Issue no: 1271 • NOVEMBER 6 - 12, 2020 • PUBLISHED WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... Georgia Resumes Regular Flights to Several More Cities NEWS PAGE 3 Protesters Rally & March, but to What Effect? POLITICS PAGE 4 To Stop the Counting or to Recount, Trump’s Real Question POLITICS PAGE 5 How a Team of 4 Students Became a Beeline Business Partner BUSINESS PAGE 6 Carrefour Continues Digital Expansion: Products Now Available on Wolt FOCUS BUSINESS PAGE 7 ON GLORIA JEANS The Better Alternative: A new brand of coffee enters Solving Disputes through Tbilisi, with plans to expand PAGE 9 Mediation BUSINESS PAGE 9 Israeli Embassy & MASHAV Georgia’s 2020 Parliamentary Deliver Half Ton of Equipment to Georgia's National Center Elections: Results & Reactions for Disease Control SOCIETY PAGE 10 BY ANA DUMBADZE Guide to Georgia’s

n Saturday, October 31, one of the Regional Theaters 2020 year's most important political CULTURE PAGE 11 events, the 2020 Parliamentary Elec- tions, took place in Georgia, allowing voters to elect 150 members of par- Prepared for Georgia Today Business by liament for a four-year term with a mixed model: Markets O Asof02ͲNovͲ2020 120 MPs elected through the proportional system, STOCKS Price w/w m/m BONDS Price w/w m/m BankofGeorgia(BGEOLN) GBP8.99 Ͳ2,3% +1,0% GEOROG04/21 101.47(YTM3.62%) +0,1% Ͳ0,2% and 30 through the majoritarian system. GeorgiaCapital(CGEOLN) GBP3.71 Ͳ4,0% Ͳ1,1% GEORG04/21 101.72(YTM2.90%) Ͳ0,2% Ͳ0,5% The Central Election Commission (CEC) TBCBankGroup(TBCGLN) GBP9.10 Ͳ5,2% Ͳ9,4% GRAIL07/22 104.47(YTM4.95%) Ͳ0,2% Ͳ0,4% reported that 3,526.023 voters were registered GEBGG07/23 104.23(YTM4.34%) +0,3% Ͳ0,2% for the elections, of which 3,511.853 live in Geor- COMMODITIES Price w/w m/m CURRENCIES Price w/w m/m CrudeOil,Brent(US$/bbl) 38,97 Ͳ3,7% Ͳ0,8% GEL/USD 3,2575 +0,8% +1,7% gia, and 14,170 are abroad. GoldSpot(US$/OZ) 1895,48 Ͳ0,3% Ͳ0,2% GEL/EUR 3,7918 Ͳ0,6% +1,1% A total of 3,657 polling stations were open GEL/GBP 4,2060 Ͳ0,0% +1,5% INDICES Price w/w m/m GEL/CHF 3,5436 Ͳ0,4% +1,9% across Georgia and 52 abroad. FTSE100 5654,97 Ͳ2,4% Ͳ4,2% GEL/RUB 0,0404 Ͳ4,5% Ͳ1,2% FTSE250 17180,52 Ͳ3,8% Ͳ1,2% GEL/TRY 0,3866 Ͳ3,2% Ͳ6,1% The vote-counting procedure was launched DAX 11788,28 Ͳ3,2% Ͳ7,1% GEL/AZN 1,9160 +0,8% +1,7% after 20:00 following the completion of the poll- GD celebrating. Source: GD Facebook Page DOWJONES 26925,05 Ͳ2,7% Ͳ2,7% GEL/AMD 0,0066 Ͳ +1,5% NASDAQ 10957,61 Ͳ3,5% Ͳ1,1% GEL/UAH 0,1137 Ͳ0,4% +0,8% ing process, however, the Central Election Com- tribution of votes at that time, based on the data European Georgia - 3.99%, Alliance of Patriots MSCIEMEE 122,68 Ͳ6,7% Ͳ7,3% EUR/USD 0,8591 +1,5% +0,7% mission announced the preliminary results later collected from 1085 precincts, was the following: - 3.32, Lelo - 2, 66%; Strategy Builder - 2.46%; MSCIEM 1114,76 Ͳ1,4% +3,1% GBP/USD 0,7741 +0,8% +0,1% SP500 3310,24 Ͳ2,7% Ͳ1,1% CHF/USD 0,9190 +1,2% Ͳ0,2% than expected, in the early hours of the follow- Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia - 54.72%, Girchi - 1.91%; Labor Party - 0.92%. MSCIFM 2256,37 Ͳ1,9% +1,2% RUB/USD 80,5313 +5,3% +3,0% ing morning, reporting that the percentage dis- National Movement - Power is in Unity - 23.61, GTIndex(GEL) 1582,68 ͲͲTRY/USD 8,4264 +4,2% +8,4% Continued on page 2 GTIndex(USD) 1208,13 ͲͲAZN/USD 1,7000 +0,0% +0,0% GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS NOVEMBER 6 - 12, 2020 Corona Updates: Georgia Has 15,332 Active Cases

