Georgia to Receive €1.16 Million from EU, Sweden and Austria For

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OPINION & ANALYSIS Georgia to receive €1.16 million from EU, PM chairs another coordination council Sweden and Austria for agriculture development meeting

FULL STORY ON Page 2 ECONOMICS NBG temporary supervision plan for COVID-19

Georgia and the EU.

and small-scale processors, especially sented idea/project should fulfill one The size of the LDI support per ap- from high mountain rural areas,” the of the criteria given below. A binding plicant or group of applicants shall be ambassador of Sweden to Georgia, Ulrik declaration must be given that organic between ¢5 000 and ¢150 000 with the Tidestrom remarked He also stated he’s farming practices will be used and that co-financing share at minimum 10% of glad that despite the existing situation, organic certification is the goal of the the total budget. the project GRETA keeps operating suc- enterprise or of the group; Smallholder As the ambassador of EU to Georgia, cessfully and contributes to the economic farmers (individuals) seeking to start, di- FULL STORY ON Page 3 Carl Hartzell stated, financial assistance development of mountainous regions as versify or expand into organic production aimed at recovering economic situation well as creates new working alternatives. and that enter into a binding declaration in Georgia, is one of the priorities of EU, As the ambassador of Austria to Geor- towards organic certification; added that the country owns great poten- gia pointed out, agriculture is a signifi- Farmer groups that have a formal By Khatia Bzhalava tial of organic agriculture, yet, due to the cant sector for Austria in cooperation with cooperative type of organization or who lack of access to the agricultural inputs, Georgia, and as it is visible, agriculture have a proven history of cooperation n the frame of the GRETA project, credits, markets and information, the is becoming more and more important in and want to become certified organic; IEU Sweden and Austria launched opportunities remain underutilised. As the middle of this crisis. He also remarked Individual marketing enterprises that supporting the Local Development he said ‘supporting Local Development that creating co-financing opportunities, have a proven record of selling organic Initiative(LDI), in the sector of organic Initiative is a timely step to overcome sharing experience, and providing small- products or that wish to move into the agriculture to create economic oppor- the challenges.’ holder farmers and small-scale processors organic produce market; tunities for farmers, farmer groups, “We believe that joining forces gives with agricultural input supplies and Organic farming input suppliers (that cooperatives, processing units as well better results, this is the very reason the equipment are one of the most important supply organic seeds or planting materials, as other actors along various organic EU, Sweden and Austria have united actions for economic revival, nowadays. organically certified natural pesticides, value chains. resources to support smallholder farmers To participate in the event, the pre- composting materials, organic feed, etc.). GRETA, a four-year (2019-2020) project of Sustainable Mountain Tour- ism & Organic Agriculture, focuses on the support of Georgian small and medium enterprises to professionalise and scale up. The action will also fa- cilitate an improvement of the business environment and the creation of new income opportunities in the two growth sectors: mountain tourism and organic agriculture. The €6.8 million project is co-funded by the EU(€3 million) and the two EU member states Sweden (€2.8 million) and Austria (€1 million) The initiative is targeted at applicants of Mestia, Lentekhi, Tsageri, Oni, Ambrolauri, Sachkhere, Chiatura and Tkibuli municipalities, including the farmers, farming families, farmer formal/informal groups, sole entrepre- neurs, family agricultural business holders, cooperatives and farmer groups. Individuals/units from the organic agriculture sector, who are based outside of those municipalities but purchase their organic product from the region can also participate in the Local Development GRETA, a four-year (2019-2020) project of Sustainable Mountain Tourism & Organic Agriculture, focuses on the support of Georgian small and medium Initiative. enterprises to professionalise and scale-up. P2 | OPINION & ANALYSIS THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020 PM chairs another coordination council meeting

