Issue no: 957 • JUNE 23 - 26, 2017 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... Carrefour & Wissol Group Georgia Form a Successful Partnership NEWS PAGE 3

Ukraine as an Insoluble Problem FOCUS POLITICS PAGE 4 ON CONSTITUTIONAL Business CHANGES Award As accusations and rumours fl y, we grab an exclusive interview 2017 with Venice Commission Secretary, BUSINESS PAGE 9 Thomas Markert PAGE 2&7 Shining Some Well- Deserved Light on ‘Shuki EU Market Opens for Georgia’s Black Sea Fish Movida’ SOCIETY PAGE 10 BY THEA MORRISON Announcing the Release of rom now Georgia will have the oppor- tunity to export its fi sh to the $500 ‘Georgia: A million market of the European Union. The EU has included Georgia in the Guide to the list of "third countries,” which will Fallow Georgia’s Black Sea fi sh and fi sh products Cradle of Wine’ to be imported to the EU market. CULTURE PAGE 13 This will be the third animal product to be allowed into the EU market after Georgian wool and honey. The information was released by the Agricul- Radio NRJ Partners ture Minister of Georgia, Levan Davitashvili and with GEM FEST the EU Ambassador to Georgia, Janos Herman, at a special press-conference. “At present, $30 million worth Georgian prod- CULTURE PAGE 15 Agriculture Minister levan davitashvili and the EU ambassador to Georgia Janos Herman ucts are exported to Turkey, which has been the only export market for Georgian fi sh to date,” Georgia has good potential in this direction… order to observe the food safety control system Davitashvili said. “From now on, Georgian prod- This decision will help Georgian fi sh become and make an audit of Black Sea fi sh and fi sh ucts will have the chance to enter the European more popular on other markets. We look forward products. market with higher purchasing ability, over $500 to continuing cooperation. Negotiations over As a result of their mission and recommenda- million, giving the sector the incentive to develop other products are also underway,” Herman tions, Georgia’s Ministry of Agriculture created fi shing and the entire industry,” he added. stated. an action plan and made certain steps toward He went on to point to the next step: present- In 2014, the Georgian side presented an appli- bringing Georgian legislation closer to that of ing a list of business operators recognized by cation to the European Commission for the the EU, on the basis of which, Georgia has been Georgia who will be allowed to export Black Sea purpose of entering Georgia into the offi cial list added the list of third countries and the EU fi sh and fi sh products to the EU. of third countries. market is now open for Georgia’s Black Sea fi sh The EU ambassador noted that Georgia has made Inspectors of the Directorate General Health and fi sh products. important steps to get closer to EU standards. and Food Safety and Food and Veterinary offi ce Last year, Georgia was allowed to start honey “Export to the EU will defi nitely increase and of the European Commission visited Georgia in export to the EU market. GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS JUNE 23 - 26, 2017 Georgia Leads CIS Opposition, NGOs Criticize Countries in Global Ruling Party on Election System Cybersecurity Index 2017 BY THEA MORRISON

he recent announcement of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party over moving to fully proportional elections from 2020 to 2024 Twas followed by harsh criticism from opposition parties and Non-Governmen- tal Organizations (NGOs). Georgia has a mixed electoral system through which voters can cast two ballots – one for a party in a nationwide vote, and another for a specifi c candidate in a respective single-member constituency. After the nationwide discussions and large-scale consensus over moving to wholly proportional elections, which was the main demand of the opposition, several days ago, the ruling party announced that the changes in the elec- tems in the military sphere,” the Global tion system would not take place until BY THEA MORRISON Cybersecurity Index 2017 reads. 2024. Instead, the GD offered to reduce after eight years, as with the election Georgia’s 12 leading NGOs issued a The Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) the 5 percent threshold to 3 percent. system,” Roman Gotsiridze from the joint statement in which they condemn 2017 measures each nation's level of Parliamentary minority Movement for UNM stated. Georgian Dream’s decision about mov- eorgia is leading the top commitment to the ITU's Global Cyber- Freedom-European Georgia says that Both opposition parties, and also the ing to proportional elections after eight three ranked countries in security Agenda, with the aim of high- the ruling team “cheated” society and third parliamentary opposition the Alli- years. the Commonwealth of lighting potential areas for improvement the Venice Commission when they ance of Patriots of Georgia, have boy- “This decision is unacceptable and Independent States (CIS) and driving cybersecurity to the forefront refused to change the election system. cotted the process of discussions on the unfair…We positively assessed the intro- Global Cybersecurity of national plan “When GD was in opposition, they constitutional amendments in Parliament. duction of a proportional system and GIndex 2017, released by the International 134 Member States (including the State were the ones requesting the change to The ruling party, which has the con- this position was shared by the Venice Telecommunication Union (ITU). of Palestine) responded to the survey the current election system, now they stitutional majority with 116 MPs in a Commission,” the statement of NGOs In general, Georgia’s place is 8th on throughout 2016. are against doing it…The ruling party 150-seat legislative body, intends to dis- reads. the list, which means the country has The GCI revolves around the ITU Global promised us they would take into account cuss the amendments even without par- The NGOs claim that after four month’s improved its position by four steps- Cybersecurity Agenda (GCA) and its fi ve the remarks of the Venice Commission ticipation of the opposition. work with the Constitutional Commis- Georgia was ranked 12th in the previous pillars: legal, technical, organizational, but they cheated us,” Giga Bokeria, one The leader of the parliamentary major- sion and Venice Commission, the “uni- edition, released in 2015. capacity building and cooperation. For of the leaders of the European Georgia, ity, Archil Talakvadze, underlined that lateral” decision of the ruling party to “Georgia is top ranked in the CIS. After each of these pillars, questions were stressed. Georgia will defi nitely have a propor- delay introducing the proportional elec- large-scale cyber-attacks on the country developed to assess commitment. Through Opposition party United National tional election system but not during the tion system is “inadequate.” in 2008, the government has strongly consultation with a group of experts, Movement (UNM) claims the ruling next elections. “Without the involvement of the inter- supported the protection of the country's these questions were weighed in order team acted based on its political inter- “Georgia will move to a more demo- ested sides and on the basis of their nar- information systems. The Information to arrive at an overall GCI score. ests. cratic electoral system and this will be row political interests, Georgian Dream Security Law established a Cyber Secu- The survey was administered through “We do not approve the package of reflected in the following elections changed the agreed decision to move to rity Bureau with a particular emphasis an online platform through which sup- amendments to the Constitution as most because we are ready to reduce the elec- proportional election system,” the state- on protecting critical information sys- porting evidence was also collected. of the changes will go into force only tion threshold,” Talakvadze said. ment reads. Georgia’s Justice Ministry Launches Website against Violence

society about the legal changes to 20 Further, the Justice Ministry is to hold BY THEA MORRISON laws which protect human rights. It also meetings in educational institutions and gives information about what domestic organize trainings in justice houses and violence entails and how it can be stopped community centers throughout Georgia he Ministry of Justice of Geor- or prevented on time. It also contains through the year. gia has started a campaign violence statistics, news, videos, posters So far around 200 people have attended against violence, named and a hotline number for reporting inci- the trainings and in total 2500 persons ‘Imokmede’ and has launched dents of violence. are expected to be trained within the a special website imoqmede. Visitors to the page can easily join the campaign. geT for those wishing to get involved in a campaign by pressing the button ‘Join’ “Domestic violence is not a perfor- large-scale campaign or to keep up-to-date and can can ask any relevant questions mance or fi lm…The State cannot just with the latest related information, statistics to an online consultant. They can also stand by and watch it indifferently,” Jus- or news about violence and its prevention. leave anonymous messages about inci- tice Minister Thea Tsulukiani stated at The aim of the website is to inform dents of violence. the presentation of the campaign. GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 23 - 26, 2017 NEWS 3 Carrefour & Wissol Group Georgia Form a Successful Partnership

ajid Al Futtaim Retail, the retail pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. arm of Majid Al Futtaim, the lead- A remarkable business success story, Majid Al ing shopping mall, communities, Futtaim started from one man’s vision to transform retail and leisure pioneer across the face of shopping, entertainment and leisure to the Middle East, Africa and Asia, ‘create great moments for everyone, every day’. It Mhas announced its partnership with MP Develop- has since grown into one of the United Arab Emir- ment, the real estate arm of Wissol Group in Geor- ates’ most respected and successful businesses gia. spanning 15 international markets, employing more At the end of July, MP Development is to launch than 35,000 people, and obtaining the highest credit its next shopping center in the heart of Batumi City, rating (BBB) among privately-held corporates in where anchor tenant will be Carrefour supermar- the region. ket. The 2,500 sq.m. store will offer customers the Majid Al Futtaim owns and operates 21 shopping widest choice of fresh produce and household malls, 12 hotels and three mixed-use communities, goods, with over 15,000 items at competitive prices with further developments underway in the region. and will create more than 150 new jobs. In addition The shopping malls portfolio includes Mall of the to Carrefour Batumi, the second shopping center Emirates, Mall of Egypt, City Centre malls, My City for MP Development will also carry fast food res- Centre neighborhood centers, and four community taurants Wendy’s and Dunkin’ Donuts, a branch of malls which are in joint venture with the Govern- Bank of Georgia, a pharmacy, toy shop, shoe and ment of Sharjah. The Company is the exclusive clothing shops and other retail shops of different franchisee for Carrefour in 38 markets across Mid- profi les. dle East, Africa and Asia, and operates a portfolio Carrefour launched its fi rst supermarket in May of more than 175 outlets in 15 countries. 2017 in the MP Development-owned shopping Majid Al Futtaim operates 284 VOX Cinema center located in Gldani, Tbilisi. Carrefour Georgia screens and 30 Magic Planet family entertainment will take over two more supermarkets from Wissol centres across the region, in addition to iconic lei- Group’s Smart during the summer. sure and entertainment facilities such as Ski Dubai Smart will continue to develop itself in its origi- and Ski Egypt, among others. The Company is par- nal format as small supermarkets, mostly located This step will initiate new opportunities and will more jobs. Batumi shopping center alone will cre- ent to the consumer fi nance company 'Najm', a at petrol and natural gas stations in different cities help create new jobs to support the economy in ate over 250 additional jobs.” fashion retail business representing international and at rest areas on highways. Smart small-format Georgia. In line with Majid Al Futaim’s vision to “We are delighted with this successful partner- brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, AllSaints, supermarkets have shown great profi tability; hence, create great moments for everyone, every day, Car- ship established between Carrefour and Wissol lululemon athletica, and Crate & Barrel; and a it has become one of Wissol Group’s priorities to refour offers an exceptional shopping experience, Group in Georgia,” said Philippe Peguilhan, Coun- healthcare business that operates City Centre Clin- further develop this business. providing the widest range of quality products at try Manager of Carrefour in Georgia. “It is our ics. In addition, Majid Al Futtaim operates Enova, Carrefour was fi rst launched in Georgia in 2012, competitive prices as well as distinguished cus- intention to develop several interesting projects a facility and energy management company, through with its fi rst hypermarket in Tbilisi Mall. Today, tomer service. together with Wissol Group. This partnership will a joint venture operation with Veolia, a global leader Carrefour has two hypermarkets and six supermar- “It is highly valuable for us to have such close pave the way for further expansion of Carrefour in optimised environment resource management. kets in Tbilisi, with over 1500 employees. As a result partnership with Carrefour that is economically stores in Georgia, as well as further investments The Company also owns the rights to The LEGO of its successful partnership with Wissol Group, interesting for both parties,” said Soso Pkhakadze, and more job opportunities.” Store and American Girl in the Middle East and Carrefour will soon open its fi rst supermarket in President of Wissol Group. “This partnership will Founded in 1992, Majid Al Futtaim is the leading operates in the food and beverage industry through Batumi and two additional supermarkets in Tbilisi. bring solid investments, modern infrastructure and shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure a partnership with Gourmet Gulf. Innovation Brings New Life to Civil Service Reform in Georgia

