VISIT WEBSITE & READ DAILY NEWS FEBRUARY 8, 2016 N11

yovelkvireuli orenovani gazeTi saqarTveloSi

WEEKLY BILINGUAL NEWSPAPER IN GEORGIA

UKRAINIAN CRISIS: THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL: DANGER OF “OPEN WAR” INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS DISCUSS STILL EXISTS IN THE COUNTRY P. 7 NATO-GEORGIA RELATIONS P. 4 They praised Georgia for its reforms and military con- GEORGIAN MINISTER FOR tribution that is much beyond the size of its country, pop- DIASPORA ISSUES ASKS FOR ulation and economic situation. However, according to the experts present, NATO needs Georgia to be a better ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO prepared and more strongly positioned aspirant to bring HELP EMIGRANTS P. 14 them closer to membership.Despite this,there is a light at the end of the tunnel.At the 2008 Bucharest Summit, IS SWINE FLU (H1N1) IN allied leaders agreed that Georgia will become a NATO member, provided it meets all necessary requirements. GEORGIA A SEASONAL VIRUS OR THE RESULT OF UNITED STATES PRESIDENTIAL THE LUGAR LABORATORY ACTIVITIES? CANDIDATES’ APPROACH TO RUSSIAN EXCLUSIVE P. 15 FEDERATION P. 5 ANOTHER AWARD FOR The main difference between the Republicans’ and “TANGERINES” AND MISHA Democrats’ foreign policy perspectives is that the lat- ter believe military involvement is the last resort after MESKHI AT THE PEAK OF peaceful methods, while the Republicans don’t put too HIS CAREER much faith in negotiations with state actors like North EXCLUSIVE P. 17 Korea, or with radical organizations, and maintain the belief that the USA should not deteriorate its status as a LITHUANIAN STUDENTS super-power. GOP (Republican) candidates blame for- HOLD EXHIBITION: mer member of Obama administration, Hilary Clinton, for not taking serious measures to eradicate ISIS actions. “ORDINARY STARS” EXCLUSIVE P. 18 2 FEBRUARY 8, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE NEWS THE PROJECT “NEW TIFLIS” HAS LAUNCHED The project of “New Tiflis”, which means the re- increase real estate prices in Tbilisi. Tbilisi has al- construction and rehabilitation of old districts, has ways been distinguished by the fact that there were launched today with restoration of Agmashenebeli different nations, different cultures of the people Avenue. living together. We have to keep this wealth and All of the 200 specialists – architects, historians, develop further in the future. It is important to urban planners, engineers, art historians, restorers, complete the project within the time frame- by the developers will be involved in the rehabilitation end of 2016 “, – said the Prime Minister. process, which will be implemented by new ap- The project will create a new tourist routes, rec- proaches. reational spaces, gardens, parks, which are neces- “The project is distinguished by the new ap- sary for citizens relaxing and result in improving proach – we will restore not only facades, but also the ecological situation. After the completion of the yards, we will completely renew our commu- the rehabilitation, the area will be adapted for the nications infrastructure, which will significantly people with disabilities. GEORGIAN COMPUTER GAME BECAME A WINNER OF INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION Georgian innovative game “Warlock VR” creat- “Warlock VR” is the first Georgian VR game, ed by “GameLab Iliauni” is among the winners of which is not over yet. It is created by the famous the online prestigious gaming industry competition team of developers “StormBringer Studio”. “Leap Motion 3D Jam 2.0″. “GAMELAB ILIAUNI” is the only laboratory 11 best games were revealed out of 200 online of computer and mobile games in Georgia, which games presented from all over the world. Georgian was established by “Innovation and Technology game became the second one, while Thailand got Agency” to facilitate the process of innovation and the first place. technology commercialization. SAN DIEGO UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES A NEW BACHELOR PROGRAM FOR GEORGIANS San Diego State University (SDSU) made a pres- science was presented, as well. In 2016, San Diego entation of early registration in Georgia. Students State University offers students to study computer who submit documents from February 15 to March science, computer engineering, electrical engineer- 15 at San Diego State University and successfully ing and chemistry/biochemistry in the USA and it pass the selection process, will be admitted condi- also allows them to continue their studies at SD- tionally at SDSU- and automatically receive partial SU’s California campus funding. Program Partners are Tbilisi State University, A new bachelor’s degree program in computer Ilia State University and Georgia Tech University. 3 FEBRUARY 8, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE POLITICS PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS SOCIAL PROBLEMS AND THE NEED FOR JUSTICE REFORMS TAMAR LORTKIPANIDZE

