Issue no: 1047 • MAY 11 - 14, 2018 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... US Denounces Breakaway S.Ossetia's Closure of "Border" with Georgia NEWS PAGE 2 The Georgians in Afghanistan POLITICS PAGE 6 What Next in Iran? POLITICS PAGE 7 Azerbaijan to Export Electricity to Bulgaria via Turkey BUSINESS PAGE 8

Economy Minister of Israel Visiting Georgia to FOCUS ‘Strengthen ON Existing CineDoc's Guest Country this Economic year was Romania. We take a look at one of the fi lms it Bridges’ featured PAGE 10 SOCIETY PAGE 9 Tree Planting Counters Smoking Ban - 25 Fines Imposed in Landslides and Erosion in Kazbegi One Week SOCIETY PAGE 11

BY THEA MORRISON Sounds of Georgia Offers Mini-Concerts for Tourists

welve individuals and 13 legal enti- in Tbilisi ties were fi ned in a week by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) CULTURE PAGE 12 for violation of the new tobacco regulations which entered into force Night Life in Tbilisi: City Hall’s Ton May 1. On May 5, two persons were arrested in a bar New Concept in Georgia’s western town of Kutaisi for refus- ing to obey the law. A total of 46 calls were made to the MIA regard- ing violations of the smoking ban from May 1 to where food products are not sold. A special Smoking in air, sea or land public transport also May 8. Up to 2000 police offi cers have been license is necessary to open such a bar. carries a penalty. The driver of the transport is assigned to monitor the execution of the law. In the fi rst instance of violation, institutions to be fi ned 500 GEL, and if repeated, this will be Smoking of tobacco, including electronic ciga- are being fi ned GEL 500. In case of repeated doubled. However, if an individual person smokes rettes and hookah, is prohibited in all enclosed violation, the fi ne goes up to GEL 1000. Indi- on land public transport, the violator is to be fi ned areas, with the exception of houses, psychiatric viduals who break the law can expect a GEL 50 100 GEL. For violation of rules in air or rail trans- clinics, penitentiary facilities and casinos. fi ne and, in case of repeated violation, the fi ne port, the violator is to be fi ned 50 GEL, which will Smoking of cigars is only allowed in cigar-bars, will be doubled. be doubled in case of repeat violation. CULTURE PAGE 15 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS MAY 11 - 14, 2018 US Denounces Breakaway S.Ossetia's Closure of "Border" with Georgia

the administrative boundary line in the BY THEA MORRISON Russian-occupied territory of South Ossetia,” the statement reads. Georgian National Communications The US Department of State added eather Nauert, the Spokes- that these closures coincide with Geor- person of the US Depart- gia’s celebration of Victory Day and Commission Launches Media Literacy Project ment of State, has released restrict freedom of movement for resi- a statement denouncing dents living on both sides of the admin- helping people to develop critical think- 2. The development of media criticism BY THEA MORRISON the decision of de facto istrative boundary line. ing skills so that they can better analyze that will help journalists and producers Hauthorities of Georgia’s Russian-backed “In addition, the United States calls for information provided by the media. in their work and to function as a guide breakaway region of South Ossetia, an immediate halt to the ongoing illegal The commission plans to develop the for consumers to choose which media regarding the closure of the so called detentions of Georgian citizens by de he Georgian National Com- project in four directions: products to use. border with Georgia for four days. facto and Russian authorities along the munications Commission 1. A 3-6-month course for media man- 3. Raising awareness of consumers in “The United States is concerned by the administrative boundary lines with the (GNCC) has started imple- agers, producers and journalists. The order to help them distinguish real and decision of the de facto South Ossetian Russian-occupied territories of Abkha- mentation of a Media Lit- goal of the course is to assist media rep- fake news and good and poor quality authorities to temporarily close con- zia and South Ossetia,” the statement eracy Project which envis- resentatives to increase the knowledge products. trolled crossing points in Georgia along reads. Tages raising the quality of media and and qualifi cation of multimedia content. Continued on page 4

GEORGIA TODAY 4 NEWS MAY 11 - 14, 2018 The Banning of Soviet Symbols in Georgia

(Nazi) regimes and their propaganda and for other BY THEA MORRISON purposes referred to in this Law,” says Article 7 of the Freedom Charter. “The factions represented in the Parliament of Georgia shall be granted the otalitarian communist and fascist right to propose one candidate to the Commission. symbols are banned at the legislative The composition of the Commission (except for level in Georgia. The Liberty Charter, members proposed by the factions represented in adopted in 2011, bans public display the Parliament of Georgia) and its Code of Conduct of Soviet and Nazi symbols, including shall be set out in regulations developed and Tstatues or photos of the former Soviet leader and approved by the head of the State Security Service native Georgian, Joseph Stalin. of Georgia.” The Charter, among other issues, also envisages In late 2013, the Charter was amended, according the creation of a state commission at the Interior to which if, after a warning from the state commis- Ministry in charge of gathering information about sion, this provision, banning the public display of the existence of symbols, monuments, statues, such symbols, is still violated, the action will carry inscriptions, and the names of streets or squares a fi nancial penalty of GEL 1000. that refl ect or contain “elements of communist or Despite offi cially banning totalitarian symbols, fascist ideology and propaganda.” the law is said not to be properly executed. For The law does not apply to private individuals, but example, the State Security Service (SSS) warned Photo: Socialist Georgia holding rally in Vake Park, May 9, 2018 it establishes that the use of Soviet totalitarian Socialist Georgia party representatives not to use Source: Netgazeti symbols cannot be used on state and local self- Soviet symbols while celebrating the Day of Vic- gia non-parliamentary opposition party, often should not eradicate them. government buildings, squares and streets. Also, tory over fascism on May 9, 2018. However, the affi liated with Russia, believes Soviet symbols “Half the world fought against the Nazis with the use of these symbols is prohibited at public party representatives arrived in central Tbilisi's should not be banned. Soviet symbols. Instead of banning them, the state gatherings and public places. Vake Park with Soviet fl ags, various symbols and According to her, in World War II, Georgian sol- should concentrate on today’s problems and stop Georgia was the fi rst post-Soviet country outside Stalin’s photos. diers fought with Soviet symbols and the state acting like fools,” Burjanadze stated. of the Baltics to ban former KGB operatives and “Communist and Socialist movements are not senior Communist Party offi cials from holding banned anywhere; no international law or tribunal public offi ce. They are also prohibited from serv- has prohibited Communist ideals and symbols. The ing as university deans or judges. Parliament of Georgia has no right to ban these “A Commission shall be established within the symbols,” Valery Kvaratskhelia, the party leader Poland Opens Case against State Security Service of Georgia for the purpose stated. of preventing the crimes referred to in Chapter Moreover, in Stalin’s hometown Gori, located in XXXVIII of the Criminal Code of Georgia and for central Georgia, locals brought Stalin’s bust into ensuring state security and the development of the central square, where a 9-meter statue of him Nord Stream 2 Funders democracy and for registering and accepting once stood, until 2010, when, on the government’s acknowledgements and providing a database of orders, the statue was dismantled in secret, late at According to UOKiK, despite this, the companies BY DIMITRI DOLABERIDZE former secret agents of the intelligence services of night, in order to avoid the . nevertheless continued to fi nance the construction the former USSR and other state offi cials referred Neither Socialist party nor the Gori locals were of Nord Stream 2, an act considered a violation of to in this Law, as well as for the purpose of prohib- fi ned by the SSS on May 9. anti-monopoly legislation. If this fact is confi rmed, iting totalitarian Communist and national socialist Nino Burjanadze, the leader of Democratic Geor- he Polish Offi ce for the Protection of the consortium faces a fi ne of up to 10 percent of Competition (UOKiK) has launched the annual turnover. an antitrust investigation against In addition, the anti-monopoly authority may Gazprom and fi ve companies that fund order the sale of part of the assets of the partner- Nord Stream 2. ship and dissolve it. T“Two years ago, the company that was supposed The second Nord Stream is to pass along the basin to construct the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline was of the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany. The fi rst not cleared for this transaction by UOKiK,” explains Nord Stream transports 55 billion cubic meters of Marek Niechciał, the President of UOKiK. “Unfor- gas per year on two strings; the second gas pipeline tunately, as the preliminary proceedings proved, is designed for the same capacity. the entities decided to fi nance this project despite UOKIK’s objection. This may constitute a violation of anti-monopoly law and that is why we put the allegations to Gazprom and fi ve other entities.” In 2016, Poland denied the project participants permission to create a joint venture for the con- struction of a gas pipeline on the territory of the country. After that, Gazprom, Shell, Uniper, Win- tershall and other participants of the consortium MZA CHITILI withdrew the relevant application. “Mza Chitili” produces vegetable and fl ower seedlings. "Mza Chitili" is the fi rst company in Georgia, which is making both, normal and grafted seedlings. For grafting we are using the latest Italian technologies and robots. Georgian National Communications WG Techno Commission Launches Media Literacy Project "Mza Chitili" was founded by WG Techno. WG Techno is the fi rst and largest supplier of contemporary irrigation systems in Georgia, company aslo produces polyethylene pipes in Tbilisi, which exports to the neighboring countries. Continued from page 2 “The model of media business has changed, because the platform is changing and moving to 4. Creation of Media Lab, which will support an internet format,” he explained. and fund start-ups in digital media. Start-uppers Bekauri underlined that although the GNCC is who develop interesting projects in the direction a state body, it is absolutely independent from the of digital media will be given a chance to receive state institutions, adding it will not affect media funding from Media lab. pluralism in training the journalists. The Chair of the GNCC, Kakha Bekauri, says “We do not force anyone to study and raise their that in the modern era, the only instrument for qualifi cations in our academy. It is voluntary to creating a good quality media product is to develop participate in our trainings. The whole process is media literacy. based on the desire of both sides,” he said. In his interview with Imedi TV, Bekauri explained As for media pluralism in particular, Bekauri Our Branches Rafael Agladze St 37, Tbilisi, Georgia +995 322 30 98 90; that for start-uppers as well as acting journalists says the situation is ideal in Georgia. Tskhinvali Highway 4, Gori, Georgia +995 599 63 60 30; and media managers, the Georgian National Com- “Until 2012, the number of national broadcasters Agmashenebeli Avenue 47, Tsnori, Georgia +995 555 41 87 06; munications Commission will establish an acad- numbered four. Since 2012, the number has increased Rustaveli st. 70, Marneuli, Georgia +995 322 18 08 40; www.mzachitili.ge emy within the framework of the Media Literacy fi ve times and today there are 21. The number of [email protected] Project, where they will be able to improve their general TV broadcasters has also doubled, and fb.com/mzachitili skills. today there are 98 broadcasters in Georgia,” he fb.com/wgtechno “The main emphasis will be placed on techno- added. logical development and its effect on media. From In December 2017, the Parliament of Georgia classical media, we are moving to multimedia. In adopted amendments to the Georgian Law on this regard, we do not have a good situation in Broadcasting and commissioned a new function Georgia. Even big companies have not developed to the GNCC that includes promoting and devel- multimedia products yet,” Bekauri stated. oping media literacy in the country. The Chair of the GNCC added that there is no Within the framework of the project, the Amer- longer a demand for large format media products, ican media expert at Long Island University, Mitch WG Techno has ISO 9001:2015 certifi cation for design, sales and installation of irrigation but on short and compact ones that are compat- Semel, has already trained the staff of the GNCC systems. Sale of components (pipes, pumps, fi ttings) for water supply system. ible with smartphones and computers. and journalists.

GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS MAY 11 - 14, 2018 The Georgians in Afghanistan

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE

eorgia is the number one non-member contributor when it comes to the NATO Mission in Afghanistan: this is one of the more oft men- tionedG statements when it comes to Geor- gia’s EuroAtlantic aspirations. And while some might think that the ongoing wait for MAP suggests a lack of appreciation for Georgia’s efforts, the military leader- ship of the Alliance are anything but. While reporting on the NATO Ministerial last month in the scope of our ‘Messages from ’ series, we spoke to US Colonel Thomas Gukeisen, one of the youngest outgoing commanders of the US forces in Afghanistan, about the qual- ity and experience of Georgian troops.

WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THE GEORGIANS WHO ARE FIGHTING THERE? I’m very thankful to the country of Geor- gia. I sleep better at night because they guard me on the base I’m on in Kabul, at the Resolute Support headquarters. I know they get a lot of training before they come. I’ve seen fi ve or six Georgian rotations and I’m very impressed by their professionalism, their attention to detail, their desire for the success of the mis- sion. Any incident or any potential inci- dent occurs, they automatically take the initiative and increase wherever force protection is necessary. It allows me to work and do my job knowing that Geor- gia is supplying the force protection on the Kabul base. nations, they were guarding all of us. here sounds wonderful. February and the Kabul Process. On 14 THEY COME BACK HOME? Georgia contributes quite a bit to the They are trained, well prepared and they February, the Taliban wrote a letter to Any military force that actually goes on a mission, more than many other countries execute the mission fl awlessly. WHAT’S THE ATTITUDE OF THE America seeking peace. If you look at mission abroad learns quite a bit; they in the NATO alliance. I’m thankful for LOCAL POPULATION TOWARDS those two documents, they are closely learn about themselves, they learn how to that. It’s a lot for the country of Georgia WE HEAR THE GEORGIANS US AND GEORGIAN FORCES? aligned, more than anything. You have work in operability with other ally coun- to commit so many troops in support of HAVE A CHAPEL ON THE BASE I think they’re very grateful. You know messages from some Talibans seeking tries; so I think the Georgians will be much the missions. One day at nine o’clock, I kept hearing that NATO and many others contribute peace, you have the Tashkent conference more prepared by supporting this mission, this bell from my room. When I talked both militarily and fi nancially. And I think that the international community reaf- again it’s about working with other coun- HOW WELL PREPARED ARE to Georgians, they say, you know, we’ve we’ve seen a change in the attitude of fi rmed, the foreign ministerial just now. tries, with other nations and the training GEORGIAN TROOPS? got a little chapel there for services; they people; people are standing up now, both So you have the international community they get, it’s always good. You can train at Very well prepared. They get trained in ring the bell to let people know that the women and kids; they say we’re done ready and now it’s up to the Taliban and home but when you’re abroad, that makes Georgia with US Marine Corps before church is in session. with war; we want the war to be over. Afghan government to work out the the training that much more real. they come, so they are always highly peculiarities of the peace deal. trained and ready to execute the mission. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN HOW CLOSE DO YOU THINK His article was prepared in the scope of And again, I’ve seen six rotations of them TO GEORGIA? WE ARE NOW TO PEACE HOW USEFUL WILL THE “Messages from Brussels” series, a project by and I am very proud to say that Geor- Not yet. I’ve been in Afghanistan for IN AFGHANISTAN? KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE European Alliance for Georgia, a Brussels- gians were there protecting many of our almost two years. So, having a little vaca- Closer than we’ve ever been. We had THE GEORGIAN FORCES GOT based advocacy organization dedicated to NATO alliance members and 38 other tion to Georgia when I fi nish my mission President Ghani’s offer of peace on 20 IN AFGHANISTAN BE WHEN “Bringing more Georgia into Europe.” Ticking Bombs

