Issue no: 1025 • FEBRUARY 23 - 26, 2018 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue...

10-Year-Old Runs Away from Khashuri to See Tbilisi Zoo NEWS PAGE 2 Ghosts & Illusions in Abkhazia (Part 2 of the Adventure) POLITICS PAGE 5

FOCUS Niels Scott on the ON AN ANNIVERSARY Challenges Georgia Faces POLITICS PAGE 6 Celebrating 7 years of blogs from Tony in Svaneti! PAGE 12 GD Majority Overrides President’s Veto on Broadcasting Law Amendments Audit Offi ce: a 3rd of Trees Planted POLITICS PAGE 8 Shavi Lomi: The First in Tbilisi in 2015-2016 Dried Up Georgian Food Revolution only 13,000 instead of the agreed 20,000. BY THEA MORRISON SOCIETY PAGE 10 SAO says Tbilisi City Hall could not fulfi ll the undertaken responsibilities properly, which resulted in unproductive spending of the capi- Korean Peace Marathoner on ne-third of the trees planted in tal’s budgetary funds. Tbilisi in 2015-2016 have dried up, The report also listed other shortcomings, his Experience in Georgia the report of Georgia’s State Audit adding that Tbilisi City Hall did not select appro- Offi ce (SAO) reads. priate areas for planting trees in. CULTURE PAGE 13 The SAO added that Tbilisi City The audit also revealed that City Hall purchased HallO spent the budgetary money allocated for greenery activities through simplifi ed procure- tree-planting ineffi ciently: GEL 24,730,300 on ments instead of competitive tender, which Contemporary planting around 398,000 trees. would have saved budgetary money. The report reads that according to the 2015 SAO added that the contract made with the Georgian project of Tbilisi Mayor’s Offi ce, they were to company responsible for the works was ineffec- Sculptor’s Works plant 400,000 trees: 200,000 in spring and 200,000 tive as it did not envisage replacement of dried in autumn. trees with new ones. Displayed on Yet the SAO says in spring 2015 only 72,043 “The majority of planted trees near the Oncol- trees were planted and in autumn City Hall pur- ogy Center have dried up or no longer exist. The Google Arts & chased 326,100 trees, in total planting 398,143 spending of the Mayor's Offi ce in this regard trees in 2015 instead of the agreed 400,000. was ineffective,” the report of the State Audit Culture Moreover, in 2016, Tbilisi City Hall planted Offi ce reads. CULTURE PAGE 15 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS FEBRUARY 23 - 26, 2018 10-Year-Old Iberia TV Accuses Runs Away from Gov’t of Pressure Khashuri to See BY THEA MORRISON Photo source: Iberia TV

he journalists of Georgia’s local and private broad- Tbilisi Zoo caster, Iberia TV, have accused the government of pressure. The statement fromT staff was released by the Head of the news service, Vakho Khuzmiashvili, however, the Appeals and Supreme courts absurd,” he stated. who called on the government to stop did not uphold this decision. The statement of TV company Iberia “illegal actions” against Omega Group, Aghdgomelashvili claims that local and was followed by a sharp response from the main fi nancer of the TV channel. international business operators deliber- Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, who Khuzmiashvili noted that Omega, the ately brought Omega Group to a crisis, named the broadcaster’s claims “nonsense.” main donor to Iberia TV, and its compa- and is calling on the authorities to inves- “I reiterate that it is beyond the bounds nies, are suffering fi nancial hardship. tigate the case. of possibility. The government, which has “Omega Group is a victim of dumping, Eliso Kiladze, Editor-in-Chief of the ensured that new TV stations can regis- which creates serious fi nancial problems newspaper Qrionika Plus, says this is ter and commence broadcasting in a mat- for Iberia TV. The journalists working another attempt by the government to ter of days, cannot accept these accusa- for the channel suspect this is a deliber- cut fi nancing of the private television tions. No one can compromise the ate attempt to force the channel to stop channel in order to silence it. achievement of ‘media freedom’ under broadcasting with free editorial policies,” Kiladze says the upper instance courts our government. I say with full respon- the statement says. ruled in favor of Prime Minister Giorgi sibility that things like this cannot pos- Earlier, Archil Gamzardia, Iberia TV Kvirikashvili’s business partner British sibly be happening,” the PM stressed. journalist, had spoken out about the pres- American Tobacco, adding that Omega On February 21, the journalists of Iberia sure on free media. Group was refused their compensation TV held a meeting with Non-Govern- "There is an assumption that the gov- of $100 million. mental Organizations (NGOs) and pro- Photo source: ambebi.ge ernment is trying to block the fi nancing Business Ombudsman Irakli Lekvinadze vided them with detailed information As reported, the boy had never seen source of Iberia TV by affecting its main says he is well aware of Omega’s disputes about the recent developments. BY THEA MORRISON Tbilisi Zoo and decided to come himself, donor company,” he said. but says no discussions have yet been The Executive Director of the Georgian travelling from Khashuri to Tbilisi by train. Georgia’s most opposition-minded held regaridng the claims of Iberia TV. Journalists’ Charter, Natia Aghdgome- Giorgi lost his way and was unable to broadcaster, Rustavi 2, reports that the British American Tobacco Corporate lashvili, stated after the meeting that they iorgi Nozadze, a 10year-old fi nd the zoo, and while he was walking Omega Group suffered a $100 million loss Manager, Zviad Skhvitaridze rejects the are watching the process carefully, adding boy who went missing from along Aghmashenebeli Avenue, patrol after multinational company British accusations of Omega Group. that Iberia is not the only TV accusing his hometown Khashuri, police offi cers noticed him and, on ques- American Tobacco “violated the laws on “The total income of all tobacco com- the government of undue pressure. in Shida Kartli region, was tioning him, discovered he had run away competition and tobacco control.” panies on the Georgian market during “We know that Rustavi 2 and TV Pirveli found by police patrol offi c- from home. Police found and contacted Omega Group General Manager Levan the last 10-11 years does not amount to had the same claims as Iberia TV, which Gers in the capital city of Tbilisi on Giorgi’s parents and his father came to Aghdgomelashvili told Rustavi 2 that $100 million, so the claims from Omega underlines that the media, as a strong busi- Wednesday. Tbilisi to take his son home. Tbilisi City Court had ruled in their favor; Group that they had such a huge loss is ness, does not exist in Georgia,” she stated. GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 23 - 26, 2018 NEWS 3 Shiny & Clean: The Future We Hope Georgian Irakli for in Georgian Taxi Services Kvirikadze among OP-ED BY TIM OGDEN Europe's 10 Emerging ike life itself, taxis in Georgia are a box of chocolates: you never know what you’re going to get. Your driver might be Young Actors one of the many in the city Lwho smells as though he and water have oung Georgian actor Irakli European Film Promotion (EFP), which never met (it’s a sort of stale sweat Kvirikadze, best known for promotes European Film and advocates meets cigarettes and eye-wateringly bad his leading role in “Hos- European actors worldwide. This pro- breath sort of odor), whose car looks tages”, received a European gram has put a spotlight on once aspir- like it survived the war of 2008, with Shooting Stars Award at ing actors such as Carey Mulligan, Ali- an engine that runs on gas of some Ythe 68th Berlinale International Film cia Vikander, Pilou Asbaek. description, and sounds as though it Festival. Irakli was named among Irakli Kvirikadze, along with the other may explode at any moment. But you Europe’s most talented and promising ‘Shooting Stars,’ took part in a workshop may also fi nd yourself, as I once did, actors who have already gained popu- program where the actors were intro- being driven by a young man who stud- larity in their own countries and are duced to the press, casting directors, ied at Chester University – “Don’t look ‘TAXI’ sign on the roof of his ageing relatively short journey; you can see ready to be introduced to the interna- producers and other infl uential people at me like that,” he told me in fl awless car. them wondering where the hell they’ve tional fi lm industry. attending Berlinale 2018. The program English as my jaw punched a hole in This is really one of the main reasons come to. One of them even had the The European Shooting Stars is one was topped off with a grand ceremony the fl oor: Chester is a good university, why I want to see taxi services regulated impudence to grab my brother’s arm of the most successful programs of the at the Berlinale Palast. or used to be, but the mad bugger told in Georgia, and why I hope the intro- when he visited the country two years me he absolutely enjoyed driving his duction of regulated ‘offi cial’ cars at ago, and he’s a shy sort of chap: the good taxi and so didn’t want to apply for any Tbilisi International Airport spreads impression thermometer reached an other job; I bet his parents were less throughout the land. I was very nearly absolute zero from the start for him, than happy. killed last year by a reckless taxi driver and I doubt he’s alone. The cars from taxi companies are trying to show off to my wife and our One concern consistently raised over generally the best, since there’s less friend (an incident I recounted on these regulating taxi services is that it will chance of the driver trying it on with pages over a year ago), and have been put many people out of work when they their female passengers; if I had a Lari frequently frightened by many others fail to pass the re-vamped driving test for every time my wife has told me taxi with no other outlet for their testoster- or when their vehicles are declared drivers have played the usual Georgian one. unsafe and unsuitable for use in a ser- fl irting card of ‘You are so beautiful’ In the long-run, entirely regulated taxi vice industry. That’s a matter for the and then expressed angry disappoint- services will be good for the country, government to deal with, I’d say – as ment when she reveals she’s married but their introduction at the airport will awful as it might be for a horde of age- to a foreigner, I’d be as rich as Croesus. see some short-term benefi ts too. There ing Georgian men to suddenly be unem- The standard of driving might also be is nothing more frustrating or embar- ployed, I’d rather reach my destination marginally better, but any longer dis- rassing than meeting friends and family in one piece – and if Georgia wants to tance journeys outside of the capital new to the country at the airport and impress as a tourist destination, then generally mean one has to roll the dice then escorting them through the mass the taxis around the country had better of getting transport which is nothing of shouting, unwashed and unkempt become as shiny, effi cient and clean as more than a Georgian man with a cheap men wanting to overcharge them for a those sitting outside the airport. GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS FEBRUARY 23 - 26, 2018 Russia & Israel in Syria Georgia’s Ranking Worsens in Corruption Perception Index 2017 BY THEA MORRISON

