Georgia Adopts Anti-Corruption Strategy & Action Plan

Home , Alexander Chavchavadze, Chakrulo, Eliso Virsaladze, Vakhtang Kakhidze

Issue no: 985 • SEPT. 29 - OCT. 2, 2017 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue...

President Calls for Consultations over Constitutional Changes NEWS PAGE 2 On the Catalan Referendum & Independent States POLITICS PAGE 6 FOCUS In Need of ON GEORGIAN Dictatorship SONG IN SPACE POLITICS PAGE 8 The anniversary of the 1977 launch of Voyager was celebrated in Tbilisi Energy in the Taste: A this week with the visit of some top NASA personnel PAGE 11 New Wine from Georgian Mountains BUSINESS PAGE 10 Service above Self: The Georgia Adopts Anti-Corruption Partnership to Save lives SOCIETY PAGE 12 Strategy & Action Plan Edward Curtis & the North BY THEA MORRISON American Indian eorgia’s Ministry of Justice (MoJ) reports that the government has con- ﬁ rmed an Anti-Corruption Strategy CULTURE PAGE 13 and Action Plan for 2017-2018. “As a result of anti-corruption reforms, GGeorgia has achieved the greatest success among Eastern European countries in combating corruption and has one of the lowest levels of corruption among European countries, a fact conﬁ rmed by many international studies and by the recent success when Georgia became Chair of the Open Gov- ernment Partnership,” the Ministry reports. The statement reads that the complex policies and bold steps of the government in Georgia have been successful and productive in creating a transparent and accountable public governance system and a free environment in the country. Continued on page 2 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 2, 2017 President Calls for Consultations over Constitutional Changes

BY THEA MORRISON

he President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili, has offered the ruling Georgian Dream and opposition par- Georgia Adopts Anti- ties to start consultations overT the constitutional changes, which will be made to the country’s main leg- islative document, adopted only a few Corruption Strategy days ago. The offer was voiced by the President’s Press Speaker, Eka Mishveladze, on Wednesday. She said the consultations & Action Plan will launch at 16:00 on Thursday. Mishveladze explained that the new Constitution adopted by Parliament on Continued from page 1 of corruption in the sphere of sports, September 25 needs some changes, add- in infrastructural projects, and in munic- ing that even the majority has expressed The Parliament of Georgia approved As for the presidential elections, “The Government of Georgia under- ipalities, are absolutely new in Georgia such a wish. the constitution draft by 117 votes on according to the new Constitution, the stands that the fi ght against corruption and their aim is to involve more sectors “We have focused on the errors many Tuesday. The amendments, which will President will be elected indirectly, by cannot be a one-time reform or time- in unifi ed anti-corruption policies,” the times. Not only the President but the come into force after the 2018 presiden- special electoral boards composed of limited process. Fighting and prevent- ministry stated. whole opposition has stressed the prob- tial election, envisage moving to a clas- 150 MPs, all members of the Supreme ing corruption is a continuous process The statement reads that the main lems together with NGOs and the Ven- sical parliamentary model. Council of the Autonomous Republics and is actively underway even now,” goals of the new strategy are: the estab- ice Commission. The governmental The changes also imply introduction and voters named by the parties accord- the MoJ said. lishment of a fair salary system in pub- team also demands changes to the of a fully proportional electoral system ing to the results of the recent local The Ministry underlines that their aim lic service, elaboration of a communi- newly-adopted constitution. As the from 2024, while the next 2020 elections self-government elections. is to increase access to information and cation strategy about corruption issues President always aimed to adopt the will still be held under the existing However, in 2018, direct presidential the involvement of citizens, improve with the public, establishment of a Constitution jointly, he offers consulta- mixed electoral system and with a one- elections will be held in order to elect the prevention mechanisms of corrup- transparent salary and bonus system tions to all,” the press speaker stated. time 3% election barrier. the president for a 6-year term. tion, utilize technologies and innova- for prosecutors, refi ning articles refer- tions in the state governance of public ring to ethics and interest confl icts in service and involve municipalities in relation to judges and prosecutors, the implementation process of the anti- implementation of an electronic pro- corruption program. gram of judicial disciplinary proceed- Japanese Tea in the Botanical Gardens The new anti-corruption strategy and ings and solving the issues of salary impending downpour could sour: with Georgia, saw Japanese Tea specialist Mit- BY MATE FOLDI action plan were elaborated by the supplements and bonuses for judges, the Japanese Quarter of the Botanical chiko Ucino host a traditional “Chanoi”, Interagency Coordinative Council with adoption of a law on freedom of infor- Gardens packed to the brim with eager demonstrating the intricate and eloquent the involvement of 38 state bodies, 14 mation, refi ning of an administrative spectators, the Ambassador Extraordi- rituals involved in the authentic Japanese Non-Governmental Organizations and mechanism to make state-covered health s the rain clouds gathered nary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to method of preparing green tea. The idea three business representatives. programs more transparent, empower- and the heavens prepared Georgia, Tadahar Uehara, opened a was to share this knowledge with attend- The new Anti-Corruption Action Plan ment of Civil Advisers’ Councils in to open over Tbilisi on unique, Japanese Tea Party in the early ees and to celebrate the unique and rich has 16 priorities, more than 60 events municipalities, improvement of control Wednesday, there was at afternoon of September 27. cultural tapestry and rituals that form and over 200 activities. mechanisms for infrastructural projects, least one spot of sunshine The event held by the Embassy of Japan Japanese identity and which have been “Three of these priorities; prevention and more. Ain the capital whose spirit not even the and the National Botanical Garden of so important to their history. International Music Festival 2017 to Open in Telavi

House Museum in Tsinandali. stasia Virsaladze's classical concert post- BY THEA MORRISON This year is the 55th anniversary of the ers, dated 1940-1950. concert career of famous Georgian musi- Master classes will be also held during cian, founder and art director of the the festival by Eliso Virsaladze, Khatuna he International Music Fes- festival, Eliso Virsaladze. Kokochashvili, Giorgi Kobulashvili and tival will be opened in The 100th anniversary of the Tbilisi Daniel Austrich. Telavi, Kakheti region, on State Conservatoire is also to be cele- The festival is held by the Ministry of October 7 and will last until brated within the festival. Culture and Monument Protection of October 15. In parallel with the concerts, an exhi- Georgia, organized by Center for Protec- TOf the six concerts in the schedule, 5 will bition of posters of Eliso Virsaladze's tion, Development and Promotion of be held in the Telavi State Drama Theater concerts will be exhibited in the Telavi Classical Music. and one in the Alexander Chavchavadze theater foyer, among which will be Ana- Continued on page 4 GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 2, 2017 NEWS 3 Georgia Gets Ready to Report on Climate Change

BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES

epresentatives of the Geor- gian government, civil soci- Tbilisi to Host Digital ety and academic institu- tions attended a working meeting on September 26 Rto discuss Georgia’s regular reports to Marketing Conference the United Nations Framework Conven- tion on Climate Change (UNFCC). Eka Grigalava, Deputy Minister of igital marketing agency in digital marketing, as it is to provide Environment and Natural Resources Elliot Webber is to organ- useful information on how to make the Protection of Georgia, and Shombi ize a conference on digital fi rst steps in the sphere, or evaluate Sharp, Deputy Head of UNDP in Geor- marketing, ‘Digital Reality’ already existing digital marketing cam- gia, opened the working meeting. tion about the environmental challenges various areas. Georgia plans to uncon- to be held in Tbilisi on paigns and plan successful marketing “Georgia’s strategic response to cli- faced by the country as well as sustain- ditionally reduce Greenhouse Gas emis- DOctober 17, at Tbilisi Marriott Hotel. strategies. All conference participants mate change includes a focus on tran- able development in general in economy, sions by 15 percent below the 'business Elliot Webber’s partner agency is RBBi will receive certifi cates of attendance sitioning towards low-carbon, green infrastructure, agriculture and urban as usual' scenario. (Red Blue Blur Ideas), which is said to when the event is over. development, which will in turn bring development. Georgia’s Fourth National Communica- be one of the leading marketing agencies “For us, it’s vitally important to organ- signifi cant benefi ts to people across the The UN Framework Convention on tion and the Second Biennial Report to in the Middle East, with a successful ize this conference as the interest in country. Yet, to transform this defi ning Climate Change (UNFCC) and the Paris the Convention will be prepared with portfolio of working with such clients digital marketing is growing in Georgia developmental challenge into an oppor- Agreement are the largest international assistance from UNDP and the Global as Toyota, Qatar Airways, Honda, Mar- and there are not many such events hap- tunity, comprehensive and accurate treaties to frame the world’s response Environment Facility (GEF), in close coop- riott, Emaar, Atlantis the Palm, and Hertz, pening. Our agency constantly tries to information is the fi rst step,” Sharp said. to the negative effects of Climate Change. eration with the Ministry of Environment among many others. update our clients on new instruments Grigalava highlighted that Georgia’s All countries signing these international and Natural Resources Protection of Geor- Participants of the digital marketing in social media,” said Nino Bejgulashvili, reports to the UN Convention on Cli- documents, Georgia among them, are gia. The reports will include a national conference will have a possibility to Founder of Elliot Webber Agency. mate Change include valuable informa- obliged to engage in climate action in inventory of Greenhouse Gas emissions. interact with the leading representatives “RBBI representatives will be sharing of the marketing industry, getting answers their international experience during to the questions they are most interested the conference. We wish to hold this Georgian Soldiers Win Golden Medals at Invictus Games in Toronto in, and receive the latest information on conference more frequently, making it marketing strategies and tools, while more diverse by inviting the world’s he Georgian team of military missions, have participated in industry specialists share their vast expe- leading industry professionals from wounded soldiers won Gold the Invictus Games, previously held in rience. abroad to introduce and discuss large- Medals in sitting volleyball London, and Orlando, US, which are The importance of Internet as a mass scale successful cases. Events like this at the Invictus Games 2017 held under the patronage of the British media channel, why it is crucial for busi- are very important for developing the held in Toronto, Canada, Prince Harry, who awarded the Georgian ness to have an online presence, digital sphere in our country,” she noted. Tdefeating the UK team in the fi nal match. team with the gold medals himself. transformation, how to build an E -com- Georgians also participated in cycling, Georgian Minister of Defense, Levan merce empire, live cases from businesses Marketer.ge, Tbilisi Marriott hotel, OK! Geor- swimming, archery, powerlifting and Izoria, congratulated the winners while in the UAE, and the smartest way to gia, GEORGIA TODAY newspaper and racing competitions. in Vilnius, where he was attending the invest a dollar, will be the topics dis- Nexia are the partners of the event. To fi nd It’s the third time the Georgian soldiers, ‘Eastern Partners in European Security cussed during the conference. out more about the digital marketing confer- who were wounded during their various and Defense’ conference. The conference is for anyone interested ence please visit https://ew.ge/events GEORGIA TODAY 4 NEWS SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 2, 2017 International Music Festival POLITICS 2017 to Open in Telavi Foreign Minister: Georgia- Continued from page 2 10 OCTOBER 17.00 Alexander Chavchavadze Museum in The supporters of the festival are: Alex- Tsinandali German Political Dialogue at ander Chavchavadze House Museum in Piano Recital Tsinandali, Telavi City Hall, Telavi Vazha Boris Berezovsky Pshavela State Drama Theater, Telavi Niko Sulkhanishvili Music School, Hotels 12 OCTOBER 19.00 Very High Level "Chateau Mere" and "Alazani Valley". Concert dedicated to the 100th Anniver- Media supporters: Radio Fortuna, Mag- sary of Vano Sarajishvili Tbilisi State BY THEA MORRISON azine Culture, TV Imedi, Radio One, Conservatoire Georgian Public Broadcaster, Radio Imedi, Concert is led by Professor Revaz Tavadze News Agency GHN, Advertising Com- pany Alma - Alma, Georgia Today and 14 OCTOBER 19.00 he Minister of Foreign TV company ARTAREA. The Festival Orchestra Affairs of Georgia, Mikheil 7 OCTOBER 19.00 Conductor: Ariel Zuckermann Janelidze, stated that the OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL Georgian Sinfonietta political dialogue between The Festival Orchestra Soloists: Georgia and Germany is at Conductor: Ariel Zuckermann Giorgi Kobulashvili, oboe Ta very high level and is developing very Soloist: Jiyoon Lee, violin fast. Lukaš Vondracek: piano, winner of the Daniel Petrica Ciobanu, piano The Minister made the statement while International Queen Elisabeth Piano • Kakha Tsabadze: "Epitaph" for oboe assessing Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Competition 2016, and chamber orchestra (dedicated to Kvirikashvili’s meeting with German Antonín Dvorák: Symphony No. 8 in G Eduard Brunner) Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. major, Op. 88 • Max Bruch - Violin Concerto No. 1 in Janelidze says the meeting was of utmost Sergei Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto G minor Op. 26 importance for Georgia. No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30 • Sergei Prokofi ev - Piano Concerto No. “This is very important for Georgia- 3 in C major Op. 26 Germany relations, as well as for Europe,” security and in the Resolute Support noted Georgia’s successful reforms and 8 OCTOBER 19.00 he said. Mission in Afghanistan. The German recognized the development of democ- CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT 15 OCTOBER 19.00 The Minister, who was in attendance side is said to have highlighted the impor- racy and modernization in the country. In Memoriam of Eduard Brunner CLOSING CONCERT OF THE FESTIVAL at the Kvirikashvili-Merkel meeting, says tant role of Georgian servicemen in this “The PM and German Chancellor talked Eliso Virsaladze - piano The Festival Orchestra that Georgian-German relations in var- regard. about future plans and bilateral relations David Oistrakh String Quartet Conductor: Ariel Zuckermann ious fi elds were discussed. The Prime Minister's Advisor for For- in the frames of international organiza- Andrey Baranov - violin Soloists: “The Prime Minister of Georgia spoke eign Relations Issues, Tedo Japaridze, tions and formats,” Japaridze said. Rodion Petrov - violin Eliso Virsaladze, piano about important reforms carried out in also commented on the meeting. PM Kvirikashvili and the German Chan- Fedor Belugin - viola Mamikon Nakhapetov, piano recent years in Georgia, which created “The prime minister's meeting on the cellor met on September 27 in Berlin. Alexey Zhilin - cello Dmitri Prokofi ev, cello exceptionally favorable conditions for second day of the elections in Germany The meeting was part of Kvirikashvili’s • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Sonata for • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Concerto foreign investments and businesses. The was of course strategically very impor- offi cial visit to Germany. Violin and Piano No. 1 E minor K.304 for two pianos and orchestra No.10 in PM also talked about the successful tant and effective,” he said. “The sides The PM congratulated Merkel on her • Ludwig van Beethoven - Sonata for Cello E-fl at major K.365 implementation of the Association Agree- spoke about the recent developments in party’s winning the recent elections, a and Piano No. 4 in C Major, Op. 102 • Robert Schumann - Concerto for Cello ment with the EU,” Janelidze added. “The Georgia’s breakaway regions of Abkha- victory, he said, that “was very important • Robert Schumann - Adagio and Allegro op.70 and Orchestra in A minor Op. 129 need to enhance mutual relations in zia and South Ossetia and we informed for Europe”. • Robert Schumann - Sonata for Violin • Ludwig van Beethoven – Piano Concerto infrastructural and communication fi elds the Germans on the current grave situ- Merkel’s party, the Christian Democrats and Piano no 1 in A minor, Op. 105 No. 3 in C minor Op 37 was also mentioned”. ation in said occupied territories,” he (CDU), won the German federal elec- • Antonín Dvorák - Piano Quintet No. 2 Tickets are available online www.biletebi. The sides also discussed Georgia-Ger- added. tions on September 25, making Merkel in A major, Op. 81 ge Price range 15-35 GEL man cooperation in ensuring global The Advisor says that the Germans a Chancellor for the fourth term.

GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 2, 2017 On the Catalan Referendum & Independent States using a democratic tool in agreement with the cen- INTERVIEW BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE tral government. I understand that at the ﬁ rst glance it might seem similar, but it isn’t.

ith an independence referendum WHAT WOULD THE CONSEQUENCES scheduled in Catalonia for Octo- BE OF CATALAN STATEHOOD? ber 1, Europe might be seeing REDRAWING THE MAP OF EUROPE? the emergence of a new state in I think that a modern State should have democratic the immediate future, and a major mechanisms to fulfi ll the needs of all its citizens. redrawingW of its political map, if indeed the Catalo- And we, Catalans, are Spanish citizens and there is nian precedent causes a chain reaction in other the need in Catalan society to express ourselves. states. Or it could all boil down to yet another attempt States should learn to appreciate and integrate dif- to wrangle more power from Madrid. Whatever ferent sensitivities and fi nd mechanisms, not neces- happens in Catalonia, the expert consensus is that sarily separation, but mechanisms where each group it will have far-reaching consequences. GEORGIA can feel comfortable. TODAY and Panorama TV Show asked Israel Per- alta, a Catalan journalist living in Tbilisi, to elaborate WOULD IT BE GOOD FOR EUROPE on current proceedings in his homeland. TO HAVE ON ITS MAP AN INDEPENDENT CATALAN STATE? WHAT IS CATALONIA’S CLAIM FOR We can’t say now as there is no concrete outcome INDEPENDENCE BUILT ON? foreseen. If it was agreed to create a new State, follow- It’s the result of many years of struggle and misun- ing the rules, I don’t see why it would be a problem. derstanding between the central Spanish and Cata- lan governments. In Catalonia, there is a desire for OTHER REGIONS ALSO SEEK more autonomy and to have more competences, INDEPENDENCE…WHO MIGHT BE more powers. And this plea has not been heard by NEXT? THE BASQUES? SCOTTISH? the central government. BAVARIANS? BELGIUM, PERHAPS? At the moment, this is just fantasy: no other move- WESTERN PRESS REPORTING ON ment in Europe has mobilized more than 1 million THIS CALLS YOUR GOVERNMENT people at a rally. A SEPARATIST ONE. WHAT’S THE LINE BETWEEN SEPARATISM ARE CATALANS SETTING A AND SELF-DETERMINATION? PRECEDENT FOR THAT? That’s always a tricky question. I believe that a State It hasn’t happened yet. I think this is a narrative should be based on an agreement between different based on fear and I don’t see it as a threat for most parties and different groups and these agreements states. If the states do their jobs well and include need constant renovation. As for the line between the various needs and realities of the country, such them... Well, self-determination might be something won’t happen. It wasn’t like this in Spain 10 years that could be agreed on between the community ago: there’s a reason it fl ared up now. and the ruling power. And separatism might be more like a unilateral move. COULD CATALONIA FUNCTION AS AN INDEPENDENT STATE HOW GOOD IS THE CATALAN CLAIM TO ECONOMICALLY AND POLITICALLY? BEING A NATION WITH A STATEHOOD? It’s quite clear that if independence is declared uni- If you’d asked a few years ago, I’d probably have said laterally, the EU would not accept that new State if it was not viable, that it was probably not necessary. it was not agreed with the central government. But recent years really shaped a new reality between Therefore, it will stay out of the EU. Junker was very the Spanish state and people in Catalonia, around clear about this. Catalonia would have to go through 47% of whom are now pro-independent. They believe procedures for joining the EU but the Spanish gov- in this, otherwise they would not support the cause. ernment can block it at every turn. Economically, there is also no answer. There are many different IS THIS A REVIVAL OF HISTORICAL angles, depending on who you ask. So, that’s very JUSTICE? IS CATALONIA REALLY uncertain as well. Also, I would like to highlight dif- A DIFFERENT NATION? ferent sensitivities within both the Catalan and Well, that depends on who you ask. There are dif- Spanish territories. There is a government in Madrid ferent narratives. The Spanish narrative, at least part which says no to the referendum but there are polit- of it, is very much focused on the idea of one single ical parties which say yes, that it’s the right of the nation and does not seem to be willing to acknowl- people. And I’m talking about parties which repre- edge that there are many diverse nationalities within sent millions of people. the country. For the Catalans, it is partly enacting justice: there’s a feeling among Catalans that it would ULTIMATELY, DO CATALANS WANT MORE be a good opportunity for revival, to get back what BENEFITS AND FUNCTIONS INSIDE A was taken historically. UNIFIED SPAIN OR JUST INDEPENDENCE? Again, there are different sensitivities you might fi nd CAN THE CATALAN GOVERNMENT in Catalan society that come into play. In 2003, a mere REACH AN AGREEMENT WITH 15 years ago, there was 16% support for independence SPAIN? THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT and agreement with the Spanish central government BANNED THE REFERENDUM, MARIANO to create a new constitution for Catalonia. Autono- RAJOY’S GOVERNMENT AND THE mies in Spain have the right to create their own con- ROYAL FAMILY STAND AGAINST IT… stitutions. In 2010, the Court decided to cancel the Good question. We witnessed a lot of escalation this creation of a Catalan constitution which had been month. Police forces have been sent all round Spain approved in referendum as well as by the Spanish just to stop the referendum. Rajoy’s central govern- parliament. So there was an agreement but it was ment is a right-wing, conservative, nationalist party broken by the Spanish court. That’s the trigger that with a very low level of sensitivity towards the dif- made many people change their minds and start sup- ferent regions and different claims. I’d say with this porting the independence movement. This is very government, at this moment, it would be really very crucial to understand: an agreement was broken. diffi cult to achieve anything. IF CATALANS SAY YES TO INDEPENDENCE IT’S A PAINFUL TOPIC IN GEORGIA, AND MADRID SAYS NO, WILL THERE BE CONSIDERING THAT WE HAVE ANY VIOLENCE OR WILL THE PARTIES OUR OWN BREAKAWAY REGIONS. GO TO THE NEGOTIATION TABLE? CONSIDERING WHERE YOU COME FROM I hope there can be negotiation. I don’t know in AND YOUR VIEWS, WHAT’S YOUR which form or with which terms. There are a lot of TAKE ON GEORGIA’S CONFLICTS? people in Spanish and Catalan society that are for Unfortunately, I haven’t lived here long enough to understanding. I’d say in Catalonia, that part of soci- learn much about it, but I have a lot of friends from ety is in majority and in Spain at least half. [the occupied territories] struggling because they lost their homes. That’s the most relevant issue for HOW FAR ARE CATALANS WILLING TO me. For me, these movements and situations are GO TO DEFEND THEIR INDEPENDENCE very different and we cannot compare them because IF THE REFERENDUM SAYS YES? there is no will for violence at all in Catalonia. No idea. I hope, like many Catalans, that we can fi nd an agreement which is not a submission but is some- YET ABKHAZIANS AND SOUTH thing constructive for both sides. But I’m sure that OSSETIANS DID WANT THE SAME the Catalan people who have proven to be non- AS CATALANS NOW WANT, violent and peaceful will remain so. THEIR “INDEPENDENCE” I’d still separate the topics because the main desire YOU’LL BE IN CATALONIA ON in Catalonia is to have a referendum. We want to OCTOBER 1. WILL YOU BE VOTING agree with the central government on a democratic IN THE REFERENDUM? procedure asking the Catalan people what they want, I haven’t decided yet.

