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Issue no: 879 • SEPTEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... New Wiretapping Scandal Rocks ahead of October Elections NEWS PAGE 2 Georgia’s Election Commission Bans Anti- Western Party FOCUS POLITICS PAGE 5 from Elections ON DEMOCRACY Tbilisi’s Real Estate Market Turkish Ambassador speaks out Experiences Spike in Demand against anti-Turkey rhetoric, extols democratic processes BUSINESS PAGE 9 post-coups d'etat PAGE 4 Driving Angry: Ogden on Georgians Georgia Finalizes Free Trade behind the Wheel SOCIETY PAGE 10 Oktoberfest Negotiations with China in Tbilisi this Weekend! BY THEA MORRISON SOCIETY PAGE 11

eorgia and China announced ear- lier this week that the two countries Tbilisi’s Art Palace had agreed on the fi nal details of Hosts Shakespeare a free trade agreement that will open the world’s largest consumer Theater Exhibition Gmarket to Georgian products. The tax-free agreement will be offi cially signed CULTURE PAGE 12 in December and enter into force following its ratifi cation by both countries in mid-2017. According to Georgia’s Minister of Economy Following the Incomparable Dimitry Kumsishvili, 95 percent of Georgian products, including wine and mineral water, will Nneka from Nigeria enter the Chinese market without any additional taxes. CULTURE PAGE 15 Kumsishvili also said that in early October, China’s Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng would visit Tbilisi to sign the agreement. In total, three rounds of negotiations and two working meetings were held between China and Georgia. The possibility of establishing a free Georgia's Minister of Economy Dimitry Kumsishvili with China's Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli in June 2016 trade regime between the two countries was fi rst discussed in September 2015, with the fi rst in China that sell Georgian wines because we Davitashvili weighed in on the issue saying the round of talks held in February. believe that China will become one of the most agreement is of the utmost importance, as it will Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili important export destinations for Georgian wine help develop the agro-food sector. welcomed the announcement, saying the free- and other goods. This is a signifi cant achievement Davitashvili noted that after Russia (14,664,610 trade deal will help boost Georgian wine sales that will have a major effect on the development bottles), China is the second largest destination to China. of the Silk Road Project," Kvirikashvili said. for Georgian wine with 3,368,361 bottles having “We are developing a network of retail shops Georgia’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture Levan been exported to the country in 2015. GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS SEPTEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 New Wiretapping Scandal Rocks Georgia ahead of October Elections

BY THEA MORRISON AND NICHOLAS WALLER

he release of a taped conversation between the Director General of Geor- gia’s 2 TV Channel, Nika Gvaramia, and the leader of opposi- tion party State for People, Paata Bur- Tchuladze, caused an uproar in the Georgian capital Wednesday. In the secret recording, Gvaramia is heard telling Burchuladze that he is dissatisfi ed with Burchu- ladze’s partners in the State for the People Party- Putin to Attend Girchi bloc, as the latter prefer to be in a coalition with the (GD) party. Burchuladze is later heard in the recordings deny- ing the claims. According to Gvaramia, the moment when Bur- chuladze says he has no loyalty to the GD or the CIS Council in main opposition United National Movement (UNM) These actions go beyond the pale of any legal party was cut out of the conversation. norms,” Mishveladze said at a special briefi ng. Gvaramia believes the conversation was illegally Several members of the Georgian Dream coali- recorded and released by the State Security Service tion have accused Gvaramia and Burchuladze of as part of its clandestine eavesdropping program. staging the incident in the run-up to the October The State Security Agency denies any links with 8 parliamentary elections. the recording. According to Georgian Dream member Irakli Bishkek Burchuladze’s party has admitted that the con- Sesiashvili, the conversation confi rms that Burchu- versation took place, but insists that nothing illegal ladze’s party is a front for the UNM. In addition, the meeting will see the planning BY DIMITRI DOLABERIDZE was discussed. The UNM has steadfastly denied the accusations of certain organizational arrangements, in par- “The only scandalous thing is that State Security and accused the State Security Services of launch- ticular the Russian chairmanship in the CIS in Agency continues to spy on opposition leaders and ing a smear campaign against opposition parties 2017. independent media,” said Davit Jandieri from Bur- and the independent media. ussian President Vladimir Putin will 8TH on December 1991, the President of the rsfsr chuladze’s party. “The fact that the State Security Agency contin- today participate in a meeting of the ( Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic ), Georgia’s presidential administration also com- ues to wiretap an opposition leader and independ- CIS Council of Heads of State, which Boris Yeltsin, the Supreme Council of Belarus of mented on the issue, saying the state’s security ent media boss are more than concerning,” Sergi will be held in Bishkek, reports the the HEAD, STANISLAU Shushkevich, and the apparatus is violating privacy rights by illegally Kapanadze from the UNM stated. offi cial website of the Kremlin. President of Ukraine, Leonid Kravchuk, the Belov- wiretapping Georgian citizens. Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched RThe presidents of the member countries, during ezhskoe Signed Agreement That effectively ended “Eavesdropping, distributing and circulating any an investigation into the incident but has yet to the meeting, will sum up their activities and the existence of the Soviet Union and announced private conversation to the public is unacceptable. release any details. "exchange views on key issues of further devel- the creation of the territory of the former repub- opment of the Commonwealth." lics of the Commonwealth of Independent States The meeting has been timed to complement the (CIS). 25th anniversary of the CIS. As a result, the meet- The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) ing will adopt several "multilateral instruments." formed when the former Soviet Union (now called In particular, statements on combating international Russia) totally dissolved in 1991. At its conception terrorism, on the world drug problem, as well as it consisted of ten former Soviet Republics: Arme- statements in connection with the 25th anniversary nia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, of the CIS and on the occasion of the 70th anniver- Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan , Ukraine, and sary of the completion of the Nuremberg Tribunal. Uzbekistan. KazTransGas Seeks to Calm Tbilisi Residents' Gas Leak Fears

In an offi cial announcement published by DF BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES Watch, KazTransGas claims that there is no gas leak and nothing for citizens to be concerned about. "The odour comes from a special odorant, not he strong smell of gas was noticed by natural gas itself, as the latter has no odor," residents around Tbilisi starting KazTransGas stated. "The odorant is absolutely Wednesday morning. Accounts were safe and its addition is required by law." heard from Saburtalo, Vake, Sololaki, Rustavi2 announced that 11 people were taken to Mtatsminda village and even from a hospital with symptoms of intoxication throughout Tresidential settlement near Tsavkisi. the day on Wednesday. IPN claims that over 3,000 calls had been made KazTranGas highlighted that it is not responsible to emergency services by worried citizens by noon for the process of odorization of gas as the duty is Wednesday. At present, the gas company is not undertaken by the Georgian Gas Transportation responding to calls. Company, which itself made a special announce- In an offi cial announcement published by DF ment about Wednesday's events. Watch, KazTransGas claims that there is no gas The company claims that no technical problems leak and nothing for citizens to be concerned about. were detected during odorization. “11 people were "The odour comes from a special odorant, not hospitalized with symptoms that are characteristic natural gas itself, as the latter has no odor," to gas poisoning,” the company said. “The health KazTransGas stated. "Odorant is being added to conditions of each patient were carefully examined. the natual gas in order to prevent its leakage," they In none of the cases could gas poisoning be con- added. "The odorant is absolutely safe and its addi- fi rmed and all patients were discharged from hos- tion is required by law." pital the same day.” Rustavi2 announced that 11 people were taken to The same announcement repeats that odorant is hospital with symptoms of intoxication throughout not hazardous to health and that although the pro- the day on Wednesday. "The poisoning was caused cess of odorization was carried out manually by by natural gas," emergency services confi rmed. qualifi ed staff members on Wednesday, in future The strong smell of gas was noticed by residents the whole process will be carried out automatically around Tbilisi starting Wednesday morning. using a mechanized system. Accounts were heard from Saburtalo, Vake, Sololaki, Mtatsminda village and even from a residential settlement near Tsavkisi. IPN claims that over 3,000 calls had been made to emergency services by worried citizens by noon Wednesday. At present, the gas company is not responding to calls. GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 NEWS 3 Bricorama Opens Tbilisi Branch

