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In this week’s issue... ICC Authorizes Donald Jensen Investigation on Lavrov’s Pankisi into 2008 Concerns War, Russia POLITICS PAGE 4 Unimpressed Georgia Looking Good, but Could Be Better in the Eyes of the EU POLITICS PAGE 6 FOCUS Iowa Caucuses: Cruz Smacks Donald Trump, ON WAR & PEACE Looking back to 2008 war and Democrats ‘Feel the Bern’ ICC prosecutor, Fatou hoping for peace in Pankisi Bensouda, recently revealed POLITICS PAGE 7 PAGE 2-7 further details regarding the investigation Over 300 Thousand People Discussing Georgia’s Prospects: IDFI Forum Visited Georgia in January Brings Together Experts and Civil Society SOCIETY PAGE 9

BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE Seventh Annual Burns n 1-2 February, the Institute for Development of Freedom of Infor- Supper Breaks mation (IDFI), in partnership with the University of Bremen and with Fundraising the fi nancial support of the Federal ForeignO Offi ce of Germany, organized an Inter- Record national Forum – ‘The Prospects of Georgia’s Democratic and Economic Development,’ at SOCIETY PAGE 10 Tbilisi Courtyard Marriott Hotel. The Forum capped off a massive, two year-long project – ‘Strategic Plan Georgia 2020 – Strengthening Bloody Sheets: An Age- Public Involvement (ZigB)’ that studied, analyzed International Forum ‘The Prospects and promoted ‘Georgia 2020,’ a strategic devel- of Georgia’s Democratic and old Tradition Still Held in opment document that was put forth as a col- Economic Development.’ With Ghia Nodia, Nils Scott, Lincoln lective vision of the government and civil society. Mitchell and Michael Hikari Cecire Georgia’s Regions Continued on page 2 SOCIETY PAGE 11

Turashvili’s Top 5 Must- Reads of Georgian Literature CULTURE PAGE 13

Watercolor Refl ections of an Artist’s Mind and Soul CULTURE PAGE 15 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS FEBRUARY 5 - 8, 2016 ICC Authorizes Investigation into 2008 War, Russia Unimpressed

appointed ICC prosecutor, Fatou Ben- dence. Only evidence will lead to indi- BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE souda has paid a visit to Georgia. Recently, vidual persons and then we will demand she revealed further details regarding the issuance of an arrest warrant. It can be investigation in in an exclusive interview one person or more than one,” Prosecu- he International Criminal with the Public Broadcaster. tor Bensouda said. Court, the world’s foremost Bensouda said that when there is enough The Prosecutor also noted that her ent, objective third party. facts. The Prosecutor said that the inves- body in regards to jurisdic- evidence to prove this or that person’s Offi ce is monitoring the process of As to how long the investigation will tigation lasted 1 year in Uganda, 18 months tion on war crimes, is set guilt, she will require the issuance of an investigation underway in Russia. “As last, Bensouda said that it depends on in Congo, and 3 years in other similar to investigate some of the arrest warrant. for Georgia, it ceased the investigation how quickly she will be able to fi nd the cases. Tmost disturbing aspects of the 2008 war “We have information that there were in March last year. Georgia is a member between Georgia and Russia. On Janu- attacks on peacekeepers from both Rus- of the Rome Statute (ICC treaty that ary 27, the Offi ce of the Prosecutor sia and Georgia… The Court does not went into force in 2002), meaning that Discussing Georgia’s Prospects: IDFI Forum (“Offi ce”) of the International Criminal settle disputes between countries. It is it is obliged to investigate crimes com- Court (“ICC”) was authorized by Judges not our mandate to talk about the ter- mitted on its territory. However, if the Brings Together Experts and Civil Society in the Pre-Trial Chamber I to commence ritorial borders either. Crimes against country is unable to do it, our offi ce an investigation into the alleged ICC humanity, war crimes and genocide are gets engaged in the process,” she said, Continued from page 1 scholars of Georgia from in and outside crimes occurring on the territory of within our jurisdiction. The Offi ce will adding that she needs close cooperation of the country. The esteemed guests and Georgia between 1 July 2008 and 10 Octo- investigate, for example, murders of with Georgia. Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi the general public discussed matters ber 2008. peacekeepers. We have information that Speaking of Russia, which is not a sig- Kvirikashvili opened the Forum, thank- such as the process of Georgia’s integra- The alleged crimes are attributed to the there were attacks on peacekeepers both natory state of the Rome Statute, Offi cial ing the IDFI, who in recent years has tion into the European Union and NATO three parties involved in the armed con- from Russia and Georgia. We are going Moscow was none too revealing with effectively become one of the most infl u- and the existing challenges in this regard; fl ict – the Georgian armed forces, the to obtain information about this. Our how the investigation is going. Russia’s ential NGOs in Georgia’s civil society the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade South Ossetian forces, and the Russian goal is to reveal individuals responsible Ministry of Justice issued a statement podium, on bringing about more aware- Area; perspectives of Georgia’s acces- armed forces. At this early stage, the for the crime. This requires solid evi- confi rming it would not cooperate with ness of the document and the tenets of sion to the Energy Community; Visa the investigation, while earlier the spokes- open and good governance in general. Liberalization, and Georgia’s economic person for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, Packed with high ranking offi cials, the and democratic development. Though Maria Zakharova, fl atly voiced that Mos- forums opening ceremony was also high- all equally interesting, the energy com- cow was “unhappy and disappointed” lighted with speeches delivered by The munity discussion panel proved a par- with ICC’s recent activities and hinted Ambassador of the European Union to ticularly engaging affair – no doubt owing at a possible reviewing of its relations Georgia, Janos Herman; German Ambas- partly to the scarcity of such discussions with the Hague. The offi cial justifi cation sador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in recent memory and to the much scru- from Kremlin offi cials was somewhat to Georgia, Bettina Cadenbach; and tinized so-called ‘Gazprom negotiations.’ vaguer, attributing the refusal to par- Director of the IDFI, Giorgi Kldiashvili. It was gratifying to see the experts, the ticipate to the fact that Russia hasn’t yet The Forum was divided into two pan- EU commission’s very own Federico ratifi ed the Rome Statute, which the els that included the following topics: Tarantini among them, handling the keen country signed in 2000. The Georgian Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic public interest with poise and well- side, on the other hand, offered full sup- Aspirations founded, insightful remarks. port to the investigation. Less than sub- Main areas of EU-Georgia Partnership The Forum, easily one of the most tle hints were also made by Georgian Georgia’s Economic Development impressive and well-organized in recent offi cials, hinting it wouldn’t be in the Georgia’s Democratic Development memory, was concluded on February 2 best interests of Moscow to see the issue The ranks of speakers were hand-picked to standing ovation, a fact the IDFI (and solved and investigated by an independ- and boasted renowned opinion-makers should) be undeniably proud about. GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 5 - 8, 2016 NEWS 3 Eurofast Named Georgian Capital to Have 18-Hole South East

View over the proposed site. Europe Leading Photo by Tilander Golf Design Golf Course Corporate Adviser

nearby landscape will be dominated by of the Year BY TAMAR SVANIDZE areas of planted pines, as well as steep and treeless ravines,” Tilander Golf urofast Global is delighted to Design reports. announce that it has been n 18-hole golf course is to The company also announced that the named Leading Corporate be laid on a high hillside Tbilisi climate will allow for almost year- Adviser of the Year in South above Tbilisi, the capital round play. Only in the dead of winter, East Europe at this year’s city of Georgia. from December to February, where the EAcquisition International Awards. The Primera Residence Devel- average daily temperature is below 10 awards mark excellence in all areas of Aopment and Construction and Tilander degrees Celsius, will play be halted. The corporate business consulting and are Golf Design have agreed on a golf course best time to play will be the spring and voted for by a global network of expert design which has already begun and will autumn. professionals, advisers, clients, peers be completed in 2017. The designers have kept the young and industry insiders. The area where the course is going to golfi ng culture of the country in mind. Panayiotis Diallinas, Regional Director be set up offers a breath-taking view of Four sets of tees will offer a substantially of Eurofast, said: “It’s great for Eurofast’s the city and beyond, all the way to the different challenge to people, starting professionals to see us standing up for snow-capped Caucasus Mountains. from 4,600 meters and stretching to 6,300 offering corporate advice and sharing “There are large elevation changes meters. “Experienced players will be challenged needed,” Tilander Golf Design explained. business intelligence in this area.” within the property, too. The lowest and According to the company there will by occasionally narrow fairways and by More construction work will follow Eurofast has managed throughout the highest greens will have nearly 130 meters be no forced carries, thus anyone with sloped greens. Strategically placed bun- the gold course and eventually the Prim- years to achieve worldwide market rec- between them. However, golfers will a short driver will have no problem play- kers will demand course management era area will have hundreds of homes ognition for its exceptional advice, capa- move up and down the course gradually, ing. Golf balls straying from the fairways skills. The shaping of the fairways will surrounding it. The golf course is also bilities and innovation. It has been not one hole will have exorbitant eleva- will be easily found due to the naturally follow the existing land; therefore, no to boast a driving range and a short game acknowledged as a leader in Tax in tion change either up or down. The low-growing grass cover. large-scale cut and fi ll work will be practice area. Cyprus. Among others, it has been ranked top Tax Advisors and announced ‘Cyprus Tax fi rm of the Year’ by International Tax Review, which is a true recognition Norwegian Salmon Farming to Launch in Georgia for the valued client work they deliver on a daily basis. Eurofast has over 28 pany Green Sea Food’s representative, tageous for the project. years of history, working with many BY ANA AKHALAIA Steiner Gravas, and the Minister of Agri- “Georgia’s geographic location and water global brands and leading Institutions, culture, Otar Danelia, signed a memoran- resources- rivers, lakes and sea -are very operating in the manufacturing, retail, dum which includes three phases for the favorable for the development of aqua- airlines and professional services sec- Norwegian salmon farm is project. The fi rst is a pilot, the second is culture. Thus, Georgia is the best place tors. to be set up in Kobuleti on actual production, and the fi nal stage is for fi sh production. Georgia is situated Eurofast has spoken of its gratitude to the coast of the Black Sea, distribution and export. in the center of the Silk Road which is an Acquisition International: “This award which will produce eco- Gravas stated during the meeting that additional advantage in terms of export. He went on to explain that the fi rst stage commits us to continue working with logically clean seafood with they had the same project proposal from After implementing the project, it will be of the project aims to introduce and the sole aim to improve our services and newA technologies. Kazakhstan, Armenia and Russia, but possible to export our products to a vari- develop new technologies of fi sh produc- delight our clients,” the announcement On February 3rd the Norwegian com- decided that Georgia was the most advan- ety of countries,” Gravas said. tion without polluting the environment. read. GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS FEBRUARY 5 - 8, 2016 Donald Jensen on Lavrov’s Pankisi Concerns

