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www.georgiatodaygeorgiatoday.ge IssueIssue nno:o: 809809 • JJANUARYANUARY 15 - 1818,, 2016 • PUBLISPUBLISHEDH TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

THE RULES In this week’s issue... OF THE GAMEGAME The GeorgianGeorgian President ppushesushes for #NBAVOTE cooperationcooperation anandd trantransparencysparency Zaza Pachulia PAGEPAGE 2 SPORTS PAGE 15

Two Blasts in Turkey, Terrorists Held Accountable NEWS PAGE 2 Gazprom Deal: Playing with Fire?

POLITICS PAGE 3

The Anti-Turkish Coalition, Members: 1.5

POLITICS PAGE 4 EU Commissioner Urges Georgian Authorities Tech Park to Strengthen Independent Judiciary to Support New Ideas BY TAMAR SVANIDZE

BUSINESS PAGE 5 ollowing his visit to Georgia, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muiznieks, released his report and highlighted that the country should continue strengthening Iago Bitarishvili’s Chinuri in its independence and the impartiality of judges. F“Judicial reforms have yielded some positive results in Wine List of London’s Ritz Georgia, in particular as concerns the reduced infl uence of the prosecutorial authorities, the increased transparency in the work of the High Council of Justice and an improved BUSINESS PAGE 7 juvenile justice system. However, long-standing structural problems still require serious attention, particularly with a view to upholding the independence and effective func- Gazprom? Who Cares! tioning of the judiciary,” Commissioner Muiznieks said in Council of Europe Commissioner for Human an address to the Prime Minister of Georgia. Rights, Nils Muiznieks Just Keep Us Warm! Continued on page 2 SOCIETY PAGE 9

From Georgian Folk to Zeppelin’s Kashmir: Giorgi Mikadze Astonishes the US CULTURE PAGE 11 Georgian Movies Being Screened at London Festival CULTURE PAGE 13 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS JANUARY 15 - 18, 2016 Two Blasts in Turkey, Terrorists Held Accountable

“It is essential that all the actors of the electoral process - political parties, non-governmental organizations and Georgian society as a whole- agree on the rules of the game,” Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili declared

Photo: Huffi ngton Post ist attack after the explosion in Istanbul. pate in foreign terrorist groups. Moreo- BY EKA KARSAULIDZE “We have determined that the perpe- ver, one of them had been previously trator of the attack is a foreigner who is announced in the Russian and interna- Agreeing the a member of Daesh,” declared Prime tional Wanted List. The other two left suicide bomber has been Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, using the Russia a few years ago with the intended held responsible for a blast Arabic acronym for IS. “Turkey won’t purpose of studying on the territory of in the Sultanahmet district backtrack in its struggle against Daesh Middle Eastern states,” reported Tass of Istanbul city center on by even one step … This terror organiza- Agency, referring to a source in the Rus- January 12. During the tion, the assailants and all of their con- sian competent authorities. Aexplosion, ten people were killed and nections will be found and they will While the Istanbul blast investigation Rules of the fi fteen injured, most of whom were for- receive the punishments they deserve,” was ongoing, the second blast hit south- eign tourists. The next night a car bomb he said. eastern Turkey on Wednesday night. was targeted at police headquarters near Turkish authorities reported that the The BBC, referring to local media, Diyarbakir, south-eastern Turkey, killing majority of the victims were German reported that a car bomb blast had hit a six people and injuring at least 39. nationals. Peru’s foreign ministry said police headquarters in Cinar district, According to Turkish authorities, the one Peruvian man was killed and a Peru- Diyarbakir province. The blast also dam- Game individual guilty of the Istanbul bomb- vian woman was among the 15 people aged nearby residential buildings, where ing was a man of Syrian origin born in who were wounded. a mother and baby were killed. Turkish 1988. The bomber was linked with the The Russian authorities have also con- offi cials blamed the blast on Kurdistan ship between institutions is necessary Islamic State (IS). Later, three Russian fi rmed that the Russian detainees are Worker’s Party (PKK) militants. BY STEVEN JONES for the state to function effectively; nationals were detained, also suspected among those associated with terrorists. At time of going to press, there is no therefore, “none of the parties could gain of links with IS. In total, Turkish author- “There is information that all three information that any organization has from the estrangement that has been ities arrested 60 suspects for the terror- detainees have relationships or partici- claimed responsibility for the blasts. he President of Georgia has around these past two years. The process said the State should ensure has not brought anything positive to any that voters should not have political actor. So, logically, it will no to choose between the bad longer continue this way,” Margvelashvili and the worse. stated. TAs Giorgi Margvelashvili stated on The President also commented on the Georgia Ranked Third in Free Gurjaani TV, the core issue for strength- upcoming parliamentary elections of ening democracy is not a change of gov- October 2016. He said the resignation of ernment but to move to a more open the fi rst and the second vice Prime Min- Trade Component electoral system. isters is part of a normal functioning of “Today, we no longer have a situation a government. “I do not know what the where the future of Georgian democracy reason was [for the former PM’s resig- BY ANA AKHALAIA is equal to a change in government,” the nation late December],” he said. “[but] President declared, adding that, however, the effective functioning of a state “it does not mean that we should not demands cooperation between consti- care about extending democratic tutional institutions, the President, the ccording to the Free Trade reforms.” Parliament and the Executive Govern- component of the Herit- According to Margvelashvili, discus- ment.” age Foundation’s Index sion about a change of authorities is not “We should not criticize the govern- of Economic Freedom underway as “we are talking about the ment for not wanting to lose. This is 2016, Georgia is ranked advancement of democracy.” He contin- normal. Any political party, whether in Athird. ued that the aim is not to improve any power or in opposition, aims at coming The report assesses countries on a political party and let another in, instead, to power or staying in power,” he said, 100 point system, where Georgia had that the recent data in terms of free ronment. “The aim is to ensure that voters do not adding, the important thing is how it 88.6, a score which hasn’t changed trade shows the countries with free In terms of free trade countries in have to choose between the bad and the happens. “It is essential that all the actors since last year. trade have a better record than coun- the region, Armenia is in 55th place worse.” of the electoral process - political par- The leaders of the rating are Hong tries where such practices do not exist. with 84.4 points, Russia has 72 points, The President hopes that communica- ties, non-governmental organizations Kong, Liechtenstein, Singapore, Macau, Studies show a strong connection while Azerbaijan has 75.8 points. tion with the new Prime Minister, Giorgi and Georgian society as a whole- agree Switzerland with 90 points. Swaziland between free trade and other positive The Index of Economic Freedom of Kvirikashvili, will be effective. on the rules of the game,” Margvelashvili has second place with 88.8 points. indicators, such as low level poverty, the World 2016 will be published in The President emphasized the relation- declared. The authors of the rating point out economic indicators and a clean envi- full within the next few days. EU Commissioner Urges Georgian Authorities to Strengthen Independent Judiciary