the spread of the virus; therefore, the will be temporarily closed until the epi- GOVERNMENT MEMBERS, use of face masks by citizens both indoors demiological situation improves,” Tbilisi MINISTERS GO INTO and outdoors is now considered of par- Mayor Kakha Kaladze announced on SELF-ISOLATION AFTER ticular importance, as the correct use of Wednesday. The move does not apply EXPOSURE TO COVID-19 face masks by 90% [of the population] to private kindergartens or those in other On Monday, the Prime Minister Giorgi is said to reduce the risk of the spread parts of the country. Gakharia tested positive for coronavirus. of infection by 70%,” she added. “We launched studies in kindergartens, He is said to be feeling well and is con- Citizens seen by police not wearing and had to close about 40 [cases]. Due tinuing his treatment, and his job, from face masks in both closed and open to the current epidemiological situation, home. spaces from November 4 will be asked there has been a lot of discussion on this Gakharia began to self-isolate on 31 to pay a 20 GEL fi ne. issue, and from tomorrow, Tbilisi’s kin- October following contact with a mem- “The sanction and regulation on wear- dergartens will be completely closed ber of the security staff who was diag- ing face masks will be the same both for until the epidemiological situation nosed with coronavirus as a result of open and closed spaces,” the Vice Prime improves. We care about the health of targeted selective testing. Minister said. our children,” Kaladze said. The head of the Government Admin- istration, Natia Mezvrishvili, also tested STUDIES TO CONTINUE GEORGIA’S HEALTHCARE positive for coronavirus the same day, Adjara, 368 in Imereti, 61 in Kvemo Kar- as did the Minister of Economy and Sus- BY TEAM GT REMOTELY IN 10 CITIES SERVICE tli, 135 in Shida Kartli, 62 in Guria, 280 OF GEORGIA At Wednesday's session of the Intera- tainable Development, Natia Turnava, in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, 70 in Kakheti, The government has decided to keep gency Coordination Council, which was and the Minister of Health and Social 31 in Mtskheta-Mtianeti, 55 in Samtskhe- the system of distance learning ongoing held via video conferencing and chaired Care of Adjara, Nino Nizharadze. s of November 5, 2401 new Javakheti, 35 in Racha-Lechkhumi and in several Georgian cities. by Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, “I have tested positive for COVID-19. cases of coronavirus had Kvemo Svaneti. The Deputy PM stated that studies will Council members discussed the growing I'm fi ne, undergoing treatment at home been detected in Georgia, Based on the offi cial data, 293 patients continue remotely in 10 big cities of pattern of the global number of people and I will continue working as much as bringing the total number infected with the coronavirus are cur- Georgia: Tbilisi, Rustavi, Kutaisi, Telavi, infected with coronavirus, as well as the possible,” Mezvrishvili wrote. It was a of infected people to 49,218. rently on artifi cial respiration and there Zugdidi, Zestaponi, Gori, Poti, Marneuli situation in clinics and the operation of sentiment echoed by all the above. AThe majority of the newly detected cases are 638 seriously ill patients, including and Gardabani from November 4-25, as the primary level of healthcare. It was Georgia's Minister of Education Mikheil were recorded in Tbilisi. 316 in Tbilisi and 100 in Adjara. the second round of the parliamentary noted that the Ministry of Healthcare is Chkhenkeli was another to move to self- At the same time, the country recorded At this stage, there are 15,332 active elections is scheduled to take place on constantly working to mobilize additional isolation this week, as a family member 2289 recoveries and 20 deaths in the cases in the country. November 21, and the school buildings beds in clinics, as necessary. The Min- had tested positive for coronavirus. previous 24 hours. will be used as polling stations during istry was instructed during the session “The Minister has no symptoms typical “We still maintain positive dynamics WEARING FACE MASKS IN the voting process. to enhance the medical component in of COVID-19 and is feeling well. He will in terms of the growth of recovering OPEN SPACES BECOMES “In many settlements, we have to con- COVID hotels where mild and asymp- continue his activities remotely,” the Min- people,” the government administration MANDATORY duct a second round of voting, and hun- tomatic COVID-19 patients are receiving istry of Education said in a statement. reported. “In particular, 2289 people Wearing a face mask has become man- dreds of schools have already been set treatment. Family doctors of insurance The state leaders and members of the recovered in the last 24 hours, and the datory outdoors as well as in, the Inter- up as polling stations. Given the impor- companies are also involved in the pro- Georgian Dream party were not alone in total number of recoveries since Febru- agency Council of the Government of tance of reducing mobility in big cities, cess of managing the treatment of patients their coronavirus affl ictions, however, as ary has thus increased to 33,459.” Georgia decided this week. we decided today to keep the distance with mild cases of infection who are Salome Samadashvili, a leader of the Unfortunately, 20 people died over “We have made a decision to make it learning regime in Tbilisi, Rustavi, Kutaisi, undergoing treatment at home. The opposition United National Movement those 24 hours. Including 10 people in mandatory not only to wear a face mask Telavi, Zugdidi, Zestaponi, Gori, Poti, Central Online Clinic, which systemati- party, also tested positive for coronavirus. Tbilisi, 2 in Adjara, 7 in Imereti and 1 in indoors but also in open spaces,” Deputy Marneuli and Gardabani. Study in Adjara cally monitors patients who are being She wrote on social media that she has Mtskheta-Mtianeti. Since February 26, Prime Minister Maia Tskitishvili stated, is also being carried out remotely,” Tskit- treated at home, as well as those who no symptoms typical of COVID-19. 2020, Georgia has seen a total of 401 adding that the decision serves to pre- ishvili noted. are self-isolating together, is also opera- “Friends, I've tested positive for coro- deaths. vent the spread of coronavirus. tional; if a patient's condition worsens, navirus. However, I'm asymptomatic and Of 2401 cases detected [Thursday], 976 “Face masks are recognized worldwide STATE KINDERGARTENS CLOSED the Clinic ensures that the appropriate remain in self-isolation,” Samadashvili cases were detected in Tbilisi, 328 in as one of the best means of slowing down “Effective tomorrow, state kindergartens steps are taken in response. wrote. Georgia’s 2020 Parliamentary Elections: Results & Reactions Continued from page 1 “not be afraid of anything, including the issues with campaign fi nancing, unad- virus.” dressed ODIHR and CoE recommenda- “1085 polling stations have been counted. On November 3, all Georgian opposi- tions concerning certain areas in need These are mainly polling stations that tion parties signed a joint statement of improvement, and more. are small in the number of voters, and renouncing their seats in Parliament The United States Embassy in Georgia, there are still a lot of protocols to be until the elections are repeated. commenting on the OSCE statement, received, both from Tbilisi and big cit- Irakli Kobakhidze, Executive Secretary said: “We call on all parties to address ies. It may change the results,” said Tamar of the Georgian Dream party, told report- these defi ciencies in advance of the sec- Zhvania, Chairperson of the Central ers that if a party refuses mandates, it ond round and future elections. These Election Commission of Georgia. should not receive any funding from the efforts to corrupt the electoral process Shortly after, Georgian Dream declared state, and that “it would be good to make through voter intimidation, vote buying, its victory and started preparations for such changes apparent in the legislation.” interfering with ballot secrecy, blurring a celebration. “It would be logical that if a party of party and offi cial activities, and vio- “We’ve won,” Prime Minister Giorgi refuses to enjoy the privileges granted lence against election observers and Gakharia stated. to it by the people, it should not receive journalists, while not suffi cient to invali- Prior to that, the public saw four dif- any other privileges related to the elec- date the results, continue to mar Georgia’s ferent exit polls conducted by various tions and mandates. This also includes electoral process and are unacceptable.” TV Channels, showing ruling Georgian state funding. In this regard, of course, The EU Spokesperson for Foreign Dream party leading in the elections, it would be good to make relevant changes Affairs and Security Policy, Peter Stano, but with different percentages. The above to the legislation, according to which, if also commented on the Georgian par- caused confusion among society, with a party treats the will of its own voters liamentary elections with a statement, the main question “Who won?” as both inappropriately and refuses mandates, noting that the elections were competi- the opposition and the government it should be deprived of state funding. tive and, overall, that fundamental free- started to celebrate a victory. It would be natural, very logical,” Kob- doms were respected. An exit poll conducted by Imedi TV Zaal Udumashvili, UNM. By Irakli Gedenidze/ Reuters akhidze said. “The observers noted, however, that showed Georgian Dream leading with 56% and 9 parties crossed the threshold However, the United National Movement In turn, the authorities denied the alle- the conduct of the elections was impacted 55% of votes, while the polls conducted for proportional representation, while and all other above-mentioned opposition gations of vote rigging and voter intim- by pervasive allegations of pressure on by Rustavi 2 showed GD as having secured a second round will be needed in 16 out parties are refusing to enter the Parliament idation, claiming that the opposition voters and a blurring of the line between 52.26% of the votes cast. Opposition- of 30 majoritarian constituencies, includ- of the 10th convocation or to recognize simply doesn’t want to accept defeat and the ruling party and the state throughout minded channels Mtavari Arkhi and ing the eight constituencies of Tbilisi, the election results. They claim that the “is trying to gain power and attention the campaign and on Election Day, reduc- Formula TV consecutively showed the on November 21. In all of them, a candi- election was rigged by the government through mass demonstrations.” ing public confi dence in some aspects party winning, with 41% and 46% of date from Georgian Dream will compete and plan a mass protest rally outside the The elections were monitored by 70 of the process,” the statement noted. votes respectively. with an opposition candidate. parliament building in Tbilisi on Novem- teams of European diplomats. Interna- Based on the analysis issued by the However, the opposition refused to The fi nal results of the CEC propor- ber 8 to express their distrust in the results tional partners assessed the country's National Democratic Institute (NDI), accept defeat, and claimed that they had tional list: and to demand an annulment. parliamentary elections of October 31, “Alleged irregularities in results proto- secured enough votes to form a coalition • Georgian Dream ruling party: 48.15% “After the population saw that there welcoming Georgia's reforming of the cols, widespread reports of potentially government. They added that “This is of votes (61 mandates) were no elections in the country, nor electoral system and its having conducted intimidating behavior in or around poll- not the real picture.” • United National Movement - United even a sign of elections, of course, we, the election smoothly despite the diffi - ing stations, delays in the publication of In order to protest the results, the Opposition election bloc: 27.14 % of votes the united opposition, made the decision cult circumstances of the COVID-19 results and persistent perceptions of opposition held a rally on November 1, (34 mandates) not to enter Parliament. Our demand pandemic. However, they do point out pre-election abuses of power detracted fi rst in front of Parliament and then in • European Georgia: 3.78 % of votes (4 remains unchanged: new elections in a that there were certain shortcomings from notable improvements in the legal front of Bidzina Ivanishvili's Tbilisi mandates + one undistributed mandate) free environment,” said Nika Melia, one and violations that need to be addressed. framework and administrative proce- residence, demanding an annulment of • Strategy Agmashenebeli: 3.15 % of of the leaders of the UNM. The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly dures for Georgia’s October 31, 2020 the election results. votes (4 mandates) Former President of Georgia Mikheil stated that the “elections were compet- parliamentary elections.” Throughout the following day, the • Lelo: 3.15% of votes (4 mandates) Saakashvili, the leader of the United itive", while also reporting “pervasive “As the results of the fi rst round are Central Election Commission gradually • Alliance of Patriots: 3.14% of votes (4 National Movement, called on the pub- allegations of pressure on voters and fi nalized and the country heads to run- updated the data, counting more polling mandates) lic not to be afraid to join the scheduled blurring of the line between the ruling off elections on November 21, govern- stations, but still showing the ruling party • Girchi: 2.89% of votes (3 mandates + rally despite the current epidemiological party and the state.” ment leaders and election authorities leading amid opposition protests in the one undistributed mandate) situation in the country. In his interview Observers critically assessed the alleged will need to take extraordinary steps to streets. In the afternoon of November • Aleko Elisashvili Citizens: 1.33% of with TV Pirveli, the ex-president stated pressure on voters, intimidating atmos- address the concerns that have been 2, the CEC published the fi nal results votes (1 mandate + 1 undistributed man- that the main thing at the rally scheduled phere outside polling stations, the sig- raised and ensure public confi dence in and distribution of mandates. date) for November 8 is the consolidation and nifi cantly unequal distribution of regis- the overall process and fi nal results,” the Based on the results, voter turnout was • Labor Party: 1% of votes (1 mandate) unity of society, and the citizens should tered voters amongst the constituencies, NDI concluded. GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 6 - 12, 2020 NEWS 3 Georgia Resumes Regular Flights to Several More Cities be forced into quarantine zones. BY ANA DUMBADZE Georgian citizens arriving from 13 European countries, and their family members, will not have to undergo quar- eorgia this week resumed antine upon arrival in the country if they direct regular fl ights in have a negative PCR test for coronavirus, several more directions. done within 72 hours. These countries The fl ight schedule from are Spain, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, November 1 to 30 was pub- Poland, Portugal, Romania, Greece, Swe- Glished on the website of the Civil Avia- den, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Slovenia and tion Agency. Iceland. Georgia suspended fl ights to all desti- Georgian citizens and their family nations in mid-March, when the World members, if they have a PCR test, will Health Organization declared the spread only go through self-isolation for 8 days. of coronavirus infection a pandemic. If the test is not available, quarantine Since then, only special fl ights have been will be required. carried out from Georgia and back, aimed The same applies to citizens of the above at returning the citizens of the country countries and those with a residence to their homeland. permit in these countries, but only if they Regular fl ights to Munich, Paris and arrive from these countries by air. Riga were resumed mid-summer. In early also be carried out in the directions of The decision on the frequency of fl ights and their commercial capabilities. However, foreign students will need October, low-cost airline Wizzair resumed Doha, Istanbul, Warsaw, Athens, Amster- is made by the Civil Aviation Agency The Georgian government has changed quarantine even with the mandatory regular fl ights from Kutaisi to Riga. dam, Vienna, Berlin, Minsk, Kiev and individually in agreement with the Min- the rules for quarantine for foreign citi- presence of coronavirus test. At the same In November, direct regular fl ights Aktau, and from Kutaisi International istry of Economy of Georgia, and also zens, and now a number of foreigners time, they will be required to cover the from Tbilisi International Airport will Airport to Vilnius and Dortmund. depends on the companies themselves and citizens of Georgia will no longer costs of quarantine themselves.

