Issue no: 1203 • NOVEMBER 15 - 18, 2019 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... US Embassy to Fund the First FOCUS Phase of Conservation of ON THE 2020 Jvari Monastery ELECTIONS NEWS PAGE 2 As Parliament votes down Plugging into the World a proportional system, Georgia reacts PAGE 3,7 through the Black Sea POLITICS PAGE 4 Gakharia’s Foreign Trips Underscore the Importance of the Trilateral Format POLITICS PAGE 6 Statement by Bidzina Ivanishvili, Chairman of the Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia Political Union POLITICS PAGE 7 Black Sea Bulletin: Tourism in the Black Sea Region BUSINESS PAGE 8 TBC Bank Wins Multiple Awards for Private Banking Parliament Rejects Bill on Electoral SOCIETY PAGE 11 Festival Mandarinoba at Amendments, MPs Leave GD Castello Mare Hotel "A proportional election is an essential step BY ANA DUMBADZE for the democratic development of the country SOCIETY PAGE 12 and I hope that each Member of Parliament will fully share the responsibility assumed towards he Parliament of Georgia on Thurs- that democratic development and by each indi- We Must Unite! Patients day rejected the bill on constitu- vidual citizen when voting," PM Giorgi Gakha- tional amendments relating to the ria stated at this week's Executive Government with Multiple Sclerosis electoral system in the fi rst reading. Meeting. “We have already stated our position The 2020 parliamentary elections and I will repeat it again that a proportional Waiting for Funding Twill be held with a 3% barrier, blocs and a mixed election with a zero threshold was the kind will SOCIETY 12 system," Parliament Speaker Archil Talakvadze and decision of our political team; a response PAGE said after Thursday’s plenary session, adding to the urge for accelerated development of the that the Parliament had not supported the tran- democratic process in the country.” Hidden Treasures? – sition to a proportional system for the 2020 par- As a result of Thursday’s vote, several mem- liamentary elections. bers of the parliamentary majority, at time of Untranslated Tales of "The votes today were not enough. Accord- going to press Tamar Chugoshvili, Irina Pruidze, ingly, the decision was not approved by Parlia- Giorgi Mosidze, Dimitri Tskitishvili, Tamar Khu- Yesteryear ment, which means that the parliamentary elec- lordava and Sophio Katsarava, left the ruling tions will be held with a 3% barrier, blocs and a Georgian Dream party. CULTURE PAGE 15 mixed system. The vote results are available to Mariam Jashi, a member of the parliamentary the public,” Talakvadze noted. fi rst reading. majority also left the Georgian Dream. Her state- 141 MPs registered for the plenary session. 101 The bill, drafted by 93 lawmakers, envisages ment to the press is as follows: MPs, including opposition lawmakers, supported holding the parliamentary elections in 2020 “Almost three hours have passed since the vote. Special Offer for readers the bill on the transition to the proportional through a proportional system with a zero bar- I used this time thoughtfully to safeguard my electoral system. Three MPs voted against the rier and the admission of electoral alliances. decision from being emotional. I am leaving the of Georgia Today bill, though the required quorum was 113 votes, And yet the Prime Minister himself was all for majority of the Georgian Dream and accordingly, thus the MPs failed to approve the bill in the the proportional election. Continued on page 3 -15% off all Diet Plans! PAGE 7 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS NOVEMBER 15 - 18, 2019 PM on Mikheil Chkhenkeli's Appointment as Education Minister Ministry of Education without wasting this direction. BY ANA DUMBADZE time," he noted. Mikheil Chkhenkeli was appointed The Head of Government pointed Georgia's Minister of Education on out that Chkhenkeli was involved in November 13, 2019. rime Minister of Georgia, both the preparation of the systemic He has been the Advisor to the Prime Giorgi Gakharia, has reform of education and at all stages Minister of Georgia in educational issues responded to Mikheil of its implementation and is fully aware to date and in 2017-2018 served the Min- Chkhenkeli's recent appoint- of what has been happening in the ister of Education and Science. Prior to ment as the Minister of Edu- Ministry of Education in recent years. that, he was Vice-Principal of Tbilisi Pcation, Science, Culture and Sport, In addition, Gakharia emphasized the State University. replacing Mikheil Batiashvili in the role. importance of vocational education Mikheil Chkhenkeli holds a PhD and "He will be able to continue the reforms and instructed the Minister of Educa- is a member of the Association of Pro- that are successfully ongoing in the tion to devote particular attention to fessors of US Universities. US Embassy to Fund the First Phase of Conservation of Jvari Monastery project will cover the fi rst phase of the BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE conservation cycle by carrying out a comprehensive study to identify, classify and map the extent of damage and dete- n November 12, the US rioration of the façade. Embassy in Tbilisi The main church 'Jvari of the Holy announced funding for a Cross' (586-605 A.D.) is Jvari Monastery’s project focused on the most important and valuable monument. conservation of damaged The Jvari Monastery complex is part of stonesO on the facades of the main church the Historical Monuments of Mtskheta, at Jvari Monastery. a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Funding for the project was made avail- The Ambassadors Fund for Cultural able by a grant through the Ambassador’s Preservation has provided fi nancial sup- Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). port to more than 1000 cultural preser- The $100,000 project will be imple- vation projects in more than 125 countries mented by the George Chubinashvili through the contribution of nearly $74 National Research Center for Georgian million towards the preservation of cul- Art History and Heritage Preservation, tural heritage worldwide. In Georgia, with the help of various interdisciplinary the AFCP has funded 19 preservation teams, the US Embassy reports. This projects worth nearly $1,5 million. Image source: Wikipedia. GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 15 - 18, 2019 NEWS 3 International Reaction to Failure of Georgian Parliament to Pass Constitutional Amendments on Proportional Election System 3 Georgian “In the light of the clear consensus by despite support from opposition parties, BY GT TEAM all stakeholders on the need to introduce an insuffi cient number of Georgian Dream this system before the 2020 parliamen- parliamentarians supported the required Citizens Released tary elections, the failure of the amend- constitutional amendments in today’s he co-rapporteurs of the ments to pass is incomprehensible. This vote. We urge all Georgian stakeholders, Parliamentary Assembly is a step backwards,” added the co-rap- including the government, all political of the Council of Europe porteurs. parties, and civil society, to work coop- (PACE) for the monitoring They called on all political forces, and eratively in a calm and respectful man- from Tskhinvali of Georgia have expressed particularly the ruling majority, to explore ner to move forward in line with our theirT deep regret at the failure of the ways in which these amendments could shared commitment to strengthening Georgian Parliament to pass the con- still be passed before the coming elec- Georgia’s democracy. stitutional amendments required to tions. “We again stress the critical importance introduce a fully proportional election The US Embassy in Georgia noted that of the passage of electoral reform legis- system for the 2020 parliamentary elec- they had “welcomed the Georgian Dream lation that incorporates the recommen- tions. party’s stated intention to transition to dations of international and local observer “We deplore the lack of support for fully proportional parliamentary elec- organizations for addressing shortcom- these amendments. The introduction of tions in 2020” and stated they had con- ings noted in the 2017 and 2018 elections a proportional system has been called sidered it an important step in advancing in order for the next parliamentary elec- for by all stakeholders for more than a Georgia’s democratic development and tions to create a more level playing fi eld decade, and its introduction was long strengthening trust among political par- for advancing Georgia’s political plural- overdue,” said Titus Corlatean (Romania, ties. ism,” the US Embassy in Georgia con- SOC) and Claude Kern (France, ALDE). “We are disappointed, therefore, that cluded. Public Defender: We Must Act to Prevent Future Elections with Current System Russian control] for “illegally crossing BY BEKA ALEXISHVILI the border.” BY ANA DUMBADZE The "security committee of Tskhinvali" released a statement regarding the illegal hree Georgian citizens detention of the doctor yesterday, while oday's decision from Par- detained by occupational the man was kidnapped four days ago. liament is the decision to forces, Ramaz Zadishvili, Between 9 and 11 November, the occu- maintain an unfair system, David Mishelashvili and pation forces detained three Georgian Public Defender Nino Lom- Zurab Tukhashvili, have citizens for “illegally crossing the bor- jaria wrote on social media. Tbeen released from Tskhinvali. Accord- der,” Ramaz Zadishvili, David Mishe- T“Unfortunately, I am abroad and have ing to the Georgian State Security Ser- lashvili and Zurab Tukhashvili. to respond to the recent developments vice, all three of are currently on Tbilisi The hotline was activated by the Euro- from here. administered territory. pean Union Monitoring Mission and the "The only bright spot that gave me Famous Georgian physician and trau- negotiations are in progress regarding hope that the country would emerge matologist Vazha Gaprindashvili and the release of the illegally detained indi- from a permanent political crisis and three other citizens have been illegally viduals. The standard fi ne is 2,000 Rus- take real steps towards democratic devel- detained by Russian-controlled occupa- sian rubles (about €28 / $31 USD). opment was the shift to a proportional but we must do everything to prevent in political life and the right to have their tion forces, the Georgian State Security The Georgian citizens have been kid- electoral system. having future elections with the current political will adequately and proportion- Service has confi rmed. napped for ‘illegally crossing the border’. "Today's decision is the decision to system. ally refl ected in the election results! These The Georgian Public Broadcaster No information has been released regard- maintain an unfair system. I do not know "The citizens of Georgia have the right rights are being deprived by the electoral reports that Gaprindashvili was detained ing the fourth citizen, Dr. Vazha Gaprin- how many political resources are left, to fair elections, the right to participate system we have today," she wrote. near the village of Orchosani [under dashvili. Parliament Rejects Bill on Electoral Amendments, MPs Leave GD Continued from page 1 the promise we gave our citizens two principle.” a matter of principle. not take responsibility,” Vice Speaker I am leaving the post of Chairman of the months ago. I will always remain proud Following the repudiation of the bill “This bill was of principled importance Tamar Chugoshvili said. Committee on Education, Science and of the initiatives and truly historic changes on switching to the proportional elec- to us. We have no other option but to Civilian protestors immediately took Culture. Although the debate over which brought by the current government in toral system at the plenary session of leave both the parliamentary positions to the streets outside Parliament, claim- electoral system is better suited to Geor- Georgia, including the reforms in health- Parliament, members of the parliamen- and the parliamentary majority, as the ing they would not leave until they gia may continue indefi nitely, it is our care, prison and the education system. tary majority have begun quitting their failure of this constitutional amendment received guarantees of a proportional duty as the ruling party to comply with Nonetheless, my decision is a matter of positions. All of them call their decision is a very diffi cult issue for which we can- system for the 2020 elections. Saving Water Promotes Agriculture & Helps Counter Climate Change

rip irrigation systems have isa Vinton. “By helping to manage water been installed in three vil- sustainably in this predominantly agri- lages of eastern Georgia, cultural transboundary river basin, we Eniseli, Ruisi and Bediani, are working to further foster international with support from the cooperation at a time when we are facing DUnited Nations Development Program increasingly scarce water resources.” (UNDP), Global Environmental Facility “In the Kura Basin, agriculture accounts (GEF) and the Ministry of Environmen- for 70% of total water use. Reducing tal Protection and Agriculture of Geor- excess ground and surface water with- gia. This demonstration initiative shows drawals will further contribute to food the benefi ts of water-saving technologies and water security in the region,” said in promoting sustainable farming and UNDP-GEF Kura II Regional Project countering climate change. It is part of Coordinator Mary Matthews. “Under- the regional UNDP-GEF Kura II Project standing the benefi ts of water saving that assists Azerbaijan and Georgia in technologies allows farmers to improve harmonizing water use policies and their livelihoods despite the spectre of practices. climate change.” Representatives of the UNDP, the Min- To demonstrate the effi ciency of drip istry of Environmental Protection and irrigation, studies of crop patterns, crop Agriculture of Georgia and the imple- production and water use will be carried menting company Amelioration Ltd. out in the pilot villages before and after visited the village of Eniseli in Kvareli the installation of the systems. Local Municipality on Wednesday to meet farmers and representatives of the farm- local farmers and authorities and see the ers’ associations will attend educational new drip irrigation system in operation. seminars to learn how to use and man- “Sustainable agriculture technologies age the irrigation and drainage systems. save water and help increase crop yields,” The three locations were chosen to show said Deputy Minister Nino Tandilashvili. that drip irrigation is effective for a vari- “With up-to-date methods of farming, ety of different crops: grapes in Eniseli; we can better protect our national water potatoes in Bediani; and onions in Ruisi. resources and increase the income of The Kura II Project has a total budget local farmers.” of $5.3 million, which is shared between “Climate change is bringing dryer and the two countries. The project is in its warmer weather to eastern Georgia and third year of implementation and is due all of Azerbaijan,” said UNDP Head Lou- Image source: interplast.com to conclude in 2020. GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS NOVEMBER 15 - 18, 2019 Plugging into the World through the Black Sea

