June 19 - 25, 2015

WEEKLY PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY www.georgiatoday.ge Price: GEL 2.50 Georgia Today 28 p., Produce in Georgia 4 p. ISSUE No.771

IN THIS WEEK’S ISSUE

Ex-Mayor Zurab TbilisiTbilisi FFlood:lood: Chiaberashvili: Digging Hope from the Debris New Road Not Responsible for BUSINESS HEADLINES Tragedy New Hotel Opens Ex-Mayor discusses the in Tbilisi P.13 cause and effects of the flood. P.12 Saudi Arabian Prince Visits Georgia P.14 Georgia Steps Up Counter-Terrorism EU: EURO 3 million to Measures with Help Georgia Provide Arrests in Pankisi Housing Solutions P.15 Government raids Pankisi Construction of Gorge, detains six. P.12 Pioneering 50 Million Georgian Political Euro Energy Project Georgia Today analyses the June 13 flood and its aftermath. Wise Man Rondeli P.6 Underway P.15 Dies Aged 73 P.21 Geomorphologist: Lived and Died for FLIGHT SCHEDULE Consequences of Tbilisi Zoo Georgia Suffer Ignoring the Risks The last interview with Tbilisi Cup Guliko Chitadze, well-known Disappointment P.4 Geomorphologist George zoo worker who died in the Gotsiridze discusses the causes flood trying to save her 'little against Emerging of Saturday's devastation. P.8 ones.' P.10 Italy P.27 2 JUNE 19 - 25 SOCIETY Georgia Signs Deal in France to Buy “Air Defense System” SocietySociety XXIXXI HoldsHolds 3-Day3-Day EvEventent “Model“Model GoGovverernmentnment GeorGeorgia”gia”

Georgian MOD Tina Khidasheli with Jerome Bendell, CEO of French Operations at TRS.

By Nino Melikishvili tails of the contract,” said Tina Khidasheli. “These kinds of documents Georgia has signed an agreement in with such types of procurement infor- France on the purchase of an advanced mation should be a top state secret.” system that will guarantee the country’s “When the contract is completed and air defense. when the weapons arrive in Georgia we According to Defense Minister Tina will be able to openly say that our de- Khidasheli, one more deal is being pre- fense capability is guaranteed,” she re- pared on arms purchase and, as she said, vealed. in few weeks she will be heading back Also, on June 15, Khidasheli met her to France. French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian Citing its privacy, officials are reluc- in Paris. tant to discuss the details of the contract. “I had a very good meeting with the The Ministry of Defense (MoD) has not French Defense Minister. We discussed released any information about the sys- many issues, including arms purchase,” tem nor its price. It has not even named said Khidasheli. the company they made the deal with, The Georgian Defense Minister on the sideline of the Paris Air Show on thanked both of her predecessors, June 15. Alasania and Janelidze, for making this However, the MoD did release a agreement possible, as they also met the short video which shows that the French French Defense Minister in the past year company Thales and American and a half. Jean-Yves Drian met Irakli By Steven Jones transport chaos in the city and a sense The Society has implemented sev- Raytheon’s joint venture Alasania three times and also met of shock among citizens, the organiza- eral projects, including “Young Geor- ThalesRaytheonSystem (TRS) signed an Mindia Janelidze in March, 2015. Non-profit organization Society tion proceeded in the hope that Geor- gian Diplomat to European and Euro- agreement. More precisely, Jerome “This is only the first step, because XXI, hosted a three-day project “Model gian youth could benefit. Atlantic Institutions”, the career pro- Bendell, the company’s CEO for French we are not going to stop,” said Government Georgia” (MGG) involv- Society XXI resists challenges of gram mutually organized by the World operations signed the contract on behalf Khidasheli, “Our plans are much big- ing hundreds of students from across 21st century Georgia and supports the Union of Georgian Students and Soci- of TRS. ger and very soon you will learn about the country.. promotion of knowledge-based society ety XXI in March this year. TRS is an aerospace and defense the second contract, which I hope will The project, which is the intellec- in the country. The team believes that “European Party” was one of the company which produces a range of be signed very soon in Paris.” tual property of the organization, was education and professionalism are the main components for MGG to build a ground-based surveillance radars, air Minister Khidasheli also mentioned held at the premises of Grigol very bases of modern social affairs, network of future professionals of defense command and control systems, that the terms of this agreement are very Robakidze University and National economic growth, and prosperity. Georgia and to enable them to meet as well as offering cyber capabilities. profitable for Georgia and thanked Parliamentary Library of Georgia on Society XXI is determined to incul- dozens of successful persons from dif- “I really cannot speak about the de- France for the cooperation. June 13-15. Ministries and top positions cate principles of open society, liberal ferent fields, including diplomacy, poli- including the Prime Minister were rep- democracy, transparency and good gov- tics and academia. licated, to raise knowledge and become ernance via enlightenment, education Taking into account the existing more competent in the issues of the re- and enabling young generations to par- situation in the country, the gion and particularly Georgia’s secu- ticipate in public life. organization’s executive board decided rity architecture. Society XXI is a network of young to dedicate the event to Alexander The event was colorful and stress- professionals encouraging and support- Rondeli and hold it in support of the ful at the same time, as the newly ing Georgia’s European & Euro-Atlan- victims of Tbilisi flooding. founded organization and its young tic future. The main tools - to spread the According to the information from professional staff had to implement values and the vision of the organiza- the organization’s leadership, “Euro- MGG against the background of the tion throughout the country and beyond pean Party” will be held in the future Tbilisi floods and the passing away of - are social activities and developing as a tradition to bring together future Dr. Alexander Rondeli, the Honored young leaders of the 21st century to en- generations that are oriented toward Adviser to the organization and one of courage and bolster Georgia’s modern- contributing to Georgia’s European and its most important friends. Despite ization and institutional development. Euro-Atlantic integration. CitizCitizensens RRallallyy BehindBehind ZooZoo DirDirectorector Following the June 17 tiger attack close to Heroes’ Square, the director of Tbilisi Zoo, Zurab Gurielidze, was ques- tioned by prosecutors before issuing a statement in front of the cameras. “I acknowledge that the state agen- cies spread the information I gave to them. After my notification, it was con- sidered that there was no threat whatso- ever [and that all animals were ac- counted for] and of course it’s all my fault,” said Gurielidze, reading a pre- pared statement in his hands. Asked if he had been interrogated by police, Gurielidze said that he’d had “certain meetings with the police” but claimed that no criminal charges had June 17 Rally in support of Zoo director, Zurab Gurielidze. been brought against him. which led to the death of the man in the will be the first among the supporters of Hundreds of people rallied in support tiger attack. Zurab Gurielidze, the director of Tbilisi of Gurielidze and in protest against what After the meeting, PM Garibashvili Zoo,” Garibashvili said. HAVE YOUR HAIR CUT AT OUR SALON many demonstrators believed was the denied that the authorities were planning There is a chance that a number of AND GET HAIR DIAGNOSTIC AS A GIFT! authorities’ attempt to make the zoo di- to arrest the zoo director and also told animals are still alive and on the loose rector a scapegoat for their own failings, Gurielidze that nothing was his fault. “I in the city so posing a threat to residents.

4 JUNE 19 - 25 SOCIETY RRuineduined TbilisiTbilisi ZooZoo andand AmbiguousAmbiguous PlansPlans onon thethe NeNeww PrProjectoject

space in Tbilisi. zoo’s construction. However, no official The project of building the new Zoo source has yet been found to confirm. was developed on a conceptual level but A petition has appeared on the sidelined when the new government internet promoting the idea that the took power in 2012. Last weekend’s new Tbilisi Zoo be named after Guliko tragedy raised many questions regard- Chitadze. “Guliko Chitadze was and ing the new project and the future loca- remains the greatest example of love PM Garibashvili overlooks the damaged Vere highway and Tbilisi Zoo. tion of the zoo, but government officials towards animals. She did her duty till By Teona Surmava idea aimed at building a zoological and a secondary hub with playground and have not yet confirmed willingness to her final moments, regardless of the recreation complex on the inland lake cafe, an inner zoo and an open-range implement the project developed by danger she was in. So let us make sure The June 13 2015 Tbilisi flood has known as Tbilisi Sea. zoo. The plan originally aimed at HASELL. that our children are taught how to already killed 20 people, left at least 24 The plan called for a number of building upon the dramatic landscape Rumours are circulating that former love our four-legged friends with the families without shelter and destroyed new buildings and landscapes, in- and mountainous topography of the Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina story of Guliko Chitadze!” reads the several enclosures at Tbilisi Zoo. Own- cluding an entrance hub, boulevard, area to create an enjoyable recreation Ivanishvili plans to finance the new petition. ers of the zoo confirmed that caretaker Guliko Chitadze – who previously lost her arm after being attacked by a tiger – died as a result of the flood (See Page 19 of this week’s edition). In response to the tragedy June 15 was declared a day of national mourn- ing. Georgian society came together in its entirety, regardless of ethnicity or race. Apocalyptic scenes, including the hippo, lions, bears and wolves set free have already attracted the attention of world media. Tbilisi Zoo spokeswomen Mzia Sharashidze confirmed that eight lions, seven tigers and two jaguars were killed. Only two bears survived, while six of the zoo’s 10 penguins died. A white lion cub named Shumba was found shot in the head on Sunday. Ad- ditionally, the flooding destroyed a shel- ter housing homeless dogs. According to government estimates the total property damage amounts to more than 40 mln GEL. One infrastruc- ture project that must be carried out is the building of the new Zoo. The project to move the old zoo to the city’s periphery began in 2012. Lon- don studio HASSELL, together with design firm Arup, was appointed by Tbilisi City Hall to finalize the concept design of the new Tbilisi Zoo on the city’s outskirts. The project’s original New Zoo design (2012) by London studio HASSELL and design firm Arup.

Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected]