GEORGIA TODAY 8 POLITICS SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 2, 2017 In Need of Dictatorship

democracy is a blunder in which more a developing country like ours. Democ- OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE people have a fi nger in the pie than the racy has a strong tendency to beget a pie can accommodate; democracy creates huge conglomerate of lies which is a fake impression that the patrons of the practically impossible to put straight omeone like Archimedes would country are its people but, in reality, the for further necessary corrections. Mean- put it this way: ‘Give me but a patrons are those who behave themselves while, a nice and fair dictator with good fi rm dictator on which to stand in the electoral process like cute harm- heart and sharp mind, with innate wis- and I shall move Georgia’. I less kittens with fl uffy hair and tender dom and expertise, with proper educa- know they usually hate dicta- clawless paws to later become ferociously tion and a sensitive nose for the future tors,S but the coin has a fl ip side, too: some voracious beasts with unbridled appetites would be the best thing that could hap- like them, and they have their reasons for to grab as much wealth and clout as they pen to us. He will surround himself with this clearly ostracized but still optional possibly can; democracy is an inevitable the best of experts and councilors, with attitude. It’s not that they adore dictator- public frustration when you vote for one their valuable advice and well-calculated ship in this country, but rather, they are political fi gure, to receive a political ani- plans to establish genuine public order losing faith in democracy and say they mal of an utterly different color; democ- and the rule of law as a prerequisite for have no qualms about it, and here’s why: racy is the wrong environment for a prolifi c economic moves, guaranteeing democracy often gives politicians a chance human being who, by nature, is a rule- high quality of life. But a question that to develop a taste for undeserved and breaker rather than a being who wants will undoubtedly arise here is how to unearned material comfort, mostly at the to abide by the law unless it is forced into pick that wonderful dictator? To answer expense of the State, leading them to for- living by Manmade rules and laws. it, dictatorship devotees will have to get about the people who elected them Granted, it is universally admitted that apply to that great Greek of the fourth as their representatives to rule the nation; democracy provides the opportunity century BC. Platonically speaking, those democracy is not supportive of the wis- to let our people tell us what to do and specially educated sages who are well dom which says that deeds are better than how to do it, but are we truly qualifi ed qualifi ed to rule the State and lead the words; democracy means much ado about It is universally admitted that democracy provides the opportunity to let our people tell and conscientious enough to make the people could be brought up and formed nothing- spending our time, money and us what to do and how to do it, but are we truly qualifi ed and conscientious enough to optimal choice? Of course not! Then in the depth of any nation. Who knows, make the optimal choice? Photo: Charlie Chaplin in the Great Dictator. energy choosing leaders who cannot and Source: i.pinimg.com why should we be trusted to make a the famous 2,500-year-old thoughts do not justify the spent resources in their choice of that much importance? Slav- about statehood and the ways to build post-electoral efforts; democracy is peo- extant; more often than not, democracy chance; democracy is public power to ery is history, fascism is gone, commu- a society could still work. In any case, ple’s will and dream to put the right per- gives a chance to rule to those who have elect a leader, but nobody asks question nism is dead, and now democracy is haters of democracy and lovers of dic- sons at the head of the nation, rare, as no clue why they were given a chance if people are knowledgeable enough to wobbling; turning into an active social tatorship would choose to experiment such a class of politicians is no longer and what to do after they are given said decide who the best ruler might be; and political delusion, and not only in without delay.