Georgia, travel to Azerbaijan, then via OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA the Caspian Sea to Kazakhstan, and on through Uzbekistan to arrive in Afghan- istan. After signing this document of hile part of the Geor- historical importance, international gian political elite is media started a discussion about Aktau, busy discussing the saying that it will automatically become return of ex-Premier a base for the Pentagon and its allies. Bidzina Ivanishvili Apparently, British destroyers and NATO toW big politics, the other is trying to Navy ships have become more active gather something like an oppositional in the Black Sea in response to this coalition. At the same time, epochal event, and, most importantly, they will changes are taking place in our geo- patrol the Black Sea waters on an ongo- graphical neighborhood: Armenians ing basis. Kazakhstan’s decision once said goodbye to the Soviet ghost and again proved to the Kremlin that in big brought a new political fi gure to lead politics, only interests matter and the the government. Although the remix of friendship of Nazarbayev and Putin was the ongoing colorful revolution in the only temporary. streets of Yerevan has somehow over- In light of these events, the forgotten shadowed the transformation of another persona of Eduard Kokoity, the former their territory by historical right. While that in the geographical center of Geor- to Afghanistan, but the whole statehood neighboring country – Kazakhstan, leader of the occupational regime of Offi cial Tbilisi and the public have a gia, just 35 km from Tbilisi and a few of Georgia. Encouraging discussions there’s no question that what President Tskhinvali, came to the fore. Although much sharper reaction to the themes of hundred meters from the vital Tbilisi- about changing the Geneva format and Nursultan Nazarbayev just did is per- his current debut was a mess of absurd Abkhazia than what’s going on in Tskh- Poti highway and the railway, in very starting direct negotiations with occu- haps equal to many revolutions, color- accusations, aired on Tskhinvali and invali and the South Ossetia region, in close proximity to the high voltage power pational regimes should be considered ful and non, taken together. Vladikavkaz television, it is still impor- reality, the geopolitical, military, politi- lines, stands the occupational army. If as an answer to the decision taken in President Nazarbayev fi nally agreed tant to pay attention to the demands he cal, communicational and other aspects needed, the latter could in a matter of Astana, as should the case of Archil to the new route designed to carry spe- and other “collective Kokoitys” made. of the latter are much more signifi cant minutes block the main highway and Tatunashvili, which nearly served as the cial American cargo from the ports of The topic concerns the Truso Valley, and crucial for our country at the moment. railways using tanks decorated with detonator that could have blown up new Aktau and Kuryk to Afghanistan. Amer- which is in the area of Borjomi-Bakuri- The agreement signed by President Ossetian fl ags, which would put into political order that is trying to establish ica asked for the said route to start in ani and Akhalgori, Kokoity proclaim is Nazarbayev once again demonstrated question not only the movement of cargo itself at the southern borders of Russia. GEORGIA TODAY MAY 11 - 14, 2018 POLITICS 7 What Next in Iran? is already in a turbulent phase with con- OP-ED BY BENYAMIN POGHOSYAN tinuing depreciation of the Iranian cur- rency and growing unemployment. The December 2017-January 2018 mass dem- n May 8, US President onstrations in different Iranian cities Donald Trump made the proved the growing discontent among decision to pull the US out the Iranian population. However, it may of the Iran nuclear deal take years if not decades to see the wors- (JCPOA). This was done ening economy create the necessary despiteO all efforts of European leaders conditions for fundamental changes to to convince Trump to stay in. The Pres- be made in the Iranian foreign policy. ident of France and German Chancellor Meanwhile, the President Trump’s deci- Merkel visited Washington late April sion makes any further US-Iran nego- and UK Foreign Secretary Johnson was tiations on issues relating to the future in DC on May 6-7. However, all failed to of Iran’s ballistic missile program or reach an agreement with the US Presi- Iran’s regional activities less likely to dent. President Trump’s decision means happen. It will also strengthen the posi- the restoration of the US nuclear related tions of foreign policy hardliners in Iran Iran sanctions, including the ones on the who argue that any negotiations with Central Bank of Iran that are part of Sec- the US are senseless, as Washington can’t tion 1245 of the FY2012 National Defense be trusted. Authorization Act. This renewal of US British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron | Ludovic Marin/ In the short-term perspective, both Iran sanctions will potentially have an imme- AFP via Getty Images and other members of the nuclear deal diate impact on all countries purchasing its full implementation by all other par- guarantee from them, Iran was not going ments that they will not tolerate a per- will continue to adhere to the 2015 agree- oil from Iran, and particularly on coun- ties to the deal. to stick to the nuclear agreement. manent Iranian military presence in Syria ment, but the unilateral US decision paves tries with fi nancial institutions that have In a televized address, Iranian Presi- President Trump’s decision will further and will not allow use of Syrian territory way for Iran to more actively pursue its transactions with Iranian banks, since dent Rouhani called President Trump’s complicate the geopolitical situation as a launch pad for producing and deliv- ballistic missile program as well as they will be cut off from doing business decision to pull the US out of the Iranian around Iran. In recent months, the region ering modern weaponry, and especially strengthen its involvement in Syria, Iraq, with the American economy. nuclear deal illegal and illegitimate and has been facing the growing Iran-Israel precision missiles, to Lebanon. Yemen and Lebanon. Tehran will likely Immediately after President Trump’s a “violation of international agreements.” rivalry in Syria. Just hours after President Israel is actively engaged with Russia seek to deepen its cooperation with Tur- decision, UK Prime Minister Teresa May, He went on to emphasize that Iran had Trump’s May 8 decision, Israeli military in trying to thwart the delivery of mod- key and Russia, creating necessary lever- German Chancellor Angela Merkel and always complied with the nuclear deal jets attacked an Iranian base near Damas- ern air defense systems to Syria and use age in its relations with the US and Israel. France President Emmanuel Macron and was going to stay in the accord cus. According to Israeli sources, Iran the Russia-Iran partnership in Syria to Thus, President Trump’s decision will made a joint statement in which they despite the US pullout. was going to launch missiles targeting curb Iranian infl uence through Russian not prevent Iran form continuing on its emphasized that the nuclear agreement The Iranian Foreign Ministry was Israel from that base in retaliation to the support. The Israeli Prime Minister current foreign policy course and will remained important for their shared instructed to hold talks on the nuclear Israeli attack against the T4 Iranian base recent statement revealing tons of Ira- bring the Iran-Israel military confl ict, security and urged all sides to remain deal with the EU, Russia and China within near Syrian Homs carried out on April 9. nian secret documents, allegedly proving with the potential involvement of Saudi committed to its full implementation. the next few weeks. Leader of the Islamic Meanwhile, the May 6 Parliamentary Iran’s breach of the nuclear deal, defi - Arabia, closer. In such a scenario, Syria The three leaders said they would remain Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei, during elections in Lebanon, the fi rst since 2009, nitely played a role in tilting President and Lebanon may well be transformed parties to the JCPOA. They then called his visit to the Farhangian University on strengthened the Hezbollah positions in Trump towards pulling the US out of the into an Israel-Iran-Saudi Arabia confl ict on the US to ensure that the structures May 9, stated that Iran did not trust the the country, potentially making a new deal. hotspot, which will only prolong the suf- of the JCPOA could remain intact, and three European countries which are part Israel-Hezbollah war more likely. Israeli The US decision will put additional ferings of the Syrian people with no clear to avoid taking action which may obstruct of the deal and without receiving a strong authorities have made multiple state- pressure on the Iranian economy, which path to victory for either side. GEORGIA TODAY 8 BUSINESS MAY 11 - 14, 2018 Siberia: Russia’s Alternative Vector