gauged cautiously by studying its far- BY VICTOR KIPIANI, CHAIR, GEOCASE reaching consequences. To name but a few, a recent study by the RAND Cor- poration entitled "A Consensus Proposal he recent NATO-Georgia for a Revised Regional Order in Post- Public Diplomacy Forum Soviet Europe and Eurasia" discusses a held in October rightly so-called "third way" for in-between underlined the need for states (countries located between Russia new ideas, skills and part- and the West) and proposes various Tnerships and for the development of mechanisms for easing existing regional viable security structures capable of ris- tensions through the establishment of a ing to the modern challenges of our new regional order. At the other end of era—and these needs are indeed espe- the "options menu" is the possibility of cially relevant when one considers the Georgia signing a defense treaty with its current geopolitics and geoeconomics key strategic partner, and in doing so of the Black Sea region. Historically a bypassing the hurdle of the absence of space for trade, the latter is increasingly unanimity regarding the question of becoming an arena for competition and NATO’s expansion to Russia’s borders rivalry aggravated by the complexity of and negating Moscow’s "veto rights". confl icting interests along its shores and When speaking about NATO in the by a lack of meaningful multilateral Black Sea region and the idea of Geor- arrangements capable of resulting in gian membership, one must bear in mind trade-offs and ensuring some sense of that, in addition to rifts between member balance. states over the idea of the Alliance increasing its presence in Russia’s "near INTERESTS OLD & NEW: abroad", is the deterrent effect of brew- SHADES & SHADOWS ing “ethnic” confl icts. Moscow is indeed The Black Sea region is of course unique perfectly aware of the inherent weakness in many respects, but most importantly posed by the multicultural nature of the it is a perfect example of new interactions Black Sea countries, and does its best to between “old” powers rendered more exploit the latter to further its geopo- complex by the "new normals" of our litical goal of preventing the Alliance upended world. For Russia, the geostra- from penetrating the region and coming tegic signifi cance of the Black Sea has closer to Russia’s borders. This policy remained unchanged since the Crimean of "divide, deter and dominate" main- War of 1853-1856. In today’s landscape, presence in the region—a pledge which with the prevailing but mistaken view and, most notably, acting with a feeling tains both Georgia and the West as hos- however, with NATO and the United has since been reemphasized in various that the Alliance’s military focus should of impunity. By claiming de facto sover- tages, and in any case the West has no States replacing individual European NATO and NATO-Georgia Commission be on the Baltic rather than on the Black eignty over the Sea of Azov, future Rus- clear-cut response capable of addressing countries as Russia's main geopolitical statements. Indeed, the very latest state- Sea, this seems to implicitly underscore sian moves may well imperil the wider the dilemma of the Senkaku Paradox. competitors, the Black Sea has become ment by the North Atlantic Council in the Alliance’s apparent vulnerability Black Sea basin (and, by extension, the That said, the West must realize once even more important. This increase is Batumi speaks of "new priorities for the when the need arises to act near Geor- eastern Mediterranean). For the record, and for all that supposedly “ethnic” con- also accentuated by Russia's perception coming period". Such a strongly articu- gia’s borders. Yet recent NATO state- however, it must never be forgotten that fl icts are purely geopolitical and should of its neighbors as entry points for attempts lated interest is hardly surprising: with ments and decisions, however, hopefully of six littoral states along the shores of formally welcome Georgia as a fully- to shape its informational space and inter- Russia dropping a new Iron Curtain negate the apparent imbalance of inter- the Black Sea, three are now NATO fl edged member, since offering Tbilisi nal policies. The Kremlin's modus oper- across the Black Sea, the region is increas- est in the Baltic at the expense of the members and two have offi cially stated "just enough partnership" merely andi refl ects all these concerns: while ingly becoming a new defensive perim- Black Sea region. their aspirations to join, effectively trans- increases Russian retribution. trying to prevent neighboring countries eter running along the fault line between An extra point of consideration is forming the sea into a "NATO lake". from escaping from its perceived sphere two normative worlds—that of democ- related to the nature of Black Sea itself: The core premise of this unlucky and NEW UNITY, NEW PROSPECTS of infl uence (the Primakov Doctrine), racy, and that of authoritarianism. unrestricted and unimpeded access. In perilous geographical location in which In the context of a new unity between Russia also aims to undermine their abil- Effectively, we are witnessing (or cer- this respect, the long-standing issue of Russia and the West are increasingly free nations in the Black Sea region, the ity to build competitive and sustainable tainly will witness) the reintroduction, free passage through the Turkish Straits locked in competition is that Georgia Alliance must focus on pursuing contin- national states. In purely strategic terms, in new forms, of Kennan’s policy of con- (Bosporus and Dardanelles) and the must pursue a highly sophisticated and ued, meaningful and results-driven the ultimate purpose of these twin objec- taining the USSR after the Second World extent of the limitations imposed by the rational policy. Our approach to circum- actions with those regional partners that tives is to maintain a "strategic depth" War—but this analogy is, however, only Montreux Convention is compounded stances on the ground should arguably share its vision. At the same time, NATO along Russia’s borders; at the operational partially true, given the challenges to the by Turkey’s attempts to fi nd the right be twofold: Tbilisi must continue to must be alert to every possible oppor- level, however, Moscow’s actions rely Alliance’s resilience posed by its many balance between its national and regional undertake robust domestic reforms while tunity to make the region a platform for upon a series of modern military tools inner contradictions and its lack of prac- interests and NATO’s attempts to bolster working with international partners to deconfl icting and accommodating clash- that are primarily hybrid (asymmetric) tical means capable of reigning in asym- the Alliance’s presence in the Black Sea. enhance our national security. ing interests. Might this be feasible in in nature and designed to be used in “grey metrical modern warfare. Coupled with developing a "special" the long run by agreeing in principle on area” or low-intensity confl icts (the Ger- relationship with Russia, Turkey's aims HURDLES, PUZZLES, OUTLOOKS the Black Sea region's signifi cance as a asimov Doctrine). STRAINS INNATE TO increasingly resemble walking on a tight- Rapid changes in the regional security bridge between Europe, the Caspian and NATO has long described the Black UNLUCKY GEOGRAPHY rope. Next in line for the regional conun- environment, beyond the Black Sea region Central Asia? Perhaps, provided that the Sea region as "important for Euro-Atlan- The Black Sea region and Tbilisi’s geo- drum is Russia's attempt to reestablish to the wider Middle East, impose upon Euro-Atlantic Alliance manages to defi ne tic security" (see, for example, the Bucha- political course through it are marked a “closed-sea” doctrine in the Black Sea Georgia a search for various options a meaningful security concept stretch- rest Summit Declaration of 2008), but by a series of specifi c features. To begin (incidents in the Sea of Azov are a testa- capable of enhancing its security design. ing from the Baltic to the Black Sea, and it was not until the Warsaw Summit in with, Georgia is an “in-between” state ment to Moscow’s new objectives) while These options may range from one that countries in the region master the 2016 that NATO pledged to increase its (a reality that speaks for itself). Coupled continuing to act as a besieged fortress extreme to another, but each should be art of balancing confl icting interests. ‘No Substantial Progress’ after 7th Ergneti Meeting

located on the Tbilisi-controlled terri- “We also raised the recent illegal deten- BY BEKA ALEXISHVILI tory. tion of two Georgian citizens by the The de-facto powers say that the cross- occupation forces. We were told that ing points to the region, which has been they have been detained for so-called UMM head to Georgia Erik closed since September 4, will reopen illegally crossing the border and that Hoeg says that the 7th special when the police post is removed, as the their trial is being held in Tskhinvali meeting in Ergneti, which was post “creates threats to locals and is too now,” the Georgian State Security offi cial committed to reducing ten- close to the village of Tsnelisi [which is Irakli Antadze said, adding that the indi- sions in the villages of Tsnelisi under Russian-control].” viduals are safe. Eand Chorchana, ended without signifi - “7th technical meeting in IPRM format Tensions in the zone began at the end cant progress. regarding the situation in Tsnelisi-Chor- of August, when Tbilisi opened a police The Georgian State Security Service chana just ended. #EUMM presented post in the village of Chorchana. reported that the Kremlin controlled overview of developments based on its Tbilisi refused to remove the police de-facto government of Tskhinvali still 24/7 patrolling. No substantial progress. station, so the oppressing forces opened demands the removal of a commonplace Participants committed to continue dis- two new ‘police posts’ in the village of police station from the village of Chor- cussions on how to de-escalate further, Chorchana, on Tbilisi-administered area chana, Khashuri municipality, which is however.” Hoeg tweeted. and also closed so-called checkpoints.

GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS NOVEMBER 15 - 18, 2019 Gakharia’s Foreign Trips Underscore the Importance of the Trilateral Format