POLITICS New Book ‘Luna & the Planet of Firefl ies’ Published in the Framework of the MenCare Campaign

30 sqm studio type premium apartment for sale in Batumi on the 30th fl oor of the newly completed "Alliance Palace" over- looking the sea and old Batumi. The apartment, which has its own kitchen, is renovated and fully equipped with appliances, Photo by Levan Kapanadze / MenCare Georgia dishes and hotel inventory to Courtyard by Marriot standard. una and the Planet of Fire- achieving practical gender equality and Planet of Firefl ies’ is already the second fl ies, written by Dato Gorgi- improving the wellbeing of women, chil- book published in partnership with the ladze and illustrated by Tatia dren and family. Data on gender relations campaign. We totally support the impor- Nadareishili, is a story created show that stereotypes and established tant idea promoted by the MenCare for children and their parents. clichés around traditional gender roles campaign. Although at the fi rst glance, LThe book tells the story of an ordinary stop fathers from equal sharing of respon- it seems like a very simple text, in it we family surrounded by magic adventures, sibilities and becoming caring fathers, see a signifi cant message: a family where in which the mother and the father equally husbands, partners and family members. people understand and care for one share the responsibilities related to child “The United Nations Population Fund another, and share responsibilities among care and domestic work. Georgia Country Offi ce has prioritized themselves as well. That’s why I think “Luna and the Planet of Firefl ies” was men’s active involvement in the process that this is rather a family book.” developed on the initiative of the United of working for the gender equality,” says Illustrations of the book belong to Tatia Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Lela Bakradze, Head of the United Nations Nadareishvili. According to her, the illus- Georgia Country Offi ce, with the sup- Population Fund Georgia Country Offi ce. trations depict caring and harmonious port of the European Union in the frame- “The MenCare Campaign was launched relationships. Looking at these pictures work of the MenCare Campaign and with this mission and we are pleased from early childhood, which have posi- published by “Palitra L”. that for many years now we are witness- tive meanings, may have an important “The purpose of the text is to overcome ing a clear advancement: the number of impact on children and their parents in Contact the owner directly – [email protected] stereotypes surrounding the family our supporters is growing and men’s the fi ght to overcome existing stereotypes. arrangements and distribution of domes- attitudes towards gender equality are The book was published within the tic work that still exist in Georgia. Soci- changing. However, this is just the begin- framework of “EU 4 Gender Equality: ety still strongly believes that there are ning. In order to live in a harmonized Together against gender stereotypes and jobs for men and jobs for women. Car- society, where women and men are shar- gender-based violence” implemented by ing for children, changing diapers, cook- ing responsibilities equally, it is impor- the United Nations Population Fund ing and feeding children is the mother’s tant to fi nd innovative ways of commu- (UNFPA) and United Nations Organiza- primary responsibility and the father nicating with people. Therefore, we tion for Women (UN Women) with the can do it only during his free time, when believe that ‘Luna and the Planet of support of the European Union. The he can,” states Dato Gorgiladze, the writer Firefl ies’ is a message to parents, children goal of the program is to contribute and author of the text. and families that will help them to refl ect towards overcoming gender stereotypes The goal of the book is to highlight the on a number of issues.” and discriminatory norms, to support importance of men’s role as caring fathers, According to Maia Aludauri, Chief Edi- the equal rights and opportunities for husbands and partners, and to promote tor of Palitra L Publishing, “there are women and men and ensure active par- their involvement in child care and family short, seemingly simple stories on impor- ticipation of men in the process of affairs, which is the primary condition for tant and serious issues. ‘Luna and the strengthening gender equality. GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS NOVEMBER 6 - 12, 2020 Protesters Rally & March, but to What Effect? and cheer along with the shouted slo- BLOG BY MICHAEL GODWIN gans. At the gates of the residence, they were fi nally met with police barricades. unday night in the center of After their pushing past the fi rst bar- Tbilisi, the sights and sounds ricade, the police managed to contain of thousands gathering outside the advance. While many fervent state- parliament saturated the ments were made towards the law atmosphere. From the hard- enforcement offi cials, cooler heads coreS opposition supporter to the family prevailed as political leaders, police going out to get away from the daily commanders, and the press managed television programing, people came to diffuse the situation. Slowly, the from all motivations. However, it seemed masses began to pull away from the to be more than a congregation: it was police line, and the rally began to slowly a movement. While there are some con- move back to their original position. fi rmed instances of voter fraud and As they moved back towards Freedom intimidation, the infl uence was judged Square, the leaders of the opposition, to me of minimal infl uence in its worst and ostensibly the march itself, locked cases. However, there are hushed reports arms and walked down the streets of that there was more at play, and it seems Old Tbilisi. Surrounded by the press many people knew it. Now, the decid- corps, they made their way back with ing factor was whether or not it could a trail of supporters still waving their be proven, and the changes made. fl ags. The movement morphed back The people outside parliament this into a gathering in the late hours of the past weekend were questioning the valid- evening, with groups of friends and ity of the elections’ outcome, something families enjoying the night in front of not unusual for any government this day Source: metronome.ge the parliament building. in age. Despite this, Georgia has largely out. At the climax of the speeches, a ruling party in the nation’s Parliament. ishvili’s home. With the elections coming to a close been on track to be one of the most pro- call was made to march to the hillside The compilation of these events has Along the way, many of the members and opposition efforts increasing to gressively headed countries in the former estate of Bidzina Ivanishvili. recently elicited the ire of many, given would chant, sing, and generally wave demand change, it remains the duty of Soviet Bloc, not to mention Europe as a Ivanishvili is a controversial fi gure, to the already salty relationship with Rus- various national and political party fl ags. the citizenry to stay disciplined, whole. As the people stood in the street say the least. Coming from a simple fam- sia and its politicians. With the press intermingled in the informed, but also vigilant on holding in defi ance, many of their leaders gave ily in Imereti, he made his fortune fol- Many of the opposition feel disenfran- crowd, they seemed to draw new sup- their elected offi cials responsible. Free impassioned speeches. Calling for the lowing his early 1990s ventures in the chised, and unrepresented in the elec- porters as they meandered through and impartial elections are the last line rallying of the people and the embold- emerging realm of Russian banking. With toral process. This has been fueled more Tbilisi’s winding residential streets, of defense between the relics of the ening of the citizens’ patriotism, even the era of great privatization in post- recently by a mixture of rumors and albeit many simply joining for the excite- past, where power was bought, sold, or those with imperfect Georgian knew Soviet Russia, Bidzina acquired many of truths that some of the electoral pro- ment of it all. All the while, numerous inherited, and the modernity that Geor- that change was being demanded. the formerly government run industries, cesses have been less than honestly bystanders and local residents came to gia has thus far embraced. Corruption The local police meanwhile maintained developed them to the new proto-capi- carried out. This is what ultimately led their balconies and to the street to voice must be ripped out like a weed, but a a peaceful atmosphere during this, talist model, and sold them for a profi t. to the march that carried on into Sun- their support for the march. Interest- fair result must be observed even if it allowing the protests to go on, and han- As the years became decades, he found day night. With several thousand fol- ingly, much of the populace seemed to delivers a less than one’s personally dling traffi c in their professional man- himself with a healthy sum of money, as lowers, opposition leaders commanded display sympathy with the movement. desirable end state. The effectiveness ner. However, things changed when the well as a growing interest in a political a march from the steps of Parliament, Despite the loud noises and marching, of the night’s rally is debatable, but it’s speaking opposition members pulled a career. This led to the founding of the through to Liberty (Freedom) Square, many came out at the late hour to video not outside the realm of possibility that card that not many expected to come Georgian Dream political party, now the and then on to the road leading to Ivan- the people in the streets on their phone it may set a precedent for future events. The Next US Administration & Georgia

