Issue no: 905 • DECEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... FOCUS Zurab Pololikashvili Nominated ON DISCUSSIONS for Secretary General of UN Top political bodies met in Tbilisi to World Tourism discuss regional security & NATO accession PAGE 6

NEWS PAGE 3 The EU’s Visa Suspension Mechanism Explained POLITICS PAGE 4 Hudin Reveals Georgia's Wine Secrets BUSINESS PAGE 8 Tainted Love: Ogden on Domestic Violence SOCIETY PAGE 10 Fritz Musser’s

Ex-president of Latvia, Valdis Zatlers and Georgia’s President, Giorgi Margvelashvili Family: It’s through Brokenness that We Hurt Others MEP: Georgians Will Enjoy Visa-Free SOCIETY PAGE 14 Christmas Travel from April Fairy Tale

BY THEA MORRISON at Vanda Gallery ember of European Parliament CULTURE PAGE 17 (MEP) and co-rapporteur of Georgia’s visa liberalization Baseball and Softball in Andrejs Mamikins told Geor- gian journalists that Georgians Georgia Mwill enjoy visa-free travel with the European Union (EU) from April, 2017. SPORTS PAGE 19 He said the European Council had suggested the second half of April as the fi nal date for Geor- gia’s visa waiver. Mamkins underlines the process is nearly over and only technical issues remain. “Apparently, the agreed text on Georgia will be approved on April 7, while on April 15 the decision may be published in the offi cial publi- cation of the European Union. In late April, the citizens of Georgia will be able to travel visa-free with biometric passports,” Mamkins stated. Member of European Parliament (MEP) Andrejs Mamikins. Source: mamkins.lv The MEP believes that the voting on Georgia’s eight weeks," said Andrejs Mamikins. need several weeks and underlined that Georgia visa liberalization will be held in January or Feb- Mariya Gabriel, European Parliament Member had fulfi lled all obligations undertaken under ruary 2017. and a rapporteur of Georgia’s visa liberalization, Visa Liberalization Action Plan (VLAP) and it “After that, the adopted text must be translated believes the process will be completed before April. was up to the EU now to deliver on its promise. into 24 languages, which is expected to require She said resolution of technical issues does not Continued on page 3 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS DECEMBER 16 - 19, 2016

New Information Center The Geneva International Talks were established following the August War between Georgia for Persons with Visual and Russia in 2008 Impairment Opens in Tbilisi

38th Round of Geneva Talks Ends without Consensus way Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions, gia, Giga Otkhozoria, was gunned down BY THEA MORRISON while the second meeting concerned the by Russian border guards on Georgian- Opening Ceremony safe return of Internally Displaced Per- controlled territory in the village of sons (IDPs) and refugees to their homes. Khurcha, close to the Nabakevi Crossing with Giorgi Gakharia, Minister of Econ- eorgia’s Ministry of Foreign The MFA reports that the Georgian Point at the ABL on May 19. BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI omy and Sustainable Development of Affairs (MFA) reports that delegation reviewed the security situa- The participants also discussed the Georgia and Kim In-Hwan, Charge the 38th round of the Inter- tion in the occupied regions of Georgia issue of protection of cultural heritage d’Affairs of the Tbilisi Offi ce of the national Talks of Geneva, and condemned the ratifi cation of a in Georgia’s occupied regions. he Mirza Gelovani Library Embassy of the Republic of Korea. established since the military deal between Russia and Geor- Furthermore, the Georgian Delegation is now to house an internet The center was opened within the GAugust War between Georgia and Rus- gia’s occupied Abkhazia. raised the issue of IDPs and their safe - information center framework of the memorandum signed sia in 2008, concluded as usual without Moreover, the Georgian side raised return to their homes in the occupied equipped with the latest by the Ministry of Science, ICT and any consensus. several issues related to Russia’s ongo- regions of Georgia. During the discus- technological advances Future Planning of Republic of Korea The talks were co-chaired by repre- ing occupation of Georgia, including the sions, the representatives of the Russian Tespecially for people with visual impair- and the Ministry of Economy of Georgia, sentatives from the European Union installation of barbed wire fences and Federation left the discussions in pro- ments. The new venue will have Braille and a memorandum between NIA Korea (EU), United Nations (UN) and the new border signs, the kidnapping of test. script keypads and other necessary and Georgia’s Innovation and Technol- Organization for Security and Co-Oper- Georgian citizens and depriving the local “By this step, the Russian Delegation equipment on hand to help them search ogy Agency. ation in Europe (OSCE), as well as del- youth of an education in their mother reiterated their unconstructive attitude for any information they need, and form- “It’s a very important day today and egates from Georgia, Russia and the tongue. towards the negotiation process,” Geor- ing a better platform for social integra- we plan to open more centers in Georgia United States (US), and authorities from The reduction of so called "checkpoints" gia’s MFA said. tion. for people who are visually impaired, all de facto Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South at the Administrative Boundary Line The Ministry underlines that all the The USD 224.463 project was fi nanced equipped with modern technologies, Ossetia) regions. (ABL) of Abkhazia was also condemned meeting participants, except Russia and by the Republic of Korea. giving people with disabilities easy access The December 13-14 talks were held by Georgian representatives. the de facto representatives, fully shared Suh Byung-Jo, President of the National to information resources and helping within a two meeting-group format. At During the talks, the Khurcha incident the position of Georgia. Information Society Agency (NIA) Korea, them to be a better part of our society,” one meeting the sides discussed security was raised by the Georgian side, where The next round of Geneva Talks has attended the opening ceremony together Giorgi Gakharia said at the opening. and stability issues in Georgia’s breaka- an unarmed 31 year-old citizen of Geor- been scheduled for March 28-29, 2017. GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 NEWS 3 MEP: Zurab Pololikashvili Georgians Nominated for Will Enjoy Visa-Free Secretary General of Travel from UN World Tourism

n event dedicated to the world’s leading sectors. The Minister inating Georgia’s candidate for Secretary “I am about to start my fi nal year as April nomination of Georgia’s also highlighted the priority importance General of the UN World Tourism is yet secretary general – the position which Continued from page 1 candidate, Zurab Polo- of tourism in Georgia, which plays a more proof that our government attaches I have been privileged to hold for almost "April is a long time for the citizens of likashvili, for Secretary leading role in the economic develop- priority importance to tourism,” said the 7 years, and now I am confi dent that this Georgia, as Georgia has already fulfi lled General of the UN World ment of the country. According to Mikheil Minister. position will be taken over by the best its obligations, and now the EU has to ATourism was held in Madrid this week. Janelidze, it is the fi rst case when Geor- He also spoke about Zurab Pololikash- candidate, one who will reinforce the fulfi ll its promise. Resolution of techni- The event was attended by Georgian gia has a candidate to such a high posi- vili’s professional background and his country’s position in this area,” Taleb cal issues does not require eight weeks. Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze and tion within the UN. Janelidze expressed experience in promoting economic Rifai said. We are doing our best to speed up the Secretary General of the UN World his confi dence that Pololikashvili will development and tourism in Georgia. The nomination was attended by rep- process," Gabriel said. Tourism Organization, Taleb Rifai. successfully tackle all tasks on the agenda Appearing before the audience attend- resentatives of the diplomatic corps, as The political agreement over Georgia’s The Georgian Foreign Minister of the World Tourism Organization. ing the ceremony of nomination of Polo- well as political cultural and business visa- liberalization issue came after the appeared before the participants of the “Tourism is one of the most important likashvili, the Secretary General of the communities of Spain. The Head of the trialogue of the European Parliament, meeting. In his speech he spoke about sectors in Georgia in terms of develop- World Tourism Organization Taleb Rifai Georgian National Tourism Administra- European Council and European Com- the UN World Tourism Organization’s ing the country, and promoting and thanked the Georgian Foreign Minister tion Giorgi Chogovadze also took part mission on Tuesday in Brussels, Belgium. role in advancing tourism as one of the building its positive image abroad. Nom- for his participation in the event. in the ceremony. This was the fi rst tripartite meeting on Georgia’s visa liberalization involving all the European Union (EU) structures. The Georgia-EU visa-free travel will now be discussed in the Council of Heavy Rain Damages Gelati Frescoes Europe by the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Governments of they will lose Georgia and is listed as a UNESCO World BY NATIA LIPARTELIANI Member States to the EU (Coreper) and their original Heritage Site in Danger. at the Committee on Civil Liberties, Jus- appearance. UNESCO describes the monastery as tice and Home Affairs (LIBE). After this, The Gelati "a well-preserved complex, with won- the issue will be returned to the Euro- ue to heavy rain that lasted Monastery is a derful mosaics and wall paintings, rep- pean Parliament, which will make the several days, a number of medieval monas- resenting the fl owering of medieval fi nal decision. the well-known historic tic complex near architecture in Georgia.” The visa-free regime between Georgia frescoes at Georgia’s 12th Kutaisi, in the Since 2013, the United States Embassy and the EU will go into force as soon as Century Gelati Monastery Source: Sticky Green Imereti region of to Georgia has been funding the archi- the suspension mechanism is activated. Dwere damaged when water leaked through Leaves - WordPress.com western Georgia. tectural rehabilitation of the Church. When the process is completed, Geor- the roof of the monastery. Founded by King David IV 'The Builder' The money was meant to conserve the gian citizens will be able to enter the EU Restorers called to analyse the scene in 1106 in the period known as the Geor- church's mosaics. The project involved visa-free for 90 days in any 180-day say that while it seems the frescoes gian Golden Age, Gelati is one of the several phases and full rehabilitation period. haven’t been destroyed, it is possible that most important cultural landmarks in was expected to end in 2017.