close to the 80 dollars the Russian BY NANA SAJAIA budget needs to fund all its various commitments. So Putin has big political prob- ast week, the statement of lems. What is Putin going to do? Russia’s notorious Foreign You blame the West, you invade a Minister, Sergei Lavrov that country like Ukraine, you use there are “reports” of Islamic information warfare to pretend State fighters training in Russia has enemies, when it really LGeorgia’s Pankisi gorge was met with doesn’t, you divert attention, you considerable concern. For many an create external enemies…These expert and opinion maker, it hinted at are all excuses for the fundamen- a sign of bad things to come, such as tal political and economic crises one of those “counter terrorism opera- in the system. And that is the cen- tions” Russia has become infamous for tral problem the Kremlin is facing Donald Jensen of the Center for Sergei Lavrov last week stated that there are “reports” of Islamic State fi ghters training since the Chechen conflicts. The today. It can no longer support Transatlantic Relations, Johns Hopkins in Georgia’s Pankisi gorge response of Georgia’s newly appointed being a great power. And in my University Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, opinion, it doesn’t really know what to was one of his goals in doing what he Georgia and tell everybody it was a ter- is. But if it were me, I would hope for that “there was no threat of terrorism do. did. Despite everything, there is still rorism operation, and their troops are more robust resistance to some of those coming from Pankisi Gorge,” did little signifi cant disagreement about the future still there. That’s my fi rst point. external pressures. to ease these concerns. SOME WOULD ARGUE of the Assad regime, about who the The second point would be – it is very Frankly, given the concerns about the Lavrov’s statement was the chief talk- RUSSIA HAS BEEN DIVERTING enemy is, and you see Russia is talking dangerous to allow the Kremlin to talk 2012 elections when the government ing point as Nana Sajaia of Voice of ATTENTION TO EXTERNAL constantly about the fi ght against ter- about the internal affairs of Georgia or changed, Georgians have done better America’s Georgian Bureau sat down CONFLICTS, LIKE UKRAINE, rorism, while its primary goal remains Ukraine as if they are entitled to do so than a lot of people feared. At the time, with renowned scholar Donald Jensen, AND USING IT FOR to protect Assad. I don’t see any solid or as if their involvement is somehow given Ivanishvili’s background, some currently a resident fellow at the Center INTERNAL MOBILIZATION. diplomatic solution anytime soon. required. Georgia is a separate country, saw him as a tool of Moscow, but Geor- for Transatlantic Relations in the Nitze I agree. We saw Ukraine used as a way Russia has no business talking about the gia has tried to continue its course towards School of International Studies at Johns to mobilize the population, but that pas- LAST WEEK, RUSSIA’S FOREIGN national security of Georgia unless Geor- Western integration and it deserves Hopkins University, to discuss our north- sion, that enthusiasm is now clearly MINISTER SERGEI LAVROV gia asks for it. Let Georgia solve its own credit for this. ern neighbor’s shady strategies. declining. So, what now? That’s the prob- SAID THERE ARE “REPORTS” problems unless Georgia decides to ask Everything you see about Ivanishvili, lem Putin faces. He can’t pump up the OF ISLAMIC STATE FIGHTERS for Russian help, which Georgia has not. his career and business background, IN YOUR RECENT ARTICLE economy and people are getting sick of TRAINING IN GEORGIA’S suggests close ties to Moscow. This is YOU SAY THAT RUSSIA’S Ukraine. PANKISI GORGE. DO YOU HOW WOULD YOU worrying. Because in Russia, power is POLICIES PUT AT RISK ITS THINK IT CAN BE USED AS COMPARE THE CURRENT AND money and money is power. He, on MAJOR AMBITIONS, SUCH SYRIA IS SOMETHING THAT A JUSTIFICATION TO CROSS PREVIOUS GOVERNMENTS paper, suggests an affi nity for some of AS ITS ABILITY TO EXERCISE BROUGHT PUTIN FROM INTO GEORGIA AGAIN? OF GEORGIA IN DEALING the infl uences from Russia that a lot POWER ABROAD. HOW SO? INTERNATIONAL ISOLATION TO That’s obviously why he said it. This WITH THIS SITUATION? of people in the West are not comfort- Russia’s ambitions were largely fueled THE DISCUSSION TABLE. HOW kind of rhetorical discussion creates a I don’t like to be involved in internal able with, but at the same time Georgia by Russia selling its oil and energy com- WILL THAT AFFECT REGIONAL certain mindset, prepares people for politics. The current Georgian govern- states fi rmly it wants to be in NATO modities in the Putin era, which allowed POLITICS? WOULD YOU SAY what could happen. I found it very, very ment is not where I’d like to be on some and Western Institutions, and that is a Russians to become complaisant and THERE IS A BIGGER RISK THAT worrying. If you claim there are terror- of these issues, and uses what I call a good thing. gave Putin the freedom to act in certain A COUNTRY LIKE GEORGIA ists, and of course Moscow is allied with multi-vector foreign policy more than I ways that Russians might otherwise have MIGHT BE COMPROMISED? the West on fi ghting terrorism, that allows might like. On the other hand, I under- For the full interview in Georgian, go to: not approved. Now, there is almost no Yes, Putin has become relevant to the you to move around with relative impu- stand the pressures from the North and http://www.amerikiskhma.com/media/ hope of the oil price getting anywhere discussion, at least about Syria, and that nity, because you could do something in East, and I understand how diffi cult it video/donald-jensen/3171603.html The Half Life of Alexander Litvinenko and Polonium 210 safe in the UK. He was not, and the mes- reachedr any number of targets just about BY WILL CATHCART sage then was the same as it is today: No anywhere.a Had the motives been differ- one is safe. ent,e had it been a water supply instead of The operation also was supposed to be a teapot, the body count would have been en years after Alexander shrouded in ominous mystery. Polonium’s unfathomable.u Litvinenko, a former KGB short half-life meant that had it not been And yet why then are the conclusions offi cer turned British citizen, for a brilliant stroke of luck by one of ini Sir Robert Owen’s 328-page report was given a lethal dose of Litvinenko’s physicians, then outside of comingc as “news”? There is nothing ‘new’ radioactive poison at a posh a few intelligence and security agencies, abouta any of it. It has been ten years, and hotelT in the middle of London, a govern- the poisoning would have gone unnoticed stills we miss the point. That an offi cial ment sanctioned British inquiry into the by the public at large. It would have been inquiryi took this long is as shameful, as Alexander Litvinenko, a former incident has released its fi ndings. Led by just a chilling rumor—the stuff of con- KGB offi cer turned British citizen cowardlyc and as dangerous as the murder retired judge Sir Robert Owen, the 328- spiracy theories, never verifi ed—elusive a few days before his death. itself.i page report concludes that Russian Pres- and murky like the fate of so many others Source: guardian.com One single investigative journalist ident Vladimir Putin most “probably” who have lost their lives after crossing methodicallym laid out and published in approved the assassination. The reports Putin. But this time was different. The like a hero, reaching cynical celebrity Very few acts terror or statecraft have less than two years what has taken the cites a blog post by Litvinenko calling primary suspect, former FSB agent Andrei status with his own TV show about trai- shaken security services in the Western British government an entire decade to Putin a pedophile as one of the possible Lugovoi, left a radioactive trail crisscross- tors of the Russian motherland (seriously). world more than murder of Alexander “probably” conclude. The evidence was motives. ing London from the airplane on which He is even a member of parliament, which Litvinenko: A nuclear attack with a cas- all there. Alan Cowell unveiled a brilliant As disturbing is this alleged secret about he arrived from Moscow to the one on coincidentally gives him immunity from ualty of one. And it could have been investigation of a murder, which followed the Russian president is, the fact that the which he departed. prosecution. Indeed Lugovoi is not the thousands. The location of the incident a radioactive path that glowed like some British Government delayed for an entire Back home Lugovoi has been treated only one laughing from the Duma. was arbitrary. Polonium could have kind of morbid abstract art, refl ective of decade their investigation of the fi rst what was to come and the absurdity of nuclear attack in the 21st century and the the simple teapot to which it all led. But fi rst act of nuclear terrorism in human then like the radioactive corpse of the history for reasons of “diplomacy” or in former KGB offi cer turned dissident, it reality, greed. Britain did not want to lose was sealed up for reasons of public safety Russian investment, though the British and buried by a British government that government knew the truth a decade was in reality more concerned about before the offi cial inquiry. jeopardizing vast Russian investments in The New York Times’ London Bureau London than the truth. Chief at the time of the 2006 murder, Alan The murder should have been recog- Cowell brilliantly laid out the case for nized at the time as the watershed geo- this murder eight years ago in his book political event that it was—not just for The Terminal Spy. A decade since the the nuclear element but also for what it assassination, which weaponized a hotel revealed about Vladimir Putin—a mes- teapot to assassinate Alexander Litvinenko, sage that many did not want to hear. Many the public may fi nally be listening. The still do not. question now is what message will they The fi rst act of nuclear terrorism on hear and are they ready to hear it? planet earth targeted only one man. It has If the British report is correct, then it gone unpunished and unrealized. Like so wasn’t just a murder; it was a message many before him and so many who have from Putin, which is being received a followed, Litvinenko ended up in an early decade too late. This is a wake up call grave for crossing Vladimir Putin. The that almost was not. The Russian presi- Tel: (995 32) 2 45 08 08 difference is that Litvinenko’s grave was dent went nuclear on one of his critics, 10 Galaktion Street E-mail: [email protected] a lead-lined coffi n. “Probably” isn’t good a new British citizen who thought he was enough. GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 5 - 8, 2016 POLITICS 5 Chicken Little & the Reading through the Georgian Media Georgian press, you terical tone and content of the press here. our media. I call it ‘interview journalism.’ OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE are left with Reading through the Georgian press, you Not that I am against this journalistic genre! are left with the impression that the sky I am simply against the abundance of the is falling on our heads. interviews everywhere. I would rather go edia is a big deal in Still another trait that could defi nitely for features, op-eds, analytical endeavors, impression Georgia, as it happens be attributed to our press is its utterly investigative efforts, entertainment pieces, to be in any other indig- stereotypical image – you take all our sports and arts fl ashes, and of course, for that the sky enous culture in the newspapers and shuffl e their pages into sporadic interviews with some persons of world, but there is a one paper and you will never guess that consequence that could be prompted by is falling on Mslight difference between what Georgia’s the pages are extracted from various some special circumstance. In most of the press looks, feels and reads like and the newspapers unless you catch sight of well-known and well-selling local maga- our heads means of mass communication in the the title of the paper in between. zines, you will come across ten or even rest of the world. Another element that makes the Geor- more interviews per issue, most of which Throwing in a couple of characteristic gian press distinguishable is the weird- are hardly readable. Yet people buy those features of our local press might suffi ce ness and irrelevance of its headlines. I magazines and read them. optimal and reasonable. I need my news- This is all, of course, on a theoretical to help you understand its gist and have been reading the Western press As I said, this kind of taste has been paper, as any other media, for three main basis, and if I present here the practical essence. The prevalent color of the Geor- since I was a college student where it hammered out persistently, and it can- reasons, and this is classic: a) to be side of the issue, we may all be surprised gian press is mostly yellow with eye- was often enough to merely have a cur- not be stamped out very easily. What informed to make my life easier, b) for how absurd most of the articles we read catching headlines. And there must be sory look at its pages to know forthwith bothers me most is that, being the read- the educational purpose of having a sound. The same can be said of those more to those headings than only a plain what you wanted to read and what not. ers of our own press, we are using up chance to turn myself into an appealing sensational TV and radio talk shows. desire to sell better. Here in Georgia, unless you go down to plenty of our valuable time on imbibing person, and c) for slight entertainment Both as journalist and consumer, I have The readers’ taste is certainly compat- the bottom of the article, you will never the kind of information without which and relaxation. Period! I do not need my always longed to deal with a press that ible, and there is a reason to say that – it get what it is all about. we could easily survive. If we admit and newspaper for gossip-mongering, wants to be specifi c, does all it can to has been methodically and perseveringly And fi nally, the interviews! The press is consider as given that time is one of the although the occasional tittle-tattle might carry me away, and which refuses to be built up and nursed throughout the last full of interviews; television is brimming most valuable commodities in the com- help my brain get distracted from regu- watery, so that I know I will not have quarter of a century. with interviews; and the radio is packed plicated modern world, then the way we lar daily routine – but only occasional wasted my time when I close my paper Another stand-out feature is the hys- with interviews, too. Interviews dominate are being informed by our press is not and light. and throw it away.