The signifi cance of the trilateral format BY EMIL AVDALIANI is also underlined by the fact that despite the government change in Georgia in 2012, Turkey's strategic rapprochement ince becoming Prime Minister with Russia and the generally unstable of Georgia in early September situation in the region, the format con- 2019, Giorgi Gakharia has paid tinues to operate. Moreover, the durabil- visits to the neighboring coun- ity of this project is also visible in the tries. Visits to Turkey and fact that the format consists of NATO SAzerbaijan, though for many seemly member Turkey, EU/NATO-oriented ordinary trips, underscore the deep geo- Georgia, and Azerbaijan which up until political interconnection Ankara, Tbilisi now has avoided joining any large eco- and Baku have developed since the early nomic or military alliances. 2010s. Despite the three countries’ different The geopolitical alignment of the three foreign policy trajectories, the basis for countries fi rst introduced in May 2012 the trilateral cooperation is likely to in Batumi (Georgia), was a product of increase in the coming years. The basis close cooperation between the three for this that every country of the three states since the break up of the Soviet needs the others. Turkey, for instance, Union. Back in the 1990s, both Tbilisi needs a more stable Georgia with deeper and Azerbaijan, having gained independ- economic and energy cooperation. The ence, tried to balance Russia's infl uence Georgian territory also serves for Turkey with larger economic and security coop- as a direct land corridor to Azerbaijan. eration with Turkey. The latter saw The latter, in light of uncertainties regard- avenues for expansion of its infl uence ing the Nagorno-Karabakh confl ict, needs in the South Caucasus. Turkey’s backing in the confl ict with Since 2012, the engagement between the Armenia. Georgia, being under pressure three countries has been gradually increas- from Russia in turn needs both Turkey ing in defense ties, namely, hosting of joint and Azerbaijan to diversify its foreign military exercises and sharing vital military policy options. Moreover, the two coun- and security intelligence. Moreover, the tries are Tbilisi’s biggest trade partners countries also cooperate on exchange of and investment sources. military staff and military expertise. From a larger geopolitical perspective, The Georgian PM meets with the Turkish leader in October. Image source: hurriyetdailynews.com Despite occasional misunderstandings it could be argued that though the three example, one such imperative is the cargo between China and Europe in is likely to grow through larger military between the three states, the Turkish- countries do not align because of a com- gradual creation of a land corridor con- approximately two weeks. According to and economic cooperation. For instance, Georgian-Azerbaijani strategic partner- mon threat, they nevertheless all feel necting the Black and Caspian seas. This various estimates, up to 8 million tons we could see larger military exercises ship takes precedence. Military coop- Russian pressure on various fronts from is underscored by energy and transport of cargo could be carried via the railway and discussions on further infrastruc- eration, although not ambitious enough Syria to the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali infrastructure which has developed since by 2025. Indeed, in early November 2019, tural projects connecting the Caspian to cause fears in Moscow, along with regions to Nagorno-Karabakh. Even in the end of the Soviet Union in 1991 when the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway saw the Sea with the Black. railways and pipelines from the Caspian Azerbaijan, a certain skepticism towards various projects such as the Baku-Tbilisi- fi rst train coming from China and head- Georgia will continue to view the tri- to the Black Sea, represents a far greater Russia has always existed because of Ceyhan pipeline and recently Baku-Tbi- ing to Europe. lateral format as a backbone of its regional sticking point for the countries. Moscow’s close military relations with lisi-Kars railway were inaugurated. foreign policy. This will be one of the Considering how quickly the regional Yerevan. Viewed from a Eurasian perspective, LONG-TERM PERSPECTIVE ways for Tbilisi to balance Russia’s political and security landscape evolves The trilateral cooperation between the trilateral format of economic coop- True, it is unlikely that Turkey, Georgia increasing infl uence in the South Cau- in the South Caucasus and Black Sea Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan disre- eration gains further importance if seen and Azerbaijan will move into a full-scale casus in an age when the EU is unlikely region, the longevity of the trilateral gards the countries’ different religions, within the context of China’s Belt and military alliance, and there will be chal- to expand eastward, talks to improve format between Turkey, Georgia and foreign policy trajectories and instead Road Initiative (BRI). For example, the lenges as to how to commonly deal with relations with Russia multiply, and the Azerbaijan serves as a basis for regional focuses on powerful geopolitical imper- 826-kilometer Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway geopolitical instability in the South Cau- US’ global posture is still evolving and stability. atives tying the three states together. For could potentially enable the delivery of casus. However, the format nevertheless bringing much uncertainty to the region. EU Special Representative: De-Escalation at ABL Necessary Image source: trend.az participants agree that the situation armed personnel are very close to each villages of Tsnelisi and Chorchana, ended border and was building more check- BY TEA MARIAMIDZE should be de-escalated. other,” he said. without any progress having been made. points. "This is the starting point, the founda- Klaar says that everyone is well aware Tensions in the zone began at the end In addition to this, on November 5, tion and the progress we need to be able of the role of the EU Monitoring Mission of August, when Tbilisi opened a stand- occupied South Ossetia reported shoot- he European Union Special to work from based on the specifi c situ- and their major contribution to ensuring ard police post in the village of Chor- ing from the Georgian side near Tsnelisi Representative for the Cri- ation on the ground," Klaar said. on-site stability. chana, Khashuri municipality, which is but the Georgian State Security Service sis in Georgia and the South He noted that the main thing is to alle- “This is acknowledged by Tbilisi and located on Tbilisi-controlled territory. denied these reports and assessed it as Caucasus, Tovio Klaar, com- viate the living conditions of the locals by Moscow, among others. The EU The de facto authorities of Tskhinvali "misinformation and a provocative state- mented on the recent devel- at the ABL. Monitoring Mission has a hotline to assist say that the crossing points to the region, ment.” Topments at the Administrative Boundary “My main message during the sched- the parties to exchange messages,” he closed since September 4, will reopen In the following days, the occupants Line (ABL) with Georgia’s Russian- uled meetings will be the following: this said, adding that Incident Prevention only when the police post is removed, reported “more shootings” from the occupied South Ossetia region, saying is an undesirable situation and we need and Response Mechanism Meetings adding it “creates threats to locals and is Georgian side and stressed "the unprec- the crossing points near Tsnelisi-Chor- to fi nd a way to solve it. This means de- (IPRM) are of utmost importance for all too close to the village of Tsnelisi,” which edented increase in the activities of chana need to be reopened and the situ- escalation and incident prevention. This sides and need to continue. is under the control of the occupants. Georgian military and police drones in ation improved. is the short-term main goal,” he said. “It is unacceptable to set preconditions Breakaway South Ossetia’s delegation the border area in the period from In his interview with TV Imedi, Klaar He stated that all co-chairs of the Geneva for meeting participants. This is a useful walked out of the IPRM meeting on November 8 to 11." stressed that the situation on the ground International Discussions agree that it and necessary mechanism considering all August 29 after Georgia refused to remove Breakaway South Ossetia, along with today has not been this complicated for is necessary to de-escalate the situation its elements. I hope the meetings in Gali the police post. After this, they enhanced the other Russian-occupied Georgian many years. near Chorchana-Tsnelisi. will be resumed in the shortest possible their own presence in the border area. region Abkhazia, have been under Rus- He added that international discussions “Everyone realizes that today we have time, as happened in Ergneti,” he said. The de facto authorities said on Sep- sian control since the August 2008 war, will be held in Tbilisi, occupied Tskhin- a situation we haven't had in many years. The last IPRM meeting, held in Ergneti tember 12 that the Georgian side was which left 20% of Georgia occupied by vali, Sokhumi and Moscow and that all This refers to Chorchana-Tsnelisi, where a few days ago to reduce tensions in the reinforcing its forces at the so called its northern neighbor. GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 15 - 18, 2019 POLITICS 7 Statement by Bidzina Ivanishvili, Chairman of the Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia Political Union

either. For this reason, an internal party to interfere with our deputies and to BY ANA DUMBADZE consensus concerning our desire to abol- publicly insult them, with the purpose ish the mixed electoral system from 2020 of derailing the public discussions of the onwards could not be reached. Corre- constitutional amendments. oday, as our country is going spondingly, a compromise decision was Dissatisfaction within the ruling team through another important made regarding transition to a propor- due to these events has not begun today stage on the path of demo- tional electoral system in 2024. or yesterday. Even though we chose not cratic development, as Imagine this – had the parliamentary to make the heated internal party discus- chairman of the ruling opposition demonstrated a minimum of sions and disagreements that took place Tpolitical party, I consider it necessary to political maturity and an approach that public knowledge, other leaders and I respond to the processes that have prioritizes the interests of the state, had expended enormous efforts to keep the unfolded in Parliament in recent days. they not been committed to the narrow process from ending in deadlock. I am disappointed that ultimately, our party agenda of damaging the authori- Despite this, the opposition did every- initiative to hold the 2020 parliamentary ties at any cost, and had they supported thing to break the fragile consensus that elections on a proportional basis with the constitutional reform, the discussion was reached within our team during the zero electoral thresholds failed to come and turmoil of today would not have summer, and when deputies suffered to fruition. Unfortunately, the Parliament taken place at all. We would have per- grave personal insults directly in the of Georgia rejected this initiative due to suaded our majoritarian deputies in the chamber of Parliament, evidently a large opposition from one part of the deputies futility of the idea of postponing the part of them ran out of patience. Unfor- of the Georgian Dream, most of who are electoral reform, and we would have tunately, I was also unable to return them majoritarians. unequivocally inscribed the decision to to a constructive state. The following question can be heard switch to the proportional electoral sys- There is no shortage of skeptics in our among the public: How did this so-called tem from 2020 in the Constitution. country but no one can escape the facts “majoritarian revolt” develop so sud- This important circumstance should and it is also a fact that real, rather than denly in the ruling team, given that the not be overlooked under any conditions, superfi cial democracy exists within our several-month-long consultation process if we want to see the big picture objec- team, which precludes attempts to force concluded successfully and the matter tively, and avoid ignoring the common people to change their principled posi- was put to the vote? context and assessing the situation in a tions. We have consigned the Soviet, as In order to fully answer this question fragmented manner, especially against well as National Movement’s character- and to avoid speculation, I feel obligated an emotional background. istic, monolithic, administrative-imper- to remind the public of several indisput- Despite this, the events that took place ative style of governance, whereby no able facts. during the summer of this year, the jus- one could go against the sole leader, to More specifi cally: tifi ed protest by a part of the public, was the past. Differences of opinion and dis- The political team of the Georgian followed by a completely reasonable cussions are natural processes in our Dream made the decision to switch to a reaction from the ruling team – the chair- team and our public has seen numerous proportional electoral system, on its own man of Parliament assumed political examples thereof. initiative, as early as in 2017, within the responsibility and resigned, and the an electoral threshold of zero, we tried by other actors as well, and that we would Lastly – there are no perfect electoral framework of the constitutional reform Georgian Dream addressed the public to further increase the opportunities of have received a constructive reaction in systems. It is well-known that discus- that took place against the backdrop of with an important initiative – to hold the small parties. response. sions regarding the pros and cons of any a campaign-like, aggressive boycott 2020 parliamentary elections using the I am still convinced today that the pub- Unfortunately, this is not what hap- system are constantly ongoing in the organized by the opposition spectrum, proportional system, with no electoral lic gave an appropriate assessment to pened. civilized world. It is democracy, rather a part of the nongovernmental sector, threshold. our decision to refuse, in good faith and Given the statements or actions of the than the electoral system, that is the and party media. For this reason, the I will not hide that I, personally, was without any preconditions, the signifi - National Movement and its satellites, panacea – a political system with effec- corresponding changes were imple- the author of this initiative and, despite cant starting advantage that the political the public clearly saw that the Georgian tive institutions, which should ensure mented in the legislation at the expense the hesitation of some majoritarian team of the Georgian Dream and its Dream’s attempt to elevate the political the main thing – the fact that the people of the votes of the ruling party’s parlia- deputies, the team largely supported this majoritarian candidates possess over the culture of the country to a qualitatively are the source of power, and their will mentary majority. At the time, the National idea and the majoritarian deputies, with candidates of all opposition parties with- new level turned out to have been merely must be refl ected in the results of the Movement boycotted this process – a several exceptions, also submitted to out exception. a unilateral desire and was perceived as elections without any hindrances. process that gave us a truly European party discipline. The most important result that should an attempt to snatch the proportional As the leader of the ruling political Constitution, rather than one that was Although the Georgian Dream set the have followed our proposal was the elections from the authorities. force, I once again reaffi rm that I was tailored to one political leader and one precedent in 2012 and, precisely under elevation of the relations between our Endless destruction, attempts to dis- and still am in support of transitioning political force. This received an unequiv- conditions of a mixed electoral system, country, the authorities and the opposi- rupt the country and the church, aggres- to a proportional system of elections in ocally positive assessment from the entire defeated the political regime under whose tion spectrum, the authorities and vari- sive rhetoric, cynicism, derision, and 2020 and I sincerely regret that this failed international community. rule the boundaries between the state ous public groups, to a qualitatively new personal insults – this is how the irre- to take place. I, along with my team and It is no secret that the idea of switch- and the party were erased, still, small level of political culture, while the polit- sponsible opposition and its satellite the authorities, will serve as guarantor ing to a proportional electoral system and weakly organized parties felt that a ical process itself should have facilitated organizations responded to our initiative. that the process of the democratic devel- never enjoyed particular popularity proportional electoral system would the emergence of a new stage of demo- The developments reached a point opment of Georgia will become irrevers- among majoritarian deputies, and a large have provided them with greater chances cratic development. whereby aggressive groups under direct ible. Free and fair elections in 2020 will part of them did not greet this reform of success. This is precisely why we came We hoped that our bold political act or indirect control of the opposition be a precondition and prominent exam- with proper enthusiasm at that time up with this initiative. And by proposing would have been perceived positively burst into halls in the regions in order ple thereof. Do the European States Do Enough to Protect the Rights of the Child?