Azerbaijan to Export Electricity to Bulgaria via Turkey

sia and Georgia, as well as Azerbaijan, BY DIMITRI DOLABERIDZE Georgia and Iran. “I hope that urgent measures to increase the generation capacity of the energy zerbaijan plans to start system and upgrade the transmission exporting electricity to infrastructure, taking into account the Bulgaria through the ter- favorable geographical position of Azer- ritory of Turkey, the head baijan, will allow the country to become of Azerenergy JSC, Etibar the leader in the region for the export APirverdiyev, announced. and transit of electricity,” he stressed. “Some years ago, the leadership of As reported, Azerbaijan in 2017 exported Azerbaijan set the task of exporting 1 billion 160 million 196,03 thousand kW electric power to Turkey and gradually / hour for $50 million 968.96 thousand. increasing in volume,” Pirverdiyev noted. Total exports to Russia were 124 million “Work in this direction is ongoing. 413.86 thousand kW / h of electricity for Siberia. Image source: opendemocracy.net Exports of electricity through Turkey $7 million 107.08 thousand, to Georgia to Greece are ensured, starting this year. - 891 million 22.52 thousand kW / hour invasions from the European continent, Siberia is an untapped territory of OP-ED BY EMIL AVDALIANI Now, negotiations have begun on the for $37 million 573.68 thousand, to Tur- but the truth is that most wars fought by resources and the Russians have always supply of electricity from Azerbaijan key - 101 million 469.64 thousand kW / them did not directly correspond to Rus- been curious why their governments to Bulgaria through Turkey.” hour for $5 million 73.48 thousand and sian state interests. have not worked to develop those lands. The Head of Azerenerji did not spec- to Iran - 43 million 290 thousand kW / he current crisis between Even today, Russia claims that the Today, when Europe is a source of ify what volumes of electricity exports hour for the amount of $1 million 214.71 Russia and the West is country’s western borders are vulner- technological progress as Japan and to Bulgaria are being discussed, but he thousand. formed from so many fun- able because NATO and the EU are China are, never in Russian history has did point out that at present Azerbaijan Power generation helps Azerbaijan to damental (geopolitical) marching East. In fact, Russia has far there been such opportunity to develop occupies an important position in the create an annual export potential of differences, both in the more vulnerable territories, such as the Siberia and transform itself into a pow- balance of the electric energy of Turkey. several billion kWh. To export surplus Tformer Soviet space and elsewhere, that North Caucasus and the porous Central erbase of the world economy. He added that work is underway to electricity, Azerbaijan has its eyes on there are indications the relations will Asia. Russia’s geographic position is indeed create a North-South energy corridor several major projects, including the remain stalled for long into the future In some respect, the Russians are sim- unique and will remain so for another between Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia, Energy Bridge Azerbaijan-Georgia- unless one of the sides makes large con- ply spending too much of their national several decades, as the ice cap in the as well as an East-West energy corridor, Turkey, which will allow Azerbaijan to cessions. energies on problems with the West. Arctic Ocean is set to diminish signifi - which provides for the unifi cation of export to Europe about 700 MW of This quite naturally leads many to think Costly military modernization and the cantly. The Arctic Ocean will be trans- the energy systems of Azerbaijan, Rus- electricity a year. how this state of affairs will impact the support for various separatist regimes formed into an ocean of commercial Russian foreign policy. One thing is clear: in Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia weighs highways, giving Russia historical pos- the direct Russian geopolitical infl uence much on the Russian budget. sibilities to become a potential sea power. around its borders has diminished over Some Russians could rightly question Chinese and Japanese human and tech- the past 25 years or so. Although the as to why their country is spending so nological resources in the Far East of CEO of Adjara Group break-up of the Soviet Union was indeed much on the former Soviet space when Russia, and European resources in the catastrophic to what the Russian rulers Russia’s current borders are more in West of Russia, will transform the coun- had been building for centuries, a more Asia. Why is their country spending so try into a land of opportunity. Named 2018 Young fundamental diminishing of the Russian much on unsuccessfully derailing the The battle with Europe might not be infl uence has been taking place since Western infl uences on small lands of the best foreign policy option for Russia, 1991. Georgia and other parts of the former as was the case in the pre-WWI period. Successful western expansion into what Soviet space? It is doubly true when one Internal economic development is by World Leader by World was always considered as the “Russian looks at the map of Russia with its large far the biggest opportunity to exert infl u- backyard,” in some sense isolated Rus- Siberian lands uncultivated and free of ence abroad and the Russians still have sia’s projection of power and diminished population masses. this chance. the country into the north of Eurasia – Economic Forum between the fast-developing China, Japan and other Asian countries and the tech- he Executive Director of nologically modern European landmass. Adjara Group, Valeri Chek- Many foreigners believe that the Euro- heria, has been named the pean advances in the former Soviet space 2018 Young World Leader go against Russian state interests, so do by the World Economic the Russians in the Kremlin. True, Ukraine TForum. is important, and losing its market to the The 100 most prominent leaders in the EU hurt the Russian Eurasian Economic age group of 40 years were selected to Union. But it often happens in the for- “create an inclusive and sustainable mation of foreign policy that popular future.” notions take hold over pure state inter- Valeri Chekheria, Chief Executive ests. Russia before the World War 1 Offi cer at Adjara Group Hospitality, believed that its state interests lay in its Georgia, has been dubbed “one of the control of the Bosporus and Dardanelles visionaries leading the creative trans- straits. They also believed that the Slavs formation of Georgia's capital, Tbilisi.” in the Balkans were Russia’s primary His company is said to be on the cusp allies in the name of Slavic unity. of “revolutionizing the hospitality indus- They join the union and the fi ve-year The Russians also believed that the try as the country raises the tourism bar program, within which they have to think German and Austro-Hungarian empires and positions itself as an emerging Euro- beyond their competence and thus were a threat to Russia and entangled pean destination.” [source: widgets. become more infl uential and more effec- themselves in the alliance with France weforum.org] tive leaders. and Great Britain. The truth is that Rus- The world's most promising and hope- Each is named for their innovative sia fought the war for France’s revanchist ful artists, business persons, public serv- activities, unconventional approach to goals of reuniting Alsace and Lorraine, ants, technicians and social workers are problems and the bridges they have built and for Great Britain’s interests of secur- invited to join the World Economic between cultures, businesses, govern- ing domination over the seas. Forum's Young Global Leaders (YGL). ment and civil society. The Russians were always afraid of Tomsk, Russia / erasmusu.com GEORGIA TODAY MAY 11 - 14, 2018 SOCIETY 9 Economy Minister of Israel Visiting Georgia to ‘Strengthen Existing Economic Bridges’

tiations and achievements within the BY ITSIK MOSHE* TOURISM framework of his visit will strengthen We expressed an optimistic view about the existing economic bridge which the potential of Georgian tourism in occupies a central position in Georgia- 2000, and opened the Georgian Tourism s the balance of power Israel relations. Representative building in Israel. We changes throughout the Such initiatives, advice, recommenda- have been making very noticeable pro- world, new formations are tions and linkages are the daily activities gress since then. made and strategic partner- of the Israel-Georgia Chamber of Busi- Last year, the number of tourists in ships inside the region as ness. Georgia rose to 60% and we think that Awell as between neighboring regions it would be a great accomplishment if gain huge importance. In such times, it WHAT SHOULD THE ROLE OF such growth was preserved and each is crucial for two countries which have THE GOVERNMENT BE? day saw a minimum of two direct fl ights, friendly connections with each other to The intensity of the initiative depends not only in summer, but year-round. deepen relations and widen cooperative on the knowledge of bilateral reality and From Israeli tourists alone, Georgia spheres. we therefore consider it our job. Busi- receives more than $100 million dollars ness depends on the private sector, not and, until 2020, the amount of money WHAT INITIATIVES government and diplomats, but the role coming from Israeli tourists combined SHOULD BE MADE? of the government is in commiting to with previous years will exceed $1 bil- I am very proud that during the last 30 promoting and protecting all of this. lion. years, around 70% of initiatives have The initiatives at times receive com- This number is not enough, which is come from our side. At fi rst, the process ments from skeptics. In 2002, we made why conservative and traditional diplo- of connecting Georgia with Israel and a statement about daily fl ights and the macy, when not combined with public with Jews in general was in the format irony was felt in the large-scale direct and business diplomacy and with lob- of Jewish agency ‘Sochnut,’ then the investments which followed right up until byist activities, will bring no positive process evolved through the framework the global crisis. It was during that period impact. Now is the time for lobbyist of Israel-Georgia Chamber of Business that Israel's business left Georgia. Some activities and both sides should activate and the Israeli House. may also look ironically to our recent the working process. This needs a deep Over the past two years, we have intro- prediction that Georgia will become a knowledge about the other side, its duced important initiatives, which have startup country and that there is a huge potentials and abilities, if a positive out- resulted in changing the format for rela- potential for cooperation with Israel. We come is desired. tions between Georgia and Israel. We already have feedback on the latter. We are working on new initiatives have more ambitious plans in 2018, For continuing the activities begun, the which will be a great encouragement for including direct offi cial visits, an eco- government should create a legislative the state sector. We think that economic nomic agreement to sign, and the suc- base and intensively protect foreign relations between Georgia and Israel cessful implementation of Israeli models, investments. cannot be measured only in numbers. including within the high-tech industry. I strongly believe that the most effec- In fact, it is a well constructed economic The Minister of Economy and Industry tive and qualitative measure is not to bridge between the two countries. of Israel, Mr. Eli Cohen, is now on an attract foreign investments, but to solve * President of Israel-Georgia Chamber of offi cial visit to Georgia. Bilateral nego- all the problems they may have. Business and Founder of Israeli House FSU Casino Jewel: The Only Choice

