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DUTCH AMBASSADOR: WE SHALL THE NEW PRESIDENT OF PACE: IN WHAT CONTEXT OVERCOME OUTDATED HAS PEDRO AGRAMUNT MENTIONED GEORGIA? TRADITIONS EXCLUSIVE P. 3 P. 5 The implementation by authorities is a formal thing. But then again I come to hearts and minds of people ICC STARTS TO where the reforms should be internalized; i.e. that is more difficult, because sometimes you have to overcome INVESTIGATE AUGUST old traditions, prejudices and sometimes an opinion that you’ve always had. It is a difficult process. We have one WAR CRIMES P. 7 program where we, together with our partner NGO, in- form clergy and people affiliated with the Georgian Or- thodox Church about what Europe actually means. NATO REPORT GIVES HOPE TO GEORGIA POLISH GOVERNMENT GRANTED P. 8 1 MILLION EURO FOR DEVELOPMENT TIFLIS PALACE HOTEL PROJECTS IN GEORGIA EXCLUSIVE P. 4 NAMED WINNER OF TRIPADVISOR’S 2016 I would like to mention the Polish support to Geor- gia in terms of sharing experience concerning the EU TRAVELERS’ CHOICE AWARD integration process. Because we have that experience, EXCLUSIVE P. 10 we have received support from the Netherlands and then offered this experience to Macedonia. Georgia is the second country andthe first in the Eastern Partnership WHY WAS THE HEAD COACH with whom we want to cooperate on the same basis. OF GEORGIA’S NATIONAL This means that we are ready to give our full support, providing experts, and assistance across all areas of EU FOOTBALL TEAM FIRED? integration. P. 15 2 FEBRUARY 1, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE NEWS GEORGIAN TROOPS WILL CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS Consultations with partner countries will be held We also discussed Resolute support Mission in Af- in order to continue Georgian military participation ghanistan and Georgian soldiers’ participation in in international missions, – it was said after meet- the cooperation “, – said the Prime Minister. ing of Security Council. President Giorgi Margvelashvili said that he The council discussed two issues: the prepara- heard a lot of positive information on Georgian tion for the NATO summit in Warsaw and the in- soldiers participating in international missions. ternational military missions. According to him, at the meeting there was no “There was talk about further strengthening of discussion on Central Africa peacekeepers, which country’s defense, deeper integration with NATO. are accused in sexual harassment by the UN chief.

GEOSTAT: GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT GREW 2.8% IN 2015

Geostat published the information about the GDP operative data. In those fields where the monthly growth 0,3% in December 2015 compared with the data (eg. Agriculture) is not available, the estima- same period last year, while the IV quarter of 2015, tions are based on the previous data. Respectively, GDP grew 2.9%. In total, according to preliminary real quarterly calculations may differ from the pre- data in 2015 the GDP increased by 2.8%. liminary estimates “, – explained the facility. “Since January 2012, the state statistics office According to the National Statistics Office, there produces monthly preliminary estimation of eco- could be a correction in the previous months of the nomic growth. The estimate is an internationally VAT taxpayers’ turnover, which would result in accepted practice, which is used for short-term pre- proper corrections of real GDP growth estimates. GEORGIA IS A LEADER IN THE REGION IN TERMS OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REFORM The EU appreciates the public administration re- public service and its implementation”, Georgia’s form carried out in Georgia, – it was noted at to- public service reform process, the need to develop day’s regional conference. public service legislation and its implementation, At the meeting it was underlined that Georgia is as well as the experience of foreign countries will a leader in public administration reform in the re- be discussed. gion. The ministries and non-governmental organiza- In the frame of the conference, which is called tions, invited guests and international experts are “Civil service reform: legislation in the sphere of participating in the event. 3 FEBRUARY 1, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE POLITICS DUTCH AMBASSADOR: WE SHALL OVERCOME OUTDATED TRADITIONS ANA ZANKALIANI EXCLUSIVE It is already twelfth time that are our collective representa- tations and that you accept each the kingdom of the Netherlands tives. Of course, they interact other. It takes time though, that holds the Presidency of the with us a lot, because they act on these values are not just written Council of the European Union. behalf of the European Union. on paper, but in your hearts. There are expectations that the You have seen a very detailed You actively support business changes within these six months report about Georgia’s visa lib- relations between Georgia and will reflect positively on political eralization action plan imple- Netherlands, in which areas and economical status of Europe- mentation. Anti-discrimination do Georgian and Dutch com- an Union. Netherlands have four is one of the topics therein. Our panies cooperate and what are priorities from which the first Embassy and all the Embassies your future commitments in one is related to migration and of the EU Member States, inter- this area? international security. The other act with government and society, Georgia is a really small mar- three fields are employment, en- especially, with the civil society, ket, but it is very challenging and ergy policy and strengthening to bring forward what we call interesting one. There is a Dutch the Euro zone. How these chang- the European values indeed and export volume on one side and es will affect on Georgia and what you have mentioned spe- the investment volume on the expert, or become interested in open to people. You can see it in what plans does the Netherlands cifically - the antidiscrimination other side. We were the number it, then there’s Georgia again. our office space, how we actual- embassy have towards Georgia? aspects. What we’ve noticed is one investors in 2014, down to Two Georgians are playing in ly do that and how people relate Observer talked about these is- that Georgia has come a long 330 million US dollars; these are one of our football teams in the to each other. We want to have sues with the new ambassador of way and has made lots of pro- the latest figures that we have. Netherlands, Vitesse. We have an open approach, open office the Netherlands Jos Douma. He gress, but the emphasis should When you can zoom into what a wonderful chess couple: Sop- space and open Facebook page. already enjoyed 4 months now in be on true implementation now; we actually do here, then you iko Guramishvili, who is one of We also have a website but that Georgia, together with his wife which means that it should not can see that we are active in ag- the major female chess players is much more static and it gives and started active work of diplo- only be written on paper, but, riculture, real estate and retail. in the Netherlands and her hus- basic information about the Em- macy. most importantly, in the minds Despite not having abounding band, Anish Giri, of Indian ori- bassy. The third is Twitter, that is The Netherlands holds the of the Georgians and noticeably Dutch companies in Georgia, gin, who is our youngest grand more my personal activity. With Presidency of the Council of in the acts of citizens and of au- our business companies play an master and Dutch greatest asset Twitter I try to relate to policy the European Union from thorities. important role in Georgian mar- in chess. I should also mention makers, policy thinkers in Geor- January 1 until June 30, how it How do you assess Georgian ket and their presence has been Georgian musicians: Qeti Roin- gia and beyond; express ideas, will affect on Georgia? way to the European and Eu- evident. ishvili, Mariam Batashvili and developments and the views The relevance of the Dutch ro-Atlantic integration, how What do you mean in pres- Nino Gvetadze. A filmmaker from the Netherlands. While we Presidency of the European Un- successful and visible are the ence? Zaza Magalasjvili considers the have the Presidency of the EU, I ion for Georgia is very limited. reforms that have been carried Take for instance shopping Netherlands as his home, but try to involve the Georgian audi- We preside over meetings in out and where do you see the malls. Recently opened Shop- Georgia as his motherland. ence in what it actually means. Brussels, mostly technical. We need for improvement? ping mall Isani is a joint French- Does it mean that cultural re- I believe, and the Embassy be- host ministers and guests in Am- The implementation by author- Dutch investment, with Dutch lations are close between Neth- lieves, that this type of interac- sterdam and sometimes in other ities is a formal thing. But then know-how in the background. erlands and Georgia? tion can indeed bring people to- places, on specific subjects and again I come to hearts and minds The Spar shops that you find Yes, I think so. Whether you gether and that’s what we notice then we try to bring forward Eu- of people where the reforms here, is a Dutch concept. Not can say that for two countries I especially through our Facebook ropean integration and the Eu- should be internalized; i.e. that only as a brand name, but more don’t know, but people know page. The audience both in the ropean Union in particular. That is more difficult, because some- so as a concept of retail manage- how to find each other. When Netherlands and in Georgia and is for the member states mostly. times you have to overcome old ment: how to approach the cus- my wife and I have heard that sometimes also beyond, likes One particular aspect is that, traditions, prejudices and some- tomer, how to attract customers, we were about to be posted here, what we do, in general and quite during the Dutch Presidency we times an opinion that you’ve al- how to have customers feel home we spoke to people about this often also on certain activities or hope to decide upon visa liberali- ways had. It is a difficult process. in your shop. A major player is country they either were positive on certain expressions. Certain- zation for Georgia, that’s a tech- We have one program where we, a development bank, the FMO. about Georgia, or were very curi- ly, diplomacy is helpful to bring nical process; those colleges of together with our partner NGO, They participate in one of the ous about it. It appears to be not nations together. mine preside over. The European inform clergy and people affili- largest banks in Georgia, TBC very well known country, but it It is the third year that we do Commission published a report ated with the Georgian Orthodox Bank and they have minor po- has some sparkles. not have the Dutch first lady, on this issue in late December. Church about what Europe ac- sitions in other banks also. And Your Embassy is very active however, she still lives in Geor- The Council of Ministers will tually means. We all have our why do they do that? Simply be- in terms of social media; do gia, do you keep relations with decide and the European Parlia- views and ideas, but should cause they see Georgia is a very you think that the embassies Sandra Roelofs, and how do ment will vote on it. This is the question ourselves whether these interesting country for this kind should use innovative tools to you assess her role in the rela- process we are deeply involved ideas are conform to the reality of investments, to develop the bring two states and nations tions between Georgia and the in and, as I said, our role is main- of the EU. For me it was striking country and to develop the econ- closer? Netherlands? ly technical. What we are also to attend such conferences and omy. So it is not just presence of I really believe in this type of She’s been very helpful, but trying to do is to bring the ideas to notice that it was a revolution companies, it is wider financial, diplomacy. The embassy was it’s not only because of her mar- of the European Union across to for these people, -“Hey, this is it, emotional and know-how com- very active before my arrival. riage with Mikheil Saakashvili. the Georgian public. the true value of European Un- mitments to the country. That The Embassy is very active on It is simply because she explored Dutch MEPs share expecta- ion”. “I never saw it this way”. It makes me to be committed. Facebook. When we hosted our Georgia. She did