Issue no: 1279 • JANUARY 15 - 21, 2021 • PUBLISHED WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... Georgia Unveils FOCUS Memorial to Victims of ON IVANISHVILI Russian Occupation Check out our exclusive interview with Georgia's top philanthropist PAGE 3 NEWS PAGE 2 MEP Marketa Gregorova on the EU’s Eastern Partnership Plans POLITICS PAGE 6 About Tomorrow – Remembering Yesterday while Bearing in Mind the Present Day. Part 1 POLITICS PAGE 7 GM of Radisson Collection Tsinandali Estate: It's Time to Reinvent the Way Hotels Attract Guests BUSINESS PAGE 8 Tim Severin’s Argo on Georgian Shores Corona Update: Restrictions to Remain until February 1 SOCIETY PAGE 10

BY ANA DUMBADZE WE’AR ART: Meet Fashion Designer Nana Kasradze he epidemiological situation in CULTURE PAGE 11 Georgia appears relatively stable as we welcome the new year, with the number of new cases detected NOVAT Terminates Contract daily reducing from over 3000 pre- TChristmas to 1500-2000 on average this week, with Nino Ananiashvili against a background of intensive testing. The country’s capital Tbilisi remains a hotspot in CULTURE PAGE 11 terms of the virus spread, with at least 500 newly detected cases daily. The above decrease in new cases can be con- Prepared for Georgia Today Business by sidered the result of current regulations and Markets Asof11ͲJanͲ2021 restrictions in force across the country. Accord- STOCKS Price w/w m/m BONDS Price w/w m/m BankofGeorgia(BGEOLN) GBP12.30 +0,8% +3,9% GEOROG04/21 101.07(YTM2.94%) +0,0% Ͳ0,6% ingly, the government on Monday decided to GeorgiaCapital(CGEOLN) GBP5.40 +0,9% +3,4% GEORG04/21 101.38(YTM1.25%) Ͳ0,1% Ͳ0,3% further expand the period of restrictions and TBCBankGroup(TBCGLN) GBP13.06 +4,0% +9,7% GRAIL07/22 106.20(YTM3.46%) +0,3% +0,7% announced that the current COVID restrictions GEBGG07/23 105.40(YTM3.75%) Ͳ0,5% Ͳ0,1% will be maintained until February 1. indoor markets, have been extended until Feb- VACCINATIONS COMMODITIES Price w/w m/m CURRENCIES Price w/w m/m CrudeOil,Brent(US$/bbl) 55,66 +8,9% +11,4% GEL/USD 3,2950 Ͳ0,3% +0,3% ruary 1, despite suggestions that they would be Regarding the vaccination plan, on Tuesday, GoldSpot(US$/OZ) 1843,89 Ͳ5,1% +0,2% GEL/EUR 4,0035 Ͳ1,1% +0,7% freed mid-January. Municipal and intercity traf- Health Minister Ekaterine Tikaradze announced GEL/GBP 4,4527 Ͳ0,7% +2,5% THE CURRENT RESTRICTIONS CLARIFIED INDICES Price w/w m/m GEL/CHF 3,7013 Ͳ1,4% +0,3% Shopping malls will be allowed to open and fi c has been banned since November 28, 2020, that the Georgian population will be vaccinated FTSE100 6798,48 +3,4% +3,8% GEL/RUB 0,0442 Ͳ0,5% Ͳ1,8% FTSE250 20776,13 +1,2% +5,9% GEL/TRY 0,4405 Ͳ1,0% +5,5% function in compliance with the regulations from with only cars and taxis allowed. with Pfi zer “in the near future.” She made the DAX 13936,66 +1,5% +6,3% GEL/AZN 1,9384 Ͳ0,3% +0,3% February 1, with employees having to be tested Government representatives note that they relevant statement during a meeting with US DOWJONES 31008,69 +2,6% +3,2% GEL/AMD 0,0063 ͲͲ NASDAQ 13036,43 +2,7% +5,3% GEL/UAH 0,1171 +0,8% Ͳ0,3% for coronavirus. will use the period before February 1 for active Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan. MSCIEMEE 171,54 +3,4% +4,5% EUR/USD 0,8230 +0,8% Ͳ0,3% Restrictions on the operation of municipal and meetings with representatives of the business The Minister of Health informed the American MSCIEM 1349,60 +3,5% +7,3% GBP/USD 0,7399 +0,4% Ͳ2,2% SP500 3799,61 +2,7% +3,7% CHF/USD 0,8903 +1,0% +0,0% intercity public transport (trains, buses and sector to ensure safe opening in February for diplomat in detail about the epidemic situation MSCIFM 2658,78 +2,6% +4,6% RUB/USD 74,6668 +0,5% +2,4% minibuses), and on shops and both outdoor and both transport and businesses. in Georgia. GTIndex(GEL) 1582,68 ͲͲTRY/USD 7,4779 +0,7% Ͳ4,7% Continued on page 2 GTIndex(USD) 1208,13 ͲͲAZN/USD 1,6988 Ͳ Ͳ0,4% GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS JANUARY 15 - 21, 2021 Georgia Unveils Memorial to Victims of Russian Occupation memorial dedicated to vic- tims of Russia’s ongoing occupation of Georgia’s two regions has been erected in Tbilisi’s Ponitch- Lithuania Approves Sakartvelo Aala district. Entitled ‘Memorial to the Victims of Occupation’, the sculpture, created by as Georgia's Offi cial Name Irakli Tsuladze, depicts two bronze fi g- ures, male and female, separated by a 21 of last year to stop referring to Geor- multi-layer glass barrier. BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE gia as "Gruzija,” completely replacing it Tsuladze told the news agency GHN with "Sakartvelas". that working on the installation had been "We needed a transition period to see both emotional and interesting. ithuania has approved "Sakart- if the public would accept the name," "Two people stand on different sides velas" (Sakartvelo) as the Antanaitis told BNS. "Obviously, it took of an imaginary border. Woman and man, offi cial Lithuanian name for root incredibly quickly. I predicted [that epitomizing the mainspring of existence. Georgia. This means that from it would take] 20 years, but it took two The theme of occupation is important now on, Georgia will be years. It was really unexpected. As such, and very emotional for our country. But referredL to as Sakartvelas, the country’s we decided to bring this process to a it's not just about the occupation; it's a name in its native tongue, in all offi cial conclusion. Sakartvelas has become the global theme, a separation of love brought Lithuanian-language documents. offi cial name," he said. about by an invisible wall and barbed "Sakartvelas is the offi cial name now," Georgian politicians and diplomats wire. This is an allegorical work," the Audrys Antanaitis, Chairman of the State earlier asked Lithuanian offi cials to artist said. Commission of the Lithuanian Language change the name, saying that "Gruzija" Tbilisi City Hall announced a compe- (VLKK), told BNS. refl ected the Russian name for the nation. tition for the memorial in April 2019. “Sakartvelas” has been an alternative Although the offi cial name has changed, However, the competition found no vic- term for “Gruzija” for the last two years. “Gruzija” can still be used in the public tor, and another was announced in July The decision was made on December domain. that year, which Irakli Tsuladze won. Georgia Marks National Flag Day Union in 1991. By the late 1990s, the on 14 January 2004. Saakashvili formally BY ANA DUMBADZE design had become widely known as endorsed it via Presidential Decree No. the Georgian historical national fl ag. 31 signed on 25 January, following his A majority of Georgians supported election as President. 14 January is annu- eorgia marks its National the restoration of the fl ag, and in 1999 ally marked as Flag Day in Georgia. Flag Day on January 14, the Parliament of Georgia passed a bill "One of the main symbols of our state- but large-scale events are to change the fl ag. However, it was not hood, the fl ag of Georgia inspires the not planned this year due endorsed by the President, Eduard She- patriotic spirit and great pride in each to the COVID pandemic. vardnadze. It was adopted in the early of us," the Prime Minister of Georgia TheG State Council of Heraldry calls on 2000s by the main opposition party, the Giorgi Gakharia said in connection with citizens to set and raise the national United National Movement led by the Day of the State Flag of Georgia. fl ag on their balconies or roofs to honor Mikheil Saakashvili, as a symbol of The Prime Minister is convinced that Georgia’s statehood. popular resistance to Shevardnadze's the time is not far when this symbol of The current fl ag was used by the Geor- rule, as well as a symbol of the Rose Georgian statehood will be erected next gian patriotic movement following the Revolution. to the fl ags of the member states of the country's independence from the Soviet The fl ag was adopted by Parliament European family. Corona Update: Restrictions to Remain until February 1 Trump Impeached for Continued from page 1 National Center for Disease Control, said this Wednesday that more than “We are actively cooperating with 6,000 taxi drivers have been tested for Covax and we have made some progress. coronavirus so far, and the number of 'Inciting' US Capitol Riot Namely, in the near future, it will be pos- positive cases is less than 1%. sible to vaccinate the population of “More than 6,000 taxi drivers have he US House of Rep- Georgia with Pfi zer,” Tikaradze said. been tested, and it seems that the num- resentatives has During the meeting, Ambassador Deg- ber of cases of infection is less than 1%. impeached President nan assessed the steps taken to contain The number of tests at markets has also Donald Trump for COVID-19 in Georgia. increased: 4,000 tests have been con- "incitement of insur- “We had a very useful meeting, where ducted and the number of cases there is Trection" at last week's Capitol riot, I received updated information about also less than 1%. Further, over 2,000 reports the BBC. the plans of the Georgian government representatives of different religions Ten Republicans sided with the to manage the pandemic in 2021. It is have been tested and the number of cases Democrats to impeach the presi- important to have a clear vaccination is about 1%,” Imnadze said. dent by 232-197. plan, not only in Georgia and the United Despite the decreased numbers of However, his trial in the Senate States but around the world, to ensure newly detected cases, Health Minister will not happen until after Demo- the safety of our community and to Tikaradze projected a third wave of crat Joe Biden is inaugurated as the rebuild the economy and open schools coronavirus in Georgia is expected to new US president next week. as soon as possible,” the Ambassador start in the second half of February. Mr. Trump is the fi rst president stated. “When the world is talking about a in US history to be impeached To ensure the maximum safety of cit- third wave, of course, Georgia can be no twice. izens until the vaccine is available, Tbi- exception. We need to use the global In a video released after the vote lisi City Hall ruled that starting January experience regarding a potential third in Congress, Mr. Trump called on 10, taxi drivers in the Georgian capital wave, not only in the preparedness com- his followers to remain peaceful, must undergo coronavirus testing every ponent, but also in the control phase, in and did not mention his impeach- two weeks. Further, they will be obliged order to minimize the spread of infec- ment. to carry and show the test results to tion. We need to focus on this and be "Violence and vandalism have no patrol police when performing their more effective in infection retention. We place in our country... No true sup- duties. expect a third wave to hit Georgia late porter of mine would ever endorse Paata Imnadze, Deputy Head of the February,” she said. Source: The BBC political violence," he said. GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 15 - 21, 2021 POLITICS 3 What You Give to Others… An Exclusive Interview with Bidzina Ivanishvili est joy to be able to benefi t a common fact that, over the years, the Cartu Foun- EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY cause when you can afford it, using your dation, and Mr Ivanishvili and his family GEORGE SHARASHIDZE personal hard-earned material or intan- as its sole donors, has spent over 3 bil- gible capital, be it money or public trust lion USD on charity, as evidenced by the and approval. That’s why I - without annual reports of Deloitte, one of the e interviewed Bidzina false modesty and pretense - can repeat Big Four accounting networks recognized Ivanishvili on 9 Janu- word for word everything I said in that by the World Bank. A few days ago, the ary but, at the fi rst interview with you: The most valu- foundation published a long list of assets respondent’s request, able thing I have done in terms of char- donated on his decision from private we publish this inter- ity is my participation in politics because, ownership to the charity foundation; Wview only after the dissemination of his under the previous government, this and, of course, all these material assets, statement about his fi nal departure from decision put not just my wealth but my in line with applicable legislation, must politics. The idea of an interview was and my family’s lives at stake. Conse- be used for the goals set forth in the conceived in early January, when I, run- quentially, because my involvement in foundation’s charter and will be spent ning some personal errands in the entre- politics contributed to and made it pos- on ongoing and planned philanthropic preneurial registry, accidentally discov- sible peacefully to remove a regime projects. In this context, I have two inter- ered that Bidzina Ivanishvili had thriving on abusing people, and to set connected questions for him: Is it correct transferred a sizeable portion of his the stage for the country’s irreversible to say that you granted the charity foun- wealth to the Cartu Charity Foundation peaceful and democratic development dation all material assets owned by you (see the list of assets below). I believe - entering politics must be the most through various legal entities? If so, how that this interview answers all questions valuable thing I've done in my life.” much fi nancial resources will you and that readers may have about Bidzina His resignation before the expiration your family own after this