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which followers of social media took a scrabble for wealth. For me, the mes- greater part in, being inspired by pro- sage in this documentary is that people tests they had seen in other countries. wanted a change; to once again be on It was like a party- on both the - the streets, to have their voices heard. ers’ side and the political side. No real In the end it failed. But it’s always dif- changes came from it. The fi rst few fi cult to make a real change,” he laments, days, people thought the process really adding that, “This is what happens in counted. At the beginning, I myself was many countries- people don’t have many very active. Later, people lost energy, opportunities to fi ght and political par- the message lost its power and the whole ties are very alike for the most part. thing became almost a street circus.” They may have different names, but And a street circus is what Petri por- they have the same concepts and actions trays in the documentary. From power- within the capitalist system. People in ful voices and determination, persistent 2012 wanted to get rid of this president, characters start to appear and reappear: who was democratic, but then the social- a man in nothing but his underwear ists came in and there was no big dif- claims his right to work, as snow and ference. The situation now in Romania minus 4-degree winds batter him and is seen by many as worse than in 2012.” whip his fl ag into the faces of those This fi lm documents not only a polit- gathered around him. In warmer weather, ical struggle but one concerning national a Jesus fi gure in a robe, with sandals identity. around his neck, walks among the pro- “After joining the EU, most people testors; nearby stands a man dressed as wanted to be a part of it,” Petri says. Jack Sparrow. People light candles on “Many things changed- freedom of Image source: iffr.com brightly iced cakes, which they sing are movement, etc., but it was a struggle. general elections. It is a mixed group: and inept slum dwellers". ‘Funeral cakes for Basescu.” People asked themselves: what is really REVIEW BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES revolutionaries, offi ce workers, football “This fi lm was an experiment,” Petri On 25 January 2012, Basescu addressed left of Romania in terms of cultural fans, politicians, employed and unem- tells us. “I started documenting this the nation to give reassurance, telling identity? In terms of industry? In terms ployed, youth and elderly. The police hail process on the streets and uploading them he would not resign unless it of agriculture? Because many foreign omania was Guest Country them on loud speakers, trying to diffuse short videos on the internet, and after became the only obvious solution to companies came in and bought land as at the 2018 CineDoc festival, the situation and send them home. which saw Cinema House Arguments and scuffl es break out in and Amirani Cinema small pockets, usually between differ- together hosting over 60 ent generations or social classes. The Rscreenings tackling contemporary older generation are often heard to be themes in Georgia and numerous other labeled ‘communists’ or ‘fascist’. countries. Barriers are put up to push people off In “Where are You Bucharest?” (Roma- the street, and bottles and stones are nia/Germany, 2014) Director Vlad Petri thrown, resulting in arrests and the fi r- follows the Romanian protesters who ing of tear gas. Medical care is given to occupied the streets of Bucharest in 20 people, including gendarmes. 2012. It is a poignant 80-minute docu- The protests continue for two weeks, mentary about people who are both building every day from afternoon until desperate and impulsive, lost and encour- evening. By late January 2012, it was aged. It is a revolution that quickly snowing heavily, but people still gath- becomes a tragic absurdity. ered to give voice to their desires. And The 2012 Romanian protests were a those desires were mixed. Petri captures series of civil demonstrations triggered one girl in the crowd fi ghting for free- by the introduction of a new health dom of speech and LGBT rights; a man reform. President Traian Basescu criti- in his early 30s wants to fi nd employ- cized the Deputy Minister of Health, ment; an elderly gentleman complains , on Romanian television. of below-standard living conditions. The protests against him became violent, “There’s a big discrepancy between the with both protesters and members of young generation who are online and see the (special police) sus- the world all the time and the older gen- taining injuries during their clashes. On eration which is nostalgic for Commu- the morning of 5 February 2012, Prime nism, when they had jobs, salaries and Minister announced his resig- knew how to prepare for the future. In nation because of the protests. He said contrast, we have the younger genera- that his decision would “release the ten- tions who want money, opportunities and sion in the country's political and social freedom,” the director, Vlad Petri, tells situation,” but the protests continued. GEORGIA TODAY from the CineDoc The documentary ‘Where are You stage, on his second visit to Georgia. Bucharest?’ begins with shots of the riled- On 23 January 2012, over 3,000 people up crowd during an unauthorized protest: were demonstrating in various cities a year I started editing the material with the political crisis. He promised to act part of the free market, resulting in mass nearly 20,000 people gathered in Univer- countrywide. , the a colleague. The 2012 protest was the on the reform referendum of 2009. deforestation and damage to the envi- sity Square, central Bucharest, to demand Foreign Minister, handed in his resigna- fi rst after the of Two months later, Romania's govern- ronment. Romania sits on the margins the President's resignation and early tion after calling the protesters "clueless 1989 and was something new, something ment was unseated by a no-confi dence of the EU and people there are ques- vote. The center-right coalition had cut tioning the pros and cons of it.” salaries and raised sales tax to try to We asked him how Romania is now, put the economy on a sounder footing. six years later. President Basescu designated left-wing “In 2012, when this protest happened, opposition leader as new it was about the old and young uniting. Prime Minister. Now it’s about the younger- the social By May, people are once again out in media generation. In terms of politics, the streets in their thousands around it’s a little worse: there are a lot of cor- the country, shouting: "Give my Roma- ruption issues and protests are quite nia back!" The participants demand, commonplace, though the dance has among many other things, the resigna- changed. In 89, demonstrators were tion of President Basescu and the Ungu- killed by the military. 2012 was the fi rst reanu Cabinet. The documentary shows mass protest since that and it became central in the heat of July, a game between the people and the divided: those for and against Prime police. The people wanted to express Minister Ponta. Basescu is still being themselves, the police weren’t quite asked to step down. Again, we see peo- sure how to react. Actually, the Roma- ple pushing and squabbling over differ- nian police have since been on training ences in opinion and protest method. courses in Istanbul. They know that All claim their right to speak. Some violence is wrong, attracts media inter- unite in ideals, others need compatriots est and exacerbates the situation, so to separate them before violence can they now behave differently towards ensue. protestors than you see in this docu- “People had a good life in soviet times, mentary: they have a set of rules to fol- many wanted something new,” Petri low. But the circus goes on,” he says. says. “The 90s came with this transition “It’s like a calculated dance, people, to post-communism and it was hard for police and politicians. It’s like we’re all people: divisions appeared, there was frozen, waiting for change.” GEORGIA TODAY MAY 11 - 14, 2018 SOCIETY 11 Season of our Discontent: Etseri, Svaneti