President of Georgia, Giorgi the fact that small and-medium to his speech, the country needs ing, “Didgori 2015.” President Speech, Heads of the Factions Margvelashvili delivered his sized businesses only made up to continue judicial reform. He Margvelashvili emphasised that spoke in responseto the address. third annual report at Parliament 20 percent of country’s econo- expressed his vision on the re- the Euro-Atlantic integration re- The majority of parliament mem- on February 3, 2016. His speech my. He underlined several ex- form of the High Council of mains Georgia’s top priority. bers praised the comprehensive lasted 55 minutes and covered ternal factors which were behind Justice. The president noted that The president also underlined speech, stating that it covered all the majority ofcurrent important Georgia’s economic difficulties the procedures for the selection that new venture should be cre- major issued. The Chair of the issues.Prime Minister and Min- including the strengthening of of judges required more atten- ated in relations with Georgia’s Faction Georgian Dream, Giorgi ister Cabinet members were at- the US dollar, falling oil prices, tion. He has offered to make it major strategic partner, the Unit- Volski, evaluated the speech of tending the session. the global economic recession, possible to appeal the decisions ed States. He mentioned that free the President as interesting. He The president began his speech the Russia-Ukraine war and eco- of the High Council of Justice trade negotiations have already noted that there were too many by asking the other members of nomic difficulties related to po- on appointment of judges to the begun, but it is still important to interesting issues surrounding Parliament to observe a minute’s litical tension between Russia Supreme Court, whereby nine strengthen Georgia’s coopera- Georgia’s current domestic and silence to honour former prime and Turkey. seats are distributed between tion with the US.He also men- foreign challenges. The opposi- minister of Georgia and the main Margvelashvili also welcomed representatives of all three levels tioned that he expects that Geor- tion lawmakers, the United Na- architect of Georgia’s European the government’s plan to develop of courts – city courts, appeals gia’s relations with the European tional Movement criticised the Integration, Zurab Zhvania, who the economy of the state. He ex- courts and the Supreme Court. Union will move forward to the President’s speech for a lack of died 11 years ago on February 3. pressed his satisfaction with pos- President Margvelashvili un- new stage. He believes that the focus on society’s interests. In Margvelashvili assessed Geor- itive reforms; among them, the derlined the importance of the European doors will open for their opinion, the address was too gia’s achievements, the chal- “Silk Road” project and the free National Security Council of Georgian citizens in 2016. general and, despite the fact that lenges it faces and his vision for trade negotiations with China. Georgia, dealing with the mat- Margvelashvili said that Geor- the President talked a lot, he did the future of the country. During The president also emphasised ters of national security. At the gian-Russian relations are the not really say anything. Member his speech, Head of the State em- that Georgia has to make full use meetings all three branches of priority of the European policy for the party, Tariel Londaridze, phasised the political situation in of its competitive advantages. government assess the threats and these relations have to be said that the President was elect- Georgia and EU integration. He He underlined the importance of and risks affecting Georgia and represented in the context of ed but that the country is ruled by evaluated Georgia’s Euro-Atlan- available opportunities related Caucasus region. This council the European policy. According a single person - Bidzina Ivan- tic aspirations, the economic sit- to the country’s functions as a provides the elaboration of the to the President’s speech, bilat- ishvili, former Prime Minister. uation, agricultural perspectives, transit point between Europe and concept of national security and eral relations should be based on Despite the different opinions recent reforms, regional security, Asia. The President mentioned seeks to avoid or reduce risks equality, because at the expense about the President’s speech, and internal and foreign policy that the building of the Euro- and threats. The president said of occupation of Georgia, Rus- executive and legislative gov- issues. pean state is not only political, that,“risks facing our region sia cannot achieve purposes and ernments have similar outlooks The president said that 2015 but also a constitutional commit- grew further last year.” wellbeing. Currently, 20 percent regarding the directions of coun- had been tough year for Georgia ment of all political forces. The Georgia has undertaken special of Georgian territory is still oc- try’s development. They have both politically and economi- rule of law, strong democratic steps in strengthening defense ca- cupied. The Head of the State common views about the geopo- cally. Unfortunately, thepoverty institutions and protection of hu- pabilities via the NATO-Georgia also indicated that Russia’s ac- litical role and function Georgia rate still remains high and while man right are the main principles substantial package implemen- tive Soft Power applied regards has in the region. The president child and maternal mortality has of a democratic state. tation. A joint NATO-Georgia to economic relations should be of Georgia mentioned that he be- been decreasing, both rates are Margvelashvili also identified training centre was opened, al- neutralised in cooperation with lieves that, together, the execu- still high. Margvelashvili ex- several areas that he believes lowing for joint military exercis- Georgia’s Western partners. tive and legislative authorities pressed his disappointment with should be reformed. According es with western partners includ- Following the Presidential will make the projects a reality. 4 FEBRUARY 8, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE POLITICS LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL: INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS DISCUSS NATO-GEORGIA RELATIONS Experts from the NATO al- ing to him, no other non-member An interesting discussion was lied countries visited Georgia country gets so much attention, raised on NATO-Russia rela- on February 4th and 5th to hold resources and support from tions. The experts discussed high level meetings with Public NATO. the challenges that NATO faces Officials and young leaders of The audience asked about the with Russia especially after the Georgia and participate in the coming Warsaw Summit and military intervention in Georgia, seminar, “Step Forward on Geor- what it might mean for Georgia. 2008 and in Ukraine, 2014. In gia’s Euro-Atlantic Integration.” Experts shared their hopes that addition, they overviewed the in- Within the framework of the Georgian aspirations will be ap- stability in Southern Neighbour- seminar, the Georgian side, in- preciated by NATO in the short- hood where Russia is a tough cluding the representatives of est possible time. partner and unpredictable player, line government agencies, dis- They praised Georgia for its re- with particular mention given to cussed the 2016 Annual Na- forms and military contribution Russian military exercises in the tional Plan (ANP) with experts that is much beyond the size of Black Sea Area and in the Baltic of NATO and its Member States, its country, population and eco- region. as well as with the representa- nomic situation. However, ac- The audience asked about the tives of the Embassies of the cording to the experts present, Russian occupied territories in NATO Member States accred- NATO needs Georgia to be a bet- Georgia and Ukraine. The ex- ited in Georgia. On February 5, ter prepared and more strongly perts responded that NATO does the experts from Brussels met positioned aspirant to bring them not look for solutions regard- with young Georgian leaders at closer to membership. ing conflict zones. “It does not the NATO Liaison Office, where Despite this,there is a light mean that NATO is ignorant, but they had an in-depth discussion at the end of the tunnel.At the we do not debate on that [conflict on current challenges that the 2008 Bucharest Summit,allied zones]. NATO does not start con- alliance faces together with its leaders agreed that Georgia will flict but tries to prevent it,” said partners including the relations become a NATO member, pro- Sindelar. On that issue, Darius with Russia. vided it meets all necessary re- Mereckis a Political adviser at The Annual National Plan is quirements.This decision was the Delegation of Lithuania to one of the key mechanisms for reconfirmed at NATO Summits NATO expressed his hope that Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic mem- in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2014.At one day Georgia will seize the bership. However, the document the Wales Summit in September moment to regain its territo- is confidential and the meeting 2014, a package of measures was rial integrity through diplomatic was closed for media. Following launched to strengthen Georgia’s means. Hans Christian Kjøl- the recommendations expressed ability to defend itself and ad- seth - First Secretary / Norway’s at the seminar, the document vance its preparations for mem- permanent delegation to NATO will be further endorsed at the bership. added that the alliance made an State Commission of Georgia on Rati Bakhtadze, the executive internal adaptation in response NATO Integration, after which director of YATA (Youth Atlan- to Russian foreign policy, and Georgia will present the 2016 tic Treaty Alliance) Georgia, the dialogue about how to treat ANP to the alliance. claimed that Georgian society Russia regarding predictability Tomas Sindelar, a Junior Dip- lacks proper communication on continues in the alliance. lomat and Permanent Delega- NATO, as they do not under- On the question of what hap- tion of the Czech Republic to stand that NATO membership is pens if a partner like Georgia NATO, spoke about the current a lengthy process as it is based is attacked or occupied by Rus- relations between Georgia and on the consensus of 28 member sia, Sindelar responded that, al- the NATO. “Georgia is a unique states. This notion was further though NATO does not have a partner for NATO, which is dem- developed by other delegates direct obligation to protect its onstrated by the fact that Georgia discussing the need forbetter partner state, it has interests to do is a top aspirant, top interlocutor, communication in ethnic minor- so,therefore NATO is not indif- top contributor and top recipient ity regions as their support for ferent even to those hypothetical country,” said Sindelar. Accord- NATO membership is declining. threats from Russia. 