so as a student tions that Netherlands under is important - you recognize that Georgian artists and sports- 10 000 likers, we asked for some and then she met him. So there the Council Presidency will this is it! And I witnessed that. men often appear in the Dutch feedbacks. The audience, if we was Georgia first. Saakashvili is draw member states’ atten- That was wonderful. media, what do you think what may call them that way, likes an not in the country anymore and tion to shared interests and What we try to share with is the reason? And how would interactive relation with the Em- she’s still here. For us, she’s a common values, Georgia is not Georgia is what we think that you describe cultural and bassy through this digital, virtual normal Dutch citizen and also a member of the EU, but still are European values and in fact sport relations between the two link. First of all, the Embassy is a Georgian citizen. She brings what are the values that we Georgian authorities subscribe to countries? not just a building but should be across a message about Georgia need to accept, especially in these values. Now we together I fear that not many in the Neth- more than what it is tradition- and indeed it generates interac- terms of the anti-discrimina- with Georgian authorities want erlands will always know what ally known for. We should be in tion between the two countries. tion? to have all the Georgians to ac- they see is a Georgian. For them the middle of the society, so to Sandra Roelofs has been and still Well again, most of the works cept that you can have different it’s a football player, or an art- speak and that also means the is a very good agent both for the outside the EU itself are done by opinions, a different religion, dif- ist, or a chess player that plays virtual society. Secondly, I be- Netherlands in Georgia and for the European delegation. They ferent ethnicity, different orien- well. But when you become an lieve the Embassy needs to be Georgia in the Netherlands. 4 FEBRUARY 1, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE POLITICS POLISH GOVERNMENT GRANTED 1 MILLION EURO FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN GEORGIA TEIMURAZ SHA EXCLUSIVE Seven years ago, Poland and It is quite early to make any Sweden initiated the European predictions, as there is still Union’s Eastern Partnership more than half a year before the (EaP) that brought Georgia, Summit and we still have nego- Ukraine, and Moldova, three out tiations and consultations inside of six member states, closer to the alliance. I am sure that at the European Union’s values and least Georgia will be notified politics. However, the process of that it will become a member of transition has been made more NATO. We may have additional difficult as it has interfered with instruments of practical coopera- the Russian project of a build- tion between NATO and Georgia ing a rebranded Soviet Union which should be decided by then. throughout the region. Recently, we have had a very With the help of its foreign good mechanism in the Sub- partners, especially Poland, stantial NATO-Georgia Package Georgia has managed to advance from previous summit; let us on the path to European and Eu- focus on implementation of this ro-Atlantic integration. Georgia package, including training cent- has hopes to receive a NATO ers. And the main thing now is to Membership Action Plan (MAP) continue the integration. at the Warsaw Summit, a marker How would you evaluate the of progress and symbolic victo- dynamic of Georgian-Polish ry. Observer recently discussed relations? these issues with H.E. Andrzej Polish-Georgian relations are Cieszkowski, Ambassador Ex- very intensive and it doesn’t rely traordinary and Plenipotentiary on the party which is in power Georgian-Polish relations? Diaspora in Georgia? rity and sovereignty of Georgia of the Republic of Poland to in Georgia or in Poland. There We see Georgia as a country The Polish Diaspora in Georgia and Ukraine, and there is not any Georgia. is continued Polish engagement that decided to go on the path of is highly integrated in Georgian country which can break these The EU’s Eastern Partner- in Georgia; we have a very in- the EU and NATO integration. society. We have a few organiza- rules. I am sure that the time ship still faces a lot of criticism tensive dialogue onevery level We consider this policy very tions in particular which are very will come for reintegration of and skepticism even within the of cooperation. We had a meet- wise and potentially very fruit- active. Here in Georgia we have the Abkhazia and South Ossetia European Union. After seven ing last year between presidents, ful. Integration with NATO will one of the oldest communities in regions with Georgia, as well as years of its existence, how do last month there was a meeting give stability, and integration the world, which started in the the Donbas and Crimea regions you assess the success of this between the Ministers of De- with the EU has a lot of bene- 18th century and was then devel- with Ukraine, through a diplo- policy so far? fense, last week between the fits–democratization of the state, oped after the Polish uprising of matic solution. The EaP was one of the first heads of parliaments of Georgia strengthening of institutions, the 19th century. The community What is the biggest challenge programs created by the EU to and Poland, and now we plan opening up to a huge market of was supported by artists, writers, for Poland during the current offer opportunity to our Eastern to have an official meeting of 500 million inhabitants – a real and sculptors of Polish origin. crisis in the European Union? neighbours and to bring them Ministries of Foreign Affairs of opportunity for Georgia to be an The Polish community has been Europe has some significant closer to the European Union. Georgia and Poland. As soon as economical partner and use the very active and have made a big problems to deal with, like the The EU does this by propos- Mikheil Janelidze was appointed EU market without barriers, as is impact on Georgian life, espe- refugee crisis, as well as Great ing and offering, not pushing or the Minister of Foreign Affairs in considered in DCFTA. cially architecture.You can look Britain going out of the Union, pressuring,the partners. There- Georgia, his Polish counterpart Our relations will become even at Rustaveli Theatre, Marjanish- but I am optimistic about the EU. fore a platform of cooperation congratulated him and invited stronger. We have additional vili Theatre, Conservatoire, and You probably know that the EU was proposed, which included him to Poland. instruments to be applied. Re- many other buildings that were is based on resolving crises, and the strengthening of bilateral as Additionally, I would like to cently the Polish minister de- designed by Polish artists. We I don’t remember a single year well as multilateral relations. I mention the Polish support to cided to continue to cooperate have two community schools without crisis in the EU. Still, think the EaP has been success- Georgia in terms of sharing ex- with Georgia as a priority coun- and several centers in different the idea of European integration ful, but we should not look at it perience concerning the EU in- try for Polish development as- universities which provide Pol- is one of the most powerful in the only through a geopolitical lens tegration process. Because we sistance. Ukraine and Moldova ish language courses. Generally, world. but also consider the effects of have that experience, we have will receive Polish aid alongside we cooperate with the Polish Solidarity between member the actions taken by the states received support from the Neth- Ukraine and Moldova. We have community organizations in Tbi- states is crucial, and it is also involved. For example, Geor- erlands and then offered this ex- more than 20 projects for the lisi, Lagodekhi, and Akhaltsikhe. very important to recognize how gia, like Moldova and Ukraine, perience to Macedonia. Georgia current year with value of more We are aware of the organiza- many resources will be mobi- signed an Association Agree- is the second country andthe first than 1 million Euros, focused on tions and communities in Abk- lized inside the EU to support ment with the EU in June 2014 in the Eastern Partnership with areas with special needs. We are hazia, but as you know there are and assist developing countries. and got a positive report on the whom we want to cooperate on focusing on bilateral cooperation issues with communication \with The EU is working, and soon visa free-regime in December the same basis. This means that and the relations between re- them and thus we communicate we will say that we managed the 2015. This is a positive example we are ready to give our full sup- gions, cities, and municipalities, with them only electronically. economic crisis, migrant crisis, of how to use these opportunities port, providing experts, and as- and it is a very structured pro- But I hope the time will come and whatever else to come. Re- for good. sistance across all areas of EU cess. They have joint projects, when live communications will garding NATO, I think that our A NATO Summit will be held integration. One of the most meetings, and visits.This is the become possible. goal is to strengthen the eastern in Warsaw this year, and Geor- important projects that we have model which we want to follow, What do you think about borders of NATO because of gia, an aspiring memberof the coming upis meetings at the lev- to not only have relations on the the conflicts in Georgia and current security challenges. I am organization) is still expected els of ministries, deputy minis- governmental level but also on Ukraine? sure that we should invest in the to get the MAP this year, which tries, and directors to discuss is- the level of the society because Poland condemns the illegal countries that are willing to in- will speed up the member- sues related to bilateral relations there is friendship and under- actions of Russia against neigh- tegrate into the alliance, such as ship process. Do you think this and to EU integration. standing between people. boring countries. And we stand Georgia, which is in the process might happen soon? How do you see the future of What is the role of the Polish on side of the territorial integ- of integration. 5 FEBRUARY 1, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE POLITICS THE NEW PRESIDENT OF PACE: IN WHAT CONTEXT HAS PEDRO AGRAMUNT MENTIONED GEORGIA? EKA PKHOVELISHVILI (POLAND) The Parliamentary Assembly of gering the security of Europe, gian interests, as well as Tedo the Council of Europe (PACE) and that“threats to security and Japaridze itself, to make bolder has a new president, Chairman frozen conflicts still exist in the statements. of the People’ Party and member regions of Transnistria, Republic Member of the Georgian Parlia- of the Spanish delegationPedro of Moldova, Abkhazia and South ment Eka Beselia has stated that Agramunt . Before being elected Ossetia, Georgia, and Nagorno- the President’s speech and his for the position, Pedo Agramunt Karabakh, Azerbaijan.” assessments of Georgia were was the chairman of the People’s The new President criticized not objective. ‘’We hope that Party in PACE. Since 2000, he Georgia for the pre-trial deten- Mr. Pedro, as the President of the has been a member of the Span- tion of the former Tbilisi mayor Assembly, forgets his personal ish delegation in the Parliamen- Gigi Ugulava in his report last political friends and sympathies tary Assembly of the Council year . He refocused attention and will be able to make state- of Europe. He succeeds Anne on this issue recently as well, ments which hold to the princi- Brasseur from Luxemburg, the referring to Gigi Ugulava and ples of the Council of Europe,” previous president of PACE. The the Ukrainian Nadia Savchenko said Eka Beselia. president has a one-year man- arrested in Russia as political In response, the opposition date that is renewable one time. prisoners in his statement to be- has responded to the announce- In his inaugural speech, the gin the assessments of the par- ments of the representatives of newly-elected president stated liamentary majority members in the “Georgian Dream” and con- that ‘’We are not assembled here the delegation. demned their critical attitude to- today in the belief that Europe is The head of the Georgian dele- ward PACE. As Davit Bakradze, perfect. We are here because we gation in PACE, Tedo Japaridze, a member of the parliamen- believe that in Europe we must made a statement in response to