Continued from page 1 Opposition, especially in regard to the would provide the Public Defender use of pre-trial detention measures with broader powers in combating The observations are based on the against them. discrimination, including in the private Commissioner’s latest visit to Georgia, “Resolute efforts are called for to sector,” he continued. held from the 9th to 13th November, increase the impartiality and account- Furthermore, the Commissioner urged which assessed the implementation of ability of the work of prosecutors and the Georgian authorities to improve the recommendations set out in his law enforcement offi cials,” the report their responses to hate crimes and hate 2014 report. stated, while recognizing that some speech, including such crimes on the Commissioner Muiznieks emphasized improvements in the selection, appoint- basis of sexual orientation and gender that shielding judges from internal and ment and dismissal procedures of the identity, and to ease tensions between external interference is a priority. Chief Prosecutor have occurred. majority and minority religious groups The Commissioner was informed of Commissioner Muiznieks urged the concerning issues related to religious specifi c cases of alleged pressure and Georgian authorities to make more properties and places of worship. This interference with the work of judges effective use of the existing anti-dis- can be achieved, he says, by the engage- of the Constitutional Court in relation crimination legislation and mecha- ment of the Georgian authorities in a to decisions they have taken. nisms. genuine dialogue with all religious He is particularly concerned about “They should speed up the adoption denominations and a tackling of the allegations of politically-motivated of the legislative amendments currently The observations are based on the Commissioner’s latest visit to Georgia, held from identifi ed issues following a human the 9th to 13th November, which assessed the implementation of the measures targeting members of the pending before the Parliament, as they recommendations set out in his 2014 report rights-based approach. GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 15 - 18, 2016 POLITICS 3 Gazprom Deal: Playing Inviting Russia? with Fire? BY ZVIAD ADZINBAIA “Georgian society was informed about rail against returning to Russia’s energy BY ZVIAD ADZINBAIA a meeting with Gazprom representative infl uence after the 2006 cold winter, Elena Burmistrova on December 27th in when Russia endeavored Georgia to pay inister of Defense Tina Zurich. Georgian civilians know that the its political price for Euro-Atlantic aspi- Khidasheli has said in eorgia’s Energy Minister issue of gas supply is not just any eco- ration and, as a result, cut gas supply a statement it is clear Kakha Kaladze has told nomic or commercial issue, but directly during a very cold winter. that the Russian Gov- reporters that the concern linked to Georgia’s political sovereignty,” After the meeting at the Energy Min- ernment has set a goal created in relation to the UNM statement reads. istry on Wednesday, Head of SOCAR toM create a problem for NATO expansion. Gazprom is without basis. The Diplomats Club, which brings (Azerbaijani state oil company) Georgia, “There’s nothing new in it and it would GThe public unrest arose when Kaladze together former senior Georgian diplo- Mahir Mamedov, told reporters that be strange if it were not so. The on-going and Gazprom representative Elena Bur- mats, believe Minister Kaladze should Georgia’s demand for natural gas is events, in Macedonia, for example, very mistrova met in Zurich on December 27 resign from his post. In addition, several slowly increasing; however, Azerbaijan clearly show Russia’s attitude and inten- to discuss an issue which Georgia soci- protest actions against the Gazprom is capable of providing more than enough tions. However, the free world acts to Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin ety regards as of high importance for negotiations have been planned this week gas. its own rules and naturally and it does Source: theawakezone.wordpress.com Georgia’s national security. in Tbilisi and other regions. Experts working in the fi eld assume not subordinate to this kind of black- According to Minister Kaladze, the Commenting on the topic, U.S. Exter- that the Gazprom negotiations are of a mail,” Khidasheli said. West were a mistake and that Russia did negotiations are vital for the Georgian nal Policy Council Expert Stephen Blank political nature and that the involvement Concerning Russia’s cooperation with not invade Crimea. side. He stated that this is not the fi rst told Georgian newspaper Kviris Palitra of Bidzina Ivanishvili, a former PM who the occupied territories, Khidasheli con- Meanwhile, the Turkish President Recep year the Georgian side has had relations that gas import from Russia will nega- holds a considerable share at Gazprom, tinued, “We know that ‘agreements’ were Tayyip Erdo an criticized his Russian with Gazprom, adding that the existing tively impact Georgia-U.S. relations. could be a driving factor in this process. signed and entered into force, but we counterpart for his ‘illegitimate’ claim agreement is reviewed every year. Blank says he cannot see any need for At the same time, Frontera Resources, also know very well that nothing in real that Russia was invited by the Syrian “In this case, changing the agreement Russian or Iranian gas while Azerbaijan an American oil and gas exploration and life has changed in the occupied terri- government. “The Syrian government conditions is required – we would like provides Georgia with a suffi cient vol- production company, recently announced tories, which often served as grounds is not a legitimate government. Why did to be paid some amount in return for ume of natural gas, naming it “a policy that a groundbreaking amount of gas has for local resident dissatisfaction.” you send forces to Georgia, then? Because the 10% volume… we launched the nego- of private and not social profi t.” been found at the South Kakheti Gas The Minister highlighted that Russia you were invited? Did you send forces tiations long ago. Several meetings were The US expert added that the policy Complex of Georgia. Frontera says the does not observe principals with regard to Ukraine because you were invited held but no fi nal agreement has been undermines Georgia’s opportunities to gas fi eld in Georgia is of high signifi cance, to sovereign states or the occupied there?” the Turkish leader asked Putin. reached,” Kaladze commented, adding resist Russia. needing rapid development. According regions. This is the real face of the Rus- It has been Russia’s declared strategy that for the past two months, many vague On the reports of media over possible to the American company, the gas fi eld sian authorities. to prevent Georgia from becoming a statements have been voiced by so-called import of Iranian gas, Georgia’s Energy can potentially transform Georgia from Early January, Russian President member of the European and Euro- experts. Minister responded that there is no par- an energy-dependent to a gas exporter Vladimir Putin told the German Bild Atlantic family and to restore the former Meanwhile Georgia’s main opposition ticular agreement with Iran signed yet. for the entire region. publication that NATO could refuse USSR sphere of infl uence throughout party, the United National Movement According to Deputy Energy Minister However, there is a reasonable notion expansion in order to provide interna- the Caucasus and Eastern Europe. Yet, (UNM), has demanded the content of Ilia Eloshvili, Georgia will have fi nancial that the case could be politically ‘muted’. tional security, but that the Alliance despite numerous attempts by Russia to the agreement signed with Gazprom to liabilities with Gazprom, as the pipeline Some experts allege that a correlation wanted to be ‘king’ and in doing so exac- fully subordinate the country, ranging be published. The party has announced which will potentially provide Georgia between the Frontera discovery and the erbated the crisis in Europe. from the 70-year Soviet occupation to it is to launch an anti-government cam- with gas from Russia. Gazprom deal could be legitimate. Putin said the third forces used inter- provoking a civil war (1990s) and occu- paign if the agreement is not publicized. Early October, when Kaladze announced Will the Georgian government sign an national terrorism while fi ghting Russia pying 20 percent of the country’s sover- The UNM stated this step is a threat Gazprom could fi ll a “gap caused by the agreement which will contradict the and provided ‘anti-state’ forces with eign territory today, Georgia still main- to Georgia’s energy security and tarnishes energy shortage of Azerbaijan”, several country’s national interests? Is the political, fi nancial and armed aid. He tains its laborious route towards the its sovereignty. protest actions were held in Tbilisi to Gazprom deal playing with fi re? added that the sanctions imposed by the Euro-Atlantic space. GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS JANUARY 15 - 18, 2016 The Anti-Turkish Coalition, Members: 1.5