two-day international con- them”. Among such “taboo” issues are to Talk” against child sexual abuse in ference on children’s rights children who are perceived as a danger sports. As part of the Conference, on 14 took place in Strasbourg to society: minors in confl ict with the November, the French Minister of Sports, this week in the framework law, those growing up in radicalized Roxana Maracineanu, announced the of the French Presidency families or children sexually harming launch of the campaign in France. Aof the Committee of Ministers of the their peers. How to treat and protect Other high-level speakers at the con- Council of Europe. It looks at what Euro- both the victims and the aggressors who ference included Liliane Maury Pasquier, Nations Secretary General on Violence of children’s right to participate in deci- pean states are doing to promote chil- fi rst and foremost need support, but are President of the Parliamentary Assem- against Children. sions concerning them; ensuring that dren’s rights protection and what chal- often deprived of liberty and face crim- bly of the Council of Europe; Linos- The conference brought together some children do not become a bargaining lenges remain. inal justice systems designed for adults Alexandre Sicilianos, President of the 300 participants, including government chip in the acrimonious separation of Marija Pejcinovic Buric, Secretary is a particularly diffi cult question to European Court of Human Rights; Dunja representatives, members of parliament, parents; and effectively protecting chil- General of the Council of Europe, and answer. Mijatovic, Commissioner for Human child rights defenders, other experts, as dren from online crimes. Adrien Taquet, Secretary of State on “Where protection systems fail, this Rights of the Council of Europe; Ásmun- well as children who are taking active A report presenting the mid-term Child Protection, France, opened the must be acknowledged”, Pejcinovic Buric dur Einar Daðason, Minister of Social part in the conference as young delegates evaluation of the Council of Europe’s conference. stressed, talking about institutional vio- Affairs and Children of Iceland; Elena acting as “challengers” in “Power Talks”, Strategy for the Rights of the Child 2016- The Secretary General in her address lence, i.e. abuse of children in places Bonetti, Minister for Equal Opportuni- an innovative format of dynamic debates 2021 was presented at the event, the fi ve said there are still “blind spots” in chil- where they should feel safe to live, learn ties and Family of Italy; Kasimierz on a range of thought-provoking issues. priority areas of the Strategy being equal dren’s rights protection, “areas where and pursue hobbies and sports. Kuberski, Under-Secretary of State, Other issues that require an adjustment opportunities, participation, a life free action is insuffi cient, often because the Giving children courage to speak up Ministry of Family, Labour and Social of laws and policies and that were dis- from violence, child-friendly justice and issues are controversial and those in about such cases is the key message of Policy of Poland and Najat Maalla M’jid, cussed at the conference include safe- the rights of the child in the digital envi- power are uncomfortable dealing with the Council if Europe’s campaign “Start Special Representative of the United guarding child activism as an expression ronment. GEORGIA TODAY 8 BUSINESS NOVEMBER 15 - 18, 2019

Black Sea Bulletin: Tourism in the Black Sea Region

ourism is one of the fastest ing Turkey. Instead, the majority of vis- TEMPORARY SHOCKS growing sectors in the its, 19.2% or 4.3 million, were made from IN THE TOURISM world. It creates three hun- Ukraine. Additionally, Russia is not a INDUSTRY dred million jobs and popular destination for the rest of the It is important to note that accounts for 10% of global Black Sea countries: trips from other the tourism sector is sus- TGDP. This bulletin reviews the tourism Black Sea countries, like Georgia, Turkey, ceptible to temporary or sectors of countries bordering the Black Romania, and Bulgaria, make up as low sometimes even permanent Sea in the last six years. The analysis is as 0.8% of total visits. Furthermore, unlike shocks. The tourism sector centered on the number of visits, dynam- any other country in the region, Russian in Ukraine is a great exam- ics, and the relationship between tour- visitors spend over $34 billion abroad in ple. Following Russia’s ism and economic growth. total, while receiving less than $15 billion annexation of the Crimean in receipts. peninsula and the occupa- GENERAL OVERVIEW Bulgaria and Romania had similar num- tion of selected regions in Unsurprisingly, of all the countries lin- bers of foreign visits in 2018, 12.3 million Donbass, in a matter of one ing the Black Sea, Turkey had the high- and 11.7 million respectively, 57% of which year, the number of inter- est number of visits in 2018. Approxi- were from the EU. In Bulgaria, 12.4% of national visits dropped from mately 39.5 million trips were made to visits were made by residents of neigh- 24.67 million to 12.7 million. Turkey by foreigners, of which, 11.7 mil- bouring Turkey, and 16.5% by Romanians. These aggressive actions lion, or 29.7% were made from Black Sea Meanwhile, 12.5% of visits were made affected Russian tourists the countries. Turkey is an especially attrac- by Ukrainians to Romania, and 13.7% by most as their number of Bulgarians, visits to Ukraine, in a matter showing how of a single year, fell from similar tourism 10.28 to 2.36 million. This patterns are for drop shrank tourism receipts these countries. by 61.8%, weakening the economy even drop was so noticeable that only two reported that the tourism sector com- Also, both coun- further. countries, Romania and Bulgaria, had prises 10.4% of the world’s GDP. Accord- tries experienced Temporary instabilities heavily affected managed to fully recover as of 2018. Inci- ing to the same organization, there are a sharp increase not only Ukraine but Turkey. After the dentally, total tourism expenditure and two ways of measuring the effects of a in the number of 2015 jet shootdown incident, a number receipts have also decreased. Russia and sector on the economy: the fi rst is the visits in previous of sanctions were imposed on Turkey Turkey lost approximately a third of the direct contribution to the GDP and the years. by the Russian government, including annual tourism receipts in the following second is the total contribution to the Georgia, much the suspension of visa-free travel and years, while after the occupation of the GDP. Total contribution combines the like Romania and prohibition of the sale of travel packages Crimean peninsula, Ukraine’s receipts direct contribution, indirect supply-chain Bulgaria, also to Turkey. The sanctions turned out to decreased from $5.93 billion in 2013 to purchases, and induced contribution, experienced a be highly effective, as the number of $1.66 billion in 2015. and is therefore more relevant. sharp increase in Russian arrivals fell from 4.48 million in Meanwhile, Bulgaria and Romania For example in Turkey, where tourism the number of 2014 to 866,000 in 2016. managed to retain more than 79.3% and plays a signifi cant role in the economy, visits. In the past Overall, 2016 turned out to be one of 94.3% of their tourism receipts in the the tourism sector made a direct contri- six years, the the worst years for the Turkish tourism 2014-2015 period. Total expenditures bution of 3.9% of GDP in 2018, and the number of arriv- sector. As a result of political instability, mainly affected the Russian Federation, total contribution was equal to 12.1% of als has grown by war in neighboring Syria, sanctions, and where in the last fi ve years, international GDP. According to the Turkish Statistics 45.4%. Although more than 35 terrorist incidents in major tourist spending (by Russian tourists) Institute, the average tourist spends 617 the number of tourist areas, the number of arrivals in has dropped from $59.5 billion to $34.5 US dollars on a single trip. By compari- Russian visitors Turkey dropped to 25.35 million, the low- billion. However, unlike any other coun- son, total tourism contribution to GDP has more than est fi gure since 2007. According to the try in the region, Georgia has managed in Russia was equal to 4.8% and an aver- doubled in that World Bank data, the annual total of to sustain positive growth of tourism age tourist spent about 144,000 Rubles, time span, it only tourism receipts in Turkey decreased by receipts every year since 2013. In fact, or $2,160. In contrast, the Georgian amounts to 35.5% $12 billion in two years and it hasn’t fully tourism receipts for Georgia have been economy is one of the most heavily of the growth. In recovered yet. As stated by the IMF, the increasing at an average rate of 15.1% dependent on tourism in the world, with tive destination for Russian tourists as total, arrivals from Black Sea countries drop in tourism receipts shrank the since 2013. Back then, the receipts its total contribution to GDP amounting every seventh visitor in Turkey is Rus- account for 37% of visits in Georgia, economy of Turkey more than 1 percent amounted to $1.719 billion, and in 2018 to 33.7%. According to the WTTC, out sian. Whilst Turkey received more than 92.8% of which are Russian and Turkish of GDP. they reached more than $3.2 billion. of 175 countries, the Georgian economy $30 billion in tourism receipts, Turkish visits. Other than temporary shocks, macro- Receipts from tourism have been grow- is the sixteenth most dependent on tour- tourists spend only $5 billion overseas. The tourism sector in Ukraine has seen economic factors also affect tourism, ing way faster than the GDP denomi- ism, right after islands such as Jamaica, Meanwhile, Russia had 22.37 million dramatic changes, which are discussed and vice-versa. On the one hand, high nated, either in Lari or in US dollars (the Barbados, and Fiji. international visits in 2018. This number below. Presently, it is important to note economic growth is necessary for more average growth of which was already Tourism sector growth continues to does not show the whole picture, as 7.2 that Ukraine has the lowest percentage individuals to visit foreign countries. On negative for a period of four years). outperform global GDP growth, and its million foreigners also entered the coun- of visits from the Black Sea region - the other, tourism greatly contributes to Because of such exponential growth, role in the economy will only increase. try for reasons of employment. Interest- 19.55%, as well as the fact that the num- the growth of an economy. This complex tourism has become a signifi cant part of As for the Black Sea region, political and ingly, only 71 thousand international ber of visits made by Moldovans to relationship is clearly visible in the Black the Georgian economy. economic instabilities in Turkey, Russia, visits to Russia were from Turkey, com- Ukraine last year is larger than the size Sea region. Due to multiple fi nancial and Ukraine have hindered growth in pared to the 5.96 million Russians visit- of Moldova’s population. crises, all countries in the region saw a IMPORTANCE OF TOURISM the highly profi table sector, while in signifi cant contraction of GDP per cap- FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH Georgia, Romania, and Bulgaria the sec- ita in 2014 (measured in US dollars). The The World Travel and Tourism Council tor continues to grow. GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 15 - 18, 2019 BUSINESS 9 NGOs Assess Proposed Amendments to Law on Common Courts