ment: he unexpectedly mentioned the sent the Chechen Field Commander Pankisi Gorge in the context of the devel- Ruslan Gelaev with his army of 150 into The Fingers in the Pankisi Pie opment of Georgian and Russian relations, that same Pankisi, and later asked us to restoring diplomatic ties, visa-free travel allow the Russian troops in for his anni- and the negotiations with Gazprom. Actu- hilation. Russia, Sergey Lavrov, has been answered Pankisi, though if we cast a glance at the ally, he issued an ultimatum to the Geor- The Kremlin is trying to stage a similar OP-ED BY ZAZA JGARKAVA by President Margvelashvili right from transport or energy related battles gian Government, something like: “Apart play again, especially because it has a the Pankisi Gorge: “It is peaceful here,” between Russia and Georgia – everything from Abkhazia and South Ossetia, we still much more convincing reason to do so said the President during his meeting becomes clearer. have a lever against you and if you do not this time. Although there aren’t any hat is happening in with the locals, which was attended by The question about restoring diplomatic behave yourselves, we can raise the Chechen fi ghters in Pankisi, there are Pankisi? – this rhe- the US Ambassador, Ian C. Kelly, and relations, asked by a Georgian journalist Pankisi issue again.” Not for the fi rst time young fi ghters that have left Pankisi torical question asked the Head of the European Mission, Janos at a press-conference held on January do we experience the Kremlin as profi - Gorge and are fi ghting in the ranks of by the Minister of Herman. It is hard to tell why Russia’s 26th, was used by Russia’s chief diplomat cient in creating such intrigues- thinking the ‘Islamic State’ in Syria. WForeign Affairs of Foreign Affairs Minister has recalled to make a much more important state- back, here, to the year 2000 when Russia Continued on page 7 GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS FEBRUARY 5 - 8, 2016 Overseas Focus: What Was the Iowa Caucus and Why Does It Matter?