The Outstanding Virtue of Iran’s Grand Strategy

ers. To the east and north-east, the harsh or military reason to project Iranian BY EMIL AVDALIANI climate of Afghanistan and Pakistan, power into Central Asia or Afghanistan alongside Turkmenistan’s semi-barren and Pakistan. Although Iranians were steppe lands, have kept Iran’s provinces quite active in Georgia, Armenia and eography conditions human more or less safe (except for occasional modern-day Azerbaijan until the coming behavior and thus that of attacks by nomadic peoples). of the Russians in the late 18th c., the entire states. Quite often Therefore, this very fact of being South Caucasus mountains, rivers and a simple look at the geo- geographically contained and at the gorges limited Iran’s potential. Thus, graphic map of a country same time defended by geographic strategically, the most advantageous ter- Gor region gives a perspective of what the features still continues to defi ne the ritory for Iran to navigate its power has state interests are. Take the example of Iranian grand strategy from the ancient been the western frontier or modern-day the Middle East, the geographic map of Persian empire to modern Iran. Iran’s Iraq (Mesopotamia); always rich in which reveals the three most visible mountains and deserts have made it population and natural resources and features: Anatolia, the Arabian Peninsula almost impossible to conquer and then therefore worth controlling. and the Iranian Plateau. Each is almost keep the country under control. Take Indeed, history shows how crucial Iraq synonymous with the states located on an example of several great conquer- has been in Iran’s calculus. Take an exam- Geopolitical imperatives rarely change and this is well refl ected in Iran’s foreign policy. those territories: Turkey, Saudi Arabia ors. The Mongols and, later on, Tamer- ple of the Achaemenid Empire, followed Photo source: fi nancialtribune.com and Iran. Each has its large ambitions lane, successfully invaded the Iranian by Parthia and the Sasanian State: they The outstanding virtue of the modern involvement in Yemen might seem to throughout the Middle East and the plateau, but in order to keep it they all hung to Mesopotamia and even had Iranian State is that its strategic outlook fall out of any logic, but even there it has behavior of each is more or less condi- either had to deploy tens of thousands their capital Ctesiphon located along the is very much rooted in the country’s a past precedent when in the late 570s tioned and moderated by its location, of troops (which they could not) or try Euphrates River near modern-day Bagh- ancient and medieval history. True, AD., the Iranian Shahan Shah Khusro geographic features, neighbors, etc. to co-opt the local population (what dad. beyond geographic reasons explaining Anushirwan invaded southern parts of However, none of those behaviors is so they did) by allowing them to partici- Iranians have been always worried not the need to dominate the surrounding the Arabian Peninsula. much contingent upon those aspects as pate in the governance of their country. to allow foreign presence in the territo- territories, there are also historical prec- Geopolitical imperatives rarely change that of modern Iran. The same goes for the most successful ries surrounding the Iranian plateau. edents, too. The Achaemenid, Parthian, and this is well refl ected in Iran’s foreign Iran’s major population centers are conqueror of Iran, Alexander the Great. Any foreign infl uence on the heart of Sasanian, Safavid and subsequent dynas- policy. Modern-day Iran is pursuing the surrounded by almost impregnable Although he conquered it, in order to Iran would be a strategic weakening of ties all tried to keep Iraq, the South Cau- same set of external policy goals as did mountains and deserts, as well water keep the state, he co-opted the local the Iranian State. This leads us to Iran’s casus, south Central Asia and parts of its distant predecessors. barriers. To the west and north-west are elites. However, even then, once Alex- modern behavior: why Tehran is so much Afghanistan. Only the Achaemenid the Zagros Mountains, essentially bar- ander died, Iran quickly regained its interested in Iraq, the South Caucasus, Empire extended its borders further in Emil Avdaliani teaches history and interna- ring Iran from the rich Iraq. To the north independence. Central Asia and Afghanistan. The US all directions, reaching the Mediterra- tional relations at Tbilisi State University and the Elburz Mountains and Armenia’s However advantageous this mountain- presence in Iraq and Afghanistan, Rus- nean and Black seas. The latter would, Ilia State University. He has worked for various mountainous lands have always served ous and desert geography may be, it has sians in Central Asia, potential EU/NATO in turn, explain Iranian involvement in international consulting companies and cur- as a defensive shield. The Caspian Sea also limited the projection of Iranian presence in the South Caucasus; these modern-day Syria and Lebanon and the rently publishes articles focused on military in the north and the Arabian Sea in the power abroad. Due to poor geographic are the worst-case scenarios Iran has race to extend its footprint to the Med- and political developments across the former south are yet more impregnable barri- conditions, there has been no economic always worked hard to avoid. iterranean coast. Moreover, Tehran’s Soviet space.

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

GEORGIA TODAY 10 BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 2, 2017 Energy in the Taste: A New Wine from Georgian Mountains

tains’. There is novelty in assortment, INTERVIEW BY MAKA LOMADZE WHAT IS YOUR TELL US ABOUT THE NOVELTY ARE THERE ANY NEW and Revishvili’s grandfather’s ‘Krakhuna,’ STRATEGY ON IN THE ASSORTMENT SPOTS WHERE A WINE produced through unique squeezing THE MARKET? We plan to increase our offerings. At LOVER CAN SAMPLE technology, is distinguished with high Georgian wine is really quite diverse and this stage, we produce three varieties: YOUR WINES? here are few sportsmen in quality. the companies producing it are so numer- Rkatsiteli, Saperavi and red sweet ‘RN The scopes are growing for those who the world who produce No ﬁ ltering or processing is needed in ous that we wanted to introduce local Wine’. In the near future, we will add wish to taste our wines. We already their own wines. Nukri the bottling: this is a wine for aging with- wine-lovers to something new: a good, another variety: Krakhuna, which is a cooperate with quite a large number Revishvili and his family out any chemicals. GEORGIA TODAY high-quality and tasty new wine. ‘Geor- wine made using indigenous Georgian of companies, restaurants and wine have been tightly con- talks to Nato Chumburidze, General gian Mountains’ underlines high quality, Imeretian white grapes, characterized shops. nectedT with wine for many years, found- Manager of the company ‘Georgian which is the distinguished label we offer by completeness, energy and a pleasant Consumers can also ﬁ nd our ‘RN’ wines ing the wine company ‘Georgian Moun- Mountains’. consumers. taste. online at allwine.ge GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 2, 2017 BUSINESS 11 NASA’s Rob Manning & John Casani Meet Georgian Startupers

Georgia]. This is a symbol of the great BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI friendship between the US and Geor- gia,” said Ramaz Bluashvili, Film director, producer and researcher. It is on ack in 1977, famous American his initiative that the famous NASA scientist Carl Sagan decided scientists came to Georgia to celebrate to send the Georgian poly- Chakrulo Week in Tbilisi for the 40th phonic song ‘Chakrulo’ on a anniversary of the Voyager mission. See gold disc into space alongside our EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with him 26B other musical masterpieces from here. around the world, with NASA’s Voyager “You’re just like the most innovative spacecraft mission. NASA people we’ve worked with through- John Casani, Voyager’s Project Man- out our careers,” Manning noted as he ager, and Rob Manning, Chief Engineer addressed the audience of startupers of the Mars program at NASA, met with gathered at Techno Park Tbilisi. Georgian Startupers at Techno Park “Any technology organization needs a Tbilisi this week as part of their trip to constant inﬂ ux of new people and new, Georgia for the 40th anniversary of the fresh, ideas,” Casani added. launch of the Voyager spacecraft which In the Q&A session that followed, the sent Chakrulo into outer space. Georgian startupers, among them mem- “We see a lot of great symbols of the bers of the TBC Bank’s startuper pro- partnership between US and Georgia,” gram, asked Casani and Manning about said Ian Kelly, US Ambassador to Geor- NASA’s mission to Mars, the challenges gia. “One of the real symbols for me is encountered while preparing missions, this idea that Carl Sagan chose this treas- the Voyager budget back in 1977, how ure of Georgian culture, this polyphonic NASA recruits its employees, asteroids, song Chakrulo, and it speaks so much and the “existence of extraterrestrial about what unites us, unites Georgia and new products, new ways of doing work, on earth as it exists all over the world, record, and people who were reviewing life”. the United States and unites us all as and that’s exactly where innovation takes and one of the things that was important the music didn’t like the Russian song Chakrulo Week, supported by TBC human beings.” He then thanked Casani place. It really takes someone with vision for him was music,” Casani said, telling very much and so they went to the folk Bank, was on from September 25 to Sep- and Manning for representing “every- to enable this kind of environment that the story from 40 years ago, when Carl song consultant in the United States who tember 28, seeing numerous activities thing that is great about the United States’ allows people to do what they think is Sagan famously decided to send master- said that if you want music from this to celebrate, including a documentary science community and for “contribut- the right thing to do. You don’t tell them pieces of humankind into outer space part of the world, the best you can get screening on the history of the Voyager ing to our efforts to help Georgia to how to make their product; you just set with the Voyager mission. is from Georgia,” he recalled. mission made by Emmy-nominated become a resilient 21st century economy”. up the right environment where they “There are a couple of different stories “For me, it all started when we director Emer Raynolds, a meeting with “We’re very excited to be here,” said can invent,” he added. about how this particular song got cho- launched the Alexander Kartveli Asso- John Casani, Rob Manning’s presenta- Manning. “Georgia is making an envi- “He put together a small team of peo- sen. The one that I know, it may not be ciation, (the Georgian-American aircraft tion on the Mars program research and ronment where creative people work ple to produce a record including the exactly correct, but Russia wanted very designer); that’s how the idea was born ﬁ ndings and a concert from the Erisioni together to invent new ways of thinking, music and the photographs showing life much to have a Russian song put on that [to celebrate the 40th anniversary in ensemble. GEORGIA TODAY 12 SOCIETY SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 2, 2017 Service above Self: The Partnership to Save lives