transaction? Ivanishvili’s philosophy of life, his char- of his term was an equally unprecedented “I understand that both questions are ity, business, money, and wealth. decision in contemporary global politics. of high public interest, and I appreciate “If memory serves, it was in an inter- At any rate, I cannot cite a precedent. your tactful humor,” he says. “As for the view with your Entrepreneur magazine benefi cial for the benefactor, in line with he ended up repaving some of them. The Although the tradition of democratic assets, my wife and I have decided to that I mentioned my decision to donate Rustaveli’s famous aphorism “What you same is true of sewage systems and waste transfer of power on the basis of elec- donate all material assets—except those at least 90% of my wealth to public and give to others, you will keep, whatever disposal infrastructure, and roofi ng for tion results has become routine in the with credit or other obligations, those national causes,” Mr Ivanishvili tells me. you don't, you will lose.” The way I see 11,000 households in the Sachkhere Dis- civilized world, losing an election implies diffi cult for the foundation to manage— “However, this statement did not receive it, he is trying to say that the ultimate trict. While preparing for this interview, that the defeated government wanted to to the foundation without delay, on one adequate feedback from the media or benefi ciary of charity is the benefactor, I came across some exciting TV materi- win and, correspondingly, to continue condition: The purpose of the assets society at the time. In reality, we are because charity grants enormous spir- als that were unfamiliar to me, such as to rule, relinquishing power only because cannot be changed in the process of dealing with a logical continuation of itual comfort to the benefactor. I asked the former army sanatorium in Tskaltubo, the people decided otherwise and decided management or alienation, because most the process I decided on much earlier, him if he still holds this belief today, 15 where veterans of the Abkhazian war against extending its mandate. In my of them are not ordinary business pro- even mentioning it to you in an interview years after that interview, with much were supposed to live and yet the state view, Mr Ivanishvili’s case is also unique jects but ones focusing on the develop- 18 months ago. By the way, in addition more charitable experience to his credit. could not afford to take care of the facil- in that for the second time now, he is ment of individual branches, or even to the interview with you, I revealed my “Vedomosti removed those passages ity - which Mr Ivanishvili roofed with voluntarily relinquishing power at a time entire regions, and designed to bring intentions to several international pub- from the fi nal publication without coor- his own money and saved from destruc- when he is at the peak of democratic, about positive processes in various eco- lications, though my statement never dinating with me, which is why, around tion. He also donated to Georgia 400 that is, popular legitimacy: no-one is nomic segments, including in tourism.” received an adequate response. Frankly, that time, we asked Kviris Palitra to fi ll tractors fully equipped for ploughing challenging him, and he is legally enti- I point out that several international I never tried to push it either.” in the gaps, and that must be the version and planting, for the purchase of which tled to it. business media outlets, including Forbes Both then and now, the media and the you are quoting. he had to borrow half of the purchase “My involvement with politics had and Bloomberg, assess your wealth at public overlooked the large-scale act of “Of course, I have not changed my amount. concrete goals and objectives, as dis- about 5.5 billion USD. charity that took place on 30-31 Decem- mind,” he says. “On the contrary, as years “To be honest, the only thing I’ve been cussed in detail in my statement,” he “Those are outdated numbers, to put ber - one large enough to be called a go by and as I gain more experience, my trying to do since the very outset, some- notes. “After reaching them, I decided it mildly,” he informs me. “They are from monumental Christmas gift. These assets conviction grows ever stronger. I strongly thing that my involvement with politics to leave politics for good. I never con- 10-15 years ago. I have not worked with are estimated at over one billion GEL, believe that no material good comes even has made impossible, is making sure not sidered myself a typical politician per Forbes in over a decade, for example. At maybe even up to a billion USD. Like I close to the spiritual comfort you expe- to advertise my charity work as much se, in the classic sense of the word. Eve- fi rst, they, with my consent, studied the said earlier, I learned about these trans- rience when helping the needy, your as possible,” Mr Ivanishvili tells me. “As rything that comes with politics, espe- source of my capital, and I had no prob- actions by sheer accident, which moti- people and country. And it’s not just for other priorities, I let the rest go with cially successful politics, such as power, lem with the data published by them. vated me to get in touch with you. Yes, about material resources, nor does the the fl ow, the way I saw fi t - that is, using privilege, publicity, etc, only made me But in recent years, I have no idea what some media outlets critical of the author- scope of unconditional charity ensure and channeling resources into urgent feel uncomfortable because of my char- they calculate and how because I no ities tried to show the donation of an one’s spiritual contentment. Because of causes I believed would be impossible acter and, honestly, I couldn’t wait for longer supply them with information. asset to the foundation in a bad light, but particular circumstances, I was given a without said resources or, if delayed, this period in my and my family’s life to As for Bloomberg, I have never worked even that topic was not picked up by the chance to help a large group of people would be dead in the water. We launched end. with them, though they too publish their media. I am honestly surprised that nei- and the country in general for a long the Kutaisi International University pro- “At the same time, let me emphasize own data. ther the government’s PR services, nor time, continuously. But I don’t think that ject, for one, only after making sure to that I in no way mean to demean politics “I disengaged myself from active busi- neutral media outlets have tried to bring the moral contentment this process has renovate already operating educational as a profession,” Mr Ivanishvili tells me. ness long before taking up politics, around this topic to light. We asked him to given my wife and I is special or superior centers. You call this approach my sig- “I believe that it is one of the most seri- the time when I gave my fi rst and last explain. in any way over the feelings of those nature style. So be it. Let’s call it my ous, responsible, and honorable lines of interview to Vedomosti. As a represent- “I have the same question and, just like who take their time and make an effort signature style. I’m fi ne with it.” work. Throughout these years, I have ative of the business press, you know you, I cannot answer it,” he replies. “It to help an elderly person with a cane During the World Economic Forum in encountered many politicians both on that profi ting from a small or large busi- is what it is, and unlike you, George, I cross the street, even though it may make Davos in early 2020, Global Citizen and our team and in the international arena, ness alike is impossible without full accept this reality calmly. As for the them late somewhere. It is human nature Forbes published a joint study into the and I have a great deal of respect for the engagement in its administration. Some opposition media, they, just like you, that any honest step taken toward assist- world’s largest philanthropists, with vast majority. Any profession, including think that bigger and smaller businesses have come across a full list of the list of ing others and making their lives easier Warren Buffett and Bill Gates and his politics, has its own dialectics of nature require different approaches, but there assets handed over to the charity foun- fi lls us with enormous positive energy, wife at the top of the list, having respec- and motivational aspect, so to speak, is actually almost no difference in terms dation on 30-31 December, of course, because the desire to do good is a natu- tively donated 16% and 9% of their wealth which means a chance of self-realization of approach. Unless you are involved in fathoming the scope and positive poten- ral urge of any healthy person.” to charity over the previous 5 years. The and a healthy ambition to lead the coun- risk assessment, investment decision- tial alike, though spreading information Yet, on closer examination, his years- list also features Facebook founder Mark try in the right direction, also prospects making, monitoring of market specifi cs about the transfer only of those assets long philanthropy features one recurring Zuckerberg and his wife who donated of career growth, and decent remunera- and trends, and unless you make quick, that they, in their shortsightedness, characteristic, a signature style, if you 1.2% of their wealth. With this informa- tion, if anything. These are absolutely effective decisions, your facultative busi- believed to show the issue in a bad light will. Even though he never held back, tion in mind, the statement on Mr Ivan- normal motivational aspects of any pro- ness engagement is guaranteed to leave and leave narrow room for blatant spec- and confi rmed today that the benefactor ishvili and his wife eventually donating fession, and politics cannot and should you with losses, an axiom that any busi- ulations - and just turning a blind eye to is the ultimate benefi ciary of any char- at least 90% of their wealth to charity not be an exception. Otherwise, a politi- nessperson will confi rm. And what hap- the rest. Why, they wouldn’t betray their ity, he never tried to have the foundation and public causes is like a bolt out of the cian cannot succeed. And a laggard is pens to money entrusted to someone own principles by putting in a good word fi nance projects that place the benefac- blue. It is unmatched in its scope world- no good for himself or his country. It’s else is perfectly illustrated by the recent in for me, would they? [Smiles.] Yet, tor on a pedestal, as it were. For the most wide, indeed. I asked him for specifi cs just that I had a different starting point scandal involving me and a large Swiss remembering how the Hippodrome issue part, he focused on supporting existing about his unprecedented decision to and motivation for entering politics, and bank of nearly impeccable international backfi red at them, they quickly realized cultural and material heritage created channel his personal wealth toward phil- all of the above were naturally missing reputation. Consider yourself lucky if that cutting the issue of money launder- by ancestors or previous generations but anthropic causes. from the sphere of my interest. I felt you avoid losses. Consequently, my ing out of whole cloth was out of their on the verge of destruction, such as “It may look like a bolt out of the blue, obligated to pay my dues to the country capital could not have grown over these league, which is why this whole brouhaha churches and monasteries, centers of as you put it, to those who, for whatever and people, which would be impossible years, even theoretically. quickly died down, as you put it suc- education or culture. This approach fea- reason, are stubborn enough not to without my direct involvement in poli- “As for expenses, calculations here are cinctly.” tures certain components of humility believe what they actually see with their tics, which is why I said in advance that just as simple. As mentioned by you and This week, Mr Ivanishvili stated that and anonymity, when billboards promote own eyes—that which can be easily it was a temporary measure, that I had confi rmed by public information, Cartu he is leaving politics for good to return the existing brands instead of he who verifi ed whenever they please,” he says. no intention of staying in politics long. Foundation has spent 3 billion USD on to his pre-2011 lifestyle, that is, to a time supports them, such as the Opera House, “I never compare myself to other phi- As soon as I saw that my mission was various charity projects. However, our when he was not particularly fond of theaters, universities. This approach is lanthropists, to aim at some benchmark accomplished, I left politics for good, family has also been privileged to be part publicity. In fact, there is only one inter- not “advantageous” by any stretch - if target. In fact, this is the fi rst time I've even though I was forced to come back of another honorable mission, one we view, given to Vedomosti in 2005, before the word advantageous applies to phi- heard such detailed information about once again, and that was also due to my have never discussed and, if not for your his coming into politics. In that interview, lanthropy at all - because some “prag- others. We all have our own paths and, high sense of responsibility. I couldn’t question, would probably never be dis- a section from which was published by matists” may argue that resources spent as we Georgians like to say, Godspeed! let myself fail to fi nish what I had started, cussed in the future. For almost 30 years, the Georgian media as well, he described this way are wasted. Mr Ivanishvili has I have never swayed from the path of my and quietly keep living. My recent letter our family has been supporting a large his views on philanthropists, categoriz- paved hundreds of kilometers of roads own values, principles, and conscience explains all that in detail, so let’s not group of friends and acquaintances on ing them into those who advertise their with his money, roads that are subject - be it in politics, in business, or in the overburden our readers.” an individual basis. Given the unemploy- charity to score material dividends, and to wear and tear, require periodical cause we are discussing now. I made my Returning to the topic of philanthropy, ment rates and absence of functioning those who do good in secret. Yet even renovations, and therefore do not really choice long ago, and I am sticking to it. I note that people just love counting social and medical infrastructure, espe- secret, silent charity he believes to be “make a mark.” And that is probably why I’ve always believed that it is the great- other people’s money. It is known for a Continued on page 4 GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS JANUARY 15 - 21, 2021 What You Give to Others… An Exclusive Interview with Bidzina Ivanishvili