eorgian public servants, civil society tions, the participants of the innovative conference professionals and representatives of discussed possible scenarios of the civil service international organizations attended reform in Georgia and model responses to poten- a two-day conference in Tbilisi to tial risks. The conference was led by Nur Anisah analyse the ongoing civil service Abdullah, Professor of Amity University Dubai and Greform in Georgia. The conference offered innova- international expert in Foresight Methodology. tive Foresight Methodology recognized by one of The conference coincided with the annual UN the best tools in modelling policies and strategies. Public Service Day celebrated by the United Nations The conference was organized by the ServiceLab on June 23 to acknowledge the value and virtue of (Innovative Service Laboratory) of the Public Ser- public service, highlight its contribution in the vice Development Agency (PSDA), in cooperation development process, recognize the work of pub- with the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) of Georgia, lic servants, and encourage young people to pursue and with assistance from the United Nations Devel- careers in the public sector. The 2017 theme of the opment Program (UNDP), Government of Sweden Public Service Day is: The Future is Now - Accel- and Government of the United Kingdom of Great erating Public Service Innovation for Agenda 2030. Britain and Northern Ireland. “The ongoing reform is an important step towards “It is the second event arranged by ServiceLab building a strong, professional and impartial civil to promote innovative thinking in Georgia’s public service in Georgia. Innovative approaches contrib- sector,” said Soso Giorgadze, Chairperson of the ute to the reform process and benefi t both public Public Service Development Agency (PSDA), servants and citizens of Georgia,” said Natia Nats- speaking at the opening of the conference on June vlishvili, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative 22. “This time we are focusing on civil service a.i. in Georgia. reform, one of the critical elements of the ongoing Public administration reform is one of the pri- Public Administration Reform in the country. The orities of the Four-Point Reform program developed Foresight Methodology allows us to think ahead, by the Government of Georgia in 2016. UNDP is anticipate potential developments, analyse risks supporting the key areas of reform through the and respond to future eventualities”. UK-funded GBP 4.5 million initiative that will con- Through a series of brainstorming and simula- tinue until the close of 2020. GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS JUNE 23 - 26, 2017 Ukraine as an Insoluble Problem ative as it tries to prevent the resurgent Russia from BY EMIL AVDALIANI projecting its infl uence in its immediate neighbor- hood. Restoration of Russian infl uence over the Ukraine territory would increase Moscow’s pro- kraine’s president Petro Poroshenko jection of power over the Black Sea and the South met his US counterpart, Donald Caucasus, and will threaten eastern European Trump, on June 20 in Washington in security. Thus, from a strategic point of view, fi nan- what was their fi rst one-on-one meet- cial aid together with, for the moment, measured ing since Trump’s election and which military assistance, are those steps the US would Usaw Poroshenko hailing US-Ukraine relations. Later, continue with. the White House released a statement saying that This shows those crucial differences between the the two leaders had discussed "support for the two powers in the post-Soviet space and offers lit- peaceful resolution of the confl ict in eastern Ukraine tle chance for them to reconcile. Any change in US and President Poroshenko's reform agenda and attitude towards Ukraine would prompt a fracture anticorruption efforts”. in the united Western front against Russia and a Another interesting aspect to the meeting is that decrease of western prestige in such important Poroshenko met with Trump before the latter’s countries as Georgia and Moldova. expected fi rst encounter with Russian President Ukraine’s president Petro Poroshenko met his US counterpart, Donald Trump, on June 20 in Washington. Although it is tempting at times to claim that the Vladimir Putin during the G20 summit in Germany Source: The Washington Post US will change its policy towards the Ukraine con- next month. Putin and Trump are very likely to fl ict or will recognize Crimea as a part of Russia, talk about a whole of range of topics, but the Ukraine heavily involved in long-term Islamic confl icts effective infl uence not only on the North Caucasus there is a range of strategic differences between crisis is sure to be one of the focal points. along its entire southern border. With an overall but also Belarus, whose territory is used by Rus- Moscow and Washington. East European security, Indeed, Ukraine remains a sore point between sharp decline in population numbers, there has been sian armed forces and thereby constitutes a major together with the increased Russian infl uence in Moscow and Washington due to Russian military a drastic surge in past years in Russia’s Muslim threat to Poland because of the long border the the post-Soviet space, are at stake- making it dif- and economic support of eastern Ukraine’s break- population. It may have seemed like a natural inter- latter has with Belarus. fi cult for the White House to change its course on away territories. As a refl ection of this trend, just nal population development in Western Europe and For the US, keeping Ukraine is a strategic imper- Ukraine. before Poroshenko’s visit, the US Treasury Depart- the US, however, for the Russian government it ment announced new sanctions against dozens of represents a grave problem resulting in an acute separatist fi ghters, leaders, and their allies who nationalist reaction in Russian society. It is exactly have been fi ghting Ukrainian forces in the eastern for this reason that the 45 million Slavs of Ukraine Donbas region. are crucial for Moscow. Moreover, although there Spotlight on the Greater While new sanctions are being introduced against have already been several examples of Slavic coun- Russia, the new US administration has yet to for- tries (Slovenia, Poland, Czech Republic, etc.) joining mulate its policy towards the confl ict in east Ukraine, the EU and NATO, Ukraine following their path will nor has it said how far it will go in countering Rus- irreversibly undermine the notion of the so-called Middle East, Turkey & the sia. Recent years have also shown that Russian and “Slavic Union” and would leave Russia with just its US interests are highly divergent in the region, Belarus brethren. with both pursuing their own geopolitical goals. Europe is on a desperate quest for security, but For Russia, Ukraine is important both economi- the same can be said about Russia. Ukraine within South Caucasus cally and strategically: even without Poland or the the EU and NATO, with ultra-modern Western Baltic States, Russia retains the status of a “Eura- forces and military capabilities, stationed on the the competing Russia and United States are watch- BY MELIK ALKAN sian Empire”. Without Ukraine, Russia will increas- Russian-Ukrainian border, will automatically cre- ing Turkey carefully. To the minds of many experts, ingly become a state with more borders in Asia ate existential problems for Russia. From a pro- Turkey is becoming autocratic, which is why it is than in Europe. This will in turn make Russia more European/NATO Kiev, it will be possible to have quickly sliding towards the Russian orbit. he Middle East, or as it is often named, the “Levant,” is a transcontinental CURRENT QATAR CRISIS IMPLICATION region at the center of western Asia ON THE SOUTH CAUCASUS and Egypt. Signifi cant bodies of waters, If it is necessary to reframe the Qatar crisis and its such as Persian Gulf, Suez Canal, Black implications on the South Caucasus, it can be con- TSea, the Indian Ocean, and the Tigris and Euphra- sidered economically consequential and it is spec- tes rivers, have historically been used as waterways ulated that the negative effects of the row between for international powers. The Suez Canal and Red Qatar and Saudi Arabia and its allies may spill over Sea connect the Mediterranean and European ports into Turkey and Iran. with Asian markets. The Arabian Sea, particularly Many states in the Middle East have announced plans the port of Gwadar in Southern Pakistan, will be to cut diplomatic, bilateral and regional relations with critical for China's ascendance, and the potential the tiny peninsular state, allegedly due to their sup- shift of geopolitical power from the West to the porting terrorist groups. Qatar has so far denied accu- East. The region is also named the Fertile Crescent sations that it has been backing terrorism. for its geographical shape. In an attempt to mitigate the loss of regional inter- Countries involved in the rivalries aim to gain est, Qatar has boosted Qatar Airways, initiated upper hand advantages in the region by fi lling the military improvements, and doubled down on eco- vacuum after political crises leave a chasm. The nomic relations with friendly states. Turkey and US tried to deviate the region from Russia, while Iran have, in turn, acted against the blockade led Russia considered it to be a peripheral region that by Saudi Arabia. Turkey gave full assistance towards needs to be taken care of. Russian relations with Qatar, mainly through food deliveries and increas- Egypt, Iraq, Tunisia and Algeria predate the col- ing military presence there. Turkey does not believe lapse of the Soviet Union and since, Russia has that Doha backs terrorism. constructed its presence by pouring Rubles into “Turkey is with Qatar in full support and the alle- those states where leaders with an autocratic pro- gations are inhumane and un-Islamic,” President fi le are most cordial. Erdogan said. These two superpowers gained a strategic posi- Turkey approved the fast track and passed a par- tion through “proxy alliances or partners”, more liamentary bill to deploy Turkish soldiers on Qatari accurately, the US made it easier to implement its soil. The bill raised the question that with one of policy in the Greater Middle East, made affordable the largest US States military bases of the Middle and effective with the help of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, East already located in Qatar, who is Turkey to Qatar, and Israel, among others- countries which protect Qatar from? collaborate with the US in several ways, from offer- The wealthy Middle East states mainly invest in ing military bases, to providing logistics and facil- solar energy, tourism, property, hotels, and other itating diplomacy. investments in the South Caucasus. Qatar enjoys Today, Russia blames the US for instability and economic relations with three South Caucasus harboring extremism in the Greater Middle East. countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. In Having reshaped its foreign policy, Russia seeks Georgia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have and pursues the opportunity to demonstrate its investments and additional economic interests. ability as a power broker in countries, or between The UAE poured $155 million into the Port of Poti countries, where US interventions have come into project with the 2008 deal, and has invested $140 question since the Obama Administration. million in hotels in Tbilisi. UAE, Qatar and Saudi Russia collaborates with Iran, Egypt, and Turkey Arabia also have economic and diplomatic rela- to carry out the grand plan to be a major compet- tions in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Saudi itor and an alternative power and broker. Russia Arabia has deepened its ties in Azerbaijan, while FIRST BRAND HOTEL IN KUTAISI UNDER BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL also benefi ts from having relations with Turkey. the UAE has done so in Armenia. One of the most Interestingly, Turkey is no longer a reliable partner lucrative economic aspects is airways: Qatar Air- Within the framework of the Georgian Hotels’ Regional Three mobile conference halls are available with a total Network Development Project “12 hotels in 12 regions” by capacity of about 100 persons. for the United States as it slides toward Russia. ways is one of the frequent airways serving the GHYHORSPHQWFRPSDQ\³6LPHWULD´WKH¿UVWEUDQGKRWHOKDV With Russia seeming to be prolonging regional three countries alongside other airways from Mid- been opened in Kutaisi under the Best Western International (XURSHDQFXLVLQHFDQEHHQMR\HGLQWKHJURXQGÀRRUFDIp confl icts, Turkey could be more helpful if it allies dle East states. In return, the three South Caucasus brand. and a grill-bar menu in the roof top restaurant with the United States. The case of Turkey in the countries have eased visa regimes and foreign with panoramic views over the city. The hotel accommodates 45 guest rooms, including 40 region is more inextricably intertwined in differ- investment taxation, opening business regulations standard rooms and 5 suites. The hotel was designed taking The International Hotels Management Company “T3 ent directions; as Turkey adopts different perspec- and requirements with the Middle East. into consideration special conditions and safety for guests Hospitality Management,” providing the hotel management, tives on the region from those of the US, especially Qatar and other countries will continue pursuing with disabilities. has 20 years’ experience in hotel management in different with regards to arming and supporting the YPD, a investments and ties in the South Caucasus for countries globally. Kurdish fraction Turkey sees as a terrorist organi- mutual and multilateral benefi ts but the relations Address: 11 Grishashvili Str., 4600, Kutaisi, Georgia zation but which the US believes is fi ghting effec- may be interrupted if Russian and American geo- TEL 219 71 00 tively against ISIS. The US has to reconsider reli- political strategies on Turkey and Iran take another [email protected] able alliances in Greater Middle East. In a nutshell, course.

GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS JUNE 23 - 26, 2017 The Longest Serving US Diplomat & His Vision of a New Free World INTERVIEW BY NANA PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. WHO THE FREE WORLD… FOREIGN POLICY. HOW WOULD STRONGER WHEN IT WORKS OVERSAW THE 1ST ROUND OF The Free World is a collection of those YOU DEFINE THAT TO THE WITH ALLIES AND NOT WHEN SAJAIA, VOICE OF AMERICA SANCTIONS? ARE ADDITIONAL countries committed to a rule-based DEMOCRACIES IN EASTERN IT RECOGNIZES SPHERES OF GEORGIAN SERVICE SANCTIONS THE BEST WAY FOR world, rule of law at home, democracy, EUROPE THAT YOU HAVE INFLUENCE. HOWEVER, THE WASHINGTON TO NAVIGATE ITS and sharing a belief that the great democ- WORKED ON FOR DECADES? 2008 GEORGIA-RUSSIAN RELATIONSHIP WITH MOSCOW? racies should work together to make the According to the tenants of the Free WAR WAS AN EXAMPLE OF fter 40 years in Foreign I understand what the senators are after world a better place, which will also be World, the countries that emerged from RECOGNIZING SPHERES OF Service, Ambassador Dan- and I appreciate their commitment to better for their countries. the Soviet Union, as they build their INFLUENCE FOR MANY iel Fried retired from the holding Russia accountable for its aggres- Against the values of the Free World democracy and economies and strong It is a fair question to ask. After 1989, State Department as the sion against Ukraine, not forgetting its we have the notion of autocracies, the institutions at home, have every right to for 20 years, we had great success help- longest serving diplomat aggression against Georgia in 2008, and great dictators, who want to make the join with the great institutions of the ing countries like Poland, the Baltic Aand joined the DC-based Atlantic Coun- its aggression directly against the United world in their own image, not a rule- transatlantic world. States and Romania to join the institu- cil. Fried, who oversaw the fi rst phase States with the cyber hacking of our based one, but a world where power is We made great progress on that for tions of Europe and the transatlantic of the Russia sanctions and worked on elections. The senators are trying to do its own rationale and its own justifi ca- almost 20 years following the end of the community. We tried with Georgia in NATO enlargement, published an essay something, which is important and dif- tion; a world of spheres of infl uence. In Iron Curtain. We didn’t complete that Bucharest and we almost succeeded. recently, in which he describes the mod- fi cult. that world, a country like Georgia has task and Georgians would probably say, I’m not going to pretend otherwise: we ern understanding of the Free World, its We do want to cooperate with Russia no genuine sovereignty, but is merely a hey, what about us? Are we less deserv- did not succeed and then the war hap- implications, and US foreign policy. where we have common interests, and product of some great powers’ interest ing? And the answer is, you are equally pened and the West was divided, but Voice of America’s Nana Sajaia sat I am all for that. But we should neither and game. deserving, you deserve to fi nd your place that does not mean we recognize spheres down with the Ambassador to discuss, expect too much from the Russians, nor To put it bluntly, in a sphere of infl u- in greater Europe based on what you do of infl uence over Georgia. What it means what he calls America’s “Grand Strategy” should we, under any circumstances, ence world, a world run by the great at home and not on what Moscow will is that we have to be realistic about what in the age of Russia’s “corrosive politics”. pay Russia in advance with other coun- autocracies, Georgia belongs to some let you do. is possible right now in this phase of tries’ equities for the privilege of work- other power. In the Free World, Georgia Sometimes, history does not work out history; it does not mean history is A BIPARTISAN GROUP OF ing with them on areas that are supposed belongs to itself and its faith is up to simply and that time for Georgia may closed for Georgia. SENATORS AGREED ON A to be of common interest. Georgians. come again. It might not be now, but it LIST OF NEW SANCTIONS will come again. Interview originally published here: https:// TO PUNISH RUSSIA FOR IN YOUR RECENT ESSAY, YOU ALSO SPEAK ABOUT www.amerikiskhma.com/a/interview-with- MEDDLING IN THE 2016 YOU SPEAK ABOUT THE FREE WORLD-BASED US YOU ARGUE THAT AMERICA IS daniel-fried/3906364.html Memories of Socialism gan, White House, Washington in a hand- olence between the diametrically differ- Dana Rohrabacher written note by Curt Weldon (today’s ent systems, which practically meant a presents Georgian member of the House of Representatives chance to maintain peace in the world. drinking horn to Reagan and then aide to the American President), People were people and they wanted to depicted the handing over to the Amer- love each other and to cooperate some- ican president of a Qhantsi, a horn drink- how. As I was by Gia, Mikhako’s grand- ing vessel. son, he was a kid when his powerful and Recently, and accidentally, I ran into famous grandpa asked him to bring out Oragvelidze’s grandson in Tbilisi, who his favorite drinking vessel Qhantsi, told me this story, and later kindly sup- which was then fi lled with the typical plied me with those historical photos. Gurian wine from the endemic Isabella The story has it that in 1986, a high-rank- vine. The jovial and gregarious Gurian ing delegation from the US visited Geor- host, who clearly exuded a regular human gia and the American President’s men- happiness, a sense of the achieved well- tioned aide had an encounter with the being and a pride for socialist content, amply decorated Georgian rural leader made a toast to peace, drank the horn Mikhako Oragvelidze, who had actually dry and gave it to Dana to toast to peace achieved outstanding results in the farm in the same way. After this, the host activity of those times, having become requested the guest to give the horn to an epitome of farming accomplishments Ronald Reagan when he returned to which made him the foundation of the America, and to ask the President to socialist idea of people’s well-being. The drink a toast to peace in the world as country itself was certainly poor, but it they had just done. seems that fl ashes of occasional economic Imagine that the request was respect- triumph were still seen. Those examples fully fulfi lled and Ronnie accepted the of success were usually generalized by Georgian souvenir and drank from it, the communist leadership to perpetuate too- wouldn’t that be marvelous? I the thought that socialism was not a his- believe that encounters like this can torical mistake and that it made sense to really make peace and cooperation continue working on it. This was exactly between the peoples of the world, be it the reason the prominent American and during that strange period of socialism other foreign guests were shown around or the tough times of capitalism. Rea- the farms and enterprises which deserved gans, Gorbachevs and Shevardnadzes the attention of curious foreigners. The –all of them just need to talk it out and entire idea was to prove to the world that work with (and like) men like Mikhako, in the fi erce Cold War competition, social- notwithstanding their current political ism prevailed against capitalism, thus credos. very successfully too, a black Volga with photograph which in the center showed justifying the monstrous and almost Mikhako Oragvelidze was a man who BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE government license plates rolled into Dana Rohrabacher, the now incumbent moribund soviet economic and political created a good life for his community, the celebrated village of Shroma in Guria, republican member of the United States experiment. whatever the understanding of ‘good marked with distinguished popularity House of Representatives, who had served But whatever it was, good things were life’ was at that time. He was a kind, little over 30 years ago, throughout the Union. A secret service as a speechwriter and special assistant happening, too, at least on the level of astute and hardworking man, standing when the Soviet Union was agent got out of the car and enquired to President Ronald Reagan from 1981 regular human interaction. The encoun- next to his people both in bliss and need. still alive and kicking and after the Chairman of the local collec- to 1988, and Mikhako Oragvelidze. The ter between the capitalist American Dana He was a good leader, and good leader- the socialist agriculture tive farm, the famous Mikhako Oragve- photo, labeled USSR, Georgia, Ozurgeti, Rohrabacher and the soviet Oragvelidze ship works anytime and anywhere, in Asector was still functional, lidze. He brought out a black-and-white Mikhako Oragvelidze, from Ronald Rea- was the example of that possible benev- the life of any nation. GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 23 - 26, 2017 POLITICS 7 Laws, Land & Voting: The Venice Commission’s View