The New Year is round the corner and we at restaurant Georgian House have already decorated he halls Christmas garlands. We are preparing our New Year's show program and are ready and waiting for all those who want to create a pre- Christmas festive mood for loved ones, to reserve tables in the halls of the Georgian House, to share our delicious food and Georgian delicacies. Throughout the New Year holidays, restaurant Georgian House will be offering various innovations to its customers. The musical program is dominated by our cus- tomers’ favorite Christmas and New Year songs and the halls which form a pleasant background to the decorated halls, exquisite service, beautifully presented dishes and high-quality beverages. There is also a great demand for the Georgian House delivery service. Using our site you can browse the menu, choose your desired dish and call us. The dishes will be brought to your door in special containers, arriving warm and fresh. We want you to have the tasty dishes of Georgian House by your side even when you are busy and cannot come to us. Beautify your evenings, treat you beloved ones with tasty and healthy products from the kitchen of Georgian House. Call us, use our services and you will see that you have found your Georgian House. www.georgian-house.ge www.facebook.com/georgianhouse.ge GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS DECEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 The EU’s Visa Suspension Mechanism Explained BY MARIAM GRIGALASHVILI, PHD STUDENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AT TBILISI STATE UNIVERSITY, The suspension mechanism can ROJECT ASSISTANT AT GIP On December 7, the European Council and European Parlia- be applied for nine months, ment reached agreement on the visa liberalization suspen- during which time the visa- Psion mechanism, clearing the largest exempt country is expected to obstacle remaining to granting visa-free travel to citizens of Georgia and Ukraine. The suspension mechanism will allow work with the EU to resolve the EU members to temporarily cancel their visa-free arrangements with non-mem- emergency situation ber countries such as Georgia under special circumstances: a sudden increase in bogus asylum applications, a national security emergency, and several others specifi ed below. The suspension mech- anism can be applied for a period of nine months, during which time the visa- exempt country is expected to work with the EU to resolve the emergency situa- tion. Any EU member country will need to get approval from the European Com- Source: REUTERS Georgia mission before using the suspension mechanism. The mechanism wasn’t part of Georgia’s original Visa Liberalization • Threats to public policy or internal about mass migration to Europe, using put forward, but many expect the EU to Action Plan, so its potential impact on security related to the nationals of the phrases such as “don’t forget to switch grant visa liberalization to Georgia and Georgia is worth careful consideration. non-EU country. off the electricity at the airport when Ukraine at the beginning of 2017. Follow- The suspension mechanism fi rst entered According to an EU Parliament report, the last citizen leaves the country.” These ing agreement on the suspension mech- the equation on December 11, 2013 with the main body with control over the jokes express a very real perspective anism between the EU Parliament and the European Parliament and European suspension mechanism is the European with which many Georgians perceive the European Council, which occurred Council’s adoption of Regulation Commission. The Commission will be the visa liberalization process. In fact, on December 7, 2016, both bodies will 1289/2013, which introduced the possi- able to monitor the process and apply the visa-free regime will increase oppor- take a fi nal vote on visa liberalization, bility of such a mechanism for the fi rst to the Parliament and Council with con- tunities for all Georgians who intend to and both must vote in favor of approval. When Georgian time. The mechanism’s purpose is polit- cerns about whether visa-exempt coun- visit the EU for a specifi c purpose for “The Council votes on visa issues by ical: due to high rates of migration into tries are still cooperating with the EU up to 90 days during any 180-day period. qualifi ed majority, which means that a citizens discuss the EU and the rise of xenophobic polit- and adhering to its values. If the answers However, the visa exemption does not proposal must garner 228 out of 309 ical parties, nationalist sentiments have are negative, the mechanism can be provide for the right to work in the EU. votes. The normal number of votes in visa liberalization, grown and EU institutions felt pressure applied. the Council is 345, but the UK and Ire- to allow member states the possibility Each member state will also have the HOW IMPORTANT IS A VISA- land are not voting on visa policy. The they often joke to re-impose visa requirements in a fast, right to request triggering of the suspen- FREE REGIME FOR GEORGIA? number of votes per country corresponds effi cient manner. Under the new draft sion mechanism. In such case, the mem- We can specify several important ben- to its population” (The EU decision- about mass law, each member state, as well as the ber state shall apply to the Commission, efi ts that Georgia will gain after imple- making process, 20 March 2009, updated European Commission itself, has the which has one month to decide whether mentation of a visa-free regime: 1 March 2010). migration to right to trigger the suspension mecha- to suspend the visa waiver for a period 1. Visa free travel; The fi nal step, after the Council’s vote, nism. of nine months. After cooperation with 2. Georgia’s deeper integration with is publication of an adopted act in the Europe, using According to the December 7, 2016 the visa-exempt country, the Commis- the EU; Offi cial Journal of the European Union agreement, the mechanism can be applied sion will have the right to prolong the 3. The ability to offer residents of Abk- (publication of this act usually takes phrases such as to any non-EU country that has a visa- suspension period for an additional 18 hazia and Tskhinvali the opportunity to roughly three weeks from its adoption). free arrangement (not only for Georgia months. In total, the visa-exempt coun- travel to Europe with a Georgian pass- The visa-free regime will offi cially enter “don’t forget to and Ukraine) in one or more of the fol- try will have a maximum of 27 months port (which could have a positive effect into force on the 20th day following the lowing cases: to settle the claims against it. on Georgia’s relations with the breaka- date of that publication. switch off the • A substantial increase in the number way regions); and The Georgian Institute of Politics was of the non-EU country’s nationals have COULD THE SUSPENSION 4. An effective instrument for blunting founded in 2011 to strengthen institutions electricity at the been refused entry or are irregularly MECHANISM CREATE the effectiveness of Russian propaganda and promote good governance and devel- staying in an EU member state; PROBLEMS FOR GEORGIA? in Georgia. opment through policy research and airport when the • A substantial increase in unfounded There is very small chance that the The visa liberalization process is pro- advocacy in Georgia. It publishes its blog asylum applications; mechanism will ever be applied to Geor- ceeding in a positive direction. Only with Georgia Today twice per month. last citizen leaves • A lack of cooperation on readmis- gia, but the possibility must be consid- technical issues now stand in the way of Check out our website in English and sions (the return of migrants to their ered. When Georgian citizens discuss Georgians traveling to Europe on a visa- Georgian at gip.ge for more blogs, data, the country” home country); and visa liberalization they often make jokes free basis. No precise timetable has been and analyses.

GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS DECEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 Tbilisi International Discussions Hit on Hot Topics of Integration & Regional Security gian and international experts, including BY THEA MORRISON several high-rank politicians: ex-president of Latvia, Valdis Zatlers; former Foreign Minister of Estonia, Marina Kaljurand; eorgia’s integration with National Security Council staffs of Roma- the North Atlantic Treaty nia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Bul- Organization (NATO), garia; and heads of NATO diplomatic Georgia’s role in the secu- missions. The President underlined that Georgian Georgia’s cooperation with NATO and ity in the region,” Georgia’s President rity and stability of the Black During the discussions the participants society has clearly chosen the path to participation in various international stated. SeaG region and challenges facing Euro- expressed their opinions, and set priori- democracy, adding that Georgia’s wish peacekeeping missions, in order to ensure He also stressed that joint efforts are Atlantic area were the top issues of the ties and recommendations about the was to become a NATO member and to global security, was part of Georgia’s necessary to deal with the existing chal- Tbilisi International Discussions, held in security of Georgia and the region as a be part of the group of countries which Euro-integration process. lenges facing Georgia, young democracies the capital of Georgia on December 15. whole. had common values. “We are looking for the “window of and the whole Alliance. The Discussions were held on the ini- The event was opened by President “Georgia’s joining NATO means peace, opportunities” that will enable Georgia The President hoped that in the frames tiative of Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili who spoke about the security and stability in the region. It will to become a NATO member… In this of the Tbilisi Strategic Discussions 2016, Margvelashvili and the National Security choice of Georgians, the importance of promote regional and transcontinental direction, the opinions and recommen- the government, parliament, presidential Council of Georgia, at the Presidential Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic cooperation projects which are vital for dations of our partners are welcome. A administration and experts would hold Administration. integration and he country’s geopolitical the Black Sea region countries,” he noted. stable, strong, democratic and developed in-depth, frank and result-oriented dis- The event gathered around 100 Geor- role in the region. Moreover, Margvelashvili said that Georgia will guarantee peace and stabil- cussions.