South Caucasus has been the general and the US will follow, and in many tions with Washington. vis Russian transportation networks, and ANALYSIS BY EMIL AVDALIANI pattern of US diplomacy since the 1990s. respects, the next four years will be Still, for the next four years, some basic create an alternative route for the Cas- There will be troubles too, though. The decisive. It requires attention from US US interests in Georgia will persist. One pian states. US is decreasing its military presence policy-makers and national resources to of the imperatives of the US policy since In the next four years, we could also nder the next US admin- in the Middle East and Afghanistan, and be moved away from Western Eurasia the breakup of the Soviet Union was to see Georgia having to choose between istration, the general has been, if not overly isolationist, then and more towards the Indo-Pacifi c region. enable governments in Tbilisi to use the two techno-economic blocks which are approach to the South more inward-looking in the past several Though Georgia has traditionally country’s geographic position as a nodal being created across Eurasia: one asso- Caucasus and Georgia in years. It might take some time for the enjoyed US economic and military aid, point in the nascent South Caucasus ciated with the US, another increasingly particular will see little US to rewind its active involvement in it is still vulnerable to the changing global energy and transport corridor. The effec- with China. Georgian leaders would have Uchange, as US strategic interests in the Georgia and the South Caucasus at large. geopolitical landscape. Georgia fears tiveness of the Georgian corridor also to walk a diplomatic tightrope, keen not region prevail over some of the the past Indeed, it is not only about winding down that in the long term, the recalibration underpins a bigger vision, i.e. the Trans- to draw ire from China, while preserv- years’ foreign policy inconsistencies and operation in Afghanistan: China's eco- of US foreign policy could spell trouble, Caspian Corridor, which, under improved ing ties to the West. But as America’s the growing disparity between America nomic and military growth will continue as Tbilisi’s aspirations for NATO mem- circumstances, could turn into a geopo- stance on China hardens, it will be more and the regional powers. After all, con- to attract much of Washington's atten- bership and therefore national security, litical reality. This would inevitably diffi cult to maintain this balance. Geor- tinuity in the US approach toward the tion. Greater competition between China have traditionally hinged on close rela- increase Georgia’s independence vis-à- gia, with its geographic position, will be growingly seen as yet another divisive Protest rally in front of issue. Navigating Georgia to avoid entan- Georgian parliament, June 20, glements with China and sticking closely 2020. Image by Guram to Western standards and trade practices Muradov/Civil.ge will be a hallmark of the US foreign policy. In a way, the balancing act will prove unsustainable. Georgia’s NATO and EU membership aspirations, the cornerstone of its geopolitical orientation, as well as other issues, will drive a wedge between Georgia and China. Other countries’ experience shows the trend, as the US diplomatic offensive proved successful in Europe in limiting the 5G network operation by Chinese telecom giants. True that at this point, criticizing China openly would cost Georgia a lot, but as tensions ratchet up between the West and China, Georgia will have to pick sides openly and vocally, though strate- gically it has already done so in favor of the West.

Emil Avdaliani (Twitter – @emilavdaliani) is a non-resident fellow at the Georgian think tank, Geocase, and teaches history and interna- tional relations at Tbilisi State University and European University. GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 6 - 12, 2020 POLITICS 5 There Goes a Novel Term – Trumpism

OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE

y amateurish view of modern political sci- ence depicts the course of global politicking as ‘fl exible’ which is good, M‘fi ckle’ which is unsafe, and ‘dubious’ which is bad. On the other hand, there are some attractive sides to this world- wide process, like the Trumpesque style of handling the inner workings of the United States, as well as America’s niche in the international family of nations, its rights, obligations and attitudes towards the countries who in fact are not capable of survival without America lending them a Good Samaritan’s hand, our Geor- gia being one of the kind. Trump came to the helm and things changed, and the change has drastically told on internal and external American policies, irritating the liberally charged American citizenry to a hysterical degree, and turning upside down the democratic political kitchen headed by the current speaker of the house. The sitting Amer- ican president didn’t need the headache of the world’s key country’s chief exec- utive because he is as rich as Croesus and could have lived longer, healthier and happier without the heavy golden saddle on his back, but he chose to make America great again. Bravo! Trump knows well that the refreshed world order has to be met by new tools for its treatment, and he is daringly applying those innovative geopolitical vehicles. Who would’ve thought that he might challenge the rules of paying Source: poynter.org dues to NATO and the United Nations, or grow apprehensive of the fairness of the rest of the world, whereas the deaths than any pandemic pest would the world in the most positive meaning some of us can take it easy and others of international trade, or doubt the pre-Trump Russian-American reset manage to kill? Who would trust the of this statement, for which it has patiently might drop dead having faced the gist virtue of environmental treaties and was a total fi asco? Who would not admit histrionics of perpetually losing liber- and unreservedly used its every available of Trumpism’s historic value. continue fortifying the country’s bor- that the Euro-Union is looking at the als, staging their preposterous acts in resource. But no resource is infi nite, and Without an iota of doubt, America has ders with concrete walls by hundreds USA with goggle eyes, at a loss about the corona-ridden streets of America’s no patience is endless. Incidentally, Pres- its merits and fl aws, like any other nation, of miles? Who is not aware today that the unpredictability of America’s global towns and cities? ident Lincoln’s famous quote is asking and Trumpism is part of that kind of America’s commercial enslavement to behavior? Who will believe that Amer- Meanwhile, the second-term-happy here to be paraphrased: “You can feed valuation, but whether the liberal democ- Chinese shoddy cheap-mania has come ica is really giving in to deliberately Donald Trump will not allow the enemies some of the countries all of the time, and racy wanted the guy to be or not to be to a fi nale, and that the markets around exacerbated racism and artifi cially of America to weaken the large-scale all of the countries some of the time, but the President of the United States, he the world have in panic perked their overblown white supremacy, under- infl uence of the United States, to fail its you cannot feed all of the countries all of has already secured his fascinating spot fl apping ears, with stocks going through mining the fairest and most powerful authority among peers, or to abate its the time.” in the annals of the nation which noth- heads-up quakes? Who doesn’t know constitution in the history of Mankind? power of universal decision-making. Donald Trump has probably gotten ing and nobody can change, even the that the Russian-American adversity Who on earth, except the idle and cow- Trumpism is on the assault, and America right the words of that genius sooner fi lthiest attempt of his recent stillborn is methodically being cast into a poten- ardly democrats, would wish to close should be proud of it. The United States than any other living or dead American impeachment. That’s what Trumpism is tial mutual cooperation to the benefi t the country to trigger more hunger has in the last hundred years patronized politician in history. Understandably, all about! To Stop the Counting or to Recount, Trump’s Real Question

counts situation’ in this state.” BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE After losing Michigan and Wisconsin, the Trump campaign announced they would be demanding a recount in Wis- his week, Georgians were consin, and then proceeded to take legal not alone in experiencing measures to halt the ballot counting in election anxiety: Americans Michigan. Other lawsuits of Republicans are still going through it, included challenging the extension of and perhaps they have it ballot deadlines in Pennsylvania, and Teven rougher. The presidential elections seeking to segregate the late absentee took place in the United States on Tues- ballots in Georgia. Trump, ever confl ict- day, November 3, and as of early Thurs- ing, wants the counting to stop and the day, the vote counting process had still recount to happen at the same time. not fi nished. At the time of writing, there Biden is closing in on Trump in Geor- are six battleground states where the gia, while the Democratic candidate’s ballot counting continues: Pennsylvania, lead narrows in Arizona. The contrast- North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada ing protests are already hitting the US and Alaska. In a tight race, the Demo- streets, while some are demanding every cratic Party’s Joe Biden is leading with vote be counted, some see fraud in the over 50% of the votes, and 253 of the counts. Around 150 Trump supporters, electoral votes. However, these last two many of them with guns, in Arizona took days have shown that the tables can turn to the streets to support their candidate. any minute: both of the candidates have “At several points, protesters contended declared that they have won at different Image source: newsx.com that Adrian Fontes, the county offi cial times, and then the polls change. Some supporters raged that the mail-in ballots day.'” Sanders said in his interview. “But On early Wednesday morning, the who oversees elections in Maricopa politicians warned this would happen. could easily be rigged. That is why more then the next day, and the day following, President addressed a crowd of people County, was improperly failing to count Bernie Sanders, the former Democratic of the mail-in votes would “probably all of those mail-in ballots start getting from the White House, most not wear- some ballots and costing Mr. Trump Presidential candidate in the 2016 and belong to the democrats.” counted and it turns out that Biden has ing masks. He had already won, accord- votes in Arizona’s most populous county, 2020 elections, in an interview taped “Democrats are more likely to use mail- won those states. At which point, Trump ing to him, and announcing his will to although there was no evidence that any well before the elections, shared his fears in ballots: Republicans are more likely says: 'See? I told you the whole thing was refute millions of votes, cast legally, he ballots had been improperly tossed,” with Jimmy Fallon. “You're going to have to walk into polling booths on Election fraudulent. I told you those mail-in bal- said: “We’ll be going to the US Supreme wrote the New York Times. a situation, I suspect, in states like Penn- Day. It is likely that the fi rst votes that lots were crooked. And, you know, we're Court. We want all voting to stop.” The election updates are not scheduled sylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and oth- will be counted will be those people who not going to leave offi ce’.” This came after the former Vice Pres- until later on Thursday or even Friday. ers, where they are going to be receiving came in on Election Day,” it was said. As you would expect from any inter- ident Joseph R. Biden Jr. won Michigan While the democrats are looking at higher huge amounts of mail-in ballots,” he said. “It could well be 10 o'clock on election view with Jimmy Fallon, it will be humor- and Wisconsin, the two battlegrounds chances (even if Biden only wins Arizona President Trump has never been in night, Trump is winning in Michigan, he's ous, and the humorous thing about this of a tight race where Trump actually and Nevada, where he is slightly ahead, favor of mail-in ballots. A few months winning in Pennsylvania, he's winning in October 23 interview with Sanders is won in 2016. Commenting on his party’s he will have the needed 270 presidential back, when more and more states started Wisconsin and he gets on the television that it predicted today’s reality almost win, Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair votes), the polls can still change. giving people the option to vote via mail and he says: 'Thank you, Americans, for to the election polls we have at the time Ben Wikler told MSNBC on Thursday Keep up-to-date with the results on because of the pandemic, Trump and his re-electing me. It's all over. Have a good of writing. that “it’s really been the ‘every vote georgiatoday.ge. GEORGIA TODAY 6 BUSINESS NOVEMBER 6 - 12, 2020 How a Team of 4 Students Became a Beeline Business Partner