we appreciate the process, we appreci- parliamentary system that the president lems with this approach. majority. And there are some issues con- INTERVIEW BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE ate the good cooperation with the Com- is not elected directly by the people but cerning judiciary. We were informed mission and we think that this revised elected indirectly, because if you elect WHAT’S THE EUROPEAN that the probationary period for judges constitution is a good step towards a the president directly it tends to store KNOW-HOW ON THE will be abolished in a few years. We onstitutional amendments, more coherent parliamentary system more powers. I don’t think it’s possible PROPORTION VOTING SYSTEM understand it cannot be done immedi- getting them approved, and government in Georgia. So, overall, to be a neutral president if elected by AND DISTRIBUTION OF NON- ately, you have to prepare for it. And the then getting a nod from our assessment is quite positive. the people because they campaign and ALLOTTED MANDATE? issue of election and appointment of opposition, then from the then have to fulfi l their campaign [prom- I don’t think it’s only European know- Supreme Court judges. Venice Commission WHAT DO YOU SAY TO ises]. The Commission does not say how because various systems work dif- C(apparently, no nod is necessary from CLAIMS THAT THE GOV’T that it is necessary to have an indirect ferently in different countries. In Geor- TWO OF THE AMENDMENTS the people), has become a problem of IS PUTTING PRESSURE ON election of the president under the new gia, we have seen that the mixed system ARE SPARKING QUITE A Gordian knot-like proportions for the THE COMMISSION? constitution but we have no objection gave overwhelming majority to one DEBATE– ONE MAINTAINS ruling party, Georgian Dream. The role It didn’t happen. Our cooperation with to this change, although it is important party and this is not good. Therefore, THAT THE DEFINITION OF of the Venice Commission is especially all Georgian authorities, with the for us that this change is not carried we welcome a change to the propor- ‘FAMILY’ IS A UNION BETWEEN under scrutiny: were they really black- Speaker, and also with the President, out immediately, next year, but only tional system. Now these changes are A MAN AND A WOMAN, mailed by the government, as the oppo- was always correct. from 2023. This shows that this systemic qualifi ed by different mechanisms, the AND ANOTHER PROHIBITS sition claims? How come their prelim- change, which is a new structure, is not 5% clause, prohibition of blocks and THE SALE OF AGRICULTURAL inary conclusion was leaked (and who AND TO THE LEAKING OF THE an act directed against a specifi c person. rules on wasted votes. We expressed LAND TO FOREIGN CITIZENS. did it?) and what are their views on the COMMISSION’S PRELIMINARY concern especially with respect to the WHAT’S THE COMMISSION’S much-debated changes that are alleg- OPINION PAPER? SOME SAY THE PRIME latter, however, we were informed by TAKE ON THIS? edly curtailing the President’s powers I can’t say as we sent the paper to both MINISTER IS GETTING TOO the Speaker that the plan is to change As regards the fi rst change, we’re not even further? With this and many other parties, to the President- who is not MUCH POWER IN HIS HANDS. this rule and to limit this premium for necessarily in favor. The current consti- questions, GEORGIA TODAY and Pan- opposition but the Head of State, to the THE NEW AMENDMENT the majority. tution was good enough and is preferable orama TV Show met the Secretary of Parliamentary Speaker and to the per- SAYS HE CAN CHANGE in so far as it leaves room for future devel- the Venice Commission, Mr. Thomas manent representation in Strasbourg. MINISTERS AT WILL AND WHAT ARE THE REMAINING opment, but we don’t say that this change Markert, for an exclusive interview. We have no idea who is responsible for NEEDS NO CONFIDENCE ISSUES THAT YOU EXPECT contradicts European standards. However, the leak. VOTE FROM PARLIAMENT THE GOV’T TO DEAL WITH? we are in the line that this change should WHAT WERE THE TAKEAWAYS AFTER 5 MINISTERS There are number of minor issues con- not be interpreted as prohibiting the pos- FROM THE MEETING? DID YOU ONE FEAR IS THAT THE HAVE BEEN REPLACED. cerning fundamental rights, different sibility for same-sex registered partner- REACH A COMPROMISE, AND CHANGES MIGHT BE USED WHAT’S YOUR TAKE? wording, etc. One issue we don’t agree ships. As regards the other issue, it is not IF SO, ON WHAT ISSUES? BY THE GOV’T TO FURTHER For us, it’s important that the rules of with the majority and maybe opposition so much the concern of the Venice Com- It is not for the Commission to reach CEMENT ITS POSITION no-confi dence in the government were is that we would like to see the estab- mission. It is certainly good to have some compromise but rather that compromise AND IMPOSE ITS AGENDA amended, making it much easier for lishment of a second chamber, a senate, fl exibility in this respect in your future has to be reached within Georgia. But OVER THE OPPOSITION parliament to remove the PM and gov- already- no more waiting for the reinte- for European integration. So, it would be we did give an opinion on the text which The overall aim to reform is to move ernment. This is really a normal check gration of Abkhazia and South Ossetia best not to have a strong constitutional was presented to us and I can say that, Georgia to a fully-fl edged coherent par- on the powers of the PM in the parlia- in order to have different counterweight rule on this but rather leave this regula- overall, our opinion is very favorable; liamentary system. It is normal in a mentary system. So, we have no prob- to the power of the government and the tion to organic law. GEORGIA TODAY 8 POLITICS JUNE 23 - 26, 2017 Republic or Monarchy? OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA

he Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II came up with an initiative to make the republic a constitutional monarchy. The governmental party “faces” instantly turned it into signifi cant Chairman of the Legal Issues Committee, met with Tpolitical news and thus another political perfor- the Patriarch of Georgia for consultation. The fact mance began. Who could be the Georgian monarch that the governmental party was so quick to react of the 21st century? What fate awaits the President? to the initiatives has raised doubts among the And, most importantly, what will happen to the political elite that Georgian Dream is planning a new constitutional project? Interestingly, Georgian monarchical revolution in the country. These were Dream substantiated adopting the latter, arguing further enhanced because Patriarch’s statement the necessity of having a completely republican suspiciously coincided with information in Geor- system in the country. 'Republic or monarchy' is gian media about Bidzina Ivanishvili’s stroke. At a the new puzzle for the government. glance, Ilia II’s idea about substituting an informal The initiative to “revive” the monarchy is noth- king with a constitutional one might even seem ing new. In 2009, with the aim of “discharging” the logical if not for the fact that these monarchical situation, when the three-month so-called “Cell” processes have developed in a completely different protests against President Saakashvili’s government direction. failed, the Patriarch advised both the government The thing is that, as a unifi ed monarchical state, and opposition to turn the presidential system into Georgia hasn’t had a king since the 15th century. a constitutional monarchy. Although the opposi- Not only the Georgian Dream, but even the Geor- tion at that time grasped the initiative, after Saakash- gian royal family descendants have no idea who vili’s victory, Ilia II went quiet on the issue. At should take the thrown in the 21st century. Some another time though, in an interview with Russian recognize the Bagrationi’s royal branch that emi- Commersant, then-Minister of Interior Affairs Vano grated and now resides in Spain, while others sup- Merabishvili implied that the initiative was con- port those living in Italy, and some acknowledge nected with the Kremlin and Russian interests. the so-called Mukhranian-Bagrationi royal house, “Primakov has been appointed responsible for etc. In short, as they say here, even the “dog can’t the issues of Georgia in Moscow. Afterwards, sud- recognize his master”. Most importantly, no-one, denly the project of the Georgian King from the including the Bagrationi’s, has any idea about the Bagrationi family was initiated. The Bagrationi alleged monarch of united Georgia, the one that descendent was quickly married to another descend- will be subordinated by the so-called principalities ent from another branch of the same royal family, of Abkhazia, Samegrelo, Guria, Imereti, Kartli, for which they separated the woman from her for- Kakheti, Samtskhe-Javakheti and Hereti. What mer husband. And what? The project, together with makes things even more complicated is that in 1801, the marriage, collapsed. In Moscow, they are con- when Russia annulled the throne of Kartl-Kakheti, stantly searching for an heir for Georgia, but these the united Georgian Royal Throne ceased to exist attempts are completely doomed,” he said. so God knows exactly which monarchy’s revival Seven years have passed since that interview and the Patriarch is on about. the head of Russian Intelligence, Yevgeny Prima- As strange as it may seem, said initiative will cre- kov, is dead, but apparently the issue of Georgian ate even more arguments for the Kremlin about monarchy is still hot both for the Kremlin and Ilia the issue of western Georgia, and especially Abk- II. hazia, which was not part of that monarchy, the High offi cials like Irakli Kobakhidze, Chairman revival of which Ilia II reminds us so insistently of the Parliament of Georgia, and Eka Beselia, from time to time. Problems at Georgia’s Breakaway Regions Discussed at Geneva Int’l Talks Georgian representatives again sharply raised the BY THEA MORRISON issue of Russia's annexation policy, saying “it is expressed in the gradual military, political, eco- nomic and humanitarian integration of Abkhazia eorgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tskhinvali regions with Russia.” (MFA) reports that the 40th round The Georgian side also condemned the so-called of the International Talks of Geneva, military deal over the unifi cation of South Ossetian established after the 2008 August War and Russian armies under the Russian Armed between Georgia and Russia, was held Forces which was assessed as another illegal move Gon June 20-21, where the participants of the nego- towards the annexation of the region. tiations were presented with individual status. The installation of barbed wire fences and new The talks were co-chaired by representatives from border signs, the kidnapping of Georgian citizens the European Union (EU), United Nations (UN) and depriving the local youth of an education in and the Organization for Security and Co-Operation their mother tongue was also condemned by Geor- in Europe (OSCE), as well as delegates from Geor- gian representatives. gia, Russia and the United States (US), and author- The co-chairs raised the Khurcha incident, where ities from de facto Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions. unarmed 31-year-old citizen of Georgia, Giga Otk- MFA reports that the talks were held within a hozoria, was gunned down by a Russian border two meeting-group format. At one meeting, the guard on Georgian-controlled territory in the vil- sides discussed security and stability issues in lage of Khurcha, close to the Nabakevi Crossing Georgia’s breakaway Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Point at the ABL on May 19, 2016. They said the regions, while the second meeting concerned the murderer, who is an Abkhazian citizen and who is safe return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) wanted by Interpol, should be held responsible as and refugees to their homes. soon as possible. Prior the talks, an informal informational session Furthermore, the Georgian Delegation raised the was held about the existing experience over the issue of IDPs and their safe return to their homes Administrative Boundary Line (ABL), during which in the occupied regions of Georgia. During the the successful example of Cyprus was discussed. discussions, the representatives of the Russian An invited expert informed the participants about Federation and de facto authorities of Abkhazia how free movement and communication between and Tskhinvali left the discussions in protest. the two divided communities in Cyprus has been The next round of Geneva Talks has been sched- established. uled for October 10-11. GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 23 - 26, 2017 BUSINESS 9 Business Award 2017 lways coming up with new TBC Bank is to hold the annual Business projects and ideas and Award 2017. The project, jointly run with encouraging people to try the partnership of Geocell, aims to help new things while helping minor businesses increase their reach them to archive their goals, and boost their success. The project slogan is #ShareSuccess (#გააზიარე წარ- • Touristic Business of the Year • Planting new tendencies in society. A მა ტება), and sees attendees sharing their • Agribusiness of the Year Every company in business can par- experiences with others and helping • Georgian Product of the Year ticipate in the Business Award. Eligible each other in every possible way, giving • Minor Business of the Year companies need to have been registered advice and offering new perspectives. • Business of the Year before 2016. Eligible Start-Ups, should This year, the focus will be on corpo- • Start-Up of the Year not have been registered before 2015. For rate social responsibility (CSR) as, in In every nomination except Start-Up, nominations Minor Business of the Year modern society, the success of a business which is chosen by vote, the winner is and Start-Up of the Year, the company’s which has fi nancial results is refl ected chosen by jury members whose identi- annual circulation should not exceed in what it does that is useful and inter- ties are kept secret until the fi nal days GEL 50,000. In the nomination of Inno- esting for society. Correspondingly, of the project. The jurors will evaluate vative Business of the Year there is no companies’ CSR projects will be displayed each business personally and then the regulation or limitation about the regis- in interesting ways and awarded. scores will be summed up. Competitors tration date of the company, or yearly The fi rst Business Award was held in will be assessed on the following criteria: turnover. The following businesses can- 2016 and saw a huge response. Over • The potential of material or non- not participate in the Business Award: 1000000 people around Georgia heard material profi t for society. industrial units which have a cross-over about the project, 250,000 browsed the • Development of innovative product/ into the banking-fi nancial fi eld; consul- photo galleries, 90,000 watched the vid- service. tation, auditing and notary services; eos and approximately 100,000 shared • Positive effect on business and social gambling and tobacco manufacture and them. Last year, 523 companies were environment. realization. registered, 15 became fi nalists and seven • Orientation to growth and develop- The Business Award is supported by won in different nominations. ment. the EFSE (European Fund for Southern- These seven different nominations are: • Initiative that raises the aspiration Eastern Europe) and "Produce in Geor- • Innovative Business of the Year for production. gia" (აწარმოე საქართველოში). Georgian Railway Hosts Annual CER Meeting

