about certain phrases, For example, in the aftermath of the 2008 THE BLACK SEA ARENA pointed. It’s kind of a test – me and my much as I would like right now. I some- tunes and scenes, than memories. I usu- August War, we recorded the “Red” The mood is fantastic. I love singing on team will be wrestling with all that our times don’t have time to buy gifts that ally get attached to specifi c phrases or album. We toured two years with it, but my birthdays – sitting at the supra and country has to offer and trust me, it’s would make other people happy but tunes. For example, my current favorite it’s was such a strain emotionally that listening to toasts for fi ve hours straight plenty. there is no time to simply go the store is a bit from our new album, the song is we had to “save ourselves” and record can never ever beat singing. You know and do that. So there’s plenty I’d like to called “Never Like This”, and at the the “Green” album. That’s the kind of what made me especially happy? 21st of HOW DO YOU BALANCE do. There are some things I might not beginning, you have this angelic chorus remedy we usually resort to. There are August is a Monday, it’s a working day MUSIC AND FAMILY LIFE? agree on with some people, but there is sung by the Patriarchy chorus and it’s also times when a song has already said and I personally know scores of people You must be kidding. There is no such music between us and this is much more just breathtaking. To be honest, often- what it wanted to say, to express and tell who postponed their busy schedule to balance, music demands everything, than personal differences sometimes. times when I sing I might look quite the listener and then it enters a kind of be there with me on that very Monday. devours every second of your time and Music is a remedy for your mind and for funny as I have to leave my everyday self hibernation and you are wary to wake it That counts for a lot, really. attention. This June, I took my child to your soul, it… kindles it, I suppose, mak- behind and it’s just another Nino who up again. There are songs that make you As for the Black Sea Arena itself, it’s Batumi and ended up seeing him twice ing you a better person. And to be able goes in and faces the music and tunes hurt and there are songs that make you just fantastic, with loads of opportuni- in two days. So I’m rather grateful that to do that, I have to say no to myself and embraces them. And I remember happy, there are songs that remind you ties and we’re really putting in a shift to I live in this age of technical progress, about a lot of things. GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE AUGUST 4 - 7, 2017