Silicon Valley Tbilisi Opens

sive reach to the global market. BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI The reason for developing the complex comes from the numerous untapped possibilities Georgia has to offer. “We’ve eorgia’s new research, busi- been analyzing global trends and ten- ness and development dencies that will help with Georgia’s center, known as the Silicon development,” the Business and Tech- Valley Tbilisi Project, is nology University’s Director, Mikheil sonal design products. quality products and services to Geor- scheduled to open to the Batiashvili, said during a media scrum. BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI The new EUR 7.8 million Tbilisi retail gian customers. The company will have Gpublic today. “The mission of Silicon Valley Tbilisi space offers a full range of do-it-yourself discount cards available for individual The space will include business and is to become a regional educational hub hardware and building products that customers, with discount schemes offered technology centers, an IT academy, media that will meet the educational needs to rance’s home improvement follow Bricorama’s “create your dream to corporate clients. space, schools and sports facilities. be competitive in the global market. Our company, Bricorama opened space” slogan. Bricorama plans to expand its presence The complex is situated near Tbilisi’s objective is to train highly qualifi ed pro- its fi rst hypermarket in Geor- Bricorama owns and operates more in Georgia with additional markets in Tbi- popular Turtle Lake. fessionals and to give them a chance to gia on September 15. than 200 hypermarkets in Europe and lisi and the Black Sea port city of . The Georgian government has already be hired by leading international com- Bricorama is one of France’s hopes its expansion into the South Cau- You can fi nd the store at 77 Marshal agreed on partnerships with more than panies, without leaving Georgia,” he Flargest retailers of home repair and per- casus will offer affordable European Gelovani Avenue. 60 international companies with exclu- added.

Georgian House is a high class restaurant offering brilliant service, a sophisticated interior, comfortable atmos- phere and a selection of delicious, beautifully presented dishes. One of the most important factors is the diversity of our show program and visitors often choose restaurant Georgian House because of it. There are different dining halls, each with its own look and special music program- Georgian House hires only well-known, professional Georgian and foreign musicians. At 19.30 the music program begins in the Central Hall with a two-hour Georgian block. Every day we offer our guests folk and urban songs, and fi ve national dances. The well-known folk ensemble "Alilo", choreographic ensemble "Tifl is", the accompa- nist and vocalist Tamila Chiradze, the winners of competitions Elene Pochkhua, Giorgi Mepisashvili and Giorgi Nadibaidze always take turns on the stage of the Central Hall. After the Georgian block we continue our music program with foreign pop songs. The music is balanced by a professional sound designer and modern high qual- ity equipment and is equally distributed throughout the whole restaurant. Upon leaving, we ask our guests to fi ll out a questionnaire, giving us feedback with which to monitor the atti- tude of visitors towards the dishes, service and show program. We are proud to say that our restaurant has existed for three years and its rate is steadily higher. The music program in the yard and the "Tifl is" Hall merits the high- est assessment of guests. The famous Georgian saxophonist Ucha Kordzaia, the symphonic orchestra of Tbilisi, the fi rst violinist Giorgi Khaindrava and the professor and pianist of conservatory Goga Shaverdashvili create a trio which plays well-known Georgian and foreign fi lm music for guests from 8pm. The music program in Georgian House is regularly updated, and the repertoire of national dances and songs is often changed which makes Georgian House more attractive. The high standards of service for high-class restau- rant status, the trustworthiness, the taste of dishes and comfortable atmosphere all remain steadfastly unchanged in our restaurant. Welcome to Georgian House- your true Georgian home. www.georgian-house.ge www.facebook.com/georgianhouse.ge GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS SEPTEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 Ambassador Speaks Out: Turkish Democracy after Coup Attempt & the Need for Better Understanding

cleaning our state and society of decades OP-ED BY H.E. ZEKI LEVENT of intoxication. This is a diffi cult but GÜMRÜKÇÜ, AMBASSADOR absolutely necessary task, without which OF TURKEY TO GEORGIA Turkish democracy today is stronger our democracy cannot function properly. In this regard, one should also see that than ever given what is at stake here is not only Turkish t has been more than two months the unprecedented democracy. As Prime Minister Kvirikash- since democracy in Turkey came vili said during his historic visit to Turkey under a heinous attack, when a social and just three days after the coup attempt, group of military offi cers, acting political unity the state of democracy in Turkey is crit- outside the formal chain of com- ical to the entire region. In other words, Imand, attempted to overthrow the dem- underpinning it, as if the coup plotters had been successful ocratically elected government by a coup. well as the in overthrowing the democratically elected Thanks to the heroic resistance of the government in Turkey, the hopes for cul- Turkish nation and the unprecedented sacrifi ces made to tivating and consolidating democracy in unity among all political actors, the coup uphold it the much wider region would also have attempt was quickly foiled and thus a been jeopardized. catastrophe was averted. This is why we rightfully expect all our Today, daily life is back to normal with ous act. To this end, there is no differ- are fi rst and foremost disrespectful to conformity with the rule of law princi- Allies and partners with whom we share no restriction on democratic rights and ence of view between the governing and and in denial of the many lives lost on ple. In this regard, administrative and the same values of democracy to show freedoms of the people, while the econ- opposition parties. There is also no doubt the night of July 15 to save democracy. legal decisions are within the boundaries solidarity with Turkey at this critical omy continues to do well in all areas, as in the minds of anyone in Turkey that Indeed, millions of Turkish citizens who of Turkish laws, judiciary processes are time and support our fi ght against all Turkey has recorded a two-year high the coup plotters are in fact terrorists took the streets on that night did not do conducted with full transparency and forms of terrorism, including FETO, export volume in August and became and although their organization (FETO) so for one person or a single party, but all repeal mechanisms, including indi- which is a threat to not only Turkish one of the fi ve fastest growing economies is of a unique nature given its ability to people of all ages and political persua- vidual application to European Court of democracy but to all countries they oper- of the world. There has also not been a disguise itself as a moderate religious sions risked their lives to make sure that Human Rights, are available for those ate in. single example of coup-related violence movement, they have to be treated no democracy in Turkey is not in any way who are affected. Turkey has also declared In this regard, it is imperative to have since July 15. differently than any other terrorist derailed or hijacked. its readiness to work with the Council a frank dialogue so that we can dispel That said, the traumatic impact of the organization. In other words, Turkish democracy of Europe to ensure that the highest misunderstandings and work together coup attempt still weighs heavily in the It is against this backdrop that the Turk- today is stronger than ever given the standards of democracy are observed around shared objectives. In Georgia, minds and hearts of every Turkish citi- ish people are truly disappointed to see unprecedented social and political unity while delivering justice. we certainly have such a friend and part- zen. This is not only because the coup some of our Allies and partners failing underpinning it, as well as the sacrifi ces On the other hand, the measures taken ner. But I am also glad to see that our plotters brutally killed more than 250 to understand the true nature of the made to uphold it. As such, it is incon- in relation with the coup attempt are Allies in the West are also moving in this innocent civilians and injured thousands threat Turkey is faced with, and, instead, ceivable to think that Turkish people also commensurate with the threat faced. direction as evident by a number of high- of people on the night of July 15, but also questioning the necessity and appropri- will allow anything to steal away their For instance, many in the West are ques- level visits to Turkey from the US and because we have found out that the ateness of the steps taken to eliminate victory and undermine the democracy tioning the high number of people that European countries. organization behind the coup had long this menace. It becomes all the more for which they made the ultimate sacri- are being tried for their involvement in After all, Turkey has always been an infi ltrated, like a cancerous cell, the entire hurtful when we see certain circles claim- fi ce. Therefore, not only are coups d’etat the coup. However, one should not for- indispensable part of the Euro-Atlantic state, as well as the media, private sector ing that Turkey is deviating from democ- no longer possible in Turkey, but it is get that the terrorist organization behind community and nothing can change this and academia. racy and that the failed coup attempt is evident that Turkish democracy will this coup attempt functions like a secre- fact, which represents not only a long- This is why there is an unequivocal being used as a pretext for steps in this continue to fl ourish in compliance with tive cult and that they have been infi l- standing deliberate choice of the Turk- determination across the entire nation direction. the will of the Turkish nation. trating into the state institutions for the ish people but an obligation brought to bring to justice all those who planned, I truly fi nd these allegations absurd Moreover, all the steps taken so far in last 40 years without being detected. upon us by our shared values and prin- carried out and supported this treason- and even insulting, to say the least. They the aftermath of the coup attempt are in Therefore, we are now in the process of ciples. Welcome to Indian Restaurant