6 JUNE 19 - 25 TOP STORY Tbilisi Flood: Digging Hope from the Debris tastrophe,” said Tbilisi Mayor, David Narmania, in an interview with Imedi TV. The Georgian Patriarch, to the dis- belief of many of his supporters, blamed the Communists who constructed the zoo using funds raised from the melting of church and monastery bells, so com- mitting a sin against God which has now been revenged. Many locals blamed poor infrastructure and planning. The fact is that the flood is Tbilisi’s worst in recent memory. Yet it is not the first, nor was it unexpected. The talks about the dangers of River Vere date back several years to the time the previous government decided to cut Thousands of volunteers turned up to clear the debris. Photo: Zviad Nikolaishvili/GT People try to salvage what they can from their ruined homes. a new road connecting Heroes’ Square Photo: Zviad Nikolaishvili/GT A Georgia Today analysis Gurielidze, claiming that he was being to Vake-Saburtalo Street. by Katie Ruth Davies, Beqa Kirtava framed for the government’s own fail- Well-known urbanist, Niko Kakhete- not be allocated at this time, though the hundreds loading trees and the ruins of and Joseph Larsen ings. PM Garibashvili reassured angry lidze, spoke out about the aforemen- City Hall announced this week that they cars and up-stream houses into trucks. citizens that the zoo director would not tioned threats on Maestro TV’s “Us”, in do plan to move the zoo to the Tbilisi And when further eager volunteers Saturday evening June 13 exposed be held accountable. 2012. Sea area. Rumours abound that Geor- were turned back with thanks on Sun- Tbilisi to a torrential downpour. It is said that a second tiger and a “The new street which was cut con- gian billionaire and ex-PM, Bidzina day afternoon, the fundraising began. While many residents sat back and hyena remain on the loose. necting Heroes’ Square to Vake-Sabur- Ivanishvili will cough up the funds to People brought clothes, bedding and rode out the storm in comfort, others talo Str. resulted in putting the River build a new zoo. Whether he does or not other day-to-day essentials to munici- were less lucky. At the time of going to RECOVERING THE DEAD Vere in a kind of a sarcophagus. This is is yet to be seen but what can be said is pal centres for those left homeless; banks press it has been reported that 20 people Particular attention was paid to flood unacceptable, as one day Vere may over- that the people are behind the move and and other organizations offered set sums were killed in the flood, including three damage suffered by the Vake-Saburtalo flow and sweep up the whole area sur- funds are being raised as we speak to or material help and the general popu- zoo workers. highway in Vere valley and Tbilisi Zoo, rounding Heroes’ Square. It took us not benefit the surviving animals. lace raised $2M in just two days. Dozens of families had their homes where three employees were killed and more than 30 minutes [of seeing the destroyed in the downpour, and the a number of vehicles were swept along plan] to realize the threat,” he said. This THE PEOPLE PULL TOGETHER Georgian Minister of Finance Nodar the road by the flood of water, mud and week he spoke out once more to cat- Within the first few hours of the di- Khaduri told reporters that the damage debris. 40 families lost their homes and egorically accuse the previous govern- saster the area was filled with rescue is estimated at 40 million GEL. many had to be rescued from their roofs. ment of misconduct. workers and, as the sky lightened, with The basements of blocks of flats, some According to numerous geologists hundreds of thousands of volunteers of ZOO ANIMALS ESCAPE of which had only been completed re- the reason the epicenter of the flood ap- every age and from every walk of life. Many animals drowned in the muddy cently, were flooded and the day follow- peared near the Tbilisi Zoo territory is Never had Tbilisi society witnessed such waters which flooded their enclosures. ing the flood some people were asked that when the new road and the over- a coming together of people wanting to Others, including a hippopotamus, lions, to leave their buildings for safety. pass were built, River Vere was enclosed help; knee-deep in mud, spades in hand, tigers, bears, and wolves, escaped from Those whose houses were swept within narrow tunnels. Therefore, when at first they dug away the mud that caked the zoo. Begi the hippopotamus was away lost everything. the wave of water, generated from a the roads, re-opening one of the main Begi the hippo, now safely back on zoo quickly captured and is now residing in As of going to press, 10 of the re- landslide in Akhaldaba, hit the area, arteries of the capital in just 48 hours. territory after a tour of Heroes' Square. Photo: Joseph Alexander Smith the elephant enclosure on high ground, ported 24 missing people have returned bringing trees and debris with it to block Then they started on the debris, in their and the predators are being housed tem- home and 20 are confirmed dead. The the tunnels, the water, under pressure, porarily in a municipal facility. oldest victim was 77, the youngest at burst through to the surface. If you to donate to the official Tbilisi Zoo fund, please use the following account Conflicting information also spread going to press is 22. Three people are Geomorphologist George Gotsiridze numbers: this week on both social and foreign still missing. blames both the force of nature and FOR GEL TRANSFERS: media regarding the shooting of several man’s ignorance in urbanization. In an JSC “TBC Bank”, Saburtalo Branch of the predators, including numerous PEOPLE LOSE THEIR HOMES exclusive interview with Georgia Today BANK CODE - TBCBGE 22 wolves and the people’s favourite white “This wasn’t a gradual rising of the (See Page 8 of this week’s issue) he also NAME OF BENEFICIARY - TBILISIS ZOOPARKIS DAKHMAREBIS lion- Shumba. The Tbilisi Zoo’s Admin- water level. The waves came all at once. lamented the lack of Early Warning Sys- SAKVELMOKMEDO FONDI istration was quick to refute allegations Sweeping up absolutely everything that tems: “Unfortunately Georgia is lacking BEN’ S ACCOUNT - GE91TB7898336080100004 of animal cruelty. stood in the way,” one of the flood vic- in Early Warning Systems and with re- — “Tranquilizer darts were used in most tims told Georgia Today. gards the concept of spatial development FOR USD TRANSFER: cases but even the strongest tranquilizer 300 people were left homeless follow- of the river Vere, the cluster of build- BENEFICIARY’S BANK: HEAD OFFICE SWIFT: TBCBGE22 can take 4 - 5 minutes to knock an ani- ing the flood which swept away many ings there has been historically devel- JSC “TBC Bank”, Saburtalo Branch mal out. In some cases, where the ani- structures and severely damaged others. oped in an incorrect way since Soviet SWIFT: TBCBGE22838 mal was aggressive, we could not wait Aid agencies rapidly gathered basic essen- times. A Disaster Management program NAME OF BENEFICIARY: TBILISIS ZOOPARKIS DAKHMAREBIS those 4 - 5 minutes. It was a matter of tials for them as people began to bring should be developed urgently.” SAKVELMOKMEDO FONDI citizen safety,” said Tbilisi Zoo direc- clothes and other donated items. At present Urbanist Kakhetelidze also suggested BEN’S Account: GE11 TB78 9833 6180 1000 05 tor, Zurab Gurielidze. the victims are being housed in hotels but the number of new constructions which — An example of such tragic circum- aid is on the way. Construction company have been built in the gorge of River Vere FOR EUR TRANSFER: stances was seen at lunchtime of June Metra Development has offered free flats were a trigger to the disaster. BENEFICIARY’S BANK: HEAD OFFICE SWIFT: TBCBGE22 17th when an escaped white tiger killed to all families whose houses cannot be re- Representative of the “Green Move- JSC “TBC Bank”, Saburtalo Branch two civilians when they disturbed it in paired to living standard. Further, the Pa- ment” Nino Chkhobadze said: “This SWIFT: TBCBGE22838 the storehouse where it had been hiding triarchate is donating 100,000 GEL and happened because geological research NAME OF BENEFICIARY: TBILISIS ZOOPARKIS DAKHMAREBIS since Sunday. It was quickly put down offering to collaborate with City Hall to wasn’t carried out, because the road SAKVELMOKMEDO FONDI by armed police. house the largest homeless family. Dona- [connecting Heroes’ Square to Vake- BEN’S Account: GE81 TB78 9833 6180 1000 06 As the entire location was covered tions from the general public around the Saburtalo Str.] was cut not according to with water and mud, it was impossible globe currently top 15 mln GEL. standards [Editor: it has been rumoured to determine the exact number of ani- that the highway was constructed hur- mals who survived the flood. An offi- WHO’S TO BLAME? riedly using geological data collected in cial statement claiming that all preda- “Because of the long hours of rain the Soviet period]; that is why they had tors had been accounted for was with- and the landslide, the flood couldn’t to cover up the mountains with nets, as drawn the next day following the tiger have been completely avoided. How- severe rockfalls soon began.” attack, with zoo director Gurielidze ever, if the underground culverts had claiming responsibility. Protesters were been of a bigger diameter this wouldn’t 1960S FLOOD quick to show their support for have turned into such a large-scale ca- What is interesting is that the River Vere also overflowed in 1960. The writ- ings of Georgian writer Edisher Kipiani speak of a deluge of rain which caused the River Vere to overflow and kill ev- ery single animal in Tbilisi Zoo, except for the hippo. He does not mention hu- man casualties or flooding of other lo- cations.

WHY HASN’T TBILISI ZOO MOVED TO ITS NEWLY-OWNED LANDS? According to the Tbilisi Zoo Admin- istration, the reason for the delayed move- ment is the extremely high cost. The zoo’s representatives stated on Facebook that moving to a new location would cost Tbilisi Zoo (bear, monkey and predator enclosures) following the devastating June 13 Euro 100-500 million, which simply can- flood. Photo: Zviad Nikolaishvili/GT

8 JUNE 19 - 25 SOCIETY

Geomorphologist: Consequences of Ignoring the Risks By Katie Ruth Davies which, last weekend, rapidly directed into the city and through the first artifi- Around a million cubic meters of sol- cial tunnel build in the 1950s. Tree trunks id mass (in an area 3.8km in length) broke and mud picked up by debris came down away from a mountainside above Akhald- from the recent Akhaldaba landslide and aba, 10 km outside Tbilisi, to create a blocked that first tunnel entrance, so re- landslide that was the first step in the sulting in the first flooding on Svanidze tragic deaths of around 25 people and street. The same flow and blockage by hundreds of animals. The debris first the build-up of debris happened at con- blocked the road that connected Geor- sequent tunnels all the way down to the gia’s capital Tbilisi to nearby Tskneti, end of the Vere river where it meets the Betania, Manglisi, and Pantiani villages, Mtkvari riverbed. before crashing down into the River Vere. Q: What (if anything) could have Georgia Today met exclusively for a been done to prevent the Vere trage- quick chat with extremely busy Geo- dy? morphologist George Gotsiridze who is, A: Unfortunately, Georgia is lacking at present and in the aftermath of the in Early Warning Systems and with re- landslide and flood, running from meet- gards the concept of spatial development ing to TV interview and back again. of the river Vere, the cluster of buildings Q: Tell us a little about yourself. there has been historically developed in A: I am Geomorphologist, Geo-ecol- an incorrect way since Soviet times. A ogist, GIS (Geographic Information Sys- Disaster Management program should tem) and Remote Sensing Specialist. I be developed urgently. principally work in Consulting Center Q: What can be done to stop this GeoGraphic, founded by me and my kind of thing happening again (both partners in 1998. The company is com- on the governmental and citizen posed of geographers, urbanists, archi- sides)? tects, foresters, engineers, surveyors, A: A number of things, actually. The photogrammetrists, environmentalists, development of Alarm, Early Warning programmers and GIS specialists. I and Monitoring Systems, a resettlement spend most of my time dealing with action plan, and proper spatial develop- project management and I’m actively ment and implementation of a curtain involved in mountain development and development program in accordance with Specialists asessing damage at Akhaldaba. Photo: Zviad Nikolaishvili/GT disaster management issues. As you can the city development strategy. imagine, I’ve been busier than usual this Q: What’s been keeping you busy week! in the days following the Vere flood? Q: On that topic, what is your per- A: Observation, measurements, and spective on the flood? Is nature more consulting! to blame or is Man more at fault in Gotsiridze, along with Italian geolo- this case? gist Claudio Margottini and other local A: I’d say both. Rivers by nature are experts are working to complete a re- active and Man has been ignoring that view of the landslide-affected and flooded fact since the development of the city area, after which they will offer recom- [Tbilisi] first really got going in this area mendations to the Georgian Government from the mid twentieth century. to prevent a similar disaster happening Q: Tell us more about the River again in future. Vere and what caused the flood on Italian geologist Claudio Margottini June 13. said: “Now it is necessary to explore A: The water catchment area of the the area because the situation is still very River Vere is huge (up to the 300 sq.km) dangerous. If rainfall starts there again and almost equal to the size of Tbilisi. there is a big chance another landslide So, it means that a lot of water is gener- could happen.” ated in semi-dry small river beds which Temur Gaprindashvili, Head of the are connected to the main Vere riverbed. National Environment Agency’s Geolo- Continuous heavy rainstorms over sev- gy Department said the Vere River was eral hours, together with unstable land- gradually receding and returning to its slide slopes (with slope denudation ma- natural riverbed, however “there is still terials), such as those in Akhaldaba, are high risk if it rains again and the river enough to create a strong mudflow swells.” The 3.8km slip area of the Akhaldaba landslide. Photo: Zviad Nikolaishvili/GT

George Gotsiridze, Geomorphologist. Top of the Akhaldaba landslide. Photo /Facebook/Irakli Supernobody