it’s only my issue, I’m expected to deal BLOG BY TONY HANMER with it alone, though I’m free to ask for any help I need. If it’s a hamlet-wide or bigger thing, I can volunteer to join a ly back with us, from Cancun brigade to investigate and solve it. This to Toronto to Istanbul to Tbi- one was more than just our house, though, lisi (wishing there were direct so I asked a neighbor to inform me if a Tbilisi-North America fl ights brigade would form, so I could take part like there are from Baku, but (and take photos). notF through the USA, please!). Rest up Our house’s water soon began to fl ow there a couple of days, then make the better, though, while elsewhere the slow- next trek, back up to Svaneti, equivalent down continued. Another neighbor, who to yet another transatlantic fl ight in time had been village mayor when we were if not in distance or altitude. Home sweet house hunting and even showed us what home. we would end up buying, came around How pleasant to return to the end of too. “Water struggle?” I asked. “Indeed,” snow, all melted in the two weeks of our he replied. “But who’s in charge?” Then absence! A new season was fi rmly upon he got all excited and said, “Tony, I want us, and soon even night frosts were over to nominate you for village mayor! You and the clamor for ice cream began in can do this! Your foreign experience, the shop. you know the local situation well, you But the end of winter did not signify won’t be taken in by any corruption, you the simultaneous end of electrical or can kick things into line—what do you water problems. Bigger issues loom: say?” I was taken aback, but fully expected wind causing the former, silt or leaves that not having Georgian citizenship the latter. Both need the attention of would automatically rule me out. He and we left it at that. it to one of them, then wired this to challenges to boot. Welcome to our volunteers, although both should have came in and we looked for the qualifi ca- This morning… water fi ne (for us, at another stick fi xed into the ground. This world. people actually responsible for them, tions for mayoralty in Georgia online, least), but no electricity! Again, I stepped would be temporary, he said, and several who are sometimes indeed available but but drew blanks. I told him that he was out to investigate, after a few phone calls of us would need to band together and Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since not always. Did I mention that our vil- welcome to have someone else suggest had revealed that this was for four house- buy some more cable. What kind? I asked. 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a lage has been without a mayor since my name, but that I wouldn’t do it myself. holds sharing some part of the system. Four strands of aluminum, insulated. weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He January? Or that our three fridge/freez- He went away buzzing. One of them called our local engineer. Okay. A call home confi rmed that we runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook ers and two extra cabinet freezers will But later that evening, he phoned to He and several of us from the affected had power again and would not need to group, now with over 1800 members, at put us in dire straits if power is off longer say that, indeed, I couldn’t run without zone converged on the location of the start the generator for now to save our www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- than a day? having the citizenship. I said, “Which of problem. It seemed that two overhead cold and frozen produce. sance/ Yesterday, our water began to slow to my two would you have me abandon for cables touching when the wind blew But we are still without a mayor… with He and his wife also run their own guest house a trickle, so I went outside to see how this: Canadian or British?” He knew a were causing some kind of short. The a new water system half installed and in Etseri: local or widespread the problem was. If rhetorical question when he heard one, engineer attached a stick with a nail in then forgotten, and ongoing electrical www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti Tree Planting Counters Ici Introduces Versace ‘Dylan Blue’ Landslides & Erosion to the Georgian Public

ci Paris Georgia introduced clients to the new fragrance from Versace this month: Dylan Blue. in Kazbegi An alchemy of irresistible Inotes that dance, arouse, come of pastures, illegal tree logging and deg- together, and embrace, this fra- radation of coniferous trees over the grance is a refreshing blackcurrant years have lead to environmental decline sorbet with Granny Smith apple and brought local pastures to the verge and a contemporary fl oral bou- of depletion. quet. Woody base notes playfully In 2017, the ecological farming asso- mix together to create a unique, ciation Sema came up with a plan to captivating, sensuous, and vibrant address the challenge and bring the movement. Fragrance Family is Karkucha pastures back to life. The ini- Floral and Key Notes are Black- tiative was supported by the GEF Small currant, Rosyfolia, Patchouli. Grants Program with $28,000. “Dylan Blue pour Femme is a Since then, Sema has carried out geo- tribute to femininity. It is a strong, ecological and hydro-meteorological sensuous, refi ned fragrance cre- assessments of the affected territories ated for a woman who knows the and has reinforced most vulnerable power of her sensuality and mind.” slopes against erosion and landslides - Donatella Versace. with rock-fi lled gabions and trees. In The fragrance is available in Ici addition to its immediate benefi ts, this Paris stores countrywide. initiative will contribute to restoring natural forest in the selected areas and raising environmental awareness among municipality residents. Restoration of the Karkucha pastures Photo source: UNDP is one of over 50 local projects funded ver 1000 trees were planted (UNDP) and Kazbegi Municipality City under the GEF Small Grants Program on mountain slopes near Hall. since 2012. Karkucha village in Kaz- On 8 May, representatives of Kazbegi The GEF Small Grants Program is a begi Municipality to Municipality, Kazbegi National Park global environmental action which pro- restore degraded land and Administration, the UNDP and the Pub- vides fi nancial and technical support to reduceO the risks associated with recur- lic School of Sno village visited Karkucha local community projects that conserve rent landslides. to take part in the ongoing tree planting. and restore the environment while The tree planting and reinforcement Kazbegi is one of Georgia’s most unique enhancing people's well-being and live- works were implemented by the eco- natural reserves, famous for its stunning lihoods. In Georgia, the GEF Small Grants logical farming association Sema with mountain views, rich pastures and bio- Program is being implemented by the assistance from the Global Environment diversity. At the same time, the region UNDP in cooperation with the Ministry Facility’s (GEF) Small Grants Program, is prone to natural disasters, including of Environment Protection and Agricul- United Nations Development Program mudfl ows and landslides. Excessive use ture. GEORGIA TODAY 12 CULTURE MAY 11 - 14, 2018 Sounds of Georgia Offers Mini-Concerts for Tourists in Tbilisi

ounds of Georgia is a unique musical product for tourists, which offers regular mini- concerts of traditional SGeorgian live music in the cozy atmosphere of the Old Town to help visitors get to know and fall in love with the Georgian char- acter and culture. The cozy atmosphere of the Tbilisi "Italian" yard, with the aroma of homemade food, awaits visitors at 2 Turgenev Street, where people can also taste Geor- gian wine. Concerts are held in wine bar Papa Hemingway, located in New Tifl is at 21 Aghmashen- ebeli Avenue and in Hotel Nina, at Europe Square, 2 Dutu Megreli Str. Each concert lasts for 35 min- utes. Check out the schedule here. Tickets are available at biletebi. ge or 7 Chavchavadze Str. (Biblus Gallery). New Tourist Card Offers Dozens of Discounts

The card will offer dozens of opportu- Topping up the card will be easy and allows BY BENJAMIN MUSIC nities to save a Lari or two when eating tourists to travel more safely without need at restaurants or visiting museums. Spe- to carry cash. cial discounts are available to cardhold- Participating hotels and tourism facil- ike many other cities which ers at cafes, bars, restaurants, national ities offer additional benefi ts, such as already have it, Georgia has parks, and museums. the aim is for the discounts at souvenir and duty-free fi nally caught up with the cards to be both an incentive for tourists shops. trend of issuing tourist cards to enjoy "one more glass of wine" and All offers and the necessary informa- to travelers and locals. Bank to increase the number of visitors at tion to acquire the card are available ofL Georgia announced the introduction cultural facilities. online. The card is priced at 10 GEL. of new Tourists Cards, which will enable The card can also be used to pay the fare Tourists have the advantage of receiving visitors from abroad and Georgians to on any kind of public transport in Tbilisi- a free package of 1000MB for Internet enjoy discounts and reduced fair prices. buses, the metro, minibuses and cable cars. access on purchase of the card. GEORGIA TODAY MAY 11 - 14, 2018 CULTURE 13 An Unsophisticated Translation