Sanjha Chulha Website www.sanjhachulha.ge Indian Restaurant Mail [email protected] Agmashenebeli Avenue, 130 Tbilisi 0112 Georgia

Mobile + 995-596-03-1313 + 995-596-56-1313 Phone +995-322-95-96-14 Skype: SANJHA.CHULHA Facebook: sanjha chulha Indian Cusine GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 POLITICS 5 The Industrialists' Gogi Topadze France to Help Georgia Increase Air Defense

Georgia’s Election Capabilities

Commission Bans Anti- BY THEA MORRISON

Western Party from Elections rance's Defense Minister Jean- Yves Le Drian, during his fi rst “The CEC’s justifi cation for barring us offi cial visit to Georgia, pledged BY THEA MORRISON AND that we did not submit our candidate to increase the small South NICHOLAS WALLER list on time is an outright lie. Their deci- Caucasus country’s air defense sion seems to be in the best interests of capabilities.F the ruling (Georgian Dream) party, as Le Drian said France would help Geor- eorgia’s Central Election we have MP candidates who will obvi- gia develop and modernize its defensive Commission (CEC) ously win,” Tkemaladze said. weapons systems, including surface-to- revoked the registration of The Industrialists Party is a former air missiles. A French air defense offi cer the Industrialist-Our partner of the Georgian Dream. Topadze has been assigned to Georgia to oversee Homeland bloc for the is well-known for his virulent anti-West- the initial phase of the process. Gupcoming October 8 parliamentary elec- ern, pro-Russian stances and steadfast France also plans to increase its naval tions, according to an announcement opposition to Georgia joining NATO and presence in the Black Sea as part of the published on the CEC’s website. the EU. NATO substantial aid package that was According to CEC Head Tamar Zhva- The ban on the bloc also prohibits Zviad signed in 2014. nia, the bloc missed the deadline for Chitishvili’s pro-Russian Our Homeland “The fi rst French ship will visit Batumi submitting its list of parliamentary can- party from running. in October…this will be another symbol didates. A dual citizen of both Georgia and Rus- of our cooperation,” Le Drian said. The leadership of the Industrialists sia, Chitishvili continues to maintain all The Georgian government pledged to slammed the CEC’s decision, saying it of his business dealings in Moscow and increase its military contingent in the was an unfounded decision aimed at has run on a platform that includes a Republic of Central Africa (RCA) from Georgia’s Defense Minister Levan Izo- “We consider your visit to be a clear marginalizing the party. The party’s lead- promise to distribute Russian passports fi ve to 20 soldiers. The Georgian troops ria said the main topic during his meet- indication of France’s solid support for ers said they have already appealed to to all Georgian citizens. are part of the European Union’s peace- ing with Le Drian centered around mov- Georgia, as well as being a signal that Tbilisi’s City Court. The bloc will take part in the elections keeping mission in the war-torn nation. ing towards comprehensive sends a message emphasizing the impor- The party’s leader, Gogi Topadze, said for the Supreme Council of the Black Le Drian took the time to thank the military-technical cooperation and tance of the existing partnership between certain forces in the election committee Sea region. Unlike the Central Georgian soldiers for their contribution developing an air defense system for our countries," Kvirikashvili told Le Drian. are actively trying to force opposition Election Commission, the Adjara Supreme to international peacekeeping missions Georgia. Le Drian visited Georgia’s western parties out of the race for the new par- Election Commission registered the bloc and added that Georgian military cadets Following his meeting with Izoria, Le region on Monday to participate liament. without any objections. will now be able to study in France. Drian met with Georgian Prime Minis- in ceremonies marking the 10-year anni- According to Zurab Tkemaladze, a Members of the bloc have announced The French delegation reiterated that ter Giorgi Kvirikashvili. The conversa- versary of the Mountain Training Schools. member of the Industrialist Party, the that they will hold protest rallies until they are ready to contribute to the devel- tion touched upon cooperation in the The facility was set up with French CEC’s decision is in direct violation of the CEC reinstates the registration for opment of a mountain fi ring range in the defense area and the importance of assistance and provide courses for Geor- the law. the national elections. Samtskhe-Javakheti Region. military education exchange programs. gia’s Armed Forces. GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS SEPTEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 The 2016 Elections: Better than Ever Before