By Khatia Bzhalava

n April 29th, another Inter- Oagency coordination council meeting led by the Prime Minis- ter was held. The MPs reviewed the process of the first stage of opening the economy and lifting the restriction and consulted further lightening of the regulations, which will be implemented according to the development of the pandemic. The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable De- velopment and the Ministry of The MPs As Environmental Protection and Agriculture Minister Levan Davitashvili noted, Healthcare provided the council grocery and medical stocks are efficient and are being filled regularly. with information on the monitor- ing of the process of compliance holds detailed presentations of supply and it is being refilled have already returned to their At the council meeting, MPs with the recommendations and the current week within the regularly without deterrence. In homeland on special flights that also discussed the epidemiological safety regulations of the Ministry framework of the plan. After the addition, it was pointed out that were carried out in accordance situation. With the newest data, of Healthcare in enterprises. Ac- Ministry of Finance, the Ministry 52 tons of cargo intended for the with the recommendations of the there are 517 confirmed coronavi- cording to the ministries, the fac- of Internally Displaced Persons healthcare sector arrived in Geor- World Health Organization, while rus cases in Georgia with 168 recov- tories are being inspected actively. from the Occupied Territories, La- gia from China at dawn of March 17 072 of Georgia’s citizens re- eries and 6 deaths. Currently, 5,153 Dozens of enterprises, which have bor, Health and Social Affairs will 29th, including 40,000 PCR tests, ceived assistance on-site from persons are in quarantine and 549 satisfied the regulations will con- provide the public with detailed 20,000 antibody tests, as well as Georgian diplomatic representa- persons are hospitalised under tinue to operate. During the work information on the provision of personal protective equipment tives. Upcoming flights will be medical observation.The Interagen- process, they will go through peri- targeted social assistance. - overalls, gloves, gowns, shoe carried out in accordance with the cy Coordination Council continues odic inspections and the factories At the session, MPs also dis- covers, thermometers, protective following schedule, as determined to hold regular meetings under the where flaws have been detected cussed the situation of grocery goggles, and other medical items. by the Coordination Council: leadership of the prime minister in were given additional time for and medical supply in the coun- It was also noted that the April 30th: Madrid-Tbilisi order to take coordinated steps. The eliminating the shortcomings. try, which is being coordinated process of bringing Georgian May 1st: Vienna-Tbilisi Parliament of Georgia, headed by The Social and Economic Anti- by Environmental Protection citizens back from foreign coun- May 2nd: Prague-Batumi Chairman Archil Talakvadze, and Crisis Plan unveiled by the Gov- and Agriculture Minister Levan tries continues. According to May 5th: Athens-Tbilisi the Administration of the President ernment of Georgia was discussed Davitashvili, As he said there is Foreign Affairs Minister Da- May 7th: Amsterdam-Tbilisi are actively involved in the council’s as well. Each sectoral ministry no problem in terms of grocery vit Zalkaliani, 8 563 citizens May 9th: Berlin-Tbilisi work.

GYLA presents report on ‘forms of torture and inhuman or degraging treatment and prevention’

By Khatia Bzhalava According to the GYLA state- appealed decisions, the court ment, there have been no sys- upheld only 1 appeal. he Georgian Young Lawyers’ tematic cases of torture and According to the statistics TAssociation (GYLA) held an ill-treatment in recent years, but (first 9 months of 2019) of the online presentation of the report it still prevails as a problem that investigations launched by the ‘Forms of Torture and Inhuman law enforcers still commit similar Prosecutor’s Office under Article or Degrading Treatment and crimes. As in previous years, it 333, Part 3 of the Criminal Code, Prevention’ on 29th of April, 2020 . remains a challenge for law en- the rate of criminal prosecution As stated in the statement forcement agencies to properly is very low. In the investigations made by GYLA, 10 criminal document such facts, conduct initiated by the Prosecutor’s Of- matters filed by GYLA in 2019 investigations within a reason- fice under Article 333, Part 3, were analyzed for the purposes able time, and recognize victims Subparagraph B of the Criminal of the report. The specific form of ill-treatment as victims. Code of Georgia, which consists of ill-treatment, the subject/s The positive step was the of exceeding official authority via implementing it, the issue of creation of the State Inspector’s There have been no systematic cases of torture and ill-treatment in recent years, violence or using weapons, the recognizing a person as a victim, Office and its implementation, but it is still a problem for law enforcement to commit similar crimes. criminal proceedings were in- the problem of making a sum- however, the adoption of the law stituted against only 3 persons, mary decision on the case were on the State Inspector, accord- tentiary institution said during Criminal Code, abuse of power which is only 1.6% of the cases. assessed. ing to which the inspector has the interrogation that they had (91%). At the presentation it was The report also analyzes the a limited mandate, ‘cannot be attempted suicide after putting The rate of granting victim emphasized that based on the Georgian legislation, the rulings positively assessed.’ pressure on them, ‘which indi- status to victims in cases of findings, relevant recommenda- of the European Court of Human The key findings revealed by cates the severity of the psycho- ill-treatment is still quite low, tions have been prepared for Rights, public information re- the study results were multiple. logical consequences of torture/ in particular, only 2 out of 10 relevant government agencies. quested from various agencies, the Analysis of the cases in GYLA’s ill-treatment.’ cases in GYLA proceedings are The report was prepared in the results of a survey of lawyers work- case showed that in 2019, the According to the report, in- known to be victims and none of framework of the EU-supported ing on ill-treatment and 2 convicts form of torture/ill-treatment vestigation of cases of torture/ the cases in the GYLA proceed- project Fighting Torture and of penitentiary institutions. by law enforcement officers ill-treatment in GYLA proceedings, where the investigation Inhuman or Degrading Treat- was mainly beatings, however, ings, despite their severity, in is underway under Article 333 ment or Punishment in Georgia, there are cases of psychological most cases (60%)begins with of the Criminal Code, has been Ukraine and Armenia, which Thursday April 30 violence, in one case - forced Article 333 of the Criminal Code. filed. GYLA has been implementing abortion and in one case - rape. The investigation of most cases The decision of the prosecutor since February 2018 together with Day Party cloudy GYLA study reads, that one of alleged ill-treatment has been to refuse to recognize the victim the Center for Psychosocial and of the victims in the case of initiated by the Prosecutor’s in connection with 7 cases has Medical Rehabilitation of Victims High: 22°C GYLA and a prisoner in a peni- Office under Article 333 of the been appealed in court. Of the of Torture (GCRT). Night Partly cloudy Low: 11°C