Photo source: longwarjournal.org lobal anti-corruption organization Transpar- the fact the Kremlin is in an increas- OP-ED BY EMIL AVDALIANI ency International (TI), ingly diffi cult position as it tries to released its annual Cor- The gov't needs maintain good relations with both Iran ruption Perceptions Index and Israel, both of which share deep (CPI)G 2017 on February 21, which shows to step up its ussia retains an important differences. that Georgia is ranked 46th among 180 place on the Syrian battle- A number of political commentators countries with a score of 56 points. In fi eld. However, it is often believe that there is nothing new as Russian leaders CPI 2016, Georgia’s score was 57 and it anticorruption challenged by many Israel had always vowed to destroy was ranked 44th among 176 countries. regional powers which are military build-ups near its borders and In the Corruption Perception Index Ralso interested in the developments in the action was quite foreseeable con- would not be 2012, Georgia had 52 points (51st place), efforts Syria. Iran, Turkey and others are good sidering Netanyahu’s comments during in 2013 - 49 points (55th place), in 2014 examples, but recently yet another his last visit to Moscow late January. entirely able to - 52 points (50th place), in 2015 - 52 ing region is Western Europe with an country, Israel, is set to gradually increase At the same time, Russians are won- points (48th place). average score of 66. The worst perform- its position there. The most recent dering to what extent the Kremlin will In the ranking, 100 points indicate the ing regions are Sub-Saharan Africa example of Israeli activities is a good go in allowing Israel to carry out tar- forestall future lowest level of perceived corruption (average score 32) and Eastern Europe refl ection of Russian problems: the Feb- geted actions on Syrian soil. With these while 0 – its highest level. and Central Asia (average score 34). ruary 11 launching of multiple air strikes latest airstrikes, it has become clear the “The stability of Georgia’s position in The Corruption Perceptions Index on Syrian-Iranian targets in Syria. Israeli military engagement could in Israeli the CPI over the past several years (and was established in 1995 as a composite Russian politicians so far have been fact evolve into something more seri- its worsening in 2017) indicates that, indicator used to measure perceptions surprisingly mute on the Israeli air- ous, out of Russian control. And the involvement in after Georgia made certain progress, of corruption in the public sector in strikes. There has been just one offi cial Russians are keen to keep the balance its government needs to step up its anti- different countries around the world. statement from the Russian Foreign in Syria. corruption efforts,” the report reads. The Corruption Perceptions Index Ministry which urged all sides involved Indeed, on a much wider lever, the Syria This year, New Zealand and Denmark aggregates data from a number of dif- to show restraint and avoid actions that Israeli airstrikes also show how inef- if not in Israel’s total engagement in rank highest with scores of 89 and 88 ferent sources that provide perceptions could lead to complicating the situation fective the Russian efforts to maintain Syria, then at least in some actions which respectively. Syria, South Sudan and of business people and country experts further. a dominant position in the Syrian bat- could limit Iran’s power. In fact, days Somalia rank lowest with scores of 14, of the level of corruption in the public However, the lack of comments from tlefi eld have become. With the Turkish before the Israeli strikes in Syria, at a 12 and 9 respectively. The best perform- sector. the Russian politicians does not hide operation in Afrin, north Syria, it has January 30 meeting with Russian Pres- become clear that Moscow is unable to ident Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Net- forestall the increase of Ankara’s infl u- anyahu said that "[t]he most important ence. Similar problems already existed thing is to make sure that we understand with Iranian moves before, but now each other and that we don't shoot down pro-Iranian forces are close to the Israeli each other's planes.” border. More recently, Russia effectively Indeed, the question as to whether or failed to make something serious out not the Israeli involvement in the Syr- of the Sochi conference in late January. ian confl ict will be confi ned to solely Comments in the Russian media hint maintaining its own security along the that, strategically speaking, Russia would borders was raised by some analysts in not want yet another powerful player Russia over the past two days. Overall, such as Israel to enter an already over- the tone of the Russian media towards crowded Syrian battlefi eld. This is par- Israel was neutral at the time, with no ticularly true as Moscow is currently particular anti-Iranian stance. aiming to solidify its positions following Considering Israel’s security impera- the important military victories. Deep tives, it could be argued that Israeli Israeli involvement could, therefore, be intervention was well expected. Iran is regarded as something which can poten- gaining most out of the Syrian chaos tially unravel the dominant role of Rus- and it is highly likely that Israel will sia in Syria. have to respond to that in the future At the same time, some hints in the even if the Golan Heights are not directly Russian media over the past several threatened. Since we do not have any days point to an interesting scenario other offi cial statements from the Rus- whereby the Israeli involvement in Syria sian offi cials, nor direct government could force Russia to be more open in leaks in leading Russian dailies such as pro-Iranian strategy, while so far Mos- Kommersant, Izvestia and others, the cow has always tried, at least offi cially, Russian position will be important to to maintain cooperation with both watch. Like most other players in Syria, countries. Moscow would not welcome any addi- Some Russian pundits, however, sug- tional actors in the country. However, gest that since Moscow has been wary as seen in numerous analytical com- that its major ally, Iran, might eventu- ments from Russia, the Russian leaders ally, through its proxies, seize the stra- would not be entirely able to forestall tegic opportunity and increase its clout future Israeli involvement in Syria, in Syria: the country could be interested which is likely to remain active. GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 23 - 26, 2018 POLITICS 5 Ghosts & Illusions in Abkhazia (Part 2 of the Adventure) ing to get information out of us. We BY TOM DAY must’ve aroused suspicion when my Hungarian friend and I spoke English in front of him, naively assuming he couldn’t e really got the feel- understand us. We used such words as ing we were being ‘journalist’ and ‘article,’ with ‘Abkhazia’ watched during our and ‘Georgia’ in the same sentences. The time there; from men next day he took us to visit a church, in cars who seemed where we met a ‘Priest’. He spoke Eng- Wa little out of place, to one sitting at the lish surprisingly well, and with his friendly other end of the restaurant to us with charm, lured us into a sense of relaxa- no food at any time while we were there, tion. Out of nowhere, he looked invasively looking in our direction, but not daring into my eyes, freezing me in place as if to catch our eye. he were physically holding me there, and There was an atmosphere in Abkhazia asked “are you a journalist?” which echoed the not-so-distant Soviet I have only ever experienced this look times. People seemed to be ever so in someone’s eyes once before in my life, slightly afraid, and it was as if they had when I crossed the border into Russia and been told not to talk to tourists about was questioned in a taxi by, what I am anything to do with the Georgian con- certain was an undercover FBS agent. It fl ict. The convenient gap in memory was was overwhelming and the shock of being apparent in everyone we talked to. The asked such a question, which I could tell fi rst man we talked to was a taxi driver. he had been previously informed about, We asked him to tell us what happened caught me off-guard, and I think I gave in the 2008. He pretended to have no away that he was right. I don’t know if we recollection of Russian-backed troops succeeded in convincing him otherwise, murdering and forcing out hundreds of or whether he just didn’t see us as a threat, thousands of Georgians. It was as if it but we managed to avoid further question- was just a normal day. ing during our time in Abkhazia. One man, a Government Offi cial, took It’s no wonder we attracted attention, forces had done to the region. silence seemed to allow cries of the past cheaply-produced that some of the words a liking to our female Lithuanian friend. because we weren’t behaving like ordi- Underground, we found what we to be heard. were slightly slanted. It looked like some- He took us out a few times and kept try- nary tourists. Stepping inside the burnt- believed to be a Soviet interrogation One fi nal thing we had to do before one had gone to the effort of forging an ing to get me and my Hungarian friend out government building on ‘Freedom room. It was ever-so-slightly too small leaving was get the “visa.” To do this, we offi cial document but had done so poorly. away so he could have her to himself. Square’, we felt like we were entering and contained a basic table and a chair had to go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs We laughed about it and slipped them We felt like bodyguards. She tried to the set of a zombie fi lm; we half-anxiously with two back legs missing. If you believe in Sukhumi with our invitation letter, wait into our passports to keep as a souvenir, squeeze something out of him (not in entered each room, worrying about what in ghosts, then there were defi nitely 15 minutes while they pretended to do but they wouldn’t let us cross the border that way), but even her powers of female could jump out from the corner. Ivy and some in there with us; the temperature something in the offi ce, and pay the back with them, making it feel like more persuasion couldn’t break the secrecy. other plant life had claimed the struc- dropped, and the air got heavy as we equivalent to 10 GEL each. We were of a ticket to an amusement park than But I think that it was he who was try- ture, just as the Abkhaz and Russian explored the lower fl oors. The eerie handed a piece of paper which was so permission to visit a country. HOTEL PORTA CAUCASIA KAZBEGI Feel at home in Caucasus