between a voter and the voting booth is OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE no longer as rough and thorny as it used to be, ballot boxes do not ‘blush’ for shame as badly as they did before, and ertain ultra-nationalist fl ag the constitution is not being offended wavers would blame me for as fl agrantly as it was in the past. derogating the merits of the In a word, the campaign is hot and nation and exaggerating its strained, but it also is well-balanced, and fl aws, but I usually know equalized to European standards. There whatC I'm writing about Georgia, depend- is nothing in the way of openly express- ing on what the current social, economic ing individual views and ideas. But also, or political moment is asking for. For this is the time when the number of swing example, we are now in the middle of voters may grow because of the doubts the preparatory electoral period to fi ll that occur in the process of fi nding the the Georgian parliament with new leg- fairest electoral track. The best corrobo- islative forces, and I like the situation, ration of this statement is the straw vote notwithstanding my mostly negative which is probed occasionally by various attitude. poll companies. And money matters, too! Georgia is coping effectively with this Money – soft or hard – is a variable that wordy, showy and intricate democratic vibrates, and balances the electoral equa- process, successfully emulating the West. tion. Yes, if you don’t spend money, you Democracy – as good or bad as it seems can’t get elected. Same in America, same – is in full swing in Georgia today: 80 anywhere else – the more you have, the percent of the electorate is ready to go bigger the chance to get where you want and vote; the air is full of open and una- to be. The electoral wannabes in Georgia bashed discussions; almost every issue though, trying to turn themselves into that the constituency is concerned about actual gonnabes, are desperately after the is sitting on the table; most of the can- votes, standing on whichever platform didates for future membership of the they think is most popular but in fact not parliament impress us with speeches fi xed and effective; political opponents ments looks as civilized as never before and diffi cult years, and here we go – we fi rm enough to get a guaranteed seat in and promises; media is healthy, coura- detest each other, but still carefully in this country. are almost there. Finally. An average parliament. The electoral horse race is geous and moderately critical; no street choose descriptive epithets; the election- Well, there are some minor things that Georgian voter has understood that each on and it is gathering momentum every manifestations are taking place; cute time television shows are masterfully could embarrass a solid, faithful and vote has weight and meaning, the one- inch of the way, but let us not expect a billboards are hanging all over the place; staged by major TV stations; hosts of qualifi ed voter, but they are almost neg- person-one-vote theory and practice are landslide any more. Landslides are now nobody is going physical in political bat- those shows look professional and sound ligible. Us achieving this style and level in place, fairness of elections and its part of the past. This is going to be the tlefi elds; civilized knocks on our doors knowledgeable; the election information of running elections was not achieved legality are affordably guarded, gerry- most westernized elections we have ever are heard by the promoters of nominated is distributed, digested and reproduced overnight. We have been entertaining mander and vote rigging are not excluded had in our motley political life of the last candidates; the election code is almost promptly; the entire course of develop- this for the last thirty politically strained but not easily allowed, the distance thirty years. GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 POLITICS 7 In, Out, Shake it all About- the South Ossetian Referendum Conundrum mate, and the separatists once again OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA voted to become “independent.” The census of 1989 showed that there were 68,200 Ossetians and 28,500 Geor- he announced South Ossetian gians living on the territory at the time. referendum about joining Following two ethnic cleansings, Geor- the Russian Federation is not gians have completely left the territory to be held until 2017. The and even the number of Ossetians has dreams of local nomenclature been reduced to about 45 thousand. Tabout Crymeazation did not come true The separatists hence decided to hold this year as the occupied South Ossetian a third referendum on the occupied ter- de-facto government has postponed it ritory in these “favorable” circumstances, until next year. The so-called President, which once again proves that the Osse- Leonid Tibilov, and the so-called Speaker tian statehood as a notion was merely a of Parliament, Anatoliy Bibilov, signed a fi ction from the very beginning, as was document in which the date of the future the obsessive idea about joining Russia. referendum is defi ned as the fi rst week of As the political calendar of the Krem- May, 2017. The same document states that lin suggested, the fate of the referendum the offi cial reason for the postponement in occupied Tskhinvali was decided in is the so-called presidential elections. spring, the decision about postponing it The idea of joining the Russian Fed- taken in the Kremlin at that time and eration is nothing new for the Ossetian announced only today. On April 14, dur- separatists. As early as 16 years before ing the annual “Direct Line” with Vladimir the Russian-Georgian war of August Putin, the President implied as much 2008, in 1992, a referendum was held in when he said that the Russian Federa- Tskhinvali, in which the local population tion was not considering admitting South had to answer only one question – should Ossetia and that he and Leonid Tibilov South Ossetia join the Russian Federa- had not discussed the issue during their tion? Naturally, the Georgian-speaking meeting. The next day, during a live population boycotted the referendum, broadcast, President Putin ratifi ed the while the 99 percent of local Ossetians so-called border agreement with South responded positively. Ossetia, which was a clear signal that The second such referendum was held Russia did not intend to adopt the occu- Source: Just Dance Kids 2 in the occupied territory in 2006. This pied territory. problem, it will not create a new one for dum and join Russia understood, but tia. However, Sakvarelidze does not time the question was asked in a differ- Political analyst Irakli Tskitishvili small Tskhinvali. I don’t believe this is since then there have only been talks exclude that this statement was dishon- ent form, though the idea was the same, believes that the idea voiced by Tibilov a Russian initiative..,” Tskitishvili said. about this issue, nothing more.., so I est and thinks that Russia might be pre- and the eventually would result in either about holding the referendum was “I just believe that periodically Tibilov doubt there’ll be any kind of actual devel- paring a surprise for Georgia. “If Russia joining the Russian Federation or not: announced without prior agreement wants to check the readiness and pos- opment.” chooses not to recognize the referendum, “Do you wish South Ossetia to be an with Moscow. In his interview with Radio sibility for so-called South Ossetia to Expert in political issues Ramaz Sakvare- it might not hold any threat. But if Putin independent state?” The Georgian local Freedom Tskitishvili stated that this time join Russia. Basically, the appointment lidze believes that the statement made declares that this is the will of the Osse- population with Georgian nationality it would also remain at the level of mere of Tibilov to his current position was by Vladimir Putin on April 14 adds some tian people and that he is ready to admit boycotted the referendum again, with discussion. “Today, when Russia is think- from the very beginning defi ned, and uncertainty to the issue of any holding the territory to Russia, the situation will Offi cial Tbilisi recognizing it as illegiti- ing about ways to solve its Ukrainian that he would eventually hold a referen- of a referendum in so-called South Osse- become very tense, indeed.” GEORGIA TODAY 8 BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 Ecomigrant Women in Disveli Start Cheese Production nia and Georgia by contributing to the her own income and can help her fam- BY BAIA DZAGNIDZE empowerment of women and to increas- ily. ing their awareness of the importance Currently, the cheese produced in of sustainable agriculture in the South Disveli is sold in Tbilisi in low quanti- very morning since April Caucasus. Consequently, one of the ties, while the butter and ricotta, while 2016 has started the same cooperative's principles was gender being in high demand, are only sold on way for three women in Dis- equality, meaning that at least half its the Disveli village market. Members of veli village, Bolnisi Munici- members had to be female. This empow- the cooperative hope to become more pality. ers rural women, ensures their income, effi cient and extend production and EAt 9am sharp they start their daily job and generally improves the living con- most importantly the labor force soon. at a small cheese enterprise located in ditions of the vulnerable rural popula- The problem they currently face is that the village to produce Sulguni, butter, tion. In addition, the cooperative also they do not have a vehicle to bring milk and a ricotta-like dairy product from assumes social responsibility for its from cattle taken to the mountains to local cattle milk. The morning starts by community and invests part of the pasture during the summer. In addition, getting fresh milk from various farms, cooperative's income in a community the cooperative is working on recom- which is later put into a pasteuriser. fund that targets its development pro- mendations received from the National After cooling, it undergoes a ripening jects. Food Agency in order to introduce a process, which takes at least 30-40 min- Meri Makharadze, Chairwomen of the HACCP plan in the factory to enable utes. When the cheese is ripened, it is cooperative, explains that the existence them to start mass production. simultaneously boiled and stretched of such cooperatives and enterprises in According to Makharadze, the enter- and later kneaded into a round-shaped the village is necessary as the village prise is able to get 2.5 tons of milk every Sulguni. will have some novelty and innovation. day and fully utilize it. She explains that Disveli is a village of ecomigrants from “A person can learn a lot of things, as 100 liters of milk gives around 12–13 kg Adjara who were resettled due to a the project brought so many interna- of cheese, while on average they get at landslide that destroyed their homes in tional experts to teach us the produc- least 300–400 liters each day. Shainidze Municipality. Building the cheese tion of various cheese types with dif- elaborates that once they begin mass cooperative in Disveli is the result of a ferent technologies,” she said. distribution, the enterprise will be able partnership between CENN and RED Another woman involved in the coop- to employee at least 10 people for cheese (Rural Economic Development). CENN’s erative and cheese production is Zaira production, but this is not the only work involvement in the establishment of the Shainidze, who has much more experi- at the factory, as there is also the daily enterprise was possible in the frame- ence in cheese production than others. cleaning of premises and equipment. work of the Austrian Development She has worked for at least 5 years in To raise awareness of the enterprise, Cooperation funded project, Empow- different companies and factories. Zaira cooperative members participated in ered Rural Women for Sustainable Agri- notes that she has never worked in any various national and international agri- culture in the South Caucasus, which enterprise with such technologically cultural and cheese festivals such as the is implemented in a partnership with advanced equipment. Georgian Cheese Festival in 2014, the Hilfswerk Austria International and “Working is much easier than with Festival of Rural Life in Yerevan in 2014 Green Lane Agricultural Assistance the traditional Adjaran method, which and 2015, and the South Caucasus Cheese NGO in Armenia. involves bigger bowls and bare hands,” Festival in Tbilisi in 2015. Last year in The project aims to reduce poverty she said, adding that being in the enter- Yerevan, the Disveli cooperative was in the transboundary region of Arme- prise is benefi cial for her as it gives her even awarded the Best Enterprise Award. GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 BUSINESS 9 Tbilisi’s Real Estate Market Experiences Spike in Demand The increasing demand for cheaper property rent- BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI AND als has also reached Tbilisi’s suburbs, where hous- NICHOLAS WALLER ing shortages are common, and the condition of the properties tends to be very poor. On the other hand, low price apartment search eal estate market experts in Georgia’s often happens without actual involvement from the capital Tbilisi report that demand for real estate agencies, with word-of-mouth more housing and apartment rentals has actively used in the process. increased since the end of the summer Nika Japaridze, a development manager for online tourist season yet noted that the market property lister makler.ge, recently said in an inter- hadR not experienced any considerable price increase view with a local business journal that his company compared to the same period last year. has over 30,000 ads on their site, indicating that the While news of growing demand will be welcomed real estate market is very active due to the number by estate agents, the demand for available affordable of students coming to the city in search of cheap rentals priced at 200 USD or less per month far housing. exceeds the supply. According to a recent survey of the real estate Further compounding the situation is the glut of market, the price for 1 sqm property in Tbilisi ranged vacancies for medium to high-end rentals through- from 836 - 900 USD, with the price index decreas- out the city. ing year-on-year to 1.8 percent as of June 1. Tbilisi has experienced a construction boom in The survey found that the Mtatsminda district is the last two years but those building projects have the city’s most expensive region for both rentals and focused mainly on middle and upper-class housing, sales, with the sales price of 1 sqm of property aver- ranging from small condos to luxury penthouses. aging 1,011 USD and 9 USD for rentals. The overwhelming majority of the properties The Samgori district was rated as the cheapest in remain unoccupied, but the construction projects the city, with the sales price for 1 sqm averaging 544 continue at the expense of new projects aimed at USD and a mere 5 USD for rentals. building affordable housing for the majority of Tbi- The rental and sales prices for commercial spaces lisi’s population. are signifi cantly higher, coming in at 1,088 to 1,230 According to market sources, the minimum rental USD per sqm for a sales price and 10.1 to 12.0 USD price for a centrally located, unfurnished one-bed- per 1 sqm for rentals. room apartment costs 300 USD, with Saburtalo as Real Estate Laboratory research showed an aver- the most popular district in the city where low-end age of 2,384 monthly real estate transactions occurred rental prices range from 250 USD to 300 USD for from June 2015 to June 2016, 34.9 percent of which an apartment in an old Soviet-era block. were sales in the Vake and Saburtalo districts. GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY SEPTEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 PASHA Bank – General Sponsor of Spotlight 2016