The forum, held in Tbilisi, is the best Mamuka Bakhtadze, Director General BY THEA MORRISON platform for establishing business relations of Georgian Railway, opened the forum with European Railway administrations. and noted that the Georgian Railway has The main aim of CER is to support the made signifi cant progress in its part of n June 20, Georgian Rail- interests of its member railways and implementing the Association Agree- way hosted the annual organizations on the territory of the EU. ment between Georgia and the EU. meeting of the Community Its slogan is "The Voice of European "Today, Georgian Railways is hosting of European Railway and Railways" and it is the Ombudsman of a very important event. We are very Infrastructure Companies the railway in the European Union. proud of this, as this is the fi rst time that (CER)O in Tbilisi. The annual meeting of the CER in Tbi- a CER forum has been held outside the CER usually holds such meetings twice lisi was attended by European directors EU. This is an indication that we are part a year in Brussels and in one of European of European Union Railways. The Chair of the European family,” he said. countries. It is the fi rst time that the of the meeting was the Executive Direc- Lochman positively assessed CER’s meeting was held in a non-EU member tor of CER, Libor Lochman. Head of the cooperation with Georgian Railway. country, Georgia. Transport Policy Department of the "I’m happy to be taking part in this After signing the Association Agree- Ministry of Economy and Sustainable event. I have had the opportunity to talk ment with the EU, Georgia has under- Development of Georgia, Ketevan Saluk- with my Georgian colleagues and discuss taken certain obligations and require- vadze, and representatives of the Min- not just internal issues but also issues ments, eight of which refer to the istry of European and Euro-Atlantic that are in the interest of EU member Georgian railway. Integration also attended the event. states,” he said.

Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY JUNE 23 - 26, 2017 Shining Some Well-Deserved Light on ‘Shuki Movida’

many from people wanting to know how wonderful and I really admire the desire BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES they can help”. demonstrated, but we try and encourage The team set up the project as a means people to look at the broader issue. We of communicating a shared experience encourage them to move beyond just he world contains a pleth- for those who are going through similar giving money in reaction to a particular ora of stories. Most of them circumstances. “It’s a way of letting them and story to think about the broader don’t get told. Many don’t know that they aren't alone in what story...” get heard. they're going through,” Jeremy says. The posts appear on facebook and the Meet Shuki Movida (“The Karen Gaskill volunteers for Shuki stories, sorted according to the geo- TLight Has Come”), an online organiza- Movida and provides editing and stra- graphical location of the story-tellers, tion which aims to get some of the most tegic direction. “Whenever I read a Shuki are then uploaded to their website shuki- touching stories in Georgia told, most Movida interview and see a photograph, movida.com. At this point, awareness of of which highlight pressing social issues I feel like I’m getting a window into a their work is achieved through word of well=deserving of our collective atten- life, into someone's unique story,” she mouth. tion. tells us. “And I think the stories being “Our goal is to cover the entire map - The idea, organizers admit, comes from told are ones we all need to hear, stories each region - by the end of the year. Humans of New York. Stories of triumph, and lives we don't encounter often Achieving this will involve more strate- stories of diffi culty, stories of the every enough. Knowing a little bit about these gic planning. We have connections day. Each captures a person with disa- people, their realities and challenges, throughout most of the country and can bilities (or someone that cares for them) opens up my perspective, my world, and reach out to many of them to learn of on fi lm and then shares a glimpse of their infl uences my life. The stories are real new stories. I think as someone from a story. and sometimes sad, but there is usually Dali Sikmashvili from Tsnori and her daughter Mariami, age 16: "Look at her smile, community is highlighted, more people “Our fi rst post was on September 14, something in each one that is inspiring her happy, shining face. You will never see her bored or sad. To be her mother: this is become aware of the project”. 2016,” Jeremy Gaskill, a former US Peace and broadening. They make us want to a great gift from God!“ Nika Zibzibadze has served with MAC Corps Volunteer in Georgia, and current do more in our own lives. I think what there were a few that came to mind. tunities the subjects have, or recognition as a program offi cer since March 2016 McLain Association for Children (MAC) makes Shuki Movida special is that the “One is a great story about a 19-year- by family that these persons can do or and is currently pursuing his degree at Chief Executive Offi cer, tells GEORGIA stories people tell are their own. And I old girl, Veriko, who grew up as a ben- understand much more than the outside the Caucasus School of Business. TODAY. “It was started by MAC with appreciate the beautiful photographs efi ciary of First Step, a Tbilisi-based day world thinks them capable of. “I always say that that the biggest suc- the simple idea of raising awareness by Natela takes of each individual, high- center and then graduated to become a “Another theme that comes up is the cess of the project is that it gives people letting individuals tell their own story. lighting personality, strength, feeling and teacher's assistant at the same center... struggle against lack of information or a platform to start speaking up for their The stories come from a variety of places. hope. We never really know what it's There's another that highlights the love understanding,” Jeremy tells us. “There children, their rights and, in general, for Some are people we've worked with, like to live in someone else's shoes, but between a father, Levan, and his daugh- are stories of misdiagnosis, of being their life which is full of both challenges others are people that were recommended the stories and photographs of Shuki ter, and shows a picture which captures confused and not having support. A feel- and successes,” he says. “What I love to us. As the page has grown in popular- Movida can help us see a little better a touching moment as they look at each ing of isolation comes up frequently.” most in this project is that Shuki Movida ity, people are now contacting us, asking what the journey in their shoes is like”. other and he concludes, ‘she is my world’. There are success stories, too: On brings happiness to the families. We visit us to come and interview them”. The photos are captured on location There are several that highlight persons November 9, Shuki Movida highlighted the families with empty hands, there are The Shuki Movida team, made up of by Natela Grigalashvili, an accomplished that suffered through the institutional Shorena Kravelidze in Marneuli. In her no expectations from their side of any three amazing people- Nika Zibzibadze, freelance photographer who hosts sev- system but have persevered...some have story, she talked about how she was going help, but they still look forward to meet- Karen Gaskill and photographer, Natela eral shows each year and teaches pho- even found love,” he says. “I appreciate to be graduating soon and said how ing us and telling their life story”. Grigalashvili- posts 1-2 stories per week tography at Tbilisi State University. that each story is different. Some are hopeful she was that she'd get a job. The “Our hope is that these stories will help with photos, each giving a peek into what “My work on the project turned out to very happy stories about overcoming post was seen by an employer who then connect people,” Jeremy concludes. “That it's like living with a disability in Geor- be fascinating,” she says. “I realize how obstacles. Others highlight the hopeless- offered her a job. hearing these stories will reduce the gia. much I learn from each of these indi- ness or sadness they feel”. Jeremy says there have been a lot of feeling of isolation, of stigma, and that “We've been really amazed to see the viduals when I see how strong they are Common negative themes that appear questions from readers about how they they will begin to speak up more. We impact,” Gaskill says. “Each week, we and how they are fi ghting for self-asser- in the stories are feelings of being dif- can give money directly to the persons want them to get more involved- with watch as the new stories get shared around tion. This is one of the best projects in ferent, of being looked at and viewed highlighted. “We ask each family if we each other, within the local government, various parents’ groups in Georgia. Likes my professional experience.” with pity or fear, the diffi culties and can share their contact information if in the lives of their children. We hope often climb into the 1000s and on a cou- We asked Jeremy which story he’d frustrations of not having access to the we get such a request. If they say yes, that the stories of success will resonate ple of occasions we've seen shares climb found most poignant, and after a moment services or support needed. Positive then we share it with individuals on a and inspire individuals, families and over that. We also get lots of comments of thoughtful refl ection he admitted that themes see appreciation for the oppor- case-by-case basis,” he says. “Giving is communities,” he concludes. Training in Planning & Organizing Festivals for Festival Professionals in Adjara The training program was created on BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES the basis of the research, workshops and face to face meetings with representa- tives of the festival sector in Adjara car- ritish Council Georgia has ried out by Nick Dodds, an expert from been working successfully the UK, in November 2016. His study with the Ministry of Educa- focused on the existing situation, achieve- tion, Culture and Sport of the ments made and challenges being faced. Adjara Autonomous Repub- The training participants had the chance licB in Georgia for some years within their to explore the experiences, achievements signed memorandum of collaboration. and challenges of UK festivals, make On 20, 21, 22 and 23 June they organ- comparisons with the Georgian methods ized a training on How to Plan and of festival management, share their Organize Festivals, conducted by British achievements with the trainers from the expert Donna Close, a representative of UK and one another and absorb useful Festivals and Events International and aspects from the UK experience. festival producer and strategic consult- “We are happy to work in partnership ant with over 20 years’ experience in with the Ministry of Education, Culture arts and cultural working in private and and Sports of Adjara Autonomous Repub- public sectors; in small creative busi- lic and share the UK’s best practice in nesses, higher education institutions, in the fi eld of Festivals Management and local government, large arts organiza- development,” said Zaza Purtseladze, tions, and from within the community Director of the British Council, Georgia. and voluntary sector. In July, the British Council plans to The aim of the training in Adjara was to conduct trainings on developing a mar- provide delegates with the knowledge, keting plan. understanding and a practical framework The British Council is the UK’s inter- to be able to write a festival and event man- national organization for cultural rela- agement plan. In addition, the concepts of tions and educational opportunities, time management, project management, changing lives by creating opportunities, customer care and customer experience building connections and engendering as measures of success were introduced. trust. GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 23 - 26, 2017 SOCIETY 11 All in the Eye of the Beholder