Opposition Leader Burchuladze Quits Walking the ‘Other’ Road: Politics, Returns to Opera Squabbles for Leadership

BY THEA MORRISON

ormer opera singer-turned- politician Paata Burchuladze, who left his successful singer career in May to form a polit- ical party State for People and Fparticipate in the October parliamentary elections, announced that he is quitting politics and returning to the stage. The announcement was made at the State for People party congress on Wednesday. Burchuladze said he decided to go abroad and resume his international singing career, while the party would be left to the young generation. State for People will have a new Chair, Nika Machutadze, 24, a researcher of political sciences, historian and consti- tutional expert, who has been beside Paata Burchuladze since the day the judicial, but constitutional, about the Events developed so rapidly that the the other road. Margvelashvili’s support- party was founded. OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA rules of presidential election. Other creation of the Constitutional Commis- ers are no longer hiding that Margve- Burchuladze originally hinted at end- “faces” of the party supported him, say- sion wasn’t hindered even by the drastic lashvili will announce the creation of his ing his 35 year opera career for a life in ing that this constitutional reform should devaluation of the national currency nor own party; even the leaders of the new politics in early 2015 when he cancelled ollowing a year-long recon- be such that nobody should ever be able the economic crisis in the country. The party are allegedly known to be the for- several scheduled concerts at Milan’s La ciliation, the Prime Minister to “cut and sew” the supreme document Committee was created and is headed mer Speaker of the Parliament Davit Scala, London’s Covent Garden and New and the President had a fi ght. in future. And by “such reform” they by Kobakhidze. Now, we can easily imag- Usupashvili and the group that left the York’s Met to launch the Georgian Devel- Again. This time the reason is mean the rule of presidential election in ine the verdict that it will dictate. The Republican Party with him; the ex- opment Foundation, which he described much more serious than the the fi rst place. Everyone, from the Speaker President will have no chance of running Defense Minister’s party – Free Demo- at the time as an attempt “to fi nish the Fone a year ago with former Prime Min- of Parliament to an ordinary MP from for presidency. To be more precise, he crats; and Giga Bokeria’s group that left era of fear and unprofessionalism in the ister Garibashvili. At that time the argu- the ruling party, assures society that it will have an opportunity to announce the United National Movement. The fact country.” ment was not about any particularly will be much better if the successor of his candidacy, but according to the future that President Margvelashvili has started In early May, 2016 he announced that signifi cant political concepts but rather President Margvelashvili is chosen by reform, the Parliamentary majority con- political activities was further proved he would run in the October 8 parlia- who would give a formal speech in the parliament instead of being elected sisting of the Georgian Dream will sim- by his meeting with the Free Democrats, mentary elections under his own State UN and who in the Council of Europe; through elections. Apparently, the elec- ply not choose him. And apparently the who were seen by the media leaving his for the People Party. and who would sign this or that inter- tion rules are much more essential for President and his Administration refused summer house in Dusheti. Moreover, In August, he formed a coalition with national document…No, this time the the Georgian Dream than the notorious to join the Parliamentary Constitutional before that Margvelashvili met Giga three other opposition parties to form issue is much more complicated, seeing “same sex marriage” issue or moving Commission exactly because of that Bokeria in his Presidential Palace. As for the State for the People Movement. PM Kvirikashvili and President Marg- parliament from Kutaisi to the capital. prospect. Although legislation does not Usupashvili and his supporters, they The bloc included the New Political velashvili confronting each other over On the initiative of the Prime Minister, forbid him from creating a Constitutional have yet to meet Margvelashvili. Center Girchi, New Rights Party and announced changes that are planned to the Chairman of Parliament Irakli Kob- Committee of his own, in the end, accord- One of the leaders of the group, Vakh- New Georgia, all of whom made the be made to the country’s supreme law. akhidze will also head a 60-member ing to the law, the project will have to tang Khmaladze, said that fi rst they need decision after the four parties decided The issue on the table? Who will the Constitutional Commission of reforms. be presented to parliament anyway. So to choose whether or not to join the to create a broader union of “pro-West- lead the committee which will make However, President Margvelashvili all roads lead to the Georgian Dream, Parliamentary Constitutional Commis- ern political forces”. these changes to the Constitution. believes that this committee should be which has the majority of MPs and where sion. Apparently, the former Republicans Although in pre-election political sur- In his fi rst announcement following established under the President rather Margvelashvili will be forced to face a plan to function as the Trojan Horse veys Burchuladze polled third with 12 the victory of Georgian Dream in the than parliament and should be headed big “No”. once again, but where they will be this percent support from potential voters, elections held on October 8, PM Kviri- by the President himself, as the presi- Perhaps that is why the President chose time- with the president in the opposi- his coalition failed to pass the 5 percent kashvili addressed the upcoming con- dential institution is the one that balances to concentrate on other activities. As tion or with the committee with the election threshold and was left without stitutional reform, not economic or the various branches of the government. Lenin used to say, he decided to walk parliament -has yet to be decided. any seats in parliament. GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 BUSINESS 7 Buying Business Travel Awards Names Georgia Best MICE Destination

Hudin Reveals Georgia's Wine Secrets

n the December issue of Mein- inger's Wine Business Interna- tional, wine journalist, Miquel Hudin has written an article enti- tled, "Who's Who in Georgia". A “This award is very important for Geor- BY NATIA LIPARTELIANI Iregular feature in their bimonthly mag- gia as it shows the country successfully azine, this article works to explain the continues diversifi cation of its offers to inner workings of Georgian wine to those tourists. I would like to thank all com- in the trade and acts as an industry ref- eorgia has been named the panies and organizations which are erence to the multiple layers that make best place for arranging involved in developing MICE tourism up the current Georgian wine sector by international Meetings, in Georgia,” said the head of the GNTA, delving into the large, "wine factory" Incentives, Conferences, Giorgi Chogovadze. production as well as the "boutique" and Events (MICE) due to The Conventions and Exhibition Bureau qvevri producers. Gthe fact that the country offers top con- of the GNTA was founded in February Miquel was selected to write the arti- ditions for foreign visitors to combine 2016 and aims at fostering the develop- cle after traveling extensively throughout business trips and leisure. ment of business tourism in Georgia, the entire country during 2016 for his On December 13 in Moscow, Russia, seeking to make it a hub for international new Georgian wine guide. As the fi rst the Buying Business Travel Awards 2016 meetings, exhibitions, conferences, tours independent guide to the wines, winer- awarded the Conventions and Exhibition and various other events. ies, and history of Georgian wine, the Bureau of the Georgian National Tour- The Bureau also focuses on promoting book is set for release in Spring of 2017 ism Administration (GNTA) with the the business tourism potential of Geor- with global availability. title. gia abroad. GEORGIA TODAY 8 SOCIETY DECEMBER 16 - 19, 2016

The Embassy of the State of Qatar to Georgia Celebrates the National Day of the State of Qatar

he Embassy of the State of Qatar to Georgia celebrated the National Day of the State of Qatar which marks the Accession of His Highness Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammad Al Thani, the Founder of the State of Qatar, to the throne, and commemorates the inception of the modern state of Qatar in 1878. TOn this occasion, H.E. Mubarak Bin Nasser Al-Khalifa, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Georgia, hosted a reception on the 14th of December in Courtyard Marriott Tbilisi. GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 SOCIETY 9

The New Year in Arakishvili Residence – Discounts & Gifts Galore uy a fl at in the Arakishvili LIVE IN THE BEST PLACE Residence and get it fully The Arakishvili Residence is situated in furnished with full premium the center of Vake: one of the most pop- appliances AND a special ular residential locations in Tbilisi. Aside discount. from its location, the project is architec- BThe residential complex is welcoming turally intriguing. the New Year holidays by offering its The project is fi nanced by the Bank of clients the best household appliances Georgia. Aside from current offer, Arak- and gifts. ishvili Residence customers are able to Those who wish to purchase an apart- benefi t from fl exible payment conditions. ment in the complex will receive a full It is also possible to get an interest-free suite of premium class German house- loan until the end of the project. Cus- hold appliances. tomers are also able to get a mortgage The two New Year's gift packages have at just 6% interest. been specially created for clients who wants to puchase up to 100 sq meters PROJECT SUPPORT: space or for those who want over 100 square meters. The latter package includes • The project is fi nanced by the Bank a Bosch refrigerator, gas set (oven, vent • The exclusive broker for the complex and gas stove), dishwasher, Multi-Robot, is Colliers International Georgia kitchen, washing machine, Breakfast set • The complex is being built by com- (toaster, electric kettle, and coffee pany ‘Anagi’. machine), a vacuum cleaner, Samsung • The construction of the project will LED TV and Hyundai air conditioner. end in 2017. GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY DECEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 Touristic Venues with the Best Services to Be Named in Adjara Tainted Love: BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI

he Tourism Department of Adjara is to award touristic Ogden on venues for Best Services at ‘Magnolia 2016,’ on Decem- Facebook.com – 5% ber 22. Magnolia is an Involvement in “Recommended by Tour- Tannual award-giving event taking place ism Department of Adjara project - 10% for the second time this year, with win- ners chosen based on customer and FOR GUESTHOUSES: tourism sphere surveys. Customer Surveys 70% Domestic Violence In order to name hotels, restaurants, Tourism Agency Surveys 30% tourist attractions, museums, tour guides, Inner Infrastructure tourism agencies and touristic routes Yard for the best services provided, the Tour- Proximity to tourist attractions ism Department of Adjara set up an Diversity of the Menu, taste online customer opinion survey from Motivation September 2016, and asked for customer reviews through Facebook, Booking.com FOR TOURISTIC and TripAdvisor. ATTRACTIONS/ MUSEUMS: The survey ran until December 10, both Customer Surveys -70% in the regional tourism information offi ces, Touristic Agency Surveys - 30 touristic sites, and online, and saw 1200 Accessibility tourists and customers participating. Quality of the Tour Guide While naming the best service provid- Content ers in the industry, apart from consider- Motivation ing the results of the customer surveys, the Tourism Department of Adjara will FOR TOURISM AGENCIES: also rely on reviews and assessments Customer Surveys -20% from the transport companies, tourism Hotels/Restaurants/ Transport Compa- agencies, hotels, restaurants and tour nies Surveys - 30% guides. The results of the “Recommended Social Media -50% by Tourism Department of Adjara” pro- Facebook.com - 20% ject will also be taken into consideration. Web Page - 30% The criteria used in choosing the best service providers are: FOR TOURISTIC PLACE/ROUTE: Customer Survey - 60% FOR HOTELS: Tourism Agencies - 20% Customer Surveys -70% Tour Guide Survey - 20% Social Media - 20% Booking.com - 10% FOR BEST TOUR GUIDE: TripAdvisor - 5% Tourism Agencies surveys - 50% Facebook.com - 5% Tour Guide surveys - 50% Involvement in “Recommended by Tour- Competency ism Department of Adjara project - 10% Skills