tions. In fact, these relations, which are OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA getting deeper and deeper, should be worrying Tbilisi too, however, in this case, Georgian diplomacy chooses to fter cancelling the visa- be pragmatic, since Ankara does not free travel and lifting the recognize Abkhazian independence and trade embargo, the Krem- because the activity of the Abkhazian lin began forming an anti- diaspora in Turkey should not become Turkish coalition. For now a reason to devaluate relations with Athe coalition is represented only by such a big trading and transport partner. Russia, however, soon this solidity will They think completely differently in be brought to an end and Sokhumi will Moscow, as the North-Caucasus prob- also be found standing beside Moscow. lem is still unresolved; the “Cherkezian After cancelling the visa-free travel and On January 11th, the de facto govern- Bomb” is ticking and for sure they are lifting the trade embargo, the Kremlin ment of occupied Abkhazia issued a unhappy with the introduction of Turk- began forming an anti-Turkish coalition. decree, according to which any kind of ish “soft power” along the Black Sea For now the coalition is represented trade, economic or fi nancial relations coast and later its gradual strengthen- only by Russia, however, soon this with Turkey is now banned. The ban is ing by trading, informational, cultural solidity will be brought to an end and offi cially to begin from January 20th, or other means. Therefore, Surkov Sokhumi will also be found standing beside Moscow however, Russia’s navy took care of this decided to take advantage of the open in advance, in November 2015 to be confrontation that arose between Rus- precise, and blocked Abkhazia’s waters sia and Turkey and to ask Sokhumi to According to Russian and Abkhazian ence in the region and bring the infl u- won’t be brought into Abkhazia via following the Turkish take down of a prove its loyalty with this excuse. And sources, approximately 10 percent of ence of other States to the minimum: Georgia,” the expert said. Russian bomber. not only to prove, but to take specifi c occupied Abkhazia’s export goes to “Abkhazia’s unoffi cial contacts with The Russian – Turkish controversy is The accession of Abkhazia to the Turk- and quite painful steps too. “We cannot Turkey, mainly coal, scrap metal and Turkey took place outside Georgia’s gradually relocating to the Georgian ish embargo was also decided at the allow Turkish construction companies fi sh, while mostly construction mate- will. Limitation of these does not change territory. No need to be a big analyst to end of last year, when President Putin’s to be fi nanced with Russian money,” rial, fuel, food and textiles are imported anything for us. I rule out that Abkhaz- realize that taking full control over assistant Vladimer Surkov went there Surkov told the de facto government of from Turkey. Forcing Abkhazians into ian’s will risk forming economic rela- Georgian territory is increasingly becom- to remind local offi cials of the “alliance occupied Abkhazia. this embargo will cost Moscow 8 billion tions through Georgia, as the occupying ing the ultimate goal for Russia. By doing and strategic partnership agreement” Abkhazia’s budget is 13.5 million Rubles Rubles, that is about USD 110 million. regime is fully controlling the admin- so, it will resolve many strategic prob- signed with the Kremlin, especially the – approximately USD 182 million. 90 Exactly this amount has already been istrative border. It is not a secret to lems, will improve its own positions in part of the agreement in which it dis- percent of this sum comes directly from ear-marked by Russia to be sent to the anyone that a quantity of Abkhazian the Black Sea and will strengthen its cusses the coordinated foreign policy. the Kremlin, therefore the Kremlin’s occupied territory in 2016. nuts was re-exported to Turkey through military bases in Armenia as well as Moscow has long been frustrated to demand is understandable. The foreign- Expert Gia Khukhashvili thinks that, Georgia. Maybe Russia will turn a blind partly simplifying its aerial relations observe the Turkish-Abkhazian rela- trading turnover is USD 200 million. in future, Russia will increase its infl u- eye on this, but for sure Turkish goods with Syria. GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 15 - 18, 2016 BUSINESS 5 Tech Park to Support New Ideas The Prime Minister said the state has made ups and is equipped with small incuba- BY EKA KARSAULIDZE signifi cant investment in the future of the country. tors, learning centers and laboratories, PM Kvirikashvili with Vice Prime Minister and a library, as well as large offi ces for com- Minister of Economy Dimitry Kumsishvili, panies. It also includes co-working spaces, Avtandil Kasradze and Sopi Gurasashvili at he First Technology Park training centers, showrooms, conference Tech Park (Tech Park), which recently rooms and a recreational space. opened in Tbilisi, will pro- Georgian innovators who have vide young creators with already made some achieve- brands allows the testing of products itri Kumsishvili. “The potential of our high quality equipment and ments in the technology which will be produced in the center. young people is very high and we hope Tthe ability to turn their ideas into reality. fi eld positively evaluated “The Park’s facilities provide an many interesting projects will be launched The new facility is also expected to cre- the creation of such opportunity for young people to here that help to develop not only small ate a big impulse amongst civilians to a center and noted go beyond the borders of their ideas. businesses, but large ones as well.” develop small and medium-sized enter- that in future it When there is a chance to use the latest Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kviri- prises and positively affect the country’s could become a equipment and technology, you can reach kashvili opened the Technology Park in economy as a whole. space for joint projects a completely different level,” said Vice Tbilisi on January 11 and noted that eco- According to Tech Park representa- with other start-ups as well Prime Minister and Minister nomic growth is impossible without the tives, this project was created especially as a communication plat- of Economy, Dim- development of Information Technology. for those who had no possibilities to form for foreign companies. “Within the next few days I want to realize their ideas or contact with poten- Tech Park will play an arrange the fi rst meeting in Tech Park tial investors. “Anyone can come to Tech important role in the with young people who have innovative Park with an idea and get a free expert creation of new com- ideas. I am sure we will fi nd lots of consultation. We will support the imple- panies, current busi- interesting ideas and make signifi cant mentation of the project, not only with ness development, changes in our country,” PM Kvirikash- technology and equipment assessment, commercialization of vili said. but also by providing training, consulta- innovations and creation The idea of building the Technology tion with our foreign partners, and even of high-paid jobs. It also Park in Tbilisi belonged to former Prime conduct learning courses,” said Irakli gives Georgia an opportunity to cre- A robot stands with the of Minister Irakli Garibashvili. This is a Kashibadze, Chairman of the Innovation ate local branches of international com- Day scissors at Tech Park USD 5 million project, which was started and Technology Agency. panies and attract foreign investment. at the beginning of 2015 and completed The facility was built on an area span- Another major advantage of Tech Park fi cial Opening one year later. The project itself was ning 18,000m2 in Okrokhana, in Tbilisi’s is access to world brand high technol- carried out by the Innovation and Tech- recreation area near Mtatsminda Park. ogy equipment. Intel, Samsung, HP and nology Agency of the Ministry of Econ- Tech Park provides resources for start- the equipment of other well-known omy. GEORGIA TODAY 6 BUSINESS JANUARY 15 - 18, 2016 Qatar Airways Celebrates Record Sales As Travel Festival Kick Starts Bookings For 2016 Thousands of people are going places thanks to Qatar Airways Travel Festival Just a few days left to enjoy the airline’s biggest promotion ever

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OOPENPEN YYOUROUR DDOORS!OORS! GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 15 - 18, 2016 BUSINESS 7