maternal/infant healthcare providers ment of complications such as preterm BY DAVID KVIRKVELIDZE across all settings; from community hos- births, birth asphyxia, and infections. M.D., ROTARY CLUB “TBILISI pitals and birthing centers, to emergency Neonatal mortality is affected by the INTERNATIONAL” P.P. rooms and higher-level care hospitals. quality of in-hospital care for the infant. A uniform, standardized process of care Skilled medical personnel are paramount intertwined with a comprehensive team for successful neonatal healthcare out- e in Georgia believe, approach can signifi cantly improve the comes. Therefore, providing baseline as many people infant’s overall stability, safety, and health and continuing training on an ongoing throughout the world outcome. basis and translating and publishing the also do, that a child A total of 116 medical personnel in program is absolutely vital to our Geor- is truly a gift from Kvemo Kartli and Tbilisi received train- gian children and children throughout WGod. Doctors have taken a Hippocratic ing in the Neonatal Resuscitation Pro- the world. oath to provide competent, compassion- gram (NRP) and S.T.A.B.L.E program. The S.T.A.B.L.E Program Learner Man- ate care and to preserve human life. This During their visit, the VTT members ual book has already been translated into commitment to protect the health of held meetings with representatives of the Georgian language by the Rotary patients is dependent not only on the the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Club “Tbilisi International” with the best infrastructure and medical equip- Affairs of Georgia and with Tbilisi State generous support of the program author ment, but is also incumbent upon the Medical University offi cials to discuss Kristine A. Karlsen, PhD, APRN, NNP- most skilled and dedicated personnel. the future cooperation and support of BC and ACTS International President A partnership was established in the region and provide standardized train- piratory Therapist) traveled to Georgia the state medical transport system and Patricia J. Blair, M.D. Translation will spring of 2015 involving the following ing for neonatologists, nurses obstetri- to continue the Neonatal Resuscitation to develop a curriculum for the respira- be reviewed with all key stakeholders key players: 1) “A Call to Serve” (ACTS) cians, and midwives of these facilities Program (NRP) trainings and launched tory therapist training program for the and is intended to be published in early International, a humanitarian and devel- from 2015 to 2016: a remarkable total of new post-resuscitation / pre-transport neonatal intensive care unit. 2018. opment organization based in Columbia, 172 medical personnel were trained. stabilization (S.T.A.B.L.E) program train- Neonatal mortality still remains a sig- Missouri, and the fi rst international In June 2017, the VTT of the University ings. This educational program provides nifi cant health problem in Georgia, mainly To support the above training program, please organization to come to Georgia in early of Missouri School of Medicine John general guidelines for the assessment as a result of three pathologies: compli- consider making a donation to the Rotary 1992 after the collapse of the Soviet union, Pardalos, M.D., Medical Director of the and stabilization of sick infants in the cations of preterm birth, birth asphyxia, Club “Tbilisi International” (Liberty Bank): 2) The University of Missouri School of University of Missouri School of Medi- post-resuscitation / pre-transport stabi- and newborn infections. There is an Medicine, 3) the Georgian Medical Asso- cine Neonatal Department and Medical lization period. The S.T.A.B.L.E. program urgent need for improvements in ante- GE22LB0115132518739000 GEL ciation, 4) the Rotary Club “Columbia Transport Team; Teresa deLima, Nurse is designed to provide important infor- natal care and neonatal resuscitation as GE92LB0115132518739001 USD Rotary South” District 6080 Missouri, Practitioner; and Harrison Smith, Res- mation about neonatal stabilization for well as in the timely detection and treat- GE65LB0115132518739002 EUR USA, and 5) the Rotary Club “Tbilisi International” District 2452, Georgia. With our country’s love of children and the partnership’s advocacy to help save the lives of newborns, it was a natural collaboration as the partnership became fully established in Georgia. The partnership developed an excep- tional Vocational Training Team (VTT) pilot program called, “Breathing Life into Georgian Babies.” This particular program was one of the fi rst maternal and child health training programs headed by the Rotary International as a VTT Program worldwide: it allowed the 9 Kvemo Kartli hospitals to train and equip their physicians and nurses in a special life-saving program for newborn babies called the Neonatal Resuscitation Pro- gram (NRP). The NRP sets the international standard for excellence in the care of newborn babies within the fi rst two minutes after birth. It is in these two minutes (120 seconds) that rapid, well-coordinated action by trained physicians and nurses can save a baby’s life if he or she unfortunately has a poor transition from womb to the outside world and struggles to breathe. In order to improve the quality of perinatal services, the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia ini- tiated the process of Perinatal Care Regionalization in 2015. This initiative also involved ACTS International, lead by its President, Patricia J. Blair, M.D. and the Rotary Club Tbilisi International VTT. This multi-disciplinary alliance helped to support the assessment of nine maternity wards in the Kvemo Kartli GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 2, 2017 SOCIETY 13 Witness to a Parable: Etseri, Svaneti