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divorced him after a very brief marriage three years), I asked a number of men OP-ED BY TIM OGDEN over three years ago), and my friend is what they would do if a man was look- regularly threatened with violence from ing at his wife or girlfriend. To do them her husband if he suspects she is talking justice, not all of them were inclined to s angry and horrifi ed as I to other men, even colleagues. He does belt her around the head or break her was by the recent death of not even allow her to travel to her offi ce ribs, being comfortable enough in their a woman in Telavi, killed much, and when she does, he will call powers to verbally intimidate her (so by her ex-husband, I can- her phone constantly. help me, it's the truth), but the belief in not claim to be particularly I'm sure I have written elsewhere that where fault lay was unanimous; the man Asurprised. Incidents of violence against I can hardly claim to be anti-violence, was only doing what came naturally to women are hardly uncommon here, a since I have boxed since I was 12 and him, it was the girl's fault for attracting sad fact which I am loathe to record, served a brief stint in the Army, but I do his attention. The deep, dark pit under- since I like Georgia and take no satisfac- like to see violence directed against peo- neath that particular mentality must be tion in dragging it down to the level of ple who have a chance to fi ght back. For excavated another time. Turkey or Pakistan. It is, however, hardly my part, I took no satisfaction in boxing As my wife often reminds me, the fault my fault. a stranger and fi nding that he was over- does not lie with Georgian men alone, Another incident earlier this year took matched; victory lost its sweetness when but also with women; with the mothers place in Samegrelo, when a man murdered the opponent was just not good enough. who raise their sons in the belief that they his young wife after “discovering” that To the uninitiated, a hard fought fi ght are perfect, and the women who, on being she was not a virgin after their wedding. with broken lips, bleeding noses, ringing told they cannot wear certain clothes or Exactly how he was so sure in his convic- ears, black eyes and bruised torsos may shoes, tell their men where to stick their tion was never disclosed, but seeing as not sound appealing at all, but it is infi - jealousy. In the latter category's defense, the bulk of experience for most Georgian nitely preferable over battering an over- I am sure it would not be easy to be so males comes from prostitutes, I would whelmed opponent who simply cannot confi dent without support mechanisms, hardly be confi dent in his diagnosis. More fi ght back. What satisfaction Georgian or even help from family; one Georgian importantly, however, is the fact that vir- men can take in battering a smaller man woman told me recently she simply can- Very cosy one bedroom 75 sq.m apartment in Tbilisi area with spec- ginity at marriage is little more than a with the help of three friends (as hap- not leave her abusive husband because pathetic expectation from men who in pened to my brother-in-law; he still bears her family will think her tainted. Hers is tacular view over the mountains. truth have little self-confi dence; for a the scars), women or gay people (who, not the only story of this kind I have heard, Located in Tskneti, a prestigious, quiet, green and safe neighborhood people who like to boast that they are the as much as I respect them for who they nor will it be the last. 15 minutes drive from the city center. The bright and sunny apartment best lovers in the former Soviet Union are, are not famous for their fi ghting The word count has crept up on me is newly furnished and comes with a fully equipped kitchen and bath- and the dream of every Russian and prowess), I really cannot imagine. again. I shall conclude by saying that last room. Ukrainian girl, they seem to harbor a great A related phenomenon I have encoun- week, I wrote about education reform and Comfortable and stylish living-room, cozy bedroom with closet and fear over their women being with other tered is an unusual consequence of jeal- how Georgians could be directed towards king-sized bed. 20 sq.m terrace overlooking the mountains. Relax while men. Such great lovers should surely not ousy. All men are jealous, whether they leading more productive lives with better enjoying the view and unwind with a glass of wine on the balcony as worry about such a thing if they truly are Georgian or Western, but it is where education, but I think this issue is even you watch the sun set. believed in their prowess. envy and anger are directed that separate more pressing. The EU, an institution that Anybody reading so far might be under the East from the West. Jealousy-inspired runs the risk of losing its credibility, should Parking & WiFi available. the impression that these attacks are relationship violence is probably far increase its involvement, perhaps even If you are looking for the perfect place to live, this is the apartment limited to Georgia's regions, but just last more common in Britain than Georgia, threaten to suspend the much vaunted for you! year a lecturer was murdered in the mid- but the fi ghting is between two men; in visa liberalization for Georgia until this Only long-term residents should apply. dle of her lecture by her ex-husband in Georgia, it is usually a man attacking a issue is properly tackled. Ideally suited for a couple or single. Tbilisi. An ex-girlfriend of mine still woman. During my earlier years in Geor- And why not? A severe penalty for a receives death threats from her Georgian gia (when I did not keep quite so agree- severe crime; surely the very defi nition For more information contact: + 995 595279997 ex-husband (despite the fact that she able company as I have done for the last of justice.

GEORGIA TODAY 12 SOCIETY DECEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 Down to a Trickle: Etseri, Svaneti

it wasn't there to do in last winter's BY TONY HANMER freeze-up), the cold soon to return might not kill the water this time, if we're careful to leave it running, as rom the luxuries of Canada wasteful as that seems! The alternative back to... Svan reality, like a is far worse, and much more trouble. slap in the face with an ice The house is slowly warming up, the brick. Ice, because although chill in its bones thawing from the the place we left behind was inside out with all the heating and stove quiteF a bit colder than where we returned fi re we have going now, maybe enough to, the effect of the latter was much to reverse some or all of the pipe-freezes more severe. which we do have, maybe even to the The unnamed person who neglected upstairs. Another small mercy: those to leave the house heating on at least left frozen pipes don't actually burst, being the water running, which meant that it plastic. That, too, would be so much didn't freeze. If it HAD frozen, I would worse than what we have. have had to drag out 150 m of plastic The other place where the exact same pipe, connect it to our entry point on battle between incoming frost and out- the main village pipe, join the other end pushing warmth is taking place is... my to the house, patch up leaks, and hope own heart. As I write this, electricity for the best. So that was something. has been off again for half an hour or But the cold indoors had allowed all so, though this is nothing new in win- standing water to freeze partly or fully. ter; snowfall off the roof has accumu- So... upstairs, no water. A sink left run- lated a foot or so past the top steps of ning up there had spat out its tap fi lter the house doorways and to the bottoms and bizarrely frozen the stream into of the windows, with more bucketing place, as if in a fl ash, the fi lter still stuck down. I'm aware of the potential for in the still column. Downstairs, a big crippling discouragement, and of the piece broke off the toilet pedestal, and need to fi ght it off by staying positive. some water leaked out of that, although Otherwise, it's kill the livestock, pack a few days later we discovered that the our bags and head off to the Big City toilet still may be useable, albeit need- for the winter if not for good. Which ing to be fl ushed by bucket. But that's I so don't want to do. better than trips to the outhouse, no? Snow had blanketed everything and, Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since in the absence of internal heating, had refuses to run, so the only non-icy back, but very weakly, and only some although it could have been much 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been built up on the roof of the house instead water we have is what we heat on the hours after that did it return in full force, worse. No fi re emergency or collapsed a weekly writer for GT since early 2011. of doing what it usually does and slid- wood stove or in the kettle. where it's been ever since. I got up a roofs, some water actually running, He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Face- ing right off the unpainted metal by its Electricity? It was there when we couple of times during that fi rst night electricity eventually stable, heating book group, now with over 1350 mem- own weight after a few inches' accu- arrived, then vanished, but just in our to stoke the stove, as it was at the time able to be turned on. We also missed bers, at www.facebook.com/groups/ mulation. It's only now starting to come house, so, not a neighborhood thing. our only source of heat in the whole big the season's worst colds to date. Now SvanetiRenaissance/ down. (All around us the poor people But the house circuit box seemed to be place. Jet lag meant that I was awake it's warmer, only a few degrees below He and his wife also run their own guest with painted roofs are shoveling it off...) in order, all switches up and on. Early anyway, so why not be useful? freezing, and with as much snow as we house in Etseri: And the hot water tank downstairs also in the morning the power did come In short, quite a discouraging return, have insulating the water pipe (which www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 SOCIETY 13