Friday may 1 Nino Metreveli Day Mostly cloudy Commercial Director Mariam Mchedlidze High: 24°C Editor-in-Chief Night Rain Giorgi Totadze Low: 13°C Design and Layout THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 ECONOMICS | P3

By Natalia Kochiashvili has a capital buffer of GEL 4 billion above the minimum re- o mitigate the negative quirements, which, if needed, Teconomic impact of the can be fully released. The COVID-19 epidemic and en- decision comes with one con- courage the country’s econ- dition: the banks should not omy, the National Bank of apply for the proceeds of it to Georgia (NBG) is moving to issue management bonuses a temporary model of bank- and dividends to sharehold- ing regulation, which will ers. Also, with the aforemen- reduce the existing capital tioned amount, banks should and liquidity requirements not finance repurchase opera- for banks to free up additional tions of their own shares on financial resources for com- the stock exchange. mercial banks. As a result, However, despite the fact an additional $ 1.6 billion of that there is no liquidity prob- capital will be released into lem in the sector at this stage, the banking system. the NBG expresses full readi- According to the NBG ness to provide the economy statement, the temporary with the necessary liquidity supervisory plan that has resources. To this end, the been developed by the central NBG has an adequate amount bank fully complies with the of foreign currency reserves, recommendations of the IMF, which is expected to add to the European Central Bank the expected foreign currency According to the information, released by the NBG, 7 of its employees from one structural unit that had been isolated and other leading financial inflows from international for 2 weeks already, tested positive for COVID-19. institutions. The country’s banking sector has sufficient capital and liquidity buffers that have been gradually accumulated through the consistent supervision of the NBG. Also, the amount of inactive loans in the whole portfolio is low and in recent years the banking sector has been stable. The statement reads that as a result of the policies of the NBG and the government, the dollarization of foreign currency loans to individuals has been reduced, “thus reducing our population’s vulnerability to exchange rate fluctuations.” Given the introduction of a responsible lending framework, today’s challenges are facing less and more adequate debt. The NBG’s action plan involves the use of banking sector capital and liquidity buffers in times of financial stress. This means reducing existing capital and liquid- Kadagidze: “If we handle this crisis well, we can offer the world Georgia as a paradise for living and doing business.” ity requirements that will allow the banking sector to financial institutions in the banking system, the central that previously operated from will become less important neutralize potential losses short-term. And the national bank would employ other China, creating a great source and by offering the right mar- through these buffers and currency will be delivered tools at its disposal and take of employment. keting, proper tax system and continue normal business as needed in the form and more resolute measures to He also suggested adding adequate legal environment, operations and lending to the amount the economy requires. secure financial stability. to the huge fiscal stimulus of Georgia can become a very real economy. It is noteworthy that the Former NBG President the leading countries and at- attractive place. Under the Supervisory NBG has significantly soft- Giorgi Kadagidze responded tracting financial resources He also views this crisis Plan, commercial banks will ened the supervisory require- to the ongoing crisis, portray- that were previously unavail- as the unprecedented op- alleviate capital requirements because of the offer ing the opportunities for poor able. portunity in the direction of ments, including the abolition made by commercial banks countries on social media. “Taking advantage of these e-government. “If so far there of the Capital Conservation regarding the lightening of According to him, the funds and pursuing our own have been many restrictions Buffer (2.5% risk-weighted loan repayment grace period, world trader order is chang- economic development also (including international obli- assets) and a portion of the to ensure the maximum flex- ing and developed countries opens up new opportunities gations), now is the best time Pillar 2 buffer (2/3 of the non- ibility for banks in deferment will seek to diversify from for countries like us. (Up- to reform.” hedged credit risk buffer). of liabilities. China and move businesses; graded railways and airports, He reviews the cases of Es- The GEL 1.6 billion of NBG also announces that given that “Georgia has all roads, ports, internet every- tonia and Singapore, claiming capital will be released, which if the economic shock caused the prerequisites (strategic where, etc.).” that such reform will reduce can be used to offset potential by COVID-19 were more location, tax scarcity, etc.),” Kadagidze also empha- costs and increase efficiency, losses or to lend the economy. severe with a significant in- regional cities will be a good sized that for many service which will directly impact Overall, the banking sector crease in overdue loans in the fit for relocating factories providers, geographic location investment attraction. P4 THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 Kote Marjanishvili — Country of Liquid Sun