BLOG BY TONY HANMER

y friend from this vil- lage, surgeon, blood brother and wedding best man, Nodar Aprasidze, recently sent Mme a pair of guests for the night: a high- ranking Georgian Finance Police Offi cer and his son, also in the police. They are also refugees from Tskhinvali, South Ossetia, but their family has successfully resettled elsewhere in Georgia. Seeing my sun-screen of fl ourishing fruit trees which had sprung up from being eaten down to ground level by cows in the fi ve years since we fenced the place, they requested something with which to begin pruning. I happen to have a nice pair of secateurs, thanks to a church bit opposite that direction, above a bud- There were so many lessons being bazaar in the UK, which set me back a ding branch off it. See the future tree in acted out before my eyes that it was all pound before I was even married and your mind, and work towards that. Be I could do to note them and think of have been waiting their chance to shine. ruthless: you are doing vital work to help anyone’s life, which I believe also needs The elder of the two sharpened them the tree reach its full potential and fruit- similar painful work from outside to with a stone and fi le, they asked for a fulness”. reach its full potential. Not merely for saw in addition, and the work began. Painful work, too, I was thinking, but utilitarian ends, but for beauty, too; func- I admit that the trees are somewhat whether the tree knows it’s in good hands tion and form serving together to please wild, never having been touched by such or not, feels the cuts or not, the gardener a higher purpose which is also outside methods since they jumped back into is in charge of producing something ourselves, and for which we exist. A the land of the living. It was high time pleasing to himself and his guests or long-term process, as the pruning one they were restored to a more civilized family. He, too, feels each cut or scratch is, over seasons and many successive state which, of course, will include more of thorn as the tree’s natural defenses years, done either in spring or fall, not fruitfulness as well. Their branches grow operate; the blood is his, too. But he just at any time. Possibly lasting from in all sorts of odd directions; dead and continues without hesitation to operate; seedling stage into late life. Will I submit life-stealing bits cling on, sapping the no wonder such skilled people are called and become my best, or fi ght it and main branches’ strength as weeds clus- tree surgeons in the West, and paid well proudly but uselessly remain wild? ter around their bases. Ur guests dealt for their work! Because unlike the tree, I have this choice. with all these problems. Sometimes a tree was reduced to half “Look at each tree, Tony,” they said, or even less of its unruly former self; Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since “and decide how you want it to grow. once or twice a nearby one was removed 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a Remove the unnecessarily competing entirely for the sake of the other. In all weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He branches as close to the trunk as you such cases, the results would be more runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook can; rub some dirt on the big cuts to help growth, more fruit, more pleasure for group, now with over 1500 members, at them heal. For the direction you want a the gardener, and a garden tamed; again, www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- particular branch to grow, cut it short a not wild. At its best. sance/ CULTURE Edward Curtis & the North American Indian “The main goal of the project is to BY MAKA LOMADZE teach business and marketing skills and to help Georgian museums become more sustainable and run more like he United States Embassy businesses so that they do not need to in Georgia, the Georgian rely on government funding,” Damian National Museum, the Wampler, Cultural Attaché of the US State Silk Museum and Art Embassy, told GEORGIA TODAY. “In Palace of Georgia are show- America, museums are businesses: they casingT Edward Curtis & the North make money from tickets, from book- American Indian: Motherland, Tradi- shops, and from donations from the tion, Spirituality, an exhibition in three private sector. That’s not the way the parts. GEORGIA TODAY went along Georgian museums work. [In the US], to Art Palace where the focus was ‘spir- they have many sources of income and ituality’. revenue. Our ambassador met with all “Just as the world cannot exist without the museums’ directors. After the lunch, the sun, the Native American cannot live he said: ‘we really need to give the without a spiritual life…” These are museums some skills and trainings.’ We Edward Curtis’s words, an American chose Edward Curtis because he is the photographer and ethnographer who greatest American photographer, but dedicated more than 30 years to the pro- (GAU), Rooms Hotels and Elit Electron- the exhibit that you see today is not duction of tens of thousands of photo- ics for making the exhibitions possible. curated by the American Embassy. The graphs of the Native Americans’ spiritual “I want to thank all three museums design, theory and concept were all life. The exhibition in the Art Palace of for giving the chance for GAU students created by the Georgian curators. So, it Georgia provides a window into Curtis’ to attend the expositions free of charge,” is American art through the eyes of extraordinary vision of the spiritual life said Ekaterine Togonidze, Public Affairs Georgians using new skills that they of the First Americans, here, you can Manager of GAU. “The students enjoyed learned in training”. discover the beliefs and visions, ceremo- the accompanying trainings. They were nial rituals and mystic customs of the particularly delighted to learn that when WHEN: Until October 22. fi rst American inhabitants. a Native American woman gets married, WHERE: Art Palace 6 Kargareteli Str. The organizers gratefully acknowledge she is given Edward Curtis’s photo album (11AM – 6PM, closed Mondays); History the generous support of Library of Con- as a dowry. It was a sort of parallel to Museum 8 Sioni Street; Silk Museum 6 gress, Georgian-American University our ‘Knight in Panther’s Skin’,” she said. Tsabadze Str. GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 2, 2017

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER GABRIADZE THEATER CINEMA KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Address: 13 Shavtelis St. CIRCLE Address: 1 Gudiashvili Str. Telephone: 2 98 65 93 TBILISI INTERNATIONAL AMIRANI CINEMA Directed by Matthew Vaughn Telephone: 299 99 09 FESTIVAL OF THEATER Address: 36 Kostava Str. Cast: Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, September 29 Telephone: 2 99 99 55 Mark Strong March 6 – December 31 STALINGRAD September 30, October 1 www.kinoafi sha.ge Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy EXHIBITION Rezo Gabriadze LAST MEETINGS Language: English MASTERPIECES FROM THE Directed by Rezo Gabriadze THE FOMENKO WORKSHOP Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 GEL Start time: 18:45 Start time: 20:00 MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS THEATER September 30- October 5 Language: Russian COLLECTION Russia Ticket: 10, 20, 30 GEL Start time: 21:45 The exhibition includes works by English Subtitles MY HAPPY FAMILY Ticket: 13-14 GEL Bernardo Daddi, Lucas Cranach Start time: 20:00 September 30 Directed by Nana Ekvtimishvili, Ticket: 20-35 GEL RAMONA (Elder), Guido Reni, Jan Steen, Simon Groß MOTHER! Venue: Nodar Dumbadze Children’s Rezo Gabriadze Cast: Ia Shugliashvili, Jacob Van Ruisdael, Auguste Rodin, (Info Above) Theater Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Merab Ninidze, Berta Khapava Pablo Picasso, Vassily Kandinski; Start time: 20:00 Genre: Drama Start time: 22:30 Masterpieces by Niko October 2, 3 Ticket: 10, 20, 30 GEL Language: Georgian Ticket: 13-14 GEL Pirosmanashvili, Lado Gudiashvili THE FRENCH English subtitles and David Kakabadze. Proust, Warlikowski October 1, 5 Start time: 19:00 AMERICAN ASSASSIN Directed by Krzysztof Warlikowski THE AUTUMN OF MY Ticket: 13-14 GEL Directed by Michael Cuesta TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM Nowy Teatr SPRINGTIME Cast: Dylan O'Brien, Michael Address: 8 Sioni Str. Poland Rezo Gabriadze THE LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE Keaton, Sanaa Lathan English Subtitles Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Directed by Charlie Bean, Paul Genre: Action, Thriller, Adventure, Fa Start time: 19:00 Start time: 20:00 September 22 – October 22 Fisher Language: Russian Ticket: 65-80 GEL Ticket: 10, 20, 30 GEL Cast: Olivia Munn, Justin Theroux, The United States Embassy in Venue: Expo Georgia Exhibition Hall Start time: 22:15 Georgia, the Georgian National Jackie Chan Ticket: 13-14 GEL TBILISI ZAKARIA Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure Museum, the State Silk Museum SHALIKASHVILI THEATER PALIASHVILI OPERA AND Language: Russian and Art Palace of Georgia MUSEUM Address: 37 Rustaveli Ave. BALLET THEATER Start time: 11:45 showcasing Telephone: 595 50 02 03 Address: 25 Rustaveli Ave. Ticket: 8-9 GEL EDWARD CURTIS & THE Telephone: 2 99 04 56 GEORGIAN NATIONAL September 29, 30 NORTH AMERICAN INDIAN: MOTHER! MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA HOST AND GUEST Motherland, Tradition, Spirituality September 30 Directed by Darren Aronofsky MUSEUM Vazha Pshavela FIREBIRD Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. Directed by Amiran Shalikashvili MUSEUM OF SOVIET Three one-act ballets: Javier Bardem, Ed Harris Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 Pantomime Theater OCCUPATION Chopiniana, Firebird and Le Genre: Drama, Horror www.museum.ge Start time: 20:00 Spectre de la Rose will be Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. Ticket price: 20 GEL Language: Russian presented at the evening of Start time: 16:00 PERMANENT EXHIBITION: Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 an outstanding choreographer- Ticket: 10-11 GEL GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY www.museum.ge MOVEMENT THEATER Mikhail Fokine. Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., FROM 8TH MILLENNIUM B.C. Nina Ananiashvili performing solo MARK FELT: THE MAN WHO TO THE 4TH CENTURY A.D PERMANENT EXHIBITION Mushthaid park in LE SPECTRE DE LA ROSE Telephone: 599 555 260 BROUGHT Discover the State's personal fi les Start time: 20:00 DOWN THE WHITE HOUSE EXHIBITION OF GEORGIAN of "subversive" Georgian public Ticket: 10-50 GEL Directed by Peter Landesman September 29 WEAPONRY fi gures, orders to shoot or exile, and SYMBIOSIS Cast: Liam Neeson, Diane Lane, other artifacts representing Soviet- October 1 Maika Monroe One-act choreographic sketch era cultural and political repression FIREBIRD Genre: Biography, Drama, History NUMISMATIC TREASURY Start time: 20:00 The exhibition showcases money in Georgia. Ticket: 15 GEL Three one-act ballets: Language: Russian Chopiniana, circulation on the territory of Start time: 16:00 MUSIC September 29 Firebird and Ticket: 10-11 GEL Georgia from the 6th century BC. RECITATIVE IN THE CITY Le Spectre de la Rose to 1834. Kakha Bakuradze, Sandro Choreographer- Mikhail Fokine RUSTAVELI CINEMA TBILISI MUSIC HALL Nikoladze, Irakli Menagarishvili, Start time: 20:00 Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. THE TESTAMENT OF DAVID Simon Bitadze, Dato Kakulia Ticket: 10-25 GEL Telephone: 2 55 50 00 THE BUILDER AND NEW October 1 Special guest: El banda del Mudo www.kinoafi sha.ge EXHIBITS OF THE MEDIEVAL GEORGIA'S GOT TALENT Start time: 21:30 CIRCUS TREASURY Start time: 12:00, 16:00 Ticket: 10 GEL Address: 1 The Heroes Sq. Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL Telephone: 2 98 58 61 September 29 – October 5 EXHIBITION STONE AGE GEORGIA TBILISI SPORTS PALACE September 30 www.krakatuk.eu Address: 1, 26th May Sq. LABYRINTH MARK FELT: THE MAN WHO Directed by Kakha Bakuradze September 30, October 1 BROUGHT DOWN THE WHITE May 18- November 18 Telephone: 233 33 11 Composer- Sandro Nikoladze CIRCUS EXTREMALS HOUSE EXHIBITION Choreography- Lasha Robakidze Start time: September 30 – 17:00, (Info Above) GEORGIAN COSTUME AND October 5 Start time: 20:00 October 1 - 13:00 Start time: 17:15, 19:45 WEAPONRY OF 18TH-20TH MUMIY TROLL Ticket: 15 GEL Ticket: 10-25 GEL Ticket: 11-14 GEL CENTURIES Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 30-100 GEL