Borjomi's Return to Status of Leading Tourist Destination

and mineral water treatments – just like they did BY LUKAS MÄDER in Soviet times. Walking through the main street of Borjomi, you can still catch a hint of those Soviet times: Social- t was the fresh air together with the smell ist architecture, run-down houses and former hotels, of pine trees which grabbed me. In the for- sometimes unused- it certainly doesn't have the est up on the hill above Borjomi, lumbermen splendor of some European mountain resorts. had been cutting trees and now I was sur- Nonetheless, you can feel the effort Borjomi is put- rounded by the strong smell of wood. The ting in to become a leading tourist destination in Iweather was mild with the occasional ray of sun- the region again – and to attract western tourists. shine peeking through the clouds on the late autumn To this aim, Borjomi is focusing on ecotourism day. The cable car up to the hill was still working, and agrotourism. Berozashvili sees huge potential and two young Russian tourists eagerly took a ride. in this fi eld, especially regarding European tour- But it was obvious that the season was drawing to ists. “Already the region is offering activities like a close. The ferris wheel had stopped turning, the hiking, biking and horse riding in cooperation with restaurant was locked. the local people in the villages. And the Municipal- “High season in Borjomi is during the summer. In ity wants to expand this sector,” she says. “The July and August it can be hard to fi nd a room,” says problem is it's not always easy to convince the local Keti Berozashvili, Head of Tourism at the Munici- population of the value of ecotourism.” pality of Borjomi. “A lot of families come for the air Borjomi has a big advantage over other tourist in the summer and stay in the town proper or in the destinations: it is located next to the National surrounding villages for one or two weeks- it’s still Borjomi-Kharagauli Park, the largest National Park reviving since tourism stopped in the 1990s.” in Georgia. The Park Administration started in Borjomi also usually experiences some tourist 2003 to create the fi rst hiking trail. “Now there are Bollywood Masala fl ow after the fi rst snowfall- with visitors coming different trails of up to four days long and shelters to take the ice-cold forest air and a cup or two of for overnight stays (tourists can rent sleeping bags mineral water on their way to or from the nearby and tents). And recently the Park Administration Indian Restaurant Bakuriani ski resort. invested in better marking for the trails following The town has been famous for its mineral spring visitor feedback,” says Park director, Levan Tabu- since the 19th century. And even today Borjomi is nidze. a well-known brand still sold in many former Soviet And it seems the tourists do appreciate this effort. countries. This is probably the reason Borjomi The number of visitors is increasing rapidly, in the attracts a lot of tourists from Ukraine, Azerbaijan, current year by 15 percent so far. And for those Kazakhstan and, despite political tensions, also tourists looking for pure nature, it's probably a plus from Russia. Such guests tend to go for the classic that Borjomi doesn't have the splendor of Western spa hotels or sanatoriums, with baths, massage, mountain resorts just yet. Annual St Lucia Reception

Lights the Way for Christmas Find your next great lunch or BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES dinner dining experience featuring

he Swedish Embassy in Tbilisi, with time-honored recipes at New partners and sponsors Geocell, Ori- fl ame and Ericsson, welcomed a vari- ety of guests to their 4th annual St Lucia Bollywood Masala Indian Restaurant reception at the Funicular this week. TChildren were welcomed by special guest Pep- per, Geocell’s robot buddy, who danced and winked at the excited youngsters around him, and a magi- cian, who kept them busy while the adults tucked in to the sumptuous Swedish-European buffet and Photo: Melita Pachulia spiced wine. will return. Now, as we approach the end of this “The Lucia tradition is very old,” explained the year which has in many respects been a dark year, Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Martina Quick. “It with many fl eeing war and disasters and terrorism, has survived through many centuries in shapes and I think Lucia is even more welcome.” forms changing and developing together with our Then came the traditional St Lucia Procession society. And I think that shows how much Swedes with both children and adults dressed in white with love and need this special holiday. It takes place fi r wreaths on their heads and candles in their during the darkest and coldest time of the year. hands. Together, they sang Swedish Christmas car- And it brings us light, warmth and goodness. Lucia ols for the guests which, together with the giant herself stems from a pre-Christian goddess of light tree, positive, loving atmosphere and the chocolate Tel: +995 551 526 000; +995 592 900 002 who fi ghts and conquers the evil powers of dark- treats given to the children by the sponsoring com- ness on the longest night of the year. She reminds panies, made for a very festive pre-Christmas treat Add: Str. Kostava 44, Tbilisi, Georgia us that darkness will not last forever and that light indeed. Email: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY 14 SOCIETY DECEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 Fritz Musser’s Family: It’s through Brokenness that We Hurt Others

clearly saying: I can’t face the world. But EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY I had the opportunity to speak to him, KATIE RUTH DAVIES which they say is unprecedented in Geor- gia, and he expressed gratitude that we’d come and had been advocating on there ebekah Friesen is a day pro- not being a harsh prison sentence- rather gram co-ordinator within a that he’d have the chance to be out of L’Arche community in Can- prison and making positive changes in ada. In L'Arche, people who his life.” have intellectual disabilities “When Fritz went on these long trips, andR those who come to assist them share he often spent a lot of time ruminating life and daytime activities together in on a topic or idea. This time he was think- family-like settings that are integrated ing about what he could do when he into local neighborhoods. Rebekah is a returned to North America to make life calm, well-educated and well-spoken lady, better for people in prisons,” she says. with a deep understanding of the inher- “I've known Fritz for 9 years and as long ent good in people and the necessity of as I've known him, he has been concerned kindness and education to make the world with the well-being of incarcerated indi- a better place. But Rebekah is here in viduals. He believed humans are naturally Tbilisi to witness the trial of her husband’s good and don't want to hurt others, unless murderer. She also came to collect her we have been wounded in spirit or not husband’s belongings and to see what given the opportunities we need to live made Georgia, and the Caucasus, the our lives well. Fritz felt prisons should place her husband had dreamed of explor- be humane and respectful. They should ing for the past 11 years. reduce the chances that people would Fritz Musser died on August 12, stabbed commit another crime, and they should to death on a village road as he hiked alone to the Tusheti region as part of his top-to-tail Caucasus Mountain trail. The murderer was a 20 year old Georgian man who’d had a little too much to drink that fateful evening which ultimately ended in Fritz’s death. The young man, brought up by his grandparents in a small Fritz felt prisons village, was quickly picked up by local Fritz Musser: murdered in Kakheti on August 12, 2016 police and confessed to the murder, should be humane give people the opportunity to reform She also describes him as insatiably publicize them. He had this most incred- aware that he could face the next 15 years their lives and heal their minds and spir- curious and keenly intelligent. “I’ve never ible selection of portraits of people he’d in prison. and respectful. its.” met anyone who had as many questions met on his travels around the world- just The trial last week took just one hour In recent years, the Georgian govern- about everything as Fritz- he really wanted looking at those photos is a good descrip- and the offender was sentenced to 11 years They should ment- the Ministry of Corrections, closely to learn about people and places and why tor of how people viewed Fritz because in a prison system which is young in its cooperating with various state institu- they were the way they were. His mother there was such incredible openness in experience of rehabilitation. And Fritz’s reduce the tions, non-governmental and international says what an incredible gift he was because their eyes as they looked into his camera.” widow sympathizes. organizations, as well as the Ombudsman of how much he wanted to learn.” After the trial, realizing justice had been “I came not knowing what to expect. chances that of Georgia, has taken signifi cant steps to Undoubtedly, it was that curiosity that served in a punitive way, Fritz’s mother We’d been told that for a victim’s family initiate reforms in the area of offender lead him, after a long bout of unemploy- quite rightly wondered, “And what about to seek some sort of reconciliation with people would rights and restorative justice. It’s a work ment and a short and sweet money-earner me? I’m one of people most affected by the accused and his family is very excep- in process and it’s not clear how this in Data-Entry and Research, to throw the loss of Fritz; what about me?” tional in Georgia, so we’d been told not commit another young offender will benefi t from it, which caution to the wind and pack his bag to In Canada, for a crime of this level, to get our hopes up. When we arrived in Fritz’s forgiving family clearly feels he fulfi l an 11-year dream: to hike the length Rebekah tells me restorative justice is not the courtroom, we saw the offender’s crime, and they should. of the Caucasus Mountains. used, but for lower-grade crimes “Diver- grandparents and sibling were there. We With tears in her eyes, Rebekah says “It was Georgia or bust. He’d spent four sion from Prison” programs are in the exchanged smiles and I sat beside the should give she and Fritz’s other family members years living in Moscow and had travelled developmental stage. “It’s about getting grandmother the whole trial. There were never felt angry about his murder - just in the region. And he really fell in love the victim, offender, and community a lot of tears on both sides. The grand- people the sad, and very aware of their great loss. with Georgia and its people. He even tried together to support both sides. Then the parents had raised the boy and his sibling. “We’ve been confused, sad, devastated, to recreate Georgian cuisine in the kitchen victim and those affected (on an indi- They lost a son as I had lost my partner opportunity to but not angry.” at home. He started his journey at the vidual level) get a say what restitution is and Fritz’s family a son, brother, and uncle. Rebekah describes Fritz as a warm, car- beginning of June in Azerbaijan- his feet applied to the case. Some may see that We were humans sitting beside each other reform their lives ing, sensitive man, quick to respond emo- in the Caspian Sea.” as more punitive than having a judge, that day.” tionally to a video he saw or story he read. A full-time job and people depending who is separate from the case, pronounce The offender, Rebekah says, sat through and heal their “And he was a gentle man- he’d walk by on her in the L’Arche community meant a judgement, but when you’re face-to-face most of the trial with his head in his hands. a playground and kids would run out ask- Rebekah was unable to join Fritz on his with someone, it’s much harder not to “He was emotional, his body language minds and spirits ing him to play.” adventure, though it wasn’t through lack view them as human.” of desire to do so. What she says next strikes a chord: “We “I’ve been wanting to come to Georgia need to realise that it’s out of brokenness for years because of his interest. As a that we hurt others. And so having the friend of mine said ironically the day opportunity to sit with them allows you before I was fl ying out, ‘I bet Fritz never to work together towards healing some thought he’d get you to do it so soon!’” of that brokenness. This thought from Her impressions since she arrived have Desmond Tutu has really sustained Fritz’s been positive with regards both place and mom during this journey”. people. She has high hopes this is a system that I ask how positive her experience had will kick off in Georgia- and she and some been with those involved in the murder of Fritz’s family members want to reach investigation and she claims the author- out to the offender through the prison ities were “very caring,” even showing social workers to “have really open dia- concern on a personal level that this had logue with him about what needs to happened. The process of investigation change, what he can change, what assis- and getting Fritz’s body home went faster tance he needs in order to change, and than expected, and his family and friends where we can help him fi nd that assis- were able to hold a memorial service to tance.” celebrate his life within three weeks of “From what we’ve heard of similar cases, his passing. an 11-year sentence was about average, Some of his highschool friends began so we were grateful,” Rebekah says of the an online fundraising campaign with the fi nal verdict. aim of covering the costs of bringing The young man could have received up Fritz’s body home and holding a memo- to 15 years but it was the family’s express rial service. His family is still looking for desire that the sentence not be unduly ways to keep his story alive. harsh and that the offender not be made “Fritz was an incredible photographer an example of for killing an American. and I’d really love to see an exhibition “Fritz felt that all humans, regardless of and maybe even a book published of his where they come from and what their work,” Rebekah says. “He made some situation is, or what they are economi- remarkable trips prior to this one- his cally or socially able to contribute to the photos were stunning, but he was quite world, should all be treated as equals,” private about things like that and didn’t Rebekah says. GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 SOCIETY 15 On a Timer: Preparing Georgia's Presentation for the 2018 Frankfurt Book Fair