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI CINEMA MUSEUM The exhibition features up to 100 June 8 – September 11 MARUASHVILI, Mavix, MISIGII, works by David Sulakauri and a EXHIBITION CONSTELLATION NOXIRON, PASHA, Patrick Belfort, catalog of his artworks. This is Artworks by Chinese contemporary RezaM, RUTA, Samiyar, Shahrooz, AMIRANI CINEMA GEORGIAN NATIONAL artists- Ai Weiwei, Hu Xiaoyuan, SURREALBOY (live), TADE, Address: 36 Kostava Str. MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA the fi rst wide-scale exhibition of Li Shurui, Liu Wei, Lu Pingyuan, TOMMA, VLAD K, WOODLOOK Telephone: 2 99 99 55 MUSEUM the author dedicated to his 65th Lu Shanchuan, Ma Qiusha, Wang Start time: 09:00 www.kinoafi sha.ge Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. anniversary. Guangle, Wang Sishun, Wang Ticket: 100 GEL Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 Yuyang, Xie Molin, Xu Qu, Xu Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 GEL www.museum.ge July 11 – August 20 Zhen, Yan Xing, Zhang Ding, Zhang August 7 August 4-10 EXHIBITION FIELD OF FLOWERS The name "Field of Flowers" came Zhenyu, Zhao Yao and Zhao Zhao. Line Up: PERMANENT EXHIBITION: ANRILOV, ANUSHKA, BAIKAL THE DARK TOWER GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY from the eponymous poem Campo MUSIC di Fiori by Czesław Miłosz, an PULSE, CASTO, DANIELL, DARIA Directed by Nikolaj Arcel FROM 8TH MILLENNIUM B.C. ZET, DOCUMENTAL, GACHA Cast: Katheryn Winnick, Matthew TO THE 4TH CENTURY A.D honorary citizen of Kedainiai. He wrote it in 1943 in Warsaw during GEM FEST 2017 BAKRADZE, GELASHA, GUGA, McConaughey, Idris Elba LASHA MARUASHVILI, LEÖ Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. EXHIBITION OF GEORGIAN July 14 – August 14 ANÎRAM, MALI, ÖZH PASHA, Adventure, Fa The exhibition showcases WEAPONRY https://gemfestival.com PAVEL GRO, PROMESCU, Language: Russian artworks by 14 artists from Start time: 9:00 – 12:00 RUTA, SANCHO, SUPACOOKS, Start time: 19:00, 22:10 different countries: Sergey NUMISMATIC TREASURY Tickets: Opening Pass: 60 GEL, TAPEFEED, TOMAS, TROTSKY, Ticket: 10-14 GEL The exhibition showcases money Bratkov (Ukraine), Valery Orlov, 3-Day Pass: 120 GEL, Week Multi VLAD K, X:AM, YANKO, ZAPA circulation on the territory of The Blue Noses Group, Yury Pass: 170 GEL, Multi Pass: 500 GEL, Start time: 09:00 THE BEGUILED Georgia from the 6th century BC. Vassiliev, Alexandra Mitlyanskaya VIP Pass 2000 GEL. Ticket: 100 GEL Directed by Sofi a Coppola to 1834. Oleg Kostyuk, Evgeny Umansky GEM Fest is a month-long Cast: Nicole Kidman, Kirsten (Russia), Hubert Czerepok electronic music festival. Blazing a August 8 Dunst, Elle Fanning THE TESTAMENT OF DAVID (Poland), Elisha Flotser (Israel), new trail within sight of the Black Line Up: Genre: Drama THE BUILDER AND NEW Mikhail Gulin (Belorussia), Carl Sea, some of the world's biggest ALLERGIC, ANRILOV, BEKA, Language: Russian EXHIBITS OF THE MEDIEVAL Michael von Hausswoldd (Sweden), house, techno and trance DJs make BERIKA, DASTIA, ENDORPHINS, Start time: 17:00, 22:15 TREASURY Ana Riaboshenko (Georgia), Jacob this a stand-out summer party. GABUNIA, GELASHA, K. Ticket: 10-14 GEL Kirkegaard (), Ram Katzir Now into its third year, GEM KANDAUROV, KAÍ aka güevo, September 27 (2016) – (Israel, Netherlands). Fest 2017 offers more than 500 MATSEHORA, NUJI, OLIA DUNKIRK September 22 (2017) artists will perform on 9 stages CRICOVA, OSSA DI MARE, Directed by Christopher Nolan EXHIBITION STONE AGE GEORGIA MUSEUM OF SOVIET alongside over 100 fun, sports and RATIm, TOMAS, ZAPA, ZU2 Cast: Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, OCCUPATION entertainment activities. Start time: 09:00 Kenneth Branagh May 18- November 18 Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. Venue: Anaklia Ticket: 100 GEL Genre: Action, Drama, History EXHIBITION Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 Language: Russian GEORGIAN COSTUME AND www.museum.ge August 4 August 9 Start time: 17:00, 19:30, 22:00 WEAPONRY OF 18TH-20TH AXWELL AND INGROSSO Line Up: Ticket: 10-14 GEL CENTURIES PERMANENT EXHIBITION Line Up: DASSANA, EFIM KERBUT, Discover the State's personal fi les SJRM, AXWELL INGROSSO, EKNOR, ENDORPHINS, GACHA RUSTAVELI CINEMA MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS of "subversive" Georgian public LISI WOOD RESIDENT, BAKRADZE, HIGHCATS, Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. Address: 1 Gudiashvili Str. fi gures, orders to shoot or exile, and VOVA KLK K. KANDAUROV, KLAUS, Telephone: 2 55 50 00 Telephone: 299 99 09 other artifacts representing Soviet- Start time: 09:00 MATSEHORA, MUCHO, ØRIM, www.kinoafi sha.ge Ticket: 100 GEL PASCAL ROTH, PAUL GUESS, March 6 – August 30 era cultural and political repression in Georgia. RADAR, SURREAL BOY (live), Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL EXHIBITION August 5 VAKO TVLADILEN, WAYU, ZAPA August 4-10 MASTERPIECES FROM THE Start time: 09:00 SVANETI MUSEUM OF WORAKLS MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Ticket: 100 GEL HISTORY AND Line Up: ALL EYEZ ON ME COLLECTION ETHNOGRAPHY STEREOCLIP, WORAKLS, Directed by Benny Boom The exhibition includes works by BLACK SEA ARENA Address: 7 A. Ioseliani Str., Mestia N'TO, JOACHIM PASTOR, Cast: Demetrius Shipp Jr., Danai Bernardo Daddi, Lucas Cranach SPACE Resident DJs, GESCU, Address: Tsikhisdziri, Adjara (Elder), Guido Reni, Jan Steen, PRIKU, BARAC, HERODOT Gurira, Kat Graham July 30 – September 10 Genre: Biography, Drama, Music Jacob Van Ruisdael, Auguste Rodin, Start time: 09:00 August 5 Pablo Picasso, Vassily Kandinski; Georgian National Museum and Language: Russian Ticket: 100 GEL Black Sea Arena and Check in Masterpieces by Niko Project ArtBeat present Start time: 22:35 Georgia presents Pirosmanashvili, Lado Gudiashvili HERE Ticket: 13-14 GEL August 6 Legendary Georgian Voices and David Kakabadze. A solo exhibition of New York Line Up: concert: based 30 YEARS ON THE STAGE THE DARK TOWER ANUSHKA, Aref (Noble), IOSEB GRISHASHVILI Georgian artist AXAILES, BACHO, BAIKAL, Participants: Georgian Voices, Nato (Info Above) TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM LEVAN MINDIASHVILI PULSE, Behdad, BEKA, CASTO, Metonidze, Dato Evgenidze, Group Start time: 19:00, 22:10 - KARVASLA Irio and Tbilisi Big Band. GALLERY Chanturia, COBERT, DTRM, Ticket: 10-14 GEL Address: 8 Sioni St. ENVELOPE CODE, FROST, Special guest: Sevens of Ozurgeti Telephone: 2 98 22 81 GELASHA, GESCUGO2SKY, Directed by Basa Potskhishvili THE BEGUILED THE NATIONAL GALLERY HERODOT, HIGHCATS, Artist-decorator- Tamriko (Info Above) July 5 - September 11 Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. HOMBAO Live, Jazzerimo, K. Potskhishvili Start time: 17:00, 22:15 EXHIBITION OF DAVID www.museum.ge KANDAUROV, K.KANDAUROV & Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-14 GEL SULAKAURI'S ARTWORKS Telephone: 215 73 00 ARSENIY TROFIM (live), LASHA Ticket: From 10 GEL