Image source: Emerging Europe

“The principle of accountability obliges the HCOJ BY TEA MARIAMIDZE to substantiate all of its decisions, which must be refl ected in the law,” the coalition stated. The NGOs also have concerns regarding the new on-governmental organizations, Judicial Ethics Council which will be created under united under the Coalition for an the changes. They say that the draft does not con- Independent and Transparent Judi- tain enough information regarding the Council and ciary, assessed the Proposed Amend- it is unclear what the functions of this new body ments to the Organic Law on Com- are, how its members are selected, etc. The Coali- Nmon Courts, also known as the fourth wave of tion believes that this part of the amendments judicial reforms, which was submitted to the Par- should be suspended until these outstanding issues liament for approval. are specifi ed. The coalition underlined some positive changes, In addition, the proposed bill does not have a like the specifi cation of grounds for disciplinary clear indication regarding the openness and trans- responsibility of judges and separation of the selec- parency of HCOJ sessions, and only refers to pub- tion of listeners of the High School of Justice (HSoJ) lishing information on the web page and availabil- from the functions of the High Council of Justice ity of audio recordings. The non-governmental (HCOJ), which is the supreme oversight body in sector believes that the HCOJ sessions should be charge of regulating the judiciary in Georgia. How- open, including during the interviews with fi rst ever, the NGOs stressed that some changes made and second instance court judges. to the bill are “critical” and need to be revised. “Also, it is important that the HCOJ sessions are The Organic Law on Common Courts reads that transmitted via live-stream, allowing any interested the High Council of Justice appoints the chairs and party to observe the process. The Coalition con- deputy chairs of the Appeals Courts and the Chairs siders that both of these issues must be directly of the District (City) Courts. The NGOs believe regulated by the law,” the statement reads. that this is not correct, noting judges should select Regarding the grounds for dismissing an HCOJ the chairs themselves. member, the draft reads that unsatisfactory fulfi ll- “The problem is that this power is an additional ment of responsibility remains one of the grounds tool for the HCOJ to control the judicial system for dismissing an HCOJ member. NGOs say this and is directed against independence of individual formulation can be interpreted extremely widely judges. The proposal does not substantively address and will, in sum, affect the degree of independence the existing problem, but only sets an obligatory of the HCOJ members, and should be abolished. consultation with the judges of the court, where a Among these main concerns, the Coalition for an chair is to be appointed, with no obligation to heed Independent and Transparent Judiciary also listed their opinions. The Coalition has repeatedly noted other issues that need to be addressed before the that it supports the model where judges themselves adoption of the Amendments to the Organic Law select the court chair,” the statement of the coali- on Common Courts. tion reads. The NGOs called on the Parliament to take into The proposed changes read that the Chair of the account the notes of the third sector regarding the Independent Board is elected by the HCOJ. The defi ciencies and to prepare amendments address- Coalition considers that to support the Board’s ing the problems that impede improvements in the organizational independence, it would be best if Georgian judiciary. the Board itself elected the Chair. The fi rst wave of judicial reform was launched Another issue criticized by the NGOs is the dis- in Georgia in May, 2013. Since then, three waves of ciplinary responsibility of judges. According to the the reforms have been implemented so far, while draft, a 2/3 majority of HCOJ members makes a the fourth has just fi nished and now the parliament substantiated decision on starting disciplinary has to decide to adopt it or not. The aim of the proceedings against a judge and when deciding not reforms is to secure the independence of judiciary to start disciplinary proceedings, the HCOJ does and to consolidate an institutional democracy of not have an obligation to substantiate the decision. functional institutions in the country. GEORGIA TODAY 10 BUSINESS NOVEMBER 15 - 18, 2019 Ren Zhengfei's Northern European Media Roundtable, Part 5 en Zhengfei, Huawei CEO, welcomed employees to analyzing the paper, turning out pat- media from northern Europe to a ents, and getting our 5G business up and running. roundtable and invited them to ask We are supporting universities all over the world. whatever they wished, however chal- This practice has the same spirit as the US's Bayh- lenging the question. GEORGIA Dole Act, which provides funds for universities TODAYR will be publishing those questions and without demanding their research fi ndings or returns answers in the present and following issues of on investment. The US government often gives funds GEORGIA TODAY newspaper. to universities, and whatever patents come out of these funds still belong to the universities. We pro- WHERE WILL HUAWEI'S REVENUE vide funds to universities the same way. Research MAINLY BE FROM? AFRICA OR ASIA? fi ndings that our funds make possible belong to the I think most of our revenue will still come from universities themselves, and we only want to be China and Europe. informed of the fi ndings. This way, universities are like beacons that light the way for us and others. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT And we can stay one step ahead of others if we are SWEDISH ICT ECOSYSTEMS AND the fi rst to understand how these beacons work. KNOWLEDGE IN IT AND TELECOM? At Huawei, a team of 15,000 scientists, experts, I think Sweden is a great country. Over 20 years and senior engineers focus on understanding the ago, when I told the Head of the Guangdong Com- fi ndings of scientists and turning money into knowl- munications Administration Cui Xun that one day edge. Another 70,000 engineers turn that knowl- we would catch up with Ericsson, he just laughed edge into products and fi nally money. This is how at me and said it was impossible. He told me how we have gradually explored our own path and Sweden does a great job providing universal edu- learned new things. Having been through many cation and facilitating scientifi c and technological to try to catch up, even sacrifi cing the times that when I was a kid, and I saw what life was like for ups and downs over the past three decades, we are innovation, and how many new technologies emerge other people use to have coffee. Second, we are poor people with my own eyes. I also witnessed now just beginning to scratch the surface of how from Sweden. very open. We collaborate with research institu- many political campaigns and how China struggled things work. But there's still a long way to go, and We are now building a new campus for our Hua- tions and universities all around the world, and and kept moving in the wrong directions by con- we can't say for sure that we will never make the wei University and the fi rst phase will be fi nished provide funding for their research. For example, stantly swinging one way to another. wrong step. in the beginning of next year. Its design was inspired the theory behind massive MIMO, a key 5G tech- I think the Cultural Revolution is the biggest mis- by the buildings in Sweden's coastal areas. I think nology, was fi rst proposed by a professor at Linköping take China has ever made, and it had an enormous DID THE TURKISH PROFESSOR EVER we can learn a lot from Sweden, in terms of both University in Sweden, and Huawei was the fi rst to impact on the country. At that time, China built RECEIVE REVENUE FOR HIS FAMILY dedicated spirit of the Swedish people and Swed- apply the technology to products. To sum up, since the Liaoyang Synthetic Fiber Factory with equip- OR DIVIDENDS FROM HUAWEI ish culture as a whole. Chinese people are begin- we knew we were lagging behind, we have been ment imported from two French companies, Tech- FOR USING HIS FORMULA? ning to win the Nobel Prize awards. I truly feel that working all out with partners around the world to nip and Speichim. During my time at the factory, No. We wanted to offer him some rewards, but he China is making such progress. catch up with other world leaders. I had access to world-leading technologies, and rejected outright. But we have been supporting his was able to distance myself from the radical revo- lab. TWENTY YEARS AGO YOU DIDN'T HOW DID CHINA'S CULTURAL lutionary movement. As China sought revival after THINK YOU WOULD REACH ERICSSON'S REVOLUTION SHAPE THE WAY the collapse of the Gang of Four, I had the oppor- COULD IT BE THAT HUAWEI'S SUCCESS LEVEL, BUT TODAY YOU THINK YOU THINK AND THE WAY tunities to put what I had learned into practice. As IS NOT JUST HUAWEI'S SUCCESS, THAT YOU'RE AHEAD OF THEM, AT LEAST YOU SHAPED HUAWEI? a result, I grew rapidly during that period. Later, IT'S A PUSH FROM THE WHOLE OF ON 5G. WHY? WHAT HAPPENED? I'm an eye-witness to how the People's Republic China signifi cantly downsized its military so that CHINA THAT NO OTHER TECHNOLOGY I think the fi rst reason is that we knew we were of China has grown into what it is today from when it could focus on economic development. After my COMPANIES CAN BENEFIT FROM? lagging behind. So we spent more time on our work it was founded. I lived in an extremely poor region entire military unit was disbanded, I came to Shen- First of all, export credit was fi rst adopted by West- zhen, which was then at the forefront of China's ern companies. When China was just starting its reform and opening-up. reform and opening up, it was still very poor and At that time, I knew very little about the market underdeveloped. As carriers didn't have money to economy. For instance, I didn't even know what buy equipment from Nokia, Ericsson, or Alcatel, supermarkets were when many friends who had the Western governments provided loans to these studied abroad came back and told me about them. carriers to buy equipment from these vendors. I knew nothing about them and could only guess However, the Chinese government at that time what they were like or why they were called super- couldn't provide such loans to carriers, so they markets. Just imagine how diffi cult it was for some- didn't buy our equipment. That was how things one as ill-informed as I was to go into the market were in the beginning. economy! Later, the Chinese government mimicked its West- At fi rst, I worked as the deputy manager of a small ern peers and started to provide loans to carriers in company and had very little power. Other manag- Africa and some other underdeveloped countries. ers were directly appointed top-down with certain The loans were offered to carriers, not us, because titles; some of them never reported to me, but any we couldn't afford to take on the debt ratio. In fact, mistakes they made would be my responsibility. we weren't eligible for that much export credit, and With a poor grasp of the market economy, I made most of the credit was allocated to large-scale infra- a big mistake that got me cheated out of a ton of structure projects, like bridges and railways. Gener- money. Reclaiming that money took me more than ally, telecom contracts were relatively small, and a year. I couldn't afford to hire a lawyer for my most telecom carriers had enough money to buy lawsuit, so I studied all the law books I could get equipment, so export credit wasn't a critical issue my hands on and tried to be my own lawyer. In the for our equipment sales. In China, export credit was end, what I got back were assets, rather than cash. fi rst introduced by Western countries exporting to Turning those assets into cash caused some losses China. At that time, China was just opened up, and to the company, so they decided to let me go. I had it had very little money. no option but to start a company of my own. After Export credit has become a common practice I started making some money, I helped my former around the world. employer repay some of its debt. It was not until then that I started to grasp a little bit about the INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN CHINA DON'T market and the economy, and I ran my company LIKE THE PRESS, ESPECIALLY THE without knowing what the world of communica- FOREIGN PRESS. UNTIL RECENTLY, YOU tions was about. DIDN'T GIVE INTERVIEWS LIKE THIS. The fi rst generation of Huawei employees made HOW COME YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE communications products by referencing a text- DOING THIS? FOR INSTANCE, JUST book written by a university professor. This simple A MOMENT AGO, YOU CRITICIZED approach to R&D was the beginning of our journey. THE CULTURAL REVOLUTION. DON'T One thing that sets Huawei apart is that we spend YOU SOMETIMES THINK THAT EVEN less on our own meals or clothes but more on the YOU SHOULD BE MORE CAREFUL company's future. You may wonder why Huawei ABOUT WHAT YOU SAY IN CHINA? is more successful than many other companies. This criticism of the Cultural Revolution isn't mine Most Americans throw their money into Wall Street. alone; the government also recognizes the impact Most Europeans spend their money on personal of that mistake. It's not like we're not allowed to wellbeing. At Huawei, we invest all our money into criticize anything in China. As long as we speak the company's future. And our investments have the truth based on real facts, we don't need to worry been enormous. Our annual investments into R&D about what we say. Like in Western countries, China are around 15 to 20 billion US dollars, and we have also respects people's freedom of speech. We are about 90,000 R&D employees who throw them- just more careful about not crossing the line. selves into their work no matter what. Our immense, focused investments have led to breakthroughs. DO YOU AGREE THAT NOKIA AND At Huawei, there is no legacy holding us back, ERICSSON ARE STUCK WITH OECD OR and we are always open to new things. Our 5G OTHER RULES/TERMS ON FINANCING, technology is based on a mathematics paper by WHILE YOUR HANDS ARE FREER WHEN Turkish professor Erdal Arikan. We came across YOU NEGOTIATE WITH CUSTOMERS? this paper just two months after it was released We have to abide by the rules too; otherwise, it ten years ago. We have dedicated several thousand would be diffi cult for us to survive. GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 15 - 18, 2019 BUSINESS 11 TBC Bank Wins Multiple Awards for Private Banking

BC Bank has been named made products and exclusive lifestyle following website: http://www.private- the Best for Private Bank- offers as well as dedicated multichannel bankingawards.com. ing in Georgia by two lead- strategy with strong focus on digital,” ing industry magazines. It Vakhtang Butskhrikidze, Chief Executive ABOUT GLOBAL FINANCE: has received the country’s Offi cer, TBC Bank, said. Global Finance, founded in 1987, has a TBest Private Bank 2019 award from The circulation of 50,000 and readers in 188 Banker and Professional Wealth Man- ABOUT PWM AND THE countries. Global Finance’s audience agement (PWM) magazine and Global BANKER MAGAZINES’ includes senior corporate and fi nancial Finance’s Best Private Bank Award in PRIVATE BANKING AWARDS offi cers responsible for making invest- Georgia 2020. These prestigious awards The annual awards recognize players ment and strategic decisions at multina- acknowledge TBC Bank’s leading posi- that are emerging as industry leaders in tional companies and fi nancial institu- tion in delivering exceptional private private banking. Private banks operating tions. Global Finance is headquartered banking services and the highest stand- in Europe, Asia, North America, Middle in New York, with offi ces around the ards of client satisfaction. East, Latin America and Africa, or glob- world. Global Finance regularly selects “We are extremely proud to receive ally, are evaluated against a set of growth the top performers among banks and these distinguished awards in recogni- and performance measures, as well as other providers of fi nancial services. tion of our sophisticated personalized on their particular private banking ser- These awards have become a trusted private banking solutions including uni- vices. Further information on the Private standard of excellence for the global versal personal banker services, tailor- Banking Awards can be found on the fi nancial community. UK/Georgia 2019 Hosts Crafting Futures Networking Forum for Central Asia, South Caucasus & UK Country Reps