OP-ED BY ANNA SPONDER

f there's one thing I've noticed about liberals, it's that they seem to be all-or-nothing types. The last time I put pen to paper (or fi ngers to keyboard), I wrote some Idisparaging remarks about Georgian men within the context of a recent indis- cretion of the Georgian police. Some members of the online community appeared to take umbrage with my views of the male population here, asserting that my claims were simply stereotypes or over-generalizations. Their righteous fury reminded me of recent debates over the effect of Islam in infl uencing terrorism. Liberals will scream and shout that Islam is not the problem, that not all Muslims are terrorists, and to suggest that the religion has anything to of criticism. Just the other day I saw a on perceptions, too, as I believe I've do with the increasing number of attacks group of the worst kind of English peo- demonstrated, but I think that this is is ignorant (despite a demonstrable com- ple – loud, aggressive, and impolite – and something that even the government mon element). In the same way, liberal I shuddered, but should a Georgian have needs to consider. Not for nothing has champions (as well as outraged Geor- then come up to me and said, “English Donald Trump been criticised for his gians) online were quick to point out that people are loud, aggressive and impo- awful baggy suits, or Jeremy Corbyn for my perception was all wrong, that I was lite,” I'd not have disagreed. After all, I his unkept appearance; they simply don't clearly the “bitter ex-girlfriend” of a Geor- know that I'm not like that, but I am fi t with the Western political scene. Now, gian man (not true) who was just being willing to concede that many of my peo- you might argue that since they've both spiteful (again, not true). ple are. Going back to the matter of ter- had signifi cant impacts on politics, what Debunking criticism in the most emo- rorism, I was once told by three Iranian does it matter? Well, Trump's impend- tive way possible seems to be a liberal acquaintances that they fi rmly believed ing impeachment aside, Corbyn isn't as trait, and often fl ies in the face of com- that the Koran was capable of inspiring well loved in Britain as social media mon sense. To hear the opinions of some violence. I'd take their opinion more makes him out to be, but in truth appear- commenters, you could be mistaken for seriously than that of a Western liberal ances are far less for them than for Geor- thinking that Georgian men are actually who is more frightened of offending gian politicians, since they were lucky all suave James Bond types who'd never people than confronting ugly truths; after enough to be born in countries already think of hitting a woman or spending all, they were raised with it. in the West rather than one aspiring their day squatting on a roadside with First impressions, though, are hard to towards it. sunfl ower seeds; but not once in my shake, and often refl ect more than per- To many this might sound trivial, but article did I suggest that there aren't haps people would like to admit. My fi rst in Western professional, political and gentlemen here either. impressions of Georgian males were diplomatic circles, these things matter. Every country is fi lled with both the formed years ago, and I can't say that So, when European or American offi cials good and the bad, the sophisticated and I've seen or heard much to disprove me meet Irakli Kobakhidze and notice his the crude, the educated and the simple. since (that is not, however, to say that I messy long hair and his lack of a tie, or I also don't understand why people feel haven't met many educated Georgians Kakha Kaladze's vacant expression and the need to try and disprove generaliza- who are far more congenial company slightly open mouth, I wonder if they tions that are grounded in fact, nor why than your average Brit). think what I think; for Georgia's Western they perceive themselves to be the target Impressions can have a lasting impact aspirations, I sincerely hope not. WHERE to Go, Stay, Eat, Drink and Buy in Summer he latest issue of Where.ge is out! Packed full of the usual recommendations, tips and travel stories, it’s a guide you should not be without- even if you’ve lived here a while! TDo you think summer in Georgia is just about sea and sun? Wrong! In Georgia, you get this AND ski- ing! Check out the recently opened ski resorts in Svaneti and get your skis on, even in the hot summer months. Don’t believe us? Check out our report from Mestia in the Where to Go section of the latest issue of Where.ge and get ready for a bonanza summer skiing experience. New summer ski resorts are not the only thing to read about Svaneti in this issue, as our Svaneti-based reporter Tony Hanmer suggests an exclusive tour of the Holy Icons. Exploring ancient religious art kept protected for centuries in the heights of that region is yet another reason for you, our respected reader, to visit Georgia’s stunning landscape in the sky. No doubt most of you will be visiting Batumi this summer. Get ready with our exclusive recommen- dations on exploring the fantastic Black Sea city and check out the top things to do on your drive there from Tbilisi as provided by our editor Katie Davies, who also takes you on a tour of spa resort Tskhaltubo- a true soviet ghost town! Those of you planning to hang around the capital can read Rose’s Top 20 Things to Do in Tbilisi- from Georgian wine. marveling at the metro stations to getting a scrub at the sul- Save the dates of most interesting festivals, exhibitions and phur baths! concerts in your summer calendar- use the Where.ge event For those culture vultures among you we offer an exclusive calendar to do it, with suggestions for every taste. interview with famed sculptor Gia Japaridze, a look into the Enjoy your summer in beautiful Georgia! Find out how and unique world of Georgian Dance and give the low down on where in Where.ge! GEORGIA TODAY 12 SOCIETY JUNE 23 - 26, 2017 Gordon Ramsay Experience - Chef will Cook for Guests in Forte Village, Sardinia

Program: ADVERTISING Program July 1 8:00 pm Pre dinner Cocktail 8.30 pm Charity Dinner pend an evening with the most "Gordon Ramsay & Friends" famous Michelin starred chef in the world today, the irre- Program July 2 pressible Gordon Ramsay. 5:00 pm Cooking Demo* Join him on July 1 and 2 for 8:00 pm Dinner at Gordon Ramsay San unforgettable culinary experience at Restaurant (beverage excluded) the Forte Village Resort. *The program is subject to change First he will host a cooking demonstra- tion of one of his most famous signature Available Packages : dishes. You will then have the opportu- Dinner & Cooking Demo: Euro 1.100,00 nity to attend the exclusive Gordon per person Ramsay & Friends charity dinner on July Dinner Only: Euro 500,00 per person 1 to support the Gordon and Tania Ram- Terms & Conditions: • Rates are per say Foundation to raise money for the person • VAT and service included • The Great Ormond Street hospital in London. availability of places is limited and sub- This exclusive dinner will be hosted ject to availability at the time of reserva- together with Carlo Cracco (2 Michelin tion • The program is subject to change Stars) the rising Italian culinary star; • Full payment is required to confi rm Emanuele Scarello (2 Michelin Stars) an the reservation. The package is non- expert on Italian regional cuisine. refundable. • The package does not For those who enjoy the kitchen, on include accommodation, it can be added July 2, Gordon Ramsay will host a cook- to any type of room reservations ing demonstration with a restricted BOOK NOW! number of places. You can book either Call: +39 0709218820 the dinner or both the dinner and the Write: holiday@forevillage.com cooking demonstration. Browse: www.fortevillage.com Training Program for Open Letter: Etseri, Svaneti