fl oor is opened again for people to change their percentages of the votes, and we are likely to see try and answer the question on everyone’s minds BY CHARLES JOHNSON minds. Additionally, if a candidate does not meet more drop out, especially from the over-populated (and yes, even my fellow countrymen are often left a given threshold of votes in the fi rst round, they Republican race in the coming weeks. confused by this whole process). What signifi cance are not included in the second. That can- America woke Tuesday morning with a then does the Iowa caucus have in American poli- eorgian politics (politics anywhere, didate’s supporters can either go home smaller fi eld of candidates and a good tics? To answer frankly, it matters because American to be honest) certainly have a fl air dejected, or caucus with another sense of how the remaining ones pundits and media say it does. Its importance is one for the dramatic, but the United States candidate in the next round. fare in real political battles. There of almost purely human construction. Monday’s is unique in the sense that our dra- This is where strategy becomes is, however, a long road ahead votes give little, if any, hints about what America matic election cycle lasts for well key, candidates must have per- until November. We must think will look like come January 2017 when a new pres- Gover a year. The general election in November is suasive operatives on the ground of Iowa as more of a single way- ident is sworn in. To my Georgian audience I will governed by an extremely complicated set of laws who engage with sup- point in a long and com- say this: I see little difference in how a president surrounding what is called The Electoral College porters of losing candi- plicated process. Rather Cruz, Sanders, Clinton, or Trump would interact (perhaps a subject of a later article), but right now dates and pull them over than applying prophetic with Georgia – mostly because these candidates the two major parties are trying to narrow down to their side. predictions on who will think more of Iowa than Georgia when they hear their White House hopefuls to just one person. So what happened win in November, I sug- “Caucasus.” Aid money will still fl ow and Georgia Georgians interested in who the next American Monday in Iowa? Ted gest those interested use will still partner with the US military. The tangible president is can honestly wait until fi nal campaign- Cruz, the strict constitutionalist and Monday’s caucus as a point of com- differences in these candidates lie with their views ing starts in July, but anyone interested in good devout evangelical Christian, won the day, parison on how candidates will re-group towards domestic law and the distribution of public drama, better than the best Brazilian soap opera, despite higher poll numbers for the brash billion- and reorganize their efforts. Up next week is New goods to American citizens. Anyone in Tbilisi with should pay attention to these primary elections. aire, Donald Trump. With a caucus, organization Hampshire. So anyone in Georgia wishing for more real concerns over one candidate or another should Almost every week from now until party conven- is everything. Candidates can have soaring popu- ready-made TV political drama should mark their see the process as more entertainment than anything tions in July, local state chapters of the Republican larity numbers, but in a complicated and highly calendars and have the popcorn ready. To close, let’s until the fi nal election in November. and Democratic parties will use a variety of meth- personal process like a caucus, they need campaign ods to determine who they wish to support as their staff across the state to ensure people show up to party’s fi nal candidate (aka, delegate allocations). the physical location and understand the process. Traditionally, the fi rst state to allocate delegates is This is perhaps why establishment candidates tend Iowa, hence the media hubbub. to do better in this primary, because they under- Georgia Looking Good, but Could Primary elections, because they are organized at stand the system well and have spent time amass- the state level, should be especially interesting for ing the infrastructure to win. On the Democrat’s political junkies because they use a variety of vot- side the night was even more interesting. Presump- Be Better in the Eyes of the EU ing methods. Partly because Iowa is a rural state, tive favorite Hilary Clinton and surprise hit Bernie partly because of tradition, and partly because it Sanders essentially tied. The result is important, is just plain fun, the state uses caucuses for their because it highlights the importance of organizing “The Assembly notes that in the majority of the BY ZVIAD ADZINBAIA primary election. At a caucus, everyone shows up in every single community, and because it showed Council of Europe member states, human rights at a community meeting area such as an auditorium that an establishment candidate with experience defenders are free to work in an environment con- or sometimes their school’s basketball court. They and lots of money can potentially be beat by an ducive to the development of their activities. How- hear stump speeches from representatives of each opponent with a passionate and well organized he European Commission published ever, it is deeply concerned about increased repris- candidate and then quite literally go stand with the campaign staff and volunteers. A battleground like a report last week on Georgia’s reform als against human rights defenders in certain group they wish to support. This is when the fun/ Iowa is not without casualties as well. Several can- process, assessing the overall achieve- member states, including Azerbaijan, the Russian chaos begins. After the fi rst round of voting, the didates dropped out after only scoring single-digit ments of the country throughout the Federation and Turkey,” the report reads. past year. According to the report, there have also been TAccording to the document, in 2014-2015 Georgia alarming signs of deterioration in certain member made overall substantial progress regarding the states, including Georgia, namely public attacks, effective implementation of human rights protec- threats to release material allegedly compromising tion, democracy and fundamental rights. “The to prominent human rights defenders, physical adoption and start of implementation of the National attacks, and pressure and intimidation against law- Human Rights Strategy and Action Plan as well as yers, including lawyers working on politically sen- of the Gender Equality Strategy and Action Plan sitive cases. in 2014 were particularly important and represented The Assembly condemns these practices and sup- signifi cant improvements in Georgia’s policy in ports the work of human rights defenders, who put these areas,” the report reads. at risk their security and personal life for the pro- As the document says, Georgia fulfi lled all the motion and protection of the rights of others, includ- objectives set out under the 2014-2015 Human Rights ing those from the most vulnerable and oppressed Action Plan for 2014 and is progressing well on the groups (migrants and members of national, religious implementation of the goals planned for 2015, espe- or sexual minorities) or to combat impunity of state cially on the integration of minorities. offi cials, corruption and poverty. “In particular, there were important achievements The major parliamentary opposition, the United in terms of the proper conduct of the 2014 municipal elections, increased judicial independence (including the election of a new and fi rst female chief judge), humanization of criminal pol- icies (refl ected notably by proportion- ate sentences, a reduction of pre-trial detentions, a fairer plea bargaining system and the recognition of victims’ rights), progress on juvenile justice through the adoption of a juvenile jus- tice code, prison mortality reduced to a low level and an improved treatment of prisoners,” the report says. The report also highlights the parlia- ment’s “strengthened role,” referring to the 2014 anti-discrimination law, “a new anti-discrimination mechanism that became operational in October 2014 and embed- National Movement (UMN) demanded that the ded in the Public Defender’s Offi ce.” government keep this in mind and to carefully fol- In addition, institutional reforms were empha- low the recommendations of all Georgia’s strategic sized, especially ones launched by the Prosecutor’s partners, such as the European Union. Offi ce in December 2014. What makes the two political institutions of one “The Georgian authorities started to prepare the Europe so different in assessing Georgia’s political next human rights action plan (for 2016-2017), which and democratic achievements? The roots of the would cover new areas such as election rights and problem could be traced through Georgia’s plung- rights to quality education and healthcare,” the ing political progress achieved as a result of several European Commission says. elections and other major reforms during the past However, the EU Commission mentioned that three years. In particular, railing against media noticeable shortcomings remain in several areas institutions, such as the nation’s leading TV Com- covered by the conventions, and further work to pany Rustavi 2, not only shook the image of the tackle them would be necessary in the future. “Par- Georgian Dream coalition and the government, but ticular attention should also be paid to media free- also the country’s image in the region as a success dom and pluralism,” the report reads. story. Following the positive assessment of the country’s Although the overall political processes and the progress with minor shortcomings, the Parliamentary winds of conspiracy around Rustavi 2 have become Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted relatively calmer, the country has not fully yet a document stating a situation in terms of protecting transferred to the active pre-election process which human rights defenders in Georgia that “seems to be is expected from late spring. Political analysts and worsening,” referring to human rights protectors and other experts assume the upcoming summer will organizations operating in the country. be one of the hottest for Georgia’s political life. GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 5 - 8, 2016 POLITICS 7 Iowa Caucuses: Cruz Smacks Donald Trump, Democrats ‘Feel the Bern’ The Fingers in the the results showed that charisma and BY JOSEPH LARSEN national media coverage don’t necessar- ily substitute for good old fashioned Pankisi Pie boots on the ground. Trump took a t feels like election season has been hands-off approach, with few paid adver- going on forever in the US. In real- tisements and only 12 staffers. ity, the primaries began on Monday, Trump’s loss – despite being favored by BUT STILL GETS “BERN’D” February 1 in Iowa. The “Hawkeye seven points over Cruz in entry polls – is Democratic front-runner Hillary Clin- State” has a population of only 3 an indicator of the gap between express- ton offi cially won the Democratic Cau- millionI (less than 1 percent of the US ing support in an opinion poll and actually cus with 49.9 percent of the vote. But population), so its voters are a small sam- going out to vote. That’s where a strong the margin was razor thin. Vermont ple of the United States. A study from grassroots organization comes in – an area senator and self-professed “Democratic 2012 showed that the winner of the Iowa in which Trump failed, and Cruz succeeded. Socialist” Bernie Sanders trailed right Democratic caucus goes on to win the behind her with 49.6, remarkable for an party nomination roughly 50 percent of RUBIO BREATHES LIFE INTO outsider candidate with almost no the time, while the GOP caucus picks the GOP ESTABLISHMENT national exposure going into 2015. nominee 43 percent of the time. Republican elites have fretted with early Clinton’s campaign came up short in pre- Nevertheless, the Iowa caucuses mark polls being dominated by Trump and Cruz, dictable ways. Despite no shortage of the offi cial grand opening of election two fi gures reviled by GOP bigwigs and resources and more than 100 full-time staff- season. This time, the results brought infl uential donors. Former Florida gover- ers on the ground, she failed to attract many up several unexpected headlines. nor Jeb Bush, the party establishment’s voters outside her base of older, regular favored candidate, has failed to attract caucus voters. Her lack of broad appeal popular support. contrasted with Sanders’s strong support “It is peaceful here,” said the Georgian President during his meeting with Pankisi locals TED CRUZ LEADS last week REPUBLICAN PACK The GOP establishment was redeemed from younger, more left-wing voters. The Iowa Republican caucus was won on Monday by Marco Rubio, a brash, Among 17-29 year olds, 84 percent went Continued from page 5 Minister Valerian Khaburdzania, who by an outsider, but not the outsider that Spanish-speaking senator from Florida. for Sanders, compared to only 14 percent maintains close relations with the Rus- entry polls projected. Ted Cruz, the Texas Rubio came in third with 23.1 percent of for Clinton. Sanders also held a 19 point It is crucial that the Kremlin doesn’t sian Security Services, blames offi cial freshman senator and architect of the the vote and gained much-needed edge over Clinton among voters who make such a decision, because if it does, Tbilisi: “Russians asked me to negotiate 2013 government shutdown – a move that momentum to take into the February 8 described themselves as “very liberal,” it can easily push the Pankisi theme cooperation on issues of terrorism with apparently served no purpose other than New Hampshire primary. Rubio has a group comprising more than a quarter against Georgia, including by use of the Management of Georgian Security to raise his national profi le – led the GOP received criticism for his perceived lack of the Democratic base. aggression. Services. The proposal was to cooperate with 27.7 percent of the vote. of experience and “fl ip-fl opping” on core Political expert Ramaz Sakvarelidze on issues of antiterrorism regarding the “Tonight is a victory for the grassroots,” issues (fellow Republican Lindsey Gra- CAN’T BUY ME LOVE (OR VOTES) is convinced that the raising of the Islamic State, exchanging information Cruz declared as he claimed the win ham this week accused him of going That money buys power in American issue of Pankisi by Russia’s Foreign and mutual work. We got total disregard Monday night. Reports from Iowa credit “hard right” on abortion and immigra- politics is a common assumption these Affairs Minister already means that from Tbilisi. I am sure that Lavrov has his team’s diligent groundwork for the tion reform, issues on which Rubio had days. The 2016 Iowa caucuses showed Russia has aggressive intention. “At the been informed by those people who do strong showing. His campaign had 11,986 earlier shown moderation). that things may not be so bad, after all. beginning of the paragraph, Lavrov not want Russian-Georgian relations to volunteers working across the state in However, Rubio’s positive, forward- The Bush campaign spent USD 14.9 mil- says that he wants to improve relations settle,” Valerian Khaburdzania told news- addition to a full team of staffers. Plus, focused message and foreign policy lion on advertisements but received only with us, and at the end he wags his paper Alia. religious messages –a specialty of this expertise make him the strongest can- 5,238 votes, or about USD 2,800 for each fi nger about the Pankisi issue. These By the way, the US Ambassador, Ian C. fi ery evangelical Christian – tend to play didate among the GOP mainstream. If vote earned. By contrast, the Rubio cam- two contradict each other. I have a Kelly agreed with President Margvelash- well in front of audiences in Iowa. and when Bush and other GOP candi- paign spent USD 273, Cruz USD 116, and reasonable suspicion that the issue of vili on the peacefulness in Pankisi. The dates such as Chris Christie and John Trump only USD 73. Pankisi is made up artifi cially, specifi - Ambassador stressed that there aren’t “THE DONALD” DISAPPOINTS Kasich drop out, the Republicans’ vast On the Democratic side, Clinton spent cally for Russia’s aggressive rhetoric,” any terrorist bases in the valley. Although Manhattan billionaire Donald Trump resources will consolidate around Rubio. a full USD 2 million more than Sanders says Sakvarelidze. how convincing the words of the US came in second among GOP candidates (USD 9.4 million to USD 7.4 million), but In contrast to political experts who talk Ambassador are for Russia, the future with 24.3 percent of the vote. If anything, HILLARY CLINTON WINS earned only four more delegates. about the mistakes of Lavrov, ex-Justice will show.