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Address: 2 Tergdaleulebi St., Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), Georgia Tel: +995 322 25 77 70 Mail: [email protected] FB: @PortaCaucasiaKazbegi GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS FEBRUARY 23 - 26, 2018 Niels Scott on the Challenges Georgia Faces for generations and love their places, EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY and the worst scenario would be if they SOFO JAVAKHISHVILI had to leave. There are amazing success stories in every region, with people mak- ing small or medium enterprises in rural EORGIA TODAY inter- areas. Economic growth in Georgia has viewed UN Resident Coor- been steady compared with neighboring dinator and UNDP Resi- regions, and Georgia has succeeded in dent Representative and a number of ways, such as ease of mak- UNFPA Representative in ing business, and this is not an insig- GGeorgia, Niels Scott, on Georgia and the nifi cant achievement. The number of challenges it is facing. tourists visiting Georgia is also growing rapidly. But there needs to be balance HOW WOULD YOU ASSESS between economic growth and social GEORGIA’S CONTRIBUTION development, meaning that there might TO INTERNATIONAL be economical growth, but the entire PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS? population should benefi t from it. Georgia is one of the leading troop con- Education is an investment, particularly tribution countries, with two peacekeep- preschool education, which of course ing missions currently in very sensitive forms the individual. Primary and Sec- areas, including Afghanistan, keeping ondary educations are also important: stability in the region. Considering the having teachers with appropriate quali- fact that the country is facing many chal- fi cations and retaining and promoting lenges of its own, it’s fantastic how Geor- good teachers. Economic growth needs gians go on peacebuilding missions. I to be supported by education. Vocational was astounded when I saw the fi gures education also needs to be promoted to and the tremendous effort made by increase the ability to bring relevant Georgians over more than two decades. skills to the labor market. In various These are the 17 goals and 169 targets WHAT AREAS IN GEORGIA and through them, you can see slowly surveys, businesses reply that fi nding that all UN countries agreed on. In terms MOST NEED TO BE IMPROVED? shifting attitudes. Previously, tolerance WHAT DO YOU SEE AS well-trained staff is a challenge. Parents of what we call nationalization, Georgia Education is the backbone of economic towards domestic violence was far too GEORGIA’S MAIN CHALLENGE [in Georgia] sometimes think that their actually chose to make some of the tar- growth; we have seen numerous exam- high: people would say domestic violence IN ADVANCING BETTER children should go to university to study gets tougher than the global ones. For ples in other countries, where an invest- is a private matter and I think this is intrin- LIVING CONDITIONS? science, law or medicine but the result example, reducing poverty. The level ment in education pays off. Education sically wrong. As Dostoyevsky once said: We have a number of impressive reforms may be a surplus of doctors and lawyers. of poverty in Georgia is high, with a lot benefi ts not only economic development, ‘Everybody is responsible for everything taking place in Georgia. Public admin- There are really good examples of coun- of people in agriculture where there is it also has a social impact. Education and to everyone.’ But many people are istration is improved and, in fact, it’s a tries worldwide where it is actually very not overall high productivity yet. So also means encouraging them to take starting to feel that domestic violence is role model for other countries. We have popular to choose vocational education, people are for now trapped in a low- the initiative and to improve their situ- no longer tolerable and would be more decentralization; government is being allowing students to get a job faster than income situation. Agriculture is an ation and contribute to their communi- likely to report incidents. In addition, police pushed towards communities where some people in more specialized fi elds. important priority for the government: ties. This is an important way in which have been trained, and we now have more decisions are being made. You have a lot and that’s why the SDGs are so useful progress can be achieved. specialist policewomen which helps with of people in Georgia living in remote HOW HAS GEORGIA in helping to make sure that people the reporting of incidents. Overall, we can areas, and I think it very important to MET THE SUSTAINABLE working in these lower income areas BASED ON YOUR EXPERIENCE, say that there are improvements but the encourage rural and mountainous areas; DEVELOPMENT GOALS? are not left behind and to create har- WHAT IS THE SOLUTION TO THE number of incidents of domestic violence to encourage developing and retaining Georgia is taking the SDG [Sustainable mony between economic growth and DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ISSUE? and the number of incidents which are their populations. They have been living Development Goals] very seriously. social equity. There were some recent surveys conducted not reported are still way too high. Georgian Diplomats Discuss Oddities in the Georgian Presidency

Visa-Liberalization Challenges if the wannabe head of state is never to It is odd that Georgia is being ruled OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE be a decision-maker according to the by fi ve branches of power, not by three, currently functioning Constitution? as is commonplace in most countries. So, the candidacy choice was more than Georgia does not need that many levers ears ago, when the incum- acceptable and optimal! What happened of management. This is a sheer waste bent Georgian President after? What happened after is that a cou- of national energy, which is depleted, was campaigning for offi ce, ple of totally unexpected features were as it is even without this deplorable being promoted and accidentally added to the innocuous list extravagancy! Excessive administrative propped up by the most of the presidential candidate’s character- efforts and infatuation with a big gov- inYfl uential political forces of the country, istics after the candidate had stepped into ernment is conducive to myriad incon- my curiosity found itself on the verge presidential offi ce: political ambition, veniences and blunders, and on top of of an angry outburst: why him, and not personal pride and desire to play a real that, we don’t look solid enough in the somebody else who would fi t into the part in the nation’s business. Why not, if eyes of the friendly western world job description just as well or even bet- this is endorsed by the Constitution! If which would never put up with our ter? Or, why not me, for instance – a not, then the President, though elected irrationality in ruling the nation. gentleman of suitable count of years, by the people’s direct vote, tends to trig- So much for the political side of the with solid experience in foreign and ger an actual diarchy in managing the current Georgian presidency... On a the European Union, Natalie Sabanadze, domestic servitude, fl uent in three lan- country because in a parliamentary repub- purely human, let’s call it man-to-man, BY THEA MORRISON also attended the meeting. According to guages and with a smattering of several lic, like ours today, it is the Prime Minis- the weird presidential activity and her, at present there is no threat of sus- others, with high-level diplomatic edu- ter who is sitting under the Sword of works thereof have instigated a huge pension of the legislation. cation, a grandmaster of protocol, Damocles, not the President! amount of frustration in those unpleas- eorgia’s Vice-Premier and “We talked about the ways and meas- equipped with a strong aptitude to han- antly surprised strongmen, without Foreign Minister, Mikheil ures to improve the situation. There are dle the royal court intrigues, and simply whose sincere trust and leading upper Janelidze, had a meeting two main ways - cooperation with the a nice guy with enough white on the hand the guy would never have resided with Georgian diplomats EU law enforcement agencies and car- crown, suffering no kinks and not hav- on the enviable throne of the Republic, late on Tuesday to discuss rying out a large-scale campaign in the ing to brave the eccentricities of his although visibly symbolic and clearly Gpreventive measures for the increased country,” she added. character. protocol-oriented. Hence, the onset of number of Georgian asylum seekers The statistical information of the Minis- Funny, isn’t it? One might think that I a crippled relationship with the ruling arriving in European Union countries. try of Internal Affairs of Georgia reads that have run amok, but let the doubters party and nonspeaking terms with The diplomats also discussed ways of 226,655 Georgians enjoyed visa-free travel rest assured that I am in an envi- the present government! Did this avoiding the activation of the suspension to the Schengen zone during the period able cerebral shape. I just wanted exceedingly lucky but not com- mechanism from the EU structures, which from the launch of the visa-free travel to know – why him? Although pletely appreciative man need will suspend Georgia’s main successful (March 28, 2017) to February 10, 2018. the question has, in time, turned this uninvited nauseous head- achievement of the last year – the visa- The Ministry added 767 citizens were into a trivial generic query, it ache? Probably not. free regime with the European Union. refused entry to the Schengen zone. might still merit a couple of So, why can’t we go back to This issue became acute after the three Statistical data published by the Min- answers, approximated to afford- the real presidential model of countries - Germany, France and Sweden, istry of Internal Affairs of Germany says able truth: impressive physicals, ruling this nation, so that the expressed concern over the signifi cant that in September 2017, 238 citizens of agile mind, notable eloquence, future Georgian presidents are increase of asylum seekers from Georgia, Georgia demanded asylum in Germany, linguistic aptitude, excellent edu- real again? I mean Presidents, not adding that crime committed by them adding this number significantly cation, years of administrative expe- Kings and Queens and Emperors, has also increased. increased in the following months. In rience under the belt, and sincerely and certainly, not those regular dic- Georgia’s Ambassador Extraordinary October, the number of asylum seekers loved by his powerful promoters. What tators with the annoying desire to and Plenipotentiary to Belgium and Lux- was 355, in November - 444, in December else could one desire in a out-of-the- remain cozily ensconced on the top embourg, Permanent Representative in - 522 and in January - 745. blue presidential nomination, especially forever.

GEORGIA TODAY 8 POLITICS FEBRUARY 23 - 26, 2018 GD Majority Overrides President’s Veto on Broadcasting Law Amendments