tary minority,, pointed out, it is solve our problems together,” President’s speech, specifically more profitable for Georgia not before presenting four major the description of Gigi Ugulava to cause controversy with inter- interrelated challenges that are as a political prisoner. He stated national organizations and their At the same time, Georgia wants therefore of major relevance to currently facing Europe. The that “No one is above the law in leaders. Europe to take on some of the the issues surrounding Georgian main challenges for Europe are Georgia. Georgia is a sovereign ‘’I can say with confidence responsibility for guaranteeing statehood. terrorism, the refugee crisis, un- and independent state, and the that for the President of Parlia- security. It can be said that one of the resolved conflicts in Europe, and Parliamentary Assembly should mentary Assembly of the Coun- Officially Tbilisi, unlike the main purposes of Agramunt’s the resurgence of left-wing and contribute to the consolidation of cil of Europe, the Principles of breakaway regions, is a legiti- speech was to reinforce the im- right-wing populism. democracy.” the Council of Europe are more mate partner of the Council of portance of Georgian conflicts In his inaugural speech, Agra- Currently serving as Chairman important than personal or po- Europe, and the steps taken by to the West. The President of the munt mentioned Georgia twice of the Foreign Relations Com- litical friendship,” said Davit the Council will surely bring Parliamentary Assembly of the with respect to critical con- mittee in the Georgian Parlia- Bakradze.The Council of Europe positive developments in the Council of Europe’s mention of cerns. He opined that the fro- ment, Tedo Japaridze has been recognizes the territorial integ- management of conflict. The hig- Abkhazia and South Ossetia has zen conflicts in Abkhazia and newly elected Vice President of rity of Georgia and this is the lighting of Abkhazia and South once again demonstrated that South Ossetia, along with other PACE. His new position is a con- basis for future positive develop- Ossetia by Pedro Agrumunt as these issues are still urgent at the unresolved conflicts on the Eu- siderable achievementfor Geor- ment. Georgia has a strong desire one of the most important fac- international as well as local and ropean continent, are endan- gia, one which may enable Geor- to be a part of Europe’s security. tors for the security in Europe is national level. Palace of Hospitalily Hotel “Tiflis Palace” Offers 7 Categories of Elegantly Designed , Comfortable Rooms from 18m2 to 140m2 with Picturesque Views of Old Tbilisi. 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3 ,Gorgasali Street , 0105 , Tbilisi ,Georgia Tel: +995 32 2 000 245 www.tiflispalace.ge 7 FEBRUARY 1, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE FACT-ANALYSIS ICC STARTS TO INVESTIGATE AUGUST WAR CRIMES GIORGI CHAPIDZE (BULGARIA) The International Criminal ethnic cleansing, affirming that The press secretary of the have violated Georgian airspace tended their attacks to Tbilisi. Court (ICC) authorized on Jan- the aim of the perpetrators of vi- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of several times. It is noted that on The Russian forces were joined uary 27 the Prosecutor Fatou olence was to change the ethnic the Russian Federation has de- the night of August 1-2 in 2008 by South Ossetian troops only Bensouda to investigate crimes composition of the region. The clared that the ICC is not impar- a series of intense exchanges of after these campaigns. The court within the jurisdiction of the ICC’s conclusions align with tial, but is seeing the facts from fire occurred between Georgian may make the argument that the ICC allegedly committed in and these statements. The Ministry the viewpoint of an aggressor. and South Ossetian controlled Russian armed forces were act- around South Ossetia, Georgia, of Justice of Georgia expressed She stated that alleges Russian areas. The Georgian side af- ing as bystanders and were not between July 1 and October its willingness to cooperate with and South Ossetian troops were firms that the first fire was from preventing the attacks by South 10, 2008. On 13 October 2015, the prosecutor Fatou Bensouda merely victims. She added that the area controlled by the sepa- Ossetians to protect ethnic Geor- the ICC prosecutor submit- and provide her with the relevant the Russian Federation is dis- ratists, whereas, the ICC argues gians when they had an effective ted a request to investigate the materials and information within satisfied with the prosecutor’s that the identity of the perpetra- control over the region. case under the article 15 of the a one-month period. pretrial conclusions. How likely tors and the timing of the attack The court notes that deliber- Rome Statute for War Crimes Unlike Tea Tsulukiani, the De- is it that the investigation pro- remain contested. The ICC re- ate attack targeted mainly ethnic and Crimes Against Humanity, fense Minister of Georgia, Tina cess will result in positive out- port also claims that on August Georgians and Georgian villages, including the forcible transfer of Khidasheli, is not content with come for Georgia? Some aspects 8 Georgian troops deliberately using tactics of killing, beating population, persecution, attacks the statements of the ICC prose- of the pretrial findings suggest a attacked Russian peacekeeping and threatening civilians, deten- against the civilian population, cutor and hopes that it was based positive outcome. . The findings forces in two locations, a finding tion, and burning houses. These willful killing, the intentional di- only on the findings of the pre- indicate that by August 12, Rus- which is disastrous for Georgia. acts were reportedly committed rection of attacks against peace- investigation process. It is just sian troops had become an oc- It is also left vague “whether the to reduce the ethnic Georgian keepers, and also destruction of as important that the case be re- cupying power able to enforce Russian peacekeeping force was presence in the region and the property and looting. solved within the framework of Russian regulations and assert at that time directly participating overall objective was to change After examining the request the judicial system. According to effective control over the terri- in the hostilities and whether the the ethnic composition of the and the supporting material, the her, the ICC portrays only Geor- tory. The court concluded that on Georgian forces initiated the at- territory. Moreover, it is noted Chamber concluded that there is gia and South Ossetia as partici- August 13, 2008, Russian troops tack or were instead responding that the hostile acts were alleg- a reasonable suspicion that the pants in the conflict, whereas the established checkpoints enabling to an attack.” The Georgian side edly committed by members of crimes mentioned above took prosecutor Fatou Bensouda al- them to control the area in con- argues that by the time of the Au- the Russian armed forces. It has place in Georgia from July 1 to leges that there was a third par- flict. Unfortunately for Georgia, gust War, Russian “peacekeep- been verified that after Russian October 10, 2008, creating a ba- ticipant in these crimes. Accord- the role of the Russian troops is ers” did not in fact have the sta- aircrafts attacked, Russian and sis for issuing the authorization ingly, there is a possibility that portrayed in a positive light, as it tus of peacekeepers as they were South Ossetian forces were en- for the prosecutor. the court will prove that Russian is noted that their control result- not fighting for self-defense and tering the bombarded Georgian In accordance with statements troops committed war crimes and ed in a significant decrease in the not impartial but in fact support- villages together. The investiga- published on the ICC’s website, crimes against humanity dur- accounts of pillaging and torch- ing the separatists. The court tion may prove that war crimes the court has a mandate to con- ing the August War. The Minis- ing of civilian property by South may draw attention to the Euro- and crimes against human- duct an examination in the ab- ter endorses the court’s decision Ossetian forces. This conclusion pean Parliament’s resolution of ity were committed not only by sence of an investigation process and has issued an investigation does not assume that Russian November 29, 2007, noting that separatists but also by Russian by a state actor or by the United mandate for the period between troops were the ones destroying “the Russian troops have lost troops. It would be harmful for Nations Security Council. Geor- July 1 and October 10. She hopes civilian property. their status of neutral, impartial Georgian national interests if gia has ceased to investigate the that the ICC will end the current According to the ICC report, peacekeepers.” the alleged attack by Georgian case, and therefore the ICC has ambiguity and shed light on the the Russian military took im- The pretrial findings also - in forces on Russian peacekeep- the right to start an inquiry. truth. More importantly, she mediate measures to ensure that clude the fact that Georgian ers is confirmed, but the truth of This conclusion was referred thinks that perpetrators should the OSCE observers were unable troops were confronted by Rus- the status of Russian troops as to by the Georgian Minister of be punished after their crimes to investigate the truth of claims sian forces supporting the sepa- peacekeepers must be verified in Justice Tea Tsulukiani as unam- have been confirmed. The same that the crimes and destruction ratists. The possible proof of the the first place. If the Georgian biguously positive. She stated idea was floated by the prosecu- were perpetrated by South Os- war crimes committed by the side cooperates with the inves- that the investigation is in the tor in her statement claiming that setian forces. Despite this, the Russian troops is the fact that tigation and provide supporting Georgian national interest. The arrest warrants will be issued if court deems that only Georgia on August 8, Russian air forces materials and information, this minister also noted that the pre- war crimes and crimes against and South Ossetia were party reportedly attacked locations in process will put an end to the trial investigation will draw at- humanity have been proven to to the conflict, and the Russian central Georgia, including Vari- speculations about the sides’ in- tention to the investigations of occur. Federation is merely alleged to ani and Gori, and gradually ex- volvement in war crimes. 8 FEBRUARY 1, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE FACT-ANALYSIS NATO REPORT GIVES HOPE TO GEORGIA GURAM PTSKIALADZE (BULGARIA)