says that the translator is faithful to fi cient for the judgment of this level. REVIEW BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE both meter and size, yet does not lose As a result, the Georgian culture and the beauty of Rustaveli’s poetry. I am intellectual veneer is being deprived not sure how well versed the author of its luster and value in the eyes of his nation has an amaz- of this presumably fortuitous praise the global reader, which may perceive ing poetic pedigree and is in the Georgian language, but the us through the primitive prism forged an outstanding tradition translator has certainly gone astray by the Coffi n translation. of literary translation. Its from the exceptional beauty and pow- The pearl of the acknowledgment singular downside, erful eloquence of Shota Rustaveli. at the end of the book is an excerpt Tthough, is its paucity in the outside Jones continues that Coffi n has pre- from the Afterword: “As is commonly world. The cause of this regrettable served the splendor of Rustaveli’s said, in the translation of prose, the shortage is the abundance of Georgian great adventure story. We all know translator is the servant and slave of poesy versus the scarcity of its trans- that the story is great, but preserva- the original author, whereas in the lators, as well the height of the Geor- tion of the Rustavelian splendor is a translation of poetry s/he is a rival. gian poetic thought versus the overall sheer exaggeration, although the trans- The pleasure of reading this new translating inaptitude. To put it in a lation is ‘readable’ enough. English text testifies to how worthily more mundane frame of thinking, if The problem is that readability is and courageously the translator rivaled elevated poetry were a salable com- not enough a credit for qualifying a her great 12th century forebear.” In modity, Georgia would defi nitely be translator as ‘a meticulous wordsmith,’ the first place, the issue of servitude the richest nation on the planet. The as Mr. Jones has put it. A translator of and slavery to the original is a matter potent poetic interpretation of philo- a poet as gigantic as Rustaveli cannot of sharp controversy, and secondly, sophic reasoning in Georgia is con- be considered ‘a passionate artist’ only the rivalry of Coffin with Rustaveli nected with the creative genius of because he or she made another mod- sounds a little ludicrous, to say the Shota Rustaveli: the preeminent poet est attempt to handle the great least. Why do we have to downgrade of the Georgian Golden Age who Rustaveli. A job of this signifi cance is the famous Georgian literary might bestowed on civilization the unparal- undoable unless the translator of the that much?! leled epic poem ‘Knight in the Panther piece of this magnitude is fl uent in The last nail is driven by the con- Skin’ which goes beyond epochal lim- the Georgian language and has a feel- cluding paragraph of the publisher’s its or national boundaries. Hence, the ing for the intricacies of this tongue note, where Umberto Eco himself is worldwide interest in its translation right to the bones. quoted: “When I visited Georgia, they is commonplace. In the last hundred Consequently, Coffi n’s translation of told me that their national poem ‘The years, there have been numerous ‘The Knight in the Panther Skin’ felt Knight in the Panther Skin’ was a great attempts to translate the Rustaveli to me like a simplistic attempt to ren- masterpiece. I agree, but he’s hardly poetic opus into various languages. der it in English, a far cry from the caused the same stir as Shakespeare.” English is certainly one of the most way the original sounds and feels. To Understandable! Eco probably read appreciated recipients of this particu- cut a long story short, the present new Shakespeare in the original. He could lar Georgian mythical colossus. The translation is not a good enough recip- only have made a guess about the stir- efforts of translation continue to occur, ient of the source text for the simple ring power of Rustaveli’s poem. The and the proudly grateful Georgians reason that it sounds less sophisticated publisher’s optimistic conclusive note watch the process assiduously. and euphonic than the original. And is scarcely any encouragement for us A few years ago, I came across, and it is very important to note that this Georgians. Just listen to this: “Now I am still reading into it laboriously, straightforward opinion could be Mr. Eco and the rest of the world have a new translation of the poem by Lyn translated into a critical word only by a once-in-a-generation opportunity Coffi n, accompanied by a brief Fore- a reader whose knowledge of the two to appreciate the true magnifi cence word by professor of Russian and languages is adequately matched and The Knight in the Panther Skin, translated by Lyn Coffi n, winner of the 2016 Saba of Rustaveli’s work, and hopefully, Eurasian Studies Stephen Jones, who whose expertise of translation is suf- Award for Translation. some stir will be caused.” Hardly! GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE MAY 11 - 14, 2018

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER May 11, 12, 15, 16 Seyfried, Colm Feore MUSEUM KOLGA TBILISI PHOTO 2018 RAMONA Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller Rezo Gabriadze Language: Russian Program: TBILISI OPERA GEORGIAN NATIONAL Directed by Rezo Gabriadze May 5 - June 3 AND BALLET THEATER Start time: 17:15, 19:30, 22:00 MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA English Subtitles Address: Tbilisi History Museum Address: 25 Rustaveli Ave. Ticket: 17 GEL MUSEUM Start time: 20:00 (Karvasla), 8 Sioni Str. Telephone: 2 00 44 66 Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. Ticket: 20, 30 GEL THOMAS DAHMEN RUSTAVELI CINEMA Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. I Have Seen the Light May 12, 13 SHALIKASHVILI www.museum.ge TSUNA & TRUTSUNA Telephone: 2 55 50 00 PANTOMIME THEATER MEINRAD SCHADE Children's ballet www.kinoafi sha.ge GEORGIAN COSTUME AND Address: 37 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. Unresolved Staged on musical pieces by Meri Telephone: 595 50 02 03 WEAPONRY OF 18TH-20TH Davitashvili Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL CENTURIES Start time: May 12 - 20:00, May 11-17 JAN GRARUP May 11 And Then There Was Silence May 13 - 14:00, SHAKESPEARE SONNETS NUMISMATIC TREASURY Ticket: 10-50 GEL Based on William Shakespeare’s ANON (Info Above) VANESSA WINSHIP Sonnets EXHIBITION STONE AGE She Dances on Jackson TBILISI VASO ABASHIDZE Start time: 20:00 Language: Russian GEORGIA MUSIC AND DRAMA STATE Ticket: 15 GEL Start time: 16:45, 21:45 MUSIC THEATER Ticket: 10-14 GEL ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE Address: 182 D.Agmashenebeli Ave. May 12 TBILISI STATE Telephone: 2 34 80 90 HOST AND GUEST AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL www.musictheatre.ge CONSERVATOIRE Based on Vazha Pshavela’s poem (Info Above) COLLECTIONS Address: 8 Griboedov St. Start time: 20:00 Language: Russian Telephone: 2 93 46 24 May 15 Ticket: 20 GEL Start time: 21:45 April 26 – September 1 WELCOME TO GEORGIA Ticket: 13-14 GEL UNKNOWN COLLECTIONS May 14 A musical, theatrical play and TBILISI CIRCUS OF GEORGIAN NATIONAL romantic comedy telling a story CONCERTINO TBILISSI 30 Address: 1 Freedom Sq. TRUTH OR DARE MUSEUM– INDIA, CHINA, JAPAN about Georgia and its people by Telephone: 298 30 35 ANNIVERSARY CONCERT combining song, dance, culture, Directed by Jeff Wadlow Program: Cast: Lucy Hale, Tyler Posey, MUSEUM OF SOVIET Bartok- Divertimento for strings traditions, history, national May 12, 13 costumes and local cuisine. Violett Beane Nasidze- Chamber symphony SPRING CIRCUS SHOWS Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. Musical Genre: Horror, Thriller Poulenc- Concerto for organ and Start time: 13:00, 17:00 Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 Language: English, some Georgian Language: Russian orchestra Ticket: 10-25 GEL www.museum.ge (with English subtitles) Start time: 11:45 Chamber orchestra- Start time: 20:00 CINEMA Ticket: 7-18 GEL CONCERTINO TBILISSI PERMANENT EXHIBITION Ticket: 60-80 GEL Soloist- Elene Chelidze CAVEA GALLERY conductor - George Shilakadze AMIRANI CINEMA SIGHNAGHI MUSEUM MOVEMENT THEATER Address: 36 Kostava St. Address: 2/4 Rustaveli Ave. Start time: 19:00 Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave. Telephone: 200 70 07 Address: 8 Rustaveli Alley, Sighnaghi Ticket: 5-20 GEL Telephone: 2 99 99 55 Telephone: 223 24 48 Telephone: 598 19 29 36 www.kinoafi sha.ge Every Wednesday ticket: 8 GEL LISI WONDERLAND April 21 – May 31 May 11 Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL May 11-17 Address: Near Lisi lake EXHIBITION RECITATIVE IN THE CITY May 11-17 DOLLS OF JAPAN El banda del "მუდო", AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR ANON May 12 Kakha Bakuradze, Sandro Directed by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo (Info Above) GALLERY AMONG THE MOSS AND Nikoladze, Simon Bitadze, DaTo Cast: Karen Gillan, Josh Brolin, Language: Russian ZION AUDIO Kakulia, Irakli Menagarishvili Letitia Wright, Chris Evans Start time: 14:30, 19:30 Presents: Start time: 21:00 Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy THE NATIONAL GALLERY MOSS SPREE Ticket: 10-17 GEL Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. Ticket price: 10 GEL Language: English LINE UP: www.museum.ge Start time: 16:15 AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR CTO gram LIVE (Forest Freaks, May 13 Language: Russian (Info Above) May 1- 20 Tantra Music)– UK LABYRINTH Start time: 19:15, 19:30, 22:00 Language: English ZURAB NIZHARADZE'S Ney (Tranceformers)– LT Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Ticket: 13-17 GEL Start time: 12:30, 15:45, 19:00, 21:55 RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION Oogway (Zion Audio)– GE Start time: 20:00 Language: Russian ‘ZURAB NIZHARADZE 90’ Katana (Zion Audio)– GE Ticket price: 10 GEL TAXI 5 Ellarge– GE Start time: 13:00, 16:15, 19:30, 22:30 Directed by Franck Gastambide Eldario Bhanishta Ganesh Puri– RU Ticket: 10-19 GEL ERTI GALLERY GABRIADZE THEATER Cast: Salvatore Esposito, Sand Van Address: 19 P. Ingorokva Str. Acidwave (Treebal)– GE Address: 13 Shavtelis St. Roy, Franck Gastambide Kaya Matu (Agaraki)– GE TRUTH OR DARE Telephone: 2 98 65 93 Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy BLACK I SEA Tabu (Agaraki)– GE Language: Russian Directed by Jeff Wadlow LEVAN SONGULASHVILI & Start time: 12:00 May 13, 14 Start time: 22:15 Cast: Lucy Hale, Tyler Posey, CHRISTIAN AWE Ticket: 15 GEL An animated documentary fi lm Ticket: 17 GEL Violett Beane New York-based visual artist Levan REZO Genre: Horror, Thriller Songulashvili's recent works in TRIPS Directed by Leo Gabriadze ANON Language: Russian conversation with -based Address: 4 K. Cholokashvili IIIrd Turn Start time: 20:00 Directed by Andrew Niccol Start time: 12:00 artist Christian Awe in Berlin, Ticket: 15 GEL Cast: Clive Owen, Amanda Ticket: 10-11 GEL Germany. May 12 URANUS: ANUSHKA/DIGITAL GROOVE AFFAIR/COSMIC LOVE ROTATION Line up: Digital Groove Affair, Cosmic Love Rotation, Anushka Chkheidze Start time: 22:00 Ticket: 10-20 GEL