amendments was to avoid embezzle- BY THEA MORRISON ment of tens of millions of GEL from the budget. Kobakhidze said the GPB has zero rat- uling Georgian Dream (GD) ing and claimed that the money spent so MPs have overruled Geor- far on its fi nancing had been embezzled. gian President Giorgi Marg- “The amendments adopted by Parlia- velashvili’s veto on amend- ment aim at changing the situation,” ments to the Broadcasting the Speaker added. RLaw, which gives the state-fi nanced Giorgi Abashishvili, Head of the Pres- Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) idential Administration, slammed the more independency and power as well ruling party for overcoming the veto, as the right of commercial advertising. saying their main aim was not the issue At the parliament session on February itself but confronting the President. 21, 83 MPs voted to overthrow the veto, “Overriding the presidential vetoes while 13 lawmakers, mainly from the has become the tradition of the ruling opposition parties, were against. team. By adopting this law, corruption The parliamentary majority has over- risks are created and the different media ruled all vetoes of President Margve- outlets are put in unequal conditions. lashvili so far, as they have 116 MPs in It is unfortunate that the government a 150-member legislative body and form does not understand this,” Abashishvili the supermajority. In order to overcome stressed. a presidential veto, the votes of at least The opposition, private media outlets 76 MPs are needed. and NGOs disapproved the changes to According to the amendments, the the Law on Broadcasting from the begin- GPB will no longer have to announce ning, saying granting advertising rights public procurement calls when purchas- to the GPB will harm the media envi- ing media products or services, as it has ronment in the country, and the broad- been lifted from its obligation to observe caster should no longer receive funding the Law on Public Procurement. from the state budget following the Furthermore, as a result of the amend- amendments. ments, the powers of the nine-member to the state budget. It has also been million GEL. In 2018, the funding of the Parliament for re-consideration. In late January, 37 Non-Governmental Board of Trustees have been reduced: given the right to fi nance start-ups and GPB has been increased by 5.695 mil- He had two main complaints, which Organizations (NGOs) operating in now they will need the Director Gen- innovative television, radio and online lion GEL, amounting to 52.100 million referred to the GPB right of commercial Georgia called on Parliament not to eral’s consent to carry out reforms. products. GEL. advertising and the issue of state pro- override the veto, while a few days ago, The GPB, whose fi nancing increases Last year, the broadcaster received President Margvelashvili vetoed the curements. up to 60 media organizations urged MPs proportionally to the state budget, will around 46.4 million GEL from the state, bill last month. He attached motivated Georgia’s Parliament Speaker, Irakli not to support the amendments to the no longer have to return unused funds while in 2016, it was fi nanced with 44.5 remarks to the bill and returned it to Kobakhidze, stated that the aim of the Law on Broadcasting. Hungary’s Policy Could Cost her Membership in the EU ers. Such methods are used only by In response to Orban’s incendiary "idiot" with insane ideas. The European Commission is prepar- BY DIMITRI DOLABERIDZE authoritarian regimes, unworthy of a speech, Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ing a decision on a lawsuit against Hun- democratic European Union,” the Lux- Jean Asselborn compared the fi re-brand recently said his government would gary, Poland and the Czech Republic in embourg Minister added. Hungarian PM to a dictator. oppose the efforts of the EU and the UN the European Court for failure to comply inister of Foreign Affairs Asselborn noted that he had a perfectly Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expand migration around the world, with the decision of 2015 on the reset- of Luxembourg Jean normal relationship with his Hungarian of Hungary, Peter Siyarto, called his Lux- as "Islam will soon knock on the doors tlement of refugees from Greece and Asselborn believes that colleague Siyarto. “I have no anger that embourg colleague Jean Asselborn an of Central Europe." Italy on the EU quota. the policy of the Hun- could affect our relations; as I said, it's garian government about principles and values: Hungarian couldM cost Budapest membership in the politics defi es the principles of the Euro- European Union. He stated this in a tel- pean Union.” ephone interview with the Hungarian The Luxembourg Minister noted that edition of Magyar Nemzet, a major Hun- he could not understand the thinking of garian newspaper. the Hungarian government and warned Earlier, in an interview with the Ger- that his policy could cost Budapest dearly. man edition of Der Tagesspiegel, “The Hungarian people should under- Asselborn criticized the Hungarian leg- stand that if they have a government islative initiative ‘Stop Soros’ and urged which does this, it might cost them mem- the European Commission to initiate a bership in the EU. I would be very sad sanction procedure against Hungary. if that happened,” Asselborn said. “I do not hate Hungary. Peter Siyarto During his state-of-the-union speech [note: a Hungarian politician who has at the weekend, Hungarian Prime Min- been Minister of Foreign Affairs and ister Victor Orban doubled-down on his Trade since September 2014] or Victor objection to Muslim refugees entering Orban [a Hungarian politician and jurist, the EU and reiterated his claim to be the current Prime Minister of Hungary, in protector of European culture and Chris- offi ce since 2010]. We’re not talking about tianity. individuals, but about basic principles, His speech referred to “dark clouds” values, laws and respect for human dig- over Europe as he warned that the con- nity in every EU member state,” Asselborn tinued fl ow of Muslim refugees would Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 said. “We can’t punish non-governmen- result in an “occupied Europe” that would 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] tal organizations that help asylum seek- lead to the eventual collapse of the West. GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 23 - 26, 2018 BUSINESS 9 Georgian Startup Chosen from 7000 to Pitch to Investors in California BY TOM DAY EVENTS HELPED STARTUPS TO ENGAGE GLOBALLY, PARTICULARLY VREX IMMERSIVE INC.? The biggest thing has been being part of the Startup eorgian Startup VRex Immersive Inc. Grind community. We have a local chapter here, has been selected, along with 50 oth- which we started as a full chapter in the global ers, out of 7000 worldwide startups system, with chapter directors being invited to to pitch their ambition to investors Global Conferences. So really, by doing good work of Silicon Valley in California. On 14 and building a local community, I was able to par- GFebruary, Vrex was accompanied by 49 other start- ticipate with the global community of millions of ups, and given one minute to pitch to investors. others worldwide. It's a system based on merit - it's This is a great achievement for them, and for Startup not really who you know: if what you're doing is Grind in Tbilisi. meaningful and of quality, then you will get sup- VRex has been an active participant in the Tbilisi port. Startup Grind chapter and received some seed VRex are now on the lead of travel marketing VR; funding from the Georgian Innovation and Tech- nobody else has a better platform that I'm aware nology Association (GITA). They are expected to of. At the travel show in Madrid, all sorts of people expand greatly in the coming year, and GITA are saw it and said they had the best exhibition VR of working with them closely. any other country. Even Israel, who are very tech- VRex Immersive Inc. currently uses its state-of- nologically savvy, were far behind. The one that the-art virtual reality technology for tourism devel- Israel had had three stations where you walk opment and has a lot of virtual-reality experiences between face sets, you look at one place, and then THAN EVER, AS ARE POSSIBILITIES to change the travel industry with virtual reality. created for Georgian destinations. At a recent you move to the next one. With Vrex’s, they have FOR COMPANIES SUCH AS YOURS. We want anybody to be able to use virtual reality international travel show in Madrid, the Georgian different waypoints, and if you look at a spot for HOW DO YOU SEE VREX IMMERSIVE to make decisions about where to go, and for peo- National Tourism Association had VRex’s technol- about 5 seconds you are transported to another 12 MONTHS FROM NOW? ple to be able to actually share their experiences ogy on show. It outdid every other VR platform part. We always have several different experiments work- in an immersive way. In fi ve years, or three years, there, and had people forming long lines in antic- ing at the same time; it’s what you do – you fi nd or in one year, or even tomorrow, we want to fi nd ipation of experiencing it. The Minister of Economy WHAT WAS THE CRITERIA AND out what you’re passionate about and you fi lter it ourselves connecting people to places through attended and suggested that all tourism centers in SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE down to ‘something which is useful.’ Technology virtual reality. That's what we want, and hopefully Georgia should use their technology to promote CALIFORNIA EVENT? changes so frequently, but our long-term vision is we'll be making some money, too! destinations. They took a look fi rstly at the team, which has been GEORGIA TODAY caught up with Startup Grind’s together for a long time, and through a lot of chal- Colin Donohue and Vrex CEO Nikoloz Gogochuri lenges, so they fi t that criteria very well. Next was for an interview, before they set off to the event. technology – technology-wise, they are ahead of all other VR platforms, as I already mentioned. COLIN, PLEASE START BY TELLING US Traction was the third and mass markets was the ABOUT STARTUP GRIND AND WHY fi nal criteria, which they defi nitely appeal to, work- YOU LAUNCHED IT HERE IN TBILISI ing to incorporate VR in the tourism sector. I’m a digital marketer with clients in the US and I fi gured I would do something useful in the startup NIKOLOZ, WHY DID YOU CHOOSE community, so I started the Startup Grind. The GEORGIA AS THE SUBJECT government's doing a lot of great things here, there OF YOUR VR CONTENT? are a lot of programs, but at the heart of the entre- Not only are we Georgian and love the country, preneurial process is a community of entrepreneurs. but it's one of the most diverse places culturally The idea of a startup was very new when we began; and visually in the region. We could have done the nobody had even heard the word back then! I think same in Turkey, but it wouldn’t have been as good. we began very successfully, hosting a couple of Operating in this ecosystem is quite cheap; if we events which led to some good connections and decided to do the same thing in, say, France, I don't relationships between people. Recently, we ran a know if we could have done it with the money we retreat to bring together some of the key startups had. It's easy to do business, it's cheap, and the and some support providers to look at where Geor- quality of life is great. It's very relaxed, too. gia has been developing over the last few years. The driving force we came away with was to get WHAT FEEDBACK HAVE YOU HAD some success stories, so I focused a lot of my energy FROM PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY IN on the process of developing a number of lead THE TOURISM INDUSTRY, WHO startups, showing them ways they could connect HAVE USED YOUR TECHNOLOGY? with the people they need to. At the show in Madrid, the Minister of Economy It became very clear that it's important to con- came and saw we were the best in the show, out of nect with resources outside of Georgia because all the other countries, and he saw potential for nobody has really grown big technology companies Georgia to become best in the world for the VR or startups here, so we’re interested in connecting tourism market. He saw the real effect of how vir- with mentors, which is why we set up a mentor tual reality can impress people and how it can affect residence program: They come to Georgia, have a their decision-making. He witnessed several of the nice time, and spend a couple of weeks advising users saying ‘hey, I want to go there now. Show me startups. how much it costs!’ To date, we've been to international events in the WHY ARE COMPANIES CHOOSING travel industry and we’ve probably shown our TO MAKE STARTUPS IN GEORGIA? technology to between 5-10 thousand people. Quite Most of the startups that are working with us right honestly, I have a hard time remembering any now were started by Georgians who grew up here negative feedback about the experience. Sometimes and live here, so to move to another country to people come and say they don't like this virtual start a company is very diffi cult. Also, Georgia is reality stuff, and they don't want to give it a go, but a nice place to test the market; word-of-mouth has that's because they've had a bad experience with a lot of power here, and it's very cheap. Then there other VR platforms. Our technology is further are some people who are starting companies here ahead than that, and the best feeling for me is when FIRST BRAND HOTEL IN KUTAISI UNDER BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL from other countries; one of the reasons is it's they don't want to give it a go, but they go for it inexpensive and the policy environment is very anyway, and as soon as they turn their head, they Within the framework of the Georgian Hotels’ Regional Three mobile conference halls are available with a total supportive of business in general, and also people smile. That's really does it for me. Network Development Project “12 hotels in 12 regions” by capacity of about 100 persons. GHYHORSPHQWFRPSDQ\³6LPHWULD´WKH¿UVWEUDQGKRWHOKDV just like it here; there are a lot of cheap countries The real feedback for me is when somebody says been opened in Kutaisi under the Best Western International (XURSHDQFXLVLQHFDQEHHQMR\HGLQWKHJURXQGÀRRUFDIp that are really dangerous or not as interesting, not ‘ok, how can I book to go there?’ That happens a brand. and a grill-bar menu in the roof top restaurant as beautiful, so this combination of being an amaz- lot during the travel shows, especially with the with panoramic views over the city. The hotel accommodates 45 guest rooms, including 40 ing, wonderful place with a lot of things going on general public. In Madrid, most of the people said standard rooms and 5 suites. The hotel was designed taking The International Hotels Management Company “T3 and being safe and having a good business environ- that they now wanted to go skiing in Gudauri, and into consideration special conditions and safety for guests Hospitality Management,” providing the hotel management, ment is a winning combination. I think if more that they hadn’t known it existed before. There with disabilities. has 20 years’ experience in hotel management in different people knew Georgia existed, then more would were a very select few who say it makes them feel countries globally. come. dizzy. Address: 11 Grishashvili Str., 4600, Kutaisi, Georgia TEL 219 71 00 HOW HAVE MOVES FROM LOCAL TECHNOLOGY IS ADVANCING QUICKER [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY FEBRUARY 23 - 26, 2018 Shavi Lomi: The First Georgian Food Revolution