INVITATION FOR BIDS Date: 3 February, 2016 Loan No.: 3063-GEO: Sustainable Urban and Transport Investment Program – Tranche 3 Contract No. and Title: Bidding: P42414-SUTIP3-ICB-3.02-2015: Modernization of Tbilisi- Rustavi Section of the Tbilisi-Red Bridge (Azerbaijani Border) Road (Section 2) Deadline for Submission of Bids: 21 March, 2016, 15:00 hours (local Georgian time)

1. The Government of Georgia has received fi nancing ments. from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) towards the 5. To obtain further information and inspect the bidding cost of Sustainable Urban Transport Investment Program documents, bidders should contact the following from –Tranche 3. Part of this fi nancing will be used for pay- 10:00 to 18:00 hours only, on working days: ments under contract named above. Bidding is open to Municipal Development Fund of Georgia Bidders from eligible source countries of the ADB. Address: 150 David Agmashenebeli Ave., 0112, Tbilisi, 2. The Municipal Development Fund of Georgia (MDF) Georgia, Room #407 (hereinafter referred to as the “Employer”) invites sealed Tel: (+995 32) 243 70 01; 243 70 02; 243 70 03; bids from eligible bidders for the Modernization of Tbilisi- 243 70 04 Rustavi Section of the Tbilisi-Red Bridge (Azerbaijani Fax: (+995 32) 243 70 77 Border) Road (Section 2). E-mail: [email protected] The main works foreseen for aforementioned works shall 6. To purchase the Bidding Document in English, eligible comprise: bidders should: • Rehabilitation of 6.8 km of 4~6 lanes dual car- a. visit the offi ce of MDF at the address indicated above riageway, arrangement of 2 Interchanges, overpass and pay a nonrefundable fee of GEL1,250 or US$500. bridges, underpass tunnels and retaining wall. The method of payment will be direct deposit to Munic- ipal Development Fund accounts below: Estimated implementation period of the contract is: 730 In case of transfer of Georgian Lari: days. Benefi ciary’s bank: State Treasury, 3. International competitive bidding will be conducted Bank Code: TRESGE22 in accordance with ADB’s single-stage, two-envelope Benefi ciary Account/Treasury Code: 707337069 procedure and is open to all Bidders from eligible source countries as described in the Bidding Document. In case of transfer of USD: 4. Only eligible bidders with, but not limited to, the follow- Benefi ciary’s bank: NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA, ing key qualifi cations should participate in this bidding: TBILISI a) Average Annual Construction Turnover: Minimum SWIFT CODE: BNLNGE22 average annual construction turnover of US$ 62 million Benefi ciary: MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT FUND OF (Sixty two million) calculated as total certifi ed payments GEORGIA received for contracts in progress or completed, within IBAN: GE65NB0331100001150207 the last 3 (three) years (in case of Joint Venture: All Part- Benefi ciary: LEPL - Municipal Development Fund of ners Combined must meet requirement; Each Partner Georgia, ID Code: 206 074 193 must meet 25 % of the requirement; One Partner must with remark “Invitation to Bidding Package No. P42414- meet 50% of the requirement); SUTIP3-ICB-3.02-2015:” b) Contracts of Similar Size and Nature: Participation in or at least one contract that has been successfully or sub- b. pay a nonrefundable fee of GEL 2,500 or US$ 1,000 stantially completed within the last 5 (fi ve) years and that (see account above), write to address above requesting are similar to the proposed works, where the value of the bidding documents for P42414-SUTIP3-ICB-3.02-2015 the Bidder’s participation exceeds US$ 50 million (Fifty Modernization of Tbilisi-Rustavi Section of the Tbilisi-Red million)(in case of Joint Venture One Partner must meet Bridge (Azerbaijani Border) Road (Section 2). The doc- the requirement); uments will be sent by courier service. The Employer c) Financial Resources Requirement: The Bidder must will not accept any liability for loss or late delivery. demonstrate access to, or availability of liquid assets, 7. Deliver your bids: lines of credit, or other fi nancial resources, to meet the • to the address above; Bidder’s fi nancial resources requirements; (a) its current • on or before 15:00 hours local Georgian time on 21 contract commitments defi ned in FIN-4, to be met 100% March 2016. Late bids will not be accepted. by respective partner, and (b) subject contract for an • together with a bid security in the amount described in amount of US$ 7.7 million or equivalent (in case of Joint the bidding document. Venture: Each partner must meet 25% and One Partner Bids will be opened immediately after the deadline in the – 50% of the requirement); and presence of bidders’ representatives who choose to Details are provided in the Section 3 of bidding docu- attend. GEORGIA TODAY 8 POLITICS FEBRUARY 5 - 8, 2016 The Call of Duty: Ogden on Political Image

he’s a fi ghter.” With Saakashvili’s pen- good terms with President Putin OP-ED BY TIM OGDEN chant for military fashions, it’s easy to and controls the government from see why she might think so, and no doubt behind the scenes, a suspicion she liked to picture him on the front which was hardly quelled by the ast night, I came across a pic- lines, Georgian fl ag in one hand and shock resignation of Georgia’s Mr. ture of former President smoking pistol in t’other, roaring encour- Bean-esque former Prime Minister, Mikheil Saakashvili in which agement to the lads (and, full credit to Irakli Garibashvili, who bowed out he is clad in military combat the man, he did go off to the front lines with about as much grace as Rowan fatigues, his name stitched on briefl y during the 2008 war, before a Atkinson’s iconic character. Energy oneL breast, his country on the other; a Russian helicopter began buzzing about Minister Kakha Kaladze (whose patch depicting the Georgian fl ag has and his bodyguards decided that the career has mostly consisted of been stitched to his left sleeve, as is nor- President’s death might be detrimental kicking a leather ball across grass) mal for soldiers of today (which, if you to the Georgian war effort). pours oil on these troubled fl ames ask me, makes the ‘Georgia’ written on The threat of another war with Russia as he mumbles about new deals his chest rather redundant. As far as I is never far from the minds of many being made with the Russian gov- know, no other country bothers to stitch Georgians, no matter that President ernment’s energy conglomerate, its name on its soldiers’ chests, or at least Putin is otherwise engaged in Syria Gazprom. they weren’t being so silly during my and Donbas, or that Saakashvili is well Whatever one’s opinion of brief service years ago). The aviator on his way to becoming King of Ukraine. Saakashvili, it is easy to predict sunglasses add the fi nishing touch, mak- The causes of that war are still debated; how he might handle confronta- ing him look like an extra who wandered I’ve heard Saakashvili himself blamed tion with Moscow. Should the war off the set of Black Hawk Down but for it, while others have said it was a in Donbas worsen once again and decided to keep the uniform. Russian way of striking at America (if the Ukrainian people’s dogged I’ve heard a number of opinions of the latter is true, it seems to me to be resistance fail at the last, it isn’t Misha over the years, mostly obvious about as sensible as smashing a window hard to imagine Saakashvili in the ones along the lines of ‘tyrant’, ‘dictator’ in Las Vegas then looking in the direc- ruins of Kiev, making a Call of and ‘murderer’, but there were two that tion of Washington and shouting ‘There, Duty-inspired last stand, cigar sprung to mind when I saw the ex-Pres- you insolent bastard, that’ll teach you!’). clamped in his teeth and an AK47 ident looking ready to help Arnold Whatever the cause, the fear that it blazing in each hand. The current Schwarzenegger tackle the Predator in might happen again hardly seems state leadership are full of people a Colombian jungle. The fi rst was the unfounded to many Georgians when whose motives and true beliefs Should the war in Donbas worsen once again view of a taxi driver who told me: they look at what has happened in Ukraine and the Ukrainian people’s dogged resistance remain unknown; why, I doubt that “Saakashvili only cares about fame. He over the last two years. While fail at the last, it isn’t hard to imagine many Georgians would recognize just wants to be a celebrity.” At the time, unlikely to happen anytime Saakashvili making a Call of Duty-inspired last Prime Minister Kvirikashvili if they his words conjured an image in my mind soon, the possibility cannot stand, cigar clamped in his teeth and an AK47 passed him in the street. This year’s of Misha sitting on the plush sofa of an be ruled out (especially as blazing in each hand elections will be most revealing. American talk show as he addressed Russia has been able to act I will not deceive my public, Jimmy Kimmel as ‘bro’, but the aviator with impunity as the West shows itself to be increasingly impotent, however, and confess to a little bias with sunglasses worn a la mode by Saakash- despite its repeated rhetoric of ‘bilateral regards to President Margvelashvili. I vili are highly reminiscent of styles ties’ and ‘deepening cooperation’), but met him once, and he was the most exhibited by Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Georgia’s Mr. Bean-esque what I think is rather worrying is that charming and educated gentleman. He Donita Sparks. Looking back, I can see former Prime Minister, Irakli the Georgian Dream coalition are also strongly resembles my third boxing Garibashvili, who bowed out the driver’s point. with about as much grace as still an unknown quantity with regards trainer, and as a result looks as though The other one was told to me by a sober Rowan Atkinson’s iconic to Russia. he would rather brawl with the police young woman who said: “He’s a warrior, character Bidzina, some allege, is secretly on than eat his dinner. GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 5 - 8, 2016 SOCIETY 9 Promoting Youth in Agriculture: Over 300 Thousand People REAP Announces Grant Winners Visited Georgia in January