10 JUNE 19 - 25 SOCIETY Interview with the Late Guliko Chitadze, Zoo Worker and Animal Lover By Eka Lomidze 04.06.2015 she would not stop til she had it back and started to go down the stairs. I re- “I had a dream that there was a lake called my dream and thought the beasts of blood in the tiger cage; someone was would tear him apart if he went down. attacked by them. I saw two men stand- I told him it was not allowed for visi- ing over the injured person. A few times tors to go there; the guards wouldn’t youngsters have tried to approach the let him in and it might be fatal to go. I tigers and got hurt. I was afraid that my told him I would go myself. Not for a dream could mean another mishap with toy, even for gold bars should I have youngsters which is why I went around gone to the cage. But I, who has no telling everyone about my dream, in- child and loves children greatly, could cluding Zura (Gurielidze, zoo director) not let the girl cry that long and hard and insisting that the guards should pay and so I did. Before the tigers came to special attention to the tigers. It ap- the lower corner of the cage, I managed peared that I had a dream about my to reach through and grab the toy and own encounter with death; I just throw it up to the man and it seems couldn’t recognize myself. It was my that at that moment I let myself get too destiny,” Guliko recalls, waving the re- close to the cage. The tigers got hold of mains of her amputated right arm. She my dress with their claws. The dress stays positive, however, and is thank- didn’t tear and I fell. One of them held ful that at least some of her arm was my hand down and another put claws saved. “This way I’ll be able to use the in my leg while the third attempted to artificial hand better and take care of drag me into the cage. I was trying to my little ones.” By little ones, she get away with my other hand and crawl means the zoo animals. away to the wall. The man started Guliko Kontselidze-Chitadze is the shouting and ran down. I asked him not main caregiver of the zoo. Several days to come in but run to the bear enclosure ago she was attacked by tigers. I have where he would find Vaniko (Markh- known her for a long time and I know vashvili), a veterinarian. When the ti- how strong-willed she is, but what I gers’ claws raked into my flesh, I felt heard from her while visiting her at the soul-squeezing pain. Imagine, it is pain- hospital exceeded all my expectations. ful when something small cuts your fin- She tells everyone who comes to her ger and here all my fingers and my en- sad that it’s no use worrying about tire hand was being torn into by huge something that cannot be changed. She claws… I remember how I took my says she has to learn to live anew with fleshless arm back out of the cage. Van- her left hand. She will not say a bad iko came, tore up his shirt and tied it word about the tigers. She believes that aroung my arm as there was no time it was just ‘silly ones playing’ with her and I was bleeding. I almost lost con- and that they didn’t understand what sciousness with pain but I could still they were doing. And this, from a wom- hear everything. I cannot describe how an who had no flesh on her arm when much my hand hurt; the hand with they took her from the zoo territory. which I had raised the mother of those What happened on that day? I was tigers, Salima. Luckily, she had realized very interested in the details of the trag- that her children were hurting me, ran edy as once, when tiger Simba scratched to us and started beating her children me with a claw while playing with him, with her paws, which allowed me to Guliko argued with me, asking why I get away; otherwise, they would play- had not followed the safety rules that fully cut me into pieces and dragged me she’d taught me. I was surprised that inside the cage. this extremely careful person had had a Rumours said that the tigers I’d raised mishap whereas I might expect a bigger did this to me. Don’t believe it. The old- tragedy from a less attentive and care- er white clubs are already big and you ful person. should see how they love me; one of Soon white lions raised by her will them even hugs me and sits quietly like be taken from the zoo to be settled in a house cat. I have never been afraid of the zoos of other countries. On the day the ones I raised and I have never though of the attack, Guliko had come to her they would ever attack me. Animals feel ‘little ones’ to say good-bye, she took motherly warmth incredibly well and The late Guliko Chitadze, Zoo Worker. Photo taken from Kvirispalitra.ge photos and was about to return to the never forget the care they’ve been giv- room with monkey Marta and fox Troa. en.” “I heard a child crying. On the up- Guliko’s situation is getting better per side of the cage of lions and tigers by the day. Although she is well taken there stood a girl crying. The accompa- care of at the hospital, she cannot wait Lived and Died nying man, her father as I later under- to return home. And home means the stood, was comforting her and saying zoo. The loyal defender of animals who he would buy a new one. It appears does not have her own child, has prac- that a toy had fallen from the girl’s hands tically settled in the zoo to raise the right into the tiger cage. I also tried to animals there. She does not differenti- console the girl and reassure her that ate if an animal is of noble breeding, for Tbilisi Zoo she’d get a new toy, but she just cried predator or just a wild animal. Guliko Guliko Chitadze, who recently sur- even more intensively. The man said takes care of all of the young ones equal- vived a tiger attack, fell victim to the ly. Before I left, she told me she was devastating flood alongside her husband missing her little monkeys – Eva and last Sunday morning as they tried to res- Marta – and her fox Troa. The little cue the animals to which they had de- ones refused to take food when their voted 25 years of their lives. On May favorite care-giver wasn’t there. They 27 Guliko was attacked by a tiger and as only accepted food from Guliko’s hus- a result was forced to have her right hand band Malkhaz Chitadze hoping that amputated. As soon as she recovered Guliko would soon follow him. from the tiger attack she returned to work Two years ago when tigers attacked and continued taking care of her beloved a boy who jumped into the cage, Guli- animals. People were often fascinated ko worried a lot. She visited the boy at by the “assiduous woman with a heart the hospital and tried to comfort him… of gold” who dedicated her life to the When she told me the story of the boy zoo, sleeping only four hours a day in miraculously saved from tigers, she did order to feed the animals. Guliko’s friend so with tears in her eyes. This is what wrote a letter, a ‘farewell’ to her friend: Guliko is like – with a kind and ready “ I want this day to be a dream and to heart. You can hardly find such a per- disappear . I cannot believe that you son who will support and back you as are no longer alive. .. Now you are in a much as she can. better world with your animals, rest in peace my dear friend, farewell.” Rest in Peace, Guliko. The late Guliko Chitadze, Tbilisi Zoo worker killed in the June 13 flood.

12 JUNE 19 - 25 POLITICS

Ex-MaEx-Mayyoror ZurZuraabb ChiaChiaberberashvili:ashvili: NeNeww RRoadoad NotNot RResponsibesponsiblele fforor TTrraaggededyy By Katie Ruth Davies which would importantly ease transport important projects at the same time. In movement in a city suffering from per- addition, there is a need to build several The Tbilisi flooding which began on manent traffic jams. bridges and tunnels, which I believe June 13 killed at least 18 citizens, left Q: There were allegations that geo- would highly contribute to improving the many homeless and left deadly animals logical factors had been ignored due city’s infrastructure. stranded on Tbilisi’s streets. to political pressure to build the road. Q: Yesterday another tragedy hap- Speculation has since arisen as to Do you think there are enough pened as a tiger attacked and killed a potential culpability of the new road in grounds for the Prosecutor’s Office to citizen near the zoo. Who should be the Vere Gorge in Tbilisi built during the pursue this claim? responsible for this? United National Movement’s in the A: First, as I said before, Vere Gorge A: When such a tragedy happens and middle of the last decade. Zurab has nothing to do with the source of the there are some extraordinary situations, Chiaberashvili, former Tbilisi Mayor, flooding, as it started before and the Vere a team is usually created to coordinate talked with Georgia Today about some region was unable to deter the immense all of the processes and to monitor ev- facets of the natural catastrophe and amount of water. Moreover, when the ery aspect around a catastrophe. As we possible solutions of the complicated reconstruction of the area started after see, formally, such a team did exist or situation. the Rose Revolution, over 73 families could not function efficiently in time. I Q: The new road in the Vere Gorge were compensated and displaced from think the Crisis Management Council was built during the UNM’s time. the vicinity in terms of security. If these (CMC) was responsible for all aspects, Could you tell us why such a project measures had not been taken, I cannot including the number of animals resid- was initiated and what the major imagine what the situation would be Ex-Mayor Zurab Chiaberashvili ing in the Zoo after the flooding. As for cause of the flooding was? now. In addition, prior to the building the Zoo administration, their responsi- A: The basis of the flooding was of of the road, all necessary geological problem and what other relevant though. It will enable us to preempt such bility was to inform the crisis manage- course not Vere but the massive land- studies were conducted; if the govern- projects need to be implemented to tragedies or minimize the natural risks in ment team about the number of the ani- slide several kilometers away that drove ment is keen to involve some interna- improve the city’s infrastructure? the future. Apart from this, Tbilisi City mals alive, and those killed by the spe- the flooding. Looking at the city’s his- tional experts in the process, I would A: I agree with the experts saying that Hall definitely needs to continue build- cial forces on the ground were to be tory, almost the same tragedy happened welcome that. a protective dam needs to be built quickly ing an alternative transport networks in taken under control by the CMC. This back in the 1960s. A couple of years ago Q: What measures does the local to control the masses of water in the fu- Tbilisi to avoid massive amounts of traf- reveals incompetence and lack of pro- we initiated the building of the new road government need to take to solve the ture. This project appears to be costly, fic in the evening and encourage other fessionalism in the CMC. GeorGeorgiagia SteStepsps UpUp CounterCounter-T-Tererrrorismorism MeasurMeasureses withwith ArArrrestsests inin PPankisiankisi By Zaza Jgharkava The special operation was clearly gia with terrorism, which could ulti- they acted in agreement with the gov- ment did not pay much attention to it, aimed against the practice of sending mately give the Russians grounds to ernment. At least, after the Lapankuri today this movement is a strong religious The Georgian government picked its young people from Pankisi to Syria to launch its own anti-terrorist operation. special operation it became clear that community. Wahhabists receive money moment to detain supporters of the Is- fight for Islamic State. On April 2 this History appears to be repeating itself as there were important movements there. from abroad and have local government lamic State in the Pankisi Gorge. At a year, some schoolchildren from Pankisi roughly 15 years ago similar efforts were Thus, for us it is not entirely strange to support. It seems that someone in the time when rescue agencies were look- went to Syria with the help of local made when Pankisi was apparently be- see what is happening around the local government has decided to defer ing for missing people and escaped ani- Wahhabist group.s With the total of ing used as a breeding ground for the Pankisi Gorge now and I would like to power in order to control the gorge and mals in the Vere river gorge, on the Georgian volunteers to the fighting Taliban. Georgian authorities could not say that the Pankisi Gorge issue was selected Wahhabists for some reason. evening of June 14 the government held reaching over 50, the counter terrorist control the gorge and for the Kremlin covered not only by Russian media but They receive income not only from a counter-terrorist operation on the ter- department of the Interior Ministry this territory was seen as an enclave for by western media which presented it as abroad but from the local forestry rev- ritory bordering Dagestan. The imam of started an investigation into the sending Chechen rebels. an ally of the Khalifat,” Kasrelishvili enues. There is not only internal con- the village Jokolo Ayuf Borchashvili and of young people from the Pankisi Gorge After the Rose Revolution the noted. frontation in Pankisi, we are losing citi- his son-in-law Ramzan Mghebrishvili to Syria. Pankisi Gorge was apparently fully Although Pankisi has not been an is- zens,” Areshidze says. were detained along with Ramazan, resi- The measure may have been influ- cleansed of Chechen and Islamist fight- sue at the forefront of Georgian politics The Wahhabists apparently stepped dent of Dumastur, who was visiting the enced by efforts of Russian media to ers. However expert Zaal Kasrelishvili for some time, non-governmental orga- up their activities after news was spread Borchashvilis and whose last name has portray the Tbilisi authorities as support- says that during the rule of the previous nizations have long been talking about that Tbilisi had offered Washington the not been made public yet. Baadur ing the flow of fighters from the Pankisi government radical Islamists became Chopanishvili from the village of Omalo Gorge to Syria, by doing little to stop it. very active in Pankisi. “It seemed that was also detained as well as relatives of According to Mamuka Areshidze, expert there was no problem but, in fact, dur- “No one knows what this confrontation will bring about. a leader of the Islamic State Tarkhan in Caucasus issues, Georgia’s northern ing the rule of the previous government Followers of traditional Islam are mostly old-aged Batirashvili – Merab Tsatiashvili and neighbor is trying to steer international the number of radical Islamist follow- Gela Tokhosashvili. public opinion toward connecting Geor- ers increased in the Pankisi Gorge and people who have no financial or other resources to resist the strengthened Wahhabist unit...They receive income not only from abroad but from the local forestry revenues. There is not only internal confrontation in Pankisi, we are losing citizens.” - Mamuka Areshidze, Expert in Caucasus Issues.