On January 28 , 2016, Jens Between June 5 and June 20, Stoltenberg released his second Georgia participated in the big- annual report as NATO Secre- gest ever Allied naval exercise tary General. The annual report in the Baltic Sea. They trained provides an overview of how in marine interdiction, anti-sub- NATO has promoted and sup- marine warfare, mine warfare, ported peace and security in anti-air warfare, and amphibious 2015. It includes details on how landing. Around 5,600 troops NATO is enhancing deterrence took part from Denmark, Esto- and defense, investing in secu- nia, Finland, France, Germany, rity, transforming capabilities, Latvia, Lithuania, the Nether- building relationships, sharing lands, Poland, Sweden, the UK, expertise, advancing the role of and Georgia. The Baltic Sea women in peace and security, and the Coast of Poland Agile and adapting as an institution. Spirit 2015 Multinational Land In his report, Stoltenberg re- Exercise was held in Georgia views the ongoing events of the between July 8 and 22 with a world: the Middle East, Northern scenario on peacekeeping opera- Africa, Syria, Iraq; Terrorism, tions in which over 800 troops Russia’s coercive steps – these from Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, are the core issues of his annual Romania and the US participat- report. ed, although no Georgian troops The document includes the participated. agreement between the sides on The report underlines the sup- the Substantial NATO-Georgia port of NATO for Eastern coun- Package. The package includes tries, saying that “In the East, we the establishment of three facili- continue to support the Ukraine, tive implementation of some of of progressing towards bilateral ber countries towards full mem- ties a Joint Training and Evalu- Georgia, and Moldova to better the most important arms control relations. Georgia actively takes bership. The main concern will ation Center, a Defense Insti- resist outside pressures. Russia agreements and confidence- and part in international missions un- be negotiations with the Ukraine. tution Building School, and a is our largest neighbor. We need security-building measures that der the provision of NATO, and Aside from the Ukraine, Mon- Logistic Facility. Additionally, to have a relationship with Rus- comprise the Euro-Atlantic secu- in Afghanistan, Georgia has the tenegro has become a leading the package includes the provi- sia that is based on mutual re- rity architecture. Russia avoids largest contingent of troops af- candidate to join NATO, and the sion of expert advice in the ar- spect. There is no contradiction the mandatory military transpar- ter US, surpassing the UK, Ger- delegates will confer on wheth- eas of acquisition, strategic and between increasing the strength ency by unilaterally suspending many, Italy, France, and other er Montenegro’s candidature is operational plans, Special Op- of NATO and engaging with its observation of the Conven- countries. By doing so, the south worth membership. As for Geor- erations Forces, military police, Russia. Indeed, it is only by be- tional Armed Forces in Europe Caucasian country emphasizes gia, its main aim is to bring up cyber defense, maritime security, ing strong that we can develop a (CFE) Treaty and the selective its full readiness to move for- the process of getting MAP on aviation, air defense, and strate- cooperative and constructive re- implementation of the Vienna ward with bilateral relations and agenda. gic communications. The final lationship. Russia has continued Document and Open Skies Trea- accomplishing their key goals The primary obstacle in the aspect of the package is support to pursue a more assertive and ty. Russia exploits loopholes in of first receiving MAP and then path of getting MAP for Georgia and contributions to NATO exer- unpredictable military posture in these last two agreements, misre- joining NATO. is Russia. The Regime of Putin cises in Georgia that are open to 2015 and is persisting in illegally porting or failing to report major After having failed to get MAP made it clear even before the war NATO partners. The first phase occupying parts of Georgia, the military exercises and using no- at the Wales summit, Georgia in 2008 that extending the bor- of implementation began in De- Republic of Moldova, and the notice (snap) exercises. continued to carry out its duties. ders of NATO to the east is per- cember of 2014, establishing the Ukraine, and continuing to sup- All in all, a new report is sup- Coming to terms with the or- ceived as a threat to its national DCB Core Team in Tbilisi and port separatists fighting in east- posed to be incontestable, and ganization and its requirements security. the relevant coordination pro- ern Ukraine.”NATO condemns the Georgian Defense Minister`s is regarded as an unambiguously To counter this expansion, cesses. Several other projects the current actions of Russia, as announcement confirms it. positive goal by both NATO and Russia will do its best to avoid were also launched. The first over the last several years there Tinatin Khidasheli pointed out Georgian officials. Taking this such a threat. The events which NATO-Georgia military exercise has been a significant increase that NATO`s willingness to into consideration, Georgia will occurred in Ukraine have high- open to partners, Exercise Agile in Russian military activity near deepen relations with Georgia is presumably ask to receiving a lighted the relationship between Spirit, was held in July 2015. NATO’s borders as well as a reflected in Stoltenberg’s report. Membership Action Plan which the West and Russia. As far as The NATO-Georgia Joint demonstrated willingness to use The next pivotal stage of bilat- would mean a new level in bilat- NATO is aware of Russia’s po- Training and Evaluation Center force in pursuit of its foreign and eral negotiations is at the to War- eral relations. sition and the associated danger, was inaugurated in July 2015 by defense policy goals. Russia’s saw summit taking place on July Stoltenberg’s review allows us the organization might put off Georgian leaders and NATO Sec- use of force in Georgia in 2008, 8-9 this year. A Resolute Support to believe that Georgia is on the the issue of granting Georgia the retary General Jens Stoltenberg, and again with the annexation Program and bilateral relations right path towards NATO mem- MAP until an ambiguous time. at its headquarters in Krtsanisi, of Ukrainian territory in March with partner countries will be on bership, since Georgia’s coop- As we have considerable time where it is part of Georgia’s 2014, has fundamentally chal- the agenda, among other issues. eration in NATO’s activities and before the Warsaw summit, it is Training and Military Education lenged the vision of a whole, free For Georgia, the main task is to steps toward membership in the difficult to make an accurate pre- Command. The center is a com- and peaceful Europe, and under- advance its relations with NATO. organization are mentioned in diction, but we can assume that bined NATO-Georgia project mines the principles of interna- Notwithstanding that Geor- the annual report. On the other the Georgian government will based on Georgian and regional tional relations as agreed in the gia and NATO have made deals hand, NATO castigates Russia’s keep working not only though needs, and complements existing Helsinki Final Act. at Wales’s summit, the central coercive policy not only in the NATO but also its member coun- training programs, policies and For the first time since the Sec- aim–allotting MAP–remained Ukraine but also Georgia. tries. It is therefore obvious that doctrines. The center is tasked ond World War, one European unattained, which is why we At the Warsaw summit, the par- the relationship between the with strengthening Georgia’s country has illegally annexed have no choice but to not recog- ticipants will expand bilateral Russia - Ukraine - NATO trian- capacities to address a range of part of another. Concurrent with nize the results as admissible. On relations and accomplish pro- gles will define the outcome for threats as well as improving the its increasingly aggressive be- the other hand, under the agree- jects proposed by Georgia at the Georgia to a great extent at War- interoperability of Georgian and havior, Russia is reducing mili- ment with the Euro-Atlantic or- Wales summit. The upcoming saw summit while the decision is Allied forces and contributing to tary transparency through the ganization, Georgia made deci- meeting will include discussion made on the position Georgia in regional security cooperation. non-implementation and selec- sive steps in 2014 with the aim of the progress of aspiring mem- NATO. 9 FEBRUARY 1, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE BUSINESS THE PM PLANS NEW REFORMS TO IMPROVE THE BUSINESS CLIMATE IN GEORGIA GURANDA DZAMELASHVILI The Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, has intro- duced the four points plan for improving the business climate in Georgia at the 11th Consulta- tive Board Meeting of the Inter- national Chamber of Commerce of Georgia on January 28. The Prime Minister has high- lighted the importance of tax reforms as well as noting that Georgia will change its tax ad- structural development of the body of its kind in Georgia, con- “While the revenue service pre- the National Statistics Office of ministration system to follow the country really needs to be accel- sisting of eight ambassadors, the vents business activities, invest- Georgia has published different Estonian model in the very near erated. We believe that we can Heads of three major internation- ments in the country will be at information. According to their future. The government will also come up with better solutions al financial institutions, and the a low point. Tax administration, website, investments in the last launch a tax inspection reform. to create better infrastructure for Heads of two major international revenue service, intimidation - four years have increased: in “We will be abolishing the the country, of which the first is organizations. It meets quar- all this must be stopped.” 2012, Georgia received 911,6 profit tax. We are preparing the fast completion of all highway terly with ICC Executive Board Asly also addressed these top- million USD in foreign invest- relevant legislation which will projects and also construction to discuss openly and transpar- ics in an official letter to former ment; in 2013, 941,9 million; in be discussed by the government of several new roads to increas- ently of major issues affecting Prime Minister Garibashvili in 2014, 1758 million; and in the in the near future. A couple of ing the transit capabilities of this the economy in the country. In March of 2015. first three quarters of 2015 1019 months from now only distrib- country.” a statement, Asly demonstrated “It’s been a year since we asked million USD worth of invest- uted earnings will be taxed. We The fourth block of reforms is the ICC’s support for the Prime you to take urgent measures to ments were made in Georgia. need to start a significant liber- to change and improve the edu- Minister’s reforms: stop the harassment and black- The External Trade Turnover alization of the business envi- cation system, and pay more at- “Prime Minister Kvirikashvili mailing of businesses which is has also increased, but not signif- ronment and a comprehensive tention to the professional edu- is the right person in the right carried out by the Revenue Ser- icantly. In 2013 it was 10413 mil- tax reform is something that we cation sector. place. We do trust him and will vice, which is the number one lion USD; in 2013, 10921 mil- think is crucial for making these The Prime Minister underlined be supporting him totally as he obstacle to the development of lion; in 2014, 11454 million; and changes,” said Kvirikashvili. the fact that Georgia has one of works to make his changes. As a business in Georgia. You sys- according to preliminary data, in “We are changing the rules of the most liberal economies in the matter of fact, I think that his ap- tematically ignore our messages 2015 it consisted of 9928 mil- tax inspections. There will be de- region, and has recently launched pointment is the best news I’ve and emails, and your silence and lion USD. The current Minister tailed rules for tax inspectors on negotiations with China about heard in Georgia in the past three inaction deteriorates the situa- of Economy Dimitri Kumsishvili how to conduct their inspections, free trade which will have a pos- years. I remember that we had tion further. Once again, we urge predicts economic growth after and there will be institutional itive effect on the economy as spoken about issues which con- you to stop the harassment and signing the free trade agreement reform of the tax police. Addi- well as improving the country’s cerned the business community we sincerely hope that you will with China. China and Georgia tionally, we will provide oppor- image and role in the region. and companies that were facing finally take the necessary steps.” have commissioned a survey tunities to start-up businesses, Kvirikashvili noted that “Geor- problems. He had always been The following response is from by the company PMCG to cal- especially those by innovative gia has an excellent geographic supportive since he was Minister the former minister of Finance culate the economic effects of youngsters,” he added. location, less bureaucracy, and of the Economy,”said Asly. Nodar Khaduri: this agreement. According to the The second block of reforms is very low taxes, especially af- The Chairman of the ICC Geor- “I can’t say that businesses in survey, the free trade agreement government reform, which the ter the reforms that I’ve already gia has been indicating the need Georgia are under pressure and with China will increase exports Prime Minister considers very mentioned, we will have lower for reforms in business and the I can’t remember these state- by approximately 9%, but it is important. The third and equally taxes for the private sector.” revenue system many times over ments of Asly when the pressure also expected that Chinese im- important block of reforms is re- Fady Asly, Chairman of the the past three years. He has re- was really on businesses and on ports will increase by 2%. The gional and infrastructural devel- ICC Georgia, supports the Prime peatedly made critical statements Asly’s business.” free trade agreement will reduce opment. Minister’s initiative. The ICC in the media on the subject, such Contrary to Asly’s statement the amount of tax revenue con- “The current speed of infra- Consultative Board is the only as the following: about decreasing investments, nected to imports by 0.5%. 