Continued from page 3 in fi nancial resources do he and his fam- of these statistics. Why, then, I ask, has ability criterion,” he tells me. “Of course, ness - and using the interesting term ily keep for personal needs from that he not corrected them and told them it would be better for businesses to gen- suggested by you - I ended up paying cially in earlier years, people encountered billion and a half? that he has “gone poor” and does not erate higher profi ts. In the case of the high opportunity cost. But, deep inside, numerous insurmountable diffi culties, “This billion and a half will be used in “weigh” that much anymore, contrary bank, it would have been better to attract I always strove to give it my all on both from health-related issues to living con- full for charity. And this very process to what they claim by inertia? greater investments, but unfortunately, fronts, to put to work my capabilities ditions and basic needs. We could, of started on 30-31 December 2020, when “Simply because I don’t think I have it never happened, and I am not happy equally. course, cover these expenses through the assets mentioned by you were trans- ‘gone poor,’ George,” he says. “My capi- about it, of course. Apparently, I did not “In politics, like in business, my world- the charity foundation - there is nothing ferred to the foundation. It is an irrevers- tal is free from private ownership by one pay due attention to it, especially after views and attitudes have been decisive: illegal about it - but I insisted on bypass- ible process that will continue in install- Georgian to serve all of Georgia, each entering politics. Doing what others could not do without ing the foundation in this case. I didn’t ments. My wife and I will keep 200 Georgian, and my family and I are, after “Yet, besides the lack of attention, the me and staying as long as it is necessary. want a subjective factor to emerge in the million USD available as free assets all, co-owners of everything that the poor effectiveness of my business com- “Although I was forced to return to process of spending amounts accumu- besides the billion and a half. To my foundation has created or saved, aren’t panies was also due to the fact that I politics for two years when the team’s lated for public causes, even from the children I will leave enough not to lose we? If so, how can I ‘go poor’? What I have never tried to use excess fi nancial unity and idea were jeopardized, now foundation’s founder and sole donor. motivation for full self-realization and have given away has never been more resources to create any type of obstacles that my decision to leave politics is fi nal The foundation has scrupulously development, in which living off divi- ‘mine’ than it is now, because now no- for Georgian business. On the contrary, and irreversible, I feel much more at observed charter criteria. The founda- dends may be an obstacle,” he says. one, not even I, can embezzle it or waste I always wanted to help the market and peace, because the team I’m leaving tion’s reputation had to remain spotless, I ask how his children have taken this it. Thus, only what you give to others is improve the economic environment as behind is ready to answer for its actions and no exceptions could be allowed, an decision. ultimately yours, and that’s the wisdom much as possible, which is why I never and, if need be, to hold others account- additional benchmark we set for our- “They fully agree with my position, and greatness of Rustaveli. At least, that’s focused only on business profi tability. I able,” he concludes. selves. Consequently, we kept said and the decision was made in coordina- how I, one Georgian, and my wife and honestly wanted to help the country and As I mentioned at the beginning of the expenses away from the foundation, tion with them,” he tells me. “I’m happy children, read it. choose a business activity not based on publication, the conversation with Bidzina instead covering them separately over that my children are so ambitious and I ask if he feels uncomfortable about its profi tability, but on its usefulness to Ivanishvili took place on 9 January. I these years. Add to these sizeable creative, and I am convinced that they his passive stance possibly encouraging the country.” went to the interview with the intention expenses the fi nancial resources spent will succeed independently from me. authoritative publications to publish I point out that that is exactly why of talking about issues pertaining to on politics and projects dedicated to the Most importantly, I gave them a quality incorrect information for years. Entrepreneur magazine praises the com- “ordinary charity” but after a detailed long-term development of various eco- education and, equally importantly, total I may feel somewhat uncomfortable, pleted and ongoing large-scale projects conversation and, moreover, after perus- nomic areas - those already transferred freedom of choice. We wanted them to but it never really mattered to me much,” implemented by the Tourism Develop- ing his extensive letter, I am left with to the foundation and referred by you choose future vocations on their own, he notes. “I believe that giving to assist ment Fund in Shekvetili, Abastumani, the impression that the portrait of Bidzina as social entrepreneurship - and you because it is just as important to love one’s country and people, and their and downtown Tbilisi as the best exam- Ivanishvili - a Georgian philanthropist have about a billion USD. I will not what you do as it is to succeed. As for future, is the best investment one can ples of social entrepreneurship and refers of the largest scale - lacks a very impor- engage in debates whether or not these my take on excess money, my children make. But I also understand that Forbes to him personally as a social entrepre- tant accent: If the essence of charity is expenses qualify as traditional charity and I are on the same page. or Bloomberg will probably beg to dif- neur. the voluntary and selfl ess giving of goods, - they more likely do not - despite the “By the way, the passage with the excess fer.” “As mentioned above, this term best legally obtained through private initia- fact that the amount of capital spent on money/weight analogy was also removed Mr Ivanishvili has said repeatedly that describes projects aiming not to do busi- tive and personal effort, for public ben- the development of tourism infrastruc- by Vedomosti from my interview, and doing business in Georgia is not his goal, ness and seeking fast returns, but to do efi t, then we are dealing with a person ture, for example, is sometimes at least nor did Forbes publish it in my short meaning not only business projects something new in the country, to help who not only donated 95% of his mate- twice the current market value of assets interview in the same year of 2005.” focusing on social aspects more than on the country, and motivate others. And rial capital for public benefi t and the created with this capital.” Given the volume and diversity of the fast returns on investment, such as the that is the goal of social entrepreneur- common cause, but also used the trust I suggest he is referring to Paragraph donated assets, they will be quite diffi - large infrastructural initiatives in Shek- ship, after all. This has been my attitude, of the people - that is, his own symbolic Hotel, as discussed during our fi rst inter- cult for the foundation to administer. I vetili, Abastumani, or Ganmukhuri, for and I don’t regret it, because in Shekve- capital - fi rst to free the country from view. asked Mr Ivanishvili if he thinks he’ll example, but also Cartu Bank, now prop- tili, for example, we already have several dictatorship, then to prevent its recur- “Not just Paragraph Hotel, though it is have to reinforce the foundation’s man- erty of the charity foundation. small and medium-sized hotels that rence; and today, he is giving up the a very illustrative example,” he replies. agement with qualifi ed human resources. “Yes, indeed,” he confi rms. “Speaking sprang up after the construction of top- power generated as a result of this trust “In excess of 127 million USD was spent “Time will tell. As for asset adminis- of the bank, Cartu Bank has never notch tourism infrastructure around through democratic procedure, once on its creation and development, yet its tration, once the assets are transferred, attempted aggressive efforts and cam- Paragraph. As a businessman who has again - voluntarily and unselfi shly, which, market value fl uctuates between 50 and it will be up to the foundation, meaning paigns in the Georgian market, never not received profi ts proportional to his I strongly believe must be considered a 60 million USD, which is why the char- that some may be sold right away, and sought to monopolize the market, and investments, and who has failed to cre- truly unprecedented case of political ity foundation will count this site as its others may continue to be capitalized never agreed to serve state accounts, ate a profi table business, I am not happy, charity, as evidenced by his every step asset based on its market and not invest- on. Still, I believe that they should be instead always working toward a health- of course, because a business should in Georgian politics since October 2011. ment value, notwithstanding the fact alienated soon, to transfer from the foun- ier banking system in Georgia. Suffi ce pursue commercialization and bring in He entered politics not to seek power that our investment is at least twice its dation to business. Naturally, it does not to say, in 2001, we bought out the liabil- profi ts. But as a son of this country, I am but to return to the people the power current market value. Equally dispro- mean getting rid of an asset prematurely ities of Absolute Bank and this way actu- surely happy because the Black Sea captured by others. He entered politics portionate is the Panorama project, with or selling it cheap—if a business offer is ally saved the then banking system. Region of Guria, Tbilisi and Abastumani, to pay his dues, and he has made a point our investments amounting to twice its much lower than the asset’s market value, “I, though a shareholder, have never and prospectively Tskaltubo, now have of not using any benefi t or privilege that current market value. As for the Den- the foundation will continue its manage- received dividends from Cartu Bank. a new opportunity to develop.” comes with power, except the privilege drology Park in Shekvetili, which cost ment until an acceptable offer is made. And the bank, over the years, has given Even though we are having an apoliti- of serving people. He came to apply his tens of millions of dollars, besides me In the case of hotels, it may be better to 55 million USD from its profi ts to char- cal interview, and our magazine focuses charity to this front too, and now is on being labeled as nothing short of an alienate them for a few years, because ity. exclusively on economics and business, his way back home victorious, with his enemy of Mankind, it was never viewed their value will increase alongside polit- “As for Elita Burji LLC, an unprofi table I couldn’t avoid talking about his politi- dues paid in full. as a commercial project in the fi rst place. ical stability and the country’s economic company for years, I had to subsidize it cal experience, especially political man- *First published in the Georgian edition “[That leaves me with roughly a billion growth, and that will ultimately have a because I simply had no time personally agement. Is there a difference between of Entrepreneur Magazine – and a half in capital]. A part of this amount positive impact on the quality and scope to manage it. And the company, because business and political management? I www.entrepreneur.ge was already transferred to the charity of the foundation’s planned and ongoing of heavy investments in construction ask. I also wonder how successful he has foundation on 30-31 December, as charity projects.” technologies, was unable to make a fast been in achieving his goals on the polit- BIDZINA IVANISHVILI: refl ected in the list obtained by