Iago Bitarishvili organically farms two hectares of Chinuri vine which yield only around Iago Bitarishvili’s 2500 bottles per year. At the Ritz London the price for a bottle is £65, Chinuri in Wine or around 230 GEL List of London’s Ritz GEL) while the price for a bottle is £65, cally farms two hectares of vines which BY ANA AKHALAIA or around 230 GEL. yield only around 2500 bottles per year. After being asked whether the Ritz’s All the wine is fermented and aged in clientele were ready to experience such Qvevri (a traditional Georgian earthen- he iconic Ritz London hotel unconventional wines as the Georgian ware vat for wine) using Chinuri, a grape has recently updated its Le orange, head sommelier Giovanni Ferlito variety indigenous to the Kartli region Livre de Vin, or wine list, said that he had been impressed by both in central Georgia. which now for the fi rst time the knowledge and the open-mindedness Iago’s Chinuri was recently placed by includes Georgian orange of the British people regarding wine. American Vogue magazine at the top of Twine, the 2013 Iago Bitarishvili Chardakhi “There are some producers in Georgia Vogue’s list of orange wines. Chinuri. that grow international grapes, but The Ritz London hotel, already in its Chinuri is available at the Ritz by the Chinuri is only from there,” Ferlito said. 110th year, has been the benchmark by bottle as well as the glass. A 125 ml glass Iago’s is a boutique winery founded in which other hotels are measured since of Chinuri is priced at £14 (around 50 2003 by Iago Bitarishvili. Iago organi- 1906. Georgian Airports Serve a Record Number of Passengers in 2015

served a record 2,261,006 passengers in 2015. passengers – 5.91% more than in 2014, BY TAMAR SVANIDZE The report highlighted that usage of and the airport in Mestia, in northern Georgian air space increased by 6.6% Georgia, hosted 232 % more than in 2014. with the total number of fl ights reaching The number of passengers at Kutaisi n 2015, Georgia’s Airports served 123,364. airport reduced by 35,049 and totalled a record number of passengers The number of regular and charter 182,954. The agency explains this by Wizz compared to previous years. fl ights increased by 4.53%. Georgian Air’s cancellation of fl ights to Ukraine. The Aviation Agency of the airports made 11,409 regular and 2,259 Meanwhile, the National Tourism Ministry of Economy published charter fl ights in 2015. Administration of Georgia announced Istatistics showcasing that Georgian air- According to statistics, almost 2 mil- that in 2015 the number of visitors to the ports served 12% more passengers in lion passengers passed through Tbilisi country increased by 7% with around 6 2015 than the previous year. airport, which was 17.25% more than last million visitors in total crossing the bor- According to data, airports in Georgia year, while Batumi airport served 226,476 der of Georgia. The English - Speaking Union

ინგლისურ ენაზე მოლაპარაკეთა კავშირი Creating global understanding through English Patron: Her Majesty The Queen President: HRH The Princess Anne

Invites 16-20 year old young Speakers to take part in the Public Speaking Competition

SPONSORED BY

The theme of the competition is “Integrity has no need of Rules”. Speakers may interpret this theme in any way they see fit, but they should not use the theme as their title. Each speaker will be allocated 5 minutes. The competition will be held in two rounds. The first round, March 14, at the English Language Centre “British Corner” (Vake Park). The second round will be held on 29th of March. The theme of the second round will be announced later. The competition is sponsored by the Bank of Georgia and British Petroleum ESU – Georgia will send the lucky winner to London in May to take part in the finals and organize 5 day stay in England. The deadline for registration is March 11. Contact us: The English Language Centre “British Corner”, Vake Park (entrance from I. Abashidze St.). Tel.: 557 400033, 5 77 477050; 5 55 302512 E mail: [email protected]; www.esugeorgia.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnIKLMa7rBA GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 15 - 18, 2016 SOCIETY 9 WMTR Cleans Up and Repurposes Illegal Dumpsites Prepared by USAID’S Waste Management Technologies in the Regions Project

iming for a better environ- ment and human health and waste management system in the country, the Waste Management Tech- Anologies in the Regions (WMTR) Pro- The Akura illegal dumpsite covered 1 ha of land, gram, together with the municipalities from which 50 m3 of waste was removed of its targeted regions of Kakheti and the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, started clean-up campaigns of illegal dumpsites. A dumpsite covering 1 ha of land in Akura village, Kakheti region, was cleaned by the WMTR team and Telavi Municipality on January 5–7, from which 50 m3 of waste was removed. The land served as a dumpsite for about 350 households in the village, so the Munic- ipal Council installed bins last year, and the population has since stopped dispos- ing of waste here. The area is located near the village’s agricultural land, where the population harvests corn and has vineyards. Addi- tionally, the inhabitants shepherd cattle and collect blackberries. Also, the area has an irrigation channel that runs through it with contaminated water. Like the Akura clean-up campaign, other illegal dumpsites in six villages of both regions have also been cleaned. Sites in three villages of Akhmeta munic- ipality, Duisi, Dumasturi and Khalatsani, waste dumpsite for many years and had three 700-liter waste bins and an infor- year. The total area of dumpsites in the gia, will be planted in the cleaned area. covering an area of around 2 hectares spread all over the bank of the river. Bot- mation board were installed in both areas villages of Tsetskhlauri and Legva was The WMTR Program, implemented were cleaned and repurposed as a forest tles, plastic bags, and sheep wool were in order to prevent future pollution. A 200-250 m2, while the area in Dekanish- by the International City/Country Man- with 300 walnut trees provided by the the most common materials at the dump- regular waste collection service was vilebi was 250 m2. The areas were repur- agement Association (ICMA) and the Austrian Development Cooperation- sites, along with other household waste arranged by the municipalities with the posed as forests with trees provided by Caucasus Environmental NGO Network funded Sustainable Forest Management that created a threat to the environment help of the WMTR Team. the Adjara Forestry Agency and the (CENN) and fi nanced by the US Agency in Georgia (SFG) and implemented by and human health. Moreover, besides Additionally, in the WMTR program, CENN/ADA forestry project. for International Development (USAID), Caucasus Environmental NGO Network being an illegal landfi ll, it is also being in cooperation with local governments, In the very near future, the team plans assists central and local governments, (CENN) in the middle of November last used for grazing and poultry. During the three areas in the villages of Dekanish- on cleaning a site in Apeni village in local businesses, communities and year. heavy rainfall, it is likely that the waste vilebi, Tsetskhlauri and Legva (located Lagodekhi municipality, where “grove municipalities in developing integrated Those areas located along the bank of was washed into the river. in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara) oak” (Quercus Longipes), featured on the waste management systems for its tar- the river Alazani served as a household During the cleaning campaigns, twenty were cleaned in September-October last Red List of endangered species of Geor- geted regions - Kakheti and Adjara. Gazprom? Who Cares! Just Keep Us Warm!

is that the Georgian government has long try’s business world – this is clearly a OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE been diligently obfuscating for some taboo: businesses are doing their big cov- cause, unbeknownst to the public, its talks ert shtick, and the people are busy with with Gazprom, describing the deal as an their overt little goals and deeds. But the hat does Georgia want attempt to diversify the country’s access governments have their administrative from the famous Rus- to natural gas in general. Yet the opposi- tentacles all over the place, trying to sian energy giant? And tion to the current Georgian government somehow control both of them. The only vice versa, what is it is persistently qualifying the obvious thing that we might physically feel is that that might interest courting of the Russian gas industry as the imported gas smells like politics here GazpromW in a miniature client like Geor- the fact of betrayal of Georgia’s national and politics like gas. This is all we might gia? Based on what we happen to conceive interests. What can we, the totally mis- have a receptive nose and sharp ear for. from the information available to us via informed rank-and-fi le of Georgia, think The rest is shrouded in secrecy. As a mat- local press and broadcast media, the clear in this case, being fl agrantly caught ter of fact, I don’t give a damn about what answer to those two simple questions is between the hammer and the anvil? The is happening with gas in this country. For not even looming on the horizon – so far, thing is that we the people never know our own happiness, we the consumers at least. What I think tends to take place anything about the goings-on in the coun- only need to be informed about the purity