During the last year, the country was actively working on marketing campaigns; offering potential visitors the variety of tourist opportunities of Georgia, improved services, as well as focusing on the important international events held in the country. Furthermore, Chogo- vadze said that the government chose a new target group of countries in the Persian Gulf: “We can already see grow- ing interest from the area this year,” Chogovadze said. The number of tourists signifi cantly increased from Oman by 887 percent, United Arab Emirates by 706 percent, Saudi Arabia by 181 percent as well as from Philippines by 482 percent and Competition fi nalists and winner Mariam Zaldastanishvili. Source: REAP India by 307 percent. “We see potential in the countries of “It has been 4 months since I started BY ZVIAD ADZINBAIA the Persian Gulf and the fi gures for Jan- my internship in the REAP project. I (-5.6%), Armenia (-12.4%), Russia (+10.2%) uary confi rm this. We will continue to was very pleased to hear about the Mar- BY EKA KARSAULIDZE and Ukraine (+8.6%). Tourist fl ow from work in this direction in 2016. In addi- iam Kutelia Research Grant opportunity, EU countries also increased by 11 percent tion, we will focus on visitors from the n January 29th USAID’s as I thought this research would greatly with most visitors coming from France, US and India, as well as on those from Restoring Efficiency in contribute to my growth as a profes- he Georgian National Tour- Italy, Great Britain, Poland and Germany. Iran, but it all depends on the visa policy Agricultural Production sional,” the award winner told GEORGIA ism Administration The GNTA noted that the positive trend to be established between the two coun- (REAP) announced a win- TODAY. (GNTA) recently in visitor growth has continued follow- tries,” said Chogovadze. He also added ner in the Mariam Kutelia Zaldastanishvili is very thankful for announced that visitor ing the success of 2015. As the beginning that China is a good target country to ResearchO Grant Competition. Mariam the opportunity she was given to carry growth in Georgia in Janu- of last year was not so productive, the focus on for attracting new tourists to Zaldastanishvili, a graduate from the out this research assigned. “This will Tary 2016, compared with the same period Administration had to take drastic meas- Georgia. University of St. Andrew, Scotland, defi nitely be a highlight to my internship last year, is 4.4 percent. Income from ures to change the situation. Income from international tourism is claimed the prize. experience, which is and has been excep- tourism brings a signifi cant contribution “The severe economic and political an important part of the Georgian econ- Zaldastanishvili began working with tional, as I got to learn so much and enjoy to the country’s economic development. situation in the region affected oppor- omy. According to estimates for the fi rst REAP in October 2015 assisting the myself as a part of a wonderful team,” Georgia is improving its services and tunities for tourists and their desire to three quarters of 2015, revenue has organization’s Grants Procurement Spe- she said. making itself more and more attractive travel, so the end of 2014 and beginning increased by more than 8 percent and cialist. Her research was dedicated to Further, the young and motivated Zal- to new countries – as a result a record of 2015 were not very successful. How- amounted to USD 1,508,227 compared ‘an empirical study of the relationship dastanishvili said she considers this grant number of visitors (5.9 million) was fi xed ever, we adopted a new strategy, and as with the same period of 2014. “After the between the availability of agriculture- opportunity a very unique way of hon- in 2015. a result witnessed a 7 percent increase publication of the fourth quarter results, related information and the use of Infor- oring the memory of Mariam Kutelia, a According to a study by the GNTA, in in visitor fl ow at the end of 2015,” said we will be able to speak accurately about mation and Communication Technolo- REAP intern whose life was claimed by January 2016 most visitors came to Geor- Giorgi Chogovadze, Head of Georgian the success of the last season,” said gies (ICT) among rural farmers in the tragic fl ood in Tbilisi in June 2015. gia from Azerbaijan (+16%), Turkey National Tourism Administration. Chogovadze. Georgia.’ Continued from page 9 GEORGIA TODAY 10 SOCIETY FEBRUARY 5 - 8, 2016

dral city of Brechin in northeast Scotland, got pro- the duty of Andrew Coxshall, husband of organizer Seventh Annual Burns Supper ceedings underway with the unmistakable sound Fiona. of the bagpipes to summon high-spirited guests to His poetic and humorous tribute to the fairer sex their seats. was met with uproarious laughter, while the toast Not unlike a Georgian social event, the Burns to the laddies (men) given in response by Luba Breaks Fundraising Record Supper is laden with toasts and speeches, all of Protsiva was also warmly received. which are crucial to the authenticity and true pur- With the formalities completed, guests were called pose of the evening – to celebrate the life and works to the dance fl oor by Nicol McLaren of the Glen- of the legendary Scottish poet Robert Burns. craig Band for a Gay Gordons and a Dashing White Coxshall takes exceptional care in selecting the Sergeant among other Scottish dances. speakers, and this was rewarded again this year by McLaren’s band was completed by Maggie Adam- some excellent deliveries including William Boyd son and Isobelle Hodgson, and the well-travelled who gave a suitably passionate Address to the Hag- trio now consider Tbilisi a cemented part of their gis, a poem dedicated to the Scottish delicacy of annual itinerary. spiced sheep’s innards. As billed on the tickets, the partying carried on After the haggis had been consumed, washed until the wee hours with sales of sparkling Geor- down with the customarily bountiful supply of gian mineral water no doubt rocketing the next wine and whisky, Stuart Nelson gave his own day to address the inevitable drouth that follows a refreshing Immortal Memory toast, traditionally successful Burns Supper. the longest of the evening, which involved a mod- And the success of this year’s event was beyond ern take on Burns’ famous poem “To a Mouse”. doubt, with the revellers already counting down Burns was a notorious romantic, with much of until next year’s edition. his work dedicated to women, and accordingly it As Betsy Haskell, an American resident of Tbilisi, is tradition to toast the lassies (women), this year put it: “as always, the best party of the year.”

Culture - A Common Language with

ful occasion: “People arrived in good form and BY ALASTAIR WATT stayed that way all night. They were in generous Street Children mood, and it is very satisfying to surpass last year’s total by so much (25%),” she said gleefully. BY MERI TALIASHVILI he Burns Supper and Ball The proceeds - some of which came from a is now fi rmly established highly competitive auction in which one guest as a highlight of Tbilisi’s paid USD 500 for a bottle of millennium wine social calendar, and – will go to three worthy causes, namely und AhuAhu for culture development a memorable the Temi Community in Eastern Geor- was founded in 2010. The main objec- Ttime at the Funicular Res- gia – caring for a wide range of vul- tives include the development of con- taurant was had by all 235 nerable people, temporary art, and the resolving of social of the revellers on Sat- Catharsis - problems with the involvement of citizen urday night who helped helping Tbi- engagementF and a culture component. The fund to raise a record-break- lisi’s home- has been carrying out the project “Culture - as the ing 55,000 Lari for less elderly, common language of communication with diffi cult three charitable and Dog groups” with the help of volunteers and in coop- causes. Organization Geor- eration with the centers of the Caritas, Child and Organizer Fiona gia – providing shelter Environment, and SOS Children. GEORGIA TODAY Coxshall, who devot- for stray animals along with met up with Anuka Lomidze, the founder of the edly puts together this sterilization, vaccination and hom- fund of AhuAhu to fi nd out more. thriving event every year, was ing programmes. delighted with another success- George Adamson, a native of the cathe- ANA, CAN YOU INTRODUCE THE PRINCIPLES OF ‘CULTURE – AS A LANGUAGE OF COMMUNICATION’ TO US? All members of our project, including the coordi- nator and the head, are volunteers. The project is held without any fi nancial support, depending on of it, selecting photos that were put on the walls volunteers, friends and relatives. We do our job of their building. The exhibition was organized in with joint effort that needs children and adults to the framework of the “I’m a citizen, too” project communicate and integrate with each other. The with the collaboration of AhuAhu – Fund for Cul- principle is simple: You are a creative person (art- ture Development, Civil Society Development ist, musician, director, actor, singer, and dancer) Center and Helping Hand. and are able to give a one or three day workshop with children and adults, depending on your job. WHAT CAN ORDINARY PEOPLE During the workshop, they will learn to how to DO FOR THESE CHILDREN? paint, dance, sing etc. You take fi ve interesting Anyone can make friends with the children. Talk friends along with you who can help during the with them about literature, art, music, theater, and workshop and make friends with those kids and cinema. Also, organize creative workshops and adults, together with you. You all bake delicious excursions and pay a visit to cultural and educa- food at home and after the workshop or during a tional places or take them to the theater, gallery, break welcome them to the table. All of us, includ- and thematic exhibitions. Teach them a foreign ing the children, make new friends and spend our language, geography, history, mathematics and time positively, give and take back creative energy other subjects. Read books, show fi lms, prepare and make happy those who need it most. food, and they will learn to pass it on.

WHO ARE THE CHILDREN LIVING WHAT IS THE CURRENT AND WORKING ON STREETS? PROGRAM OF ‘CULTURE AS A The terms ‘street children’ or ‘ownerless children’ COMMUNICATION LANGUAGE”? [a Georgian term] are not correct. In fact these are We plan art-therapy sessions, free screenings, read- children living and working on the streets. There ing hours, creative courses of English language are no ownerless children at all. Actually, every workshops, visits to playwrights, artists and pho- single one has a parent, a guardian in the form of tographers, educational and fun courses in history the state. Some of them do not have a name, house, and geography, music courses, excursions to exhi- parents; are half-orphan or from very poor families bition halls and museums. At this moment, art so that the streets have become a single food source therapy sessions, free screenings and meetings for them. Sometimes willingly or forcibly they with dramatists are conducted for the Caritas and work, beg and get into prostitution or other illegal Child and Environment children. jobs on the streets. Six years ago we happened to have an accident when a 14 year old boy was shot WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR THE in the leg. Because he had no identifi cation card DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROJECT? was refused medical care, he got blood poisoning Any material which will be useful for creative and lost his leg. They are deprived of education activities. Even food to eat between activities (for because they have no identity card. They have no example, at screenplays and discussions we have toys, personal items or rooms, beds or safe places. to stop twice with small food break) of volunteers willing to take a new, exciting knowledge, abilities, AS WE KNOW, TWO YEARS AGO, attitudes and creative spirit of friendship. THE FUND METRO FREEDOM Our fund has no a working space, the most impor- SQUARE FOYER DISPLAYED SOCIAL tant thing for us is to fi nd a neutral place where we POSTERS DEPICTING CHILDREN can be in a more stable relationship with the child PROBLEMS THAT ARE STILL THERE. and grow with them and become more diverse. Yes. The series was fi lmed according to the ‘Cul- We would be happy if others shared their advice, ture-as the common language’ principle and with wishes or project development opportunities on their direct involvement and friendship. our Facebook page. We are always open to coop- The author of the photos, Coca Vashakidze, spent eration and new members and really need to unite several days with the children in a day care center, with people of innovative vision to arrive at a solu- where they came into contact with each other, tion to such problems. became friends, and together came up with the https://www.facebook.com/Culturelanguageforcom- content and worked together during the making munication/info/?tab=page_info GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 5 - 8, 2016 SOCIETY 11 Bloody Sheets: An Age-old Tradition Still Held in Georgia’s Regions