5 FEBRUARY 8, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE POLITICS UNITED STATES PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES’ APPROACH TO RUSSIAN FEDERATION GIORGI CHAPIDZE (BULGARIA) Within the context of the forth- equal chances for being Demo- coming American presidential crat nominees. It is important to election of 2016, the candidates’ know where they stand when it foreign policy approaches domi- comes to relations with the Rus- nate the agenda. For Georgia, sian Federation. a matter of pivotal importance Ted Cruz is harsh in dealing is the candidates’ declared for- with the Russian Federation. He eign policy strategies towards believes that USA should deter the Russian Federation. The de- the Kremlin in Eastern Europe, termining factor is whether the particularly in Ukraine by pro- person in charge of the White viding defense weapons. He also House is willing to pursue “soft” believes that Eastern European policies to address the Kremlin, NATO member states should not or chooses a deterrence tactic in be exposed to Russian threats dealing with the Russian bear. and calls for installation of an- President Obama’s administra- ti-ballistic shields in the Czech tion is frequently criticized for Republic and Poland. The Texas letting Putin exercise increased senator also proposes to provide influence over post-Soviet space, Ukraine with liquid natural gas with particular emphasis on the resources to reduce it energy annexation of Crimea. Some dependence on the Russian Fed- Republican nominees argue that eration. Cruz states that, as Pu- in the Middle East. Trump op- ploying its troops in Eastern Eu- interests. Clinton’s posture to- America no longer defends its al- tin has increased involvement in poses Obama’s policy towards rope to ensure the Baltic States’ wards the shared burden of de- lies and have alienated them by Syrian issues, the Kremlin is be- Ukraine stating that, “Obama is safety. Rubio is not enthusiastic stroying ISIS stems from her un- not following its promises. The coming more capable of defend- not doing what he should be do- about building a coalition with willingness to engage in another most debatable issue is Obama’s ing its interests in the conflict. ing in Ukraine.” Furthermore, he Russia until it rejects the Bashar ground war, therefore coopera- failure to secure Ukraine’s sov- He argues that Obama’s military believes that Russian airstrikes al-Assad regime. tion with Russia is not excluded. ereignty, as the USA was a guar- efforts against ISIS were a total in Syria are a “positive thing” Bernie Sanders is a more so- To review, Democrat presi- antor of the Ukraine’s territorial failure and completely symbolic. that coincides with the USA’s cialist candidate than any other, dents’ relations with Russia or integrity, pursuant to the Buda- In order to actually dismantle interests as far as it diminishes from either Democratic or Re- the Soviet Union have always pest Memorandum on Security ISIS, America should not seek American military expenses. publican camps. His foreign had less friction than that of Assurances of 1994. Republi- to find new friends but cooperate Marco Rubio is in favor of in- policy objective, beyond ensur- the Republicans. Since Obama cans also float the notion that the with existing ones, such as Isra- creasing military assistance to ing his country’s safety, is quite took over the White House, he Democrats’ inappropriate for- el, Egypt and Jordan, and tackle the Ukraine and conceptual- humble. Despite being a propo- pursued softer foreign policy eign policies have empowered Islamic terrorism. This will pre- izes the Kremlin as “a govern- nent of U.S and the EU sanctions towards Russia, as he chose a Russia to intervene militarily vent Putin from setting a pref- ment of liars.” Rubio believes against Russia, considered rea- “reset” strategy in dealing with in Syria on behalf of President erable agenda in the region that that the USA’s inaction against sonable by him since Russia has the Kremlin in the wake of the al-Assad. According to several is contrary to the USA’s own. Putin’s aggression will cost violated Ukraine’s sovereignty August War. His administration Republican contenders, impos- He believes that the USA has to highly. He indicated that, to- and annexed Crimea, Sanders aspired to “normalize” relations ing financial sanction on Russian install anti-missile defense ca- gether with European allies, is not eager to provide military with Moscow despite its aggres- authorities and businesses, and pabilities, not only in the afore- the government should widen assistance to Ukraine. Moreo- sive politics in South Caucasus. suspending bilateral cooperation mentioned countries, but in other sanctions imposed on Russian ver, Sanders opposed the Baltic Obama’s withdrawal from the in several fields, is not the only sites too. Moreover, Cruz states bureaucrats and companies, par- States enlistment among NATO region aroused security concerns way the USA should cope with that, under his government, the ticularly Gazprom, making them member states as it would have in Georgia and left more room the Russian aggression. United States will “reclaim its more isolated. Rubio went on caused additional military con- for Russia to take initiative. It is The main difference between traditional role as a leader of the to declare that the USA should cerns for the USA. He stated that noteworthy that the Democrats’ the Republicans’ and Democrats’ free world,” and Putin will be be ready to replace European in the case that he is elected as a outlook did not transform into foreign policy perspectives is forced to accept the new real- demand on Russian energy re- president, he will work with Rus- more action-based politics dur- that the latter believe military ity. Overall, Cruz’s strategy is to sources by exporting American sia in terms of struggling with ing the annexation of Crimea. involvement is the last resort join with Russia to destroy ISIS, oil and natural gas resources to ISIS. He believes that the USA Instead, they remained confined after peaceful methods, while while simultaneously deterring provide them with enough sup- should not take the lead on the to the targeted sanctions imposed the Republicans don’t put too Putin, and supporting Ukraine plement. More importantly for effort in Syria, and opposes the on Russian authorities and busi- much faith in negotiations with as, “The USA’s foreign policy is Georgia, Rubio is set to increase American “boots on the ground” nesses. Being aware of Demo- state actors like North Korea, or known for pursuing more than cooperation in military fields concept to destroy Islamic State. crats’ traditional stance towards with radical organizations, and one objective at the same time.” with Georgia and Moldova. As Another Democrat candidate, the Russian Federation and their maintain the belief that the USA Trump believes that the USA for Ukraine, Rubio is willing to Hilary Clinton, like Bernie Sand- viewpoint on military engage- should not deteriorate its status and Russia should unite to de- help Kiev maintain its control ers, does not have a comprehen- ment, to pursue the USA’s for- as a super-power. GOP (Repub- feat terrorism, namely ISIS, as over eastern regions occupied by sive strategy for relations with eign policy objectives, one may lican) candidates blame former this aim is in the countries’ best Russian-backed separatists. The the Kremlin. According to Clin- assume that Republican presi- member of Obama administra- interests. He articulated that if Florida senator is also in favor ton’s website, she will “stand dency would be more in com- tion, Hilary Clinton, for not tak- the USA will choose to cooper- to provide Ukraine with lethal shoulder-to-shoulder with Euro- pliance with Georgian national ing serious measures to eradicate ate with Russia within the frames military assistance and training. pean allies” to deter and confine interests. At least some of the ISIS actions. of joint coalition against ISIS, He believes supporting Ukraine Russia, increase the countries’ Republican candidates’ elec- As the majority of polls illus- the USA’s military and financial to modernize its economy and energy independence and make tion campaigns include more trate, Donald J. Trump, Ted Cruz expenditures will be lessened. build independence from Mos- Putin think twice about commit- assistance, sometimes including and Marco Rubio are most likely Trump argues that “it would be cow to be in the USA’s interests. ting an act of aggression. Clinton cooperation in military fields, to be selected as a Republican great” if other states’ military fa- In addition, Rubio considers that is going to strengthen alliances to Eastern European states, and candidate, while Hilary Clinton cilities will also take initiative in NATO should be storing addi- predominantly with Israel in or- supposedly to Georgia, than their and Bernie Sanders hold almost destroying radical Islamic groups tional heavy weapons and de- der to serve the USA’s national Democrat counterparts. Palace of Hospitalily Hotel “Tiflis Palace” Offers 7 Categories of Elegantly Designed , Comfortable Rooms from 18m2 to 140m2 with Picturesque Views of Old Tbilisi. Everything to Ensure Luxury Comfort and the Best Rest for Our Dear Guests!