BY LUKAS MÄDER

he countdown is on for Medea Metreveli and her team at the Georgian The country will National Book Center. On October 10, 2018, the Frank- have the chance Tfurt Book Fair will open – and the Guest of Honor will be Georgia. As head of the to promote its Georgian National Book Center (GNBC), Medea Metreveli is the key person in cultural heritage, preparing Georgia for the big event and although she appears calm, she admits: tourism offers and “I'm a little bit nervous.” To be Guest of Honor is a great oppor- even its potential tunity for Georgian literature, and the Frankfurt Book Fair is already the most for economic important event for publishers world- wide. But it's a chance not only for lit- investments erature. “This is a unique platform for Georgia to present itself,” says Metreveli. “The focus of the media and the audi- alphabet,” says Tina Mamulashvili, co- ence will be on Georgia as a whole.” owner of Bakur Sulakauri- the largest The country will have the possibility independent publishing house in Geor- to promote its cultural heritage, its tour- gia, which has been present at the Frank- Medea Metreveli is positive about the plans and fi nancing for Georgia's big show at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2018 ism offers and even its potential for eco- furt Book Fair for years already. nomic investments. Therefore, the GNBC But this has now changed and the days participate in organizing such trips. problem: “We’ve been holding workshops – with a growing budget every year. “We is not organizing this huge event alone, are gone when foreign publishers didn't Despite the growing interest in Geor- for translators for a few years now.” In have enough money for our activities as representatives of the ministries of even know where Georgia was. “Now gia, one problem remains: the lack of cooperation with the Goethe Institute and especially for the Frankfurt Book Economy, Agriculture and Foreign Affairs they have a real interest in our literature good literary translators. “There aren't from Germany, the Embassy of the United Fair,” she affi rms. are also involved. when they visit our stand,” Mamulashvili many good translators for Georgian,” Kingdom and other institutions, they Some critics might say the Georgian The event in Frankfurt is so important says. One reason is the media trips to Mamulashvili confi rms. In the best case, trained about 30 translators– the last government rushed into being Guest of that even now, two years ahead of time, Georgia which the GNBC organizes and the person translates from Georgian into took place at the end of November in Honor in Frankfurt, 2018 – that it is too it is already impacting on Georgia's fi nances especially for foreign journal- his native language, for example into Germany where eight translators par- early because there aren't enough trans- image. In February 2014 the then-min- ists and publishers every year. These German, meaning it should be a foreigner ticipated in a fi ve-day workshop. lations published yet. But it's not only ister of culture Guram Odisharia, a writer journeys are popular – and interesting who learned Georgian or a Georgian That's why Metreveli is optimistic about literature; the event has a positive himself, signed the agreement with the not only for the Book Center. Publica- who has lived abroad at least since his about reaching her goal: to have 150 effect on promoting the country – tour- Frankfurt Book Fair. At the time Georgia tions about Georgian literature and cul- childhood. There aren't so many people Georgian books available in German ism and culture will benefi t from it, and was still terra incognita. “The foreign ture are also a good promotion of the with this profi le – and, additionally, with edition when the Frankfurt Book Fair maybe even the economy through attract- publishers asked for our catalogues only country itself. That's why, from 2017, the experience in translating. 2018 kicks off. To get there, the GNBC ing foreign investments. The best is yet because they liked the exotic Georgian National Tourism Administration is to Medea Metreveli is fully aware of this is supporting the translations fi nancially to come! GEORGIA TODAY 16 CULTURE DECEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 Meet Temo Gotsadze, Painter & Former Gallery Director

INTERVIEW BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI

s part of a continued col- laboration between BI Auc- tion and GEORGIA TODAY Enema with Vitamins of to bring readers a series of interviews with famous AGeorgian painters, in this issue our guest Talent: Gudiashvili’s Unknown is Temo Gotsadze, famous Georgian painter and former director of the National Satirical Drawings Art Gallery whose works are kept in museums and galleries both in Georgia critic, said: “Gudiashvili admits as his and abroad, including in France, Ger- BY MAKA LOMADZE vocation to be fi rst and foremost, an art- many, Russia, USA, Great Britain, Turkey, ist. However, you know well what it Italy, Mexico, and Canada. means after Delacroix, Courbet, Cezanne he Lado Gudiashvili Fund and Seurat. Thanks to his own mysteri- WHAT INFLUENCED YOU Exhibition Hall is hosting the ous nature and racial instincts, he splen- TO BECOME A PAINTER? fourth and last exhibition didly well managed to stay a poet, for Temo Gotsadze: It probably started “1+70 Unknown” dedicated which he will always be loved. I cannot in my early childhood. My school to his 120th anniversary. compare him to anybody else… Maybe, teacher… It wasn’t a painting class, but TWith the support of the Georgian Min- Gudiashvili is the forefather of the art the stories she told us and the informa- istry of Culture and Monument Protec- that the young nation that was oppressed tion I absorbed kind of infl uenced me tion and Tbilisi Municipality City Hall, in the past should create tomorrow… I and formed me. My father also painted art lovers have had a wonderful chance believe that my adolescent painter from very well, although he was a surgeon- to witness four indelible expositions. Tbilisi has a sparkling future in store.” initially he was an anatomic patholo- This very exhibition is distinguished by In the same year, the monograph of the gist, but when he returned home from a series of completely unknown graphic well-known art critic Maurice Raynal World War II he began working as a works from private collections. was published in France under the title surgeon. He even wrote a medical the- “The artistic images of graphic series ‘Lado Gudiashvili’. It read: “Lado Gudi- sis and illustrated it with his own draw- and situations, by means of the painter’s ashvili’s exposition for us became a dis- ings of the human anatomy. I remember rich fantasy, embody the fallacious sides covery which represented an extremely staying at home as a kid, drawing images of his strict reality, such as falseness, original painter. He thinks in such a of village life or something else, a little foolishness, vanity, pseudo-erudition, complicated, or maybe, in such a simple like a game with unfi nished images as wickedness, violence, greediness; all way as his compatriots who are the hints given, from which I had to make those that were spreading fear and kill- descendants of an ancient civilization. a story in painting. It was how, uncon- ing love and frankness between people,” Even in the tempting diversity of Paris- sciously, I learned how to make a com- writes Irina Arsenishvili, art-historian. ian taste, he has managed to fully main- position. In the middle of the 50s, a “We can say that none of the historical tain his national characteristics, has new generation of Georgian artists documents of those times have such a stayed a pure Georgian even after he has entered the scene. I was in sixth or strong infl uence as the visual expres- seen and learned the expressive modes seventh grade then, when a different sions of Lado Gudiashvili. of the world-acclaimed painters.” aesthetics in the art of painting emerged, The whole second fl oor is dedicated Lado Gudiashvili was a real aesthete, with different colors, themes. Social- to graphic works saturated with allegory liked to be dressed neatly and he always realism was fading away. As my school Temo Gotsadze with his wife, actress Marina Janashia and satire which show how crucial those wore a scarf. He fell in love with Nino, teacher often said, we had to have an days were and how beauty, peace and an extremely educated woman from Guria eye on everything; try to remember IS THE CREATIVE PROCESS ITSELF HAVE YOU CHANGED kindness was threatened. One of them region, who worked in Tbilisi. After some every single detail and reproduce it LIKE AN IMPULSE FOR YOU, AS AN ARTIST? is ‘Enema with Vitamins of Talent,’ years, a friend of hers reminded Nino: afterwards, so I often went to museums OR IS IT MORE OF A BREWING, I think I changed three times through another the almost identical portraits of “Do you remember what you said when memorized the paintings and made PREPARING, STORING? my career. I had a period that can be a lion and a man, making it dubious we attended Gudiashvili’s exposition for copies back home. When Galaktion Studying at the Tbilisi Academy of Art called naïve, at the beginning, then came which one is the wilder. the fi rst time? You told us: ‘Oh, how I wish Tabidze (famous Georgian poet) died, was a time of learning and absorbing… a more professional one with large paint- “I like to paint beautiful people,” Gudi- I could live in the house where such paint- I went to the memorial service held in I guess it sort of accumulated in me over ings, followed by contemporary abstrac- ashvili, one of the founders of Georgian ings are displayed and poets read verses.’” the Writer’s House and made a number the six years I was there. When I gradu- tions… Now, I’m having a break and I modern art, once said. It is impossible How could Nino imagine then that after of sketches, childish impressions of ated, my fi rst painting was Blue Stallions feel like I have to fi nd out what I’ll be not to agree when ascending to the third many years, this almost unreal wish would course, but I remember it very clearly (one of his most famous artworks) and working on next, as I don’t want to repeat fl oor and seeing his unbelievable, totally come true? They had one only daughter as some starting point… off it went all through my career. Some- what I’ve already done. captivating paintings: famous ‘In Cafe whos own daughter now heads the Lado times you work every day, routinely, for Rotonda,’ ‘Neli Oneli,’ so incredibly Gudiashvili fund. WHY DO YOU THINK THE several hours, or just make sketches to IN ONE OF YOUR INTERVIEWS, transparent and subtle, ‘Picasso and his Lado Gudiashvili was the very painter 1950S AND 60S SAW continue on another day; there are times YOU SAY YOU LOVE Model,’ ‘Beauties’ and more. who in that totalitarian regime decorated GEORGIAN ART THRIVING? when you feel you need an impulse which PARADOXES AND FINDING In 1919, together with Davit Kakabadze Kashueti Church with Saint Mary, Baby It was a new generation of artists, com- can come from anything- you may fall BEAUTY IN UGLY THINGS… and Shalva Kikodze, Gudiashvili was Christ, the Apostles and Archangel Gabriel. ing after the Second World War, trying in love and it’ll be your inspiration to I think that creativity and art in general sent to Paris as a result of special selec- His national taste is very well felt here to rediscover themselves; searching for create, just as I had with Marina (Marina are an individual’s pursuit of beauty, it tion where famous female painters Elene – Saint Mary resembles a Georgian woman the base on which Georgian genetics, Janashia, his spouse, famous Georgian has to be the reason, otherwise it makes Akhvlediani and Ketevan Maghalashvili in all aspects. The masterpiece performed traditions, thoughts and values were actress.) You never know or can’t guess no sense. lived. Gudiashvili began studying in the in captivating colors, was restored and grounded, not only in painting but also when exactly that inspiration will come… Free Academy and attended lectures at reborn in 2014, so, everyone can see it in literature. They had something new I try to remember my impressions, to WHAT WOULD YOU the Academy of Fine Arts, participating now in its full splendor. to say. It’s a continuous process… I’m fi x them through notes, because you RECOMMEND YOUNG in exhibitions in Paris, Rome, Venice, This unique exposition of our great sure in 10-20 years another generation can’t of course bring all of them into ARTISTS WHO’RE JUST India, Brussels, and Amsterdam. In 1922, master will last for several months. of artists will come along to change the color instantly, and when I look through ABOUT TO START? Lado Gudiashvili’s fi rst solo exposition situation, building it on the existing my notes it brings a spark… I always did I would suggest they rebel, as it will help was arranged at La Licorne Gallery of Where: Lado Gudiashvili Street 11, near experience and on the things the previ- that, fi xating the associations that came them fi nd their way, their niche, their Paris. Andre Salmon, famous French art Kashueti Church ous generations created. to me. own style…