and caloric quality, and certainly be given doubts and second thoughts about the low prices on the gas we use in everyday entire covered-up deal taking place life. Lucky are the nations who would between the Russian gas company and only consume natural gas for heating and the Georgian government, but the situa- cooking, and not be glued to their televi- tion could be made easier on both the sion sets for hours in order to hear and governed and the governors if the Geor- see who is sending us gas and for how gian administration made the content of much. We all need to come home after a negotiations with Gazprom biggies open long day’s drudgery, use our gas-hobs to and transparent so that all of us in Geor- cook our dinner and then watch some- gia could relax and stay happy. And fi nally, thing on TV that will not bother us with let us call this one a regular human inter- long and drawn-out gibberish about gas est story – not an article on business or politics that the big bugs up there are politics. I would love to stay away from terribly interested in for some reasons both this time around, especially in the unknown. Would this be too much for an festive spirit of the New Year holiday, still honest working human to ask? Let the being celebrated in both Russia and Geor- government take care of the politics gia. needed to provide gas that should be readily available to its subjects who are Gazprom is a Russian public joint stock com- exhausted by too much politics in the pany, born the year of Soviet demise, and natural gas business. And let us, the reg- involved in the business of extraction, produc- Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 ular men and women in the street, get on tion, transport and sale of natural gas world- 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] with the business of enjoying our lives. wide. It is notoriously reputed for abusing its On a more serious note, we all have some energy potential for clout in global politics. GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY JANUARY 15 - 18, 2016 The Service: Svaneti

main museum housing such things, in BY TONY HANMER Mestia. The church interior is entirely frescoed with scenes from the lives of the Biblical e’ve had a guest/vol- and Georgian saints, although this work unteer for a couple too has not fared well over the many of weeks now, and centuries since it was done. Just a few she asked to see an fi gures and faces remain intact to watch Orthodox Sunday you from wherever you are, eyes follow- Wchurch service. ing. The exterior, however, was being The fi rst Sunday we remembered late; renovated during one of my early visits it starts at 10 am, and after barn duty it here some fi fteen years ago thanks was past that. A week later locals sug- to EU sponsorship. The soft, cream- gested the main old church in the village, colored stone is so worn in places, although they couldn’t be sure that it it looks like it might have grown, elsewhere is smell. The smoke were read from a book printed in the old would be there, as there are several in all veins. wafting from the censer is alphabet, completely different, although Etseri and the priest had also started To local outrage, the fl oor of produced by incense made using modern language, an interesting ministering in other nearby villages. We the church was recently re- to the Old Testament recipe, combination which gave both male read- went, but no sign of life. tiled in L-shaped stones—right and it will always mean the ers some trouble with its relative unfa- Third time... I now had the priest’s material, but way too mod- aroma of holiness to me, for miliarity. But they struggled on. Practice phone number, and was able to confi rm ernly done, apparently spoil- my whole life from the will do it. that the event would indeed be in the ing it to a great extent. There moment I fi rst inhaled it. I About an hour and a half later it was church we had investigated earlier. We was, thankfully, a large electric simply love the way it repre- over, and the priest swished off with the set off through the snow and mild win- heater in use, much needed as sents the prayers of the saints— boys to his car and elsewhere. My guest ter currently gracing us. the place retains little warmth, including us, as St Paul calls all and I said goodbye to the girls and trudged The Pkhotreri Church of the Archan- doing its best but not making the believers—going up before God’s home ten minutes away. I wished that gels was reputedly built (or ordered) by place more than bearable. throne. I’d understood more, but it’s a long learn- Queen Tamar, famous granddaughter of The inner sanctuary’s steel door was The sermon, if there was one at all, ing process, especially with Georgian King David the Builder, on her legend- locked but, hearing us approach, they was literally about two minutes long. being sung that fast. I’m sure that God ary passage through Svaneti in the Mid- opened it. Aside from the priest, there Communion consisted of special bread got every word, though. dle Ages, scattering projects about her were only four acolytes—two of my ments. The pace made it rather hard for but no wine; however, my guest and I as she went all the way to Ushguli. It’s grade 12 girls and two boys I didn’t rec- me to interpret more than a general out- were allowed to partake in the former. Tony Hanmer runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” a unique structure- one church around ognize, all serving in various ways. Per- line for my guest, but I tried to let her The priest, though, was not the one I Facebook group, now with over 1250 mem- a smaller one housing a few of the fabu- haps to get through things as fast as know the gist. If there had been more had called but another, and we didn’t bers, at lous icons which were sent to inacces- possible given the temperature, the whole singers, we could have had a magnifi cent know each other. He admonished the www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- sible Svaneti many times for safekeeping sung liturgy was performed at auction- a cappella choir, but one was all we had. boys to leave earthly thoughts in this sance/ during the frequent invasions. Our icons, eering speed. It was a process of priest Where are you, devoted Svans? place, and focus on the Divine. Most of He and his wife also run their own guest house though, are relatively battered, and per- initiating and one girl answering, through Another sensory element supreme in the reading was done from the modern in Etseri: haps thus have not been absorbed by the prayers, Bible readings and other ele- Orthodox services and much too lacking Georgian alphabet, but the Scriptures www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti

Invitation to Participate in the Sales Procedures Announced by the Embassy of the Republic of France in Georgia on the Sale of 3933 sq/m Land Plot Located in the Center of Tbilisi

The Embassy of the Republic of France in Georgia has announced a Sales Procedures on the sale of land plot located adjacent to the Rustaveli Avenue at 4 Khazina St., Tbilisi, Georgia. The land plot has the following charac- teristics: cadastral code – 01.15.04.007.010; total area of the land plot - 3933 sq/m. The land plot qualifi es as type 2 recreational zone with the following coeffi cients: K1= [0,2], K2=[undefi ned] and K3=[Undefi ned].

Please, take into account that the Sales Procedures n will be conducted in accordance with the Rules for Submission of Offers available on the web-page of the Embassy: ambafrance-ge.org, or by e-mail request at [email protected]. The interested Parties shall submit their Expression of Interest in a form and to the addressee(s) envisaged in the Rules for Submission of Offers.

In case of additional questions, please, contact [the consul or hes representative] at the following e-mail [[email protected]] or call at [(00 995 32) 272 14 90] from Monday to Friday from 9:30 AM till 12:30 PM.

The Expression of Interest shall be submitted to the Contact Person indicated above no later than 15th of October 2015. GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 15 - 18, 2016 CULTURE 11 FFromrom GGeorgianeorgian FFolkolk toto Zeppelin’sZeppelin’s KKashmir:ashmir: GGiorgiiorgi MMikadzeikadze AAstonishesstonishes tthehe UUSS