you and I then ask if he thinks it would have return on investment on its own. But for ical front. He says that, in Georgia, he is POLITICIAN, PHILANTHROPIST, intended to be published along with this been better, instead of transferring the me, as mentioned earlier, introducing less interested in profi tability, the key BUSINESSMAN interview. As for other business projects assets to the foundation now, to have modern technologies and improving the measurement of a business. I wonder if Bidzina Ivanishvili founded the Geor- fi nanced by the Co-Investment Fund, donated matching amounts of money country’s business environment is far he feels the same about politics. gian Dream-Democratic Georgia politi- and excess capital from these projects, earlier, to allow the foundation to launch more important than doing business. “Yes, I have already mentioned that cal union in 2011 and united almost the we will free these assets from strictly projects of its own. “I still feel that way, and this is exactly attention and focus are mandatory pre- entire opposition spectrum under its technical credit and other burdens char- “I have a clear answer to this question,” why, on my wife’s initiative, we have conditions for a successful business,” he aegis. In the 2012 parliamentary elec- acteristic of business dealings, and then he says. “By making this decision, I saved been investing heavily in tourism infra- answers. “I had the same attitude toward tions, the Georgian Dream Coalition transfer them to the charity foundation, the foundation from a blow, because I structure for several years now. Hotel politics. But while neglecting business, claimed a sweeping victory over the then either as immovable property or as mon- didn’t want anyone to cast a shadow over infrastructure of this level may not be I was fully focused on politics, and results ruling party, the National Movement, led etary resources after sales. The same is the foundation’s idea, so I intentionally necessary today or even tomorrow, but would not hesitate to follow, with posi- by Mikheil Saakashvili. The Georgian true of the collection of oil paintings opted to take the fall. You probably it will benefi t the country years from tive and virtually irreversible achieve- Dream received full popular support which is also part of said excess capital. remember the torrents of criticism and now, when high-spending tourists, includ- ments in every direction, one of the key and, despite the fear and terror raging A portion of the collection has already dirt hurled at me for tourism projects ing year-round visitors, will fl ock to factors infl uencing my decision to dis- at that time, an unprecedented number been sold, and the money has been trans- on the Black Sea coast and Tbilisi. My Georgia as it grows capable of hosting tance myself from politics once and for of voters declared support for Bidzina ferred to the foundation. The same will opponents passed off development for events of global importance indepen- all.” Ivanishvili and his political team, an happen to the assets generated from destruction and my charity for avarice. dently. Wherever you give it your best and event consequently recognized as a selling the remaining paintings. Alter- That’s why I choose to be their target “I understand that, given heavy invest- focus to the fullest, you have maximal peaceful revolution at the ballot box. nately, we may not wait for sales and instead of the foundation. But now that ments and the scarcity of the market, results. This is what happened in busi- The Georgian Dream’s victory in the hand a part of the works over to the I am leaving politics for good, I am more such projects will not bring in propor- ness and later after Mr Ivanishvili’s com- 2012 parliamentary elections set the stage foundation.” confi dent and at peace taking this deci- tional commercial revenues. But I also ing into politics, though he was forced for the country’s fundamental democratic In his 2012 interview, Mr Ivanishvili sion.” understand that this is what Tbilisi and to neglect his business activities, which transformation to carry out the complex said, “Money has never been important It is known for a fact that, given the the country need, which is why, to me, is why, as he says, he has been unable to process of establishing law and order to me. I don’t think that a person needs scope of Mr. Ivanishvili’s philanthropy, these are far more than standard com- expand Cartu Bank’s investment port- without institutional shifts - the archi- billions. Excess money is like excess his capital has been steadily decreasing mercial projects. The same is true of folio and to transform Elita Burji into a tects of the violent system, whose cul- weight.” Many fi nd these words hard to over the years, and yet the international Cartu Bank, Elita Burji, and other busi- profi table company, right? In business pability has never been questioned by process, and rightly so, because most media has been stubbornly assessing his nesses.” terminology, it is called opportunity cost, international partners, were brought to people have a hard time grasping the wealth at 5-6 billion USD, give or take. It seems that, despite his years-long or alternative cost, meaning that by giv- justice, with the country’s state institu- meaning of “excess money,” because it Most likely, they mean the total value of business management experience, he ing priority to one alternative, we under- tions and bureaucracy, freed from polit- is generally believed that there is never securities owned by him in the past, cal- did not establish profi table businesses mine other alternatives. However, the ical pressure, growing far more effective enough money. Still, now that he con- culating their worth based on their stock in Georgia. But profi tability is one of the New Testament and Christianity teach in their operations. In particular, former tinues taking consistent steps toward quotes. Yes, he stopped working with key criteria for success in business. I ask us that what matters is not the result but Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, losing “excess money,” or, as he referred these publications, and he does not con- him about it. intention and desire, sincere desire. who continues to evade justice as a fugi- to it, “excess weight,” I asked him how fi rm the validity of their data. But I point “I agree with you and admit that I am “Exactly,” he agrees. “The decision in tive, was repeatedly convicted of several much he “weighs” today and how much out to him that he must have been aware not happy when it comes to the profi t- favor of politics may have hurt my busi- Continued on page 6 IN CASE OF BUYING AN APARTMENT, WE OFFER A 1-WEEK VACATION IN A 5-STAR HOTEL BEST WESTERN PREMIER

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+ 995 577 22 47 47 + 995 514 67 47 47 + 995 557 78 47 47 Viber/ WhatsApp GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS JANUARY 15 - 21, 2021 MEP Marketa Gregorova on the EU’s Eastern Partnership Plans

voters, since it doesn't have an impact troversial with the various sides involved. INTERVIEW BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE solely on Russia. We are still the biggest Even though I understand that, it just economic bloc in the world, so let's say shows how in these foreign affairs we using diplomacy through economic tools tend to be so divided. Among the 27 for- s Russia’s President Putin is the biggest thing we can do. We can't eign policies that we have, we can't really tries to demonstrate his and we won't use military measures or agree on a common approach, and so in peacemaker credentials by anything like that: what we can do is the end Nagorno-Karabakh wasn't solved trying in vain to make the pose economic sanctions. or helped by the European Union. It's Armenian and Azerbaijan disappointing that we can't really act as Aleaders shake hands (quite literally), and HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC a European Union, and we still act as the US is once again occupied with AFFECTED ISSUES SUCH AS the European Economic Society which impeaching their 45th President, the THE EASTERN PARTNERSHIP was the predecessor to the EU, but this Georgian Institute for Security Policy AND DEEPER INTEGRATION is not about economics anymore. sat down with MEP Marketa Gregorova INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION? to discuss the EU’s plans and designs HAVE THEY MOVED DOWN HOW IS THIS NON-COMMITAL for the Eastern Partnership region and, THE AGENDA BECAUSE APPROACH GOING TO inevitably, the Russian factor in it. EVERYBODY IS PREOCCUPIED PLAY OUT IN THE LONG- Image source: Imedi The European Union renewed its sanc- WITH THE PANDEMIC? TERM WHEN IT COMES TO Turkey with sanctions if it gets involved been questioned. Now, of course, we also tions on Russia recently, but since Rus- I would say the region itself didn't really THE EU’S REPUTATION? more, and the same applied to Russia. If have problems regarding the elections sia is showing no apparent signs of let anyone forget about it. Of course I think we need to change this approach. Nagorno-Karabakh becomes a fi ghting in October, and whether they were acquiescing on the Ukrainian issue, we reignition of the Nagorno-Karabakh Otherwise, well, I don't want to assume fi eld between Erdogan and Putin, then fraudulent or not. There are people wondered if perhaps a stricter and more confl ict was very unfortunate. Then there what might happen in the future of course, those who suffer will be the citizens of questioning it, and that's always a prob- hard-hitting set of sanctions would be was how people stood up against but our infl uence might become mean- Armenia and Azerbaijan. We were really lem for democracy, because you have to in order, including more big names in Lukashenko in the summer, and the elec- ingless to everyone, because whenever trying to hold these big powers back so trust your institutions otherwise they there and industries that can actually tions in Georgia, and, of course, we know we claim that we’ll help, it will mean that there is a normal fi eld for the two will fall: they are built on the trust of force Russia and the Kremlin's heads to how complicated it was. Moldova was nothing, which is something I don't want smaller countries to discuss how to deal citizens. These are issues we’ll be happy reconsider their position. We asked Ms probably one of the few who didn't have to see. I want the EU to have a stronger with the situation, and through the Minsk to help with. This is, of course, if Geor- Gregorova for her opinion. many problems. At the last plenary ses- voice, because we actually often bring Agreement platform. gia lets us, and if the government is will- “There is no new development, so it sion, we had a discussion on the whole to the table the rational middle ground ing to take its own steps. In any case, it's would be very diffi cult to argue for Eastern Partnership region, which indi- approach, not a zero-sum game from WHAT IS GEORGIA'S EASTERN something we can incentivize, offering strengthening sanctions at this point. cates that we do follow it and we do care. wall to wall, which I think is important PARTNERSHIP FUTURE? help with observers or reviewing how Also, we don't have a single foreign secu- However, the pandemic may have slowed and positive, and I don't want to lose THE EP APPROACH WAS A the elections went, or if there are any rity policy like other countries do; we things down at the beginning, and from this just because some people are too TAILOR-MADE ONE TO GIVE questions about the political prisoners. have 27 foreign and security policy pri- my personal point of view, this could afraid to act. EACH COUNTRY A PATH TO Naturally, we will be happy to assist in orities, which often complicates things have helped fuel some problems. MOVE FORWARD ON. WHAT any evaluations; however, this needs to when you want to deal with other enti- DO YOU THINK IT WAS A ARE THE INCENTIVES FOR be solved, otherwise there is a risk that ties or countries such as Russia, because WHAT WERE YOUR PERSONAL LESSON FOR THE EU? DID GEORGIA NOT TO STRAY there could be a situation with always there might be a common will of not TAKEAWAYS FROM THAT IT LEARN ANYTHING, OR FROM THE EU INTEGRATION having a government that is going for- letting them do whatever they want, but LAST PLENARY ON THE DID IT WANT TO LEARN PATH, AND WHAT ARE THE ward and an opposition that is trying to there are still 27 countries who need to EASTERN PARTNERSHIP? ANYTHING FROM IT? DEMANDS FROM BRUSSELS? block everything. How democracy should decide on it. You can't really single- For me, it was disappointing. Even though I think we learned a lot actually. Not There are two big topics which have work is that both sides try to argue handedly unilaterally decide on some- I said it's important that we discuss the enough; don't get me wrong - I would come up since the March 8 agreement: together and create a compromise, and thing if there is no new development, whole region, the Parliament was afraid also push for more, but it's not like the the case of political prisoners and what of course that is not happening, which because you can't really argue for that to make a resolution on Nagorno-Kara- EU did nothing. We very strongly held to do with them, and the independence is not positive for Georgia's European on your domestic fi eld in front of your bakh, because, of course it's very con- Turkey back, and actually threatened of the justice system, which has always aspirations.