August 9 Black Sea Arena and Check in Georgia presents CONCERT OF IRMA NYORADZE and World Ballet Stars- DEDICATED TO Participants- Ekaterina Borchenko, Ivan Zaitcev, Adamzhan Baktiyar, Madina Basbayeva, Sergio Bernal, Ilze Liepa, Alena Kovaleva, Jacopo Tissi, Ekaterina Pervushina, Mikhail Lobukhin, Maria Yakovleva, Jakob Feyferlik, Yonah Acosta, Laurretta Summerscales With the special invitation of the Georgian National Ballet- Sukhishvilebi Directed by Andris Liepa Artistic Director- Irma Nioradze Start time: 19:00 Ticket: From 10 GEL

August 10 Black Sea Arena and Check in Georgia presents CONCERT OF ERIC BENÉT and fi ve times Grammy winner CEELO GREEN SOUL NIGHT Start time: 19:00 Ticket: From 20 GEL

MUSIC FESTIVAL SAIRME 2017 Address: Resort Sairme

August 5 ENSEMBLE DIDGORI Start time: 17:00 Ticket: From 80 GEL GEORGIA TODAY AUGUST 4 - 7, 2017 CULTURE 15

SPORTS Friendly Baseball Match Georgian Youth National Team vs US Marines Team ‘Warriors’