Conference & Banquet Services Tiflis Palace Provides the Perfect Environment for Business Meetings as well as for a Truly Romantic Wedding in a Legendary Place with an Astonishing and Unforgettable Views. Trust Your Business Event to Our Professionals!

3 ,Gorgasali Street , 0105 , Tbilisi ,Georgia Tel: +995 32 2 000 245 www.tiflispalace.ge 7 FEBRUARY 8, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE FACT-ANALYSIS UKRAINIAN CRISIS: THE DANGER OF “OPEN WAR” STILL EXISTS IN THE COUNTRY EKA PKHOVELISHVILI (POLAND)

According to the President the Minsk agreements and in- solution to the Syrian question more rigid. “Gas Wars” between ropean integration. of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, creasing military presence in the without Putin,” the President Russian and Ukraine have been The Russia-Ukraine conflict is the danger of “open war” has- Ukraine. He supports the idea pointed out. concomitant events, even during considered to be one of the most increased, compare with 2015. that the European Union and Russia has never had the the presidency of Viktor Yanu- acute international crises in the President Poroshenko made this the US do not remove sanctions strength to fight on several kovych, despite the fact that he last two decades, and the possi- announcement in ainterview against Russia. According to fronts; it always fights towards was deemed to be a pro-Russian bility of its continuation, as the with German newspaper, “Bild.’’ him, one of Russia’s main goals one direction. The impunity of leader. However, Yanukovych’s president of the Ukraine pointed As President Poroshenko men- is the destabilization of Europe. Russia in 2008 during the war government fulfilled Russia’s out, still exists. tioned, there are 8’000 Russian ‘’Everything that is happening with Georgia caused the escala- desires, and Ukraine’s NATO Europe’s apparently incorrect soldiers in Ukraine. As well as in the world is directly or indi- tion of events into a large-scale membership aspirations have and tolerant policy towards Rus- this, Russia is currently creating rectly linked to Russian aggres- confrontation with Ukraine. This been declined. sia also played an important role new military sites directly along sions, therefore, we cannot sup- approach is quite common in to- Before the autumn 2013, during the conflict. After the col- the Ukrainian border and is en- port lifting the sanctions against day’s Russia, and gives a chance Ukraine appeared to be in good lapse of the Soviet Union, the gaged in military training. Russia. It is also a matter of our to choose a preferred tactic. stead with Russia, refusing to West hoped for Russia’s integra- “Russia has not implemented a values that we keep up the sanc- In addition, security interests join NATO and fully cooperating tion into the world’s economic single point of the Minsk Agree- tions. Even from an economic are also very important. NATO’s with Putin. However, shortly be- and political structures and often ment. It is investing a lot in these point of view, the Russian mar- and EU’s eastward expansion is fore the signing Association and condoned Putin’s regime short- war preparations, and we are ket is not the same as it was a a primary threat to Russia. Rus- Free Trade Agreement with the comings. not getting any explanations for few years ago. Europe has be- sia does not allow other strong EU, Putin forbade Yanukovych In 2008, the West condemned this,”said the Ukrainian Presi- come far less dependent on the states and military alliances to from making such step. Russia’s aggression against dent. Russian Market.” appear near its borders. Similar- As one of EU’s direct neigh- Georgia, although it has not AsPoroshenko pointed out, President Poroshenko also ly, crises in Europe are profitable bors, Ukraine first began peace- proved to be consistent, and as Germany will supply weapon commentedon the events in for Russia. Europeans have less ful protests against pro-Russian such, Russia has not paid for to Ukraine, because the Russian Syria during the interview. The time and opportunity to resist government. After the active in- the attack on Georgia. For this military threat is higher in 2016 Ukrainian president does not Russia in a post-Soviet sphere tervention of Russia, it became reason, the Kremlin has again than it was in 2015. agree with lifting the sanctions and, most importantly, due to a large-scale confrontation and made an attack, this time on the “We are open to this possibil- against Russia, on the groundthat the internal economic crisis, they the annexation of Ukrainian ter- Ukraine. ity and we are advocating it, be- the conflict resolution is impos- also resist the Eastward expan- ritories. The lack of Western reaction cause this concerns the security sible without Russia. sion of NATO and the EU, which Putin’s fear of the Ukrainian will have negative consequences, situation in Europe,” Poroshen- “For me it is clear that, if you is very significant for Russia at president in regards to continu- not only for Post-Soviet coun- ko said. “The primary solution take a look at what is happen- this stage ing aggression is absolutely logi- tries, but also, in the future, for is a diplomatic one. Chancellor ing in Eastern Ukraine, you can- After becoming the president, cal. Apparently, Putin was some- NATO and the EU. Therefore, Merkel and President Hollande not support lifting the sanctions Vladimir Putin made active steps what scared by sanctions against during the period of ongoing play a very important role in the against Russia. Europe must against Ukraine’s attempts to him, but not so much as to give sanctions, everything should be de-escalation of the process.” not become the victim of Pu- be involved in any Western al- up all of its militarist plans; does done to ensure that Russia will In addition, the Ukrainian pres- tin’s blackmail because of the liance. After ‘’Orange Revolu- everything it can to deprive change its military aims against ident accused Russia of violating assumption that there can be no tion,” these steps became even Ukraine of the possibility of Eu- neighboring countries. 8 FEBRUARY 8, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE FACT-ANALYSIS WHAT IS BOKO HARAM AND WHAT ARE ITS AIMS GURAM PTSKIALADZE (BULGARIA)

Nigerian Terrorist group Boko group made up of dispersed cells has been a victim after having sides, by kidnapping other coun- with Boko Haram, there we have Haram carried out one more ter- and factions in the northeast formed Boko Haram. The last tries` civilians, they get money. a huge gap between them. One roristic act in the northern part of the country. It began with a occur happened near the city too At first it attacked institutions theory explaining it is that while of the country. Dallori, a tiny group of young Islamic radicals killing almost 100 people. of the Nigerian government: po- ISIS attacks Western targets and village and its habitants became in Maiduguri, the capital of Bor- As northern part of the coun- lice stations, security officers, publicizes the brutal slayings of victims of the act. Boko Haram no state, more than a decade ago, try is meagre, bad governance, and military barracks. The first American and British citizens, killed 86 men including children. in 2002, and its current incarna- corruption, persistent economic large-scale attacks were in 2010, Boko Haram mainly attacks ar- They executed an attack in Dal- tion as a violent insurgency dates hardship, and rising inequality intended to exact revenge for the eas in northern Nigeria, and to lori situating from Maiduguri, to 2010. have fostered the growth of radi- state’s killing of leader Moham- a lesser extent, portions of West where Boko Haram was created, Boko Haram wants to wage a cal extremist groups. One of the med Yusuf and hundreds of his Africa. Essentially, it comes in 5 kilometrs. Near the village war against and overthrow the main reasons of creating Boko followers in July 2009. Since down to a white versus black 2 camps are located for refugees government of Nigeria, which it Haram is the poor conditions in then, the militants have moved issue of coverage: one group is consisting of 25 000. As eye- sees as being run by false Mus- the region, so that many locals on to civilian targets: church- covered by the media while one witnesses stated, shooting, burn- lims in order to create a “pure” join the organization with the es, schools, bus stations, and is virtually ignored. ing and explosions from three Islamic state ruled by sharia law. aim of feeding themselves. mosques. The group doesn’t dis- Another theory involves Nige- suicide bombers continued for For the sake of accomplishing According to a recent USIP and tinguish between Christians and ria wanting to do little to fight (or nearly four hours that goal, the organization takes CLEEN Foundation study, the Muslims in its attacks. provoke further) Boko Haram. Nigerian Troops arrived at Dal- on not international wester tar- three major reasons young men As for Nigerian government At one point in the search for ori around 8:40 p.m. Saturday gets, but local such as schools, join Boko Haram are unemploy- and their policy towards Boko the girls who were kidnapped but were unable to overcome churches, stations and other ment and poverty, manipulation Haram, President Goodluck Jon- in 2014, Nigeria’s own chief of the attackers, who were better places where people gather. They by extremist religious leaders, athan declared a state of emer- defense staff said “just leave us armed, said soldiers who spoke are mostly located in Nigeria — and a lack of awareness of the gency from May 2013 through alone.” That kind of sentiment on condition of anonymity be- and mostly in the northern parts authentic teachings of Islam. May 2014. In 2013 he also de- tends to push people (and media cause they were not authorized of the nation, which is predomi- In 2014, Boko Haram started clared Boko Haram a terrorist or- coverage) away. to speak to the press. The Boko nantly Muslim and predominant- using the Islamic State flag in its ganization. The federal govern- Whereas Nigerian government Haram fighters only retreated af- ly impoverished. videos, which sent a clear sign ment deployed Joint Task Force lacks an adequate policy toward ter reinforcements arrived with Over the last years, the inten- of support from one group to the (JTF) troops made up of police, destructing the organization, in- heavier weapons, they said. sity and frequency of attacks has other. ISIS acknowledged the soldiers, and agents from the ternational actors hardly pay any Eighty-six bodies were col- been increased surpassing ISIS support in an article in one of its State Security Service to combat attention. For example, the US lected by Sunday afternoon, ac- as the most brutal and deadli- propaganda magazines later that Boko Haram on the ground and deployed its army of 300 soldiers cording to Mohammed Kanar, est terror group in the world. year. Boko Haram actually ap- fighter jets to bomb Boko Haram not even in Nigeria but in Cam- area coordinator of the National The exact number of their vic- pears to have reached out to the camps from the air. The JTFs eroon, bordering Nigeria. The Emergency Management Agen- tims is tough to be calculated Islamic State group on several largely drove Boko Haram from US indubitably backs Nigerian cy. Another 62 people are be- but one report from 2014 from occasions for guidance in tac- cities, but rural areas continue to government but it is not enough. ing treated for burns, said Abba the Cameroon Journal cites a re- tics and media presence, accord- be attacked. JTFs are responsible International Organizations do Musa of the State Specialist Hos- port stating at least 11,000 had ing to a report in the Wall Street for at least half the violent deaths little also for solving the prob- pital in Maiduguri. been killed in the insurgency. Journal. in northeastern Nigeria and have lem but as we pointed out, first Having carried out such a brutal That only covered through June Although most of Boko Har- been accused of multiple hum. and foremost, it is the Nigerian act, Boko Haram is appeared to 2014, the deadliest year yet for am’s attacks have been on Ni- Despite having some successes, government we should blame for be a powerful terroristic organi- Boko Haram attacks. According gerian targets and most of their Boko Haram still carries out at- not bringing their problem on zation. So, what is the case, who to 2015 Global Terrorism Index, objectives have been national, tacks. international agenda. As for the are they, what they want or what Boko Haram killed 6444 peo- its leaders do have connections While being so cruel and de- west, being not so active stems are its goal? ple in 2014, whereas ISIS killed to other African Islamist groups structive organization, the media from the fact that as Boko Haram They have been active for sev- 6073. In the meantime that the such as Al Qaeda in the Islamic does take to heart their atroci- does not intent on harming the eral years, killing people, ex- group takes actions in the neigh- Maghreb (AQIM), Somalia’s Al ties and barely a few people West but Nigerian government, ploding bombs, firing buildings. borhood of Nigeria, their main Shabaab, and the Movement for know about their actions. If we so if the local government does Boko Haram—which means attacks are targeted at northern Unity and Jihad in West Africa have a closer look at how much make its best effort, neither do Western learning is forbidden— Nigeria where they have head- (MUJAO). The main source of time is spent on bringing ISIS`s they and just sweep the problem is a Nigerian Islamist militant quarters in Maiduguri. The city arms is these organizations. Be- “deeds” into light and compare into the carpet. 9 FEBRUARY 8, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE FACT-ANALYSIS PUTIN’S IMPERIALISTIC PLANS BREAKS POST-SOVIET BORDERS