strengthened Wahhabist movements in option to establish a base on its territory the area. There have been frequent dis- to prepare for fighting in Syria. This in- cussions on the covert confrontation formation was spread during the term of between traditional Islam followers and the ex-defense minister Irakli Alasania. Wahhabists in Pankisi and if the gov- However, soon after, Alasania was dis- ernment does not take care of this in missed from his post and the Pankisi is- time, the gorge might turn into an arena sue was closed, publicly at least. of religious conflict. When the latest counter-terrorist op- Expert in Caucasus issues Mamuka eration ended, the former Emir of the Areshidze does not know how the pro- Pankisi Gorge Ali Kavtarashvili told the cess will end if the government does not Kakheti Information Center that the change its policy in Pankisi. “No one Georgian government is “playing with knows what this confrontation will bring fire” as apparently the captured about. Followers of traditional Islam are Borchashvili is a representative of the mostly old-aged people who have no fi- Islamic State in Georgia. nancial or other resources to resist the Security measures have been made strengthened Wahhabist unit. Since stricter in the gorge where special forces 1995, Wahhabism has been deliberately remain. The Interior Ministry has report- established in the Pankisi Gorge. It was edly released 5 of the 6 detained people then that the first Arab mullah appeared but Ayuf Borchashvili remains in deten- Taken from www.durasulakauri.com Chechen boys in Pankisi Gorge. in the Gorge and, because the govern- tion. JUNE 19 - 25

EU: EURO 3 Construction of million to Help Pioneering 50 Georgia Provide Million Euro Housing Energy Project Solutions P.15 Business Underway P.15 Iveria Inn Opens in Tbilisi New Program to Promote

ikurashvili; Governor of Chugureti Dis- Hazelnut Exports trict, Zurab Chikviladze and other offi- cials. Mayor Narmania welcomed the ini- tiative and noted the importance of new investments. “It is very welcoming that Georgian businessmen have contributed in the development of the capital city,” he said. “Making new investments and opening new hotels will create new jobs and more people will be employed which is also vital for our city!” The Hotel Iveria Inn offers an in- credibly comfortable environment and European standards at affordable prices. Aiming to create a Georgian hazel- 2013. The Ministry of Agriculture notes New hotel Iveria Inn has opened in nuts brand on the world market, the gov- that in 2013, hazelnut export revenues Tbilisi. The hotel is located in the ernment has initiated a new program to were estimated at $167 million, while downtown of the city, at 6, Tsulukidze help with the export, revenue growth in 2012 it was $84 million. Street. The hotel, ideal for tourist and and promotion of bio hazelnut produc- Furthermore, the new program also business class, is adapted for people tion. The program foresees legislative includes the establishment of special in- with disabilities and consists of 71 regulations, promotion of education for frastructure such as laboratories in the rooms. Built through Georgian invest- entrepreneurs including harvesting regions, reclamation infrastructure for ment to a total cost of 5,000.000 Gel, it methods with reduced waste, fertiliza- plantations, dryers and warehouses. The currently employs 42 people with that tion management and control of pests Georgian government promises to pro- number set to increase in the future. and diseases. vide financial support for agro insurance The grand opening of the hotel was The hazelnut plantations in Georgia and loss recovery. attended by the Mayor of Tbilisi, David cover 44,000 hectares, and 75% of its Interested parties have the opportu- Narmania; the head of Georgian Nation- production is exported. The revenues nity to engage in, and benefit from, pref- al Tourism Administration, George from hazelnut export are rising steadi- erential agro-credit, while the frame- Chogovadze; Chairman of the City ly. According to last year’s data, Geor- work of the ‘Plant the Future’ program Council George Alibegashvili; Gover- gia received $183 million from such offers 70% reimbursement for seed costs nor of Isani District, Vakhtang Kiz- exports, which is 10% more than in and 50% for irrigation system costs. 14 JUNE 19 - 25 BUSINESS Saudi Arabian Prince Visits Georgia HotelHotelHotelHotel SympatiaSympatiaSympatiaSympatia

4, V. Daraselia Str. Tbilisi, Georgia

Tel: (995 32) 2 99 55 88, 2 37 05 90 Tel./Fax: (995 32) 2 37 62 63 Hotel’s network www.sympatia.ge “Sympatia” E-mail: [email protected] Car Rent Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al Saud By Steven Jones mutual briefing with Garib- sador to Saudi Arabia - cov- and useful meeting with the Tel: 599 16 16 70 ashvili, he articulated that the ered many topics including the President, and afterwards I On June 10, Saudi Arabian visit had a financial purpose business environment in the met with the Prime Minister,” Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal adding: “I am looking forward country, political and econom- the Saudi Arabian Prince said. from 35 euro per day bin Abdulaziz al Saud, visited to investing in Georgia”. ic stability and other matters. “The President briefly talked Tbilisi upon the invitation of “It is a great honour for me President Margvelashvili about the history of Georgia Georgian Prime Minister, Irak- to come to Georgia. We had an granted honorary citizenship and spoke about Georgia’s li Garibashvili. interesting conversation, dis- to the Prince for which Al-Wa- economic situation. I was very Tours to all direc- Minister of Economy and cussing Georgia’s economic leed Bin Talal bin Abdulaziz impressed by the President and tions of Georgia Sustainable Development of condition. I would like to re- al Saud thanked the leader. the Prime Minister and I hope Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, mark that there is the possibil- According to official infor- that we will further strength- (with driver and at Tbilisi airport, met with the ity of us developing closer re- mation, the parties also re- en and deepen our relation- Guide) for 4 per- Prince, one of the richest per- lationships between our coun- viewed the ongoing processes ship” son from 40 euro. sons in the world and a descen- tries. Our financial interests in the region and the prospects Georgia’s sovereignty and Nissan pathfinder – dant of the founder and first represent the reason for our for developing trans-regional territorial integrity was also 2004, 4X4, AT ruler of Saudi Arabia, King visit here. We look forward to cooperation. In addition, the covered in the meeting with Abdulaziz al Saud. investing in your country,” Association Agreement of the President for which Mar- The Prince met with the PM said the potential investor. Georgia with the European gvelashvili thanked the Prince and Georgian President, Gior- The visit, prepared by Gior- Union was also discussed. for supporting Georgia in this gi Margvelashvili and at the gi Janjgava - Georgian Ambas- “We had a very productive regard. More than 15m GEL in Mercedes-Benz Viano – 2004 Toyota RAV 4 – 2000, Donations for Tbilisi 4X4, AT Flood Victims People both abroad and at ly placed in 10 hotels and hous- home are giving to the cause, es where they were then given donating whatever they can to immediate assistance, such as help those affected by the June food, cooking equipment, med- 13 flood. icine and children’s necessities. So far more than 15 mln On Wednesday night a spe- GEL has been raised, with the cial program ‘Hope for Tbilisi’ first two million donated just 24 was broadcast on Imedi TV hours after the launch of a char- where members of the Georgian ity fund, and doubling that fig- public and local businesses ure in 48 hours. were able to donate to the relief Georgian Prime Minister fund by dialing a specific num- Irakli Garibashvili yesterday ber or transferring money to a thanked donors for their gener- special account. 1,563,197 GEL ous support. was raised. “The European Commission The Georgian Government has allocated ˆ3 million to help has been working with donor deal with the crisis. As for do- organisations to coordinate re- nations, about 15,200,000 GEL lief donations since the tragedy has already been raised. I would struck in the early hours of last also like to thank all the people Sunday morning. PM Garibash- who are helping in the clean-up vili announced that the damaged efforts, such as volunteers, the would be reviewed by special- National Guard, rescue teams, ists following which projects athletes, representatives of dif- would be allocated for donor or- ferent ministries, etcetera,” he ganizations. Their assistance is said. to be of a financial, advisory and Over 300 people were affect- technical nature towards recov- ed by the flood and were quick- Donations by Subway for Tbilisi flood victims. ery and reconstruction works. BUSINESS JUNE 19 - 25 15 Kazakhstan is Construction of Pioneering Ready to Join WTO 50 Million Euro Energy Project Underway

By Baia Dzagnidze Jvari substation and a double circuit kW transmission line the region. 220 kW transmission line between With an estimated cost of 50 million Aiming to increase the reliability of Jvari and Khorga has begun. The first Euros, the project is set to be completed the 220 kW energy network in West- substation is being implemented by in August 2015 and is funded by the ern Georgia and diversify power re- Portuguese construction company German Development Bank (KFW), sources, the construction of a new EFACEC, while the other two are be- European Bank for Reconstruction and 500kV/220kW substation at Jvari, a ing developed by an Indian company, Development (EBRD) and the Europe- double circuit 500 kW transmission Jyoti construction. It should be noted an Neighbourhood Investment Fund line from the Kavkasioni line to the that this is the first double circuit 500 (NIF).

Kazakhstan completed negotiations adoption by the General Council of the of its membership in the World Trade Organization on June 22. Organization in the framework of a spe- The press service noted that the com- cial working group set up in 1996. Ac- plexity and uniqueness of Kazakhstan’s cording to the press service of the WTO, accession process was a mandatory ne- Kazakhstan will be the 162nd member of gotiation about tariffs related to its mem- WTO at the organization’s 10th ministe- bership in the Eurasian Economic Union. rial conference in Nairobi in December. “WTO’s membership is a prestige for “I congratulate the WTO’s member Kazakhstan. Mostly it is a political is- countries and the Government of the sue, because Kazakhstan is positioning Republic of Kazakhstan in this historic itself as a leader in Central Asia, and it is step,” said Roberto Azevedo, Director- unlikely to be outside the WTO, since General of the World Trade Organiza- its members make up a large part of the tion. world. This organization’s requirements Kazakhstan was negotiating on ac- show that Kazakhstan is not a pariah, cession to the WTO over 19 years. A and is not on the sidelines of global eco- package of documents of accession will nomic processes,” said Eduard Poletaev, be submitted for formal approval by the political expert and Editor-in-Chief of working group, and then submitted for the World of Eurasia magazine. CSR Club Issues a List of Donations The Corporate Social Responsibili- Wissol Group - 10 000 GEL Imedi L - 50 000 GEL ty Club has issued a detailed report Nikora - 20 000 GEL SPAR Georgia - 10 000 GEL EU: EURO 3 million to Help about the contributions provided by Medical Corp. “Evex” - 25 000 GEL Archi Group - 10 000 GEL Georgian companies to help the flood Socar - 50 000 GEL Azeryolservis - 30 000 GEL Georgia Provide Housing victims. The list below show the data as Tegeta Motors - 5 000 GEL Achi, Shoti & Revaz Arveladze Fund - 5 of 16.06.2015. Duty Free Alliance - 10 000 GEL 000 GEL Solutions Barambo - 15 000 GEL State Audit Office - 30 000 GEL Financial Donations Rakia Group - 20 000 GEL Sakpatent - 1 000 000 GEL Partnership Fund - 50 000 GEL Apart from financial donations, many Beeline - 20 000 GEL Toyota (Caucasus & Central Asia) - 10 organizations, including Aldagi, Alta, PSP - 100 000 GEL 000 GEL Foodpanda, and more have launched TBC Bank - 50 000 GEL IDS Borjomi - 20 000 GEL projects to aid those affected by the Bank of Georgia - 100 000 GEL Zedazeni - 10 000 GEL flood. Bank Republic - 30 000 GEL Europebet - 50 000 GEL For the full list of donations and ProCredit Bank - 30 000 GEL Magti - 50 000 GEL projects visit - https:// Liberty Bank - 100 000 GEL Silk Road Group - 50 000 GEL www.facebook.com/csrclubgeorgia