ROUTING FLIGHT NUMBER WEEK DAYS DEPARTURE ARRIVAL TK 387 05.50 07.25 TBILISI - TK 385 11.45 13.25 ISTANBUL ATATURK AIRPORT TK 383 18.10 20.00 EVERYDAY TK 386 01.40 04.55 ISTANBUL ATATURK AIRPORT - TK 384 07.30 10.50 TBILISI TK 382 13.55 17.15 TBILISI - TK 381 07.40 09.00 ISTANBUL SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT EVERYDAY ISTANBUL SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT - TK 380 20.45 00.10+1 TBILISI BATUMI - ISTANBUL TK 393 17.50 19.10 EVERYDAY ISTANBUL - BATUMI TK 392 13.55 16.55 Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected]

TIFLIS KIS TARIFESI 7.5x6cm ING.indd 1 02/11/16 15:23 GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 CULTURE 17 Christmas Fairy Tale at Vanda Gallery always distinguished by her individual BY MAKA LOMADZE signature, thus managing to be popular among all generations. “In my opinion, every person who is everal days ago, the dreamlike more or less talented passes through a solo exhibition of the Georgian period of infl uences,” the painter tells us. female painter Nino Peradze “By the age of 40, all these impressions was opened at Vanda Gallery are gone and fi ltered by one’s own self under the title ‘Angels in Town’. and taste. It was like that in my case. You ForS those who love Christmas and New become much more honest and do what Year and believe that something new and you want you become free. I do not fear beautiful awaits them in these magical the critics, though I read them by all weeks, and also for those wishing to raise means, and take note of the good remarks.” their spirit for the forthcoming parties, She is considered to be full of roman- this exhibition was a real Christmas treat! tic vision, aestheticism, high professional Azure-blue clarity, so appropriate to skills and taste. Even her surname (“peri” the transparency of Christmas Day, is in Georgian) stands for color, justifying continued by the mysteriousness of her colorful world. Apart from being so velvet-lilac tints and fl amboyance, hope romantic in her vision and colors, para- and courage of red, which is the color doxically enough, Nino Peradze acknowl- of the rooster, symbolizing the astro- edges herself as a very realistic person. logical master of the forthcoming year. “I do not share the opinion that art should It is said the painter always has some be a mirror of reality. When I look back surprises for her visitors and this time to the 1990s, my paintings were so dark it was a display of multicolored jewel- that I fear them now. If we cannot change cases and Christmas tree decorations. the reality, we can at least change our Visitors can stroll through the imaginary disposition. It is necessary to wear rose- world of the towns of Europe that Nino tinted glasses sometimes, and if we did, Peradze has visited, represented as the we wouldn’t be so aggressive.” The refl ection of reminiscences in her own painter confi des that she is fond of life abstract way… Baltic cities, Spain, the and if one well realizes that we only live Netherlands, and more… They are the once, she/he will probably try her/his fruits of her ceaseless traveling expe- best to grasp the best moments. rience later transformed into creative Some part of this memorable, idealistic inspirations. In this dream world, Mujiri, founder of the gallery, her a room in our gallery that somehow exposition that lets us forget about harsh angels rest on the rooftops of told GEORGIA TODAY. guarantees a joyful mood,” Mujiri says. reality and fi nd oblivion in romantic colors the houses in different corners “This is her third exhibition “Besides being a painter, Nino is also an and shapes will stay at the premises of of the world, thus indicating that on the Christmas theme illustrator and cartoon artist, so she is the gallery and the guests will have a the bliss of Christmas will be alone. She is a very creative, very multifaceted.” chance to see them even after the exhibi- spread all around the globe for cheerful and positive per- Nino Peradze represents the genera- tion on the ground fl oor of the gallery. everyone’s happiness. Some angels son.” tion of Georgian painters who emerged Nino Peradze promises the audience are driving bicycles, too – the cli- And she is clearly fond of in the 1980s, and is considered to be one many more picturesque exhibitions, max of phantasmagoria at this the Christmas theme- her of the most interesting graphic artists- including one specifi cally dedicated to exhibition. respective exhibitions are she often leaves Georgia to work in her traveling series. “This is already Nino’s fi fth solo always wonderful. various ateliers in the west: she is one WHERE: Chonkadze Str. 14 exhibition at our gallery,” Vanda “It’s in our interest to give of the pioneers of silk screen in Georgia, WHEN: Until Dec 19, from 12pm to 7pm GEORGIA TODAY 18 CULTURE DECEMBER 16 - 19, 2016