takes from the test which I read through, 1. ask your mother when will be lunch BY TONY HANMER Adjara Guides to with other unreported errors such as ready. missing periods not noted: 2. ask you mother when will lunch If I lost my handbag, ……… the police ready be. o the Minister of Science 1. 'd phone 3. ask you mother when lunch will be Be Completed and Education of Georgia, 2. 'll phone ready. Mr. Sandro Jejelava 3. 'm phone 4. ask your mother when will be ready Dear Sir, 4. phone lunch. I wrote an email to you [no personal pronoun in question] [3 is closest to being correct, but doesn't Tover a week ago regarding the great start with a capital letter and should have number of mistakes and ambiguities I … 50 years old in 2013. "your" instead of "you"] found in a recent online mock English 1. Will be exam for Georgian high school students. 2. Is He is … offi cer in the army This was one of the tests which they can 3. Am 1. -- either complete online and get an instant 4. Am being 2. An result, or print off and do on paper with [no personal pronoun in question; and 3. a someone then correcting it. In these all answers start incorrectly with capital 4. the ways, they can see how they are doing letters] [Again, 2 is closest to being correct, in English in general, get a feel for what but doesn't start with a capital letter] the actual test will be like, and practice … her since she went to Germany taking it. While this site is NOT an offi - 1. Won't see Where does this dialogue take place? cial Ministry of Science and Education 2. Haven't seen Mark the correct answer site, and thus not said Ministry’s respon- 3. Didn't see We must run to the cinema. The fi lm___ sibility, it disturbs me much that such 4. Wasn't seen at 5 minute sites (there are more than one) are being 1. runs used for assessments which cannot be 2. will run accurate. 3. run My suggestion would be that the Min- 4. is going to start istry have someone, preferably a native [question should read "in 5 minutes", English speaker, examine such sites and not "at 5 minute"] form an accurate opinion (based on sta- tistics) of their tests’ quality. The number If I hadn't got married when I was of mistakes I found in the 65-question eighteen, ... to university to study agri- test which I saw a print of was 13, or [again, no personal pronoun in ques- culture. exactly 20%. Such an amount of errors tion; and all answers start incorrectly 1. 'd go leaves one wondering about the compe- with capital letters, when none of them 2. was going tency of those who compile these tests is the start of the sentence] 3. 'll go to correct them and give any kind of I … Portuguese because I lived in Bra- 4. 'd gone honest assessment of a pupil’s level of zil for ten years. [Well... again, which one is correct?] mastery of English. If I was such a pupil, 1. to understand Last week, the mountainous Adjara I would protest publicly and formally 2. 'm understand [and my favorite:] BY THEA MORRISON guides went on the Chirukhi adventure request new, properly proofread tests 3. Understand Don't start making the past until I …you tour in Shuakhevi, visited lakes Guli before being able to participate. The 4. 'll understand 1. 'm phoning and Chirukhi, the Oladauri Museum Ministry might then make a public state- [otherwise correct answer, 3, is capital- 2. phoned he training of tour guides and castles of the Darchidzes and Okro- ment in the form of a warning of the ized, making it wrong] 3. phone in Georgia’s western Adjara pilauri. The guides also got acquainted statistically-based quality of the tests; 4. will phone region, being carried out with local guest-houses and their ser- and suggest offi cially sanctioned sites … anything about astronomy? [making the past"...?!] by the Tourism Product vices. and tests, which would have no mistakes. 1. Do you knowing Sir, I look forward to hearing from you Development Agency of Practical and theoretical trainings of The test which I read was found at 2. Are you know about this matter, which I am sure has theT Adjara Tourism and Resorts Depart- Keda and Machakhela guides are already www.online.exam.ge/english.html 3. Are you knowing simply not been reported to you until ment, is in its fi nal stage and saw the complete and the guides are now wait- I also saw similar online mock tests at 4. Have you know now. I hear nothing but good things about participating guides this week visiting ing for evaluation at the Tourism Prod- another Georgian website, while serving [Well... which one is correct?] you and hope that you will bring much the Skhalta-Khikhani and Khulo- ucts Development Agency. the end of my last term in Becho public needed further reform and improvement Goderdzi-Green Lake route. By the end of June, practical training school this last May. Again, grade 12 stu- Sorry, we … green apples to the Georgian educational system! The two-week training program con- will be completed for guides of the Pro- dents were doing these tests to see how 1. any sists of a theoretical and practical pro- tected Areas of mountainous Adjara their English profi ciency would fare in 2. no Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, gram of lectures organized both at the tourist routes. real-world tests like the one they were 3. nothing in Svaneti since 2007, and been a weekly Adjara Tourism Department and on At the end of the training, participants about to take; and the level of wrongness 4. none writer for GT since early 2011. He runs the location. The training is being delivered will be awarded with certifi cates and there was similar to the samples below, [Well... again, which one is correct?] “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group, now by historians, ethnographers and expe- the Agency will promote the highest though I don’t remember that website. with nearly 1500 members, at www.facebook. rienced tourist guides. rated guides. Here are some examples of actual mis- Mark the correct answer: com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 23 - 26, 2017 CULTURE 13 Must-See Show by the Immortal Sergo Kobuladze eration. It is specifi cally interesting for BY MAKA LOMADZE collectors. In this case, we often try to reveal the lesser known side of artists”. Notably enough, the two digital prints am from Rustaveli’s Country –is on focus are for sale, whilst the other the title of the exceptional, unmiss- reproductions of originals kept at Tretya- able exhibition of one of the most kov Picture Gallery, Moscow, are being illustrious illustrators and paint- exhibited for display purposes only. The ers of Georgia, Sergo Kobuladze. images of Rostevan, Tinatin, Nestan- IThe T.G. Nili Art Space invites all to Darejan and Tariel, created at the begin- see the prints in focus, as well as repro- ning of the 20th century, are vivid in ductions, the originals of which are kept color and impressive in shape and size. Announcing the Release at the Tretyakov Picture Gallery, Mos- We asked Alex about the exhibition cow. name. “We opened the exhibition on Born in 1909, Sergo Kobuladze is con- May 26, Georgian Independence Day. sidered one of the founders of Georgian This year, its theme was specifi cally that, of ‘Georgia: A Guide Fine Art, making this a real must-see i.e. ‘I’m from Rustaveli’s Country’. Within exhibition for Georgians as well as for- the scope of some of the other activities, eigners, equally interesting for profes- including those of the Ministry of Cul- to the Cradle of Wine’ sional artists, collectors, and art admir- ture, we decided to exhibit Sergo Kobu- ers. ladze, who is really famous for his illus- inologue has announced the book focuses on helping anyone from For years, the research object for Sergo trations of our great poem. In general, the release of the latest title fi rst time visitors to experienced wine Kobuladze was the compositional layer- we want to help Georgian artists as we in its collection of wine professional navigate the ancient and at ing system of fi ne art and architecture believe that they deserve more spotlight guides: ‘Georgia: A guide times exotic nature of Georgian wines. on the basis on ancient artworks of the on the international art scene”. to the cradle of wine,’ which While there is a special emphasis on the pre-Hellenic era, with the painter ana- The exposition also showcases the Vwas offi cially presented on June 9, the production of and use of the ancient ter- lyzing the proportions of ancient Greek working process: how the great maestro opening day of the 10th annual Winexpo racotta pots called kvevri (spanning sculpture. The exhibition displays two Limited edition print of dealt with body, proportions, etc. At the in Tbilisi, Georgia, followed by a Q&A 8,000 years), the book also delves into graphic works created on these founda- Sergo Kobuladze’s work very end, there is a photograph of the session with the authors at the popular the production of wines in the more tions, alongside eight unique illustrations their approval to publish and show these model, which shows how the work came Amber Bar in Tbilisi's exciting Left Bank international methods of stainless steel which Kobuladze made for the epic poem, prints for the very fi rst time”. to be, as well as two fusion pictures by neighborhood. and oak, as well as everything that comes ‘The Knight in Panther’s Skin’. “People are familiar with Sergo Kobu- a modern painter. The recipient of the Vintner Guild's in between as the Georgians are con- “He learned sculpture thoroughly, pen- ladze because he is famous for the illus- T.B. Nili Gallery displays the works of prestigious Geoffrey Roberts Award in tinually experimenting given the modern etrating into the depths of architecture trations he made for Knight in Panther’s many emerging artists, as well as already 2016, the book is the culmination of upswing in interest for their wines. and pre-Hellenistic art,” Tea Goguadze, Skin,” Alex Diasamidze, director of T.G. famous contemporary painters like Mirian months of research across the entire The two authors are experts in their curator of the gallery, said of Kobuladze. Nili Art Space, told GEORGIA TODAY. Shvelidze and Rusudan Petviashvili. It country of Georgia. The resulting book fi elds and Georgian wine enthusiasts. “He worked for years on the technolo- “This exhibition shows the unique side is an art space for the future. For more is 300 pages in length, with countless Miquel Hudin was the recipient of the gies of construction of compositions. of the artist, which actually fi ts very well information, visit: tgnili.com full color photographs, extensive maps, Fortnum & Mason Award's Best Drink Two unique examples of such works are with the concept of our gallery, because cellar listings, and a great wealth of addi- Writer of 2017 and is a Certifi ed Somme- these two [digital] prints- limited edition it is a hybrid gallery in the sense that we WHERE: Grishashvili 12 tional information about one of the old- lier who writes for countless international reproductions of the original works focus on original works but also on lim- WHEN: Until the end of June est wine-producing countries in the wine publications. Daria Kholodilina is which are both rare and unique. We’ve ited edition fi ne art prints. Thus, we try OPEN: 12 to 6 pm, daily except Monday world. a marketing and tourism expert based in been able to partner with Sergo Kobu- to make fi ne art accessible for the mid- and Wednesday As with the other books in the Vino- Tbilisi with a very popular blog covering ladze’s family and obtain permission and dle class and also to the younger gen- TICKET: FREE logue series (which was started in 2007), mostly Georgian food and travel. GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE JUNE 23 - 26, 2017