TETRISI Address: Amagleba Str. Telephone: 557 66 94 00

May 12 PUNK FOR CONQUERING THE HEIGHTS Bands: Dagdagani, Vodka Vtraiom, Panika, Outfront Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10 GEL

BLACK SWAN Address: 164 Agmashenebeli Ave.

May 12 W:O:A METAL BATTLE CAUCASUS 2018 - FINAL The Winner plays Wacken Open Air 2018! BANDS: Infadus- GE Euthanation- AZ Every Dog Has Its Day- GE Special Guests: Angel Of Disease- GE Pyraweed- AZ Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 15-25 GEL GEORGIA TODAY MAY 11 - 14, 2018 CULTURE 15 Night Life in Tbilisi: City Hall’s New Concept

Image source: memontrip.com

We consider noise reduction as one of the biggest BY BENJAMIN MUSIC challenges. We understand that we will need to fi nd technological solutions to reduce the distur- bance for residents to an absolute minimum. In bilisi nightlife needs to undergo an addition, there are legal issues, on which we need innovation process. It was one of the to work to ensure everything follows the rules. many promises made by Mayor Our task will be to mediate between both citizens Kaladze on his ascension to the posi- and those businesses responsible for the realiza- tion. On April 20, City Hall presented tion of the plans. aT concept plan for developing a night economy in Tbilisi. During the presentation, Sergi Gvarjaladze, WHAT ARE THE PRIORITIES head of the project, announced some of the fi rst OF THE PROJECT? BARS? steps that should be taken in the fi rst 6 months. RESTAURANTS? CLUBS? We picked his brain to fi nd out more about City We prioritize all fi elds of the tourism industry; Hall’s plan. there is no set priority on one type over another. We also want to create a program with cultural WHEN WAS NIGHT ECONOMY and sports projects for the night time: Night muse- FIRST DISCUSSED? ums, open-air fi lm screenings, night football tour- Internationally, the phrase Night Economy has naments... We’re working intensively with repre- been used for maybe 5 to 8 years. In Georgia, the sentatives of the creative industries to develop Mayor of the capital, Kakha Kaladze, fi rst men- unique and innovative events. tioned it in his pre-election campaign. WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST OBSTACLES WHAT ARE THE MAIN GOALS THE PROJECT FACES AT THE MOMENT? OF THE PROJECT? BUILDING PERMITS, ETC.? The main goal of our project is to create new jobs The biggest obstacle is the range of regulations and support the development of small and medium that the city needs at this point, but also the businesses, especially in the tourism and restau- negative perception of nightlife in general. To rant sectors. We want to position Tbilisi as a 24/7 change this, we will need to involve the citizens city and organize cultural and sports events for a more in the project and correctly communicate wider group of people. its goals.

WHICH AREAS WILL BE MOST AFFECTED DOES THE PROJECT INCORPORATE BY THE NEW DEVELOPMENT? INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANTS AND One of the main goals of our project is to regen- BARS AS WELL OR WILL IT BE FOCUSED erate suburban areas of Tbilisi. Gldani, Varketili, ON GEORGIAN CULTURE ONLY? and some other big "sleeping" areas of the city Businesses can decide themselves what their focus lack cultural life. We aim to change that and to will be. There won’t be a guideline from our side. bring new life into these districts. People should If they want to offer international cuisine, they have the chance to participate in an active life can. But, of course, we also welcome restaurants throughout the city. Another priority is to reuse which promulgate the Georgian cuisine and cul- old, abandoned Soviet-style buildings. Often, they ture. were used for industrial purposes in the past and have since lost their purpose. Sometimes they are * * * referred to as “brown-fi eld,” and upscaling these Gvarjaladze seems determined to get things areas will result in very interesting projects for started and we are happy that Tbilisi is set to our Night Economy plans. develop its nightlife by changing its culture. We asked how citizens can apply to open up a restau- WILL THERE BE ANY INCONVENIENCE rant or how the selection process for new busi- FOR RESIDENTS LIVING AROUND nesses will be, but unfortunately, we weren’t given THE NEW NIGHTLIFE HOTSPOTS, an answer. Sergi Gvarjaladze was also unable to SUCH AS NOISE OR EXCESSIVE set a date for when the fi rst businesses will open, ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION? yet we hope it will be sooner rather than later.

PUBLISHER & GM Journalists: Website Manager/Editor: ADDRESS Reproducing material, photos George Sharashidze Tony Hanmer, Zaza Jgarkava, Tamzin Whitewood 1 Melikishvili Str. and advertisements without Maka Bibilashvili, Tbilisi, 0179, Georgia prior editorial permission is COMMERCIAL Dimitri Dolaberidze, Layout: strictly forbidden. DEPARTMENT Maka Lomadze, Misha Mchedlishvili Tel.: +995 32 229 59 19 The author is responsible for Commercial Director: Joseph Larsen, E: [email protected] all material. Rights of authors Webmaster: Iva Merabishvili Vazha Tavberidze, Sergey Gevenov F: GeorgiaToday are preserved. The newspaper Marketing Manager: Nugzar B. Ruhadze, is registered in Mtatsminda Anuka Poladishvili Nino Gugunishvili, Circulation Managers: ADVERTISING & district court. Thea Morrison David Kerdikashvili, SUBSCRIPTION EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT: David Djandjgava +995 577 14 14 87 GEORGIA TODAY Editor-In-Chief: Photographer: E-mail: Reg. # 06/4-309 Katie Ruth Davies Irakli Dolidze [email protected]