Considering we had to hold the event INTERVIEW BY ANA DUMBADZE online, we had very good results. We deliberately chose not to restrict the teams participating in the hackathon so he digital direction has newcomers were also given the oppor- long been an integral part tunity to demonstrate their capabilities. of Beeline's strategy, and Up to 26 teams and more than 70 peo- this is refl ected in the com- ple participated in the Beeline Game pany's activities, among Jam online event. We had 10 mentors Tthem sponsorship of hackathons, sup- with different competencies who helped port of technology conferences, and the teams to create the right prototypes cooperation with startups. for the games and also held presenta- The company is actively involved in tions from speakers on fi ve unique and the development of Georgia's digital specifi c topics, whose tips proved impor- ecosystem, even in the face of the pan- tant to the teams. demic. However, this time Beeline held In the end, we got prototypes of very a hackathon, Beeline Game Jam, and interesting games, the further develop- appeared in the role of organizer. GEOR- ment and ideological expansion of GIA TODAY talked to Jaba Shavishvili, which is only a matter of time. Beeline Beeline Digital Products Manager, and selected only three teams for collabo- members of the winning team, Abso- ration this year. The business partner- luteZero, about the results of the event ship includes a revenue-sharing model, and future plans. which means that the winners will not only receive motivational prizes, but HOW DID YOU COME UP also the products created at the hack- WITH THE IDEA OF THE athon will become a source for their HACKATHON, AND WHAT long-term income. WAS THE PURPOSE OF IT? both consumers and game developers Arcade / Runner style game, which in high and we did our best to make our After activating the gaming direction WHAT FUTURE PLANS DOES interested in our offerings and to create the end turned out to be very catchy. fi nal product special. Regarding the of the company at the beginning of the BEELINE HAVE IN TERMS exciting products with them for the We became intrigued ourselves and just experience: First of all, we developed year, and gamifying our telecom ser- OF GAMES, AND WILL A digital ecosystem of the future. followed the idea to the end. the ability to work in a team. We lis- vices, we actively started searching for SIMILAR HACKATHON BE tened to each other, agreeing on every Georgian partners in this direction, PLANNED IN FUTURE? TEAM ABSOLUTEZERO HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU detail, from the schedule to the audio thinking that a hackathon would be the Based on the results of Beeline Game TO CREATE A PROTOTYPE OF effects. We had a shared screen, which easiest way to meet the right people Jam, we want to make this event an WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO THE GAME, AND HOW DID made us feel as if we were sitting next and would also establish Beeline as an annual tradition and cooperate more PARTICIPATE IN THE BEELINE YOU ASSIGN THE ROLES? to each other and helping each other. innovator in the local space in terms of actively with the community of local GAME JAM, AND WHAT WAS Rati Alania: It took us 8-10 hours to cre- gaming, for the fi rst time. Game Jam game developers. We hope that next YOUR MAIN MOTIVATION? ate a prototype of the game. We assigned WHAT DO YOU THINK had two goals: fi rst, of course, to fi nd a year we will be able to carry out this Beka Tsintsadze: We like hackathon- roles within minutes of starting work, CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR partner we would work with in the long process in a physical space and on a type events, and as soon as we saw that and then worked synchronously on VICTORY, AND WHAT run, and second, to support the local much larger scale. Regarding Beeline Beeline was hosting Beeline Game Jam everything, so we gained time, which WOULD YOU RECOMMEND developer community, as we think such games: very soon we’ll add games that with interesting prizes and mentors, we we then used to correct any fl aws we TO THE PARTICIPANTS OF events (especially in this situation) help will allow users to win not only internet immediately decided to participate. encountered. FUTURE HACKATHONS? generate new ideas, encourage start- packages, but also voice packages. In AbsoluteZero: Before they start work- ups, and so on. The main concept was addition, we’ll soon be inviting custom- WHAT OBSTACLES DID HOW WELL DID THE ing on planning and coming up with an to bring together teams working in the ers to our updated portal, which will YOU ENCOUNTER WHILE HACKATHON MEET YOUR idea, create a vision, assign responsi- fi eld in a single space. include a list of leaders, blogs and a lot WORKING ON THE IDEA? EXPECTATIONS, AND WHAT bilities, and create a prototype as soon of other interesting information. We Beka Darjania: Due to the HTML5 for- EXPERIENCE DID IT BRING as possible to see if it is worth continu- WHAT RESULTS DID YOU also plan to hold regular incentive com- mat, we were limited in resources and APART FROM WINNING? ing, or if it’s better to return to the idea GET AND HOW WELL WERE petitions, which I think will further had to give up sophisticated technolo- Saba Sakvarelidze: It exceeded our phase. We followed this path, which YOUR EXPECTATIONS MET? increase engagement. The goal is to get gies, which led to the creation of an expectations. The competition was quite probably led to our victory. Announcing the 3rd Annual Georgian Responsible Business Awards - Meliora 2020

eliora is the most vis- jury consisting of the leading Georgian (CSI), Center for Strategic Research and ible award in Georgia and international experts who evaluate Development of Georgia (CSRDG), recognizing Georgian nominees based on the consistency and Center for Training and Consultancy business efforts in Cor- effectiveness of their effort, sustainabil- (CTC), Education, Development and porate Social Respon- ity of the results, and proper design of Employment Center (EDEC), have been sibilityM (CSR). The goal is to raise aware- the initiatives. implementing the Georgian Civil Society ness of the need for CSR among businesses Sustainability Initiative (CSSIGE) in and citizens, and acknowledge those THE DEADLINE FOR order to address key challenges in the companies making progress in this area. THE APPLICATIONS IS Georgian civil society sector. Meliora is organized by the Center for 7TH DECEMBER. The project is funded by the European Strategic Research and Development of Winners will be announced in spring Union and co-funded by Konrad-Ade- Georgia (CSRDG), with the support of 2021. nauer-Stiftung. the European Union and Konrad-Aden- This unique competition provides busi- aer-Stiftung (KAS). ness companies a chance to promote ABOUT THE IMPLEMENTING The focus of Meliora 2020 will be Cor- their efforts in CSR and gain recognition ORGANIZATION porate Social Responsibility in light of for the best practises. Georgia’s Respon- CSRDG has been focused on results that the current COVID-19 pandemic. As sible Business Awards, held with the can improve the lives of individuals and such, applications will be accepted from partnership of international and local societies in general. It was the fi rst Geor- Georgian businesses in the following expert organizations and business plat- gian organization that prepared and four categories: forms, was launched in 2018 and to date published: the sustainability report in ● Supporting employees during the counts 140 submitted CSR projects. accordance with GRI (Global Reporting COVID 19 pandemic Detailed information about Meliora Initiative) sustainability reporting guide- ● Supporting clients, customers and 2020 can be fi nd on www.meliora.ge lines; the fi rst Georgian-language text- suppliers during the COVID-19 pandemic book on CSR for higher educational ● Supporting society /communities ABOUT THE PROJECT institutions; and comprehensive ana- during the COVID-19 pandemic "GEORGIAN CIVIL SOCIETY lytical research on “Corporate Social ● Supporting SMEs and most-suffering SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE” Responsibility and Public Sector’s Role” industries during the COVID-19 pan- Since January 2017, a consortium led by (analysis and recommendations for the demic Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, in partner- Government of Georgia); Toolkit about Winners, receiving awards for recogni- ship with four Georgian civil society CSR for SMEs; established Georgia’s tion, will be selected by an independent organisations: Civil Society Institute Responsible Business Awards Meliora. GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 6 - 12, 2020 BUSINESS 7 Carrefour Continues Digital Expansion: Products Now Available on Wolt arrefour, operated in Geor- assortment of more than 1000 products try in Batumi, Gori, Zugdidi and the gia by Majid Al Futtaim, has available for delivery including fresh capital, Tbilisi. The combined physical underlined its commitment fruits and vegetables, household items, and digital expansion once again under- to creating convenient and and hygiene supplies. Moreover, the lines Carrefour’s commitment to the local seamless shopping experi- brand’s e-payment partnership ensures economy, and the brand’s sincere wish encesC in line with today’s fast-paced that when shoppers pay using Master- to contribute to the employment and modern lifestyle with products now Card, they will further enjoy free deliv- well-being of the communities it serves. available on food-delivery platform Wolt. ery service for entire month. Christophe Orcet, Country Manager of In these diffi cult times, Carrefour has Carrefour’s recent partnerships with Carrefour Georgia at Majid Al Futtaim actively worked to develop its digital Wolt and Mastercard are aimed at sim- Retail: “At Carrefour, we aim to serve our direction and expand its delivery service. plifying the lives of its customers and customers and communities by offering Starting 6 November, customers in complementing its physical expansion of the very best service delivery possible. Tbilisi and Batumi will enjoy a wide six newly opened stores across the coun- To that end, everything we do is guided