relatives. Afterwards, the guests con- families before marriage. It impacts their BY GUNEL MOVLUD FOR gratulate the new-married couple for fi rst intercourse after which they come GEORGIA TODAY the creation of a ‘decent’ family. to us, gynecologists or to psychiatrists, with numerous complaints. For that rea- AND IT STILL EXISTS… son Yenge have signifi cant roles. The efi nition of ‘Yenge’ – a We tried to collect information about the couple trusts her, she teaches and explains supervisor of sexual inter- Yenge tradition from ethnic Azerbaijani everything and the young people avoid course of a new-married people living in Georgia. According to We, Yenges, are problems.” couple the information provided, this tradition Elnur Nazimbyel disagrees. “The Yenge has almost disappeared among those authorized to teach institute is still very actively followed in DWHAT IT MEANS TO BE A YENGE Azeri families who live in Tbilisi for whom the regions of Georgia and it is very Yenge is an old Azerbaijani tradition. It it now has only a symbolic nature. them everything. It is shameful. It is not tradition; it is snoop- is a person who supports a new-married One respondent, Dilshad Gurbanova, ing into someone else’s bed. I have not girl to overcome the nervousness of the 35, said they did not have a Yenge for her a guarantee; how married yet but I will defi nitely not allow fi rst-night after marriage. A Yenge is a wedding. “My relatives did not follow anybody to do so at my wedding.” woman who accompanies a bride to the that tradition. Even if somebody has a can one prove the Gulferi Mamedova said: “It is a big groom’s home on the wedding day. She Yenge at the wedding these days, she shame. We do not know what to do. I’ve is responsible for her virginity and after has a completely different function. The virginity of a bride even heard of underage girls being taken the fi rst night she leaves the home. As a modern Yenge holds a mirror during the to the ceremony of the showing of the rule, a relative of the bride is selected to wedding and accompanies the bride to without a Yenge? bloodstained sheet. Children are made be a Yenge and she must necessarily the beauty salon and wedding hall. ready from an early age to get married have experience of sexual intercourse Nobody follows rules about a blood- women often act very rudely. They take I go to a doctor who would restore my under supervision of a Yenge. It is destroy- with a man and, as such, young single stained sheet nowadays. It’s in the past.” advantage of the youth of the newlyweds virginity. I refused. Finally she allowed ing the future of our youth. It’s a disas- woman cannot become Yenge as it is Yet ethnic Azerbaijani journalist, Ayda and deliberately burst into their bedroom that if I’d agreed with my husband, I ter.” obligatory she teach the bride the rules Tagyeva, says that although this tradition on the fi rst night, embarrassing them in could give her a few drops of my blood of relations with her husband. has almost disappeared in the capital, it the act itself…” to stain the sheet with. All in all, she WHAT DO THE YENGES SAY? The Yenge waits at the bedroom door is still quite common in the Azerbaijani A respondent who asked to remain explained everything and we success- Our respondent Mina Gulieva (name of the newlyweds and as soon as the inhabited regions of Georgia. “Where anonymous- a young, educated lady -told fully avoided complications. However, changed) is from Marneuli district. She couple fi nish their fi rst sexual intercourse, the Yenge tradition has a symbolic char- us of her own experience: “I also had a not every Yenge acts like that. If you ever is 55 and has often acted as a Yenge. She she takes the bloodstained bedsheet in acter in Tbilisi, people living in the Yenge on my wedding night. Neither I had a disagreement with her, she might said the tradition is very important. order to prove the virginity of the bride. regions follow that tradition quite seri- nor my husband wanted to have her but not protect you and will reveal your “Sometimes girls and boys are very inex- Two days later the groom’s family has a ously.” my husband’s relatives insisted on it. secret. I wish the Yenge, bloodstained perienced. They do not know how to celebration feast in which the relatives They suspected I wanted to hide some- sheets and similar traditions did not exist act. We, the Yenges, are authorized to of the girl also participate. The Yenge FAULTS IN VIRGINITY TEST thing so we were forced to give in. I was at all. It would be a relief for young cou- teach them everything. It is a guarantee; shows the bloodstained sheet to the OR VICTIM OF TRADITION? not a virgin because we’d had sex before ples!” how can one prove the virginity of a guests and the bride successfully passes Tagyeva told us the Yenge tradition often marriage. I talked with the Yenge and bride without a Yenge? Afterwards, the the virginity ‘test’ in the presence of all creates awkward situations. “Yenge explained this to her and she suggested IS A YENGE NECESSARY? groom’s side may raise questions about In an era of the availability of numerous the honesty of the girl. It will cause con- sex magazines, TV-programs, and a troversy between families.” plethora of information online, is it nec- Mina recalled an incident during one Promoting Youth in Agriculture: REAP Announces essary to have a woman to teach young of the weddings, when a Yenge was couples how to behave on the fi rst night? invited late. “I know one family where Doctor and gynecologist Akhmed a girl was sent home two days after the Grant Winners Namazov says it is. “As a doctor, I say wedding. The girl was very young. Report- Continued on page 11 cially in developing countries like Geor- (ICCN) in a study on women’s attitudes that the Yenge tradition is one of the edly, the Yenge had not warned her to gia,’ Zaldastanishvili told GEORGIA toward gender equality in Samtskhe- most valuable of our traditions and should leave the sheet untouched and she washed Choosing her research topic, Zaldastan- TODAY, adding, “my research fi ndings Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli regions. exist by all means. We should be aware it, meaning it was impossible to prove ishvili relied on her early and current are aimed at creating a general outlook USAID’s Restoring Effi ciency to Agri- of the nature of our nation. Our girls her virginity. Nobody listened to the boy. academic and professional preferences, on the availability of agriculture-related culture Production offers an innovation cannot get sexual education in their It is our tradition.” focusing on human-technology interac- information and the role of ICT for the for Georgian youngsters interested in tion she had previously learned as part rural farmers, which I hope can con- the sphere of agriculture. The US-funded of her university research. tribute to the issue of keeping the farm- organization launched the substantive After consulting REAP staff, Zaldastan- ers informed on topics of interest to internship program, named the Mariam ishvili decided to look at the relation- them.” Kutelia Intern Program in November ship between the availability of agricul- The grant competition final also last year. ture-related information and the usage revealed second place winners, Ana The organization invites applications of Information and Communication Kopashvili and Ketevan Mikeladze, who for intern positions every six months, Technologies (ICT) among the rural will be part of an internship program where students from different universi- farmers in Georgia. “With the emer- offered by the International School of ties are given the opportunity to work gence of the digital age, technologies Economics (ISET) at Tbilisi State Uni- in various fi elds that support REAP’s are becoming a primary means of com- versity (TSU), and third place students, implementation, including administra- munication and information. However, Anano Kipiani and Ekaterine lekishvili, tion and fi nance, monitoring and evalu- rural areas are usually characterized who will assist the USAID/ International ation, environment, and access to fi nance with low literacy in technologies, espe- Center on Confl ict and Negotiation and technical assistance.

The English - Speaking Union

ინგლისურ ენაზე მოლაპარაკეთა კავშირი Creating global understanding through English Patron: Her Majesty The Queen President: HRH The Princess Anne

Invites 16-20 year old young Speakers to take part in the Public Speaking Competition

SPONSORED BY

The theme of the competition is “Integrity has no need of Rules”. Speakers may interpret this theme in any way they see fit, but they should not use the theme as their title. Each speaker will be allocated 5 minutes. The competition will be held in two rounds. The first round, March 14, at the English Language Centre “British Corner” (Vake Park). The second round will be held on 29th of March. The theme of the second round will be announced later. The competition is sponsored by the Bank of Georgia and British Petroleum ESU – Georgia will send the lucky winner to London in May to take part in the finals and organize 5 day stay in England. The deadline for registration is March 11. Contact us: The English Language Centre “British Corner”, Vake Park (entrance from I. Abashidze St.). Tel.: 557 400033, 5 77 477050; 5 55 302512 E mail: [email protected]; www.esugeorgia.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnIKLMa7rBA GEORGIA TODAY 12 SOCIETY FEBRUARY 5 - 8, 2016 Sweating in the Frost: Svaneti