The European Commission has an- stands with the people of Georgia and is nounced it is to make additional funds ready to help families in Tbilisi rebuild available to help the Georgian authori- their houses and start a new life. This ties deal with the effects of this week- contribution is an expression of our sol- end’s devastating flood. idarity with those affected by the disas- Up to Euro 3 million will be offered ter.” to help provide durable housing solu- The European Commission is also tions following the damage, to be deliv- providing Euro 400 000 in humanitarian ered through budget support. aid to help the most severely affected Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for families by supporting the Georgian Red European Neighbourhood Policy and Cross and NGOs in delivering relief, in- Enlargement Negotiations: “My thou- cluding food, blankets, cooking equip- ghts are with the victims of these devas- ment, water, sanitation, and hygiene and tating floods. The European Union medical assistance. SOCIETY Individuals Arrested for Child Trafficking By Beqa Kirtava detainees offered pregnant women money to abandon their newborn chil- The Head of Rustavi Maternity dren and later gave the infants to third House, Aleksandre Baravkov; Depu- parties in exchange for cash. The de- ty Director, Konstantine Manjavidze; tectives have revealed two cases of and one of the founders of the “New child trafficking, one for 3,000 and the Maternity Center” Mzia Ugrekhelidze second for 5,000 GEL. have all been detained for child traf- The investigation is still ongoing to ficking. discover the possible involvement of According to the Investigation De- other parties. The aforementioned in- partment of the Finance Ministry, the dividuals face 14 to 17 years in prison. 16 JUNE 19 - 25 BUSINESS

Porta Batumi Tower: World-Class Luxury Residences in Batumi 81 and 88 m², spacious 3+1 type 125 m² and historic Batumi, Porta Batumi and 12 duplex type exclusive penthous- Tower is in the most desirable loca- es. There are 14 apartments and two tion next to the Miracle Park and Al- technical rooms on each floor, with 4 phabet Tower, overlooking the beach elevators. The residential spaces are pro- and the Black Sea. This strikingly vided to customers in so-called ‘white modern tower combines luxury and frame’ condition with electricity, water style with outstanding construction and natural gas systems on floor. The quality in an unrivalled location to of- price per meter square is ranging from fer you a holiday residence with su- 1.450$ to 2.700$, offering special full perior investment potential. A state- payment discounts or 24 months with ment about status and an appreciation 0% interest payment options. of the finer things, Porta Batumi Tower An easy walk to the Batumi Marina is the jewel of new Batumi.

Can Dusmez – Sales and Marketing takes this traditionally popular destina- Manager at Porta Batumi Tower: tion to a new level, while bringing nu- Porta Batumi Tower is the world merous high-technology construction class glittering glass masterpiece of techniques to Batumi for the first time modern architecture which proudly ever. System Construction also imple- overlooks Batumi. Porta Batumi Tow- mented a 95-bed hospital project, which er’s world class design is created by is planned to open in August 2015. award-winning U.K. architects “Broad- The multi-profile residential com- way Malyan”, which brings the interna- plex includes several parts: 3,850 m² tional standard style in Batumi. Porta casino, 100 rooms boutique hotel, retail Batumi Tower complex is implemented area, 417 residential apartments, terrace by the leading Turkish construction café + restaurant with a magnificent sea company and developer “System Con- view and 2-storey underground car park- struction”, a global player in construc- ing. The rough works of the construc- tion and real estate development. In tion is already finished and the project Batumi, System Construction invites will be completed in June 2016. Porta you to discover a truly distinguished Batumi Tower offers different size of project, collaboration between the flats with unique landscape; compact world’s best architectural design, engi- 1+0 studio types of 38.5 and 40 m², 1+1 neering and construction talents that types of 57, 66, and 85 m², 2+1 types of LAW JUNE 19 - 25 17 Dechert OnPoint: New IEA Publication on Georgian Energy Policy

Dechert Georgia, through the con- mass, solar, wind and geothermal re- market and the Electricity Trading energy supply disruptions. The govern- affordable and clean energy supplies. tribution of partners Archil Giorgadze sources, the GoG has yet to fully assess Mechanism (“ETM”); strengthening ment is considering developing minimal The IEA Report mentions the impor- and Nicola Mariani, joined by senior and discover the economic potential of Georgia’s importance as a transit route strategic gas reserves and has called for tance of Georgia’s Energy Strategy for associates Ruslan Akhalaia and Irakli renewable energy development and and the creation of a regional platform; tenders for underground gas storage de- 2030 and notes that elaboration of such Sokolovski, as well as Ana Kostava and elaborate a legal and regulatory frame- adherence to environmental standards; velopment to overcome recurring win- a strategy requires high-level govern- Ana Kochiashvili, is partnering with work with targeted measures and incen- and improved service quality and con- ter deficits estimated to reach approxi- ment commitment and consultation with Georgia Today on a regular section of tive schemes, such as feed-in tariffs. sumer protection. mately 200 mcm by 2030. It has pro- all energy stakeholders. According to the paper which will provide updated According to the IEA Report, the posed doing this by holding the summer IEA, the focus of the new energy policy information regarding significant legal documents outlining Georgia’s current ENERGY SECURITY surplus underground. should be maximizing renewable ener- changes and developments in Georgia. energy policy as well as long-term pri- The IEA Report maps the energy se- gy sources and energy efficiency gains In particular, we will highlight signifi- orities are the following: curity issues Georgia is facing, paying ENERGY SECTOR while ensuring that supplies remain af- cant issues which may impact business- Main Directions of State Policy in special attention to diversification of re- INVESTMENT CLIMATE fordable and secure. It should also con- es operating in Georgia. the Power Sector, adopted in 2006, is a sources. Georgia is a net oil and gas im- The IEA Report provides an exten- sider detailed implementation of the new Dechert’s Tbilisi office combines lo- guiding principle which outlines key porter and relies heavily on imports of sive description of energy sector invest- Georgian Electricity Market Model cal service and full corporate, tax and policy directions such as reducing im- natural gas, oil products, hard coal and ments in Georgia. Total foreign direct 2015 (“GEMM 2015”) in order to bring finance support with the global knowl- port dependency, expanding electricity biofuels in order to meet most of its day- investment in the energy sector amount- Georgia more in line with the EU mar- edge that comes with being part of a worldwide legal practice. Dechert Georgia is the Tbilisi branch of Dechert LLP, an international Law firm that focuses on core transactional and litigation practices, providing world- class services to major corporations, fi- nancial institutions and private funds worldwide. With more than 900 Lawyers in our global practice groups working in 27 offices across Europe, the CIS, Asia, the Middle East and the United States, Dechert has the resources to de- liver seamless, high quality legal services to clients worldwide. For more informa- tion, please visit www.dechert.com or contact Nicola Mariani at [email protected].

New IEA publication on Georgian energy policy: an overview The International Energy Agency (“IEA”) and Georgian Ministry of En- ergy (“MoE”) presented the Report on Energy Policies in Eastern Europe, Cau- casus and Central Asia (“IEA Report”) in Tbilisi in April 2015. The IEA Re- port is the fruit of two years of research by IEA and the International energy co- operation program INOGATE, involv- ing the European Union (EU), the lit- toral states of the Black and Caspian Seas and their neighbouring countries. The publication was prepared as a component of IEA’s engagement with non-member countries and focuses on providing authoritative research and analysis on means of ensuring reliable, affordable and clean energy supplies for countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyr- export capacity and utilizing energy to-day energy needs. The share of imports ed to USD923 million in 2014. The re- ket and support the progressive devel- gyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmen- transit potential. Top priorities of this in Total Public Energy Suppy (“TPES”) port states that Georgia has undertaken opment of the regional market. Based istan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. policy include development of the re- increased from 47% in 2002 to 77% in a number of profound institutional re- on the IEA Report, preparation of the The IEA Report addresses the cur- gional energy market, transportation of 2013 in order to meet robust energy de- forms aimed at improvement of its busi- necessary legal framework and imple- rent Georgian energy policy in detail, in- Caspian energy resources to EU markets mand. The IEA Report states that Geor- ness climate: e.g., the number of activi- mentation of the policy in a timely man- cluding examination of key energy data and construction of new large HPPs and gia imports roughly 88% of its natural ties subject to licensing was reduced to ner is as important as finalization of the regarding supply, generation, import and transmission lines. gas and about 45% of its oil products 159 from 909; the tax system was dra- policy itself. export, demand, intensity, renewables Socio-Economic Development from Azerbaijan, while diversifying its matically overhauled; the labour market Furthermore, the IEA Report urges and data sources. It explores the current Strategy to 2020 is a strategy adopted sources with imports from Russia. underwent far-reaching reform; and tax- Georgia to prepare legislative propos- market structure of the Georgian ener- on 6 June 2014. It outlines Georgia’s The report notes that Georgia exports free zones were introduced. The report als regarding energy efficiency, as loss- gy sector as well as the institutional and future energy development strategy up excess electricity and is interconnected mentions Georgia’s World Bank rank- es during the natural gas distribution legal framework and sets out energy se- to 2020 and elaborates key priorities, with all four of its neighbouring coun- ing for ease of doing business, which, process are high in comparison to Eu- curity, market convergence and invest- focusing mainly on enhancing energy tries, however the volumes of trade are at No.15, is the highest among countries ropean levels. Ageing infrastructure and ment attraction specificities. Key poli- security and increasing self-sufficiency. minor and, considering the total annual in the region. According to a separate industry sectors also contribute to effi- cies and recommendations for Georgia The State Programme for Renew- potential capacity of 15,000 MW, only report by Transparency International, ciency losses. IEA notes that a long-term covered in the IEA Report will be dis- able Energy adopted in 2008 is a pro- 12% of which is utilized, there is ample which was also cited in the IEA Report, stable regulatory framework for the new cussed in this week’s edition of OnPoint. gramme focusing on attracting investors room for growth. 75% of Georgia’s cur- Georgia’s ranking on public sector cor- electricity market model should be cre- in the energy sector to build small to rent electricity production comes from ruption was also the best in the region. ated in order to align these rules to those INSTITUTIONAL medium-sized HPPs by offering dereg- HPPs, with the remaining 25% generat- The report outlines several key in- of the EU market while considering the FRAMEWORK AND EXISTING ulated prices, the possibility of export ed via natural gas combustion. vestment projects of strategic regional regional context as well. ENERGY POLICY without license for nine months out of The IEA Report mentions that Geor- interest, which are already being imple- Finally, the IEA Report states that The IEA Report notes that the main the year, low taxes and streamlined bu- gia’s own energy resources, apart from mented: a 500kV/400kV connection line Georgia needs to strengthen the compe- energy policy strategy of the Government reaucracy. However, this programme hydropower, stem from: wind, with po- to Turkey and a 400 kV electricity trans- tences and independence of the nation- of Georgia (“GoG”) is long-term hydro- also introduced the obligation on all new tential of 4 TWh per year; solar power, mission line between Georgia and Ar- al regulatory authority and reinforce its power development dedicated to attract- HPPs to sell 13 MW of electricity on with potential evaluated at 108 MW per menia, along with 17 HPPs under con- role in safeguarding consumer interests. ing foreign direct investment to reach self the internal market during each annual year; geothermal, amounting to 200-250 struction by the end of 2014. The gas Georgia also needs to explore the possi- sufficiency in energy resources and ex- winter period. million cubic meters annually; crude oil sector projects of strategic interest were bility of creating an analytical center to panding electricity export to neighbour- Georgia’s Energy Strategy to 2030 viable reserves, estimated at 5 million also noted, including Caspian gas trans- gather experienced national experts to ing markets. The responsibility for imple- is a policy under discussion presented tons in 2015 and with untapped resourc- portation and transit and developments develop functional policies and indus- mentation of this strategy is shared among to the government for consultation in es of 50 Mt; natural gas reserves esti- allowing an additional 16bcm/y of trans- try regulations. three main governmental organs in the July 2014. The key proposals in the draft mated at 8 bcm with 102 bcm resourc- portation from Shah Deniz 2. energy sector: the MoE, the Ministry of include: gradual approximation and har- es; and hard coal reserves estimated at * * * Environment and Natural Resources Pro- monization of Georgia’s legislative and 201 Mt with 700 Mt of reserves. CONCLUSION AND Note: this article does not constitute tection (“MENR”) and the Georgian Na- regulatory framework with the EU’s; di- The IEA Report states that the coun- IEA RECOMMENDATIONS legal advice. You are responsible for tional Energy and Water Supply Regula- versification of supply sources and uti- try lacks a declared strategy regarding The IEA Report outlines Georgia’s consulting with your own professional tory Commission (“GNERC”). lization of Georgia’s renewable energy emergency stock holdings and fuel re- progress over the past few years and sets legal advisors concerning specific cir- The report notes that despite vast bio- sources; improvement of the energy placement mechanisms in the event of out recommendations to ensure reliable, cumstances for your business.