by our commitment to value, quality and throughout the country, Carrefour con- choice: these three factors being funda- tinues to provide its customers with mental to our customers’ happiness. Today, more access to fresh and healthy prod- especially in the wake of the coronavirus, ucts at affordable prices. more customers are turning to online In the coming month, Carrefour plans shopping in search of greater conveni- to open fi ve additional stores comple- ence and safety. This is why we have mented by a strong technological back- enhanced our platforms by building part- bone to be as close as possible to its nerships with reliable and effi cient brands customers, satisfy their needs and offer such as Wolt and MasterCard to ensure the best value. This is at the very heart our customers have as seamless a shop- and core of the brand’s mission, vision ping experience as possible. We are wholly and values; it is what sets it apart and committed to offering the people and distinguished it as a truly community- communities we serve access to quality minded and customer-focused one. Ulti- products at the best prices. The growth mately, be it with its expansion or its of our product range, in addition to our focus on quality, the brand simply wants expanded network, is fully geared towards to reward its loyal Georgian customers realizing this commitment.” and communities; creating great moments With 31 local stores now in operation for everyone, every day. Luxembourg Permits Holding & Registering Securities through Blockchain Technologies G Law Offi ce, through an electronic asset, which constitute the contribution of means of representing a security. “Token” partners Archil Gior- can be used as a proof of holding the gadze and Nicola Mar- relevant security; yet it does not confi rm iani, joined by senior the validity of the security and its rights. associatesM Ana Kochiashvili, Tamar Jikia, As the above demonstrates, to keep associate Mariam Kalandadze, junior pace with technological advances and associates Ana Jikia and Lasha Machavar- constant changes; Luxembourg focuses iani is partnering with Georgia Today most of its efforts on supplementing on a regular section of the paper which guidance and implementation of laws provides updated information regarding with respect to new technologies rather signifi cant legal changes and develop- than introducing entirely new regulatory ments in Georgia. In particular, we high- regimes. light signifi cant issues which may impact The Blockchain Bill is likely to induce businesses operating in Georgia. investors to tap in the real potential of blockchain and distributed ledger tech- * * * nologies and to give them confi dence in Luxembourg has continuously been an the market and in a wide range of block- attractive hub within the EU for its fi nan- chain-related initiatives. cial services activities. Today, Luxem- bourg is emerging as a hub for FinTech GEORGIAN POTENTIAL and RegTech. Its pragmatic approach to Examples of international practice have laws and regulations was already dem- demonstrated that fi nancial markets can onstrated in 2013-2014 when the country’s signifi cantly benefi t from incorporation fi nancial sector regulator took an early of blockchain technology in its activities. stance on the regulation of virtual cur- The overall system transparency, fault rencies and authorized several crypto- tolerance, reduction of costs and time currency exchanges as payment institu- consumption are the key reasons why Image source: techentice.com tions. Moreover, since then, Luxembourg Georgia should consider implementa- has also made it possible to legally issue ing legal certainty in this area. for fi nancial market participants by bring- the securities accounts within or through tion of similar blockchain technologies “dematerialized securities”. Although the Blockchain Bill remains ing transactions performed using block- secure electronic registration devices, for the Georgian fi nancial market. More recently, Luxembourg’s Chamber technologically neutral, blockchain most chain and distributed ledger technologies including distributed electronic registers Georgia has already successfully inte- of Deputies, the country’s parliament, aptly assists as a technology that could at par with traditional ones. or databases. Successive transfers grated blockchain technologies in the passed the blockchain bill (the Block- serve as a distributed electronic register recorded in such a secure electronic public sector. The Ministry of Justice of chain Bill) and amended the Law on the and an electronic registration device. The THE BLOCKCHAIN BILL registration devices are considered like Georgia became a pioneer in introduc- Circulation of Securities (the Law on Blockchain Bill will likely facilitate the The Blockchain Bill introduced a new transfers between securities accounts. ing blockchain-based mechanism in Securities), dated 1 August 2001. In view use of blockchain technologies in fi nan- Article 18a into the Law on Securities. Accordingly, the fl exibility of securities operations of governmental bodies. The of technological developments, the cial services and in the process of trading This Article regulates holding of securi- transfers through these new arrange- Georgian National Agency of Public Blockchain Bill clarifi es the existing pro- securities. Hence, it is highly anticipated ties accounts and registration issues ments does not affect the fungible nature Registry initiated the use of blockchain visions of the Law on Securities so that that the transfer of securities will be more within or through secure electronic reg- of the securities concerned. in property-related government transac- securities may also be registered and effi cient as a result of reducing the num- istration devices. As noted, Article 18a Commentators recommend use of a tions, such as registry of real estate titles, transferred using secure electronic reg- ber of intermediaries in the trading pro- does not explicitly mention the block- token concept with regard to the opera- which has become a success story broadly istration mechanisms. According to the cess. Furthermore, by using blockchain chain technologies; nevertheless, block- tion of the securities accounts. A token known at the international level. drafters of the Blockchain Bill, the pur- technologies, (i) transaction costs will be chain is specifi cally referenced in the is schematically a digital asset stored in Use of blockchain technologies will pose of this bill is to create a legal frame- lower; and (ii) risks associated with inter- explanatory commentary provided to a blockchain that, like a title, paper or a simplify access and processing of market work for the circulation of securities mediaries will be eliminated. the Blockchain Bill by its drafters. classic paperless title, represents the transactions thereby demonstrating through new secure electronic registra- Therefore, the Blockchain Bill provides Article 18a of the Law on Securities “title”. As the legislators explained, Georgia’s potential to develop and fur- tion technologies with the aim of enhanc- a robust and innovative legal framework permits the registration of securities in “tokens” in a blockchain are regarded as ther advance fi nancial markets. GEORGIA TODAY 8 BUSINESS NOVEMBER 6 - 12, 2020

ISET | Business Confi dence Index Q4 2020: Back to Despair

fter a signifi cant improve- except retail trade ment in the previous quar- (30.6-point ter, the BCI has decreased increase). The most by 18.7 points compared to signifi cant decline Q3 2020 and reached -28.6. is observed in the AExpectations in the Georgian private construction sector have deteriorated by 62.5 index (-182.6), followed points, reaching a new historic low of by manufacturing -41.7. As for business performance over (-86.6), service the past three months, they have increased (-85.5), financial slightly, reaching -40.4 points, related to (-43.8), and agricul- a small upturn in production, turnover, ture (-8.6) sectors. and sales. Compared to the previous Business expecta- quarter, the Sales Price Expectation Index tions have, on the has increased, showing growth in the whole, decreased market share of business owners who for both, large fi rms anticipate increasing prices on their (-65.1) and SMEs products. (-32.2). The BCI decreased in most economic 66% of the sur- veyed businesses do not expect any (27.7) and financial changes in employment over the next (0.3) sectors. three months, however, 22% of fi rms Business confi dence stated that they would hire fewer employ- in the fourth quarter ees in the future and only 11% think that of 2020 has decreased they would hire more. both for SMEs (-3.6), Only 21% of the fi rms surveyed expect tations Index has increased for both last four quarters, on average, 34% of and large fi rms (-19.0). the economic condition of their busi- SMEs and large companies. large companies mentioned access to nesses to improve over the next three Around 58% of all fi rms surveyed do fi nances as a limiting factor, while, 30% PAST months. 37% do not predict any changes not intend to change their prices over mentioned lack of demand), which, PERFORMANCE in the future, leaving 42% of businesses the next three months. 26% of fi rms together with an increased share of The Business Past that believe their business conditions expect to increase their prices, and the "other" factors could refl ect the post- Performance Index, will worsen. remaining 16% will consider decreasing Covid-19 situation that business sector which shows the their prices in the future. is currently facing. development of busi- SALES PRICE EXPECTATIONS A lack of demand and limited access It should be noted that the present BCI ness production, turn- The Sales Price Expectations Index to fi nancing continues to be the most results may be overestimated, as the over, and sales in the increased from -8.3 points (Q3 2020) to signifi cant obstacles for both large com- survey only covers businesses currently past three months, 2.7 points for Q4 2020. The index increased panies and SMEs. For Q4 2020 access to operating and not those that have already increased slightly fur- in every sector, except service (1.9 points fi nances and lack of demand became exited the market. Firms, which exited ther by 0.2 points decrease) and agriculture (-12.5 points more important for both types of fi rms, the market are, to some extent, more compared to Q3 of decrease). The overall Sales Price Expec- especially for large companies (in the likely to demonstrate a negative outlook. 2020 and reached -40.4 sectors, with the highest decline in con- for Q4 2020. struction (-81.8), followed by service A signifi cant deterioration in perfor- (-24.9), manufacturing (-20.7), and agri- mance was observed in the construction culture (-9.5) sectors. Compared to Q3 sector (-131.7), followed by the manufac- 2020, the BCI increased in the retail trade turing (-38.3), and agriculture (-29.9) sectors. An increase in past performance was observed in retail trade (59.7), fi nancial (41.2), and service (10.6) sec- tors.