Chill out this in a very friendly atmosphere with club marches BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE and other entertainment offered during the breaks. The match was accompanied by live commentary. 15 Georgian soldiers injured in peacekeeping mis- lready a well-rooted tradition in Geor- sions were present at the stadium and were given Summer at a gia, the inception of which goes back special gifts from companies like OSHEE, Adidas, seven years, the Georgian National Reebok and Red Bull. The result of friendly matches Baseball Team and the United States in general is not too important, as what matters Marines Team, called WARRIORS, most is the spirit itself; however, the Georgian Aenjoy regular annual sporting encounters in Tbilisi. baseball team won the match. On July 23, the Mikheil Meskhi stadium in Vake During the match, beer, soft drinks and spring Sophisticated hosted a friendly match between the two in an water were offered by sponsoring companies event jointly organized by the Ministry of Defense Natakhtari and Borjomi. of Georgia and the Georgian National Baseball and A very special role is being played by Casino Softball Federation. Shangri La in the development of Georgian base- After an eight-year break, Baseball and Softball ball. This company, along with the Ministry of Sport have been returned to the ranks of Olympic Sports and Youth Affairs of Georgia, is sponsoring the and the Georgian Youth National Team is starting Georgian Youth Baseball National Team U-23 at Salon-Restaurant its athletic struggle on the European arena by trav- the European Championship of 2017. And the truth elling in a week’s time to participate in the Euro- is that any sport, including baseball, has zero chance pean Championship in Austria, Slovakia and the of development without the fi nancial assistance of OFFERING AUDIENCES THIS SUMMER? Czech Republic. those who are kindly ready to volunteer it. INTERVIEW BY MAKA LOMADZE As throughout the rest of the year, there’ll be ample The recent baseball match played an important The recent match was supported by the Ministry daily live music. Zura Kiknadze, a remarkable gui- role in giving the Georgian team some experience. of Sport and Youth Affairs of Georgia, Georgian tarist and singer who mixes his program with It also contributed to better informing the public Post, the Georgian Football Federation and Friends alented artist Zaza Marjanishvili stud- authorized music and famous compositions, plays about the ‘Wounded Georgian Soldiers Program’. of Georgian Baseball & Softball Foundation. ied at the Faculty of Metallurgy as, in on Tuesdays. On Wednesdays, we have a classical Many soldiers from the United States fought shoul- Your obedient servant, the author of these words, Soviet times, being an artist was not music soiree of guitars with the participation of der to shoulder in the same battlefi elds as the has played his traditional role of Master of Ceremo- prestigious at all. He has pleasant the stunning classical player Giorgi Pkhaladze. On Georgian military peacekeepers and Georgian sol- nies. Hopefully, this baseball tradition will continue memories of his student years, espe- Thursdays, we host Achiko Beridze, whilst on Fri- diers need the valuable support of our public. for many years to come. After all, this is what makes Tcially a grand-piano standing in the neighboring days we offer a romantic guitar evening. This The match, attended by offi cials from the Geor- the two nations of ours closer and, certainly, hap- room on which he played a lot. Once, he was even upcoming Saturday, our guest is Dato Karchava. gian government and diplomatic corps, was held pier. arrested for playing jazz. He went on to enjoy 17 We have different music every night. We shift years of success living in the USA, but the pull of musicians, and correspondingly, musical styles. On his homeland brought him back to Georgia. Times Sundays, we usually have ‘Guest Musicians,’ who are different now and the marvelous personality hold concerts, make presentations of new albums and talented musician was able to open a café- and programs, etc. We often hold charity concerts, restaurant. GEORGIA TODAY met the now-famous as well as exhibition-fairs of Georgian artists. We composer and pianist to fi nd out more about that also host the creative soirees of writers and poets. venture. ARE FOREIGNERS TO BE FOUND WHAT NICHE DOES YOUR CAFÉ- AMONG YOUR AUDIENCE? RESTAURANT FILL? HOW DID YOU Zazanova is registered as an American restaurant COME UP WITH THE NAME? and so foreigners can often be seen enjoying our It is a salon-restaurant with daily live music from food and drink, listening to the music, purchasing 9pm. While I was living in the US, I had to work paintings and books. All of these activities serve on a lot of musical albums. In 2010, I recorded the the two reasons why ‘Zazanova’ was opened: fi rst, album ‘Zazanova’. The title came from the style for the cultural rehabilitation of the city and sec- and my choice of a somewhat humorous combina- ondly, the popularization of the names and creativ- tion of words: my name and ‘nova,’ which is Latin ity of Georgian artists overseas. for ‘new’. Where: Revaz Laghidze 2 WHAT MUSICAL PROGRAM ARE YOU When: Daily from 9pm

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