do, and not just us but chefs across we have been infl uenced by them. small quantities of city boys and girls Georgia, is to bring back a lot of tradi- moving to the villages to produce their tional dishes that were lost during com- YOU MENTIONED THAT own cheeses and vegetables. So there’s munist times. By “lost,” I mean that YOUR ORIGINAL PLAN WAS defi nitely a lot of potential, but we need people stopped cooking them as the TO RUN A RESTAURANT the right investment and direction to culture of borsht and cutleti took over. WITHOUT HAVING TO COOK ensure we get there. We lost a lot of different kinds of cheeses YOURSELF. WE KNOW THE and grapes, amongst other things. Today, RESTAURANT INDUSTRY IS ARE THERE ANY SIGNIFICANT a lot of us chefs are trying to fi nd the A VERY DEMANDING ONE. CHALLENGES THAT YOU’VE old recipes and bring them back into HOW DO YOU BALANCE IT FACED SINCE STARTING everyday life. There’s a lot of work left OUT SO YOU DON’T FALL OUT YOUR ADVENTURE IN THE until we achieve collective success in LOVE WITH YOUR PASSION? LOCAL CULINARY SCENE? this goal, but we’re defi nitely getting I think I was lucky. At the age I got into No. I think the industry has developed there slowly but surely. this industry here, I couldn’t imagine enough to accept and expect change. myself on my feet cooking for 18 hours Whereas as in the beginning there may THE WINING AND DINING a day. So what I was doing was design- have been some resistance, today it’s INTERVIEW BY MATE FOLDI ON THAT NOTE, WHILE IN CULTURE DEVELOP SINCE YOU THE US DID YOU DRAW ing dishes with my staff members, never fi ne. The most signifi cant challenges that GOT BACK FROM THE US? ANY INSPIRATION FROM being the one doing the cooking myself, we faced have to do with produce, and Oh, it’s changed a lot. As I said, back ANY PARTICULAR CHEF OR which allowed me to limit the amount I think that’s something every restau- he foodie revolution in Tbi- then it was pretty much static. Now, and STYLE OF COOKING? of stress and enjoy my job. Cooking is ranteur has to deal with. So while we lisi started in 2011, when this is probably a result of the opening I was at a very authentic and upscale defi nitely a profession that comes with have a basic (and very popular) menu young Georgian chef up of the country and the great infl ux of Mexican restaurant for a while. That a lot of stress and physical pressure, so available to our guests, we try to intro- Meriko Gubeladze opened tourism, Georgians have realized that was a very different and unique experi- my best advice would be to get into it duce seasonal specials that make use of her fusion restaurant Shavi it’s time to change. As the need to keep ence for me: I was very blown away while you’re young and still full of energy, the relevant produce. TLomi. to the same traditions as our great-great- with the food there! It was defi nitely a and not wait until your thirties to get “We wanted our restaurant to be orig- grandfathers waned, people began to source of inspiration for me. Though, things going. WHAT ARE SOME inal: Georgian cuisine with a twist. The appreciate the possibility to be creative to be honest, New York’s food culture OF YOUR PROUDEST same taste but different ingredients. Our with our cuisine. The opening of the in its entirety left a huge lasting impres- WITH REGARDS TO THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS? goal was to evoke some kind of emotion Culinary Academy was also a big deal sion on me. Everything, the different FOOD THAT YOU SERVE, I’m proud of this restaurant. We’ve man- from customers once they’d opened the as it facilitated the rise in this profes- presentations, the cooking styles, the DO YOU PRODUCE ANY aged to create a brand that’s retained its menu: surprise, disappointment, anger sion’s prestige among the younger gen- richness and sheer variety of fl avors, OF THE INGREDIENTS? popularity amongst our customers. Our — anything. So, we began to look for a eration. During the communist era, being was simply amazing. We started making our own cheese dur- previous location in Sololaki was once chef but struggled to fi nd anyone quali- a chef was not looked at as something ing the summer. It’s a long process, a very unpopular place for restaurants, fi ed. Back then, the industry was way prestigious, but now it is. The last 3 or THROUGHOUT MY TRAVELS though, so I’d rather buy. It’s a completely but we successfully kept our tables full, behind what it is now; my time in the 4 years have seen the industry develop IN GEORGIA, I’VE NOTICED separate process that requires a differ- even hosting the President at one point. States allowed me to learn things that exponentially, and I believe that it will THE DIFFERENCES, AT TIMES ent set of experts, so I’d rather go out The same story with our current loca- put my skills ahead of the people I hired continue on this trajectory for a while SUBTLE, AT TIMES EXPLICIT, and buy it directly from producers I trust. tion: it’s terrible for restaurants, but we at the time. So, despite my plans to the yet. The impact of tourism had a lot to IN THE FLAVOR AND However, lately it has been so hard to still fi nd the reservations piling up. I’m contrary, I returned to the kitchen as do with this change. PRESENTATION OF POPULAR fi nd a local, natural cheese. They say very proud of my team for being able to chef myself, and Black Lion was born. It The youngsters are bringing more and DISHES LIKE KHINKALI AND that communism killed a lot of the gour- create a household name. Of course, I was a huge success. Indeed, back in the more creativity into the fi eld and push- KHACHAPURI. IS THERE A met cheese culture, keeping only the was also very proud when both The New day, the pioneers of Georgia’s culinary ing for a loosening of traditions. Of PARTICULAR REGION OF fresh types like sulguni. I don’t know if York Times and The Guardian featured scene were focusing more on fi lling the course, there is an old vanguard still GEORGIA THAT YOU BASE the people got lazy, or the quantities us: I’d never have expected that to hap- vacuum of European-style cooking and fi ghting them, so to speak, trying to keep YOUR COOKING ON? produced are super minute, but it’s pen ! introducing that culture; but no-one was everything the same as how their great- I grew up in Imereti, so I’ve defi nitely becoming increasingly diffi cult to fi nd I’m extremely proud of the fact that focusing on revolutionizing Georgian grandmothers served it. taken a lot of inspiration from there; decent quality produce. I’m not talking we have managed to acquire a large food. So, in that sense, we were defi nitely Megrulian cuisine is another of my about fruits and vegetables as, when they Georgian clientele too, in addition to the the fi rst to do so.” WHAT DO YOU MEAN favorites, so that too has defi nitely infl u- are in season the quality is usually sub- foreigners and tourists. Our popularity So began our discussion with the rev- BY “TRADITIONAL”? enced my cooking. As for things like lime, but about meat and dairy products. amongst locals offers a great sense of olutionary Ms Gubeladze, owner of Shavi Presentation and fl avors. Look at the khinkali and khachapuri, while today Slowly, the industry is catching up and self-validation, as it shows that the pub- Lomi. traditional Georgian chicken soup, chikh- they are authentic parts of our cuisine, moving forward, but it’s defi nitely taking lic has become receptive to our efforts irtma. As long as you can recognize the they are not necessarily unique to Geor- its time. in revolutionizing Georgian cuisine. SO, HOW ARE YOU taste as chikhirtma, I don’t understand gia. Lots of other countries have them REVOLUTIONIZING why anyone should protest the kind of but in different shapes and form. To that I’VE BEEN TOLD THERE COULD WHAT ARE YOU GOALS GEORGIAN CUISINE? ingredient, i.e. mint, terragon, whatever, end, I believe that Imeretian and BE A HUGE MARKET FOR FOR THE FUTURE? What we started was not so much an used in the cooking process. But the Megrulian food is a lot more authentic GEORGIAN AGRICULTURAL I’d like to open another restaurant, one alteration of the tastes, but of the smaller older generation are relentless in their and unique to Georgia. For example, I PRODUCTS GIVEN THEIR that is very food oriented: a food lab with details. Take the example of the serving complaining. haven’t seen any ‘relatives’ of dishes like HIGH QUALITY, BUT THERE’S an open kitchen. The main focus would of the food. Traditionally, Georgian tables pkhali, gepshalia anywhere outside the A LACK OF INFRASTRUCTURE be just on food, not on the interior design are communal, with food being shared. SO ARE THESE THE KINDS OF country. Kakheti is also very interesting TO MEET THE DEMAND. or anything like that. We’ll see if it works, Instead of, say, giving you ghomi on one CHANGES THAT YOU BRING food-wise, with chakhapuli and chanakhi, WHAT SOLUTIONS DO YOU but that is the next project; to make sure plate and kharcho on the other, we tried INTO YOUR COOKING: but they also draw a lot of inspiration SEE FOR THIS SITUATION? that we are continuously innovating, and to combine. We made ghomi green, which USING DIFFERENT HERBS and infl uence from Persian and Eastern I think that this should be a government never bored. disappointed many and surprised oth- TO CREATE THE SAME cuisine. goal. They should encourage farmers, ers. A dish that has been very successful TRADITIONAL FLAVORS? providing them with loans and grants; WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE with our guests is our ‘gobi,’ a wooden Indeed. What I mean is that if you call SO ON THE WHOLE, WHILE a lot of money and effort needs to poured YOUR LEGACY TO BE? plate fi lled with a mix of Georgian start- something “kharcho,” you should rec- GEORGIAN CUISINE DOES into this industry, but unfortunately, they I haven’t really put much thought to that, ers: cheese, cornbread, pkhali and wal- ognise it as that, and cook it in a manner OFFER SOME UNIQUE are not doing this at the moment. There but I guess that doing my share for the nuts. The name forms the base of the that ensures the signature taste remains. DISHES, ITS MORE AN are some surface-level changes going on continued promotion of this industry in Georgian word for friendship, megob- How you get there, be it through com- AMALGAMATION OF FUSION but it’s not enough. Georgia would be it. As I told you before, roba, because friends would share food bination X, Y, or Z of ingredients, is what OF A VARIETY OF STYLES? However, I’ve noticed a large infl ux of when we fi rst started, everything was from gobi, so it has a nice history to it. makes things interesting. That process Defi nitely. There’s a lot of infl uence from foreigners with greater know-how, enter- static. Today, it’s a lot more dynamic and Even though it’s not on our menu, eve- is what holds the key to the individual- around the world on our cuisine. It makes ing the agriculture market and produc- ever-changing, and I would like to keep ryone is always asking for it! ity of each restaurant: it shouldn't be the perfect sense if you look at the history ing high quality goods like aged cheeses, on contributing to the greatest of my hostage of tradition. books. We were invaded by Turks, Arabs, bread, vegetables: it’s a great source of abilities to ensure that the spectrum for HOW HAVE YOU SEEN Another thing that we are trying to to name but two examples, so of course education for the locals. I also noticed growth and innovation doesn’t stall. Germany Deports 65 Georgians for Violating Visa-Free Rules The information was also confi rmed The General Consul of Georgia in BY THEA MORRISON by several Georgians living in Germany Frankfurt, Ioseb Chkhikvishvili, who wrote in Facebook that citizens of responded to the deportation of Geor- Georgia who were subjected to readmis- gian citizens from Germany by saying ermany has deported 65 sion, had been living in North Rhine- that among the 65 expelled were Geor- Georgians who violated Westphalia and Baden-Bürttemberg. gians from other countries, including visa-free rules and stayed According to the Facebook messages, Iceland, which had also refused to give in the country longer than "there are plenty of cases in the admin- asylum. permitted (90 days in any istrative court and all the cases were The Consul general added that the next G180-day period), said Georgia’s consulate resolved quickly." wave of deportation from Germany will in Germany. Georgian media reports that among the take place on March 21. Citizens of Georgia who asked for asy- deported are those living in Germany for “We do not know exactly who is on the lum in Germany were also expelled. years who had been waiting for asylum. list, because the German side is not “65 citizens of Georgia who violated The offi cial reason of this “mass” depor- obliged to inform us who they are going the visa-regime of being in the EU ter- tation is an agreement between Germany to expel,” he added. ritory, were deported from the Federal and Georgia which means deportation According to Chkhikvishvili, no viola- Republic of Germany yesterday,” the of Georgians who violate the visa-free tions of citizens' rights were reported consulate informs. regime. Photo source: Kviris Palitra to the Consulate. GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 23 - 26, 2018 SOCIETY 11 Tbilisi Hosts Scientifi c Conference on Modern Multiple Sclerosis Management