EXPECTATIONS The Expectations Index decreased sig- nifi cantly by 62.5 index points for Q4 2020 and stopped at -41.7. Pros- pects for the next three months have deterio- rated for every sector, GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 6 - 12, 2020 BUSINESS 9 The Better Alternative: Solving Disputes through Mediation

BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE TO CLARIFY: THOSE WHO CURRENTLY HAVE A DISPUTE IN COURT, CAN THEY ALSO APPLY FOR MEDIATION OR n January 1, 2020, the Law IS IT POSSIBLE ONLY BEFORE of Georgia on Mediation TAKING MATTERS TO COURT? was enacted, on the basis Mediation is possible even if the dispute’s of which the Mediators been taken to court. The newly enacted Association of Georgia, a law allows individuals who have ongo- legalO entity of public law, was established ing court proceedings to seek mediation. for the fi rst time in Georgia. The pres- I would like to add that the court will be entation of the legal entity was held at unburdened at the expense of this. As ‘Rooms’ hotel where Carl Hartzell, the you know, especially in civil disputes, Ambassador of the EU to Georgia and the court is extremely overloaded, and Louisa Vinton, the Permanent Repre- parties sometimes have to wait for years sentative of the United Nations Devel- for its decision. Mediation will radically opment Program (UNDP) in Georgia, alleviate this problem. congratulated Georgian society on offi - The success of this reform is a precon- cially putting the alternative mechanism dition for the greatest step on the path of dispute resolution to work. of democratic development of our coun- GEORGIA TODAY sat down with the try, for an unequivocal change in the chairman of the recently-founded asso- worldview of the society, when the soci- ciation, Mr. Irakli Kandashvili. ety shifts from the rails of tension to the rails of mutual tolerance, now that the WHAT IS MEDIATION? parties understand they must reach an Mediation is a new word for the Geor- agreement. gian legal reality. This is honestly an And most importantly, on the other unprecedented reform, enforced in the hand, the parties in a confl ict situation, past decade, which allows the disputing without having addressed the court, have parties to resolve their own confl ict the possibility to end the dispute through themselves, this is to say that it is an mediation, select a mediator acceptable and is at the same time less costly, which important role in the the further devel- tive results for all, and especially busi- alternative dispute resolution mechanism to them, and negotiate an agreement is no less important for the parties. This opment of the country. ness representatives. in which the parties, without a judge, tailored to their interests. is an absolutely confi dential process, so It should be noted that the agreement Mediation is a form of dispute resolu- have the power, with the help of a third our union has a crucial role to play in the reached by the parties through media- tion that should become an non-alter- independent and neutral person, a medi- HOW LONG DOES THE introduction of this mechanism in Geor- tion, subject to the will of the parties, is native dispute resolution mechanism for ator, to accomplish the desired goal: an MEDIATION DISPUTE gia, and we understand and feel the great subject to confi rmation by the court, and any stakeholder, and we will offer a agreement. This is a process that leaves RESOLUTION PROCESS TAKE? responsibility associated with all this, as therefore the parties make a legally bind- number of interesting projects and ini- both of the parties satisfi ed, that is, if The unequivocal advantage of mediation well as the full public support in this ing court decision, which I think you tiatives in this area to the public in the they reach an agreement, of course. is that it takes a very short period in time, important cause. Mediation will play an would agree is a prerequisite for effec- near future. SOCIETY Famous Gloria Jean’s Coffees Can Now Be Enjoyed in Georgia to offer a lot of pleasant novelties and demic, it can also serve as a workspace their distinguished components or aroma. surprises to customers. thanks to its high quality internet, out- Visitors can also dine on a light and As soon as you enter the coffee house, door seating and wide selection of cof- quick breakfast of sandwiches, cakes or it becomes clear that serving customers fees to keep the brain awake. salad. Naturally, coffee will remains the with love and care is one of the main Each cup of coffee at ‘Gloria’ is con- main component to a good start to the principles of its staff. A pleasant envi- trolled by professionalism, with the day. ronment and interior fi lled with the condition of the beans to milk tempera- While visiting the Tbilisi branch of appetizing smell of distinguished coffee, ture carefully maintained. No burnt milk, ‘Gloria,’ it is clear that the destination is friendly and polite staff, and high-class or dissatisfaction here! relatively more popular among foreign- service puts the facility among the must- Gloria Jean’s Coffees plans to further ers, as the brand itself is as yet lesser- visit places while exploring the districts develop the ‘pick up’ service in Georgia, known among Georgians. However, it is of Old Tbilisi. as the majority of locals are used to sit- gradually gaining popularity, and based The team of Gloria Jean’s is united as ting in the cafe, drinking coffee and on the quality of its products and ser- a family, a special relationship also easy enjoying snacks and sweets, while the vices, Gloria Jean’s Coffees are expected to see on entering the branch. All staff take away service, which is one of the to become a favorite place for many members have undergone special train- main characteristics of ‘Gloria,’ is less locals in the near future. ing, conditioning their professionalism popular. In future, the brand is planning on and high qualifi cation to guarantee full The newly opened branch also uses its developing a delivery service for cus- customer satisfaction. unique interior to promote talented tomer comfort, and many exciting events As autumn is often associated with young artists, offering them a brilliant and offers are in the pipeline for the New Halloween, Gloria Jean’s Coffees decided opportunity to decorate its walls with Year and other special occasions, so loyal to present a 10% discount to those who their artworks, so contributing to increas- customers of ‘Gloria’ are unlikely to get visit the coffee house before October 31 ing their sales and popularity among bored! dressed in a Halloween costume. visitors. Of special note is Happy Hour at ‘Gloria’ is no less intrigu- the fact that the full amount ing. Every day from 08:30 to 11:30, cus- of any sales goes straight to tomers can grab a mouthwatering Amer- the artists. icano and Chocolate Biscuits for just 6 Gloria is set to expand and GEL. open more branches not only Starting a day with one of its freshly in the capital but country- brewed coffees is the perfect solution wide, so that more citizens ife starts after coffee, they say, their unbeatable coffee with a smile. for positive energy and a better mood. have a chance to enjoy their and the majority of us would The very fi rst Gloria Jean’s opened in Original Blend Dark Roast is the sig- coffees. probably agree of an early a small town outside Chicago in 1979. nature taste of Gloria Jean's. However, Apart from quality coffees, morning. And for all coffee- Gloria Jean Kvetko was a determined coffee lovers can fi nd a wide variety of customers can also enjoy a lovers, the quality of coffee young mum from Chicago with a dream special coffees suitable for any taste, wide variety of tea imported andL its preparation are of the utmost to own a coffee shop where she could from delicate and creamy Cappuccino from Australia, and the exotic importance. combine her passion for caffeine and to intense and aromatic Americano. And tastes of fruit, rose, and trop- For real connoisseurs of coffee; those meeting people. In 1996, the fi rst Gloria only original top quality beans roasted ical green aromas which can’t who appreciate the unforgettable taste Jean’s Coffees opened in Sydney, Aus- in Australia are used during the prepa- be found in other such coffee and fl avor of the highest quality special tralia, and today, the Gloria Jean’s team ration process. establishments in the coun- coffee, there is an exciting news: Gloria serves extremely delicious coffees in The Tbilisi branch of ‘Gloria’ is distin- try. Jean’s, an Australian coffee brand with more than 50 countries around the world, guished by its image, the result of the Yet another special feature 40 years experience, is now available in now including Georgia. rebranding carried out at the company. of ‘Gloria’ is decaffeinated Tbilisi on Liberty (Freedom) Square! The cozy Georgian branch was opened The particularly cozy and comfortable coffee, which a rarity in Geor- The new branch at Aleksandr Pushkin at a diffi cult and strange time for busi- environment makes Gloria Jean's Cof- gia. It is noteworthy that all Street 1/3 continues the tradition of the nesses, due to the global pandemic. fees the perfect place for meeting friends. coffee beans for sale at ‘Glo- brand by sourcing quality coffee beans, However, its management team main- Moreover, as these days many people ria’ are placed in special training the best baristas to serve up tains optimism and enthusiasm and plans have to work remotely due to the pan- packaging, so they never lose GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY NOVEMBER 6 - 12, 2020 Rachaaaah: 3 Shoot vertically oriented frames for a BLOG BY TONY HAMNER horizontal image, horizontal ones for a vertical image, to take advantage of maximum image dimensions and get the ime had fl own, and with largest possible fi nal picture. It’s even one more day to look around possible to turn in a complete circle and Racha province, we packed return to where you started, and end up up camp. Our driver had with a 360-degree image… promised us some more The way out of our muddy patch of Toutstanding views, so expectations were road which had given such problems the high. Before we left the lake, though, I day before proved not to be nearly so had the opportunity to see it and the bad in the other direction, and we con- refl ections in it by light about 180 degrees tinued up, up, to a ridge and cliff which away from that of the previous evening. were to offer outstanding visibility. Mrav- The stillness, with no wind remained, aldzali village, another towering ridge, and the wonderful autumn trees looked and beyond that, far in the distance, entirely different that morning. enough clarity to see snow-capped peaks. As I have been doing for some years All draped in the reds and golds of now, I took the time to shoot a series of autumn, this being mostly a deciduous frames to “stitch” together later into a forest area. At about 2200 m of altitude, panorama. Much practice has allowed many km were within our view. me to do this without a tripod with gen- There, too, was our little lake, and it erally good success. As long as exposure turned out to be rather heart-shaped, and focus don’t change, and you allow though this outline was a little obscured a straight line of images and enough by the detritus of fallen leaves at its overlap for the automatic stitching soft- edges. But the symbolism of one of the was not lost. On the way down, a few of ing ham inside as well to liven up its anyway, the driver excepted). They ware to join images, it’s not that hard. few lakes in the world to have this shape us left the van for some more photos fl avor. The service in our chosen restau- dropped Lali and me off at our 4x4 near (who knows when we’ll be back!), and rant was delightfully fast enough to dis- the Terjola turnoff on the main Georgian several others had the driver stop for a pel the myth of Racha’s people being highway, and we parted, sated for now berry-picking time. It was a good oppor- slow… but determined to continue seeing as tunity to experience more of what makes The next stop was supposed to be much as possible of Georgia while we Racha unique among the landscapes and another high viewpoint overlooking can. nature of Georgia, all of which have their Tqibuli, called Tskhra Jvari (Nine distinct features. The very shape of the Crosses). However, there was road work Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since mountains here was different from those being done below it, and it was closed, 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a of, say, Khevsureti, Tusheti, Svaneti or as the foreman apologetically informed weekly writer and photographer for GT since Adjara, all of which I had had more us, even to the mayor of the town who early 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renais- opportunities to see this year and com- had tried to take a group up earlier that sance” Facebook group, now with nearly pare. day. 2000 members, at www.facebook.com/ We stopped in Ambrolauri for some We couldn’t really complain, though, groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ of the local lobiani, bean bread, which as Racha had shown us so much that my He and his wife also run their own guest house In My Humble Opinion is redeemed wife and I had never seen (and all of the in Etseri: from the dish’s usual blandness by hav- province was new to the rest of our party www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti Israeli Embassy & MASHAV Clean Energy Helps Protect Deliver Half Ton of Equipment to Georgia's National Center Georgian Rivers & Forests 100 kW solar panel was mental Protection and Agriculture Levan ing, and the extraction of sand and gravel installed in the Krtsanisi Davitashvili said. from the Mtkvari riverbed. for Disease Control Park with support from the “Our future depends on how smart we The rehabilitation of Krtsanisi Park United Nations Develop- are in using zero-emission renewables kicked off in 2019 and a state program ment Program (UNDP), instead of fossil fuels. The restoration for biodiversity protection was launched Aserving to supply the area with renew- of the Krtsanisi Park will set an example on the decision of the government. able energy, irrigate 50 hectares of pro- of how solar energy can benefi t the The solar panels installed by UNDP with tected forest, and help restore eight economy while protecting the environ- GEF support will provide the Krtsanisi oxbow lakes drying out because of the ment,” UNDP Head Louisa Vinton said. Park with a source of clean energy that sand-and-gravel extraction from the “The Mtkvari River feeds agriculture will be used to pump water from the Mtk- Mtkvari riverbed. and sustains ecosystems in Georgia and vari River, irrigating 50 hectares of forest Funded by the Global Environment Azerbaijan. Sustainable management of and fi lling up the eight oxbow lakes. In Facility (GEF) under the regional Kura this critical transboundary water resource addition, UNDP will help construct a II Project, the initiative was carried out will protect the environment, contribut- groundwater intake gallery, providing in close partnership with Georgia’s Min- ing to water security in the region,” said water to a fi sh farm established to restore istry of Environmental Protection and UNDP-GEF Kura II Regional Project the fi sh population in the lakes. Water Agriculture and its National Wildlife Coordinator Mary Matthews. abstraction from the river will not exceed Agency. The Krtsanisi Park is situated on 210 0.14% of its minimum daily fl ow, ensuring “Krtsanisi Park is a natural ecosystem hectares of land on the outskirts of Geor- that it has no impact on the ecosystem or and recreational zone that serves the gia’s capital, Tbilisi. Once famous for its the water supply to downstream villages. Tbilisi and Rustavi cities. Access to green 170 species of trees and populations of The Kura II Project assists Azerbaijan and sustainable energy is critical for its rabbits, wild ducks and lake fi sh, the and Georgia in harmonizing water use development and is in line with the park's ecosystem has been degrading policies and practices. It has a total budget policies and priorities set by the Geor- over the past decades, affected by the of $5.3 million, shared between both gian Government,” Minister of Environ- excessive use of fi rewood, illegal hunt- countries, and is due to conclude in 2020.