ECONOMY JUNE 19 - 25 19

The ISET Policy Institute (ISET-PI, www.iset-pi.ge) is an independent think-tank associated with the International School of Economics at TSU (ISET). Our blog carries economic analysis of current events and policies in Georgia and the South Caucasus region ranging from agriculture, to economic growth, energy, labor markets and the nexus of economics, culture and religion. Thought-provoking and fun to read, our blog posts are written by international faculty teaching at ISET and recent graduates representing the new generation of Georgian, Azerbaijani and Armenian economists. LeLeLegggalizalizalizeee Marijuana?Marijuana?Marijuana?

By Saba Devdariani juana consumption is permitted in highly controlled cafes with special licenses According to a recent study, smok- (so-called “Coffee Shops”), managed to ing marijuana for many years leads to a attract huge numbers of tourists from severe loss of intelligence: compared other European countries who came for with people who did not consume can- smoking marijuana in Holland (as many nabis, the IQ’s of smokers were lower other European countries have liberal- by 13-38 points (Meier et al.: “Persis- ized their policies, this kind of tourism tent cannabis users show neuropsycho- has decreased). Georgia, which is happy logical decline from childhood to to offer gambling to Turks, Azeris, and midlife”, PNAS 109, 2012). Moreover, whoever else is not allowed to have ca- after a long time of consumption, cog- sinos in their home country, might at- nitive abilities and memory do not re- tract (mostly young) tourists from coun- cover when smoking marijuana is even- tries where cannabis consumption is il- tually given up. legal. The money paid for purchasing Recently, decriminalization of mari- marijuana, currently pocketed by deal- juana became a hotly discussed topic in ers, could be a source of income for the Georgia. The opinions are strongly po- government. larized, with peaceful protests for liber- alization on the one side and strong BACK TO PROPORTION! moral objections and concerns about The global trend in the last years is public health on the other. Member of to decriminalize the consumption of can- Parliament Goga Khachidze drafted a nabis. There are still countries where law for the decriminalization of mari- consumption, possession, and produc- juana, which was sharply repudiated by tion are illegal, like Georgia, France, and Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. Greece. In many others, however, con- Consuming marijuana comes with sumption is now de jure or de facto de- more serious health risks than often criminalized, like in the Netherlands, hawked by legalization advocates. Spain, some states of the US, and Aus- Clearly, a loss of intelligence of up to tralia. Typically, production and trade is 38 points is not a trifle. Yet does it fol- still illegal, but there are even a few low directly that smoking cannabis countries where marijuana it is totally should be outlawed? While in the po- smoking of ordinary cigarettes is not brighter colors), accelerated heart rate, CRIMINALIZATION COSTS legalized, like Uruguay and, allegedly, litical arena, bombastic statements of- even considered a misdemeanor? more appetite, impaired body move- Is it smart to send people to prison North Korea. In Georgia, the consump- ten dominate sober analysis, in this ar- ment, and sometimes nasty symptoms who did nothing else but smoke mari- tion, possession, production, and sale is ticle I will look at the issue from philo- IMPACT ON SOCIETY like anxiety, paranoia, and “random juana? In most countries of the world, illegal. Repeated consumption and pos- sophical and economic angles, trying to The legal inconsistencies are even thinking”. Therefore, people who smoke including Georgia, prisons are “univer- session of certain amounts can lead to be as impartial as possible. more striking in view of the fact that in marijuana and drive cars pose serious sities of crime”. The socialization among imprisonment of up to 14 years! many respects marijuana resembles threats for others. While this is also true other inmates in prisons and the stigma- While the Georgian society may not OWNERSHIP OF ONE’S much more tobacco than heavy drugs for alcohol, it is not possible for the po- tization that follows from imprisonment be ready yet for a full decriminalization, OWN BODY like heroin and cocaine, and some ex- lice to quickly find out whether a per- has turned many essentially harmless in light of the enormous societal cost of The question of cannabis legalization perts consider it even less dangerous son has smoked marijuana, as the test people into “bad eggs”. What started imprisoning people, it should be seri- touches on a very fundamental issue: than tobacco. For example, smoking can only be carried out in police stations. with some minor offenses like smoking ously considered to make the legal con- should people be allowed to harm them- marijuana, perhaps part of teenage re- sequences less severe. In the end, a ra- selves? The philosopher John Locke bellions, ruined many persons’ future tional government should recognize that (1632-1704), one of the fathers of lib- While Georgian society may not be ready yet for lives and careers. marijuana consumption, even with strict eral thought, would have answered this Another question is whether the ban criteria applied, is not more than a mi- question affirmatively. He derives the a full decriminalization, in light of the enormous really achieves its goal to reduce the nor offense. moral legitimacy of private property societal cost of imprisoning people, it should be number of consumers. A recent study from the very assumption that people from Australia, where marijuana is de- own their own bodies. Because they own seriously considered to make the legal criminalized only in some states but not their bodies, they own their labor, and in others, did not find statistically sig- thus they have legitimate claims on the consequences less severe. nificant increases in the number of mari- product of their labor. As “ownership of juana smokers as a result of decriminal- one’s body” is a central notion in marijuana is less addictive than smok- Long term effects of cannabis con- ization (Williams and Bretteville- Locke’s thought, which can hardly be ing normal cigarettes (cf. Wes Boyd sumption include not just the standard is- Jensen: “Does liberalizing cannabis laws reconciled with the idea to “protect from the Harvard Medical School, who sues also associated with tobacco smok- increase cannabis use?”, Journal of people from themselves”, libertarians writes in Psychology Today: “The physi- ing, like increased risk of cancer, fertility Health Economics 36, 2014). However, around the world unanimously support ological effects of cannabis withdrawal problems, and higher risk of heart attacks, it seems that in states with liberal laws the legalization of marijuana. are generally mild.”) but also mental disorders like schizophre- the distribution of consumers is shifted In reality, however, there is not one Moreover, marijuana can be culti- nia and depression. This is an important towards younger people, which is single society in the world which is fully vated in lofts and winter gardens or even difference between the two kinds of smok- clearly problematic. in line with the principle that one is un- in a plant pot on the window sill. This ing: health problems resulting from to- One largely refuted argument against restricted owner of one’s own body. In makes it cheap even if it is illegal, while bacco smoking are not increasing health decriminalization is the so called “gate- addition, in most societies the rules re- the very combination of being highly care expenditures, as smokers typically die way theory”. It states that smoking mari- garding harming oneself are highly in- addictive and highly priced is what rather quickly, but mental problems do juana is just a first step of an “addiction consistent: while people are typically makes hard drugs like heroin and co- cause additional costs. career” and will later lead to the con- allowed to drink alcohol, smoke to- caine so destructive for society. High However, these costs could be cov- sumption of harder drugs. Yet as one of bacco, adopt unhealthy eating habits, prices trigger consumers of those drugs ered by special taxes levied on marijuana many reports state clearly: “There is no and exercise dangerous hobbies, states to engage in all kinds of illegal activi- consumption, as they exist, for example, evidence that marijuana serves as a step- usually try to prevent people from com- ties for funding their addictions (so- in the Netherlands. Moreover, experts ping stone on the basis of its particular mitting suicide, wasting their money in called “trigger offenses”), while crime do not believe that these mental illnesses drug effect.” (Joy et al.: “Marijuana and gambling, and consuming certain drugs. associated with obtaining marijuana is are genuinely caused by cannabis – Medicine – Assessing the Science Georgia Today would like to con- Even if one does not agree with the rarely observed. rather, marijuana seems to trigger the Base”, National Academy Press, Wash- vey its condolences to those at ISET idea of ownership of one’s body, these However, smoking cannabis may outbreak of mental issues people already ington 1999). for the loss of two students as a result inconsistencies cause serious justifica- have negative externalities on others. have. Unlike with most other drugs, in- One should also take into account of the June 13 flood, Mariam Kutelia tion problems. Is it reasonable that in a According to the medical portal WebMD cluding legal ones like alcohol, there has that cannabis could be a source of tax (See Page 21 of this week’s edition) country like Georgia smokers of mari- the immediate effects of smoking mari- not been recorded one single death income for the government. The Neth- and Ivlita Jibuti. juana may be jailed for many years while juana are altered senses (e.g. seeing caused by an overdose of cannabis. erlands, where for many decades mari-