n September 10th, 2016, the year’s Bank. “Spotlight is one such project as it creates a major marketing event Spotlight 2016 platform for marketing and advertising profession- took place in Radisson Blu Iveria als to share their knowledge and experience with hotel. For the second year PASHA each other. We are proud to sponsor Spotlight for Bank was the general sponsor of the the second time and that our mutual projects, Spot- Oevent. light Marketing Library and ana- Spotlight has been running since lytical rubric on Marketer.ge, are 2013 and sees Georgian marketers very popular among those inter- and other professionals sharing their ested in the sphere.” experience with the public and col- “Our cooperation with PASHA leagues. This year over 450 guests Bank started two years ago and attended the event, among them PR since then the Bank sponsored and marketing specialists of both Spotlight twice, the video records local and international companies, of which are public and viewed advertising agencies and those merely by thousands of users,” said Ako interested in the subject. Akhalaia, founder of Marketer. Last year, PASHA Bank launched “We have also joined forces on a new project ‘Spotlight Marketing two major projects: Spotlight Library’ that aims to create a single Marketing Library where one will comfortable space with the profes- fi nd the most contemporary pro- sional literature in Marketing, Brand- fessional literature, brought by ing, PR and other related fi elds, PASHA Bank, and our favorite available for all. rubric on Marketer, where we This year PASHA Bank donated translate and publish analytical more than 50 books to the library articles by Harvard, Stanford, and and those Spotlight guests who reg- Kellogg. Our partnership with istered at the Spotlight Marketing PASHA Bank is a good example Library stand received free reader of companies’ productive col- passes from PASHA Bank. laboration. The initiatives that “PASHA Bank has been operating come from PASHA Bank have a in Georgia for three years and dur- long term effect on the develop- ing this period we have regularly ment of our business society as supported educational and profes- the books, articles and videos are sional projects,” said Anano Korkia, consumed by more and more Head of PR and Marketing at PASHA people each year.” Driving Angry: Ogden on Georgians behind the Wheel

mouth told me it would be pointless. There would OP-ED BY TIM OGDEN be a typical outburst as there always is to the slight- est criticism, perhaps even a hint that my worry over his driving makes me less of a man. I’ve heard fter I reminded my wife that my this sort of talk before, and know that it’s no good grandfather was once the captain of to point out that he’s needlessly endangering his a prestigious golf club, the rather own life as well as the lives of my wife and I (who poor showing I made on the Ambas- have to pay him for the privilege), and that while sadori Hotel’s golf course was proof he may not much of a future career to look forward ifA proof were needed that not all talents trickle to, I have plans, d’ya see, and I’d rather not have to down from genetics. Indeed, as I stood bunkered end my life fl ying through a windshield in and hammering at the sand with every club I could with a scream of ‘West Ham for the Cup!’. fi nd, she remarked that though I had failed as a (I should explain that I always wanted my last golfer I might succeed as a miner, and, may in fact words to be something special. At the moment I strike oil at any moment. rather like ‘Hey, everybody, watch this!’ Go out These encouraging barbs aside, I had rather a with a bang and leave a few smiles behind; it’s a pleasant weekend out of the city celebrating my comforting thought). birthday. In a refl ective moment after a number of But it’s still a bloody silly way to die. I’m all for bottles of Saperavi, I did wonder why people wish reaching one’s destination in a timely manner, but you well as you age; it seems rather odd that being trying to overtake a long line of cars without being one year closer to death is something to celebrate. able to see what’s coming the other way is the plan This was but a fl eeting and idle thought, you of a moron. I’d have been comforted if it was only understand, and death was far from my mind for our driver who was doing all this, but past experi- the rest of the weekend until it came time to come ence of all the other cars around me revealed this home, when it came back with a vengeance. to be simply the way Georgians drive. I have been on the Kakheti Highway a score of You may recall a few weeks ago I wrote about times before, but perhaps as the taxi we hailed to Georgian men and their methods of wooing that take us back to Tbilisi was smaller and more banged leave a lot to be desired; I wrote that I would have up than they usually are, I noticed the appalling loved to ask them what the overall plan is, and what driving rather more. You may recall that Britain’s they hope to achieve. I loathe repeating myself former Ambassador to Georgia, Her Excellency almost as much as contradiction, but feel the need Alexandra Hall Hall, had been unfairly slammed to here. I would love to know why Georgian driv- by Georgians for criticizing their standard of driv- ers think that overtaking on blind corners is a bril- ing, but spending most of one’s time in Tbilisi liant idea, or if they’ve thought about what might numbs you to the real danger of it; there are happen if the car they’re driving so close to sud- so many cars in this city these days, denly slams on the brakes, or what good can the worst that can happen are come of driving so fast at vehicles speeding bumps and scrapes (except the other way. I suppose it’s just like when at night). they’re stuck in traffi c jams and still feel On the main roads out of the need to honk the horn, as though the city, however, things are they expect the cars in front to just very different. Excessively vanish. high speeds and needless ‘Driving Angry’ was an awful fi lm overtaking seem to con- with Nicolas Cage that came stitute the main dangers, out a few years ago, but the title and, on seeing this lunacy fi ts the bill here. Behind the fi rst hand, it isn’t hard to wheel, a lot of Georgians do see why Georgia had traf- seem to take out a lot of anger; fi c-related deaths in the I’d love to know why. Either thousands last year. that or the male population I was on the cusp of offering of this country loves Nic our driver more money to Cage, and between those slow down, but one glance two prospects, I’m not sure at the vacant eyes and open Cartoon: Brian Patrick Grady which is the most worrying. GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 SOCIETY 11 Ureki Break even if it's not yellow or white, beats Batumi's BY TONY HANMER rocks any day! Other choices of entertainment ranged from a pulled banana boat, jet-ski, 4x4 beach car, horse ome very kind young friends recently rides, and even para-sailing, also pulled by boat. allowed my wife and I to have an actual The sun and sea, however, were enough for us. vacation, as opposed to a required dash Really, this is all that's lacking for me in our moun- from one end of the country to the tain home, and I suppose that the few hours' drive other for funeral reasons. They offered away which it is makes it all the more special, Sto come and look after the cows, chickens and giving the real holiday feeling when one makes house while we got away to the Black Sea for six the effort to go. days. One could hardly refuse such a generous I fi nally had my question answered about the offer, and we certainly accepted with huge grat- eerily still and empty new amusement park between itude. Ureki and Kobuleti. Why have I never seen it run- Once the four were up to speed with milking ning? It seems such a sad waste, obviously not old. and other necessary chores, we felt free to pack Was there a curse on it? A legal dispute? Some- up and head off into the sunrise to Ureki, perhaps thing unsafe in the area's environs, discovered a less known but still locally popular alternative tragically too late? Oktoberfest in Tbilisi to bustling Batumi and Kobuleti. We were staying None of the above: the whole park only opens in the same hotel which had hosted us for a TLG and comes alive between 6 pm and midnight! It's training event some two years earlier. all lit up, and I've never driven past it during these A few more interesting place names on the way, hours, so I wrongly assumed that it was abandoned. which I've translated as: Holy Water; Or Lacking Instead, it's more like the nocturnally powered (meaning "or not all there")and Magnetite, for travelling circus in Ray Bradbury's novel, Some- this Weekend! which see below. thing Wicked This Way Comes! Well, that makes The owner had extensively renovated the hotel me feel better. Seriously, I must get there after and its grounds, so returning was a pleasant sur- dark sometime with camera and tripod and make n the same day as the start of the Parliament of Georgia, David Usupashvili, and the prise. Much landscaping and greenery, several some slow exposures of lit-up things whirling. world´s biggest folk festival, the Ambassador of Germany to Georgia, H.E. Dr. Heike new swimming pools, new bedrooms and dining Could be magic. Oktoberfest Munich, the “Oktober- Peitsch. room awaited us. Plus, we were a bit earlier in the This was all a good reminder that Georgia's geo- fest der Deutschen Wirtschaft” is to Gold Sponsor of the Oktoberfest is Hipp, with year this time, still in plenty of time to make some graphic diversity, for such a small country, allows be introduced to Tbilisi by the Ger- silver sponsors Happy Company, Knauf, Lufthansa use of the beach and the sea itself, which we did. you to experience a huge range of landscapes and Oman Business Association (DWV) and its partners. and Messe Frankfurt Exhibition. Main caterers are Ureki was having its last tourist fl ing before school climates in a very short distance and time. One On Saturday, 17 September 2016, from 13:00 till late Rainer´s European Restaurant, Stelzenhaus and begins on Sept. 15, so the place was quite busy, but of the country's many great advantages, and one at Mtatsminda Park, guests can enjoy a wide vari- Zedazeni with König Pilsener, further exquisite we still felt that there was space for everybody. which I intend for us to make more use of (once ety of German and Bavarian style food, drinks and imported German beers to taste are also to be pro- Ureki and neighboring Magnetiti (original home we settle the Cow Question), given our newly entertainment. vided. Exclusive media partner of the festival is of X-men foe Magneto?) are famous for their cura- returned mobility. During the afternoon, from 13:00 onwards, there Georgia Today. tive dark gray sand, which is somewhat magnetic will be a broad program with exhibition stands, Oktoberfest on 17 September is a one-day-only and supposed to be very good for the bones if you Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in culinary delights and children’s programs, as well opportunity providing free entry to the tent and allow yourself to be covered with it from neck to Svaneti since 2007, and been a weekly writer for GT as entertainment like wheel of fortune, marathon, premises, as well as a German-Georgian “Gaudi” feet for half and hour or so a day. I dug my wife since early 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” mini football, darts, creative workshops and prizes for all. in, and at least I can say that she emerged none Facebook group, now with over 1300 members, at for many lucky winners. the worse. The water was really pleasant, the slope www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ In the evening, from 18:00 onwards, there will be Date: 17 September, 2016 of the beach gentle enough to give you some wad- He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: an authentic beer tent atmosphere with live music Time: 13:00 till midnight ing distance before you decided to dive. And sand, www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti and entertainment opened by the Speaker of the Where: Mtatsminda Park