common form of disease (80-85%) and is charac- BY SOPIO JAVAKHISHVILI terized by episodes of new or worsening signs of symptoms (relapses) followed by periods of recov- ery (remission). Remission typically lasting from otel Radisson Blu Iveria hosted a a few months to a few years. scientifi c conference on "Modern • The majority of people who are diagnosed with Principles of Multiple Sclerosis Man- RRMS will eventually transition to Secondary pro- agement". The conference was organ- gressive MS (SPMS) in which they experience ized under the aegis of the pharma- steadily worsening disability over time. Relapsing Hceutical company Roche Georgia and is connected forms of MS (RMS) include people with RRMS to the introduction of the innovative drug Ocrevus and people with SPMS. (Ocrelizumab) onto the Georgian pharmaceutical • The Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) is a debil- market. itating form of the disease marked by steadily Professor Ludwig Kappos, Head Physician of the worsening symptoms but typically without distinct Department of Neurology and Outpatient Clinic relapses or periods of remission. Approximately at the University Hospital of Basel, was invited 15% of people with MS are diagnosed with primary from Switzerland to participate in the conference. progressive form of disease. The conference was also be attended by repre- People with all forms of MS experience disease sentatives of the medical fi eld, and media. activity – infl ammation of the nervous system and Ocrevus is the fi rst and only therapy approved permanent loss of nerve cells in the brain. This for both primary progressive and relapsing forms process can occur even if the patient does not have of multiple sclerosis. clinical symptoms. The main goal of treating mul- “The approval of Ocrevus in Georgia is a signifi - tiple sclerosis is to reduce the disease activity as cant moment for the Georgian patients with Mul- soon as possible to slow progression of disabilities. tiple Sclerosis,” explains Nino Ganugrava, Medical Despite available disease modifying treatments, Director of Roche Georgia. According to her, despite some people with RMS continue to experience available therapies, some patients with relapsing disease activity and disability progression. forms of Multiple Sclerosis continue to experience potential to transform the treatment of both relaps- rological disease that affects an estimated 2.3 mil- Ocrevus is the fi rst and only therapy approved disease activity and disability progression and ing forms of MS and primary progressive MS.” lion people worldwide. The fi rst symptoms occur for both primary progressive and relapsing forms require modifi cation of treatment. “Ocrevus is a The goal of the Scientifi c Conference is to launch between 20 and 40 years, and that is why multiple of multiple sclerosis. The effectiveness and safety new choice for them. And patients with primary Ocrevus for multiple sclerosis treatment, as a sclerosis is the main cause of non-traumatic dis- of Ocrevus was confi rmed by large-scale clinical progressive multiple sclerosis, who have never had “modern medicine achievement for Georgian ability in younger patients. There are several forms trials (OPERA I, OPERA 2, ORATORIO). Ocrevus an approved treatment, will have the opportunity patients.” of disease: delivers superior reduction in disease activity and to be treated with this therapy. Ocrevus has the Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, progressive neu- • Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) is the most risk of disability progression. Gender Equality: Key to Sustainable Development

he Georgian Government, interna- (WECF), noted the role of gender equality in the tional agencies, civil society and the process of democratic transformation. “Real social- private sector have united to promote economic transformation requires the achievement gender equality as one of the key of the SDGs by 2030 in Georgia, and the key lever aspects of the sustainable develop- is gender-equality,” she said. Tment agenda. The Policy Dialogue on February 21 “The sustainable development agenda provides focused on the Sustainable Development Goal on Georgia with a unique opportunity to make a major Gender Equality – SDG5, aiming to set the ways of step forward and eliminate gender inequalities in achieving meaningful progress in political and all aspects of life,” said Gigi Bregadze, Democratic economic empowerment of women in Georgia by Governance Team Leader of the United Nations 2030. Development Program (UNDP) in Georgia, which “Important work has been done by Georgia to is focused on cooperation and partnership for the ensure that all SDGs have gender-sensitive indica- SDGs. “This, however, requires the collective effort tors,” said Mariam Jajanidze, Secretary of the Inter- of all members of Georgian society, the coordinated Agency Commission on Gender Equality, Violence work of the government, non-governmental and against Women, and Domestic Violence, stressed private sectors, and the media, supported by Geor- that SDG5 relates to all national policies. “Follow- gia’s international partners,” he added. ing the National Agenda 2030, the country will take The discussions at the meeting covered a range effective steps to increase women’s economic par- issues, including the low access of Georgian women ticipation, promote equal economic opportunities to economic resources, the pay gap, unequal dis- for women and men, advance gender balance in tribution of labor, and low representation of women decision-making, and end violence against women in decision-making. and girls.” The participants heard from Helena Sancho, Sascha Gabizon, Executive Director of the organ- Deputy Head of Development Co-operation at the ization ‘Women Engage for a Common Future’ Embassy of Sweden in Georgia; Levan Avalishvili, Programs Director of the Institute for Devel- opment of Freedom of Information (IDFI), representatives of the Gender Equality Coun- cil of the Parliament of Georgia, gender experts and researchers from We Research and Inter- national Republican Institute (IRI). The meeting was organized by IDFI, WECF, UNDP, Embassy of Sweden in Georgia and the Administration of the Government of Illustration source: linkedin.com Georgia. GEORGIA TODAY 12 SOCIETY FEBRUARY 23 - 26, 2018 Seven Years On: Etseri, Svaneti ate: 17 February 2011 at 18:46 nearly 300 stories just from Svaneti, a Subject: Hello from Mes- photo for each, and quite a few from tia elsewhere along the way (those Svan articles need a publisher; a book I dream Greetings, of awaits.) DI have enjoyed your newspaper for The necessity of writing x words a much of the 11 years I have lived in Geor- week by a deadline has been a good gia - based in Tbilisi until 2007, and from impetus, although I must also say that then onwards in Svaneti. At the moment, there never seems to be nothing to write following 2 winters teaching English in about. When I started, the renovation of Ushguli, I am with TLG and doing the Mestia and its road up from Zugdidi was same job in Mestia's No. 1 Middle School. in full swing, pushed into action by a I would like to offer you the services very energetic Mikheil Saakashvili, then of my photography and writing from in his second term as President of Geor- Svaneti, samples of which are available gia. He was a frequent visitor to the town, on my blog [no longer available]... I also skiing on newly restored Hatsvali runs, run the Svaneti Renaissance Facebook often with VIP guests. The place was group, currently with over 220 members. booming. Since then, the road has been extended Yours sincerely, more than halfway to Ushguli and Tet- Tony Hanmer nuldi Ski Resort has opened between Maia, [translated] Defi nitely reply with Mulakhi and Ipari villages. Guest houses thanks and that we agree on letters from and hotels have mushroomed in Mestia Svaneti, we'll start this week, article + and all villages in the region. Winter photo for the usual fee. tourism has picked up enormously. George Sharashidze There are some downsides too. Some village renovation has strayed far from Dear Tony, the local esthetic, unconstrained by any Thank you very much for your warm building codes. Misha’s road, tarmacked words and your interest in cooperating to the edge of Jorkvali and cemented with Georgia Today. We would be very from there up, has suffered deterioration glad if you could send us 1 story with a of its unprotected cement surface from photo on a weekly basis. Please let me the harsh elements of weather and rock- know if that is all right for you and sug- falls. Quite a number of places on it have gest any idea you will be writing about seen heaving, sinking or outright falling this week. away of the surface. Only emergency upkeep or repair is being done, meaning Wish you and your Svan students and that this amazing road, our lifeline, could pupils all the best, decay to its former 1- or 2-gear misery Maia Edilashvili in a couple of years, more, then doubling [then] Editor the time from Zugdidi to Mestia. Georgia Today Crime and uneven police response remain challenges; the rule of law here With these three emails, I began a new is still often seen as unnecessary, a sissy career. It was more than six months thing. Be warned, visitors! before I even met any of the GT staff in It is an enormous privilege not only to person in Tbilisi, but from then until live here but also to write about it, and now I have been able to write an article I thank and salute the staff of GT for Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group, now He and his wife also run their own guest house a week without missing one issue of the having me on board these years. Many in Svaneti since 2007, and been a weekly with over 1800 members, at www.facebook. in Etseri: newspaper. In this time, I have amassed more to come, I hope! writer for GT since early 2011. He runs the com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti Municipalities Discuss State Policies to Ensure Well-Being of Children the need to broaden and strengthen an inclusive environment for children BY MÁTÉ FÖLDI measures to protect children against all with disabilities (adapted infrastructure, forms of violence. We look forward to public transport, special programs and continuing our cooperation with the services, innovative approaches and two-day working meeting government and municipalities towards involvement of both young people with with municipalities on ‘State this end,” Head of Cooperation of the disabilities and their parents). The top Policies Combating Vio- Delegation of the European Union Vin- four municipalities were announced at lence and Ensuring Well- cent Rey said. the forum and awarded special prizes to being of Children and Fam- Other issues discussed at the forum recognize their contribution to protect- ilies’A was run from February 20-22 at the were: ing children with disabilities in the hopes Radisson BLU Iveria hotel. The event • Steps undertaken by municipalities of encouraging other municipalities to brought together municipalities from all to introduce internal procedures required up the ante by creating their own inclu- over Georgia to agree on the roles and by the Child Protection Referral Proce- sive environments. 15n municipalities responsibilities of central and local gov- dures and to ensure professional capac- took part in the contest organized within ernments in addressing family vulnera- ity to identify, refer and respond to vio- the framework of the communication bilities and violence against children. lence against children at the local level for social change campaign, and a jury The meeting was organized by the Min- • Different types of inclusive services including the parents of children with istry of Justice, the Ministry of Healthy, at the municipal level and existing best disabilities chose the following winners: Labor and Social Affairs, the Ministry of practices to protect the rights of children • Kutaisi Municipality - for the best Regional Development and Infrastructure with disabilities and their families practices aimed at development and and UNICEF, in partnership with the • On-going social protection programs social integration of children with dis- European Union. Participants included “Municipalities play a crucial role in municipalities to develop services for and services at municipal level and cen- abilities and the active involvement of representatives of international organiza- protecting children from violence, pro- children with disabilities and victims of tral levels, including Targeted Social children and their parents; tions, governmental agencies, NGOs and viding support to vulnerable families violence, and to support them in fulfi ll- Assistance (TSA) program, the ways of • Mestia Municipality - for the best the Public Defender’s Offi ce. and children with disabilities,” said Laila ing their duties. We commit to continue improving these services and opportu- practices aimed at development and O. Gad, UNICEF’s Representative in such support in close collaboration with nities for developing social assistance social integration of children with dis- Georgia. “Municipalities are accountable the central Government of Georgia and schemes at the municipal level for those abilities and active involvement of chil- to provide necessary services and are other partners,” she added. vulnerable groups that are out-side the dren and their parents; also well positioned to monitor how the Participants of the forum discussed TSA program. • Bolnisi Municipality – for creating rights of children and their families are steps undertaken by the Government of The meeting aimed to contribute to an inclusive and accessible environment protected. However, it remains a huge Georgia to address violence against chil- the implementation of the National for children with disabilities; and challenge for municipalities to offer dren and to join the Global Partnership Human Rights Strategy 2014-2020 and • Khelvachauri municipality – for the Existing services effective responses based on the needs to End Violence Against Children, agree- its action plan and the development of best innovative solutions for protecting of children and families. Existing services ing on the crucial role to be played by the State De-Centralization Strategy. and promoting the rights of children for children and for children and families are scarce and municipalities in addressing the needs Moreover, within the framework of the with disabilities and their families. insuffi cient. Strengthening municipali- of vulnerable families. “See Every Color” campaign, aimed at Campaign See Every Color was initi- families are also ties is critical for protecting children “The safety and well-being of children reducing stigma against people with dis- ated by UNICEF, with the support of the and families from vulnerabilities and and families concerns everyone. The abilities, UNICEF carried out a contest European Union and USAID, with active scarce and helping them to become active citizens. recently adopted Association Agenda to identify those municipalities that have involvement of children with disabilities insuffi cient UNICEF has been working closely with between Georgia and the EU reiterates the best social programs which ensure and their parents. GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 23 - 26, 2018 CULTURE 13 Korean Peace Marathoner on his Experience in Georgia