TEIMURAZ SHA “Devil in the Hell is a posi- Council of Education and Sci- rhetoric basically included cli- resources and etc) and will try to One of the leading institutions tive character” wrote greatest ence, Vladimir Putin criticized ché - “Correction of Soviet mis- “stay” in the regions. romantizing with Russian im- Polish writer, aphorist and poet founder of World proletariat takes”. In one of the interview Besides all that, last month perial past is Moscow’s Patri- Stanisław Jerzy Lec. This quote Vladimir Lenin. Putin also mentioned, that Soviet Russian media increasingly archate of Russian Orthodox brilliantly shows the attitude “Vladimir Lenin’s idea was not Union’s government made a lot speaks about division plan of the Church, which claims its full of Russian population toward successful. Actually, he had a lot of territorial mistakes. Middle East in 1916 among the rights on the territories of Rus- their president, Vladimir Putin, of ideas, but finally all that – au- Should be mentioned that new Triple Entente members. In 1916 sian Empire, excluding Georgia, who has built the federation af- tonomization and etc., brought nationalistic ideology of Russian according to the Constantinople Armenia and Poland. Russian ter the Soviet Union’s collapse. the collapse of the Soviet Union, Federation is “Russkiy Mir” (lit- and Sykes-Picot agreement Rus- orthodox Patriarch Kirill al- In spite of, the Russian currency and that has put a bomb under erally – the Russian World) – a sian Empire might control Istan- ways mentions in his interviews crisis, high level corruption and basis of building, which is called theory which was established bul and a part of Turkey. It has or even preaching, that Russia, autocracy, limited liberties, and Russia” – stated Putin. On Janu- around 2006, but was actively not happened, because after 1917 Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus and big challenges in foreign policy ary 25, he specified that Rus- launched by Kremlin as an ide- Revolution, Soviet Russia’s gov- Kazakhstan is Holly Russian (country loses its political and sian Empire was Unitarian state, ology in 2010’s. “Russkiy Mir” ernment signed the capitulation lands, and those states are tied to economic partners as Ukraine, while Lenin divided it into many includes three basic fulcrums – in Berlin, left Entente, the World Russia with historical, spiritual Turkey, EU, Egypt, etc.), ac- autonomous subjects, and all that Orthodox Christianity (leaded War I, and lost all the rights of and cultural background. It is cording to the last confidential e- brought collapse of Russia. Pu- by the Moscow Patriarchate legitimacy and pretension of worth to mention that in recent pool prepared by Public Opinion tin also touched upon a topic of of Russian Orthodox Church), the lands mentioned in Middle years Russian orthodox Church Foundation, 72% of population Donbas and Crimea transfer to Russian language and Culture East agreements. Anti-Leninist tries to create Personality cult of support Vladimir Putin, while Ukraine, execution of Russian (popularization of language, and Pro-Imperial rhetoric was Nicholas II and its family, and only 4% evaluates his politics Royal family by communists and culture, active participation of mentioned in 2008, after Russo- always condemns the “barbarian negatively. That level of sup- repressions, which Russian pres- Russian diaspora), and the com- Georgian War, when the Krem- execution of the Royal family by port can be explained as a result ident considers as a big mistake mon historical background not lin recognized independence of communists in Ipatyev House”. of a productive work of Russian of the Soviet Government. in frames of the Soviet Union, Abkhazia and the South Osse- Demonization of Lenin as a propaganda and introduction The interesting fact is that but as Russian Empire. Last tia. Then Kremlin specified that supporter of decentralization, of new nationalistic ideology, Kremlin started the kind of de- two constituents represent direct those conflict regions were rec- and building new nationalistic which is conditioned by internal monization of Lenin, Stalin geo-political interests of Russian ognized not only because of the idea on Russian imperial back- and foreign challenges Russia and Communist governance of Federation, and include not only right of self-determination. Abk- ground is provoked by few main faces every day. Russia in early 2014, when the post-Soviet area, but also Mon- hazia gained Russian Empire as factors: Ukrainian crisis, accord- Last year the Russian propa- Ukrainian crisis was on agenda, golia, part of Turkey and Iran, an independent principality. Of ing to the Purin’s rhetoric Don- ganda was still distributing the the civil war was started in Don- Bulgaria, and Poland. It doesn’t course Kremlin did not mention bas expansion is in far perspec- majesty of Soviet Union and it bas region between Ukrainian mean that Russian is planning to the genocide of Cherkes people tive, and lawful presence and glorious victory in World War II, and pro-Russian separatist forc- intervene these states, but at least which directly touched Abkhaz- participation rhe in Middle East while now the situation changed. es, and Russia itself was annexa- it will use its soft-power (Rus- ians and number of victims that conflicts (including in relations On January 21, heading the tion Crimea. In 2014 Kremlin sian language issue, diaspora, brought those massacres. with Turkey.) 10 FEBRUARY 8, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE ECONOMICS IDFI FORUM: PROSPECT OF GEORGIA’S DEMOCRATIC AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Institute for Develop- corps and representatives of the ment of Freedom of Information civil society can discuss chal- (IDFI) organized an interna- lenges and perspectives for Geor- tional Forum “The Prospects of gia’s development. In his speech, Georgia’s Democratic and Eco- Giorgi Kvirikashvili elaborated nomic Development” on Feb- on the challenges facing Geor- ruary 1 and 2. The Forum was gia, and discussed the country’s held within the framework of the economic and political achieve- project “Strategic Plan Georgia ments. Prime Minister noted 2020 – Strengthening Public In- that the government is open and volvement”. The project is im- transparent in its actions and plemented by IDFI in coopera- added that participation of differ- tion with University of Bremen ent branches of the government, and with the financial support of civil society organizations and Federal Foreign Office of -Ger experts is necessary during the many. elaboration of government poli- sive Free Trade Agreement in the Crisis in Georgia - Herbert implementation process of Deep Along with the representatives cies. Giorgi Kvirikashvili high- building up closer cooperation Salber. Despite existing chal- and Comprehensive Free Trade of the government and diplo- lighted the importance of Geor- between Georgia and the EU. lenges, Cadenbach expressed Agreement, negotiations on matic corps, foreign experts par- gia’s Euro-Atlantic choice and German Ambassador Extraor- hope that Georgia will continue Georgia’s accession to the Ener- ticipated in the Forum as speak- discussed the significance of the dinary and Plenipotentiary to to implement the reforms that gy Community and EU-Georgia ers: Michael Emerson - Senior Association Agreement signed Georgia – Bettina Cadenbach will facilitate its Euro-Atlantic visa liberalization dialogue. Research Fellow at the Center between the European Union introduced the project “Strategic integration process. The second day of the forum for European Policy Studies and Georgia. Plan Georgia 2020 – Strengthen- After the opening ceremony focused on the discussion of (CEPS); Federico Tarantini - Ex- Ambassador of the European ing Public Involvement” to the started the first panel discus- Georgia’s democratic and eco- ternal Energy Policy Officer, Eu- Union to Georgia – Janos Her- invited guests of the Forum and sion “Georgia’s European and nomic development. Current ropean Commission, DG Ener- man and German Ambassador discussed the significance of the Euro-Atlantic Aspiration”. The economic situation of Georgia gy; Jochen Zimmermann - Dean Extraordinary and Plenipoten- projects aimed at increasing civil Minister of Foreign Affairs of was discussed by Alexi Alex- at the University of Bremen, tiary to Georgia – Bettina Ca- society involvement in Eastern Georgia – Mikheil Janelidze, ishvili – Chairman and CEO of Germany; Andrei Illarionov - denbach also participated in the Partnership Countries. Caden- State Minister of Georgia on Eu- Policy and Management Con- Senior Fellow in the Center for opening ceremony of the Forum. bach talked about the impor- ropean and Euro-Atlantic Aspi- sulting Group (PMCG), Jochen Global Liberty and Prosperity at Janos Herman talked about the tance of Georgia to the member rations – David Bakradze, Ger- Zimmermann – Dean at the Uni- Cato Institute; Lincoln Mitchell role of economic development in states of the EU and positively man Ambassador Extraordinary versity of Bremen, Yaroslava - Specialist in Political Devel- the democratic development of assessed Georgia’s achievements and Plenipotentiary to Georgia Babych – Academic director of opment, Expert on US-Georgia; Georgia, discussed the challeng- in implementing the visa-liber- – Bettina Cadenbach, Senior Re- Policy Institute of International Michael Hikari Cecire - Associ- es in this regard and expressed alization action plan. German search Fellow at the Center for School of Economics at Tbilisi ate Scholar at the Foreign Policy hope that the ongoing economic ambassador noted that the Euro- European Policy Studies (CEPS) State University (ISET) and An- Research Institute. reforms will further contribute to pean Union and NATO strongly – Michael Emerson and Direc- drei Illarionov – Senior Fellow Prime Minister of Georgia – improving competitiveness and support the territorial integrity tor of Georgian Center for Secu- at CATO Institute. The panel Giorgi Kvirikashvili and Direc- better business environment in and internationally recognized rity and Development (GCSD) discussion was moderated by the tor of IDFI – Giorgi Kldiashvili the country. The ambassador of borders of Georgia. According to – Levan Dolidze participated in rector of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbi- opened the Forum. In his speech the European Union highlighted Cadenbach, the Union continues the panel discussion. The panel lisi State University – Vladimer Giorgi Kldiashvili pointed the role of the European Union to support the EU monitoring discussion that focused on the Papava. The speakers discussed out the goals of the forum and in the process of democratic and mission in Georgia and noted that process and challenges of Geor- the challenges and prospects of stressed the importance of simi- economic development in Geor- EU recently extended the man- gia’s integration in NATO and Georgia’s economic develop- lar meetings, where members gia and talked about the signifi- date of EU Special Representa- the European Union, was moder- ment and assessed the reforms of the government, diplomatic cance of Deep and Comprehen- tive for the South Caucasus and ated by the expert on defense and in this regard. The main theme foreign policy issues – Mikheil of the last panel discussion was Darchiashvili. After the speech- Georgia’s democratic develop- es, the discussion continued with ment. UN Resident Coordinator a Q&A session with the invited / UNDP Resident Representative guests of the forum. in Ge-orgia – Niels Scott; Chair- The second panel discussion of men of the Caucasus Institute for the first day of the forum focused Peace, Democracy and Develop- on the main areas of EU-Geor- ment (CIPDD) – Ghia Nodia; gia partnership. Deputy Foreign Specialist in political develop- Minister of Georgia – Gigi Gi- ments and expert on US-Georgia giadze, External Energy Policy relations – Lincoln Mitchell and Officer of the European Com- Associate Scholar at the Foreign mission (DG Energy) – Federico Policy Research Institute – Mi- Tarantini, and EU Integration chael Hikari Cecire participated Program Manager at Open So- in the panel discussion. The ciety – Georgia Foundation par- speakers discussed the develop- ticipated in the panel discussion. ment of institutions in Georgia, The discussion was moderated internal and external factors ef- by Kakha Gogolashvili – Sen- fecting Georgian democracy and ior Fellow and Director of EU the issues of transparent, open Studies at Georgian Foundation and good governance. The panel for Strategic and International discussion was moderated by the Studies (GFSIS). Speakers and director of Institute for Develop- the invited guests of the forum ment of Freedom of Information discussed the challenges to the (IDFI) – Giorgi Kldiashvili. 11 FEBRUARY 8, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE BUSINESS TECHNO PARK: INNOVATORS’ DREAMS ARE NOW A REALITY TAMAR UMFRIANI The new Techo Park, which ness partners. Everyday we have this big attempt. Right now we few years? technology has been created,but was established at the Base of workshops for volunteers. They are working to open centers of Our country has huge resourc- of course we will keep working Technology and Innovation of have an opportunity to use all the innovation on the premises of a es. After increasing the number and it will happen soon. Interest Georgia will include many new technology in Techno Park and national library. One is ready in of professional workers we can from both companies and inno- projects and innovations dur- study new 3D designs. Interested Kharagauli. Others are still being reach higherresults. We have vators is high. Before, we had ing 2016. Observer talked to groups or individuals who aren’t prepared in Choporti, Bagdati already begun the training of a contest for volunteers on the the chairman of agency Irakli part of our agency also have and Ozurgeti. Industrial labo- our group leaders. 120 of them basis of “Fab Lab.”We shifted Kashibadze about their future chance to use our technology to- ratories are working in Batumi already satisfy requirements to this contestto Techno Park and plans. create interesting workshops for and Kutaisi as well. We need to a professional degree. Through received very high interest from Mr. Kashibadze, Tech Park our innovators. include every part of country to this method,Belarus has been contestants. This time, 51 groups is fee to access. Will it remain What is the average age of achieve our goal of creating a promoted a lot. They already applied for the contest, which is free in the future or is it just people who show interest in healthy competitive working en- have enough experience and twice more than previous con- because it’s newly opened? Techno Park? vironment for innovators. professional workers to trans- tests. We support all kinds of in- Our other offices and “Fab It isn’t just one age group. Samsung represented their form their ideas into real prod- novations, however it’s crucial Labs” work the same way too. Teenagers and middle-aged peo- tech in TechnoPark where eve- ucts fast,although in some ways for innovators to realize how to The reason for it is to figure out ple are equally interested and in- ryone can examine and try to we are already on a higher level transform their ideas into a real, who our potential partners might volved in the process. Our main use their technology. Are there than they are, and often they finished product. That’s our main be. We always suggest new pro- goal is to influence people with other big companies interested learn from us. It’s actually quite mission. grams and different kinds of ser- engineering, creative and mana- in representing their product a friendly rivalry where we learn What are the agency’s plans vices to innovators to find out gerial skills, to combine their in the park too? from each other to achieve an for the future? their business level, which helps abilities and create successful, Right now we are on level of end result.. In Georgia, indus- Our primary goal is to create us to create better working envi- high quality products. A few verbal arrangement with many trial laboratories and start-ups effective working environments ronment and give them profes- days ago, the ministry of edu- companies. They have an inter- are more effective while Be- for everyone interested in creat- sional experience, although it is cation held a meeting where re- est in us because it’s clear we larus has big support from the ing high quality technology with little different for businesses and nowned scientists and professors have the potential to create high business sector, which we lack. us. We want Techno Park to be- companies within the private of the country were invited to class technology with new in- That’s why we always try to ob- come a place where innovators sector. We have special condi- discuss our agency and our goals novators. They realize that after tain funds for our projects, which can make their ideas a reality. It’s tions for them because, while and plans, of which they highly the success of our products, both really has the potential to create very important to improve eve- both sides want to encourage approved. sides will be “winners.” progressive products on the in- ryone’s knowledge about trans- business for beginners, private What does the agency plan in Belarus is an example of the ternational bazaar. forming ideas into real products, companies have their own inter- the other cities aside from Tbi- success of Techno Parks in Techno Park has only been and to show results. They need to ests; profit from each project and lisi? post-Soviet society countries. open for two weeks. Was there know how to approach business things like that.It’s important for We aim to present our infra- 80% of their IT products are a compulsion to create new partners for their ideas. Georgia our agency’s stability. structure and open a branch in exported to other European technology at the new branch? has viable opportunity to become So we give different sugges- every city and region of country. countries. What are our chanc- This branch opened on Janu- leader for innovative technology tions for innovators and busi- The World Bank supports us in es of reaching same result in ary 11th, so up until now, no new in the whole region.