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER June 24 TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES GALLERY CEMENT ZONE KNIGHT (Info Above) TBILISI ZAKARIA Participants: Irakli Menagarishvili, Directed by Michael Bay Start time: 19:35 THE NATIONAL GALLERY PALIASHVILI OPERA AND Sandro Nikoladze, Simon Bitadze, Cast: Laura Haddock, Mark Ticket: 9-14 GEL Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. BALLET THEATER Kakha Bakuradze, Ani Talakvadze, Wahlberg, Gemma Chan www.museum.ge Address: 25 Rustaveli Ave. Qeti Giorgadze, Ekaterine Gabashvili Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi MUSEUM Telephone: 2 99 04 56 Start time: 21:00 Language: English June 8 – September 11 EXHIBITION CONSTELLATION Ticket: 15 GEL Start time: 16:15 GEORGIAN NATIONAL Artworks by Chinese contemporary June 23, 25 Language: Russian MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA LAURENCIA artists- Ai Weiwei, Hu Xiaoyuan, June 25 Start time: 19:15, 22:15 MUSEUM * Premiere Li Shurui, Liu Wei, Lu Pingyuan, Ticket: 10-14 GEL Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. Two-act ballet PARADISO Lu Shanchuan, Ma Qiusha, Wang Directed by Irakli Khoshtaria Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 Guangle, Wang Sishun, Wang A. Krein www.museum.ge Choreography by V.Chabukiani Start time: 21:00 EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING Yuyang, Xie Molin, Xu Qu, Xu PERMANENT EXHIBITION: (Choreographical redaction and Ticket: 10 GEL Directed by Stella Meghie Zhen, Yan Xing, Zhang Ding, Zhang staging by Nina Ananiashvili). Cast: Amandla Stenberg, Nick GEORGIAN ARCHAEOLOGY Zhenyu, Zhao Yao and Zhao Zhao. Soloists on July 23– Nutsa Robinson, Anika Noni Rose FROM 8TH MILLENNIUM B.C. June 29 MUSEUM OF SOVIET Chekurashvili, Yonen Takano (State TO THE 4TH CENTURY A.D THE TEMPEST Genre: Drama, Romance OCCUPATION Ballet of Georgia) William Shakespeare Language: Russian Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. Soloists on June 25– Nino Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Start time: 22:00, 22:15 EXHIBITION OF GEORGIAN Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 Samadashvili, Frank Van Tongeren Ticket: 13-14 GEL WEAPONRY www.museum.ge (State Ballet of Georgia) Start time: 20:00 Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 15 GEL THE MUMMY NUMISMATIC TREASURY PERMANENT EXHIBITION Ticket: 10-70 GEL Discover the State's personal fi les of GABRIADZE THEATER Directed by Alex Kurtzman THE TESTAMENT OF DAVID "subversive" Georgian public fi gures, June 28 Address: 13 Shavtelis St. Cast: Tom Cruise, Sofi a Boutella, THE BUILDER AND NEW orders to shoot or exile, and other NEDERLANDS DANS THEATER: Telephone: 2 98 65 93 Annabelle Wallis artifacts representing Soviet-era EXHIBITS OF THE MEDIEVAL NDT 2 Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy cultural and political repression in TREASURY Program: June 23 Language: Russian Georgia. SLEIGHT OF HAND MARSHAL DE FANTIE’S Start time: 22:15 Choreography by Sol León & Paul September 27 (2016) – DIAMOND Ticket: 13-14 GEL MUSIC Lightfoot September 22 (2017) Rezo Gabriadze MUTUAL COMFORT EXHIBITION STONE AGE GEORGIA Directed by Rezo Gabriadze PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: TBILISI STATE Choreography by Edward Clug DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES Solo English Subtitles CONSERVATOIRE Directed by Joachim Rønning, Espen May 18- November 18 Address: 8 Griboedov St. Choreography by Hans van Manen Start time: 20:00 EXHIBITION Telephone: 2 93 46 24 Cacti Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL Sandberg Choreography by Alexander Ekman Cast: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, GEORGIAN COSTUME AND Javier Bardem WEAPONRY OF 18TH-20TH June 23 Start time: 19:00 June 24, 29 VOCAL MUSIC EVENING Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy CENTURIES Ticket: 10-80 GEL STALINGRAD Vocal Music Evening Dedicated to Language: Russian Rezo Gabriadze Philimon Koridze June 29 Start time: 15:00 June 15-30 Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Participants: Georgian Basses and NEDERLANDS DANS THEATER: Ticket: 9-10 GEL Rustaveli Theater - Gogi English Subtitles Patriarch Choir of Tbilisi Holy NDT 2 Meskhishvili Design School Trinity Cathedral Choir Start time: 20:00 Program: RUSTAVELI CINEMA Exhibition of STUDENT Leader- Svimon Djangulashvili Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL I NEW THEN Address: 5 Rustaveli Ave. ARTWORKS In program: works of Georgian, Choreography by Johan Inger Telephone: 2 55 50 00 The exhibition showcases installations, Russian and West European SLEIGHT OF HAND June 25 www.kinoafi sha.ge video art, scenic and 3D projects. Composers Choreography by Sol León & Paul AUTUMN OF MY SPRING Start time: 19:00 Lightfoot Rezo Gabriadze Ticket: 5 GEL Cacti Every Wednesday ticket: 5 GEL June 16-29 Directed by Rezo Gabriadze Choreography by Alexander Ekman June 23-29 Photo exhibition of sculptures by MTATSMINDA PARK Start time: 19:00 English Subtitles Georgian and Azerbaijani prominent Ticket: 10-80 GEL Start time: 20:00 TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST artists June 24 Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL KNIGHT MERAB MERABISHVILI & OMAR eZo is a music and arts festival MOVEMENT THEATER (Info Above) ELDAROV organized by MZESUMZIRA Address: 182, Aghmashenebeli Ave., CINEMA Start time: 14:00, 19:00, 19:25, 22:35 Main Stage: Electric Soil, Sabo, Ako Von Unten, Mushthaid park Ticket: 9-14 GEL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Telephone: 599 555 260 Martin Buttrich, Dinky Ukana AMIRANI CINEMA Address: 1 Gudiashvili Str. eZo (small stage): Address: 36 Kostava Str. June 23 EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING Rati, Gabunia IGI Telephone: 2 99 99 55 (Info Above) March 6 – August 30 Start time: 14:00 Jemal Karchkhadze www.kinoafi sha.ge Start time: 22:00, 22:15 EXHIBITION Ticket: 20-40 GEL Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Ticket: 13-14 GEL MASTERPIECES FROM THE Start time: 20:00 Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 GEL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS BLUES FESTIVAL Ticket: 15 GEL June 23-29 PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: COLLECTION June 24 MATT TAYLOR Start time: 17:00 Ticket: 40 GEL Venue: Near Lagodekhi Protected Area

June 25 MATT TAYLOR Jam Session Start time: 19:30 Ticket: 20 GEL Venue: Near Lagodekhi Protected Area

ROYAL DISTRICT THEATER Address: 10 G. Abesadze Str. Telephone: 2 99 61 71

June 24 Maka Makharadze Ballet Studio and little ballerinas Present FOREVER MOZART Staging by Mariam Aleksidze Start time: 16:00, 18:00, 20:00 Ticket: 10 GEL

DJANSUG KAKHIDZE TBILISI CENTER FOR MUSIC & CULTURE Address: 125 Aghmashenebeli ave. Telephone: 2 96 12 43

June 24 Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra, the conductor of Tbilisi State Opera and Ballet Theater Revaz Takidze and his daughter, pianist working in Germany– Ani Takidze In program: works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Dmitri Shostakovich Start time: 19:30 Ticket: 10 GEL GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 23 - 26, 2017 CULTURE 15 Sculpture & a Love of Life

BY MAKA LOMADZE

rekle Tsuladze is a young sculptor who has already done a lot in his creative life. He believes that a human being is a very weak creature and therefore considers Radio NRJ Partners with GEM FEST that even our professional choice is not ourE own to make and is more attributed to sub-con- August. During the festival, the world’s favorite BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES sciousness and genes. If one looks at Erekle, one artists will play and thousands of complementary cannot guess what he is, as artists usually look…dif- events will take place. ferent…yet he is very neatly dressed, not accentuating “I’m delighted Radio NRJ central offi ce, at the his profession in any particular accessory or detail. n June 22, at Radio Café (Dolidze Str. request of Radio NRJ Georgia, decided to support He is an exceptionally interesting and multicolored 2), a cooperation agreement between GEM FEST,” said George Sharashidze, Radio NRJ personality who is keen on numerous spheres and GEM FEST and Radio NRJ FM 104.7 founder in Georgia. “With this support we’ll help hobbies. He justifi es the saying that a talented person was signed. In the framework of the enlarge GEM FEST’s popularity throughout Europe, is talented at everything. Meet him below. event, George Sigua, founder of GEM Russia and Asia- making Georgia even more attrac- “When I was asked who I wanted to be in my OFEST, and George Sharashidze, Director of NRJ tive for tourists”. childhood, I answered ‘football player’. However, Radio, shared their plans with attendees. “The world’s longest EM festival and the world’s my grandfather was an architect, and my father Radio NRJ, which is one of the most popular largest music radio broadcaster have now signed a and uncle are both sculptors. So, it didn’t take me music broadcasters in Europe and since March 14 cooperation agreement,” said George Sigua, Founder long to realize who I really wanted to be. I still play is offi cially represented in Georgia, will support of GEM FEST. “Radio NRJ is a most important part- football. I don’t drink. I don’t make an artistic image electronic music festival GEM FEST in Europe, ner, giving us an opportunity to inform 25 million of myself by growing a long beard or wearing a hat Russia and Asia. Throughout the month-long GEM listeners in Europe what we are up to in Georgia. or worn out trousers. However, I like the bohemian FEST in Anaklia, Radio NRJ will have an exclusive With the help of Radio NRJ Georgia, our festival lifestyle: parties, women, traveling, etc. This is my radio stand and mini bar for festival attendees. will be talked about in countries such as France and gusto of life. I’m 30 now. I thought I’d have a wife The world’s longest electronic music festival GEM Germany. This sees the start of a massive and sys- and children by this age, however, no-one ever FEST will take place in Anaklia from 14 July to 14 tematic PR campaign for our listeners in Europe”. knows”. HAVE YOUR WORKS BEEN EXHIBITED OVERSEAS? HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN ART? Yes, in several foreign countries. In autumn, I’ll This word is a feature of you, as a human, which tour a few places outside Georgia. helps you fi x your own inner world. It is less impor- tant if others understand it- it is simply a means of WHAT ABOUT FELLOW ARTISTS? self-expression. Art refl ects one’s own life experi- I’m on friendly terms with them. I don’t call them ence. You put everything that bothers you and that my competitors, as everyone has their own inner makes you happy. It inspires me to create statues world. Some people like my creative works, some of characters from my imagination, making them not, which is natural. I try my best. Generally speak- real. ing, sculpture is the youngest realm of art in Geor- gia. However, during this short space of time, Geor- WHAT INSPIRES YOU? gians have managed to leave their own signature Everything- even an odd insect sitting on a fl ower. in the history of sculpture, mainly in the 20th cen- I was educated and can technically work with tury, when a lot of important exhibits were created various materials, yet the topics come to me from which already live in our world thanks to their my everyday life. individualism, sending signifi cant messages for future generations. I’m happy that in such a small THERE ARE ARTISTS WHO GET INSPIRED country as Georgia, I have compatriots who are FROM DIFFERENT REALMS OF ART… world-famous. Apart from talent, Georgian artists Me, too. I also write scripts and novels. The Ukrain- are well-educated, too, assisted by genes and a long ian Young Actors’ Theater has staged one of them. and deep history of art, which makes them unique. Currently, I’m working on a novel titled “Arte”. I also dream of becoming a fi lm director and I love IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE BOTH COMMERCIAL cooking- people love the dishes I create! AND A HIGH-LEVEL ARTIST? Yes. If Michelangelo hadn’t worked to order, he ARE YOU FOND OF TRAVELING wouldn’t have been able to survive. Who am I, after LITERALLY AND FIGURATIVELY? all? I also work if somebody calls me. However, it Yes. I constantly travel inside myself and sometimes basically happens vice versa: I work and create get lost in my own fantasies. I like this process. I’m whatever I feel like and then offer them to differ- fond of traveling in the direct sense of the word, ent companies. Everything is done for a reason. too. I like the seaside and I dream of living in some Sometimes, art serves an idea, sometimes money. exotic place for a while, fi shing from a boat, light- I think the fi rst is more common with me as I pre- ing a fi re on the beach… Lately, I’ve developed a fer to do it my way. I never started doing it to earn passion for agronomy. I dream of arranging a par- money. I was just working and enjoying. Money adise in my own yard. came to me itself.

HOW DO YOU LIVE LIFE? WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON We’re alive today and that’s all we have. I think that APART FROM YOUR BOOK? life is interesting while we’re alive. We have no A black puma who will occasionally fi nd himself idea about the afterlife. Therefore, life should be in a safe of icy diamonds. He sits down on such a full of events that are close to our own inner world. diamond that changes its colors. I made this effect It doesn’t matter how, but one should express one- by fi xing a glass stand and sensorial illumination. self. If I could, I’d write a song with great pleasure. I also make architectural projects. I aim to make a WHEN WILL YOUR NEXT EXHIBITION BE? project for a maternity home shaped like an abdo- I’ll exhibit my new works in Tbilisi fi rst, as it’s my men that breathes. I want it to be free of charge for home town. Then I’ll visit Azerbaijan, Russia, the everybody, regardless of race, ethnicity or religion. USA, etc. The date is not fi xed yet.

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