9 Seaside LLC (Chakvi) 9,253 - 491 What You Give to Others… An Exclusive 10 Black Sea Resorts LLC 151,144 64,518 - (Shekvetili Hotel Paragraph) Interview with Bidzina Ivanishvili 11 Black Sea Riviera LLC 33,951 21,647 232 Continued from page 4 of one party. This periodically served as and solving problems of importance to (Ganmukhuri/Anaklia) the basis for intraparty crises and could the public. This is precisely what hap- 12 Tsisartkela LLC (51% 18,545 26,142 - serious felonies by Georgian courts of have caused the team to face a real dan- pened in this case as well: In the 30 share, Abastumani) all three instances; the former Prime ger of dissolution, had the problems months with Ivanishvili at the helm of Minister was convicted on several crim- deepened. In May of 2018, Bidzina Ivan- the party, every problem stemming from inal charges and served a seven-year ishvili was forced temporarily to return the coalition legacy was successfully List of Additional Property – Ownership Transferred prison sentence; the former Minister of to politics as the party’s Chairman to overcome. Old-school leaders left the Land Defense and Internal Affairs is serving solve precisely this systemic problem. team, to be replaced with committed, Property Owner Address Plot a prison sentence for numerous violent Of course, he could have held the post qualifi ed young members, signifi cantly № Area Area crimes, including torture and inhuman of Prime Minister in parallel with the renewing, revitalizing, and strengthening treatment; the former justice minister position of party leader, which would the party, while molding it into a homog- 1 Business Center LLC Tbilisi, Sololaki Alley, 12,847 30,772 and General Prosecutor, convicted of have made perfect sense in light of his enous, modern political team. And suc- the area belonging to several grievous crimes, is an interna- political weight among the public and cess was soon to follow: In the free and the Business Center tionally wanted fugitive. the laws of ordinary politics. However, democratic elections of October 31, 2020, 2 Cartu Group Tbilisi, 300 Aragveli 506 18,467 After winning the elections, Bidzina for the second time in his biography, he the Georgian people put their trust in Street Ivanishvili served as Georgia’s prime deliberately refused this privilege, which the Georgian Dream for the third time minister for a year. In November of 2013, constitutes living proof of the fact that in a row. This was followed by Bidzina 3 Cartu Group Tbilisi, 39a Ilia 7,61 5 4, 126 Chavchavadze Avenue he resigned, keeping his promise made Ivanishvili has never yearned to take Ivanishvili’s decision to permanently publicly before entering politics, though power, let alone tried to hold on to it. He leave politics and his resignation as the 4 Cartu Group Tbilisi, near Kakheti - 12,300 never fully distancing himself from poli- always focused on neutralizing threats Party’s Chairman on January 11, 2021. Highway tics and periodically assisting the Geor- List of Property Transferred to International Charity Fund Cartu 5 Cartu Group Tbilisi, the hillside near - 881 gian Dream’s team with consultations. Tskhvedadze Street In 2017-2018, the ruling party encoun- List of Companies in the Tourism Development Fund of Georgia LLC and the Property in 6 Burji LLC Tbilisi (Production Production 21,034 tered problems threatening to affect the Their Ownership – Ownership Transferred state’s proper functioning. The truth of space) space Land Construction Apartment / the matter is that the winning coalition № Owner 7 Elita Burji LLC and Tbilisi, Beri Gabriel 5,136 79,978 in the 2012 elections was, from the very Area Area Commercial Area the area belonging to Salosi Avenue outset, an eclectic multiparty unity of 1 Tbilisi City LLC Isani Cartu groups mechanically gathered around (Tsekavshiri) 8 Elita Burji LLC Poti, Guria Street 81 - leaders with different political back- 7,743 54,037 grounds and values. These parties, with 9 The area belonging to Tbilisi, Kostava Avenue 19,486 43,870 the exception of the Georgian Dream, 2 Sololaki Rise LLC (Project 32,039 140,000 - Laguna Vere JSC and possessed virtually no electoral resources Sololaki) 69 Kostava LLC besides loud and eloquent names (the 3 Sololaki Hills LLC 16,734 - - 10 Sea View Resort LLC Batumi, Groboedovi 911 792 Republican Party of Georgia, Free Dem- (extension of Sololaki, Street ocrats, the National Forum, the Con- suspended) 11 Bolnisi Tuff LLC Bolnisi District, village Production 40,000 servative Party of Georgia, Industry Will of Talaveri space Save Georgia, the Social Democratic 4 Tabori Resorts LLC 402,010 46,744 - Party of Georgia, the Green Party of (Tabori, golf) 12 Land plots belonging Borjomi District, - 13,513 Georgia), instead relying on the support- 5 Georgian Eco Transport 121 1,879 177 to Didveli JSC Bakuriani, Didveli ers of the Georgian Dream party and LLC (cableways) 13 Cartu Bank JSC Tbilisi - - consequently making a miniscule con- 6 Business Development 57,547 51,074 3,606 14 Cartu Insurance JSC Tbilisi tribution to victory. Over time, most of LLC (Mtsvane Kontskhi) these parties and leaders left the coali- tion, yet the Georgian Dream, until 7 Business Development 1,941 - Ownership Being Transferred: LLC (Mtsvane Kontskhi) 1. Bakuriani complex – 7,625 (property area) – 88,801 (land plot area) recently, could not transform into a value- 2. Hotel in Sighnaghi LLC (70% share) based monolithic unity either, because 8 Business Development 18,222 - - it remained eclectic even within the scope LLC (Tsikhisdziri) Check out Bidzina Ivanishvili's farewell statement on georgiatoday.ge GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 15 - 21, 2021 POLITICS 7 About Tomorrow – Remembering Yesterday while Bearing in Mind the Present Day. Part 1 point out some essential circumstances sion any simpler by simply stating that ANALYSIS BY VICTOR KIPIANI, or factors without which long-term and power always rises. Of course, this is not CHAIRMAN OF GEOCASE consistent state development remains a always the case, but for the most part it hostage of routine puzzles, and national is. And we must be ready for that, both energy, talent and resources are con- for the ideology corresponding to Geor- he past year of 2020 was sumed to overcome a daily, endless gian realism and for the correct and not just another year. Its whirlpool of “one step forward, two steps adequate adaptation of the national dramatic nature showed us back”. Overall, we may end up receiving resource to this ideology. once again, and quite an illusion “fi lled” with deceptive victo- Georgians have many friends and part- severely, the full intensity ries and ostensible successes “achieved” ners in the world today. We have enemies Image source: global-goose.com Tof the challenges that could arise when in one single circle. Of course, something as well as those who envy us: sometimes Without going into the details of draw- subject to the “a little later, a little bit several large-scale crises occur at once. like this is not in any of our interests: they are open and sometimes concealed. ing a comparison between the systems, less” approach, which is detrimental to In fact, in parallel with the distortion of one of the main guarantees of our over- But whatever the balance or equation of this confrontation carries one very prac- an overall Western security design in the international political line, economic all success is natural unity. friends and foes, the message of the New tical signifi cance for Georgia: we are in Georgia, the region, and beyond. imbalance and inadequate governance World Order is unmistakably read as one of the key geographical and geopo- In all fairness, it should be noted that systems, the global pandemic has further THE ENVIRONMENT THAT follows: in advocating our development litical areas of the Eurasian space, the the lack of the desired rhythm and pace exposed old scars and added new, hith- IS FORMED AROUND US and interests, we must, fi rst and fore- macro-region of the Black and Caspian in the process cannot and should not be erto unknown, traits to the already famil- The more modest the role of Georgia in most, rely on ourselves. And whatever Seas. In the context of a new series of attributed to the political will of Brus- iar picture. modern global processes, the greater the is the support of the international system large-scale competition of states in the sels alone. Here again we must recall the The natural result of this process is the impact of these processes on the present- and law, its effectiveness and effi ciency Eurasian space, the growth of different “inverted” world left behind by the post- study of the risks and dangers posed by day life and development of our country. must rely on the main foundation – Geor- interests in this macro-region is inevi- classic Cold War period, and the pan- the pandemic, their ongoing diagnoses, Such an inverse relationship would not gian realism, qualifi ed pragmatism and, table. This is directly related to the demic made the system of international and the search for effective ways to solve be diffi cult to explain if not for the rear- in terms of values, - rationalism. urgency of our state security and public relations even more unpredictable. The the crisis. Undoubtedly, it is important rangement of international relations Following this introduction, we will resilience, as well as to the further deep- uncertainty of the general environment to deepen academic knowledge while from already well-known foundations briefl y review a few sub-items. ening of our strategic alliances strength- is compounded by the noticeable frag- working on the issues raised, but it is to new, yet undeveloped and quite com- ened by the Constitution, so that it mentation of a single political line within much more diffi cult and takes great plex, risky, and, in many ways, muddy A NEW COLD WAR? acquires new forms and essence. In the alliance itself. To illustrate this point, responsibility to adapt the relevant knowl- and untested beginnings. The emergence of a new geopolitical addition, this line of alliances must some- we will cite as examples the socio-polit- edge in such a way so that it can help to We talked about this process many contour in Eurasia is largely driven by how, which is utterly diffi cult!, be drawn ical differences and heterogeneity actually address urgent concrete issues. times over the past year, and in several the so-called Cold War between the US in the constant mode of tension manage- between NATO countries in Western articles have tried to specify and discuss and China. We do not use the qualifi er ment and constant communication with and Eastern Europe; Turkish peculiarity, “FROM THIRD TO FIRST”: its signs and peculiarities. Also, we have “so-called” here randomly. The use of large regional participants. “to do what will benefi t Turkey in the TIME AND NECESSITY repeatedly related this process to Geor- these words is associated with one com- In short, Georgian realism must, in the fi rst place”; and European “strategic Georgia is facing a multi-component task gia’s agenda, defi ning as to how certain mon mistake: equating their relations shortest period, accommodate the two autonomy” in response to Trump’s famous that needs to be solved. We must analyze relationships are connected to key direc- with those of the Cold War between the main tools for managing the coexistence policies. But all of these are clearly with equal accuracy both the dynamics tions and what should be the purposeful US and the USSR. of our national interests with the inter- detached and far away from solving of global and regional trends and the response of Georgia; or what type of If we consider a few fundamental dif- ests of others in the region, which lies practical issues in the context of a coun- anatomy of domestic challenges and prevention should be in place to reduce ferences between these two confronta- in effective restraint and effective dia- try whose territory is occupied and its determine the impact of the interrelation- the harmful effects of global trends as tions, then we can properly understand logue. We understand that the topic creeping expansion (say, annexation) is ship of the fi rst two and their effect on much as possible, and how to keep up the comparison