sider world citizenship. Georgia, is so Treating them as guests from God BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI peaceful, pretty and grand, lying between the Black Sea and Caucasus Mountains. Hey, Turks, Persia, Soviets Its people we met running along the road No more here, please r. Song InYeup, Professor are so kind and generous,” he added. This is the Republic of Georgia, forever of the Korean National “For me, Georgia is mystic, because it University, Friendship is connected with Greek mythology, Handing fi re to Mankind Ambassador of KoreaVol- especially Prometeus who gave fi re to Prometheus already left unteer Organization Inter- humans for the fi rst time and was pun- Helped by Heracles Dnational (KVO International), Chief ished by Zeus, chained to the summit of Representative of Korea International Mr. Kazbegi,” said Mr. Kang. “I enjoyed Still, eagles fl y over mountains Cooperation Agency (KOICA) recently running all through Georgia.” How grand, the sky-penetrating Kazbeg visited Georgia together with Korean They continued the Peace Marathon You are there as you've ever been peace marathoner and writer Mr. Kang in Azerbaijan, aiming to run 45 kilom- MyongKu, as a part of the Run-Eurasia- eters every day, then on to Iran, Turk- It's Gergeti Chminda Sameba 16,000km-Peace Marathon. The marathon menistan, Uzbekistan, Kirkzstan, China, That's watched here as it's ever been is on from September 1, 2017- October North Korea and ending the marathon 31, 2018. Georgia was the 9th country on in Seoul on October 31. Under the picturesque mountains their list of 18 countries to run through Dr. Song InYeup told us it was his fi rst Red roofs here and there and they arrived in January, alongside time in Georgia and he found himself so It's Village Signagi, isn't it? Mr. Park HoJin, Mr. Kang MyongKu’s touched and impressed by the country, manager. The 14-month running mara- he came up with a poem dedicated to it. Hey, you thon encompasses The Netherlands, “I was so greatly touched and impressed Who are dreaming of love and peace Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hun- with the Georgian people’s kindness, the Never hesitate to come here gary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, beauty of the land and quality of the Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbek- wine, that I wrote a poem “Mystic Land, Tossing round pebbles istan, Kirgizstan, China, North Korea Georgia,” he said. “I hope your people Pretty voices, murmuring ripples and eventually to South Korea (Seoul). like it and remember it as a poem of one And blue waves The Run-Eurasia-16,000km-Peace Mar- Korean man who ran all through Geor- athon participants say it is “the fi rst and gia and fell in love with it!” Why are you called "Black Sea"? most diffi cult adventure in the long history At Batumi of Mankind and serves as a chance to Mystic Land, Georgia The foolish traveller becomes a blank spread the atmosphere of Korean peaceful 㔶䢪㦮G⋮⧒SG㫆㰖㞚 unifi cation for world peace by removing ㌆ṫG㏷㧎㡓GGGGDr. SONG InYeup Shouting "Tamada" the bad vestige of World War II.” We sing, sing and sing “We run not just for a Guinness Record, At the south of Mts Caucasus "Tavisuplebas Dideba!" or for sportsmanship, but for world peace Holding the Black Sea to the west and the peaceful unifi cation of Korea,” Raise your toast high Dr. Song InYeup told GEORGIA TODAY. White clouds above our heads We glorify freedom, freedom and free- “We want to spread peace along our Always dom!!! route through Eurasia and we are sure (2018.1.18, at the valley of Mts Caucasus our story will inspire young people to Sipping wine Congratulating KMK’s 5,000km on adventure and encourage them to con- Talking warmly with strangers Eurasia-16,000km-Peace Marathon) GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE FEBRUARY 23 - 26, 2018

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Michael Language: Russian sewing machine, robe of Alexander 26 January – February 25 B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o Start time: 11:45, 22:15 Bariatinsky - Deputy of the Caucasus, Georgian National Museum and Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Ticket: 8-14 GEL Tambourine painted by Mihaly Zichy, TBILISI ZAKARIA Stedley Art Foundation present Language: Russian feminine attire of Abkhazian and PALIASHVILI OPERA AND Solo exhibition Start time: 13:45, 21:45 FIFTY SHADES FREED Ingilo women, and more. BALLET THEATER CARDBOARD. WOOD. STONE Ticket: 10-14 GEL (Info Above) Address: 25 Rustaveli Ave. BY CONTEMPORARY Language: Russian Exhibition Telephone: 2 99 04 56 UKRAINIAN THE POST Start time: 22:00 NUMISMATIC TREASURY ARTIST ALEXANDER Ticket: 13-14 GEL Exhibition showcasing a long February 23 Directed by Steven Spielberg ZHYVOTKOV history of money circulation on the Cast: Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, The exhibition in Tbilisi features CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA CAVEA GALLERY territory of modern Georgia from Sarah Paulson the series: "Roads," "Kyiv. 2014," Starring: Nana Kavtarashvili Address: 2/4 Rustaveli Ave. the 6th century BC. to 1834. (Santuzza), Anzor Khidasheli Genre: Biography, Drama, History "Motherboard", "Variations in Language: English Telephone: 200 70 07 (Turiddu), Elene Janjalia (Lucia), Stone" and "Vengeance Is Mine," Start time: 16:45 EXHIBITION STONE AGE Vano Galuashvili (Alfi o), Irina which includes over 50 works Language: Russian Every Wednesday ticket: 8 GEL GEORGIA Aleksidze (Lola) February 22-28 created over the past fi ve years. Tbilisi State Opera and Ballet Start time: 22:00 Ticket: 17 GEL ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE Theater choir and orchestra. BLACK PANTHER February 2 – March 3 Conductor- Papuna Gvaberidze PHANTOM THREAD (Info Above) NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL "Michelangelo and the Sistine Musical director- Zaza Language: English COLLECTIONS Chapel"- Georgian National Azmaiparashvili Directed by James Foley Cast: Vicky Krieps, Daniel Day- Start time: 14:30, 19:15 Museum and the Embassy of Italy Director- Victor Garsia Sierra (Italy) Language: Russian February 9 - March 9 to Georgia present Scenographer- Italo Grassi (Italy) Lewis, Lesley Manville Start time: 13:00, 16:15, 22:15 ZURAB KALANDADZE'S 65th THE EXHIBITION OF Start time: 19:00 Genre: Drama, Romance Ticket: 11-19 GEL ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION PREPARATORY DRAWINGS BY Ticket: 10-50 GEL Language: Russian Start time: 11:45 The exhibition showcases 27 of MICHELANGELO BUONARROTI. THE POST Zurab Kalandadze's artworks, An exhibition of six graphic works MOVEMENT THEATER Ticket: 12 GEL (Info Above) created in 2002-2012, the main by Italian artist, sculptor, architect Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave. Language: English stylistic characteristic of which is FIFTY SHADES FREED and poet of the Renaissance epoch Telephone: 598 19 29 36 Start time: 16:30 the organic connection between Directed by James Foley - Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475- Language: Russian myth and poetry. The exposition Cast: Jamie Dornan, Dakota Johnson, 1564). February 23 Start time: 11:45, 19:10 also showcases a sculpture "Tree of Arielle Kebbel, Luke Grimes LABYRINTH Ticket: 10-19 GEL Love" designed with the glass laser Genre: Drama, Romance, Thriller Directed by Ioseb Bakuradze carving technique. ERTI GALLERY Start time: 20:00 Language: Russian PHANTOM THREAD Address: 19 P. Ingorokva Str. Ticket: 10-15 GEL Start time: 16:30 (Info Above) MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Ticket: 10-11 GEL Language: Russian Address: 1 Gudiashvili Str. February 8 – March 1 February 24 Start time: 22:15 Telephone: 2 99 99 09 SUPER HUMANS. THE STORY OF A MURDERER ALL THE MONEY IN THE Ticket: 16-19 GEL UTA BEKAIA’S SOLO SHOW Directed by Ioseb Bakuradze WORLD December 14 – March 14 Curator: Levan Mindiashvili Start time: 20:00 Directed by Ridley Scott FIFTY SHADES FREED ANNIVERSARY-RETROSPECTIVE Ticket: 10-15 GEL Cast: Michelle Williams, Christopher (Info Above) EXHIBITION DÉDICACE GALLERY Plummer, Mark Wahlberg Language: English GIGO GABASHVILI 155 Address: 27 Atoneli Str. SHALIKASHVILI THEATER Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama Start time: 17:10 Telephone: 599 42 54 14 Address: 37 Rustaveli Ave. Language: Russian Language: Russian MUSEUM OF SOVIET Start time: 14:15, 19:15 Telephone: 595 50 02 03 Start time: 17:30, 20:00, 22:30 OCCUPATION February 9-25 Ticket: 12-17 GEL Ticket: 14-19 GEL Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. WESTERN SECTOR February 23, 24 Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 BY MURTAZ SHVELIDZE KRIMANCHULI RUSTAVELI CINEMA MUSEUM www.museum.ge Start time: 20:00 Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. MUSIC Ticket: 15 GEL Telephone: 2 55 50 00 GEORGIAN NATIONAL PERMANENT EXHIBITION www.kinoafi sha.ge MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA Discover the State's personal fi les CINEMA MUSEUM of "subversive" Georgian public TBILISI STATE Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. fi gures, orders to shoot or exile, and CONSERVATOIRE AMIRANI CINEMA February 16-21 Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 other artifacts representing Soviet- Address: 8 Griboedov Str. Address: 36 Kostava Str. www.museum.ge era cultural and political repression Telephone: 298 71 86 Telephone: 2 99 99 55 BLACK PANTHER in Georgia. www.kinoafi sha.ge (Info Above) Exhibition February 28 Language: Russian GEORGIAN COSTUME AND GALLERY BEKA GOCHIASHVILI Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 GEL Start time: 22:30 WEAPONRY OF 18TH-20TH JAZZ TRIO FROM NEW-YORK February 22-28 Ticket: 13-14 GEL CENTURIES DIMITRI SHEVARDNADZE Beka Gochiashvili– Piano, The Royal dress of King Teimuraz NATIONAL GALLERY Keyboards BLACK PANTHER THE POST II, Nino Gurieli's Georgian dress, Address: 11 Shota Rustaveli Ave. Marty Jaffe– Bass Directed by Ryan Coogler (Info Above) Tekla Batonishvili's personal Telephone: 215 73 00 Jimmy Mcbride– Drums Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 50-100 GEL