SOCIETY JUNE 19 - 25 21 Georgian Political Wise USAID/REAP Mourn Tragic Loss of Mariam Kutelia Man Rondeli Dies Aged 73 By Steven Jones in Tbilisi destroyed the homes of numer- ous families, caused, at the latest count By Zviad Adzinbaia The USAID/REAP program said it at time of writing, 18 deaths, and left had lost “a valued member of its team” dozens missing, but the unprecedented Alexander Rondeli, a founding presi- upon learning of the tragic death of its volunteer efforts led largely by young dent of Georgia Foundation for Strategic intern Mariam Kutelia, who was killed people provide hope in a time of great and International Studies (GFSIS) and in the Tbilisi flooding last weekend. distress. revered Georgian political scientist died Mariam’s death inspired the project Due to the largely horizontal organi- on June 12, aged 73. and its grantees to contribute to the re- zational structure of the volunteers and Rondeli was regarded as a leading lief efforts of the flood and provide aid. the lack of singular leadership, technol- political scientist and an expert of inter- USAID’s Restoring Efficiency to Agri- ogy and the use of social networks be- national relations and Russian studies in culture Production (REAP) united as one came the key tools to share information Georgia. He had been leading GFSIS for to participate in the mass volunteering and provide updated details on meeting more than 14 years, with the foundation in Tbilisi, donating hundreds of shov- locations, necessary equipment and do- conducting excellent analysis on regional els, dozens of wheelbarrows, gloves, nation priorities. Some Facebook and security studies in the country. rain boots and hats, the equipment most hashtags are still being used to provide Rondeli was one of the pioneers in his generation who was determined that Georgia would opt for the European and NATO path, as he believed this would guarantee the country’s national security and future prosperity. Dr. Rondeli, who held the diplomatic rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, was born in 1942. He graduated from the Faculty of Oriental Studies at Tbilisi State University and obtained a doctorate degree in 1974. Sub- sequently, he was a research fellow through an exchange program at the London School of Economics and Political Science (1976-77). Apart from this, he was tightly linked with Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School as a mid-career fellow (1993–94), and to Emory University (1991) as a visiting Alexander Rondeli, a founding president of Georgia Foundation for Strategic and International Studies professor. Mount Holyoke College and Williams College were other aca- policy decision-making in Georgia rearticulated in November 2013 when demic institutions where Dr. Rondeli con- through research and analysis, training of visiting Georgetown University. He as- tinued his academic career in the 1990s, policymakers and policy analysts, and sessed Georgia - despite permanent Rus- an extremely complicated period for public education about the strategic is- sian pressure and its ongoing occupation Georgia. sues”. of part of its territory – would be able to In addition, at Tbilisi State University The political wise man strongly ad- maintain the course taken to defend its (1991-96) he led the Department of In- vocated Georgia’s European and Euro- sovereignty and build a democratic state. ternational Relations and directed the Atlantic orientation, a course he saw as He dreamt of a Georgia which would Foreign Policy Research and Analysis the single choice for the country to be- create a ‘success story’ in the region and Center at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs come a viable democracy. During the past beyond as a territorially tiny country tak- of Georgia (1997-2001). Two well- two decades, he became a teacher for ing extraordinary and audacious steps to known books International Relations and thousands of students in the country, make a quick shift from the post-Soviet The Small States in the International Sys- many of whom have gone on to establish mentality to that of a western democracy. tem were written by the late Dr. Rondeli, successful careers on politics or con- He saw the current Georgian stance as texts widely used by Georgian IR stu- nected fields. ‘moving slowly but developing’. dents. From his colorful professional expe- A service for Dr. Rondeli was held at Rondeli, when founding GFSIS at the rience in the fields of diplomacy, politics Tbilisi State University on 16 June at- end of the 20th century along with Temur and security, Rondeli believed that Rus- tended by thousands of Georgian and for- Yakobashvili, a former Georgian official, sia had only imperial ambitions in Geor- eign public figures, students, scientists said it aimed to “help improve public gia, no peaceful goals, a statement he and others. Former Turkish President Suleyman Demirel Dies Former Turkish president and prime Erdogan and Prime Minister Ahmet President of Turkey. minister, Suleyman Demirel, died on Davutoglu expressed their condolences to Suleyman Demirel was born on No- Wednesday at age 90 in a hospital in Demirel’s family and to the people of Tur- vember 1, 1924. He was a founding Aknary. According to the Anatolia news key. The Turkish Prime Minister said that, member of the Justice Party in Turkey. agency, the cause of death of the former due to the death of the former prime min- He was a prime minister several times Mariam Kutelia leader was heart failure. ister and president, there will be three days in the 1960s and 1970s before serving Over the past year, Demirel was taken of national mourning in the republic. as president from 1993 to 2000. Demirel needed for the thousands of volunteers a stream of updates on how many vol- to hospital twice, and last month he was “Suleyman Demirel, who left a deep was also responsible for the develop- standing together against the natural unteers are needed at specific locations said to be in a critical condition. His con- mark in the political history of Turkey ment and implementation of several eco- catastrophe. for clean-up efforts, what donations are dition rapidly deteriorated on Tuesday and contributed to the development of nomic reforms that have put Turkey on The trucks and equipment were needed at which local government of- evening, June 16. He died at 2:05am on our country, is one of the most signifi- the path of industrialisation. driven to the Office of the Vake District fices, what medications are urgently Wednesday at Ankara’s Guven Hospital. cant figures in our political history,” said Suleyman Demirel’s funeral will be Local Government from Shida Kartli needed at the temporary housing loca- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the current held in Ankara on June 19. and Kakheti regions. tions and so on. The Facebook group Some of the volunteers left to join “#13 June-Volunteers” counts around the rescue efforts of the missing persons 18,000 members, many of whom are such as Ivlita Jibuti, a pregnant newly- actively involved in the disaster relief wed, who was due to graduate from the efforts to this day. International School of Economics at REAP’s team expressed their deep Tbilisi State University this summer condolences toward Mariam’s family with a master’s degree in Economics. and toward the families of other victims On the night of June 13, flash floods of the flooding.

FOR RENT Apartment in Vake (behind the Vake Swimming Pool) in an ecologically clean environment with beautiful views. The 120 sq. m. duplex apartment on the 10th floor, newly reno- vated, with a new kitchen, fireplace, balconies. Price: 1100 USD Tel: 577521020 Tekla (English) 597000109 Dato (Georgian) Former Turkish president and prime minister, Suleyman Demirel

CULTURE JUNE 19 - 25 23 Iron Theatre Gaining International Acclaim and Keeping Classics Alive By Maka Lomadze Festival, held in Turkey, in which only 11 international troupes out of 120 ap- Berthold Brecht is helping Georgian plicants took part. They were there on theatre and its history to gain worldwide the strength of Completely Other Opera. acclaim. The Caucasus Circle Chalk, This particular theatre is attractive to staged by the renowned Robert Sturua, tourists with its modern facilities, entic- with phenomenal theatre and cinema ing aesthetics and staging qualities. One star, the late Ramaz Chkhikvadze, to- other sign of its modernity is gether with the famous Rustaveli The- Andghuladze’s propensity to give male atre company, reached such levels of cre- roles to female performers, and vice versa. ativity that a British critic once wrote: Nodar Simsive plays the part of a “Wow, Georgians have taught us how woman who is a former prostitute, who to play Shakespeare!” has a husband with one daughter, played Today, the Iron Theatre is staging also by a male actor. He is widely con- Davit Andghuladze’s version of Com- sidered the best actor and most spar- pletely Other Opera, based on Brecht’s kling figure of the whole company in Three-Pence Opera. this particular performance, which is The Iron Theatre recently returned unusually vigorous and loud. from the Black Sea International Theatre Ana Kaulashvili, a female actor play-

ing the part of a young pauper whose atre as well as for us, young actors. I classicists. The main figures for Brecht mother is a prostitute and whose father think, due to this experience, we became in Three-Pence Opera are prostitutes, is a thief, shared the challenges she faced smarter as artists. There was no con- thieves and policemen. When looking at in performing this particular role: “It has test, but we received a positive reaction. the highest rating TV shows, such not been an easy task to transform into We got acquainted with the theatrical themes and characters tend to be in- a young man! The performance pre- traditions of Turkey, Romania, Ukraine, volved. miered in 2011. The work was extremely Russia, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan and The theatre is closed now for the interesting and hard at the same time. I other countries.” summer season and will reopen in Octo- used to observe young boys in order to Anghuladze tries to express his civil ber with the premiere of “Samanishvili’s resemble them. It was our first tour opinion and position with regard to the Stepmother” based on the story by Geor- abroad, thus, very important for the the- present, using the plays of the world gian writer Davit Kldiashvili. WHAT'S ON IN TBILISI

THEATRE June 21 Directed by Brad Peyton HOT PURSUIT liberation movement of Georgia and to GABRIADZE THEATRE DIVORCE Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Directed by Anne Fletcher the victims of the Soviet political repres- sion throughout this period. Address: 13 Shavtelis St. CHARITY EVENING Alexandra Daddario Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Sofía Telephone: 2 98 65 93 Giorgi Eristavi Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller Vergara, Matthew Del Negro Directed by Davit Doiashvili Language: Russian Genre: Action, Comedy SIMON JANASHIA MUSEUM OF GEORGIA Start time: 19:00 Start time: 17:00, 22:35 Language: Russian June 19 Address: 3 Rustaveli Ave. Ticket price: 9.50 – 10.50 Lari Start time: 14:50 MARSHAL DE FANTIE’S DIAMOND Ticket price: 15 Lari Telephone: 2 99 80 22 Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Ticket price: 8.50 – 9.50 Lari INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3 English Subtitles TBILISI ZAKARIA PALIASHVILI "ARCHAEOLOGICAL TREASURE" Directed by Leigh Whannell Start time: 20:00 OPERA AND BALLET THEATRE INSIDE OUT Examples of work by early Georgian Cast: Dermot Mulroney, Stefanie Ticket price: 10, 15 Lari Address: 25 Rustaveli Ave. Directed Pete Docter, goldsmiths were discovered during ar- Telephone: 2 99 04 56 Scott, Angus Sampson Ronaldo Del Carmen cheological excavations, and are currently Genre: Horror June 25 Cast: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, preserved in the archeological treasury. Language: Russian Lewis Black The exhibition presents three periods of RAMONA June 21 Start time: 14:40, 19:35 Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama development in the history of Georgian Directed by Rezo Gabriadze GISELLE Ticket price: 8.50 – 12.50 Lari Language: Russian goldsmithery, from the 3rd century BCE English Subtitles Adolphe Adam to the 4th century CE: Start time: 22:30 Start time: 20:00 Soloists: Nino Samadashvili RUSTAVELI CINEMA Kurgan Culture (3-2 BCE), Ticket price: 11.50 – 112.50 Lari Ticket price: 10, 15 Lari and Philip Pedulov Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. Golden Fleece Kolkheti (8- 3 BCE), Start time: 19:00 Telephone: 255 50 00 Kingdom of Kartli-Iberia (3rd century MOVEMENT THEATRE Ticket price: From 5 Lari www.kinoafisha.ge MUSEUM BCE-4th century CE). Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., Venue: A. Griboedov Theatre, IOSEB GRISHASHVILI TBILISI Mushthaid park Rustaveli 2 Ave. June 19-25 GALLERY Telephone: 599 555 260 JURASSIC WORLD 3 D HISTORY MUSEUM - KARVASLA (Info Above) Address: 8 Sioni St. THE NATIONAL GALLERY CINEMA Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. June 19 Language: Russian Telephone: 2 98 22 81 www.museum.ge INTRO Start time: 12:00, 14:45, 17:15 CHARITY EVENING AMIRANI CINEMA June 9-19 Ticket price: 7.50 – 10:50 Lari June 3-17 Musical alergia Address: 36 Kostava St. THE EXHIBITION EXHIBITION “MAELSTROM: Telephone: 299 99 55 Start time: 20:30 SPY “PRESENTIMENT” FRANZ MARK, GERMAN Ticket price: From 7 Lari www.kinoafisha.ge (Info Above) BY TSIRA PAPINASHVILI EXPRESSIONISM AND Language: Russian MODERNISM IN GEORGIA” GEORGIAN STATE June 19-25 Start time: 12:15, 17:15 SHALVA AMIRANASHVILI PANTOMIME THEATRE JURASSIC WORLD 3D Ticket price: 7.30 – 8:30 Lari MUSEUM OF ART GALLERY “VANDA” Address: 37 Rustaveli Ave. Directed by Colin Trevorrow Address: 1 Lado Gudiashvili St. Address: D. Chonkadze str. #14 Telephone: 2 99 63 14 Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas SAN ANDREAS 3D Telephone: 2 99 99 09 (Sololaki) Howard, Ty Simpkins (Info Above) www.museum.ge Telephone: 293 42 86 June 19-20 Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Language: Russian Gallery works daily, 12:00 – 19:00 LUARSABI Language: English Start time: 15:00, 17:00, 20:00, 22:15 June 10-28 www.vandagallery.org Directed by Luka Chkheidze Start time: 22:20 Ticket price: 9.50 – 10.50 Lari THE EXHIBITION OF THE June 19 – July 5 Start time: 19:00 Language: Russian PAINTINGS AND GRAPHIC VAKHTANG TATO INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3 Ticket price: 5 Lari Start time: 12:10, 14:50, 17:35, ARTWORKS OF 50 MODERN AKHALKATSISHVILI’S 19:45, 22:30 (Info Above) GEORGIAN ARTISTS OF EXHIBITION June 23 Ticket price: 7.50 – 12:50 Lari Language: Russian DIFFERENT GENERATIONS. YOUR MYSTERIOUS WAYS STOP AIDS Start time: 19:30, 22:30 Directed by Davit Shalikashvili SPY Ticket price: 8.50 – 12.50 Lari MUSEUM OF SOVIET MUSIC Start time: 19:00 Directed by Paul Feig OCCUPATION Ticket price: 5 Lari Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Rose LOST IN KARASTAN Address: 1 Rustaveli ave. ARTAREA Byrne, Jude Law Directed by Ben Hopkins Telephone: 2 99 80 22 Address: 10 D. Abashidze st. Cast: Matthew Macfadyen, MyAnna TBILISI VASO ABASHIDZE Genre: Action, Comedy Buring, Noah Taylor June 19 MUSIC AND DRAMA STATE Language: Russian The exhibition also includes one of the Genre: Comedy LIVE @ TWILIGHT’S CHARITY THEATRE Start time: 12:00 train carriages in which the participants Language: Russian PROJECT Address:182 D.Agmashenebeli Ave. Ticket price: 7.30 – 8:30 Lari of the national uprising of 1924 were Start time: 16:00 Nika Machaidze, Natalia Beridze, Telephone: 2 34 80 90 executed.It is also dedicated to the his- Ticket price: 9.50 – 10.50 Lari Gacha Bakradze www.musictheatre.ge SAN ANDREAS 3D tory of the anti-occupational, national- Start time: 21:00