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ROUTING FLIGHT NUMBER WEEK DAYS DEPARTURE ARRIVAL TK 379 02:35 04:05 TBILISI - ISTANBUL ATATURK AIRPORT TK 387EVERYDAY 06:35 08:05 TK 383 22:55 00:30+1 TK 386 01:40 04:55 ISTANBUL ATATURK AIRPORT - TBILISI TK 382EVERYDAY 18:10 21:30 TK 378 21:15 00:30+1 TK 381 1/2/4/5/6/7 04:25 05:50 TBILISI - ISTANBUL SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT TK 381 3 05:05 06:30 ISTANBUL SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT - TBILISI TK 380 EVERYDAY 19:40 22:55 TK 391 1/2/4/6/7 10:35 11:40 BATUMI - ISTANBUL TK 393 1/3/4/5/7 20:15 21:20 TK 390 1/2/4/6/7 06:25 09:20 ISTANBUL - BATUMI TK 392 1/3/4/5/7 16:20 19:20 Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected]

TIFLIS 7.5x6cmGeorgian ING.indd 1 Artist 13/06/16 15:16Tbilisi’s Art Palace Hosts Featured at London’s Shakespeare Theater Exhibition Start Art Fair BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI eorgia’s Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection is sponsoring an exhibition dedicated to a history of Shakespeare being per- Gformed in Georgia. The exhibition recently opened at Tbi- lisi’s Art Palace and features some of the country’s most prominent artists includ- ing Petre Otskheli, Ioseb Sumbatashvili, David Kakabadze, Soliko Virsaladze, Sergo Kobuladze, Parnaoz Lapiashvili, Giorgi Gunia, and more. The exhibition also features an impres- sive collection of works from the Art "Shakespeare became an integral part the incredible contributions both writ- Palace’s archives as well as works by of Georgian culture and the local theater ers have had on Georgia’s culture,” Brit- young Georgian artists featured in the arts in in the 19th century after noted ish Council Director Zaza Purtseladze ongoing “Shakespeare meets Rustaveli linguist Ivan Machabeli translated most said while announcing the winner of the in Georgia” initiative. of Shakespeare’s works into Georgian,” competition. The project is a collaboration between Giorgi Kalandia, Director of Art Palace Georgia’s young artist Giorgi Sisauri the Art Palace and the British Council said at the exhibition opening. was named the competition winner by as a way to celebrate the legacy of both He later added that the exhibition is Art Palace and received a 500 GEL award. Willam Shakespeare and Shota Rustaveli, the fi rst to feature more than 300 works Sisauri was chosen from 20 other par- munities that have limited access to the medieval poet and progenitor of by historic and contemporary Georgian ticipants who were taking part in the BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI information on the contemporary arts Georgia’s literary heritage. painters alongside the translated writ- competition. scene. The declared long-term goal of The exhibition is dedicated to the 450th ings of Shakespeare. The exhibition will continue at the Art the ArtBeat platform is to become the anniversary of Shakespeare’s death and “The idea behind the 'Shakespeare Palace (Kargareteli Str. 6) until Septem- rom September 15-18, London’s regional center for the Arts. the 850thanniversary of Rustaveli’s birth. meets Rustaveli' project is to showcase ber 30. Saatchi Gallery (UK) is exhib- iting the solo project of Geor- gian artist Beso Uznadze, fea- turing his new photo series inspiredF by the aesthetic dimension of fl owers and nature, as part of the Start Art Fair. Among the many art fairs held in Europe, Start Art presents an alternative concept, offering a focus on emerging indie art- ists and galleries from around the world. “Ideally, we want each visitor to go away with interests in artists and galler- ists they haven't come across before,” said Niru Ratnam, the director of the Start Art Fair in an interview with FAD magazine. “In terms of the setting, I wanted to move away from the trade show type venues that most art fairs go for and do something in the type of place that you'd normally visit for an exhibi- tion – hence the Saatchi Gallery is our base.” Said to be a platform that brings new artistic talents into the spotlight, the Fair this year is sure to bring greater popu- larity to both Uznadze and the Georgian art scene. Uznadze usually works on photo reports and photo series featuring ordinary feel- ings such as love, separation, death, and fear, telling us stories of the people we meet every day. Through his individual techniques, his works are said to balance on the verge between sculpture and painting. Innovative Georgian start-up Project ArtBeat, currently introducing Uznadze to the international scene, aims at giving an opportunity for Georgian and Cau- casian artists to be noticed worldwide and also to introduce modern contem- porary art locally to the places and com- GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 CULTURE 13 Georgia Celebrates European Heritage Days

to a series of cultural activities. tiative of the European Union and the BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI The festival will highlight local tra- Council of Europe since 1999. ditions, architectural styles and works The festival introduces visitors to a of art, as well as workshops, exhibi- wide range of cultural assets through eorgia’s Ministry of Cul- tions, seminars, classes and confer- a number of themed free events. ture and Monument Pro- ences focused on raising awareness Exhibitions will be held in Tbilisi, tection will celebrate of European values and cultural herit- near the ancient capital of Mtskheta, European Heritage Days age. as well as , Zugdidi, Kvareli, on September 16-18 with Launched in 1985 in France, the fes- and for special exhibi- theG country’s main cities playing host tival has been operated as a joint ini- tions and events. Meet the New Head of the British Council Teaching Center, Tbilisi