s part of the UK/Georgia 2019 season, on 7 and 8 November the ‘Crafting Futures Networking Forum for Central Asia, South ACaucasus and UK Country Representa- tives’ was held. The forum was supported by Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Georgia, in partnership with Georgian Arts and Culture Center. The Crafting Futures Networking Forum was a kick-off event of the British Coun- cil Crafting Futures program which con- tributes to strengthening economic, cultural and social development through learning and access. The Crafting Futures project supports practices and people through research, collaboration and edu- cation. The forum was attended by the representatives of the crafts sector from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakh- stan, Kyrgyzstan, UK and Uzbekistan. for this exchange and network to con- and other locations across Georgia and The Crafting Futures networking forum tinue and for participants to leave with is showcasing the best that modern, had several aims, among them to estab- a better understanding of how Crafting diverse, global Britain has to offer in lish a network of crafts organizations Futures can contribute to sector devel- culture, sport, education and business. and practitioners across Central Asia opment and lead to the economic and It draws on the shared values of both UK and the South Caucasus; to share the UK inclusive social development of the par- and Georgia to deliver a program with experience and good practice in crafts ticipating countries. a specifi c focus on diversity and inclu- developments; and to provide an oppor- The UK/Georgia 2019 season is a spe- sion. You can fi nd more information tunity for crafts organizations from these cially curated program of more than 60 online using the hashtag #UKGeorgia2019 regions to learn more about each other events jointly presented by the British The UK/Georgia 2019 is funded by the and the UK and begin to explore pos- Embassy in Tbilisi and British Council British Embassy and the British Council, sibilities for exchange. The forum sup- in Georgia, running from September to working closely with a small group of ported the participants to discover how December 2019. UK/Georgia 2019 sponsors including Georgia Capital, Bank Crafting Futures can provide a platform includes events in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi of Georgia, BP, Adjara Group and Wissol. GEORGIA TODAY 12 SOCIETY NOVEMBER 15 - 18, 2019 We Must Unite! Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Waiting for Funding says that according to unoffi cial statistics BY MARIAM DIASAMIDZE in Georgia, there are 1,100-1,200 patients with multiple sclerosis. There is no information on the frequency of the dis- e are patients with ease in different regions. this terrible illness, We contacted the Health and Social and this is not our Services Department of the Tbilisi City fault, - say Georgian Hall, who confi rmed that the agency patients with multi- does not currently have a program to Wple sclerosis, accusing the Ministry of fi nance the treatment of patients with Health of neglect. multiple sclerosis. They added that they Patients for several years have been were “unable to discuss funding for such asking the State to make the treatment treatment at this time.” more available and to regulate and help To support people with multiple scle- provide fi nancial solutions to problems rosis, there has been a worldwide cam- related to it. paign ongoing since spring, titled "Bring- They have also been talking about the ing us Closer". The goal of the campaign need for timely diagnosis and adequate is to raise public awareness about the treatment for a long time. disease, timely diagnose it and provide As a patient with multiple sclerosis, access to adequate treatment. Maiko Mgeladze explains that patients Information on Multiple Sclerosis: in Tbilisi and the rest of Georgia are Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, progres- expecting funding in 2020. Their main sive neurological disease and approxi- demand is that the Georgian government, mately 2.3 million people worldwide including the Ministry of Health and have this pathology. The fi rst symptoms Tbilisi City Hall, make disease-modify- mostly appear in the age group of 20 to ing therapy available to everyone. 40 years and therefore multiple sclero- "Patients in Tbilisi and the rest of Geor- sis is a major cause of non-traumatic gia are looking forward to funding in disability in young people. The disease 2020 and urge the Georgian government activity is very important in all forms of to make disease-modifying therapy avail- the disease - infl ammatory processes in able to us as well." ages of 20 and 40 and about the country’s Multiple Sclerosis, demands provision felt by the younger generation, mainly the nervous system is followed by the In 2019, the Ministry of Health of Ajara budget, which they and their family mem- of access to treatment for patients with female patients, and the initial symptoms death of neurons in the brain. It is note- paid 25 thousand GEL for expensive bers contribute to. We are patients who multiple sclerosis and created a special appear at the age of 20 - 40, ie at a time worthy that this process can continue medicines for patients with multiple bear no responsibility for having this ter- petition for this purpose. when human labor or productivity is oth- even if the patient has no clinical symp- sclerosis. The program has 10 benefi ciar- rible disease. The causes of the disease "Patients like me have been running a erwise highest. Multiple sclerosis is a major toms. The primary purpose of treatment ies at this stage. By 2020, however, the are unknown to the world, and no one disease awareness campaign for several cause of non-traumatic disability for for multiple sclerosis is to reduce disease Ministry plans to increase the number. knows which family will suffer from this months with the support of doctors, and patients. However, in the world there are activity at an early stage so that disabil- “Some time ago, a government offi cial devastating disease. So please, let’s unite we have almost broken the stereotype a number of modifying drugs that signifi - ity is not progressed. Nowadays, modi- asked us with surprised eyes - do you for each other.We, the patients, defi nitely called 'sclerosis' in society, that is, we have cantly hinder disease activity and help fying therapy for the treatment of mul- know how much money you are talking need state funding / co-fi nancing of reha- informed the public that multiple sclero- maintain a patient's quality of life.” tiple sclerosis is provided, which about and asking for ?! He forgot that we bilitation and therapy,” Maiko said. sis is not a mental disorder or memory The Georgian State protocol for clini- signifi cantly reduces disease activity and are talking about patients between the MSSF, the Georgian Foundation for disorder,” Maiko says. “This is a disease cal management of multiple sclerosis progression of disability. The Festival Mandarinoba at Forbidden Fruit Castello Mare Hotel aversion for the gay lifestyle comes from, n November 16, Castello OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE but a fact is a fact. Mare Hotel & Wellness Nobody knows for sure the number of Resort, along with the pros and cons of homosexual predilection Kobuleti Municipality, will omebody, somewhere, for some in this country, but the overall picture is host Mandarinoba (Tan- presumably justifi able reason and that most Georgian men and women have Ogerine Festival). Exclusively for the event, interest, wanted and managed to a problem with it, hence the protest against the entire area of the hotel will be adorned create a movie which is a fresh the movie which shows that a gay lifestyle with thematic decorations and lights, but trivial paradigm of gay life- may thrive even in a Georgian national exhibition stands will feature local prod- Sstyle, taking place in a Georgian dance dance company, where both the masculin- ucts and a special exhibition corner will company and depicting the affair of a male ity and the femininity of dancing charac- be devoted to the Kobuleti Museum. homosexual pair. Not a big deal at fi rst sight. ters are pronouncedly vivid and obvious. A myriad of activities is planned As a matter of fact, this newly born piece On the other hand, the situation seems throughout the day, including tangerine- of art should have been inconsequential by to be helpless because no manifestation picking in the hotel’s citrus gardens, any stretch of cinematographic taste and can help the gay-haters prohibit the screen- master-class and tasting of Georgian curiosity. But the habitual Georgian attitude ing of the movie. One may achieve pro- dishes, master-class of Georgian dances, towards homosexuals and the overly ani- hibition in a couple of movie theaters, performances of local folk ensembles mated sentiments used to appreciate their but what can you do with the internet’s and a barman show. Musical entertain- physical ways and means, quickly made limitless potential to show anything with- ment at the event will be furnished by the fi lm as consequential and sought after out any problem, killing on the spot the the band ‘Blue Sail.’ as a masterpiece of our time. attempt to abrogate the ‘unwelcome’ piece As reported by Mano Kuchukhidze, Was this good or bad? Neither! It was of information? There has already appeared Sales and Marketing Manager at Hotel to attend are hotel guests as well as out- fl ower and fl oral compositions. Visitors simply unnecessary: why should anyone a solid article in Wikipedia about the fi lm, Castello Mare, “The area of the hotel is side visitors. Attendance is free of charge. to the site will be greeted by a fruit board, be given the chance to enjoy the com- saying that it is a 2019 Swedish-Georgian overfl owing with tangerine gardens Kobuleti Municipality has been very a buffet of Greenwich and local fruit mercial advantage of this magnitude drama fi lm directed by Levan Akin and which we harvest annually. This year, supportive in organizing the fi rst festival. compote and accompanied by a concert absolutely free of charge? The movie, which was selected as the Swedish entry we came up with the idea to organize a The township fully coordinated the for- of Georgian folklore. Trees in the garden titled ‘And Then We Danced’ has received for the Best International Feature Film at festival that will integrate the Georgian mation of the exhibition space and the area will be lit with ornamental lights in Georgia a monstrous advertising oppor- the 92nd Academy Awards. This is already tradition of hospitality with the Ajaran participation of local entrepreneurs. and seating areas will be arranged. Spe- tunity like manna from the skies, a real a recognition which cannot be ignored tradition of citrus harvesting. With proper cial stands for exhibiting and sale will windfall that one might get once in a and shunned. Yet, all those efforts must packaging, Mandarinoba can be as allur- FESTIVAL PROGRAM: be placed in the area. Corners of the lifetime or never at all. be abortive due to modern technology, ing for tourists as the Georgian custom 12:00 - 14:00 - Tangerine picking. Par- museum, community college and entre- It is diffi cult to evaluate the potential and not only. The world has drastically of vintaging. ticipants met at the hotel. They will be preneurs will be displayed, featuring box-offi ce success of the movie now that changed in the last fi fty years, starting “We have recently launched Citrus provided with the necessary equipment local produce. the anti-gay community of Georgia has with the notable time of sexual revolu- Health and Detox programs on an inter- and gloves and will be taken by minibus Guests will be able to participate in already promoted it unwittingly but very tion, associated with the name of the national scale for the period from Novem- from the hotel to the citrus gardens (1 culinary master-classes (Tatar, Muraba, aggressively by taking to the streets of incomparable Marilyn Monroe. ber to December and we have already km). There, they will be divided into Khinkali) and taste the dishes. Tbilisi and Batumi to protest its screen- It would take only an elementary smart received the fi rst group from Slovenia. teams to compete in harvesting. The The event will also host LEPL College ing outside movie theaters. I have no mind to realize the probable result of a The Mandarinoba festival is among the event will be anchored by a host and New Wave with a show of bartenders numbers, but I suspect with some reason- forceful measure like a massive demon- activities designed to promote the local animator. making citrus cocktails, and will be closed able confi dence that most people in Geor- stration against a fi lm which would have subtropical culture and to make the hotel 14:00 - Exhibition-Sale and Entertain- by the musical band ‘Blue Sale.’ gia have zero tolerance for gay men and otherwise disappeared from our life as it seasonable for the autumn and we hope ment Program Note: Parking will be available in three women. I don’t know exactly where this has appeared – unnoticed and without to hold it annually.” Hotel Castello Mare will be adorned zones up to a maximum of 1km distance much glaring belligerence and blatant any pain in the neck. Mandarinoba is open to all. Welcome with special decorations: citrus, sun- from the hotel. GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 15 - 18, 2019 SOCIETY 13 Looking Back, Decades 1 & 2