13 FEBRUARY 8, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE LAW GEORGIAN PEACEKEEPERS FACE SCANDALS ON SEX CRIMES IRAKLI PAVLENISHVILI

United Nations Human Rights gation process in accordance of High Commissioner Zayid Al United Nations launched investi- Hussein in his report underlined gation process. fact that in Central African Re- Acts of sexual violence in some public three underage girls, aged situations can be charged as a 14 to 16 years, accused the EU crime against humanity, geno- peacekeeping mission, particu- cide and war crime. Several ar- larly Georgian peacekeepers, in ticles of the Geneva Convention sexual harassment. Girls say that prohibit various types of sexual they were forced to have sexual violence. The 1949 Geneva contact in exchange for the food. Convention and its additional The period of commitment is protocols of 1977 determined specified as fall 2014. that women are protected from UN Human Rights High Com- sexual harassment in two-tiered missioner’s special representa- approach. IHL mandates special tive Rupert Kopevil declared on protections to women, according conference that it is extremely to their additional needs because disturbing topic, and in the case they are more vulnerable. Sexual of impunity it would be a bad violence against women is pro- precedent for the region and for hibited by United Nations 1979 peacekeeping missions. He also Convention about discrimination added that he was pleased by the against women and by united respective countries operative nations 1994 Convention on the feedbacks. The Ministry of De- prohibition of violence against fense responded to the Commis- women, also by Maputo 2003 sioner’s report on the same day. Act, which protects the rights of If we consider this legal real- tigation found out that perpetra- tion is deliberate campaign to The head of General Staff, women in Africa. This legal is- ity, we can conclude that Geor- tors were French peacekeepers. discredit the Georgian state, and General Vakhtang Kapanadze sue is also regulated by UN Se- gian soldiers are accused of se- The scandal was followed by the maybe it is not accidental that claimed that before setting the curity Councils 5 Resolutions. rious crime under international French peacekeeping missions in one year the Georgian army truth he temporarily dismissed UN peacekeepers mandate is de- law, which violates international leaving the country. had two serious charges hearing. the 6 military, who were respon- fined by united nation and its conventions, resolutions shad- Peacekeepers discrimination is The Ministry of Defense by the sible in happening of the appro- Security Councils resolutions. ows the reputation of the Geor- actually productive to local and Temporary staffing decision has priate action or were responsible Including 1325 resolution about gian armed forces and its name, international forces, which want raised questions about whether to investigate this crime opera- women, peace and security, which is Confirmed by our fight- peace missions to finish and it was relevant decision, taking tively and did not fulfill their du- which highlights the difficult sit- ers highly professional and de- armed contingents to leave the into account the fact that, even ties. Defense minister and other uation of women in post-conflict cent service in the last 17 years territory of the country. While the temporarily dismissed soldiers, officials made statements on the society, which is under construc- in various parts of the world, defamation of Georgian armed have contributed a lot to the need to respond these accuse tion. Resolution underlines the in various peace missions. Last forces and the country’s interna- Georgian Armed Forces. The In- more quickly to protect the pres- special role of peacekeepers in year similar accusations were tional reputation is in only one vestigation will answer the ques- tige of the Georgian army. Mili- rehabilitation and protection of heard against Georgian peace- international players’ interest. So tions or hypothesis, which were tary police launched an investi- women. keepers in Mali, but then inves- do not rule out that this accusa- presented in this article. 14 FEBRUARY 8, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE SOCIETY GEORGIAN MINISTER FOR DIASPORA ISSUES ASKS FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO HELP EMIGRANTS GURANDA DZAMELASHVILI

The State Minister of Georgia and proposed to hold such meet- cal advice to illegal migrants in school with more equipment, “I know quite a lot of Geor- for Diaspora issues, Gela Dum- ings more often, two or three their host countries, free cus- such as books, Georgian tradi- gians and there is a Georgian badze, suggests that the govern- times a year. toms clearance to the returning tional dance forms, Georgian Orthodox church in Dusseldorf, ment shouldbe putting an addi- “The migration processes compatriots and their personal folk instruments and other ma- where I go if I have the chance. tional $1 million aside for those from Georgia is unregulated. In belongings, acknowledgment of terials. There is a Facebook page where Georgian emigrants who die 2015, around 1.8 million citi- Georgian driver’s license abroad Not many emigrants get the many Georgians unite and share abroad. zens crossed the borders of Eu- and recognition of work experi- chance to meet with the Minis- their thoughtsand help each oth- “We have conducted research rope.If these processes are to ence by those living abroad. ter and share their problems. In er. There are student unions in that shows approximately 200 be so neglected, the Schengen “The Georgian Community in some cities, there are no Geor- the Cologne University which Georgian citizens die abroad zone might face some problems. Austria,” founded in 2015 by gian Diasporas. Emigrants often promoteGeorgia, trying to get every year. In some countries, However, the statistics show that emigrants, is a non-governmen- have to get online support from more attention from foreigners,” the deceasedare kept in fridges. the number of citizens who leave tal organizations in Vienna to close friends or relatives, travel she said.Unlike many citizens We need around $1 million to the country is almost equal to the which Dumbadze has travelled. to another city to find and - Or of Georgia, she’s going toreturn solve this problem.If the gov- number of citizens who come As organization representatives thodox churchin which to pray, home after completing her mas- ernment beginstaking care of back to Georgia,” Dumbadze de- and their chairman, Tamila Jer- and where they may meet other ter’s degree. this issue, then we could bury clared. He added that the money validze, say, the organization and Georgians. “Having the status of ‘emmi- our citizens in our homeland,” the ministry receives annually is its Sunday school is mostly self- Another important issue raised grant’ is a bit irritating to me. I Dumbadze said on February 3 at just a half million dollars, and is funded;they receive only some in meetings with the Diaspora keep an eye on discussions on the inter-agency working group not enough to solve all the prob- books and little support from the Minister is education, including social websites about Georgians meeting, held at the office of the lems regarding emigrants. Georgian government. funding for Georgian students living abroad, and I can feel the State Minister of Georgia for Di- “We systematically supply emi- “The main source of income abroad, and increased support negative attitude from people. aspora Issues. grants with academic books and for our organization is a mem- from the National Centre For Ed- You have been labelled ‘emi- Dumbadze also added that the try to create special textbooks for bership fee, which is used to rent ucational Quality Enhancement grant’ as if it means something results of this research were sent language learning. People who the spacewhere we have the Sun- in regards to arranging their per- bad, like ‘traitor.’ There are peo- to Prime Minister Giorgi Kviri- have emigrated are working hard day school,” the members told sonal documents. ple who want to return back, but kashvili, and the Minister for to send money back to their fami- Observer.“In the school, they 25-year-old student, Mzia they can’t for many reasons. I Health, Davit Sergeenko. lies in Georgia. According to Na- are taught the culture, geography Gogoladze, has been living in can’t talk about my future plans The meeting, which aimed to tional Bank of Georgia, the total and history of Georgia. Addition- Cologne, Germany since 2014. right now, but I’ve already decid- discuss the problems of Georgian amount of money received from ally, we have courses in Geor- Like many Georgian youngsters, ed I will come back to Georgia,” emigrants, were attended by the abroad is approximately $1.2 bil- gian dances and folk songs.” she had made the decision to par- Gogoladze said. representatives of governmental lion per year,” said Dumbadze, The Minister of Diaspora Issues ticipate in an Au-Pair program, The reasons why so many peo- institutions including Deputy who had been meeting repre- supports the ongoing project, and after one year working with ple emigrate are mainly due to Ministers, the international or- sentatives of Georgian Diaspora and within the framework of that a German family, she enrolled economic issues. There are many ganizations working on Diaspora and listening to their problems in project, sent books for free from in the University of Cologne. Diasporas established in Turkey, issues, and the representatives of previous years. Tbilisi. She hasn’tfound any information Greece, Germany, Austria, Ajer- the Georgian Patriarchate. The The problems identified in the The organization wantsthe regarding assistance from the baijan, Belarus, Armenia and State Minister for Diaspora is- meetings included pensions and Georgian state to allocate more Georgian government, however, other countries. However, accu- sues has identified a number of social security, transportation money forcitizens living abroad she maintains contact with other rate statistics about the number the problems that emigrants face, of deceased citizens, free medi- and to supply their Sunday Georgians. of labor emigrants do not exist. FEBRUARY 8, 2016 15 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE SOCIETY IS SWINE FLU (H1N1) IN GEORGIA A SEASONAL VIRUS OR THE RESULT OF THE LUGAR LABORATORY ACTIVITIES?

NINI JAPARIDZE EXCLUSIVE

American Journalist and bu- chemical weapons, trained in ers and so on? need cobra venom before you the building from falling down. reau Chief for Georgia at Vet- it, have a BS and MS degree, I All is detailed there- I showed can manufacture the anti-venom. There were many problems with erans Today, Jeffrey Silverman, knew those involved with this you these documents. I have giv- As is the case with all dual-use not only the quality of the mate- thinks that the Swine influenza project even before it started. As en many interviews to the Geor- technology, there is the potential rials, but with the quality of the that has spread in region might mentioned, the Caucasus region gian and international media and here, and in developing wider workmanship. And let us not for- be connected to the Richard Lu- is an ideal location for the United these plans are no longer secret. defense strategies, such ‘capac- get about what happened to the gar Laboratory located near Tbi- States to practise its ‘grey zone’ I have also shared them with the ity’ is taken into account. I - and roof of the Tbilisi airport, which lisi airport. According to him, research since many of the most Russian media and with vari- my network of intelligence staff was also constructed by a corrupt the laboratory, which should ‘attractive’ viruses and bacteria ous human rights organisations. at Veterans Today- believe that Turkish company. I have already work for the prevention of dif- for weaponisation live naturally Ican’t name my source; he was there is little chance that the US told that story to other media ferent viruses, isn’t operating in this region. This is the place very confidential person regard- would keep such high security outlets. In short, the affected appropriately, but instead might to study them more intensely in ing the laboratory issue. information, as would be con- people had some breathing prob- be conducting research on se- their natural habitat. You have been interviewed by tained in the archive, in such a lems as a result of a faulty ven- cret substances, later testing US Ambassador Richard Russian media. Do you have precarious location. tilation system. Luckily nobody them on local people. Silverman Norland also implied that the any idea why the Russian side In 2018, the Georgian gov- died. Even the hospital adminis- notes that the Caucasus region is laboratory was neither a mili- names Lugar Laboratory as ernment will become the only tration was “warned” not to say an ideal location for the United tary center, nor does it have the main source for the spread responsible party for the labo- anything about this case. States to outsource its ‘grey any connection with bio weap- of deadly viruses? Could it be ratory. They will be obliged to Lugar Laboratory is located zone’ research. ons. Do you have any docu- true? keep the laboratory financed near the airport. Do you think Why is your approach to- ments to deny that? I first broke the story in the as well. Is it necessary for us? this is the right location for this wards the Richard Lugar I am the Bureau Chief for Geor- Georgia media, and only after- Is it worth it? kind of laboratory, or can it be Laboratory so negative? Do gia at Veterans Today. We at VT wards did the Russian media Georgia does not have the ca- dangerous for people living you think that it can cause have the plans for the lab, and contact me. I assisted them with pacity or financial resources to nearby? real danger to Georgia and the these are safe and secure. I can- a detailed documentary about the keep and maintain such a lab, It is a perfect location for a bio- world? not say the same as to the politi- threat of bio weapons and con- and it was never intended to be warfare facility. The operations This has already been dem- cal appointment of Richard Nor- cerns about the low level of se- staffed or operated by Georgia. conducted in the laboratory are onstrated by the Georgian and land, his motives, or the motives curity and safety concerns at labs It does not have trained staff and dubious; we do not see a real Russian media. Georgia was of those who came before him. in Georgia and Ukraine. I have a the operational cost for such a product, a real benefit, so the not given the choice by the US Why do you think that head 21 year old son in Moscow and lab is too expensive for the gov- Georgianpublic has reasonable Navy; the Ministry of Economic of the Intelligence service, I am concerned for his safety as ernment. My source with the t/45 grounds for questions. Development was told to sign on Anna Zhvania, was appointed well. It is true, turning strain of lab says it costs the US govern- Provided that the Swine Flu the bottom line. It was not neces- as the head of the laboratory. bio agents into weapons can take ment 12 million dollars per year virus has been spread artifi- sary to read the details of the col- Do they have anything to hide? place within a matter of matter to operate. cially, should people be ready laboration agreement. As it was a Good question. This was a hours. The Tbilisi anti-plague Anna Zhvania has said that for a higher threatlevel of the political and military decision to covert operation and she was a station’s large pathogen collec- the laboratory is very well epidemia? locate the lab here, this decision trusted person in the eyes of the tion is still being kept alive and built and can even withstand Keep in mind that nobody was not one out of concern for United States. She was being was first moved to the new bio an earthquake. She said that knows what kind of research is public or animal health. paid by the US government. It lab. They might work on secret even during failure it can work being done there; breeding new Former US Ambassador would have been too risky for a substances and test them on peo- very well. Do you agree? How strains, conducting experiments, Richard Norland said that all health professional to have been ple. does this relate to the people observing old strains that already the accusations against the lab- in charge of this project. How long is it necessary to who were poisoned? Please tell exist, or what? I think most of oratory were sheer nonsense. You and VT possess the exclu- create a new virus to spread it me about the people who were what the Lugar Lab is doing is What counterarguments do sive design plans for the build- and have a result? What area poisoned. Were the security well documented by Fort Dix you have? ing and labs. Is there anything is necessary for a bio attack to protocols violated? in Maryland, and the Center for The US Ambassador is lying. that people don’t know about? be successful? I spoke with one British contac- Disease Control in Atlanta Geor- As I have worked with bio and Any secret rooms for research- So to make an analogy, you tor who was first tasked to keep gia. 16 FEBRUARY 8, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL CANCER DAY: “WE CAN… I CAN…”