V. Horowitz International Piano BY MAKA LOMADZE Competition Kiev, Ukraine, to name just a few.

eorgian Giorgi Mikadze, 26, YOU MUST HAVE is an emerging mega pianist UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES… Page became a Berklee Honorary Doc- John McLaughlin. The show was packed. play. Musically speaking, my main source in the US. Smart, organized, My biggest project that I shared with torate. We had to pay a tribute to him, of inspiration is Georgian folk music, talented, intellectual, hard- Roger Brown, President of Berklee, was and therefore, we performed an extraor- WHAT IS THE SECRET African music and pretty much all the working – he has it all! In to pay tribute to Quincy Jones. I chose dinary version of Kashmir arranged by OF YOUR SUCCESS? available musical material that exists hisG words, in the US, the tradition of pro- all the musicians and arrangers. Among Dave Fiuzcynski and students of the I think the ability to see reality. I realize in the world. Africa consists of many ducers fades and more self-management our participants were Patti Austin, a Planet MicroJam Institute. I had an that now is not the best time commer- countries but each of them has differ- skills are required. At the age of 19, he Grammy winning artist, and Siedah Gar- opportunity to meet Jimmy Page, shake cially speaking for jazz or classical music. ent rhythms. In my opinion, the Geor- applied to Berklee, the best music school rett, Michael Jackson’s back vocalist.The his hand, and talk about many things. The most popular genre worldwide today gian harmony mixes the best with the in the world, and got a full scholarship, concert took place at the Berklee Per- Oh my god! It was amazing! And he also is Hip-Hop. I had to study from Bach to African rhythms. I listen to Georgian making him the third Georgian student formance Center in February 2013. In heard me play! I’ve been listening to Led the Pop period to come to understand folklore 3-4 hours a day. You cannot there. Currently, he studies at the Man- America, dreams come true. After this Zeppelin since I was a teenager. Our what hip-hop really is. Pure jazz is out- surprise the motherland of jazz unless hattan School of Music, where he was gig, many doors opened up for me. I Kashmir was different because our band dated now, and if you are a contemporary you respect and understand your own the only one to obtain – believe it or not became a Berklee Face. Then I was was multicultural, with a violin player musician, you have to accept the reality musical culture and tradition. – a full scholarship out of the 3000 appli- selected for the Betty Carter annual jazz from Jordan, a Chinese ethno-instrument that jazz is developing and is often cants worldwide. We are proud of him, program. Those two weeks at the Ken- player, an American drummer and me, expressed in different genres. TELL US ABOUT YOUR and thankful that he chose to give an nedy Center for the performing arts were a Georgian guy on the microtonal key- LATEST ACHIEVEMENT exclusive interview to Georgia Today. cool. We had amazing teachers and a boards. Page liked it. It was a nice gig. APART FROM BEING A I performed at the Kennedy Center for mentor, Jason Moran. I’m so thankful to I attended the New Port Jazz Festival SPLENDID PIANIST, YOU’RE Performing Arts, playing my original HOW DID YOU START ON him. He is one of the greatest educators in 2013, not as a participant but as a ALSO A COMPOSER. WHAT music which was based on Georgian YOUR ROAD TO SUCCESS? in the states, and an awesome person. regular music lover. However, two years INSPIRES YOU MOST? folk. At Kennedy the audience was mainly Eteri Anjaparidze, a Georgian/American Then, the Tbilisi jazz and Black Sea later I was in the line-up myself. This Musical information is what counts from the United States and I had no idea pianist and the fi rst Grammy Nominee Jazz Festivals followed. I really want to was an unbelievable event in my life – a most for a musician to grow. I listen and how they would take to the music. But from the Republic of Georgia, was hold- create something valuable for the next dream come true! listen endlessly. You have to know all I think the audience enjoyed the gig a ing a class in Tbilisi. I was a student at generation. Therefore, the awards do the latest achievements in all genres. If lot. Very soon, I’m going to record an Tbilisi State Conservatoire back then. I not matter so much. Prizes just give one SO, IT WAS YOUR you ask me how many hours I practice album that will include Jojo Mayer – my played and she took me to the Interna- the opportunity to move on a step. Berk- DREAM AND AIM? a day, I would say not many. In the past, friend and the world’s most famous tional Festival-Institute at Round Top. I lee was and is still helping me a lot. While Exactly. I met with John Hailer, CEO of I would practice the piano 10 hours a drummer, and Panaigotis Andreou – saw the American life and was pretty at Berklee, I had a meeting with famous Natixis global asset management and day, but nowadays I listen more than I another very successful bass player. excited about it. Then I applied to the Irish composer Bill Whelan. Before that, the main sponsor for New Port. He Berklee College of Music and got in. I’d never heard of Riverdance and Irish offered to introduce me to George Wein, Then followed the Jazz Performance music and I never imagined that I’d meet who liked my music and included me in Award; winning the Betty Carter Jazz the person who created it. He’s one of the 2015 jazz festival’s line up, which I Ahead Program at the Kennedy my most active supporters now, like a gladly accepted. It is unbelievable what Center (directed by Jason Moran); friend. We always share our new works type of musicians have played there – the Emanuel Zambelli Scholarship; with each other. Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, etc. winning the “New Piano Music” I used to have a teacher who worked George Wein is an American jazz pro- composition and piano department with Beyonce. When graduation time moter and producer and has been called competition as a composer and per- came, Berklee asked me to be a co-direc- “the most famous jazz impresario,” hav- former; the Berklee 2012 Berklee tor for its commencement concert. Each ing organized the joint gig of Miles Davies Symphony Orchestra Concerto Com- year Berklee awards four honorary doc- and Thelonious Monk. petition; a scholarship from Giya torates. In 2014, Geri Allen, an American At Six String Theory Competition, I Kancheli, a grant from Eteri jazz pianist, was awarded an Honorary won fi rst prize. One of the competition Andjapharidze; winning Doctorate from Berklee. I became her prizes was to perform at the Montreux National and Interna- musical director and had to arrange Jazz Festival. On such occasions you tional classical piano her music, as well as perform it. I was meet a lot of great musicians, and also competitions; the 6th really excited. Then legendary Jimmy play with them at a jam-session. I met GEORGIA TODAY 12 CULTURE JANUARY 15 - 18, 2016 Golden Globes 2016 – Panned by Critics, Ratings Down

BY BEQA KIRTAVA

n January 10, the Holly- wood Foreign Press Asso- ciation (HFPA) gave out trophies to 2015’s desig- nated talents of fi lm and Otelevision. The show was hosted by Ricky Gervais, who returned after a three year break. If we take a look at the winners in the fi lm section. The Revenant managed to claim the throne with three wins, includ- ing Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director and Best Leading Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama. Yes, Leonardo DiCaprio is one step closer to winning an Oscar! However, Matt Damon also has his chances with the Best Leading Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy win for ‘The Martian,’ which got crowned as the best comedy fi lm of the past year. As for the ladies, Jennifer Lawrence won her third Golden Globe for ‘Joy,’ while Brie Larson was named as the Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, for the portrayal of Joy “Ma” Newsome in ‘Room.’ Moving on to the main winners of the Leonardo DiCaprio took FOR RENT TV category, ‘Mr. Robot’ (Best Series – home the trophy in the Drama and Best Supporting Actor – Best Leading Actor in a Apartment in Vake (behind the Vake Swimming Pool) in an Christian Slater), ‘American Horror Story: Motion Picture – Drama category. © Getty Images ecologically clean environment with beautiful views. Hotel’ (Best Mini-series or Television th Film and Best Actress in a Miniseries of The 120 sq. m. duplex apartment on the 10 fl oor, newly reno- TV Film – Lady Gaga) and ‘Mozart in vated, with a new kitchen, fi replace, balconies. the Jungle’ (Best Series – Musical or asked Entertainment Weekly’s Melissa person decline on last year. Comedy and Best Leading Actor – Gael Maerz, who gave the ceremony a C and Now that the Golden Globes are behind Garcia Bernal) stood out from the crowd named Gervais’ bad hosting as the main us, let’s hope that the 2016 edition of the with two wins each. As the fi rst and the setback. TIME’s Daniel D’Addario also fi lm industry’s main event, the Academy Price: 900 USD last are both produced by online stream- expressed his negative opinions about Awards, will be much better. Tel: 577521020 Tekla (English) ing media companies (Amazon and Net- the show, calling it “bogged down.” For the full list of winners and more fl ix), it’s pretty clear that TV as we know The Washington Post’s Hank Stuever go to www.goldenglobes.com 597000109 Dato (Georgian) it is slowly but steadily transforming. seemed to agree – “We ask for the Note: in the previous issue of Georgia And last but not least, let’s talk about worst, so we get the worst,” he wrote. Today (January 8) the article – “The the show itself, which received a wind- The 73rd Golden Globes didn’t do well Most Anticipated Movies of 2016” fea- fall of negative reviews from the major- in terms of viewer numbers either, as tured the wrong poster for Fantastic ity of critics. “When was the last time only 18.5 million people tuned in to Beasts and Where to Find Them. We the Globes were this painful to watch?” watch, which is a signifi cant 800,000 apologize for this mistake. Georgian Music and Theater in New York