Only shaking hands with a current BLOG BY TONY HANMER Minister of Science and Education, who later became president, Giorgi Margve- lashvili, at TLG’s 2011 closing ceremony. f course, one’s 20 years in Plus, meeting his predecessor, and two this country would bring who came after him, at various times in a variety of meetings with connection with TLG volunteering. Will interesting people and we ever see the Svan language offered situations. For example: as an optional subject in local schools? ORunning a medical aid program for Stay tuned. Chechen refugee children in Tbilisi, Living in Ushguli for the winters of 2000-2001. An NGO had been given 2007-9, just before getting married. I had $100k by a single anonymous donor, who wanted to see how the Svans get through requested the program. I worked with a the hardest season in the highest place. surgeon from the Iashvili Children’s Weekly baths in a little galvanized metal Hospital, who happened to be a Svan, tub; walks up mountains through hip- from… Etseri. THAT’S why we live here. deep snow for photos; teaching English Amazing surgery, tuberculosis treatment to the entire school population of 51 at for whole families, lives transformed. their parents’ request; staying with the All this before the Rose Revolution Ratiani-Chelidze family when their guest brought light and infrastructure to a house was a fraction of the size it is now. crumbling country. Unforgettable times, the fi rst year shoot- Groping through Tbilisi’s night dark- ing 35mm fi lm, the second having switched ness at the end of Shevardnadze’s era; to digital and never looked back. Getting getting mugged, robbed and knocked my avalanche-road-closure photos and out in it; stitching up, learning my lesson phone interview on morning TV news, about street smarts, moving on, not giv- which led to a Rustavi 2 fi lm crew com- ing up. ing up for a week to fi lm a 6.5-minute Seeing the Rose Revolution in Tbilisi segment on me; watching this with the as Shevardnadze gave way to Saakashvili, power out in the village and its only late 2003. Such euphoria you could hardly generator running, 30 of us and 10 charg- imagine as that time of corruption and ing cellphones crammed into 1 room. backwardness turned a corner into… That segment being chosen as one of what? Now, after huge moves forward, that channel’s best 10 of the year… back we seem to be stuck again, though some- on TV for a gift basket, along with my where else. new wife. Several times crossing paths with the And so it goes, rarely dull. Nowhere notorious Aprasidze clan of Etseri, while has inspired me as an artist, photogra- they were the main Godfathers of Svaneti pher and writer like Georgia. 42 countries and my protectors. Then having to go later, still true. to their funeral, with 600 places and vastly much too much food in February’s Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since snow, outdoors, in 2004. 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a Helping organize a week of trauma weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He counselling training targeted at Christian runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook counsellors, to which members of the group, now with nearly 2000 members, at Patriarch’s offi ce came along with Prot- with Georgia) to Batumi for lunch as the in 2013 at the Presidential Palace in Tbi- of Prospero’s Books in Tbilisi, my favorite www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- estants, in the early 2000s. program started in 2010; I was in Group lisi. He’s a big man, with a lot of languages shop in the country. Among other things, sance/ One sitting president, Mikeil Saakash- 1. Then he was handing out medals for in him. Then he was gone. she is currently with the World Health He and his wife also run their own guest house vili, on two occasions. He invited the Civic Sacrifi ce to all the subjects of the I met his wife, too, Sandra Roelofs, Organization, and I am thinking of ways in Etseri: fi rst two groups of TLG (Teach and Learn weekly Imedi TV show, Heroes of Hope, much later, at the 20th anniversary party we might work on health issues in Svaneti. www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti Urban Planning in a Democratic Georgia ow that the Republic of the United States Department of State quately involved in preparation of the and effective program for continuing Akeley also discussed the central impor- Georgia is managing its with the cooperation of World Learning. Tbilisi General Plan;” said Giga Abuldze citizen involvement from now on. tance of a formal environmental review own government, devel- “Our fi rst class of graduate students as he listened to presenters who discussed Professor Akeley offered several pro- process that identifi es potential issues oping its own agencies worked hard as they began to consider how the plan was created; “I think the cedures that are used in the United States up front so that mitigating measures can and establishing its own Tbilisi and Georgia through the perspec- top-down approach does not allow local to guide the planning process there. be identifi ed before project money is Npurposes and procedures, what is the tive of professional urban planning knowl- residents to make a signifi cant contribu- These included giving powers to spent going in the wrong direction. He country’s ability to plan for its future? edge;” said Irini Gorgiladze, Dean of tion to the plan.” The limited number of appointed planning boards so that land offered assistance in establishing a cred- In light of Tbilisi’s recently completed School of Government at GIPA, “we plan meetings, sometimes low attendance at use and development decisions are buff- ible program for Tbilisi. General Plan, the answer to this ques- to continue offering this important per- them and overly technical content pre- ered from direct political involvement City planning capacities have increased tion is important for those looking for spective beyond this semester.” sented during the General Plan meetings by elected offi cials. This is to prevent substantially in Tbilisi in recent years, improvement in Tbilisi’s urban structure. Students and members of the public was acknowledged. Media coverage was private deals from occurring and ensures especially in response to the General Evidence of chaotic development is all who attended the seminar were particu- not a suffi cient backup support for involve- that debate on new developments will Plan, and the City is continuing to too common. larly focused on the role of public par- ment during the General Plan develop- be reviewed publicly, solely for their strengthen it plan implementation capac- Four years ago, systematic considera- ticipation at the beginning and through- ment. There seemed to be a consensus merit and their adherence to governing ities. Its planning staff size now exceed tion of Georgia’s urbanization was only out the plan preparation process. “I among those attending the GIPA seminar zoning, site planning and environmental forty professionals, an encouraging step beginning to surface according to urban question whether the public was ade- that Tbilisi needs to develop a sustaining regulations. forward. planner Gogi Abashidze, one of four pan- elists who spoke at a Capstone Seminar on the topic of urban planning. He joined Davit Asanidze, Head of Urban Policy & Planning for Tbilisi, Anano Tsintsabadze, an attorney with legal experience in plan- ning issues, and Roger Akeley, a guest planner from New York, to review the recent past and current progress in Tbi- lisi’s planning capabilities. The seminar was the culmination of an intensive urban planning course offered by the Georgian Institute of Pub- lic Affairs (GIPA) in October. Graduate students have examined topics of urban history, planning processes in a demo- cratic environment, and planning meth- ods necessary to gain approvals for development projects. Students focused on three Tbilisi neighborhoods for anal- ysis as they examined issues of historic preservation, economic development, environmental protection, urban design and transportation. The instructor, Roger Akeley, is a former planning commissioner and professor in New York. He came to Georgia on a Ful- bright Specialist Grant, administered by Tbilisi. Image source: reynaers.cz/ GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE NOVEMBER 15 - 18, 2019

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER November 19 romantic comedy telling a story (2nd-4th century AD), goldsmiths' GRAND MASTERS FROM THE REZO about Georgia and its people by tools from the Museum's GEORGIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM GIFT FESTIVAL Animated documentary fi lm combining song, dance, culture, ethnographic collection, and items COLLECTION XIX – XX CENTURY PROGRAM 2019 Directed by Leo Gabriadze traditions, history, national made from gold and precious English Subtitles costumes and local cuisine. metals. Until November 20 November 15, 16 Start time: 20:00 Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15 GEL Until December 9 Georgian National Museum and the GIFT FESTIVAL presents a living Ticket: 50-80 GEL Embassy of Italy in Georgia present legend, inseparable from the Exhibition November 20, 21 MUSEUM OF CERAMICS the exhibition history of contemporary dance- Ms. MUSEUM "THE FORM OF COLOR FROM THE AUTUMN OF MY Eight artists united around the Carolyn Carlson, with her company TINTORETTO TO CANALETTO" SPRINGTIME idea of creating a museum of and the Georgian Premier of from Trieste's National Gallery of Revaz Gabriadze GEORGIAN NATIONAL Crossroads to Synchronicity MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA ceramics to describe the history of Ancient Art. Directed by Revaz Gabriadze Venue: Rustaveli Theater MUSEUM ceramics: Malkhaz Shvelidze, Nato English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 3 Rustaveli Ave. Eristavi, Lia Bagrationi, Gigisha TBILISI DIGITAL SPACE Start time: 20:00 TEL (+995 32) 299 80 22, 293 48 21 Pachkoria, Lali Kutateladze, Otar Tbilisi Mall Ticket: 20, 30 GEL Vepkhvadze, Merab Gugunashvili, November 17,18,19 www.museum.ge WORLD PREMIERE Ilia Biganashvili. The fi rst museum of digital art in SHALIKASHVILI THEATER Tbilisi, where you will meet three KING LEAR. REIMAGINATION Exhibitions: OF ANDRIY ZHOLDAK 37 Rustaveli Ave. IOSEB GRISHASHVILI different spaces: Vazha-Pshavela's GEORGIAN COSTUME AND Based on William Shakespeare’s TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM "Dried beech", the world of torches, WEAPONRY OF THE 18TH-20TH play “The Tragedy of King Lear” November 15, 16 - KARVASLA and a digital space decorated with Start time: 20:00 SHAKESPEARE SONNETS CENTURIES 8 Sioni St. various graphic and visuals effects. Venue: Griboedov Theater Based on William Shakespeare’s NUMISMATIC TREASURY TEL (+995 32) 2 98 22 81 In the main hall is decorated with sonnets EXHIBITION STONE AGE video projections and mirrors, OPERA AND BALLET Language: Non-verbal GEORGIA FRIDON NIJARADZE’S FIRST demonstrating there is no boundary THEATER Start time: 20:00 ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE SOLO EXHIBIITON between man and nature. 25 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. Ticket: 15 GEL NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL Curator: Natalia Kldiashvili Ticket: 10-30 GEL COLLECTIONS MUSIC November 16, 17 MOVEMENT THEATER MUSEUM OF SOVIET UN BALLO IN MASCHERA 182 Agmashenebli Ave. OCCUPATION Until December 10 TBILISI CONCERT HALL Giuseppe Verdi An international-scale 4 Rustaveli Ave. November 15 1 Melikishvili Ave. Participants: George Oniani, Irina archaeological exhibition TEL (+995 32) 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 INTRO Taboridze, Mamuka Lomidze, THE COLORS OF ANCIENT ROME. www.museum.ge Directed by Kakha Bakuradze November 21 Tea Demurishvili, Mariam MOSAICS FROM THE Music: Sandro Nikoladze PETER BENCE Roinishvili, Levan Makaridze, Giorgi The exhibition hall is equipped FIX Group Language: Non-verbal CAPITOLINE MUSEUMS Goderdzishvili, Levan Tabukashvili, with monitors, where visitors Start time: 23:00 Mute Movie The exhibition features 21 mosaics Aleksandre Tibelishvili, Paata can see documentaries of various Ticket: 50 GEL Sukhitashvili. Start time: 20:00 found in Rome, covering a wide chronological period ranging from historical events. Conductor: Filippo Conti Ticket: 10, 15 GEL BUDA BAR AREA 2nd century BC until 4th century AD Music Director of the production: THE BOOK MUSEUM Rike Zaza Azmaiparashvili November 16 5 Gudiashvili Str., National Until December 15 Director, Scenographer, Costume THE STORY OF A MURDERER Parlamentary Library November 16 Designer: Pierluigi Samaritani Directed by Kakha Bakuradze The fi rst-ever exhibition of a +995 32 297 16 40 ORIGAMI X RISE SHOWCASE Start time: 19:00 Music: Sandro Nikoladze remarkable coin from Age control: 21+ Ticket: 15-200 GEL Language: Non-verbal the time of King David the Builder The Book Museum holds a Start time: 20:00 Start time: 20:00 The coin shows Kind David IV unique collection of items, Ticket: 10-90 GEL Ticket: 10, 15 GEL GABRIADZE THEATER dressed in Byzantine imperial including the private libraries 14 Shavteli Str. attire, wearing stemma, and of Ilia Chavchavadze, Dimitri TBILISI BAROQUE FESTIVAL November 17 Rustaveli Theater, Small Stage holding a Globus cruciger. On Bakradze, Giorgi Chubinashvili, PARADISO November 15, 16 the reverse is an invocation in the recently recovered book Directed by Irakli Khoshtaria November 18, 19 RAMONA Georgian surrounding a cross collections of Grand Duke Michael Revaz Gabriadze Choreographer: Lasha Robakidze EARLY DANCES and listing the extent of David's Nikolaevich Romanov and Brothers Directed by Revaz Gabriadze Language: Non-verbal Musical-Choreographic kingdom: 'Lord, aid David, king Zubalashvili, as well as books with English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Performance the signatures of Ilia Chavchavadze, Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10 GEL of Abkhazians, Kartvelians, Rans, Performers: Ivane Machabeli, Victor Hugo, Ticket: 20, 30 GEL Kakhs, Armenians.' Tbilisi State Chamber Orchestra– Dmitri Mendeleev and Antoine- MUSIC & DRAMA STATE Georgian Sinfonietta Augustin Renouard. November 17 THEATER Until November 30 Giorgi Aleksidze Tbilisi STALINGRAD 182 Agmashenebeli Ave. Exhibition ‘Wisdom Transformed Contemporary Ballet (artistic GALLERY director Mariam Aleksidze) Revaz Gabriadze into Gold' Mikheil Abramishvilic- Directed by Revaz Gabriadze November 19 Supported by the EU countertenor, Georgia English Subtitles With ancient archaeological fi nds, THE NATIONAL GALLERY WELCOME TO GEORGIA Anna Kurdovanidze– harpsichord Start time: 20:00 The Musical the exhibition presents for the fi rst 11 Rustaveli Ave. & positive organ, Georgia Ticket: 20, 30 GEL A musical, theatrical play and time gold jewelry of Late Antiquity TEL (+995 32) 215 73 00 Josep Maria Marti Duran– theorbo & baroque guitar, Spain Daniel Garay Moragues– drums, Spain Uta Bekaia– costume creator Start time: 19:30 Ticket: 10-30 GEL

DJANSUG KAKHIDZE TBILISI CENTER FOR MUSIC & CULTURE 123a Agmashenebeli Ave.