10 FEBRUARY 1, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE BUSINESS TIFLIS PALACE HOTEL NAMED WINNER OF TRIPADVISOR’S 2016 TRAVELERS’ CHOICE AWARD TAMAR CHAPIDZE EXCLUSIVE Tiflis Palace, located in the Old Were you expecting this rooms. All rooms at Tiflis Palace Georgia does not occupy a tality to pass at the international Tbilisi district, is one of the most award, or it was a pleasant sur- are appropriate to international leading position in the field of level and to attract guests not distinctive hotels in Georgia, prise for you? standards and well-equipped. hospitality. How do you man- only by the sights, but also by with its high level of service and This was a pleasant surprise. For added convenience, guests age to provide such a high level the quality of service, it is neces- impressive views. This year it It is impossible to predict in ad- in rooms have access to an in- of service? sary to create travel services and has received the honor of being vance how our guests from dif- dividual climate-control system, From the opening of the hotel, systems and introduce standards awarded the 2016 TripAdvisor ferent countries assess our hotel free bathrobes and night slippers, we have invited experienced and regulation at the state level. travelers’ Choice Award. at different times. and tea and coffee, which allows hotel specialists from Turkey, Standardization will allow us to Observer spoke with Nini Ne- What is the main component them to stay in a comfortable as they are very developed in come closer to the international biereidze, Sales Manager at the which attracts foreign tourists and a cosy atmosphere. The ho- hospitality field. Of course, this standard and to provide quality Tiflis Palace, about what deter- and business travelers to your tel rooms are also cleaned daily. strategy has proven to be very service. mines success in the hospitality hotel? Guests also note that they en- successful. In order to maintain How was the economic cri- industry and how the manage- We can distinguish five main joy the quality of service and the results, we conduct training sis reflected in the hotel busi- ment of the hotel has received components from our guests’ the friendly and positive attitude courses for our staff three times ness, and how did you manage this award. assessments. First of all is the from the staff. Smiling, polite, a year and every time we try to to keep the same price in the First of all, I would like to ask location. Tiflis Palace is located and attentive staff, alongside improve the quality of service. market? how was this title awarded to in the city center and it is sur- our other advantages, is our ho- We also pay attention to the The economic crisis, of course, the hotel, and how important is rounded by the city’s historic tel’s calling card. Qualified staff guests’ feedback, including rec- had a distinct influence on the this award for you? and tourist attractions: sulfur are always ready to assist guests ommendations and observations, incoming number of tourists. “TripAdvisor,” as you know, baths, Narikala Fortress, Aliyev in any matter in a positive and which is why TripAdvisor is so However, the Tiflis Palace team is the world’s biggest and most Square, Maidan, and Metekhi friendly manner, and this is one useful. Each guest’s opinion is takes into account new trends well-known travel web site, Bridge and Temple. A few min- of the reasons for our visitors’ very important and we try to take and works daily on the devel- through which international utes’ walk from the hotel is the loyalty. their recommendations into ac- opment of services, a high level tourists plan their trips, travel, famous Chardin Street of restau- It should be also noted that the count. We review and improve of service, and maintaining all and then publish their opinions, rants, cafes, and souvenir shops, hotel offers conference services, the level of service of the subject of our advantages. This is what reviews, and advice on places with a wide range of choices. which are much in demand by of our guests’ feedback at the keeps our loyal guests with us where they have stayed. Additionally, the hotel has its business guests. Here are held daily level. and attracts new travelers. The site provides an overview own parking and affordable ac- daily high-level conferences, What is your vision of the It has been three years since of more than 290 million travel- cess. which are often organized by the hospitality sector’s develop- Tiflis Palace opened. Which ers’ opinions on 5 million ho- The next component is the diplomatic corps, non-govern- ment in Georgia? famous guests have stayed at tels and restaurants. This makes views from the hotel. It should mental organizations, and public It should be noted that in recent your hotel? TripAdvisor a very reliable and be noted that Tiflis Palace offers and private sector representa- years, many high-level hotels The hotel’s most famous guests significant source of information undoubtedly the most beautiful tives. have opened, and as a result we are Gorillaz, The Brothers and evaluation for the tourism panoramic views which extend Guests on business trips get a have a relatively competitive en- Grimm, the actor Murat Yildi- industry. to the hotel rooms as well as in unique opportunity at the Tiflis vironment in the tourism indus- rim, and also others. This rating is based on tourists’ our restaurant, Tiflis Veranda, Palace. Our high-level events try. This, in turn, contributes to How are you going to surprise voluntary assessments and re- on the top floor of the hotel. are not only organized to con- the general field of development guests this year and increase views, which are especially im- It’s enough to just go out on the duct business, and guests also and the implementation of new their satisfaction? portant to and appreciated by us. balcony and you will find the can enjoy the benefits of the standards. This year we are offering This means that travelers liked most picturesque and impressive hotel while spending a pleasant However, the tourism and hos- changing seasonal promotions, their time at Tiflis Palace hotels views of Old Town. evening in a beautiful restaurant pitality industry still has a lot of various themed events, and a and would recommend our hotel The third important compo- with live music accompanied by issues to overcome. In my opin- lot of pleasant surprises for our to others for a visit. nent is our neat and comfortable delicious dishes. ion, in order for Georgian hospi- guests. 11 FEBRUARY 1, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE LAW THE PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE – RIGHTS STAY ON THE PAPER IN GEORGIA IRAKLI PAVLENISHVILI The assassination of the pros- lic trial at which he has had all in TV interviews and public ap- lakvadze’ statement, in which be charged for his crimes. ecutor for the Samegrelo-Zemo the guarantees necessary for his pearances. In these cases the he was affirmatively declaring These violations are not only Svaneti region, prosecutor Vakh- defense.” court has underlined that state- Bidzina Kuchava’s culpability perpetuated by pro-government tang Kiria, on January 17 has be- Talakvadze tried to extricate ments were made not in the trial in Vakhtang Kiria’s assassina- or pro-opposition media but come the most widely resonating himself from the situation by during legal procedures but in tion, should be determined to be by both. For example, on Janu- crime in Georgia. The Deputy announcing that the prosecution the domain of public appearanc- a violation of the innocence pre- ary 8, 2013, there was a rob- Minister of Internal Affairs de- does not bear the legal burden of es. In cases where public officers sumption. bery of a Bank of Georgia office clared in a TV interview that protecting the presumption of in- have made statements during the This isn’t the first circumstance in Nutsubidze street. Rustavi2 the founder of the news agency nocence. He added that the pros- trial process, such as Daktaras wherehigh-ranking public offic- TVand other television and news “American voice,’’ Bidzina ecutionis obligated to identify v. Lithuania, the court acquitted ers, who have a greater respon- sources declared citizens who Kuchava, was responsible for the suspects. the public officer. The European sibility than common citizens to were detained on same day on Kiria assassination. Innocence presumption is de- human rights court definition of defendthe innocence presump- Chavchavadze avenue as offend- This statement made by the first fended by international human the innocence presumption for- tion as a constitutional principle, ers in the robbery of the bank of- deputy of Ministry of the Internal right organizations and interna- bids public officers from making have instead violated the princi- fice. It has since become known Affairs was seen as a violation of tional institutions. The European statements during ongoing cases ple. For this reason, this legal that they were detained for other the presumption of innocence Court of Human Rights has ex- regarding the criminality of sus- issue was called out as a prob- crimes. by Natia Korkotadze, alawyer amined several cases regarding pected persons before the final lematic topic in the 2014 OSCE By examining the evidence representing Bidzina Kuchava. innocence presumption. In the judgment is made by the court. annual survey about Georgia. A above, including international The 40th article of the Georgian case of Krause v. Switzerland Innocence presumption is vio- United Nations special repre- legal regulations regarding in- constitution says that a person is in 1978, the court marked that a lated when a pubic officer makes sentative in Georgia has stated nocence presumption, UN and considered innocent before his public official does not have the a speech which propels the com- that “Innocence presumption other external surveys, and do- offense hasbeen proven accord- right to make statements which munity to believe in the unprov- doesn’t exist in Georgia’’ while mestic legislation within Geor- ing to the rule of law and by a reflect their opinion regarding a en criminality of suspected per- they were observing the status of gia we can draw the conclusion guilty verdict being declared suspect before this suspicion has sons. Statements made by public freedom of assembly in Georgia that the constitutional principle in court. This is a foundational been proved in a court of law. officials can also hinder court in for a week. Representatives of of innocence presumption is principle of criminal law and is The same topic was considered its objective examination of the the government were primarily frequently violated in Georgia. one of the guarantors of a fair in the 2008 cases of Vitan v. Ro- factual background of the case. violating innocence presump- Georgian politicians as well as court, and is repeated in numer- mania and Cionca v. Romania, This case has attracted a high tion against their political op- representatives of the media and ous international law documents. and also in the 2002 Butkevičius level of interest from the com- ponents. For example, on Janu- community members often ac- The United Nations Universal v. Lithuania case. The same le- munity, and therefore a transpar- ary 23, 2013, a representative cuse citizens of crimes without Declaration of Human Rights gal problem arose in 2010 in the ent investigation should be con- of the leader of the Georgian proof to prove personal or politi- (UDHR) Article 11.(1) states case of Fatullayev v. Azerbaijan. ducted by the government.Public Dream Coalition, Gogi Topadze, cal agendas. that “Everyone charged with a In all the court cases mentioned officers’ statements should - con claimed in his interview to Prime This establishes reasonable penal offence has the right to be above, public officials made af- tain the facts only and not their Time newspaper that Kakha Be- doubt about politically motivat- presumed innocent until proved firmative statements in violation interpretations or conclusions. nukidze participated in illegal ed trials and harms the founda- guilty according to law in a pub- of the innocence presumption Hence it follows that Archil Ta- economic activity and must thus tion of Georgian democracy.