ETER SHARADZE

Nana Abuselidze, 35, is a can- coming 15 years of health chal- istered cases, in 2014 the fig- cer survivor. Following a biopsy lenges are presented, measured ure was 20’261 and the number and a year of unsuccessful treat- in a global health analysis. A in 2015, calculated with a new ment, she was diagnosed with separate chapter is devoted to method, is down to 16’417. Also thyroid cancer in 2013. Her new malignant tumors. The pub- notable is the fact that there is a reality put her in an extremely lished data shows that from 2000 significant reduction in first year difficult situation; she became to 2012, overall mortality rate deaths after diagnosis, which bedridden, she refused treat- caused by various types of can- suggests that the diagnoses in ment, and she limited her contact cer has declined by a modest 6 the early stages are becoming with relatives and family mem- percent. The highest improve- more common. With early de- bers. As Nana now says, she just ment occurred in stomach cancer tection and timely treatment, the “waited for death.” The reason is cases, where mortality rates de- chances of successful treatment that she didn’t believe that can- creased by 20 percent. Cervical are much higher. cer was curable. However, at the cancer was reduced byslightly In 2005-2014, information urging of her spouse, she had an higher than 10 percent. Re- about malignant tumors was operation. After successful sur- duced mortality ratestook place gathered in aggregate form, WE CAN. gery, the next step of treatment, predominantly in high-income but in 2015,a population-based radioactive iodine treatment, countries. Such results are con- Cancer Registry was launched, was no longer needed. Later, she nected with early diagnosis and which included different mecha- I CAN. re-examined herself in Turkey to better treatment methods. nisms of data collection. Accord- fully exclude suspicions. There, February 4 is International ingly, the registered data is dif- ON 4 FEBRUARY her full recovery was confirmed Cancer Day. In this regard, the ferent to the data obtained from once again. However, not every- Ministry of Health and the Na- the aggregated form. The Popu- one is as lucky as Nana. tional Center for Disease Control lation Register has made it possi- Every year millions of new can- held a joint conference entitled, ble to obtain more accurate data. According to the statistics pub- international treaty is crucial to cer patients are diagnosed and “We can ... I can ...” . They were According to the Population lishedCAMPAIGN on the Screening TOOLKIT Center the reduction of tobacco use by millions of people die. Accord- presented with the Population Cancer Registry’s preliminary website, the test numbers in- legislative actions. These acts ing to World Health Organiza- Cancer Registry’s 2015 primary data, the most common tumors crease every year. This shows include the tobacco tax increase, tion (WHO), in 2012, 14 million data analysis and mission of as- in Georgia (of both sexes) are that more people are researching which is one of the most effec- WORLDCANCERDAY.ORG new cancer cases were confirmed sessment of cancer control and breast, lung and bronchus, and and insuring themselves from tive ways for reducing consump- worldwide. Of those,8.2 million needs report, conducted in Geor- other skin cancers. These are fol- possible#WorldCancerDay complications. #WeCanICan Nev- tion of tobacco. Such approaches deaths occurred. The most com- gia within the frame of Cancer lowed by cancers of the thyroid ertheless, the target population need be introduced to alcohol mon cancers are of the lungs, Control Action Program. gland, bladder, stomach, pros- coverage rates are still low;the consumption, as well as reducing liver and stomach. According to theNational tate, colon, cervix and uterine main cause of death in cancer environmental or occupational In December 2015, the WHO Centre for Disease Control and body. patients is late diagnosis, inthe risks caused by carcinogens. released a collection of reports Public Health, for the last sev- How does the state care for third or fourth stages, and late While new methods of diagno- entitled, “Health in 2015: From eral years, declining dynamics of the patients? There is a Screen- treatment starts. sis and treatment are found, the Millennium Development Goals registered malignant cancer cas- ing Center currently operating, Nana Abuselidze’s example increase in numbers of new cas- To Sustainable Development es occurred. Death rate dynamics which promotes early diagnosis. demonstrates how necessary it is es is anticipated. This is mainly Goals,” in which the past 15 also declined correspondingly. In cases of approved diagnosis, to raise awareness about cancer expected in middle and low-in- years of health trends and the In 2005 there were 28’722 reg- treatment costs are partially paid in order to avoid, as happened come countries. by the state in the frame of a uni- in her case, patient despair and The WHO’s strategic goals versal health care program. A limited treatment time. To raise include the development of a screening program was launched awareness is essential not just for healthy environment with less in 2008, providing breast, cervix, beginning the treatments in time, air, water and soil pollution. and colon screenings, as well as but also to improve prevention WHO and the International prostate cancer management and control, making it possible Agency for Research on Cancer for certain age groups. The pro- to diagnose early and maybe are cooperating with EU agen- gramme is free, and as a result, even avoid cancer. cies to increase the political the number of diseases revealed The exact cause of cancer is commitment to cancer preven- at early stages has tripled. This still unknown, however, accord- tion and control. Forces are also does not mean a direct increase ing to the WHO, about a third of directed to researchers of human in cancer cases, this just indi- cancer deaths are due to five fac- cancer and the mechanisms of cates that more and more people tors: high body mass index, low carcinogenesis. apply to the medical facility for fruit and vegetable consumption, The WHO’s strategic priorities tests. As for further treatments, lack of physical activity, tobacco are development of cancer pre- within the framework of uni- use and alcohol consumption. vention and control strategies, versal health care, surgery costs Chronic infections worldwide generating new knowledge and of adult patients is financed for are associated with 16 percent of disseminating existing knowl- 70%, while further therapy, in- cancers. edge. As well as this, the stand- cluding chemo, radiation, and According to the WHO’s re- ards and development of tools hormone therapy is financed port, the decline of mortality for early detection and treatment for 80%, with an annual limit. rate, while cancer incidence in- including fast and efficient trans- According to reports spread on creases, is indicative of high fer of the best treatment practices February 4, the government will health care standards. Early de- to developing countries is also finance 80% of treatment costs tection, diagnosis and treatment a priority. “Finally, countries including the drug “Herceptin” are of the greatest importance. themselves need to increase ef- for HER2 positive aggressive According to the WHO, preven- forts to strengthen health sys- breast cancer patients, approxi- tive measures are working well, tems at national and local levels mately 20-25% of breast can- but that should be backed up at to ensure early diagnosis and cers, within the programme of the level of legislation. For ex- deliver care for cancer patients,” referral services. ample, WHO’s sponsored first WHO, 2016. 17 FEBRUARY 8, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE CULTURE INCREDIBLE PICTURES MADE OF FEATHERS BY 80-YEAR-OLD GEORGIAN ARTIST NINI MACHAVARIANI EXCLUSIVE In a historic house in one of the to study classical watercolor and ately. oldest districts in Tbilisi lives a still continues self-development. Ms. Barnabishvili has worked woman whose work, it is said, Her feather art began quite by with feathers for approximately does not have an equivalentany- accident. 20 years. She has created over where in the world. 80-year-old “Once, my son went to the 1000 works in that time, many Lia Barnabishvili creates art us- Jandari Lake with his friends,” of which are exported.The artist ing just bird feathers and glue. she said to Observer. “The boys has had a lot of exposure through Her only motivation is her love hunted the ducks and I took a exhibitions. Many people want for her work, which is why she feather and put it in a vase. It was to study this unique art medium. does not stop. She has a severe quite beautiful. That night some- The artist believes that a per- financial situation; her case is thing happened; this feather hyp- son’s perception of color must in the court for non-payment of notized me. I painted the bottom come from within, or it will be utility bills, but through her work of the trees with a brown tone difficult to understand and inter- she tries to cope with the hard- and touched the top of the clouds pret her work. Adults often bring ships. in blue. The next day my work their children to see these unique From childhood, she loved caused quite a stir. It was very ef- works. “There have been times to paint, but she never had art fective. I framed it and then kept when the work has stolen from lessons. In eighth grade, she it longer.” the exhibitions, which causes a quit school and enrolled at the She has a different approach to- lot of spiritual damage in me,” Nikoladze Academy, where she ward each art piece. As she puts she said. fell further in love with painting it, for one piece she might need Ms. Barnabishvili dreams of and decided to dedicate her life a week, another could be done owning her own studio, where to it. By the end of her course “in one breath.” Sometimes, her she has only a table and chair, a at the academy,many professors creations cure her of her difficul- bed, and many feathers. She be- said that the girl had an unparal- ties. When she feels unhappy or lieves that this is the atmosphere leled talent, an distinguished art- down, and then starts work, she in which she will create some- ist. Following this, she continued forgets her problems immedi- thing very special. ANOTHER AWARD FOR “TANGERINES” AND MISHA MESKHI AT THE PEAK OF HIS CAREER NANA GORGILADZE EXCLUSIVE