DJANSUG KAKHIDZE TBILISI CENTER FOR MUSIC AND CULTURE Address: 125 Aghmashenebeli ave. Telephone: 2 96 12 43

February 24 THE CONCERT OF CHAMBER MUSIC DEDICATED TO CREATIONS OF FAMOUS GEORGIAN COMPOSER VAZHA AZARASHVILI Chamber ensemble Georgia Modern Start time: 19:30 Ticket: 10 GEL

MZIURI Address: Mziuri Cafe

February 25 SAKVI-RAO Entertainment program for children Start time: 12:00

ASSA HALL Address: 4 Rkinis Rigi Str. Telephone: 577 98 58 58

February 23 Celebrate Man's Day with DAVID GOMARTELI Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 20-120 GEL GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 23 - 26, 2018 CULTURE 15 Georgian Film Horizon’s World Premiere at the 2018 Berlinale be premiered at Belinale. Her previous feature Horizon (Horizonti in Georgian) unfolds the story INTERVIEW BY LIKA CHIGLADZE debut ‘Brides,’ earned the Panorama Audience of a man named Giorgi who is abandoned by his award at the 2014 Berlinale. With her new impres- wife for another man. The director shows the emo- sive and authentic drama the director once again tional state of the leading hero, who tries to escape eorgian fi lm and directors are reach- gives an insight into human relationships with their his pain by fl eeing the city and settling on a remote ing new heights, proven by the num- ensuing psychological nuances and sensitivities. island on Paliastomi Lake, near the Black Sea, which ber of Georgian movies being featured GEORGIA TODAY contacted Tinatin Kajrishvili perfectly suits his gloomy mood. Giorgi fi nds ref- and screened at a number of prestig- and asked her to tell us about her new fi lm. uge in the company of elderly Georgians who mourn ious international fi lm festivals. Geor- “The world premier was a great success,” she told the old country. The leading roles are played by Ggian director Tinatin Kajrishvili’s recent fi lm Hori- us. “It was so nice that the tickets for all four screen- famous Georgian actor and actress George Bochorish- canny observer of intimate relationships and their zon had its successful world premiere at the 68th ings sold out just before the festival was launched. vili (Giorgi) and Ia Sukhitashvili (Ana). fracture points,” Variety.com wrote. annual Berlin Film Festival. The fi lm was screened The stairs in the hall were full of spectators during “Tinatin Kajrishvili’s second feature-length drama The director said the working process on the fi lm in the Panorama section of the 2018 Berlinale. the show, and the screening was followed by a dis- is a meticulously and consistently told story about was both interesting and hard. The movie is the author’s second feature fi lm to cussion that lasted for more than 30 minutes!” the end of a relationship,” reads the description on “The shootings took place on an island on Pali- Berlinale’s website. Unfolding with great serenity astomi Lake. The crew had to work in the harsh and in long shots, it creates an image of deeply felt conditions and freezing weather, which you can loneliness. The main character’s contemplative see in the fi lm. Rain, snow, ice – all these are included state quickly infuses the fi lm as it becomes increas- in the fi lm, adding a sad note to the whole picture. Contemporary ingly unlikely that he will break out of his isolation. Apart from Paliastomi, the locations were in Batumi, And yet, in spite of all the hopelessness, the images Kobuleti and Tbilisi. The committee of Berliane contain great beauty. One can almost feel the cold looks out for the latest works of prize-winning Georgian wind blowing through the cinema, the fi rst snow- directors and Horizon caught their eye at the Sara- fl akes, too. Ana has found somebody new. The city jevo Festival. The fi lm attracted massive interest Sculptor’s Works is far away, as are all thoughts of the future,” ber- among world press, with large-scale publications linale.de reported. such as fi lmuforia.co.uk, The hollywoodreporter, The fi lm was hailed by international media out- variety.com, and cineuropa.org dedicating lengthy Displayed on lets and praised by critics. reviews to it. The fi lm will be released in Georgia “As with her feature debut, the atmospheric in autumn, since we want the movie to be screened Google Arts & ‘Brides,’ Kajrishvili once again proves herself a at Georgian fi lm festivals as well,” she told us. Culture

The architect, sculptor and painter is predominantly EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY LIKA CHIGLADZE known for her mechanical dolls and kinetic sculp- tures virtuously combining art and construction. “I use various tools and techniques to embody n a modern world without boundaries, art my ideas. Mechanics is one of the techniques has acquired new shapes and forms. The fact through which I bring my art to life,” she said. “I that fantasy and human creativity has no limit can’t say exactly where I draw my inspiration from, is once again confi rmed by the thrilling works since anything can serve as a source to one’s imag- of contemporary Georgian artist Tamara ination. It all started 20 years ago. For some years Kvesitadze.I The artist, whose name has gone beyond I worked and made dolls in the USA, then, after Georgia’s borders, now appears on the largest online doing it for six years, I decided to shift to making database of Google Arts and Culture, which is a huge sculptures. At the time, I didn’t realize how diffi cult virtual association that incorporates the artworks it was to assemble the whole construction and of world-celebrated artists from around the world. make it move and so I work with Paata Sanaia, a Now, most of her works are easy to enjoy, allowing technical engineer and the co-author of my art- you a deeper insight into Tamar’s masterpieces works. I’m responsible for the artistic part, while without needing to visit a gallery. he manages the technical side.” Her interest in making dolls started from early The artist has taken part in a number of exhibi- childhood when the 8-year-old artist found an old tions in many prestigious venues in different coun- doll in her grandma’s drawer. In the 1990s, during tries. Her latest most notable ones were at the the times of hardship in Georgia, the painter with Venice Biennial 2017 and the exhibition called Last an architectural background started making dolls Supper at Galerie Kornfeld in Berlin. “The gallery to earn a living. Later, she moved to the USA where I cooperate with organized the exhibition called she took the craft to a new level, eventually achiev- Supper Club. My two installations ‘Last Supper’ ing success. Today, her masterpiece of moving sculp- and ‘Caves’ were presented at the venue. Last Sup- ture named Man and Woman in Georgia’s Batumi per evolves around a biblical theme, with plates city serves as a symbol of the seaside region, annu- and dishes hung on transparent and extremely thin ally impressing millions of tourists and locals alike. wires, creating the illusion that they are fl oating GEORGIA TODAY talked to Tamara Kvesitadze mid-air. The dishes have thin material attached to about her latest success. imitate shadows, giving the entire composition a “I did not expect my artworks to appear on Google 3D effect,” the sculptor noted. Arts and Culture. It was really unexpected news Tamara works in several studious throughout and I’m very pleased that my art is being showcased Europe, yet her main fundamental workshop is on this prestigious platform. I was contacted by located in Tbilisi. Her next exhibition will take the Art Palace museum in Tbilisi and asked to send place in Berlin in September. Although she wants high resolution photos depicting my art. I was sur- to showcase her works to the wider audience in prised that so many images of my art were selected Tbilisi, currently she is extremely busy and fi nds and displayed. All my creations are captured by it impossible to gather all her works in one place. different photographers and are available in high- The renowned painter also hopes to hold a grand resolution on the platform, offering visitors the exhibition in the near future, but prefers to leave chance to have a detailed look at each work,” the the place and time a secret for now. artist told GEORGIA TODAY. On her well-loved Batumi mechanical sculpture, The Art Palace is the only partner of Google Arts Man and Woman, the artist says: “People mostly and Culture in Georgia that cooperates with the associate it with love, so it stirs positive emotions platform, and it plays signifi cant role in promoting within viewers. Anyone can interpret this monu- Georgian art internationally. In 2016, the works of ment as he/she prefers, yet the main message that 20th century Georgian modernist stage painter my work conveys is that being together is possible Petre Otskheli were exposed on the platform. for only a little time. This short period for someone Tamara is the fi rst contemporary Georgian artist might mean a whole century. This is the simple to be featured in this virtual gallery. idea behind the sculpture.”

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