second 'wave' following a very strict BY TEAM GT second 'lockdown',” the Ambassador of Israel to Georgia, Ran Gidor, told GEOR- GIA TODAY. “We extend not only assis- his Tuesday, the Israeli tance but also empathy to our Georgian Embassy and MASHAV friends, who are struggling to contain (Israel's International the current outburst. MASHAV has sup- Development Cooperation ported Georgian professional women Agency) delivered nearly and men for almost 30 years, and we are Thalf a ton of equipment to Georgia's proud to be able to stand by the Geor- National Center for Disease Control gian NCDC in this crucial time." (NCDC), including 6,000 face masks, Since 1992, MASHAV has trained more 300 waterproof boiler suits, 311 visor face than 1,500 Georgian women & men in shields, 250 N95 face masks and 240 various professional fi elds - many of waterproof gowns. them in public health and disease pre- This gesture forms yet another link in vention. the ongoing Israeli-Georgian bilateral The Israeli Embassy and MASHAV cooperation to fi ght the COVID-19 pan- both noted they are proud to stand by demic, following training seminars, les- their Georgian friends and partners in sons and best-practice sharing and this critical period and that they salute numerous humanitarian donations. the NCDC for the excellent work it has “Israel has recently emerged from a done so far. GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 6 - 12, 2020 SOCIETY 11 A Team of Georgians in the Final of NASA Hackathon the SpaceApps Organizing team once projects to NASA, ESA, JAXA, CNES, BY TEAM GT travel is deemed safe. They will also and CSA personnel. receive an invitation to present their The winners will be announced shortly.

eorgian team ‘Argonautica’ is one of the 40 international nominees of GSpace Apps Challenge - an annual hackathon organized by NASA. The “Argonauts” designed an augmented reality game, designed to raise awareness of satellites orbiting the Earth. The app allows teams to cap- ture satellites around the globe. Winners of ‘Keep Georgia The fi rst team to collect infor- mation about all artifi cial sat- ellites gets to name the next Tidy’ Environmental Essay one launched into the sky. The hackathon welcomed 2,200 teams from 150 different Competition Revealed locations. Argonautica is one of the fi nal 40 international non-governmental organi- Giorgi Javakhishvili - Ilia State Univer- nominees. The team consists zation ‘Keep Georgia Tidy’ sity; Nomination: Biodiversity of six members: Giorgi Chan- (KGT) has announced the KGT was created on the basis of asso- turia, Gigi Butbaia, Mariam winners of the Environ- ciation of scientists, experts, activists Rogava, Giorgi Kvantrishvili, mental Essay Competition environmentalists and volunteers work- Guri Sitchinava, and Giorgi Afor high school students. ing in different fi elds; the organization Chilaia. The authors of the best works are: aims to ensure environment protection The six Global Winners will Anano Peikrishvili - Free University; and reduction of climate change impact be invited to visit a NASA Nomination: Medical Waste and Pandemic through challenging waste management Rocket Launch site to view a Saba Iobashvili - Ilia State University; and enhancing population awareness in spacecraft launch along with Nomination: Waste Management Georgia. Dollar Price Hits CULTURE GEL 3.3409 Guide to Georgia’s day was 3.2988 GEL. Accordingly, the BY ANA DUMBADZE change in the dollar against the national currency amounted to 0.0421 GEL. Regional Theaters 2020 The Euro exchange rate is 3.9042 GEL, he National Bank of Geor- while the previous rate was 3.8586 GEL. gia has set a new exchange Accordingly, the change in the Euro was rate, based on which, the 0.0456. offi cial price of 1 dollar has The rates obtained as a result of become GEL 3.3409. Wednesday's trading took effect as of TThe exchange rate in force on Wednes- Thursday.

he Georgian Regional amateurs on topics related to theater The ‘Guide to Regional Theaters 2020’ Theater Network, with the and theater arts. is available on the web portal www.the- support of Creative Geor- From now on, interested persons can atrelife.ge and on the websites of regional gia, has created an online surf through the site to learn about the theaters. platform ‘Guide to Regional history of Georgian regional theaters, The project was implemented with the TTheaters 2020’, which unites the coun- information about theater buildings and fi nancial support of the Ministry of Edu- try’s regional theaters on a single Inter- technical capabilities (lighting and sound cation, Science, Culture and Sports of net portal. resources), repertoire and number of Georgia and Creative Georgia. The part- ‘Guide to Regional Theaters 2020’ is a seats, to name a few. ners of the project are the Research bilingual (Georgian-English) guide to A total of 25 professional theaters Center of Contemporary Georgian regional theaters in Georgia, specifi cally (including drama, opera and puppetry) Theater and the Electronic Archive of designed to guide professionals and are presented in the guide. Georgian Theater.

PUBLISHER & GM Journalists: Website Manager/Editor: ADDRESS Reproducing material, photos George Sharashidze Ana Dumbadze, Katie Ruth Davies 1 Melikishvili Str. and advertisements without Vazha Tavberidze, Tbilisi, 0179, Georgia prior editorial permission is COMMERCIAL Nini Dakhundaridze, Layout: strictly forbidden. DEPARTMENT Tony Hanmer, Misha Mchedlishvili Tel.: +995 32 229 59 19 The author is responsible for Commercial Director: Emil Avdaliani, E: [email protected] all material. Rights of authors Webmaster: Iva Merabishvili F: GeorgiaToday are preserved. The newspaper Nugzar B. Ruhadze, Sergey Gevenov Marketing Manager: Beka Alexishvili, is registered in Mtatsminda Natalia Chikvaidze Elene Dzebizashvili Circulation Managers: ADVERTISING & district court. David Kerdikashvili, SUBSCRIPTION EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT: Photographer: David Djandjgava +995 555 00 14 46 GEORGIA TODAY Editor-In-Chief: Aleksei Serov E-mail: Reg. # 06/4-309 Katie Ruth Davies [email protected] IN CASE OF BUYING AN APARTMENT, WE OFFER A 1-WEEK VACATION IN A 5-STAR HOTEL BEST WESTERN PREMIER

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