ote Marjanishvili was a an oath at Marjanishvili’s wine tainment. Kgreat and erudite artist cellar in Kvareli that they will In 1896, Marjanishvili played with a wide-range thinking. never betray their profession. the leading role in the famous The plays he staged in Georgia, At the end of the season play Samshoblo (Fatherland). Russia, Ukraine and Lithuania of 1894-1895, Marjanishvili, In that same year, Nadezhda show his talent and the artistic unsatisfied by working in the Zhivokina, who would be his fu- value of his creations. Georgian theatre, went to Rus- ture wife and who was invited to sia to continue his studies Tbilisi to join Shumilin’s troupe Marjanishvili was born in and took drama courses at the after finishing Moscow Drama 1872 in the village of Kvareli. Mascow School of Theatre. On Courses and the Theatre School, His father, Aleksandre Mar- his way to Moscow, he visited came to Tbilisi. Marjanishvili’s janishvili, was the elder son of Lado Meskhishvili, in Kharkiv, friends from Nikolayev, the Andria Marjanishvili and Anna who was in the city for medical Lepetiches, also acted in the Bibilashvili. His mother, Solo- treatment, who sent Marjan- Russian troupe and through mon Chavchavadze’s daughter ishvili to Nikolayev to see his them that Marjanishvili became Elisabed (Liza), was 22 years friend who was an impresario acquainted with Zhivokina-who younger than his father. To- as well as supporting actor. It was also the granddaughter of gether, they had nine children, was Meskhishvili’s opinion that V. Zhivokin, a famous actor at three of whom died in childhood. practice would be more useful the Moscow Small Theatre-and Afterwards, four daughters for the beginner actor than a soon married her. His relative, were born to the Marjanish- four -year programme of stud- unsatisfied with his sudden de- vili family: Nino, Mariam and ies. Marjanishvili was not satis- cision, felt hurt, but Nadezhda Tamar. Tamar was Kote’s best fied with working in Nikolayey soon established good contacts loved sister for the two of them and went to Moscow instead with his husband’s relatives. looked very much alike as if where he enrolled in lectures In 1897, Marjanishvili “both halves of the same apple.” at the Drama School Following moved to Russia and lived Kote Marjanishvili was his par- this, he was invited to Tbilisi there for 25 years. The cities, ents’ eighth child. troupe for leading roles. in whose theaters he staged his Aleksandre Marjanishvili The summer of 1895 was inimitable plays, were changing fought in the Russian-Turkish the last time for Marjanishvili like a kaleidoscope. He was one War in 1876. During the attack in his native Kvareli as his es- of the first in the field to revive on Batumi, he was wounded in tate, which had been mortgaged the plays of Anton Chekhov and the neck and throat. Ultimate- many times was sold on auction Gorky. Together with Stanislav- ly, his injuries proved to be that year. He spent the proceed- sky, Nemirovich-Danchenko, fatal with treatment unsuccess- ings, amounting to several thou- Mayerhold and Vakhtangov, ful. Kote Marjanishvil was only sand roubles, for the renovation he established the New The- four years old when his father of his wardrobe because fashion- atre. In 1910-1913, he staged died. The widowed Elisabed, able dressing was considered to Knut Hamsun’s In the Claws afraid of Lezghins’ attacks, be very important for actors at of the Life and Henrik Ibsen’s moved from Kvareli to Tbilisi the time. At the same time and Peer Gynt at the Moscow Arts where she took little Kote to with the help of his friends, Theatre. The press often wrote the First Tbilisi Gymnasium Marjanishvili squandered a lot about his Caucasian tempera- for Princes. Public figures and Kote Marjanishvili of money on parties and enter- ment which was transferred to prominent representatives of the stage. Georgian theatre-including weapon misfired and he sur- In 1913, Marjanishvili