as a mistake. Let us start needs to be expanded upon, and it will not interrupted, and the neighborhood the third. Also, to determine with a min- with positive trends and make the most with the fact that the leading line of the be the subject of our next discussion. At environment requires the introduction imal margin of error the forms of national of any benefi ts. Cold War between the US and the USSR this stage we will limit ourselves to a of feasible (and not declarative) security consciousness and institutional develop- The list of issues to be discussed in was overwhelmingly revealed in the brief overview. mechanisms for the same country. At ment corresponding to world events. This this regard is extensive. However, for rivalry between two ideological camps, the end of the day, it is a question of fully task is aggravated by the fact that in par- now we will focus on just a few to high- while the confrontation between the US “MORE NATO IN GEORGIA AND considering the interests of a country allel with fi nally overcoming the remain- light their natural bond with our country. and China is not as much about ideology MORE GEORGIA IN NATO” that has not backed down for a single ing, so-called Soviet legacy, the urgent We think we should unconditionally as about the distribution of spheres of We all know this phrase by heart and minute in its contribution to the com- objective is to materialize the idea of consider the role and weight of the great infl uence mainly. China believes that the have been hearing it for years now. The mon good. modern Georgian national-state unity powers in the new system of interna- centuries-long “era of humiliation” is real meaning of which, similar to a famous Proper attention has been paid to the oriented not merely towards tomorrow tional relations – as well as their rela- over, and it is time for the world to not Georgian song, is that the present might practical aspects of this particular issue (time fl ies fast even without looking back), tionships in the global and regional only acknowledge their desire to be, but not favor us, but the future will belong in the past and is still being addressed. but the day after tomorrow. contexts. Such signifi cant attention to also to at last recognize China as a great to us (and not someone else). Here we just wanted to point out that it We have mentioned before the useless- the “constellation of the First World” state. A number of Chinese initiatives Clearly, the process of integration with is now time for politically courageous ness of theoretical exercises detached carries a simple rationale: regardless of in recent years, both within the country the Euro-Atlantic Alliance is not static: decisions and effective steps. In this case from practice. However, it is also a fact the various teachings, schools, or prac- and abroad, have served the purpose of it is moving forward, acquiring new ele- as well, there are several options for our that the success of any affair is based on tical doctrines in international relations, achieving this goal. These initiatives are ments and content. At the same time, country and its allies to consider, start- understanding its conceptually correct the nature and content of these relation- well known to readers. the signifi cant and alarming processes ing with the collective and ending with beginnings, substantiating the principles ships were based on one simple and Beijing’s traditional offi cial rhetoric about around our country and allies is not regional or bilateral security systems. that defi ne the system, and fi nding the unequivocal factor and will remain so the non-use of force against other states motionless either – they seem to be We have described them in previous optimal point of intersection between in the future. This factor is in the global is noteworthy, as is its involvement in developing at a faster pace than the publications. Proper readiness and real- historical memory, current process, and geopolitical and geo-economic scene of international institutions and various pro- intensity of NATO integration statements ism are required to analyze each decision future mosaic. It is only possible with this “the powerful ones of this world”: the jects. This activity of China became espe- or even the addition of a few extra ele- in a timely manner and to implement condition to achieve what we often talk power of global and superregional states cially noticeable during Trump’s presidency, ments to the cooperation package. In them without any hesitation. This is about: the formation of a systemic vision and their impact on processes and out- and it has been followed by a reduction this sense, despite our Foreign Ministry's necessary for Georgia to have more of the country’s development, the con- comes. Even though it is true that the in cooperation by the United States in promising assessments, we do not think national and more Black Sea regional solidation of society around it and, already theorists and practitioners have often various international formats. Also note- that the summary document of the last stability, and not for the purpose of being for this time and generation, performing “colorized” different stages of the twen- worthy is the extraordinary attention paid NATO summit has created the adequate perceived as a source of threat in our a modern miracle of our nation – jump- tieth and this century with fascinating to the Chinese model of governance dur- effect that would be directly proportional neighborhood. ing from the third world to the fi rst. doctrinal titles, behind them stood the ing the pandemic, which has sparked a to this period and its needs. There is a Since the purpose of this article is not laws of realism imbued by the world of debate over the effectiveness of liberal and feeling that the dynamics of our mem- Continued on georgiatoday.ge and in next just a call and a reminder, we will try to Hobbes. We would not make this discus- state forms of capitalism. bership in the Alliance has become a week’s GT newspaper. The Karabakh Confl ict & Georgia’s Evolving Geopolitical Position has to work on a comprehensive strategy Georgia’s geographic dilemma: serving development nevertheless showed the ANALYSIS BY EMIL AVDALIANI to limit domestic potential pitfalls aris- as the quickest way for Armenia need for further development of the road ing from the Karabakh war, particularly and Azerbaijan to receive arma- and railway infrastructure. as the confl ict is far from being resolved. ment from abroad, it tested the The changed military dynamic in the hough a neighbor to Arme- Another novelty in the Georgian country’s relations with both neigh- region as a result of the war will also nia and Azerbaijan, Georgia approach was active diplomacy, which bors. have a direct bearing on Georgia’s for- has traditionally expressed highlighted Tbilisi’s potential to Georgia also witnessed vulner- eign policy thinking, as well as its mili- little geopolitical interest play a positive role in alleviating abilities regarding the pipeline, tary strategy. With a new Russian military in being involved in the the mutual distrust between Baku railway and road infrastructure presence, the Georgian borders are now TNagorno-Karabakh confl ict. and Yerevan, and limiting geopo- running from Azerbaijan to Tur- encircled by Russian troops. This limits The 2020 war between Baku and Yere- litical threats to regional security. key. The fi ghting could easily NATO/US military projection into the van, however, changed the way Georgia The timing for diplomatic maneu- spread to the Tovuz region, as region, thereby limiting Tbilisi’s mem- viewed the confl ict, and the threats ema- vering was interesting, with world was the case in July 2020, and bership prospects. The war’s specifi cs nating from it pushes Tbilisi to recon- leaders notoriously absent from long-distance bombing would (use of drones) also propels Tbilisi to sider its basic approach towards the the diplomatic activity surround- easily put the infrastructure out adapt to the new kind of warfare. Recent dispute. Several factors caused the change. ing the confl ict. Russia, Armenia’s of order. plans to purchase the new technologies The Armenian and Azerbaijani ethnic ally and a usual host to Baku-Yerevan More importantly for Georgia are underline the emerging trend. minorities in Georgia were engaged in talks, was hesitant to minimize the the larger, regional-level results of The Second Karabakh War tested Geor- various activities to provide direct sup- fi ghting, while Western leaders seemed the Second Karabakh War. The emerg- gia internally, accentuated the country’s port for the warring sides. Occasional mostly pre-occupied with other issues, ing Nakhchivan corridor brought about unfavorable geopolitical position, and protests too erupted, and some damages from US elections and internal troubles multiple discussions on Georgia’s tran- propelled the military and political estab- to the cross-border infrastructure were in the EU, to protests in Belarus. sit role. Though not directly threatening lishment to adjust to the changing dynam- infl icted. The Georgian government now The latest war also burst into the open Image source: countrycodex.com the country’s regional hub position, the ics in the South Caucasus. GEORGIA TODAY 8 BUSINESS JANUARY 15 - 21, 2021 GM of Radisson Collection Tsinandali Estate: It's Time to Reinvent the Way Hotels Attract Guests of the world are represented. Our wide EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY TELL US MORE ABOUT open spaces have a sophisticated, inspir- NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE TSINANDALI ESTATE. With its unique history and personal ing design, and there our guests can relax stories, Tsinandali Estate is a place that comfortably in isolation. really stands out. In 2006, Giorgi Ram- I would like to mention that Radisson he Tsinandali Estate, within ishvili and the Silk Road Group decided Collection has received SGS plus inter- the grounds of which is the to completely restore Tsinandali Estate, national certifi cation in the fi eld of clean- Radisson Collection hotel, the main idea being to preserve, revi- liness and safety. SGS is a leading inter- stands out for its unique talize and minimize the energy and national company in the field of history. Exactly two centu- history of the place. Radisson Collec- inspection and testing, and their evalu- Tries ago, Prince Alexander Chavchavadze tion Hotel is distinguished by its mag- ation is a confi rmation of our high qual- transformed the ancestral estate into a nifi cent architecture, historical authen- ity and international standards. cultural-intellectual center, seeing the ticity, and modern design elements. best writers, poets, artists of that era All this creates a special environment WHAT ACHIEVEMENTS WOULD regularly gathering there. As such, the for guests. YOU HIGHLIGHT IN 2020? foundation of a rich tradition of hospi- It should be noted that Radisson Col- At the World Travel Awards, one of the tality was laid there, as was the idea of lection was nominated in a very pres- most prestigious competitions in the founding Georgian Theater. The tigious international competition at the global tourism industry, the Radisson Chavchavadze Palace often hosted cul- MIPIM Awards, positioning it among Collection Tsinandali estate won ‘Geor- tural events, exhibitions, and literary the top four hotels in the world for its gia’s Leading Hotel 2020.’ The World evenings, and today, it continues its unique architecture, design and location. Travel Awards has been awarding world- legacy with pride. Our hotel is a wonderful combination leading tourism and hospitality compa- In an interview with GEORGIA TODAY, of historical part and modern architec- nies for 27 years. I would like to thank Elene Otarashvili, the General Manager ture, designed by two very famous art- our dear guests, staff and fans who sup- of Radisson Collection Tsinandali Estate, ists, German designer Ingo Maurer, who ported us during the competition. In the Alazani Valley and Caucasus Moun- 19. Now that safety and cleanliness are and the founding partner and board is often referred to as the "Poet of Light" addition, at the Welcome to Georgia tains from a truly unique perspective. more important than ever, it’s time to member of the Georgian Business Tour- and a Georgian artist, our very own National Tourism Awards, our hotel was On top of it all, we treat our dear guests adapt and reinvent the way hotels attract ism Association (GBTA), takes us back Tamar Kvesitadze. named a fi nalist in two nominations: The to delicious Kakhetian and European guests. to the Estate’s cultural heritage, talks We have 124 rooms spread over four Best Value - Premium Accommodation, dishes and offer a real gastronomic about the changes they had to enforce fl oors and each fl oor represents a season: and The Best Hotel of International adventure. USING OUR PLATFORM, IS throughout the pandemic, and sends out spring, summer, autumn and winter. The Chain in Georgia. The award ceremony I look to the future with hope, and think THERE ANY POSITIVE MESSAGE a few reassuring positive messages. hotel has multifunctional spaces, various has been postponed for some time due that after the pandemic, a large part of YOU’D LIKE TO SEND TO types of restaurants and bars. Also note- to the pandemic, but we expect a decent the tourists who want to travel will take YOUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS GIVE US A SUMMARY OF YOUR worthy are the two concert halls that victory here as well. the road to Georgia. AND FUTURE GUESTS? 2020. HOW DID YOU COPE adorn the area, our amphitheater and We faced a lot of challenges in 2020. Tough times don’t last. It’s in human THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC? ballroom, where cultural events are often Despite everything, we tried not to stop WE HEARD THERE WERE nature to forget, and to connect. The hospitality industry has endured held. Both halls boast a unique design developing, which is why we took the CHANGES TO THE RADISSON 2020 was a year of staying home, post- tremendous shifts and disruptions over and specifi cally-designed excellent acous- experience of staying with us to a new COLLECTION TSINANDALI ESTATE poning trips, and posting old vacation the past year, forcing business to rapidly tics. level. The main challenge for us this MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE. pictures on social media. This year, trav- implement innovative trends that will We have a lot of interesting projects year was holding the Tsinandali Clas- COULD YOU TELL US MORE? ellers are ready to ‘seize the stay’ when reshape the future of hospitality. The ahead. Our goal is to contribute to the sical Music Festival safely, which we From April 1, 2020, Radisson Collection travel returns and they feel comfortable COVID-19 pandemic has turned travel development of Georgia as a world-class managed to do successfully. We hosted Tsinandali Estate started operating as a to take the trips they missed out on. upside down, and the hotel industry has tourist destination. world classical music stars such as Mar- Franchised Hotel managed by Silk Hos- On the other hand, 2021 is looking very been forced to cope with a constantly tha Argerich, Lisa Batiashvili, Nelson pitality and its CEO, Jordi Kuijt. Despite promising, as soon the world will be changing landscape of traveller expecta- WHAT MEASURES HAVE Gorner, Alexander Kantarov, Daniel a challenging year full of diffi culties, we vaccinated. The hospitality industry is tions. YOU TAKEN TO PROTECT Lozakovich, and others. We conducted have made fundamental changes. We are all about smiling at the guests and know- The pandemic has caused a lot of dam- YOUR GUESTS? the four-day busy program of the fes- much stronger and more fl exible today. ing them well; we should not forget it. I age to the global economy. However, the The most important thing for us is the tival in full compliance with interna- There is no guest request that we can- am sure that, in 2021, we will smile again hotel industry found itself at the epi- safety of our guests and staff. The cur- tional safety norms. In the same context, not satisfy. That is the working attitude at our guests, and they will smile back center of the blow. Many hotels and rent situation, on our part, requires more we can recall the festival Jazz & Wine of our whole staff. at us without a mask. tourist facilities have had to close. It can mobilization and investment. Costs have Kakheti 2020, which was also held suc- Radisson Collection Tsinandali Estate be said that international tourism has increased, but we do not increase the cessfully. has consistently offered top-tier fl exibil- YOU ARE ALSO THE FOUNDING actually stopped. All this has posed acute cost of services because I think we need ity for guests throughout the crisis. The PARTNER & A BOARD MEMBER challenges for the entire tourism sector. to be more fl exible in this situation. WIZZAIR CUT 19 ROUTES “Yes I can” spirit of our outstanding OF THE GEORGIAN BUSINESS At the Radisson Collection Hotel, we We strictly follow all the recommen- FROM KUTAISI, AND AIRLINES service standards, and our enthusiastic TOURISM ASSOCIATION (GBTA). adopted all the crisis management meas- dations issued by the state. We have set REDUCED THEIR FLIGHTS. and sincere attitude towards guests is DO YOU THINK THAT IN THE ures required by international and local all the established norms of physical AS A RESULT, GEORGIA HAS our number one priority. POST-PANDEMIC SITUATION, protocols. We developed an anti-crisis distance in our restaurants, bars and FEWER INTERNATIONAL WE CAN CONSIDER MICE plan and adapted very quickly to the indoor pool. From new cancellation TOURISTS FROM EUROPEAN WILL WE ALL GO BACK TO TOURISM AS AN EFFECTIVE WAY new reality, fully following the new policies to a highly controlled health and ORIGIN COUNTRIES. THE PUSH TRAVELING TO WORK, OR WILL TO ACTIVATE THE SECTOR? demands of the local market and thus social distancing protocol, including WORLDWIDE, INCLUDING IN WE STAY HOME INDEFINITELY, Business tourism was the fastest grow- maintaining a balance. For this, of course, mask enforcement, temperature screen- GEORGIA, IS FOR DOMESTIC CONNECTING VIRTUALLY ing, dynamic fi eld in the tourism indus- we needed systemic changes, although ing, social distancing in common areas TOURISM. HOW HAS THIS WITH OUR CO-WORKERS, try before the pandemic. The most I can tell you that with our new and low-contact check-in procedures, AFFECTED YOU AND HOW CLIENTS AND PARTNERS? lucrative area in tourism, the MICE approaches, we have created more we have adapted to the new norms and HAVE YOU ADAPTED TO THE In my opinion, there is no substitute to tourism segment is characterized by demand and hosted far more guests than reality. CHANGING DEMANDS? face-to-face meetings. There really is high spending-capacity. It can be con- we fi rst expected. We assured our guests Our advantage is having an open area, Every crisis is an opportunity if you’re nothing like in-person collaboration, in- sidered as a very important tool for that having a holiday at our hotel was a completely healthy environment, a able to see it. What COVID-19 did was person mentoring and in-person plan- overcoming the post-pandemic crisis, safe. I think the pandemic has taught us unique park spread over 18 hectares of remind us of a fundamental business ning. There is huge demand to get on as the MICE industry plays a big role all to adapt as quickly as possible to any Tsinandali, where more than 1,600 spe- principle: listen to the customer, make the road and get together in person. So in the development and diversifi cation crisis, and to overcome any uncertainty. cies of exotic plants from fi ve continents the guest feel comfortable, no matter the many life events have been postponed: of the country's economy. situation. weddings, vacations, anniversaries. There As soon as MICE tourism starts gath- We enhanced the tourism experience is simply no virtual replacement for ering its strength, small business groups of our guests through numerous custom- them. We have a lot of work ahead as will start traveling fi rst. From September, ized offers, service packages, and deals we continue to navigate through this we expect to host large groups across to match their taste. They enjoyed our pandemic. But I have great confi dence the country. I think it is very important friends & family picnics in Tsinandali in the strength of this industry. Working for us to use this real perspective. It Estate vineyards, harvest packages, culi- together, there is no doubt the hospital- should become a strategic task of our nary masterclasses, wine degustation ity industry is here to stay. country. The development of MICE tour- masterclasses, couples’ retreats, special I believe that once there is a vaccine ism brings such signifi cant positive results spa procedures for adults and kids; new available to be widely distributed, the for the country as: elimination of sea- swimming pool with amazing views of world will begin to rebuild and recover. sonality, increase of high-income visitors, Alazani Valley, featuring a transparent, The desire to travel is as deeply rooted development of tourism-related sectors, retractable roof and walls; sports activ- and as strong as ever. When the time is increase of awareness of the country on ities like playing tennis, riding bicycles, right and it’s safe, we’ll all be reaching the world arena and its integration into and a yoga retreats; a co-working space for our suitcases. The human spirit is the international market. I believe that with complimentary coffee breaks for a strong and resilient, and I am fi lled with Georgia has great potential to become better remote working experience; fl ights gratitude for that. a kind of regional center of MICE tour- by hot air balloon exclusively for our It’s wise for hotels to apply lessons ism on the world map. guests, giving them the opportunity to learned from this year and prepare for Finally, I would like to wish you peace, experience the beautiful landscapes of the future of the industry beyond COVID- happiness, health and all the best in 2021. IWG plc, Level 4, 2 Leonidze str. Tbilisi, Georgia | +995 32 290 039 GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY JANUARY 15 - 21, 2021 Baltic Link: Etseri, Svaneti We happily signaled our wish to par- Father Christmas, locally known as BLOG BY TONY HANMER ticipate and organize things from our Grandfather Snow, made his appearance end. Although our Magti modem’s bat- at half-time, handing out the assembled tery had recently exploded inside, turn- gift bags one per participating class, for ut of nowhere, a couple of ing into a little puffed out pillow (subject which huge thanks to the employees of months ago, came a call of a future, ire-fi lled article), I had been the laboratory equipment company in to my wife’s phone from using my cell phone as the replacement Lithuania for their donation (http://www. a country code we didn’t modem, and this would suffi ce for the linealibera.lt/en/about-us/). We pledged recognize, which turned required internet connection if the the beginning of a beautiful friendship, outO to be Lithuania, one of the three Bal- school’s internet wasn’t working. Not as and are now seeking ways to move for- tic countries dragged into the Soviet much bandwidth, but a lot better than ward with next steps, such as pupils Union during World War II, now a boom- nothing. My wife began making calls to getting to know each other on Facebook ing EU state. The caller was interested children and teachers to set things up. and other social media platforms. in doing some humanitarian work con- We put together several boxes and bags Someone connected with the Lithuanian nected with a school specifi cally in of school things: stationery of many Embassy to Georgia has also now been in Svaneti, having been there, and had found kinds, art supplies and so on. A few of touch, wondering about book donations us via our location on Google Maps. the older girls came over to help us sort of a work translated from their language Could we talk? Sure, always glad. these into gift bags for the various classes. to ours and a further visit from that embassy. The idea was to connect our school in They began recording videos to show Long-term, once COVID-19 has eased up Etseri with a similar-size one in a village the Lithuanian children: Svan songs, a enough to allow border openings, we still (Giedraiciu) in his country. Our respec- recipe for the all-important Svan salt hope for the two-way exchange. Until then, tive pupils would have what he called a spice mix, introductions to themselves we’ll remain in touch. “brain battle” via live Skype link, a quiz and Etseri, and so on. These would go basically, as well as exchanging informa- into a Google Drive folder to be shared video call, so technology really came something new. We do hope a student Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since tion about or schools and locations, hope- with the other school, including lots of through. They showed us slides with exchange travel holiday can be arranged! 