November 16 CONCERT OF THE N. SULKHANISHVILI GEORGIAN STATE CHOIR Which performs choral works by N. Sulkhanishvili, I.Kechakmadze, J. Beglarishvili, R. Khorava, Z. Bolkvadze and L.Basharuli. Conductors will be members of State Choir T. Talakvadze, K. Kartvelishvili, M. Gulagashvili, M. Edisherashvili, G. Janelidze, G. Afriamashvili, G. Gogichashvili, I. Kortava, I. Kakhniashvili, G. Mkervalidze, G. Margvelashvili, D. Kakhidze. Start time: 19:30 Ticket: 10-30 GEL

MOVEMENT THEATER 182 Agmashenebli Ave.

November 19 JAM SESSION- Improv played by different Georgian and foreign musicians and instrumentalists. Musical art director- Sandro Nikoladze Start time: 21:00 Ticket: 5 GEL GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 15 - 18, 2019 CULTURE 15 Hidden Treasures? – Untranslated Tales of Yesteryear

itary ruler) of Mingrelia. With her options wrote Georgian-themed articles for BY PETER SKINNER limited and under Russian pressure, German-language newspapers in Europe. Princess Ekaterina moved to St Peters- In 1877, the couple moved to Zugdidi, burg, joining the Russian court, but with where Ekaterina’s daughter Salomé had oday’s Georgia is intent on visits together with her children to Paris set up home with her husband, Achille telling her story to a wide and to Homburg, where she was a widely Murat, grandson of Napoleon’s General range of international audi- recognized society fi gure. Bertha will- Murat Artur von Suttner took up estate ences – students from abroad, ingly met the princess, “a very elegant management, assisting both Achille and visitors, and the international lady of forty-six or forty-seven, still also Ekaterina’s son Niko with their prop- Tbusiness community. Georgia, produces goodly to look upon, and must in her erties, including installing “horse-thief- attractive, accurate and engaging materi- youth been a dazzling beauty of the proof stalls.” Then, after Princess Ekat- als on the nation’s literary history, archi- genuine Georgian type.“ A close friend- erina’s death in 1882, the couple moved tecture, art, costume; publications include ship developed, and Bertha found her to Tbilisi, where Artur’s attempt to start of all these works fall after the von Sutt- book (ordered on-line), I certainly agree the contemporary take on detective fi ction, new life, with its “oriental, exotic quality, a timber business proved unsuccessful. ners’ return to Austria, it is likely that at with the reviewer’s fi nal comment – futuristic and science fi ction, women’s commingled with the Russian and Paris- All in all, Bertha and Artur made the least the earlier books were fi rst serial- “There is plenty of stirring adventure issues, and much else. ian tone of high society, spiced with best of a challenging but enjoyable dec- ized in Austrian and German magazines and picturesque description [in it],” and Yet one category of literature remains romance and surrounded with the glitter ade in Georgia, throwing themselves into or newspapers during the couple’s sojourn would add that the story moves rapidly wrapped in comparative – if not com- of wealth” to be fascinating. So is Ber- every sort of practical work but also in Georgia, and that book-form publica- and that it also presents incisive analyses plete – obscurity. What do we have on tha’s biography, The Records of an Event- remaining avid autodidacts, immersing tion came later.) of power structures, local conditions hand by way of 19th-century writer- ful Life (1910), in which she records a themselves in the books of Darwin, Hae- Intriguingly, in 1890 a novel by Artur and Turkish and Georgian daily life. traveler-explorer literature on Georgia? great deal more of the oriental, exotic ckel, Spencer, Whewell Buckle and other von Suttner titled Djambek the Georgian What then of Artur’s other Caucasian Works of the 1850s to 1900: more modern and romantic . . . a fair amount of which scientifi c worthies of the period, both was published in English in New York works? None appear to have been trans- than archaic, more given to adventure involved her personally. Being told by European and Georgian. Then in 1885, – it is likely to be a translation of Die lated into English; all exist in only a and romance than to dutiful accounts of Prince Erekle, the melancholy son of Artur’s reconciliation with his parents Ajaren, 1890. In it von Suttner presents handful of copies housed in no-loans- domestic life and small-farming? This Giorgi XII, last king of Georgia, that she permitted the couple to repatriate them- the adventures of Djambek, a resident permitted European national or univer- was, after all the age in which the color- was “a magnifi cent girl” and meetings selves back to his family’s castle in Har- of Ajara (a Georgian province held by sity libraries. Ein Aznaour is the rarest ful works of Sir Walter Scott and Lord Emperor Alexander II of Russia and with mannsdorf in Lower Austria. the Turks until 1878). The anonymous title; only one copy is listed. Byron were known to every educated Princess Anna Chavchavadze (who had Though almost entirely unknown today, reviewer of The Critic, Vol. 16. May 1890, Can we hope that Georgian literary Georgian. Action, adventure, escapism been Shamyl’s captive in 1854), were only the couple’s journalistic writings on states: scholars will meet with their German fueled rich and often exotic narratives. part of the fascination. Georgia certainly deserve re-examination; DJAMBEK THE GEORGIAN is called and Austrian counterparts who special- The October 17th issue of Georgia More than a decade later, in 1876, Ber- both were much published writers of a ‘Tale of Modern Turkey,’ but it is Asi- ize on Georgia and together examine Today carried an article on Alexandre tha, now thirty-three, married Artur tested skills. But also of great interest is atic Turkey that the author means, for Artur’s novels and Bertha’s journalism? Dumas’ engaging travelogue, Voyage au Gundaccar von Suttner; she had been a Artur’s literary work. In a chapter of her the hero only leaves his native province Can we hope for any translations into Caucase (1859), so rich in anecdote and tutor to his sisters. Both sets of parents biography that covered 1877, Bertha states for the neighboring Russian (sic) terri- English of Artur’s colorful and vivid excursions into the more dramatic epi- had hoped their child would marry into “My husband’s Caucasian stories and tory to return to it with a Russian army. works on Georgia or Bertha’s commen- sodes of Georgian history, but – sadly great wealth, and both were very disap- novels were meeting with great success, Djambek, a young Georgian landed pro- taries on daily life? The titles of the nov- – still not yet translated in full in a mod- proving of the match. The couple will- and my Inventarium einer Seele . . . and prietor, falls in love with the grand-niece els indicate a great variety of time peri- ern, illustrated edition. But other authors ingly accepted the invitation that Princess belles-lettres were equally in demand.” of his Pasha – a bewitching damsel, who ods, regions, and protagonists, and we writing on Georgia remain un-translated Ekaterina, now back in Mingrelia, Artur published at least eight “lost” nov- had been educated at the French school could certainly expect accurate and into English. Perhaps two of the most extended to them to visit her. The wildly els or narratives on Caucasian and Geor- in Trebizond, and has quite modern and perceptive work; Artur and Bertha kept prolifi c were Artur Gundaccar von Suttner optimistic Bertha even hoped that the gian themes, among them: Daredjan: Western notions of women’s rights. His in continuing touch with a wide range and his wife Bertha Kinsky von Wchin- Princess’ son Niko, now the nominal Mingrelisches Sittenbild (1886); Ein love is returned, but he loses the Pasha’s of European and Georgian scholars, and itz und Tettau – whose personal and Dadian of Mingrelia, would secure Artur Aznaour: kaukasischer roman (1886); favor by insisting on reforms the latter their work received much praise. Both professional live were full of romance “a position as aide to the emperor [Alex- Der Battono (1886); Kinder der Kaukasus is too indolent to carry out. He plans on were avid students of Georgian history and interest, and who merit rediscovery. ander II] or something of the sort.” Noth- (1890); Die Adjaren (1890); Schamyl elopement but is caught and clapped in and literature – even completing an The story begins in Germany in 1864, ing of the sort eventualized, but after a (1891); Ein Dämon (1895); and Die a prison. The extortions of the subordi- unpublished German language-version in the spa town of Homburg vor der typically warm Georgian welcome, which Tscherkessen: roman (2 vols); 1896-98). nate Turkish offi cials drive his country- of The Knight in the Panther Skin. Höhe. Bertha, the then unmarried 21-year- Bertha eloquently describes in her biog- (The English-language titles would be: men to revolt. They release Djambek, Artur and Bertha’s works – books and old music-loving daughter of impover- raphy, together with details of the jour- Daredjan: A Portrayal of Mingrelian who aids in maintaining a guerilla war- journalism – are a buried treasure, a huge ished Czech aristocrats, was advised by ney, receptions and a long stay in the Customs (1886); An Aznaour: A Cauca- fare on the borders, until the outbreak and long-unopened album capturing a her voice teacher that “The Princess of summer palace at Gordi, the von Suttners sian Novel (1886); The Prince (1888); of the Russo-Turkish war brings him a vast range of Georgian scenes. The urgent Mingrelia” had a “keen desire to make made every effort to pay their way. The The Children of the Caucasus (1890); commission and an opportunity to regain challenge of rediscovery must be seen her acquaintance.” The princess was couple moved to Kutaisi, where they The Ajarans (1890); Shamyl (1891); A the charming Tamar, and to pay off old as a great opportunity to present color- Ekaterina Chavchavadze Dadiani, the taught music and German to the children Demon (1895); and The Circasssians: a scores. ful Georgian history and life to new widow of Prince David, Dadian (hered- of wealthy families; in addition, they novel (1896-98). (As the publication dates Having had the pleasure of reading the generations of readers. (1497) Gábor Markovics Exhibition at IArt Gallery to Celebrate National Hungarian Day Ia Bokuchava, the owner of the gallery beginnings of stories that will continue The exposition was opened by Ms. H.E. and the curator of the exhibition added to live on with you from the moment Dr. Viktória Horváth, Ambassador of that “though Markovics is very unique you look at them. You are left to wonder, Hungary to Georgia, and attended by with his style, in his works one can see for example, what the backgrounds and the artist himself. It was open to the the crossovers with the Georgian con- futures are of the sleeping little girl, boy public through November 6. As reported ception of the world.” with a butterfl y on him, and man spitting by the organizers, around 1000 visitors Around thirty paintings showcased in seeds into a bowl. came to the gallery to see the paintings IArt Gallery were chosen from private The Hungarian painter also met with of the Hungarian painter. By joint efforts of the Hungarian collections, but three of them were cre- his Georgian counterparts. “We couldn’t be happier with how the BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE Embassy to Georgia and the IArt Gallery, ated especially for the exhibition, pre- “Markovics met important Georgian exhibition turned out,” the Hungarian for the fi rst time, the works of Gabor ceded by the artist’s journey through contemporary painters. They bonded Embassy stated. Markovics were introduced to the Geor- Georgia during which time he familiar- and I’m sure their connections will keep The National day of Hungary, October n October 23, Hungary gian public. ized himself with different aspects of them in touch,” the curator of the exhi- 23 historically dates back to the Hungar- celebrated their National Dr. Anikó Farkas of the Hungarian Georgian culture and history, common bition told us. ian Revolution of 1956. The Hungarian Holiday. To emphasize Embassy to Georgia, told GEORGIA village people as well as their character. Showing signs of an outstanding imag- Revolution of 1956 (a.k.a. Hungarian once more the diplomatic TODAY that it was no accident that they “He made these works for the IArt exhi- ination from his early years, Markovics’ Uprising of 1956) was a spontaneous and friendly ties between chose specifi cally Markovics’ works for bition but they are not works made out fi rst painting showed an owl butterfl y, nationwide revolt against the govern- theO two countries, Georgia marked the the exhibition. “He’s a very popular of mere responsibility to do so,” Bokuchava with which he won the National Draw- ment of the People’s Republic of Hungary date on the calendar as well. painter in his native country of Hungary. tells us. “There lays great fascination in ing competition when he was just 14 and its Soviet-imposed policies, lasting On Thursday, October 24, IArt Gallery It was important for us to show how these pictures: the artist opens the door years old. Works by Gabor Markovics from 23 October until 10 November 1956. presented an exhibition titled Staring contemporary artists from Hungary and to the psychology of the characters.” are distinguished for their rich color, At the inauguration of the Third Hun- IntoThe Well from young Hungarian Georgia connect in the expression of True to her words, the Hungarian art- sophisticated composition and deep garian Republic in 1989, 23 October was painter Gábor Markovics. their art.” ist’s paintings are fl oating conceptions, philosophical stance towards reality. declared a national holiday.

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