es- Akaki Tsereteli, Aleksandre vived but one of his fingers was tablished the Free Theatre in Kazbegi, Giorgi Tsereteli: Ser- permanently damaged. Moscow. He wanted to create gey, Kote, Efemia and Ivane In Kvareli, Kote occupied a Theatre-celebration which Meskhi (the mother of famous himself on the farm. He took would be the realisation of his Meskhi family, Magdalina, was care of the vineyards, made idea of a synthetic theatre. He Kote Marjanishvili’s aunt), wine and distilled vodka. As wanted to bring up the actors Ivane Machabeli, Dimitri Kipi- he had subscriptions for books who would work in opera, dra- ani, Petre Umikashvili, Avk- and magazines, he was able ma and pantomime with equal senty Tsagareli, Vaso Abashid- to self-study and self-educate success. After having staged ze, Lado Aleksi-Meskhishvili, In the evenings, he was often several plays in the Free The- Mako Safarova-Abashidze and visited by famous families and atre and when he was so close others-often visited the Mar- discussed arts and literature to the realisation of his idea, it janishvili family. Living in with Kote expressing his idea was disbanded. In the autumn the city required big expenses to conducting performances. It of 1918, Marjanishvili was ap- from the family. Although was in Kvareli, in fact, in the pointed as the Commissioner the children, especially Kote, enormous wine cellar inside of Kiev Theatres with success worshiped their tender, merci- Soloman Chavchavadze’s house, after success following. ful and kind mother, Liza had that his first performances were Marjanishvili came to Tbilisi to return to Kvareli, taking staged with the participation in 1922. In 1928, he created a Mariam and Tamar with her of his brothers and sisters who new theatre serving the cities of and leaving Kote, Vladimir and would come for holidays, and Kutaisi and Batumi and staged Sopio in Tbilisi. According to his relatives. The audience com- the plays Hopla, We Are Alive, information, Kote was accom- prised his cousins and people Uriel Akosta and Kvarkvare modated at the boarding school from the village. Tutaberi. of the Gymnasium whilst Liza As Marjanishvili recalled, In 1930, the second Geor- rented a small apartment for food was abundantly served in gian State Drama Theatre her other children who stayed the wine cellar and included was opened and directed by behind in Tbilisi. dried figs, apples and church- Marjanishili. After his death, Elisabed Chavchavadze died khela. Often, upon his demand, the theatre was renamed in his at the age of 36 in 1887 when kvevris were opened and a jug honour. Kote Marjanishvili was fifteen of wine was taken around the The year 1933 proved to be years old. Elisabed’s elder sis- rows and served to the peasants the last for Kote Marjanishvili. ter, Ekaterine, and her hus- several times. Kote, himself the He was invited to the Moscow band, David Abdushelishvili, stage director, actor, decorator, Small Theatre to stage Schil- undertook to bring up the or- property man and prompter, ler’s Don Carlos but he died phans. They managed to hide was always called out on the before the premiere. After his this misfortune from Kote for stage by all in attendance after death, Marjanishvili’s ashes a long time but upon learning the conclusion of the perfor- were brought to Tbilisi and bur- the news of his mother’s death, mance. ied in the garden of the Opera he abandoned his studies and So it was that Kote Marjan- and Ballet Theatre. Afterwards returned to Kvareli. He was so ishvili’s wine cellar obtained a in 1964, a grateful Georgia devastated by the loss that he sacral function. Even at present, consigned the great Georgian even tried to commit a suicide first-year students of Theatre Petre Otskheli (top) and director Kote Marjanishvili (bottom) photographed with patron of art to Mtatsminda for aiming a gun at his heart, the and Cinema University take theatre representatives. Photo: Art Palace museum. his eternal rest.