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a fully leading to permanent friendships my best photos of the village in all sea- written historical information (the school Then came the Brain Battle, with their weekly writer and photographer for GT since between the schools and their pupils. Part sons. I borrowed a Father Christmas began in the 18th century) and an envi- remotely connected children and ours early 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renais- of the deal was a hefty donation of money costume to get into my role as gift-giver. able drone video of the picturesque in one room as two teams, debating for sance” Facebook group, now with nearly from his company’s charitable donations The big event began with introductions community, complete with forests and a minute to come up with answers to 2000 members, at www.facebook.com/ group, to be used as we saw fi t for school of our schools and villages, theirs being lake. Now, Etseri and Svaneti are noth- multiple choice questions of world geog- groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ materials for our children here. With about 50 km away from Vilnius, their ing to sneeze at landscape-wise, but the raphy and history. It ended up being He and his wife also run their own guest house Christmas coming up, the timing would capital. The internet connections at both simple exotic location we were seeing close, with Lithuania beating Georgia in Etseri: be ideal for a delivery of presents. ends were fast enough for a group Skype made the pupils sigh with longing for 12-10. Not bad! www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti Tim Severin’s Argo on Georgian Shores

called the Argo and navigated by Jason, Gogelia, the editor-in-chief of a popular OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE the well-known Hellenic mythical hero. sports edition, skillfully managed the Indeed, the much-talked-about trip was coverage of the event from A to Z; Ilia elegantly replicated by Georgia’s wonder- Peradze, a journalist, athlete and himself ecember 18, 2020, was a ful friend Tim Severin, which he and his an ‘Argonaut,’ was the heart of the entire grief-stricken instant for crew performed with such precision that experience; and Paata Natsvlishvili, out- professional travelers of the public both in Georgia and worldwide standing Georgian journalist and pub- the world, and certainly were totally fascinated. lisher, brilliantly covered the develop- for every single participant Tim fell in love with Georgia, and, hav- ments thereof, having been made one of Din the ‘Jason Voyage’ of 1984, because ing hit the Batumi coast, he emotionally the regular Argo rowers. Only Paata of the famous Georgian archeologist describing the daring expedition and that sorrowful winter day, the venerated quipped that the Golden Fleece sought could have fi t comfortably into the frames Otar Lordkipanidze. detailing the story of the travel of the British explorer, scientist, historian, fi lm- by Jason was for him a symbol of his of those two incredible duties! The third day of May 1984, following new Argonauts in Georgia. maker and writer Tim Severin at age 80 dedication to Sakartvelo, and carried Incidentally, Tim Severin and the mem- brief, sea-going trials in the Gulf of Argo- Incidentally, the Argo crew members departed his audacious exploratory life. away not by hands but in the heart. bers of his 1984 expedition, overwhelmed lis, Argo set sail from the Greek town of went to Svaneti, where they got acquainted Let his great soul rest in eternal piece! Golden words indeed! with a feeling of the sincerest camara- Volos. Tim Severin added 10 Greek row- with the ancient method of gold extrac- Tim’s legendary journeys, reconstruct- The then-Georgian Public TV was put derie towards their Georgian fellow ers to his 10 British ones, who were sub- tion with the help of sheep’s hide, and ing the voyages of mythical, historical and in charge of hosting Severin’s interna- adventurers, returned to Georgia after stituted by 10 Turkish rowing men, and concluded that the myth of the Argonauts literary celebrities, will forever remain in tional voyage mission, Georgia being 30 years to celebrate together the shared fi nally 10 Georgian rowers in the Turkish was indeed based on a real story. The the annals of travel adventure. This was a one of the knees in the chart. The head success of the Argo mission, although waters. Paata Natsvlishvili was one of news of Tim Severin’s death was taken British intellectual who wanted to disperse of Georgia’s state television, Nugzar they had never met physically since the those good and strong men. With Sev- in Georgia as the loss of one of our own any doubts about the ancient Greeks enter- Popkhadze, handled the event with his trip ended. erin’s permission, he authored a book esteemed men. ing Georgian waters in a wooden boat usual organizational mastery; Archil According to Natsvlishvili, the great epoch of historical voyages has come to an end, for Tim Severin is no longer with us. As true and painful as this statement might be, the name of this uniquely memorized professional voyager of the world renown will forever be carved in the minds of all those good people he met and worked with during his long and meaningful lifetime, including his Georgian fans and friends. Tim Severin, as determined and inter- ested as he was, built the Argo replica at Greek Island Spetses, and outlined its route based on the well-known ‘Argo- nautica’ by Apollonius of Rhodes. The fi nal destination of Severin’s nautical itinerary was the shores of the ancient land of Colchis, what is today’s Georgia. Because this extraordinary trial was meant to prove the authenticity of the Voyage of the Argonauts, Severin needed to rely on certain fundamental scientifi c research, and his choice fell on the works GEORGIA TODAY JANUARY 15 - 21, 2021 CULTURE 11 WE’AR ART: Meet Fashion Designer Nana Kasradze

DESIGNING STYLE? I don’t think any business owner can say that they have not been affected by the coronavirus situation. We are currently doing our best to survive. I can’t say how long we can realistically persevere, but I remain hopeful that the pandemic will end soon and we will survive. Creating designs has become less necessary. We only sew fl uffy sportswear, because only this type of clothing is in demand. Bars and clubs are closed, parties are banned, and no-one needs to buy distinctive, and formal, or even everyday, clothes. Such is our new reality.

WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR WORKS? My works are inspired by traditional and even my role model, since I was a little but precious clothes could and should Georgian clothes. Not only clothes but girl. I’ve always liked her work, as well be transferred to a new Georgian moder- other expressions of art; works by Geor- as her approach to design: it is all so nity came from my experience as a bal- gian artists which I later used as prints. comfortable and elegant! lerina. Happily, the idea turned out to For example, I was one of the fi rst ones be successful, and the customers got to to use N. Pirosmani's "Fisherman Boy" HOW DO YOU VIEW know my brand. in shoes and a vest. TRADITIONAL GEORGIAN I really wanted to do, additionally, I took CLOTHING? HAS IT INSPIRED INTERVIEW BY NINI WE’AR ART is a copyrighted brand/slogan private lessons designing women's YOUR DESIGNS? DAKHUNDARIDZE WHICH INTERNATIONAL with a unique philosophy: to create aware- clothes. ARTISTS OR DESIGNERS HAVE I have a special relationship with Geor- ness of fashion and art. Since 2018, the INFLUENCED YOUR WORK? gian clothes. I danced at the Georgian WE’AR ART collection has only worked for HAVE YOU TAKEN PART IN I can single out one international well- National Ballet when I was younger. Both one common ‘good’: raising funds through he new year for our col- ANY FASHION SHOWS? known designer whom I have always consciously and subconsciously, these charity events and sponsoring competitions laboration with WE’AR I’ve never been much interested in organ- loved. Coco Chanel has been my favorite, years shaped me. The idea that these old for young artists. ART, a copyrighted brand/ izing an individual fashion show. But we, slogan aiming to create as the brand ‘Lazeti,’ did participate in awareness of fashion and Tbilisi Fashion Week twice. Tart, means new interviews with Georgian designers. WHAT IS THE MAIN IDEA OF In her interview with GEORGIA YOUR DESIGNS/BRAND? TODAY, Nana Kasradze, the creative The main idea is to help the world appre- mind behind the ‘Lazeti’ brand, tells us ciate and fall in love with Georgian- about the new reality of fashion design, designed clothes. We want to share our her awakening to Georgian national perception of designing clothes as art clothes as a ballerina, and more. with as many as possible. What serves that idea is our goal: to export good qual- HOW DID YOUR CAREER AS ity Lazeti products to different countries A DESIGNER KICK OFF? of the world. After graduating, I, along with my friends, decided to set up a small factory where WHAT KIND OF PERSON my designs would be turned into clothes; WEARS LAZETI? where we could have a small circula- Sophisticated and tasteful people wear tion and display our works in show- our clothes. We make it our priority not rooms. to blend in with overrated trends: we try to stand out from other brands as much WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR as we can. EDUCATION RELATED TO THE FIELD YOU WORK IN? HOW WHAT IS THE FEELING YOU IMPORTANT DO YOU DEEM GET WHEN YOU SEE SOMEONE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION STROLLING DOWN THE IN MAKING A DESIGNER? STREETS IN YOUR DESIGN? I’ve been fascinated with art since I can I feel myself getting unmatched levels remember. Having graduated from the of “happy” in these moments. Nikoladze Art School, I proceeded with my higher education in the Tbilisi Uni- HOW HAS THE CORONAVIRUS versity of Culture and Arts. Having fi g- PANDEMIC AFFECTED ured out that designing clothes was what YOUR BUSINESS AND NOVAT Terminates Contract with Nino Ananiashvili cluded contract by agreement of both festation of disrespect to the troupe, and BY ANA DUMBADZE parties," the theater said in its statement. temporarily suspended the contract. For the record, it was reported last “Information has been published in a week that the Novosibirsk Theater was number of media platforms that Nino he Novosibirsk Opera and suspending its contract with Ananiash- Ananiashvili has been invited to lead Ballet Theater (NOVAT) vili as she had provided information the ballet troupe at the Novosibirsk has terminated its contract about her cooperation with NOVAT in Opera and Ballet Theater. The manage- with Georgian prima bal- an exclusive interview with Radio Free- ment of the theater believes that dis- lerina Nino Ananiashvili, a dom. The Novosibirsk Theater Ballet closing the identity of the director to Tstatement published on the offi cial web- troupe was due to meet with her in late the staff before its offi cial presentation site of the theater announced. January, according to the prima ballerina. is an extreme manifestation of disre- "As a result of negotiations between However, the management of the theater spect to the troupe. the artistic director of NOVAT, Vladimir considered that disclosing the identity The Georgian prima ballerina has yet Kekhman, and Nino Ananiashvili, it was of the director to the staff before an offi - to make a statement regarding the can- decided to terminate the previously con- cial presentation was an extreme mani- cellation of her contract with NOVAT.

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