BY TATIA MEGENEISHVILI

he Tbilisi-based Vaso Abashidze Music and Drama State Theatre Com- pany visited New York’s acclaimed performance Tvenues in lower Manhattan on January 9. Seven actors presented a production titled “Introspection - The Story About Us” for the local audience. The performance told about Georgia’s history from the Soviet era to modern times and was produced by director David Doiashvili. Also in New York was the Georgian National Orchestra which was conducted by Nikoloz Rachveli, who led an orches- tra of 30 musicians for a live performance comprised of works by popular Georgian composers from different eras. The New York theatre hosted the per- formance within its cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia. GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 15 - 18, 2016 CULTURE 13

Georgian Movies Being Screened at London Festival Cannes Film Festival. BY TATIA MEGENEISHVILI The 1985 cinema version of a Georgia folk tale ‘The Legend of the Suram Fortress’ by directors Sergei Parajanov and Dodo Abashidze, which pre- our famous Georgian fi lms from differ- sents the Soviet history of the country’s cinema- ent eras are being screened at a special tography. event hosted by London’s Deptford Cin- ‘In Bloom’ by Nana Ekvtimishvili and Simon Gross, ema. 2013. In Bloom is a Georgian Drama focused on the The cinema is hosting the fi lms within friendship of two teenage girls in 1992, after Geor- Fthe ‘White Horse: Films from Georgia’ program, gia achieved independence from the Soviet Union. the aim of which is to highlight Georgian cinema- The fi lm premiered at the 63rd Berlin International tography. Film Festival. Movies chosen for the screening were: Jason Osborn’s 2009 work ‘Songs of Georgia’, a Tengiz Abuladze’s 1987 work ‘Repentance’ which documentary piece about Georgian culture and was actually made in 1984. However, its release was folklore. banned in the Soviet Union for its semi-allegorical The White Horse screenings opened on January critique of Stalinism. It later premiered at the 1987 3 and will continue until January 17. Oscars Shortlist Tangerines to Fight for Spanish Award

The Gaudi Awards, established by the Catalonian BY TAMAR SVANIDZE Film Academy in 2009, are among the most pres- tigious awards in Spain. The awards ceremony will be held on January 31st in Barcelona. stonian-Georgian wartime drama ‘Tan- The Estonian-Georgian co-production Tangerines gerines,’ directed by Georgian Zaza (Mandarinebi) won an Audience Award for best Urushadze, is to compete against the fi lm at the 24th Chichester Film Festival. Earlier in best European fi lms this year in its 2015 the fi lm was also shortlisted for the Oscars. nomination for a Gaudi Award in Spain. Since its release, the fi lm has won awards at EAlong with ‘Tangerines,’ three other European Warsaw, Mannheim-Heidelberg, Palm Springs fi lms have been nominated for the award. and Seattle fi lm festivals among many others. It These are: ‘Pride’ by Matthew Warchus, ‘Clouds was nominated for the Oscars in the Best Foreign of Sils Maria’ directed by Olivier Assayas and ‘Force Language fi lm category at last year’s Academy Majeure’ by Ruben Ostlund. Awards.

Sioni Painter Levan Tutskiridze Awarded Special Prize by Minster of Culture

BY NINA IOSELIANI

he Minister of Culture and Monument Protection, Mikheil Giorgadze, presented the famous artist and graphic designer, 90-year-old Levan Tutskiridze, with a special prize for his achievements in the development of Georgian art. TLevan Tutskiridze painted the Sioni Cathedral in 1980 and is also the illustrator of the books: ‘Holy Gospel’ by Chabua Amire- jibi, ‘Data Tutashkhia’ and the poem ‘The Knight in the Panther’s Skin’ by Shota Rustaveli, which is published in Armenia, Rus- sia, Japan and Germany. He is also the artist behind a collection of illustrations called ‘Faust’ by Goethe which are stored in the Goethe Museum in Weimar. GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE JANUARY 15 - 18, 2016

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATRE Directed by Vakhtang Nikolava Language: English THE HATEFUL EIGHT NATIONAL LIBRARY Language: Russian Start time: 22:00 (Info Above) GALLERY GABRIADZE THEATRE Start time: 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 Language: Russian Language: Russian Address: 7 Gudiashvili Str. Address: 13 Shavtelis St. Ticket price: 5 Lari Start time: 19:00 Start time: 22:35 Ticket price: 13-14 Lari Telephone: 2 98 65 93 Ticket price: 13-14 Lari January 18 TBILISI VASO ABASHIDZE CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT THE HATEFUL EIGHT January 15 MUSIC AND DRAMA STATE MUSEUM Ellen Kachlishvili - Soprano THEATRE Directed by Quentin Tarantino AUTUMN OF MY SPRING Giorgi Guliashvili - Tenor Address: 182 D.Agmashenebeli Ave. Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Rezo Gabriadze GEORGIAN NATIONAL Oto Shishinashvili - Baritone Telephone: 2 34 80 90 Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Genre: Comedy, Drama, Mystery MUSEUM George Mchedlishvili - Baritone www.musictheatre.ge Irma Gigani - Pianist English Subtitles Language: English SIMON JANASHIA MUSEUM Tsotne Sidamonidze - Pianist Start time: 20:00 Start time: 18:30 Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. January 15, 16, 17 Salome Modebadze - Pianist Ticket price: 10, 15, 20 Lari Language: Russian Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 MARY POPPINS Start time: 15:00, 22:15 Presenter: Mariam Nachkebia P. L. Travers www.museum.ge Start time: 19:30 January 16 Ticket price: 9-14 Lari Musical RAMONA Directed by David Doiashvili CREED ARCHAEOLOGICAL TREASURE MTKVARZE Rezo Gabriadze Ticket price: 8, 10 Lari Directed by Ryan Coogler Permanent Exhibition Address: Agladze 2 Str. Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Start time: 19:00 Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester English Subtitles Stallone, Tessa Thompson November 17 - May 1 January 16 Start time: 20:00 January 19, 20 Genre: Drama, Sport EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO MAIN ROOM: Ticket price: 10, 15, 20 Lari Language: Russian CHRISTMAS TALE THE GREATEST MILITARY Cobert Start time: 19:30, 22:15 Directed by Davit Doiashvili AIRCRAFT DESIGNER Pasha TBILISI NODAR DUMBADZE Ticket price: 13-14 Lari ALEXANDER KARTVELI Visual by Vajiko STATE CENTRAL CHILDREN’S Musical (KARTVELISHVILI /1896-1974/). Small Room: THEATRE Start time: 19:00 ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: Vaska (Mzesumzira) Address: 99/1 Agmashenebeli Ave. Ticket price: From 8 Lari THE ROAD CHIP GALLERY VaXuna (Mzesumzira) Telephone: 2 95 39 27 Directed by Walt Becker TBILISI CIRCUS Cast: Jason Lee, Jessica Ahlberg, Start time: 23:00 Ticket price: 10 Lari January 16 Address: 1 Heroes Sq. Josh Green THE NATIONAL GALLERY NEW YEAR’S EVE Telephone: 298 30 35 Genre: Animation, Adventure, Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. Comedy DIDI GALLERY AND COSMIC ALIENS www.museum.ge January 16, 17 Language: Russian Address: 36 Kostava Ave. Tale Start time: 12:30, 14:40, 16:50 NEW YEAR’S TREE December 25 – February 10 Directed by Dimitri Gvtisiashvili Ticket price: 8-12 Lari January 18 Language: Russian Start time: 13:00, 17:00 THE EXHIBITION Ticket price: From 10 Lari DORIAN PAIC Start time: 12:00 RUSTAVELI CINEMA DEDICATED TO THE 120 BACHO Ticket price: From 6 Lari Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF CINEMA Start time: 23:00 Telephone: 2 55 50 00 DISTINGUISHED GEORGIAN Ticket price: 20 Lari GRIBOEDOVI THEATRE www.kinoafi sha.ge MODERNIST ARTIST SHALVA Address: 2 Rustaveli Ave. AMIRANI CINEMA KIKODZE. RIFFER Telephone: 2 93 43 36 Address: 36 Kostava St. January 15-21 Address: 28 Rustaveli Ave. Telephone: 2 99 99 55 CREED MUSIC January 16 www.kinoafi sha.ge (Info Above) Language: Russian January 15 ELDER SON TBILISI CONCERT HALL Start time: 16:45, 19:20, 22:15 DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE Directed by Gogi Margvelashvili January 15-21 Ticket price: 11-14 Lari Address: 1 Melikishvili St. CONCERT & KARAOKE Language: Russian THE REVENANT Telephone: 2 99 00 99 Young Georgian Lolitaz Start time: 18:00 Directed by Alejandro González THE REVENANT Lady Heroine Ticket price: 5 Lari Iñárritu (Info Above) January 15 David Lomidze Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Language: Russian BANK OF GEORGIA PRESENTS: Backwarmer January 17 Hardy, Will Poulter Start time: 19:30, 22;40 CHRIS BOTTI Plus more TBA THE SCARLET FLOWER Genre: Adventure, Drama, Thriller Ticket price: 13-14 Lari Start time: 20:00 Dress code: David Bowie GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 15 - 18, 2016 SPORTS 15 Vote for Zaza