CONSERVATOIRE GRAND HALL Address: 8 Griboedov Str.

October 1 NEW GENERATION Start time: 18:00 Ticket: 5-20 GEL

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL AUTUMN TBILISI Venue: Djansug Kakhidze Tbilisi Center for Music and Culture

September 30 AN EVENING OF GEORGIAN MUSIC Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra presents symphony “Nikortsminda” By composer David Toradze and “Tbilisi Rapsody” for piano and symphony orchestra of his pupil George Chlaidze. Conductor- Vakhtang Kakhidze Start time: 19:30 Ticket: 10-30 GEL

October 3 CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT Program: works by Hayden, Mendelsohn, Schumann, De Hartman and Dvorak Start time: 19:30 Ticket: 10-30 GEL GEORGIA TODAY SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 2, 2017 CULTURE 15

The Holocaust, Told in Slovak Photos exhibition] is a testimony to human sto- BY MAKA LOMADZE ries. Mankind has learned to fl y, to explore space. We play Gods by playing with our DNA. We have come so far, yet we are he Georgian National unable to see what we were supposed Museum and Embassy of to learn at the very beginning: to be the Slovak Republic in brother and sister to each other; to cher- Georgia invites guests to ish peace which is the biggest possession see the 'Last Folio - a Pho- that one who has survived a war can Ttographic Journey by Yuri Dojc and Katya know”. Krausova’ in the Shalva Amiranashvili Georgia is the 28th country to show Museum of Fine Arts. The opening took the exhibition after, amongst others, place on September 25. Slovakia, the Czech Republic, the UK, Dojc and his documentary fi lm team US, Canada, Brussels, Italy, Austria, Lat- shot an abandoned Jewish school in via, Germany, Russia, Brazil and Israel. eastern Slovakia, where time had stood A number of images in the current exhi- still since the day in 1942 when all those bition are already in the Permanent Col- attending it were taken away to the camps. lection of the Library of Congress (US). The school books are still there, cor- “We are presenting this project in a rected texts, school reports; even sugar country where there has never been a still sits in the cupboard. Decaying books holocaust, a country where there is a on dusty shelves are the last witnesses very different Jewish story. The attitude of a once thriving culture, treated by towards Jews in Georgia was always Dojc as the individual survivors that they special and friendly,” said Lela Tsitsuash- are: each book captured in a portrait, vili, curator of the exhibition. preserved in its fi nal beauty; these are pictures that speak a thousand words. are windows into the past,” said H.E. Republic to Georgia. “When you look destinies, joy and cruelty, the silence of WHEN: Until October 25 “These pictures are from Slovakia, true, Rudolf Michalka, Ambassador Extraor- well, when you open your mind, those the wise rabbis and all the sounds and WHERE: Shalva Amiranashvili Museum of but I would say they are global. They dinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak pictures transform to reveal emotions, laughter of Jewish celebrations. [This Fine Arts, 1 L. Gudiashvili Str., Tbilisi.

PUBLISHER & GM Journalists: Website Manager/Editor: ADDRESS Reproducing material, photos George Sharashidze Tony Hanmer, Zaza Jgarkava, Tamzin Whitewood 1 Melikishvili Str. and advertisements without Maka Bibilashvili, Tbilisi, 0179, Georgia prior editorial permission is COMMERCIAL Dimitri Dolaberidze, Layout: strictly forbidden. DEPARTMENT Maka Lomadze, Misha Mchedlishvili Tel.: +995 32 229 59 19 The author is responsible for Commercial Director: Joseph Larsen, E: [email protected] all material. Rights of authors Webmaster: Iva Merabishvili Vazha Tavberidze, Sergey Gevenov F: GeorgiaToday are preserved. The newspaper Marketing Manager: Nugzar B. Ruhadze, is registered in Mtatsminda Melita Tsaava Nino Gugunishvili, Circulation Managers: ADVERTISING & district court. Thea Morrison David Kerdikashvili, SUBSCRIPTION EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT: David Djandjgava +995 579 25 22 25 GEORGIA TODAY Editor-In-Chief: Photographer: E-mail: marketing@ Reg. # 06/4-309 Katie Ruth Davies Irakli Dolidze georgiatoday.ge SPECIAL OFFER 24 MONTHS 0% INSTALLMENTS INVEST IN BATUMI VIEW

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