13 FEBRUARY 1, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE SOCIETY FLU VIRUSES – A NEW CHALLENGE FOR THE WINTER SEASON SOPIO JAVAKHISHVILI

The world faces the threat of a tional Center for Disease Control new viral outbreak. An epidemic Amiran Gamkrelidze stated that outbreak of Zika, a virus trans- the 39-year-old man who was mitted through mosquito bites, infected was from the Adjara re- has begun in South America, gion . Amiran Gamkrelidze also particularly in Brazil. The virus reported that for the NCDC labo- has been linked to congenital ratory has confirmed the role of defects, such as smaller-than- the H1N1 virus in the death of normal brains and skulls in new- 6 people thus far. However, the borns, but as of yet the exact National Center for Disease Con- links between the virus, associ- trol and Public Health has also ated diseases, and neurological stated that as of the third calen- abnormalities in newborns have dar week of 2016, the number of not yet been established. infections is below the threshold To discuss this challenge, the for an epidemic-level outbreak lead of the World Health Organi- of the flu, with 332,6 cases per zation Margaret Chan has called 100,000 inhabitants. Due to the for an emergency meeting of in- long-term dynamics of the epi- dependent experts on February demic spread of influenza, the 1. The World Health Organiza- threshold is 450-500 cases per tion, a UN agency, estimates 100,000 inhabitants. Still, the that by next year the number of last three weeks have come with infections does not exceed the instructions to fight the rise in prevalence of viruses, the Min- Infected people will exceed 3 or their share of flu-like illnesses, threshold for an epidemic (500 the incidence of influenza. These istry of Health has recently an- 4 million. At the moment, there severe respiratory infections, and cases per 100 000 population), actions include avoiding large nounced a full mobilization of is no vaccine but scientists are hospitalizations. The NCDC’s as it is is 332.6 cases per 100,000 gatherings of people, regularly medical personnel. The minister actively researching one. The vi- statistics show that the intensity inhabitants. Currently, there have consulting a doctor, frequently Sergeenko gave his own car to rus seems to be endemic to cer- of last year’s flu spread is almost been 6 fatal cases, including 5 washing hands to reduce the pos- staff to go out on any notice to tain countries, and as at present the same as this year’s, but some influenza virus A / H1p subtypes sibility of transmitting the virus provide patients with timely as- there have been no confirmed in the country are indeed trans- which have been confirmed in by touch, and aerating your liv- sistance. reports of the virus spreading mittingH1N1, the flu virus which the laboratory.” ing spaces. If you are experienc- The National Center for Dis- from person to person it is there- gained international attention At the time of our conversation, ing any of the symptoms of the ease Control has also held nu- fore unlikely that this will affect during the 2009-10 pandemic. the laboratory had detected 160 flu, such as difficulty breathing, merous conferences on this Georgia. While Georgia may Regarding the flu virus, Ob- distinct flu virus strains, includ- shortness of breath, bloody spu- matter at which reports were not be directly affected by the server spoke with the epide- ing 153 - A / H1p and 7 - A / H3. tum - consult a doctor immedi- presented and recommendations Zika virus, there has been an in- miologist for the National “The best protection against the ately “, - said Chakhunashvili. were suggested for implementa- creased incidence of viruses and Center for Disease Control and influenza virus is the vaccine. People with chronic diseases tion. It seems that the state is de- infectious disease in the nation. Public Health, Giorgi Chakhu- Therefore, before the start of the and pregnant women especially voting adequate resources to the According to latest reports, the nashvili, MD, , who pointed out flu season, our center had already are encouraged to take care of prevention of viruses, and it is H1N1 flu virus has caused anoth- following:”By the 3rd week of injected 120,000 people from at- themselves and pay attention to now up to society to get involved er death. The director of the Na- January this year, the rate of flu risk groups. We have also issued possible illness. Because of the as well. 14 FEBRUARY 1, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE SOCIETY NEPOTISM – FAVORITISM GRANTED TO RELATIVES OR A CRIMINAL OFFENSE? TAMAR UMFRIANI

The 2015 general survey in an employer is guilty of such a Georgia identified that the crime in which case he know- amount of employed people in ingly commits this felony will be 2014 as compared to 2013 has sentenced two years of jail time increased by 2.2 %. This sta- and forbidden from taking any tistic makes this year as high- kind job for three years. est number of employed people According to the statement in during the last 11 years. The rate public jobs usually there is no of unemployment in the country jurisdiction or authority that con- has decreased by 21.2% and in trols the rules of hiring people. the countryside statistics show a So the hiring process goes along 5.5% decrease. the wrong lines disregarding the Beside this optimistic news, standards of international trans- there is an unambiguous reality parency or the guidelines pro- that people have been fired from vided by law. And although laws a notice stating the termination job as a result of nepotism. sania got the position. In her in- job without any justifiable rea- are often vague which stimulates of his employment. Section 78, We can think that this case has terview she didn’t hide her con- son and as usual their posts were nepotism to arise, our duty is to 79 & 99 of Acts from the law of nothing to do with nepotism, con- nection to alasania and agreed taken away by relatives of po- prevent it by criminal code. public jobs was mentioned in the sidering Georgia is small country she recommended him for that liticans from “Georgian Dream”, The case which transpired in notice of termination. Those sec- and most people are relatives. position. Although stating that the main government party. 2013 in Sagarejo could be consid- tions state the misuse of power But this fact cannot be ignored. she recommended him for his “International transparency – ered as an example of nepotism. and irresponsibility as the cause Ilia Kuchashvili was fired from qualification and experience and Georgia” talks about the above Director of charity house Ilia Ku- for termination. However there her job without any valid reason not because of their connection. facts—clearly connected to chuashvili was fired from his job was no warning about it in Ku- on 1 February of 2013 and the It’s worth speculating whether nepotism and comes out with on 1 February after working on chuashili’s case before he was relative of deputy was proposed there will be any progress if “In- an initiative to create new laws that position for four years. On fired. for the position without any prior ternational transparency – Geor- against nepotism in Georgia. By the same day relative of deputy In this case the role played by announcements relating to the gia” could really make their ini- their proposition, there should Tina Khidasheli and her husband the new director Davit Otiash- vacancy of the position. tiative work. Would it change the be some changes in part 3321 Davit Usufashvili was proposed vili is the most interesting. He The deputy of “Georgian unspoken rules written in Geor- of the criminal code. It means for that position. As Kuchuash- was unemployed before he got Dream” Eka Beselia has been gians head and habits? At least to discover facts about nepo- vili says he was asked to leave this job. He verifies he is related the protagonist of a similar kind it is worth to try. Currently the tism against public employees the job several times during the to Tina Khidasheli and her hus- of case in 2012. In that year the organization tries to collaborate whose rights could be abolished last months and after rejecting band, but refuses to accept the head of policy in Poti was fired with every citizen who thinks intentionally by an employer. If their request he was finally given fact that he might have got the and Beselia’s relative Zurab ala- that he is a victim of nepotism. COUNCIL OF EUROPE NEGATIVELY ASSESSED PROTECTION OF SOCIAL RIGHTS IN GEORGIA The European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) today published its annual conclusions for 2015 showing 277 violations of the European Social Char- ter across 31 Council of Europe member states. The ECSR adopted 762 conclu- sions on the articles of the Char- ter relating to children, families and migrants. “Social rights are suffering in this difficult economic and po- litical climate. States have an obligation to protect vulnerable ter on 22 August 2005. The dead- ply to all economic sectors and The Committee also concludes nursing their infants. persons including elderly people, line for submitting the 8th report all forms of economic activity; that the situation in Georgia is In addition the medication costs children, people with disabilities was 31 October 2014 and Geor- the daily and weekly working not in conformity with Article in particular represent too high a and migrants. gia submitted it on 26 December time for children under 15 is ex- 7§6 of the Charter on the ground burden for the individual effec- The Social Charter is the Social 2014. On 13 July 2015, a request cessive and that the time spent in vocational tively being an obstacle to uni- Constitution for Europe and an for additional information was therefore cannot be qualified as training is not included in the versal access to health care. essential component of our hu- sent to the Government, which light work; during the reference normal working time and remu- Finally, there were concerns man rights architecture. I call on did not submit a reply. period there was no labour in- nerated as such. regard migrants rights where our Member States to respect the The Committee concludes that spection supervising that the According to the report there the committee indicates it has Charter standards and findings”, the situation in Georgia is not in regulations on child labour are no adequate regulations on not been established that ad- said Secretary General Thorb- conformity with Article 7§1 of were respected in practice. Simi- dangerous, unhealthy or ardu- equate measures have been taken jørn Jagland. the Charter on the grounds that lar concerns were raised about ous work in respect of pregnant against misleading propaganda The following chapter concerns the prohibition of employment the employment of young people employees, employees who have in relation to emigration and im- Georgia which ratified the Char- under the age of 15 does not ap- under 18. recently given birth or who are migration. FEBRUARY 1, 2016 15 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE CULTURE STATE CONSERVATOIRE HOSTS MUSIC FESTIVAL NINI MACHAVARIANI