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER December 18, 22 CINEMA COLLATERAL BEAUTY December 6-31 THE AUTUMN OF MY SPRING Directed by David Frankel SOLO EXHIBITION Cast: Will Smith, Edward Norton, TBILISI ZAKARIA Rezo Gabriadze AMIRANI CINEMA BY LEILA SHELIA PALIASHVILI OPERA AND Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Kate Winslet Address: 36 Kostava St. Genre: Drama BALLET THEATRE English Subtitles Telephone: 2 99 99 55 FABRIKA Address: 25 Rustaveli Ave. Start time: 20:00 Language: Russian www.kinoafi sha.ge Start time: 14:55, 17:30, 20:00, 22:30 Address: 8 E. Ninoshvili Str. Telephone: 2 99 04 56 Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL Ticket: 9-14 GEL Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 Lari November 18 – December 18 December 20 MOVEMENT THEATER December 16-22 MUSEUM BRIAN GRIFFIN EXHIBITION KATIE MELUA WITH THE Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., 'MOTHER GEORGIA' FOR GORI WOMEN'S CHOIR Mushthaid park ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY Culmination concert of the GEORGIAN NATIONAL Telephone: 599 555 260 Directed by Gareth Edwards COMME DES GARCONS European Tour Cast: Felicity Jones, Mads MUSEUM SIMON Start time: 20:00 Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk JANASHIA MUSEUM VERNISSAGE GALLERY Ticket: 30 - 150 GEL December 16, 17, 18 Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Address: 49 Kote Apkhazi Str. Performance Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 Language: English Telephone: 299 88 08 GEORGIAN STATE IGGY Start time: 19:30 www.museum.ge PANTOMIME THEATRE Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Language: Russian Address: 37 Rustaveli Ave. Start time: 20:00 Start time: 16:30, 19:30, 22:00 PERMANENT EXHIBITION: December 16-30 Telephone: 2 99 63 14 Ticket: 15 GEL Ticket: 9-14 GEL GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY GURAM KHETSURIANI’S FROM 8TH MILLENNIUM B.C. SOLO EXHIBITION December 16 December 16 ALLIED KRIMANCHULI TO 4TH CENTURY A.D RECITATIVE IN THE CITY Directed by Robert Zemeckis BAIA GALLERY Directed by Amiran Shalikashvili Cast: Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard, Start time: 19:00 Start time: 20:00 EXHIBITION OF GEORGIAN Address: 10 Chardin Str Jared Harris Ticket: 10 GEL Free Admission WEAPONRY Telephone: 2 75 45 10 Genre: Action, Drama, Romance Language: Russian December 17 December 20 Start time: 19:40, 22:15 NUMISMATIC TREASURY December 13-20 HOST AND GUEST PERFORMANCE Ticket: 13-14 GEL TUTU KILADZE’S EXHIBITION Directed by Amiran Shalikashvili THE DECAMERON June 11 – March 11 (2017) LOVE 10X10 Start time: 19:00 Directed by Otar Egadze EXHIBITION MEDIEVAL Ticket: 10 GEL NOCTURNAL ANIMALS Start time: 20:00 Directed by Tom Ford TREASURY ESTIA Ticket: 10 GEL GRIBOEDOVI THEATRE Cast: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Address: 60 Tsinamzgvrishvili Str. Address: 2 Rustaveli Ave. Michael Shannon September 27 – September 22 (2017) TBILISI VASO ABASHIDZE Genre: Drama, Thriller EXHIBITION Telephone: 2 93 43 36 ANETA BASISHVILI’S MUSIC AND DRAMA Language: Russian STONE AGE GEORGIA STATE THEATRE EXHIBITION December 18 Start time: 14:00, 22:10 Address: 182 D.Agmashenebeli Ave. CHIPOLLINO Ticket: 9-14 GEL MUSEUM OF SOVIET Jianni Rodari Telephone: 2 34 80 90 OCCUPATION MUSIC Directed by Gogi Todadze www.musictheatre.ge RUSTAVELI CINEMA Address: 3 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. Language: Russian Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. TBILISI STATE Telephone: 2 55 50 00 Small Stage December 22 PERMANENT EXHIBITION CONSERVATOIRE www.kinoafi sha.ge Start time: 12:00 MARY POPPINS Address: 8 Griboedov St. Ticket: 5 GEL Directed by Davit Doiashvili GALLERY Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL Telephone: 2 93 46 24 Musical GABRIADZE THEATRE December 16-22 Start time: 19:00 THE NATIONAL GALLERY Address: 13 Shavtelis St. December 16 Ticket: From 8 GEL Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. Telephone: 2 98 65 93 ALLIED NEW MUSIC EVENING www.museum.ge (Info Above) KOKA NIKOLADZE (GEORGIA) December 17, 18 Start time: 14:130 December 17 Start time: 19:30 RAMONA ONCE UPON A TIME Ticket: 9-14 GEL PERMANENT EXHIBITION Ticket: 5-20 GEL Rezo Gabriadze Christmas Tale Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Directed by Davit Doiashvili ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY June 24, 2016 – June 24, 2017 English Subtitles Musical (Info Above) PIROSMANI’S YARD CLEANER December 19 Start time: 20:00 Start time: 19:00 Start time: 12:00, 14:15, 17:15, 19:30, 22:30 AND EAGLE SEIZING A HARE JAZZ EVENING Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL Ticket: From 8 GEL Ticket: 9-14 GEL ON DISPLAY KAREL BOEHLEE TRIO Start time: 19:30 December 16 OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY December 21 September 28 - September 28 (2017) MARSHAL DE FANTIE’S Directed by Josh Gordon, Will Speck Ticket: 10-100 GEL DIVORCE DIAMOND Cast: Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, PIROSMANI’S ROE AT A STREAM Rezo Gabriadze Davit Eristavi T.J. Miller December 20 Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Directed by Davit Doiashvili Genre: Comedy November 29 - January 28 (2017) DEBUT English Subtitles Musical Language: Russian EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO FOLK MUSIC CONCERT Start time: 19:00 Start time: 20:00 Start time: 12:00 THE 140TH ANNIVERSARY OF Start time: 19:30 Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL Ticket: From 8 GEL Ticket: 8-9 GEL IAKOB NIKOLADZE Ticket: 5-20 GEL

December 21 ORGAN MUSIC CONCERT Start time: 19:30 Ticket: 5-25 GEL

TBILISI CONCERT HALL Address: 1 Melikishvili St. Telephone: 2 99 00 99

December 17, 18 COMEDY SHOW, VANO’S SHOW, KERIS UBANI’S NEW YEAR SHOW PROGRAM Start time: December 17 – 18:00, 20:30, December 18 – 15:00, 18:00, 20:30

MOVEMENT THEATER Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., Mushthaid park Telephone: 599 555 260

December 20, 22 JAM SESSION Reso Kiknaze Quintet Start time: 21:00 Entry: Free

December 21 TANGO EVENING MILONGA, LA CUMPARSITA Argentine Tango Dance Night Start time: 21:00 Ticket: 5 GEL GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 SPORTS 19 Baseball and Softball in Georgia

our soil. What a delight that it eventu- one of the best in the USSR, used to play OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE ally happened thanks to the efforts and for the national team of the Soviet Union. enthusiasm of Gela Chikhradze and He is currently a well-known business- Ramaz Goglidze – the two Georgian man and public fi gure who promised hen we talk about gentlemen who managed to bring the Congress participants he would breathe Georgia’s western wonderful baseball seed to our Georgia new life into baseball and softball in political orienta- from the American Georgia. The seed Georgia. I am more than sure he will do tion, we should in was sowed and it bore fruit although it his utmost to keep his word. the fi rst place load still needs a lot of nurturing yet for it The annual report which was presented Wthis ideological stance with related fl ourish into a real healthy and full-grown to the Congress by the Secretary General content. And the most relevant content baseball tree. of the Federation, Giorgi Datunashvili, of this nation’s political orientation is Last Saturday, the Congress of the refl ected all the highlights of Georgian our westernization in every possible Georgian Baseball and Softball Federa- baseball and softball that deserved atten- respect and direction. Knowledge of tion was held, with a very impressive tion. the English language is foremost among turnout, to elect a new president and to The Georgian baseball and softball the merits that make us sound western, introduce certain necessary changes in teams have successfully played in Europe but it is not everything, although we rules and regulations. The event was a and America, all thanks to talent and are doing quite well in terms of our real success, especially because, for the enthusiasm because of the paucity of linguistic qualifi cation. The adoption fi rst time in history, a genuine baseball funding. But nobody wants to be pes- of the most characteristic western player was elected President of the Fed- simistic among the brave players and manners and the most well-known eration – unanimously! Davit Khrikadze, their fans. Well-known coaches Gia western traditions would be helpful a famous baseball player of recent times, Kemoklidze and Nugzar Kapanadze are too, including the sporting ones. For always poised and ready to give more instance, playing cricket would make impetus to the new-born sports in Geor- us look very British and playing base- gia, doing this with love and with their ball and softball would have us feel like weathered professionalism. real McCoy Americans. As a matter of It is so fortunate that American ambas- fact, this is one of the ways the nations sadors in Georgia are great fans of Geor- of the world are getting to know each The sports are elegant gian baseball and softball: they never other more closely. miss the opportunity to attend a match, Georgians have already tasted both and enticing; one especially the already traditional spring baseball and softball. We even have a and autumn friendlies between the federation of these sports which is try- needs to possess all American Marines and the Georgian ing its very best to give our people a the following features national team. sensation of being into this outstanding Somebody might ask– why baseball American pastime. I remember like yes- together to perform and softball? These sports are elegant terday something which happened back and enticing; one needs to possess all in 1989 when I was in America on one well: physical strength, the following features taken together to of my journalistic stints, working as cor- perform well – physical strength, talent respondent for the NBC affi liate televi- talent and smarts. On and smarts. On top of all that, the base- sion channel in Atlanta, Georgia, called top of all that, the ball-softball combination is unisex mean- 11-Alive. The station once gave me an ing the whole country can play it. To cut assignment to create a story about my baseball-softball it short, Georgians fi t perfectly in both fi rst ever baseball match. Incidentally, these sports and vice versa, both fi t well that day I signed more than 200 baseballs combination is unisex, in our sporting life. As the new Federa- for the fans. The feeling was absolutely meaning the whole tion President Khrikadze noted, baseball unique, especially because I then started and softball are actual Georgian sports. dreaming of having it transplanted onto country can play it Don’t laugh at this – he is right!

PUBLISHER & GM Journalists: Photographer: ADDRESS Reproducing material, photos George Sharashidze Tony Hanmer, Irakli Dolidze 1 Melikishvili Str. and advertisements without Zaza Jgarkava, Tbilisi, 0179, Georgia prior editorial permission is COMMERCIAL Maka Bibilashvili, Layout: strictly forbidden. DEPARTMENT Karen Tovmasyan, Misha Mchedlishvili Tel.: +995 32 229 59 19 The author is responsible for Commercial Director: Dimitri Dolaberidze, E: [email protected] all material. Rights of authors Iva Merabishvili Maka Lomadze, Webmaster: F: GeorgiaToday are preserved. The newspaper Marketing Manager: Tim Ogden, Joseph Larsen, Sergey Gevenov is registered in Mtatsminda Mako Burduli Vazha Tavberidze, ADVERTISING & district court. Nugzar B. Ruhadze, Circulation Managers: SUBSCRIPTION EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT: Nino Gugunishvili, David Kerdikashvili, +995 595 279997 GEORGIA TODAY Editor-In-Chief: Thea Morrison, David Djandjgava E-mail: marketing@ Reg. # 06/4-309 Katie Ruth Davies Natia Liparteliani georgiatoday.ge