SOCIETY JUNE 19 - 25 25 TTrraditionadition MakingMaking,, PParartt 2:2: Etseri,Etseri, SvSvanetianeti

By Tony Hanmer You can wax the cheese with hot time, but enough to offer clients at our molten wax to kill surface bacteria and guest house to eat or buy and take with (Continued from last week) seal it from further such and help it them. (I’ve now determined, from a Cheese can be made from the milk age, and I’m fortunate in having a quick online search, that my cheeses of a variety of mammals; the common neighbour and good friend here who from Georgia can be imported for per- cheeses are from cows, goats and sheep, will sell me the necessary wax from sonal use into the USA or Canada, but all made in Georgia. We’re sticking with his beehives, though I’ve not yet tried not into the EU.) cows’ milk, because a cow is what we this process. Next up, buying a food-grade plastic have and what others use up here for As with any experiment that you cheese mould to give a regular cylindri- cheese making. want to call scientific, a main rule is: cal form, and making a simple press for Rennet is added to the warmed milk, only change one variable at a time! Oth- it. I’m delighted with the first tests, and being an enzyme originating in the erwise you won’t know what does what. am encouraged to continue to success. cow’s stomach which causes the solids Then, wait. Months, sometimes The aging room still needs to be made, (curds) to separate from the liquids longer. This is the hard part, as it is with with shelves and temperature/humidity (whey), the former becoming the cheese liqueur making, as I’ve found. control, away from pests. But step by and the latter usually being discarded or So far I’ve carried out two simulta- step, I think we can do this. fed to calves. After it has sat for a while, neous tests, one pressed overnight and The philosophical underpinning of the formed curd mass is cut up in the the other not at all, and both have yielded all this is the tension between making a whey and left a bit longer before extrac- a hard cheese with a softer, stronger tradition to stick with (finding what tion. flavoured centre at just over a month old. works in the cheese making and staying A bacterial culture can be added early I need to continue, because my results religiously with that), versus innovating on as well, and is often required to make are absolutely delicious enough to per- to get a new result; perhaps this too a specialized cheese. I am seeking to seen, and which my wife does. She aged by a wipe with a brine-soaked suade me away from either Georgian- eventually becoming a whole new tra- make mine without this addition, be- merely leaves it to drain for some hours cloth, or a dip in brine. made or foreign commercial varieties dition. Georgian cuisine tends to be very cause it must be bought, likely from or overnight in a plastic cheese strainer, You need to keep tabs on air tempera- available in-country, which is my long- conservative in this regard (e.g. there is outside Georgia, and this adds to the periodically pouring off the whey which ture and humidity during this time, as term goal. (My niece, living with us, and exactly one dish here that you put expense and complication of things. has come out. these affect the aging process and its re- my wife, agree.) I’d even like to get the ground black pepper on: khinkali), but Other things can be added to flavour it Then the cheese is aged, also omit- sults. In fact, all of the above processes cheese certified, if they do that here, give as I am finding out to my benefit, there’s now, too: herbs, for example. ted in Georgia, although curing local should be monitored when experiment- it a name, and start a small scale sales plenty of room for new things. Includ- The cheese is usually pressed, once cheese in brine is often done. I’m talk- ing with cheese making, to arrive at a operation! Nothing big or taking all my ing Hanmer cheese from Etseri. you have separated it by hand from the ing about drying it out in air, while pro- repeatable result! Temperature of cheese Tony Hanmer runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group, now with whey, to extract even more whey; longer tecting it with a cloth or other cover from when you add the rennet; amount of ren- over 1000 members, at and with heavier weight for a harder the main animal enemies: mice, and net, stirring and cutting processes; www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ . cheese, less so or even not at all for a flies, which would love to lay their eggs amount, timing and time of weight; and He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: softer type. This step is not found in the in it, which will yield maggots! Un- so on. Treat it as a science as well as an www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti Georgian cheese making that I have wanted surface bacteria can be discour- art. Tbilisi Hashers to Walk for the Zoo

Tbilisi Hash House Harriers on a recent hash in Mestia On Sunday 21st at 3pm, the Tbilisi nationality/age group will be meeting at Hash House Harriers (TH3) walking/ the entrance to Vere Park, next to the running group would like to invite you beer wagon, at 3pm and setting off on a to join a mystery Charity Walk and BBQ walk/run from there. Families welcome! in order to raise money to donate to the Tbilisi Zoo Fund. For further information contact: The friendly, Tbilisi-loving mixed- [email protected] CULTURE Katie Melua to Support Tbilisi Flood Victims By Nino Melikishvili charity, which offers sup- port to cancer sufferers and After the devastating is based on the Isle of Man. flood in Tbilisi, both in Other initiatives will Georgia and abroad, people also be held in the UK to united to support those who raise money for the flood were affected by the disas- victims. ter. Madona Kobalia, a Famous Georgian UK- board member of the Geor- based singer Katie Melua is gian Community in the UK, one of the many to offer sup- is participating in a nine port to Tbilisi’s flood victims Kilometer fun-run on June and she plans to perform a 19 to support people af- charity concert to help her fected by the flood. Also, Tbilisi hometown. Georgian restaurant As Georgian society in the UK an- Tamada in London will be hosting a char- nounced, Melua will perform a charity ity event on the 28th of June, with mul- concert in London. The concert will be tiple live performers to help Georgian held on June 21 and all money raised will people who became homeless after the be donated to a Tbilisi flood relief fund. flood. They also have Tamada Fund Besides her career as singer, Melua is (www.tamadafund.com) where people known for her charity work. Katie is pa- can donate. tron of Fair Trees, the organization that What’s more, on June 26, Melua and is trying to stop the exploitation of core her friends in the UK will host a charity pickers in Ambrolauri, Georgia, by the exhibition where Georgian food, wine European Christmas tree industry. Katie and souvenirs will be sold. The money is also a patron of the Manx Cancer Help raised will also go to the relief fund.

SPORTS JUNE 19 - 25 27 GeorGeorgia’gia’ss LongLong RRoadoad Georgia Suffer Tbilisi Cup GeorGeorgia’gia’ss LongLong RRoadoad Disappointment against BacBackk frfromom thethe BarBarrrenen Emerging Italy By Alastair Watt The Georgians certainly didn’t look like being subjected to a 16-point de- RReaceacheshes ofof PPotot 66 An under-strength Georgia fell to a feat in a competitive first half which fin- nonetheless surprising 26-10 defeat at ished with the scores level at 3-3 cour- the hands of Emerging Italy at Avchala tesy of early penalties by the visitors’ Stadium in their second match of the Carlo Canna and the hosts Malaghu- Tbilisi Cup on June 17. radze. The result confirmed Emerging Ire- However, after the restart things land as the tournament’s winners with a quickly took a bad turn for Georgia as game to spare, and they will be presented Canna’s drop goal followed by Simone with the trophy following their conclud- Marinaro’s try which was converted by ing match of the event against hosts Canna who then quickly added a pen- Georgia on June 21. alty put the Italians 16-3 ahead before The Georgians had started the tour- the hour mark. nament reasonably well with a relatively Hopes of a comeback were more or comfortable 19-10 win over Uruguay in less extinguished when Muraz their opening game on June 13 courtesy Giorgadze was yellow carded in the 61st of Konstantin Mikautadze’s try and minute, after which Canna added a fur- kicked points from Beka Tsiklauri and ther five points from the boot, two of Lasha Malaghuradze. them from a conversion after Maxime Earlier that day, The Emerging Irish Mbanda’s 65th minute score. had cruised to a 25-0 triumph over their Flanker Beka Gorgadze’s try at the Italian equivalents with tries from Eoin death, converted by Tsiklauri, repre- Griffin, Andrew Conway, Stuart sented scant consolation for the hosts McCloskey and Tiernan O’Halloran. who had been hoping to give the It was only minutes after Georgia’s Georgian people some brief positive match with the Uruguayans that the tor- respite from the devastation of the rential rain fell on Tbilisi that would lead flooding. to the tragic flooding and deadly events A 33-7 victory for Emerging Ireland that followed. over Uruguay earlier that day, combined Soon after, the Georgian players, as with Georgia’s loss, assured the Irish of well as staff, were out in force joining tournament success. However, Milton By Alastair Watt Andorra, San Marino and newcomers a wonderful accolade admittedly, but the the volunteer effort to clean up the af- Haig’s Lelos still have the chance to re- Gibraltar against whom Georgia re- on-pitch progress is visible even if the fected parts of the city. Whether these store some pride on home soil when they Poland were somewhat flattered by corded its only competitive victory in results are yet to reflect this. exertions contributed to an underwhe- take on the Irish on Sunday, before they a four-goal winning margin against the last two years, last October. The experience gained by the young lming display against the Italians’ sec- prepare for the World Cup which begins Georgia in the Euro 2016 qualifier in For the World Cup campaign ahead, pair of Lasha Dvali and Valeri ond string is uncertain but if it did, it in England and Wales in less than three Warsaw on June 13 but, despite further Georgia won’t have the luxury of play- Qazaishvili should be valuable for the would be understandable. months. signs of improvement for head coach ing the also-rans. Instead, they’ll be one remainder of the campaign, while it Kakha Tskhadadze, the defeat con- of them. should not be forgotten that Georgia firmed that the Georgians will be bot- In Warsaw, Georgia had held their were without their captain and most re- tom seeds for the looming World Cup own until Arkadiusz Milik’s 62nd minute liable performer Jaba Kankava in the 2018 qualifying draw. opener and were still well in the game Polish capital. Perched 139th in FIFA’s world until Robert Lewandowski mercilessly The Georgians won’t get the oppor- rankings, one place above Tajikistan, walloped a high-speed hat-trick past tunity to salvage some pride and rank- Georgia find themselves at their lowest Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Loria in the ing places from a sorrowful campaign standing since their first year of com- final minutes. until September, when they host Scot- land and then visit Ireland. The Scots, following a scarcely mer- For the World Cup campaign ahead, Georgia ited 1-1 draw in Dublin, stay third in the won’t have the luxury of playing the also-rans. group and will all but secure third spot at worst if they can follow in the foot- Instead, they’ll be one of them. steps of Germany, Poland and Ireland by winning in Tbilisi. peting in international competition in Tskhadadze, while complimentary of It is in such circumstances that Scot- 1994. Poland who he described as “a ma- land last visited Georgia in 2007, within With Euro 2016 qualification already chine”, also accepted responsibility for touching distance of a place at Euro an impossibility, focus switches to the the 4-0 reverse, Georgia’s fifth defeat 2008 after beating France twice, only to next campaign but if Georgia are to even from six qualifiers, scoring just once in be undone by goals from Levan come close to reaching Russia 2018, the five games not involving Gibraltar. Mchedlidze and David Siradze on what they’ll need to take the long road to do “The last five minutes were a disas- remains a painful night for the Scottish so. ter and we have to play until the end. fans. Some of the other confederations That was unacceptable and I am respon- That memory may offer some en- have already started their qualification sible. We must analyze mistakes as we couragement to Tskhadadze, who could bids, while the draw for European quali- had been competitive for 87 minutes but do with a positive result soon to sub- fication takes place on July 25 in St Pe- could not take our chances,” said the stantiate claims of progress before he tersburg where Georgia will face the very humble Georgian head coach. plots his country’s way through what embarrassment of being placed in the In fairness, this was one of Georgia’s promises to be a daunting World Cup same pot as perennial whipping boys better performances of the campaign, not qualification group on the horizon.

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