A music festival called Close er regions and Switzerland. Encounters opened on January The concert will be divided 29 and will run until February 1 into thematic blocks over the at the Tbilisi State Conservatoire. course of two days. The festival Musicians hail from different was opened by the avant-garde generations, traditions, aesthet- Mikhail Shughliashvili, who ics, and styles from throughout also presents his new album Georgia and Switzerland. The which has already been released first classical and electronic mu- in Germany. This year is also the sic festival in Georgia was organ- 75th birthday of the composer, ized in 2005 by Switzerland and and therefore the musicians have the Swiss composer Felix Profos dedicated a concert to him and and Switzerland based Georgian performed his compositions. pianist Tamar Kordzaia. The Listeners had an opportunity main objective of the festival is to hear the Kappeler- Zumthor to encourage joint work between duet, Cedric Schindler and European and local musicians. Frederick Anthony Robinson’s Consequently, a lot of foreigners sensor-controlled compositions, have visited the composer who the Anchiskhati choir, and the has also performed his own com- Swiss Mondrian Ensemble of positions. Tamar Kordzaia said in Italian Renaissance music, as an interview with Observer that well as Georgian and Swiss ex- the idea for the festival was born perimental DJs. before 2005. After many musi- As the organizers recall, the cians became interested in her first festival in 2005, was much Even during difficult times, we Carolina Oman, a participant Georgian musicians. work, Kordzaia decided to hold more conservative. While this find solutions together. Musi- of the festival, said in conversa- “It is very important for musi- the event in Georgia. From time year the festival will close with cians always express solidarity,” tion with Observer that “I came cians to always try to achieve to time she held solo concerts in a concert of Georgian folk music said Kordzaia. recently to Georgia, and I was more and to develop what they Tbilisi, Gori, and Batumi. and the Italian Renaissance, ac- It should be noted that every fascinated by your country. I am play. There is no formula for suc- The title of the festival, “Close cording to Kordzaia, the music is musician who performs during happy that I am here today, and cess. It all depends to how much Encounters” was taken from the modern in every way while be- the festival can take part in Close that I have a chance to collabo- we work and of course on luck, Steven Spielberg film. “Peo- ing influenced by features of the Encounters. rate with the musicians partici- but I think that we are the crea- ple send signals to each other old compositions. Every concert is different and pating in the festival. This is new tors of our own luck,” says the through music; they speak the “There have been many diffi- has an interesting variety of mu- for me and therefore I cannot pianist. language of music, and it brings culties during the organizing of sic as well as musicians. Last yet say what to expect, but I’m Kordzaia also plans to organ- people closer in any space, “ said this festival, the first of which year was special, as Mikheil sure everything will be good.” ize master classes for young the pianist. is about funding. Everything is Shughliashvili performed “Big Another participant, Hannah musicians in Georgia and recom- This is the fifth year that the done at the last minute. We work Fantasy,” which musicians per- Voltaire, hopes to visit Georgia mends that they listen to cham- Swiss-Georgian music festival under stress till the last moment formed in Zurich several times. again in the summer with Tamar ber music. The festival, spon- “Close Encounters” has been because we do not know whether A German radio station recently Kordzaia. sored by the Ministry of Culture held in Georgia, and this year we will get funding or not. Most named this work one of the most The festival is organizers do not and Monument Protection, has its program will be presented in importantly, we have never had important pieces of contempo- plan to return to Georgia, but al- provided the audience several Tbilisi along with Georgia’s oth- problems among musicians. rary classical music. ways try to maintain contact with pleasant evenings. 16 FEBRUARY 1, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE CULTURE PUT YOUR HEAD INTO THE GALLERY - A NEW INTERACTIVE PROJECT SURPRISES

NINI MACHAVARIANI

The Architect Tezi Gabunia about quite spontaneously. “I ac- the extension of this model in held a new interactive presenta- cidentally found my head in this another direction, which will tion of their project on January model of the gallery, and after the stay a surprise for the moment. 28 at the MULTIVERSE ARCHI- photo shoot, the idea was born to Working on the project was full TECTURE (MUA) office. The create a project called “put your of fun. As for those people who project, entitled, “Put your head head into the gallery.” This is an did not become part of the gal- into the gallery,” caused a great interactive project and serves to lery, I promise to offer some- deal of interest among young promote art,” said Gabunia. thing new,” said Tezi. visitors. At the event, the works The co-author of the project is Tezi Gabunia was born in 1987 of the architect were presented: Ucha Urushadze, a model who in Tbilisi. He studied architec- anyone had the opportunity to is represented by Vector Model- ture at the Technical University, become a museum exhibit at the ling. The text component belongs after which in 2001 he opened exhibit hall. to Mariam Nadareishvili and the an art studio and created more “This is an innovative project. photographs were taken by An- than one hundred works. Since When the art is distant from the dro Eradze, Chipo Pelikano, Ani 2015 he’s been a member of audience, it disappears. In this Beridze and Nika Maisuradze. CopyPaste. An artist-engineer, case, any person can become a “I am pleased that a lot of peo- he calls his working methods part of the art,” said the project ple put their heads into the gal- falsification.In his opinion, it is coordinator, Mariam Nadareish- lery. We took more than 200 a reflection of the main features vili. photos, we are working on them of the modern world - the abso- It should be noted that the ex- now, and next they will be up- lute virtualization of society. The hibition comprises a kind of wax loaded on Facebook,” said the work is realized in a modern, statues and thus can be transport- architect. visual language, which creates a ed easily. Gabunia plans to work on new new generation of art that is not Prior to this project Tesi had projects in the near future that created by the artist but is a re- his first “fake” solo exhibition, will be presented both in Geor- sult of a factory production. The where he presented the analogue gia and abroad. However, Geor- production process is completely layout of a real gallery. The ex- gia stays his priority. It should be industrialized to create a large hibit series focused on academic noted that the project caused big number of products in a short painting which, in addition to so- interest from abroad, especially time. The concept also removes cial networks, was exhibited in the “Art People Gallery” that is the artist as the original creator. Batumi Center of Contemporary based on the United States. The language of virtual exhibi- Art. The architect told Observer “I plan many interesting pro- tion is one of the primary media that the idea for this project came jects, personal exhibitions and in Tezi’s production. 17 FEBRUARY 1, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE CULTURE “FILM IN GEORGIA’’: A SERIOUS STEP IN DEVELOPING MODERN GEORGIAN MOVIE INDUSTRY NINO TSINTSADZE Georgian government added a potential and create new jobs. films. guidelines are under construc- But in todays film market it is new component “Film in Geor- That is how we will strengthen The system includes two stages. tion where the producers can be- kind of obligatory to have a re- gia” to the program ,,Produce our economy and our country’s The first one is cash back of 20 came familiar with all the details bate system. Without it, none of in Georgia’’. Prime Minister development,” Explained Giorgi % which is the minimum limit of of the project and rules for the the American film production Giorgi Kvirikashvili presented Kvirikashvili. qualified expenditure in Georgia. use of the rebate system.’’ chooses new country for loca- the project on January 26. The The project aims to make Geor- And the second stage implies, Vashadze also noted, that ,,Film tion. Because in most case for presentation were attended by gia attractive place to make films on the basis of satisfaction pre- in Georgia’’ is designed to en- the filmmakers a simple and Vice-PM, Minister of Economy in Eastern Europe. Local and established criterias, more 2-5% courage both foreign and Geor- profitable system is more -inter and Sustainable Development international stakeholders will rebate. Specifically, it covers gian projects. It is important that esting than locations. of Georgia Dimitri Kumsishvili, have an opportunity to shoot the process of filming local staff requirements can apply a legal Proceeding the specifics of the Minister of Culture and Monu- the film in Georgia and get back employment, promotion of the entity registered in Georgia and field, the first half of the year ment Protection Mikheil Gior- the relevant qualified expenses country through of film and con- hence for the use of rebate sys- probably will be spent to intro- gadze, the heads of Georgian around 25 %. The Prime Minis- sideration with another numbers. tem, foreign companies should duce and promote the system. National Film Center and other ter considers that such incentives David Vashadze, the head contact or the Georgian partners And from the second half of the invited guests. in the film industry will have of Distribution and Export at or they should register company year we are waiting quite large “Our task will be to promote the great economic results for the Georgian National Film Center in Georgia. results and interests,’’ said Va- development of the film industry. country. confirmed in his interview with The forecasts of National Film shadze. So that producers avoid bureau- “Film in Georgia’’ means so- Observer that the film center is Center project will bring great By implementing of the project cratic obstacles. We will promote called ,,rebate’’ system imple- ready to get applications. “The success for the country’s film “Film in Georgia’’ modern Geor- this project to encourage talent- mentation. The minimum limit application is already uploaded industry development. ,,Rebate gian film industry put a serious ed people. They need to make of qualified expenses is 300 on our web page, accordingly in system is a great benefit for for- step forward in the world film realization of their knowledge 000 GEL for documentaries, case of interest they can start to eign producers, and we were market. This project is important and to contribute our country’s commercials, reality shows and apply. Simultaneously some cos- working for years to create this not only for sector’s develop- development. We also intend to music videos. And the 500 000 metic works are underway, but system in Georgia. Some years ment, but rather to promote the increase private sector competi- for feature films, TV films, TV this will not affect to the project ago, it would have been a very country and increase the eco- tiveness, the country’s export series/mini-series, or animated implementation. Also so-called big advantage for the country. nomic and tourism indicators. 18 SPORT MONEY OR PERSONAL CONFRONTATION - WHY WAS THE HEAD COACH OF GEORGIA’S NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM FIRED? NINI JAPARIDZE