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my favourite things are rugby, hiking in get is constantly improving. We then BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI the mountains and wine, and Georgia is regularly observe teachers to help them the perfect place for all of them. put all these ideas into practice! All of this helps ensure we maintain our posi- ince 2012, the British Council CAN YOU TELL US WHAT’S tion as the world experts in English Georgia’s teaching center in HAPPENING AT THE TEACHING teaching and learning. Tbilisi has provided English CENTER AT THE MOMENT? language courses for the Geor- It’s the start of the academic year when TELL US ABOUT YOUR gian public, with classes encom- we enrol new students, always a busy PARTICIPATION IN EUROPEAN Spassing students of different ages starting and exciting time. We are trialing a new DAY OF LANGUAGES from the very young to adult, while also placement test that you can take online It started with an initiative from the focusing on providing professional train- and afterwards come to speak to one of EUNIC (European Union National Insti- ing for English language teachers. Using our teachers. They’ll tell you your level tutes for Culture) which is a collabora- student-centered methodology, the British and how to improve your English. This tion between the British Council, Goethe Council recognizes that every individual year we’ve got some new teachers from Institute, French Institute and the Dante has different styles and preferences, dif- Australia and England, as well as all our Alighieri Society. It’s a celebration of all ferent experiences and learning skills. As great Georgian ones. As for our courses, the different languages spoken in Europe. such, they give their teachers the oppor- we offer lessons to kids aged 7 and up; This year, we’re sending some of our tunity and freedom to experiment with we also run our usual courses for adults teachers along, so kids can go and get a innovative approaches in the classroom. whether interested in General or Busi- free lesson with a British Council teacher. We had a chance to meet with Stephen ness English, and international exam We’re planning demonstration lessons Shelley, newly appointed Teaching Center preparation courses like IELTS, FCE and to show what our lessons are like and Manager at the British Council Tbilisi CAE. We strongly believe that the most how they can help a student get more offi ce to fi nd out more about the Center. important thing for our students learn- confi dent with the language. It is on 25th ing English is that they speak with con- September. HOW DID YOU END fi dence, so our main focus with the UP IN GEORGIA? courses is defi nitely speaking and fl u- BRITISH COUNCIL IS VERY I worked for the British Council for 10 ency. INVOLVED IN CULTURAL years in Vietnam, Hong Kong and Por- PROMOTION tugal. When an opportunity came up to ARE YOU PLANNING ANY Art is a big part of what we do. To give go to Georgia, I was really very happy CHANGES THIS YEAR? you the most recent example, our art team because it was the very fi rst place abroad There are always changes… new materi- with the Georgian Art Palace organized that I’d wanted to come to 15 years ago als, new techniques, new ideas. That’s a competition for young professionals as as a teacher, but I didn’t get the chance why we have so much training for teach- part of the Shakespeare and Rustaveli back then. So it’s great to have the oppor- ers. We have training sessions twice a Meet in Georgia project. The winner of tunity to come back in this role! I fell in month, where we all come together and the competition was Natia Khanishvili love with Georgia as soon as I got here; share our ideas about what we’ve read who received a free English Language it’s a really nice place, everybody’s wel- about or what we’ve seen online, to make development course at our Teaching coming and the food is great! Three of sure that the experience the students Center from October. GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE SEPTEMBER 16 - 19, 2016