VOTE and the name of the chosen player BY EKA KARSAULIDZE on social networks Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ or on the offi cial website of the NBA. The Top 5 players eorgian sociality has united will be able to join the All-Star Game. to get basketball player Voting was weak at the beginning the Zaza Pachulia playing in fan ballot on December 11, 2014, with the the NBA All-Star Game. fi rst results of voting showing that Pachulia During an entire month was not even in the top 15. However, Gsocial networks have been fi lled with towards the end of the month Pachulia’s #NBAVOTE Zaza Pachulia posts. Not name became more and more visible in only are ordinary citizens in on the craze, social networks. According to the second even the President of Georgia, ministers, updates of the voting on January 7, 2015, journalists, public fi gures and foreign Pachulia reached 8th place in the list of embassies have joined the action. As a Western Conference with 194,421 votes result, now Pachulia has a real chance against 1,262,118 votes for international to play among the true greats of basket- basketball stars Kobe Bryant and 616,096 ball. for Kevin Durant who are in fi rst and The NBA All-Star Game is an exhibi- second places respectively. tion game hosted annually by the National Pachulia’s name in the Top 10 has given Basketball Association (NBA), matching a big boost to fan activity and increased the league’s star players from the Eastern hope that the Georgian will be able to Conference against their counterparts be one of the All-Star Game players. from the West. The next game will take As Facebook is the most popular social place in Toronto on February 14, 2016. network in Georgia, thousands of fans The starting lineup for each squad is soon began to actively write the hashtag him to the All-Star game,” the post gram. “He deserves it. I am happy for page. “Thanks everyone who gave me selected by a fan ballot, while the reserves there, not only every day, but also in each declared. him, and he has been incredible not only even one vote and a chance to make my are chosen by a vote among the head post, whether or not the post concerns Recently, the Dallas Mavericks’ legend defensively and rebounding-wise, but dream true – to play for my team and coaches. Zaza Pachulia is one of the best basketball or Pachulia. and one of the greatest power forwards offensively- he is really skilled. He knows my country in an All-Star Game.” players in Georgian basketball history, President of Georgia Giorgi Margve- in basketball history, Dirk Nowitzki, how to pass. He does a lot of great things The lastest results of the voting will having played in different NBA teams lashvili uploaded a picture of Pachulia commented his teammate’s success and and we’re happy to have him.” be available at the end of the week but since 2003 and currently playing as a and wrote the hashtag on his offi cial why he is only 13th in All-Star Game’s Pachulia was touched by the incredible fans all around the world still have a Center Forward for the Dallas Mavericks. Facebook page on January 9. The offi cial list against Pachulia’s 8th place. “He told support of his people. “I want to thank chance to vote until 9 am (Georgian According to the All-Star Game’s fan Facebook page of the US Embassy in every Georgian there to get online every everyone for their support! Each of your time), January 19. The top fi ve players ballot rules, everyone can vote for his Tbilisi also did the same. “Zaza-mania day and vote for him,” Nowitzki told posts makes a difference and encourages to gain the maximum number of votes or her favorite player with hashtag #NBA- continues! Let’s support Zaza and send reporters via the Fort Worth Star-Tele- me on,” noted Pachulia on his Facebook will be named on January 21. Georgian Footballer’s Georgian Fencer Triumphs at Fencing World Cup Satellite event in Turkish capital, Istan- In total, three Georgian athletes con- BY TATIA MEGENEISHVILI bul. tributed to the national team with med- Score Included in Top Bazadze won against Canadian Joseph als at the competition that ran on Janu- Polossifakis in the tournament’s fi nal for ary 9 and 10. eorgian fencer Sandro the sabre category with a score of 15:13. Bazadze was the fi rst Georgian to win Bazadze claimed his fi rst Polossifakis had beaten Bazadze’s a gold medal at the European Youth 100 Goals of 2015 victory of 2016 at the Fenc- brother Beka Bazadze in the semifi nal Fencing Championships which took place ing World Cup competi- match while Sandro eliminated his team- in 2013. He also took a gold medal at the tion, taking fi rst place at mate Mikheil Mardaleishvili in his play- Under 23 European Championship in theG International Fencing Federation’s off fi xture. Tbilisi in 2014.

Brazilian Forward Wendell Lira. BY TATIA MEGENEISHVILI The goal by Gvilia was named among the year’s most beautiful goals. Gvilia scored the winning goal in the he goal of Georgian football 89th minute, moving the ball with sev- player Valerian (Vako) eral of his teammates near and inside Gvilia, scored for his former the Dnipro penalty area, before sliding team Metalurg Zaporozhye it past the Dnipro goalkeeper. during the country’s The fact that the goal didn’t help Tnational championship in September Zaporozhye to win the match (losing 2015, has been selected among the Top 1:4) had no baring at the awards as the 100 Goals, 2015, by the Fédération Inter- goal was appreciated by commentators nationale de Football Association (FIFA). and spectators alike for the quality of A special gala ceremony was held in passing and movement among the team’s Zurich, Switzerland on January 11. players. Along with the main awards, the gala Gvilia left Zaporozhye and is currently evening celebrated the Goals of the Year awaiting transfer to Portugal’s national by awarding the Ferenc Puskas prize to championship.

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