It has been known for a long Tskhadadze led his team to third sion? Is Tskhadadze kept down time that the position of the place in the qualifying round of in order to encourage him to re- coach at Georgia’s national foot- the 2018 World Cup he would sign on his own? These are the ball team is one of the most un- receive his bonuses. The offer concerns which have been high- derrated positions ever to exist in seems highly appealing, but if lighted so frequently through the country. The recent scandal one takes a look at the recent his- Georgian media in recent days. involving the head coach of the tory of Georgian football it will The possibility of a personal National team, Kakha Tskha- be obvious that this would never confrontation between Tskha- dadze, the president of the Foot- happen. The last time Georgia daze and the executive commit- ball Federation, Levan Kobiash- finished third in their group was tee is also being considered. vili, and the Minister of Sport during the Euro 96. Observer contacted the Pub- and Youth Affairs of Georgia Footballer Achi Arveladze does lic Relations department of the Tariel Khechikashvili, is yet an- not approve of the idea of con- Georgian Football Federation other if not the best example of necting the team’s performance but they made no specific com- this. The Minister refused to pay to the coach’s salary. “It’s a pity ment regarding the issue: a monthly salary of 120,000 gels when confidential details like “ The President of the Federa- to the coach and instead reduced this are revealed. Football is its tion has already revealed his de- it twice. Another initiative of his own world. It’s never done with cision and it won’t be changed. was to establish a bonus system just a little money. The coach in Soon a meeting must be set in or- for the coach’s salary. The presi- Germany is being paid 6 million, der to decide the form in which dent of the Football Federation and aren’t there unemployed the contract will be terminated,” as well as the vice-president people there? This approach, and said the PR representative Oto content, even Kobiashvil. There the team had an undefeated sea- Kakha Chumburide and the ma- stressing attention over money, Giorgadze. could be all kinds of problem but son. In the EUFA EURO 2012, jority of the executive committee doesn’t make any sense to me. Arveladze supposes that every this one is beyond of understand- Georgia defeated Croatia with supported the Minister’s initia- For some, this contract could be job in Georgia is underappreci- ing,” said the footballer. one point. Despite high level tive and were automatically op- normal, but for others, especially ated, especially if it is one which In recent years, the Georgian of play, Ketsbaia acquired a lot posed to their colleague Kakha Georgia, it’s not enough. It’s im- holds responsibility. He ruled football team has had a num- of antagonists. In 2015 he had Tskhadadze—the ex-captainand portant to understand that eve- out the confrontation between ber of well-known coaches, in- no other option but resignation. current head coach of the nation- rything has its price. Football Tskhadadze and Kobiashvili, cluding Hector Cuper, Klaus Tskhadaze has been working as al football team. requires energy and health. You naming Tskhadadze as one of the Toppmoller, and Alain Giresse. the coach now for about a year. In one of his interviews, Chum- can’t ask for the same results best coaches the Georgian Na- Nevertheless, Georgia has never In lobby interviews it is said that buridze even went so far as to from the footballer who has the tional football team has ever had. finished in the third group of the the next couch could be Gia Ge- say that Tskhadadze’s work was salary of 500 gels and one with a “I think that Kakha is one of World Cup. Under Tskhadadze’s guchadze, now serving as the worth only half his salary. He higher salary.” the best coaches, and he doesn’t predecessor Temur Ketsbaia the head coach of the youth national highlighted the advantages of the Why has the salary of the coach deserve to be retired. He was national football team achieved team. For now, it remains only a bonus system and implied that if become the subject of discus- professional and everybody was the historical results. In 2010 rumor. 19 FEBRUARY 1, 2016 WWW.OBSERVER.COM.GE SPORT

airBaltic flights from Tbilisi via Riga to Oslo, Helsinki, RIGA - TBILISI BT 722 5,7 RIX TBS 23:05 04:35 +1 735 03:30 Copenhagen, Amsterdam, London, Milan, Paris, Ber- lin, Munich, Vilnius, Tallinn and Warsaw have mini- TBILISI - RIGA BT 723 1,6 TBS RIX 05:20 06:55 735 03:55 mum connection time 25-30 minutes in Riga airport “REGION” WINS SUPER LEAGUE ALL STAR - 2016 VAKO KIPIANI Super League All-Star game lia. During the break there was tics of the current Super League. was held at renowned Sports also “Slam Dunk Show” by acro- Akaki Lomouri, a winner of last Palace, which was attended by bats “Hopers” and “ME & MY”. year’s All Star joined top five two thousand fans. Match tradi- Three players took part in three-point shooters and success- tionally conducted without pen- “Slam Dunk” competition. Da- fully defended his title. alties. Two teams Tbilisi and Re- vid Kyles from “Rustavi”, Matt Finally Lomouri played against gion competed with each other Glover and Giorgi Barbakadze Barbakadze. In the final compe- and made a real show. The game “Sukhumi”. Barbakadze called tition both of them got equal 16 ended with the victory of Region Bera to perform slam dunk with points. The coach appointed ad- by 148:122. him. Bera tried for five times, ditional round, where Lomouri Participants of Georgian All- but without success. Finally, won with a score of 19:16. Star were selected by online Barbakadze performed a slam Giorgi Barbakadze expressed survey and the reserves were dunk with one hand and became his gratitude to the organizers. selected by the coaches. Region a winner of the competition. “Everything was well planned, team was led by Kote Tugushi The players congratulated 75- and we tried to do our best to and Ramaz Gogoberishvili and year jubilee of Tbilisi “Dinamo make the show. As for winning, “Tbilisi” - David Ustiashvili and to the veteran player Amiran I was MVP- title and I am glad Irakli Khoshtaria. Skhiereli, which has won the that I became worthy of it. In ad- The top scorer of the Region European Champions Cup, the dition, I won the slam dunk con- became Giorgi Barbakadze with championship of the Soviet Un- test,” said the basketball player. 31 points and won MVP title. ion and many other prizes. Cur- Audience was satisfied. Teams During the break, Bera Ivanish- rently President of Tbilisi Dina- made 270 points for the throw vili presented his music that he mo Vakhtang Natsvlishvili gave and gave a lot of nice moments had created exclusively for this him a cash reward. to the audience. Hopefully, the game. He showed his support by Three-Point contest was also next All-Star game will be more wearing the national team t-shirt interesting in which participants sophisticated and full of show el- that belongs to Tornike Shenge- were selected according to statis- ements. WEEKLY SPORT NEWS

Basketball Football * * * * * “Dinamo” has a new head Dallas Mavericks of Zaza Pa- Georgian Football Federation coach. 53-year-old Juraj Ja- chulia met with Brooklyn nets on has revealed the best of the 6 cat- rabek that was the head coach at January 29 and defeated by 91- egories. “Spartak” will replace Gia Ge- 79. Two matches later, Georgian Best refere guchadze. center was back to the game. He Giorgi Vadachkoria scored on a double-double: 16 Best coach points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists. Gia Geguchadze 6 out of 10 field goals (60%). The best female player Zaza’s play was one of the best. Gulnara Gabelia Zaza’s teammate Chandler Par- The best young player sons had 19 points, season-high Otar Kiteishvili 10 rebounds and 3 assists. Lopez National Cup best player Cup qualifying meeting, three Football Federation Executive always seems to perform well Alexander Iashvili friendly matches are planned. On Committee made decision that against Dallas, but in this game Player of the year March 29 the national team will Gia Geguchadze will become he finished with 28 of Brook- Jaba Kankava meet with Kazakhstan. Our team a head coach of the Under-21 lyn’s 79 points, that is 35% of will travel to Austria in late May, football team. As for the national the Nets’ scoring.” It is worth * * * * * where they will compete with team, as the GFF president, Lev- mentioning, that Dallas is in the Georgian Football Federa- Slovakia on May 28. National an Kobiashvili announced at the sixth place in the Western Con- tion has completed negotia- team will meet Romanian team, meeting Kakha Tskhadadze will ference. Team has 27 wins and tions with the national team and one of the participants of Euro not be the head coach any more. 22 losses. Dallas will host next agreed schedules for a friendly 2016, in Bucharest on June 3. However, it is not yet clear who game against “Phoenix Suns”. match. Before the 2018 World * * * * * would take this position.

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