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER NERVE MUSEUM OF SOVIET POLISH PARADISE LEADERS: Directed by Henry Joost, OCCUPATION Greatest Polish DJ projection RESO KIKNAZE QUINTET AND GEORGIAN STATE Ariel Schulman Address: 3 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. with contemporary Polish PAPUNA SHARIKADZE PANTOMIME THEATRE Cast: Emma Roberts, Dave Franco, photography Start time: 21:00 Address: 37 Rustaveli Ave. Emily Meade PERMANENT EXHIBITION Start time: 21:30 Free Entry Telephone: 2 99 63 14 Genre: Adventure, Crime, Thriller Here, visitors can discover Address: Fabrika, 8 E. Ninoshvili Str. Language: Russian the State's personal fi les of September 21 September 16 Start time: 15:00, 18:15 "subversive" Georgian public September 17 TANGO EVENING fi gures, orders to shoot or exile, and LULLABY Ticket: 9-13 GEL OPENING OF TBILISI “MILONGA, LA CUMPARSITA” other artifacts representing Soviet- Directed by Amiran Shalikashvili PHOTO BOOK ARGENTINE TANGO DANCE RUSTAVELI CINEMA era cultural and political repression Start time: 19:00 Start time: 16:00 NIGHT Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. in Georgia. The exhibition hall is Ticket: 10 GEL POLISH PARADISE Start time: 21:00 Telephone: 2 55 50 00 equipped with monitors on which PRESENTATION Ticket: 5 GEL September 17 www.kinoafi sha.ge visitors can watch documentaries Start time: 17:00 of various historical events. KRIMANCHULI Address: Fabrika, 8 E. Ninoshvili Str. BUDDHA-BAR Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL Directed by Amiran Shalikashvili Address: Rike Park Start time: 19:00 September 16-22 IOSEB GRISHASHVILI OPEN AIR NIGHT SCREENINGS TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM Ticket: 10 GEL POLISH PARADISE, A NIGHT OF - KARVASLA September 17 SULLY PHOTOGRAPHY Address: 8 Sioni St. PETER BENCE TBILISI OPERA AND BALLET (Info Above) Start time: 20:00 THEATER Telephone: 2 98 22 81 Start time: 21:00 Start time: 13:30, 17:50, 20:30, 22:40 Address: Old Tbilisi Address: 25 Rustaveli Ave. Ticket: 9-14 GEL Ticket: From 45 GEL Telephone: 200 44 66 September 16 – October 8 September 18 Georgian National Museum HIPPODROME PARK NERVE TURKISH PHOTOGRAPHY: September 18 Tbilisi History Museum in frames Address: Near Lisi Lake (Info Above) CONTEMPORARY APPROACHES PAGLIACCI of the project "Contemporary Start time: 11:30, 13:50 AND FOTOISTANBUL Starring: Anzor Khidasheli, Irina Art Gallery" invites you to the Ticket: 8-10 GEL FESTIVAL'S CONTRIBUTION September 16 Taboridze, Sulkhan Gvelesiani, exhibition Start time: 17:00 WEEKEND EXPRESS WITH ÂME Zaal Khelaia, Irakli Murjikneli FROM THE SHORES OF THE BRIDGET JONES’ BABY DERIVE BY YUSUF SEVINCLI, GIO SHENGELIA, NIKA J, Conductor: Zaza Azmaiparashvili BLACK SEA (Info Above) EXHIBITION OPENING TOMMA Directed by Temur Chkheidze The exhibition brings together Start time: 15:30, 17:20, 20:05, 22:40 Start time: 19:00 Start time: 22:00 Set and Costume Designer: artists from Georgia - Lia Ticket: 10-14 GEL Address: Lolita, 7 T. Chovelidze Str. Ticket: 20 GEL Giorgi Aleksi-Meskhishvili Bagrationi; Romania - Sebastian Start time: 19:00 Moldovan; Turkey - Nezaket Ekici; SAUSAGE PARTY September 19 Ticket: 10 - 40 GEL Bulgaria - Mariana Vassileva; Russia KAKHIDZE MUSIC CENTER Directed by Greg Tiernan, Conrad - Iced Architects; WOMEN IN PHOTOGRAPHY Address: 123/125 MOVEMENT THEATER Vernon Ukraine - Nikita Kadan. WITH NOOR AGENCY D. Agmashenebeli Ave. Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., Cast: Kristen Wiig, James Franco, Together they bring installations PHOTOGRAPHERS: TEL 295 01 19 Mushthaid park Paul Rudd created in different media, ALIXANDRA FAZZINA, Telephone: 599 555 260 Genre: Animation, Adventure, including video art and ceramic BENEDICT KURZEN, Comedy works. All of the artists share the TANYA HABJOUQA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC September 16 Language: Russian same source of inspiration - the Start time: 18:30 FESTIVAL “AUTUMN TBILISI” RECITATIVE IN THE CITY Start time: 22:15 Black Sea. GIORGI NEBIERIDZE, September 17 Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Ticket: 11-14 GEL EXHIBITION OPENING MOZART REQUIEM Start time: 21:00 SHALVA AMIRANASHVILI Start time: 20:00 Start time: 19:30 Free Entry BEN-HUR MUSEUM OF ART Address: Fabrika, 8 E. Ninoshvili Str. Ticket: 12-20 GEL Directed by Timur Bekmambetov Address: 1 Lado Gudiashvili St. September 17, 18 Cast: Jack Huston, Nazanin Boniadi, Telephone: 2 99 99 09 September 20 September 22 INTRO Ayelet Zurer www.museum.ge ARAB DOCUMENTARY ENSEMBLE GEORGIKA Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Genre: Adventure, Drama, History PHOTOGORPAHY PROGRAM Start time: 19:30 Start time: 21:00 Language: Russian September 14 – October 1 BY TANYA HABJUCA (NOOR) Ticket: 12-20 GEL Ticket: 15 GEL Start time: 22:35 GURAM TSERTSVADZE’S Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 13-14 GEL PERSONAL EXHIBITION ANTOINE D’AGATA BATUMI CINEMA Start time: 21:00 GALLERY Address: Fabrika, 8 E. Ninoshvili Str. JASON BOURNE BATUMI STATE MUSICAL AMIRANI CINEMA (Info Above) CENTER THE NATIONAL GALLERY September 21 Address: 36 Kostava St. Start time: 12:15, 19:30 Address: 1 O. Dimidtriadi Str. Telephone: 2 99 99 55 Ticket: 8-14 GEL Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. THE HISTORY OF JAPANESE www.museum.ge PHOTOGRAPHY – www.kinoafi sha.ge September 17 AN APPROACH TO MUSEUM BATUMI MUSICFEST 2016 Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 Lari PERMANENT EXHIBITION UNCONSCIOUSNESS Niko Pirosmanashvili, David Start time: 19:00 OPENING CHARITY GALA September 16-22 GEORGIAN NATIONAL Kakabadze, Lado Gudiashvili and SPECIAL NIGHT BY NOOR CONCERT MUSEUM sculptor Iakob Nikoladze. WOMEN: TO SUPPORT YOUNG BRIDGET JONES’ BABY SIMON JANASHIA MUSEUM ALIXANDRA FAZZINA, GEORGIAN TALENT Directed by Sharon Maguire Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. June 24, 2016 – June 24, 2017 BENEDICTE KURZEN, Start time: 19:00 Cast: Renée Zellweger, Patrick Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 NIKO PIROSMANASHVILI’S TANYA HABJOUQA Ticket: 20 GEL Dempsey, Colin Firth www.museum.ge Genre: Comedy, Romance WORKS “YARD CLEANER” AND Start time: 21:30 “EAGLE SEIZING A HARE” Address: Fabrika, 8 E. Ninoshvili Str. September 18 Language: English PERMANENT EXHIBITION: Both paintings were in the "GEORGIAN VOICES" AT Start time: 17:30 GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY Language: Russian ownership of Ilya and Kirill September 22 BATUMI MUSICFEST FROM 8TH MILLENNIUM B.C. Start time: 13:45, 12:30 Zdanevich until 1930 when Dimitri YUSUF SEVINCLI Start time: 19:00 TO 4TH CENTURY A.D Ticket: 8-14 GEL Shevardnadze bought part of Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-50 GEL Address: Lolita, 7 T. Chovelidze Str. THE CAUCASUS NATURAL their collection (39 paintings) JASON BOURNE September 19 HISTORY MUSEUM including the "Yard Cleaner" and Directed by Paul Greengrass MUSIC FAMOUS AMERICAN COLLECTION RENEWED "Eagle Seizing a Hare". Today, both Cast: Matt Damon, Tommy Lee CONDUCTOR EXHIBITION paintings are among the collection TBILISI CONCERT HALL Jones, Alicia Vikander of the Shalva Amiranashvili PHILIP MANN AND BATUMI Genre: Action, Thriller Address: 1 Melikishvili Ave. SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA EXHIBITION OF GEORGIAN Museum of Fine Arts. Language: Russian Telephone: 299 00 99 WEAPONRY Start time: 19:00 Start time: 22:00 Ticket: 10-50 GEL Ticket: 13-14 GEL NUMISMATIC TREASURY September 6-28 September 16 The exhibition showcases a long THE SOLO EXHIBITION "DEEP ELENA VAENGA September 20 history of money circulation on the CALLETH UNTO DEEP" BY GIA THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS SOLO CONCERT CYPRIEN KATSARIS territory of modern Georgia from BUGADZE. Directed by Derek Cianfrance Start time: 19:00 AT BATUMI MUSICFEST Cast: Michael Fassbender, the 6th century BC. to 1834. The project "Deep Calleth unto Ticket: 30-150 GEL Start time: 19:00 Alicia Vikander, Rachel Weisz Deep" is based on the 7th article Ticket: 10-50 GEL Genre: Drama, Romance June 11 – March 11 (2017) of the 41st psalm and outlines September 18 Language: Russian EXHIBITION "MEDIEVAL the drama which lies in the JEMAL AND GIA BAGASHVILI'S September 21 Start time: 22:15 TREASURY" confrontation between the internal ANNIVERSARY CONCERT MAYA IRGALINA AT BATUMI Ticket: 13-14 GEL and external worlds. Start time: 18:00 June 16 – December 16 Ticket: 20 GEL MUSICFEST SULLY THE EXHIBITION “NEW TBILISI PHOTO Start time: 19:00 Directed by Clint Eastwood DISCOVERIES - GEORGIAN FESTIVAL 2016 MOVEMENT THEATER Ticket: 15-50 GEL Cast: Tom Hanks, Anna Gunn, ARCHAEOLOGY” Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., Laura Linney The exhibition will be held in September 16 Mushthaid park September 22 Genre: Drama the frame of the international CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE Telephone: 599 555 260 ALEXI MACHAVARIANI'S MUSIC Language: Russian conference On Salt, Copper, and PHOTOGRAPHY AT BATUMI MUSICFEST Start time: 18:00, 20:00, 22:15 Gold: The Origins of Early Mining Start time: 19:00 September 17, 20, 22 Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 11-14 GEL and Metallurgy in the Caucasus" Address: MOMA, 37 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. JAM SESSION AT MT Ticket: 15-50 GEL GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 16 - 19, 2016 CULTURE 15 Following the Incomparable Nneka from Nigeria

BY MAKA LOMADZE

vent management company Funday Entertainment brought the sparkling Nige- rian female artist Nneka to Tbilisi Philharmonic Concert HallE on September 12, adding to the list of musicians of various genres and eth- nic backgrounds that Tbilisi has recently been able to enjoy. Nneka, a physically tiny and young woman but one offering a giant inner world, was distinguished from all those who had been on the stage before her by her depth, intellect and candor. Prior to the performance, Tevdore Makashvili, founder of Funday Enter- tainment, told GEORGIA TODAY: “Our company has worked in event manage- ment, artist management, and team- building for four years, cooperating with Georgian and international private and state structures. Nneka is very popular in Georgia and so the choice was simple. We choose artists based on a variety of factors but public demand plays the main role in our decisions who to invite. Nneka had received a number of invitations to come to Georgia, and we are pleased she chose Funday Entertainment- a decision made based on our experience and con- tacts.” The fi gures support Makashvili’s obser- vations: Nneka’s live song “Walking” alone has around 5 million views and around 90% of the comments on it are style, as well as traditional authentic audience around the world. The endings written by Georgians. afro-groove elements. The Sunday Times of songs, through her unusual, unbeliev- Named an “incomparable artist” by called Nneka a young Lauren Hill and able vibration of voice, gave the effect hip-hop legend Nas, Nneka Lucia Egbuna compared her debut album to Hill’s of electronic music. It is not easy to fi nd studied in Berlin, and from the age of 19 Miseducation of Lauren Hill. so much metal and at the same time became an active singer and song-writer, There is not even a hint of commer- warmth such as Nneka’s voice gave. regularly performing with such artists cialism in Nneka’s voice, nor are there Nneka confi ded with Georgian journal- as Roots, Gnarls Barkley, Nas and Damian any fake elements in her manner or rep- ists that her creative work is connected Marley. Nneka was acknowledged as the ertoire. Nneka sings, dances and com- with love, kindness and God. Without best African singer of 2009. In 2010, she municates naturally. doubt, her positive loving rhythm will recorded Viva Africa, dedicated to the With the minimal visual effect and stay in the mind of Georgians for a long World Cup. My Fairy Tales is her latest hardly any make-up, without any coquet- time, at the very least until Nneka’s next album, distinguished by a Retro Groove ting or costumes, she took her Tbilisi promised visit.

PUBLISHER & GM Journalists: Photographer: ADDRESS Reproducing material, photos George Sharashidze Tony Hanmer, Giorgi Pridonishvili 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