is a career peak. “There is no EU and the UN.” greater appreciation and award Esteemed Hungarian direc- for an actor than this,” he said. tor Istvan Sabo said, “The best This was not the only success movie I have seen this year was for Tangerines. the Georgian-Estonian movie, Georgian-Estonian production Tangerines.” Georgian actor, has received more than thirty Kakhi Kavsadze noted, “I would More success for director Zaza awards, including the aforemen- rate Tangerines with the high- Urushadze and his film, Tan- tioned Oscar award, a Golden est score. The movie proves that gerines, has once again made Globe nomination and the Inter- Georgian filmography is immor- the fans of the contemporary national Movie Project of War- tal.” Georgian movie very happy. saw, Iran and Italy. It also won “For production of more and Last year’s Oscar nominee, the an IPA award, and awards for more memorable and quality Georgian-Estonian movie has best producer. It has also been movies in Georgia, we need fi- won “Best European Movie” at screened in the European Parlia- nancial source,” Meskhi said. the 2016 Gaudi Awards in Bar- ment and in the United Nations. “Nowadays Georgia has very celona, Spain. The prestigious Tangerines’ success across dif- talented actors, including young awards ceremony was founded ferent nominations and venues ones.For the development of the by the Catalan Film Academy has given us plenty of evidence movie industry in Georgia we and has been held since 2009. of the quality of the movie. need money, money and money Tangerines’ leading actor, Mi- Urushadze mentioned to Ob- again. Nominating this movie on sha Meskhi, said to Observer, “It server in regards to its screen- Oscar was a kind of stimulus to does not matter which country ing in such high profile political begin this.” In his interview with you were born in or where you locations, that the film did -bet Observer, Meskhi added that he are from, you first have to main- ter work for peace than politics. is working on a new movie to tain your humanity.” Meskhi “For me as the director of the be aired some time in 2016. He said that for him and for the oth- movie, the important thing is the avoided talking about new film er actors, the success of the film, theme and the idea of this movie, to leave a surprise for the audi- especially the Oscar nomination, which caught the attention of the ence. 18 FEBRUARY 8, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE CULTURE LITHUANIAN STUDENTS HOLD EXHIBITION: “ORDINARY STARS” NINI MACHAVARIANI EXCLUSIVE

Lolita Kiričenka and Dovilė ed to make it clear for everyone er to the lives of their characters, Berlinskaitė are presenting an that regardless of nationality and learning new things from each international social documentary social status, daily life in the one. One participant of the pro- photography project, “Ordinary post-Soviet countries is simi- ject, an agricultural equipment Stars,” which tells the stories lar to each other,” Berlinskaite driver, said that he does not like of common people‘s lives and told Observer. “Even if the pro- the noise of the city and is happy daily routines. Through this pro- fession is different, we all have with his work out in the country, ject, theartists want to reveal the something in common. A driver, away from so many people. uniqueness of every person, and a shepherd, a teacher - beyond A woman with 25 years’ of at the same time show that all of these professions are interesting teaching experience in Pankisi us are similar, despite our social figures with interesting stories. enjoys her daily work and com- status, nationality and other ex- We all independent, but after munication with young people. ternal criteria. seeing the photos you can tell A Georgian character, living in The main subjects of the photo- that we have a lot in common.” Lithuania, also has an interesting graphs are unknown and usually The characters were not select- story. He has been working in a unnoticed in our contemporary ed randomly; they had criteria, supermarket where he gathers society. They are ordinary peo- and a plan to show “ordinary he- shopping baskets. He has also ple who share their very inter- roes” to the world. The photog- said that he is happy with his job esting stories, experiences and raphers noted that the subjects and does not like to complain. individual approaches to life in did not have any problems being “We have been living in situ- post-Soviet countries. the characters. They were quite ations like these for 70 years,” According to the organizers, happy that two students were in- Tsibakhashvili said, “Therefore the characters of the project are terested in their daily routine. I think it is hard to grow out of the woman tailor and the truck Guram Tsibakhasvili, a co- them, but it is not impossible. driver from Belarus, a teacher founder of the Gallery, “Con- Although Lithuania is a member from Pankisi, a shepherd from tainer,” and a renowned photog- of the European Union, there is Kazbegi and a Georgian su- rapher, attended the exhibition still so much in common with permarket attendant in Vilnius, and helped his students arrange Georgia.” Lithuania. the exhibition space. Ms.Berlinskaitė noted that she Photographer, Dovile Berlin- “The photographs were taken likes living in Georgia, claiming skaite, arrived in Georgia to in Georgia, Lithuania, Belarus that Georgian hospitality is very study through an exchange pro- and Russia,” Tsibakhashvili said. impressive. “I have lived here gram. She studied creative jour- “The photos showed characters for a long time and have visited a nalism at the Lithuanian Univer- in their normal lives and reflect- lot of interesting places. As soon sity and continued her studies at ed their individual situations. as I can, I will come back with Tbilisi State University’s Faculty The photographs that show these pleasure,” said the photographer. of Social Sciences, where she people are important, not only Both photographers are plan- spent ten months. The idea of for them but for the rest of soci- ning for future joint projects in this project came to Ms. Berlin- ety, as they are seen working in Georgia and Lithuania. skaite and her friend, Lolita Kiri- their little worlds for the greater Before this, on February 10, the cenka, a long time ago. deeds.” “Ordinary Stars” exhibition will “We wanted to show how The photographers mentioned be presented to Lithuanian citi- unique each person is. We want- that they managed to come clos- zens. 19 FEBRUARY 8, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE SPORT

airBaltic flights from Tbilisi via Riga to Oslo, Helsinki, RIGA - TBILISI BT 722 5,7 RIX TBS 23:05 04:35 +1 735 03:30 Copenhagen, Amsterdam, London, Milan, Paris, Ber- lin, Munich, Vilnius, Tallinn and Warsaw have mini- TBILISI - RIGA BT 723 1,6 TBS RIX 05:20 06:55 735 03:55 mum connection time 25-30 minutes in Riga airport GEORGIAN RUGBY TEAM STARTS EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP WITH VICTORY VAKO KIPIANI The Georgian National Rugby scored a try for the points. The geiter, had this to say of the win- Team, “Borjghalosnebi,” defeat- first half of the game ended at ning side: “The Georgian team ed Germany in their first match 26 to 7 in favor of the Georgian played a good match and Lasha of the new season on February 6, team. Khmaladze showed an excellent by 59 points to 7. The match was In the second half, Haig let the game. Our team will try to hold held at Avchala Rugby Stadium. young players loose. In the 50th on to a higher division.” Mamuka Gorgodze, captain of minute, George Tkhilaishvili hit Haig said, “We have very tal- the team, unfortunately missed the points, and in the 57th and ented youth in the team, the the match due to trauma. Some 65thminutes, Lasha Lomidze future of Georgian Rugby is se- other players from the regular scored a double. In the 68th min- cure! Of course the team lead- lineup were also missing. Coach, ute, Zurab Zhvania took the ball ers were also playing to a high Milton Haig, decided to give the from the center, made a brilliant level.” Captain, Shalva Sutiash- younger players an opportunity slalom and passed to Khmaladze, vili, also commented on the to show themselves. who had no trouble signing a try. game. According to him, it was Germany opened the scoring in The final score was recorded difficult to focus after a game the 6th minute. No one expected at 59 to 7.“Borjghalosnebi” has against New Zealand, “But in the that the game would develop won all six of their matches and end everything worked out well with such drama but the Geor- are in first place in the competi- and we won. We will play better gians soon managed to equal- tion with 25 points. At a news against Portugal.” ize the scores. The first ball was conference, coaches of both The Georgian team will play grounded by Levan Gorgadze, teams summed up the match. against Portugal in Lisbon on while Lasha Malaghuradze German coach, Kobus Pot- February 13. WEEKLY SPORT NEWS

Football game they defeated Croatian Wrestling Split by 1:0. On February 4, Dinamo Tbi- Georgian team of the Greco- lisi held the second match at the * * * * * Roman wrestling had a great suc- Turkish meeting and defeated cess in Istanbul at Vehbi Emre Belarus Champion Boris Ovos- Georgian Football Federation and and Hamit Kaplani Memo- bate by 2: 0. Lasha Parunashvili President Levan Kobiashvili rial, where they won 2 gold, 5 opened the score, and the second visited Tbilisi Shatili stadium to- silver and 4 bronze medals. Our goal came after Chelidze’s pass. day. The teams are having train- team took the second place. It is The Bate defenders allowed the ings here after the dismantling interesting that both Georgian ball to fall into their door. Di- of the “Olympus” stadium. The and Turkish teams collected 70- Football velopment program for 2016- namo held two friendly matches, federation tries to held trainings 70 points, but the hosts had 3 2020 was approved and the both won, before the current smoothly. gold medals and maintained win. According to the government’s amount dedicated to that is pro- decision, Georgia’s football de- gram 265 700 000 Gel.

Managing Director: Nino Sharashidze 15 Shio Mghvimeli Str. [email protected] 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia Chief Editor: Tamar Chapidze [email protected] E: [email protected]

Subscription & Advertising: [email protected] T: +995 557 68 36 53