decided to walk, thinking that the exer- pletely covered in white gave a simple, BY TONY HANMER cise would warm me up. stark, haiku-like feel to the photos, which I was right. For a while, in Canada thirty are best in simple black and white, hav- years ago and more, I’d not had a run- ing hardly color of their own anyway. friend wrote recently from ning vehicle, and from my parents’ acre- Not a thousand words per image in these Ushguli that the tempera- age to work was about a 10 km bike stripped-down cases—just a bare sev- ture there was minus 36 ride—at minus 20. Cold enough, but enteen syllables: enough to sum it up, degrees C. Minus 36! I had again, I was generating my own heat, anyway. You could be in any winter not known that such tem- and protecting my lungs with a scarf. No country in the world; nothing screamed Aperatures were possible in Georgia worries, eh! Now, as I set off from Becho out “Svaneti!”- no watchtowers. Fine, it outside of a new Ice Age, even in Europe’s school with a fortuitously timed hot staff was enough to satisfy the purist in me. The highest village at the height of winter. lunch in my tummy, well wrapped and Neither wind nor new snowfall assailed Clearly, while much of the rest of the layered, I was again soon much warmer me; there was just the huge landscape, new look world is complaining of the heat, Svaneti than standing still would leave me. and the quiet, the still. My thighs felt it is lagging behind the trends, as it so The road is in good shape, plowed of all the next day, a bit, but I’ve not had Georgia Today often seems to. Late with roads, with much snow, although there’s still a good enough such exercise this winter, com- the fi rst car, with electricity, with the layer of it covering the cement. But it pared to the summer’s long walks, so fi rst TV... was an easy walk, if a longish one. Only this was a reminder that I must soon get Tell us what It wasn’t that cold, but still cold enough, two single-kilometer stretches gave me back in shape. The ache was more of when I found myself required to walk a respite in cars; the rest was all on foot, that pleasant kind than a pain. It might you think most of the way home to Etseri from the traffi c sparse so late in the afternoon. be a rare necessity to do this walk amid GEORGIA TODAY Becho, 10 km away, recently. One of my Having once walked all the way from the snow, but at least I know that I can school days there, and transport between Etseri to Mestia in a day, 28 km (although still manage it. Truth be told, I welcomed email:[email protected] the two has been irregular of late, the that was in summer), and then on other the solitude, too. usual minivan-bus driver laid up with days to Ipari and Ushguli and fi nally back something, the rest of us forced to fi nd the same route- an over 100 km round Tony Hanmer runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” alternate wheels to Mestia or stops en trip!- I knew that this I could also do. Facebook group, now with over 1250 mem- route. The outward journey was easy, in It was beautiful in all the snow, and bers, at a neighbor’s Niva (qvelgan miva, or “goes very quiet too, and I took the chance to www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- anywhere”)... But he’d be returning from make a few photographs as I walked, sance/ Mestia only after 4 pm, and the school camera always with me in case Ushba He and his wife also run their own guest house closed about two hours before that, had decided to peep out from behind in Etseri: meaning a long wait at the bus stop. I the common clouds. Fences almost com- www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti How Worried Are You By ISIS?

saw no threat in it at all. and only 7% were not bothered by this BY DIMITRI DOLABERIDZE Yet the majority of respondents (42%) fact. are seriously concerned about the fact 32% of respondents believe that there that Georgian citizens also participate is a need to tighten legislation on reli- he Ivane Javakhishvili in activities of so-called Islamic State, gious extremism and 45% trust that Tbilisi State University the legislation is strict enough. Center of Research for 1. How serious do you think the threat the Study of Georgian to Georgia is from the so-called Islamic Complex Develop- State following the Paris attacks? mentT Issues organized a social 1.1 very serious 16% study on 8-23 Jan, 2016, the 1.2 serious 33% purpose of which was to 1.3 minor threat 22% establish opinions regard- 1.4 does not represent a threat 9% ing the threat to Georgia 1.5 I cannot answer 20% by the so-called Islamic 2. How concerned are you by State, particularly fol- the fact that some Georgian cit- lowing the terrorist izens are involved in so-called attacks in Paris. Islamic State activities? The survey of the 2.1 seriously concerned 42% population took place 2.2 not everso concerned 14% in Tbilisi amongst 2.3 not concerned at all 7% 381citizens aged 18 and 2.4 I cannot answer 37% above. 3. Do you think is it necessary to 16% of the respondents tighten legislation on religious consider the Islamic State extremism? as an extremely serious threat 3.1 Yes 32% to Georgia. 33% consider it as a 3.2 No 45% serious threat and just 9% said they 3.3 I cannot answer 23% GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 5 - 8, 2016 CULTURE 13 Turashvili’s Top 5 Must-Reads of Georgian Literature

other nation or country would be extremely proud democratic countries now stand, whose biggest BY BEQA KIRTAVA to have a piece of literature that dates back to the achievement is protecting the rights of those who 5th century. The literary history alone is reason are radically different from the majority.” enough to make this novel interesting for foreign- 4. Konstantine Gamsakhurdia – Kidnapping ne may fi nd it surprising that a small ers. If read, one will easily discover its great artis- the Moon. “Kidnapping the Moon is the novel country like Georgia is the birthplace tic (and non-artistic) value.” which depicts and explains the violent processes of many exceptionally talented writ- 2. Shota Rustaveli – The Knight in the Pan- present in early 20th century Georgia. This, unfor- ers; ranging from hagiographers and ther’s Skin. “The cynosure of Georgian literature tunately, drastically changed our country’s natural novelists to poets and fi ctionists, the – The Knight in the Panther’s Skin is a 12th century and harmonious development and resulted in the designatedO names of the local literature deliver it poem which is a unique synthesis of western and Soviet-Russian regime, which was tragic for us.” all. Getting to know our world of liberal arts is eastern poetic-philosophical cultures and serves 5. Guram Dochanashvili – The First Garment. defi nitely a diffi cult task. So, to help you fi nd your as the kernel of European and Georgian renais- “The First Garment is the 20th century Georgian way through the windfall of books, we asked world- sance, not only in terms of literature and art.” novel which is the literary confi rmation that, despite Georgian writer David Turashvili, best known for his famous Georgian writer, Dato Turashvili, to give 3. Vazha-Pshavela – Host & Guest and Aluda everything, Georgians always remain true to the 2008 novel – ‘Flight from the USSR’ (aka ‘Jeans us his picks for the top 5 must-reads that every Ketelauri. “One just has to read Vazha-Pshavela’s main universal values – kindness, love and free- Generation’). person should go for. collection of poems, which includes his two works dom.” I would advise you to also read our respondent’s 1. Jacob the Priest – Martyrdom of the Holy – Host & Guest and Aluda Ketelauri. Why? Because So, what are you waiting for? Don’t waste a sec- brilliant novel – The Flight from the USSR, which Queen Shushanik. “Written in the 5th century, in 19th century Georgian literature, Vazha-Pshavela ond and be sure to check out all of the abovemen- has already been translated into numerous lan- this is the fi rst Georgian novel. Just like us, any managed to establish the values on which modern tioned works of literature. And while you’re at it, guages, including English. Cultural Strategy 2025: Joint Project of the State and Nation

alternative methods for that,” stated Minister Gior- pleasure for us to hear Deputy Secretary General gadze. of the Council of Europe, Mrs. Gabriella Battaini- The Strategy has a few interesting suggestions Dragoni, say that our work on the Strategy for its for better fi nancing, one of them being the involve- quality and transparency may serve as a model for ment of the business sector in the cultural fi eld other European countries. However, at the same and the possible promotion to the legislative level. time, it is a big responsibility for us to fi nish our Another idea is possible deductions from excise job to the same level,” said Minister Giorgadze. taxes and lotteries to aid sector development. The general public can take part in the adjust- The Cultural Strategy 2025 is supported by the ment of the Strategy before the end of February, EU Eastern Partnership Culture Programme, which after which the fi nal version of the Strategy will be highly appreciated the Ministry’s work. “It was a presented at a government meeting in late March.

The working version of the Strategy is already BY EKA KARSAULIDZE available on a special website www.culturepolicy. ge and Wikipedia. In this case, everyone has access to the document and can also post comments and he Ministry of Culture and Monument amendments online. Protection of Georgia began work on “We do not believe that only the government and the unprecedented long-term ‘Strategy experts should be in charge of such an important 2025’ at the beginning of 2015. During and long-term Strategy,” said Minister Giorgadze. the past year representatives of the “People have the misconception that culture is just TMinistry have toured the regions and met with about entertainment or high art. In fact, it is about people, organizations, and companies related to education and development. We want to convey culture, in order to reveal the most signifi cant that culture can help people to overcome everyday problems and solutions in the cultural fi eld and problems. And to take the right course in this we include them in the Strategy. Minister of Culture, need our citizen to participate in this Strategy,” he Mikheil Giorgadze, announced the launch of the added. second phase of the Strategy in early February, In an interview with GEORGIA TODAY, Minister adding that it requires the active involvement of Giorgadze noted that the Strategy does not place population. emphasis on what theater or cinema should be, The Ministry announced that throughout Febru- recognizing it as something that should be done ary they plan to hold 25 presentations of the work- by professionals in these specifi c areas. “We are ing version of the Strategy in all regions, four of talking about the problems that exist in culture. which will be open to all interested participants For example, infrastructure and logistic support, wanting to express their views, make comments which is essential to the industry’s development. and take part in discussions. The idea is to make There are problems in the legislation and fi nanc- up the fi nal version of Strategy 2025 together with ing, which is one of the biggest challenges for the the citizens it will affect. cultural fi eld, and in the Strategy we offer several GEORGIA TODAY 14 CULTURE FEBRUARY 5 - 8, 2016

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATRE February 6 Language: Russian and European items, including February 2-15 THE ROYAL COW Start time: 14:40 Roinashvili’s photographs of MARIAM ZALDASTANISHVILI’S Directed by Guram Bregadze Ticket price: 9-10 Lari military harness; copper, silver, SOLO EXHIBITION GRIBOEDOVI THEATRE Supported by Tbilisi City Hall Address: 2 Rustaveli Ave. Russian Language ceramics and porcelain tableware; JOY Cultural Events Center Telephone: 2 93 43 36 Small Stage coins, archeological and antiquities. Start time: 12:00 Directed by David O. Russell Ticket price: 7, 10 Lari Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De GALLERY SHALVA AMIRANASHVILI February 6 MUSEM OF FINE ART MARRIAGE Niro, Bradley CINEMA Genre: Comedy, Drama Address: 1 Lado Gudiashvili St. Nikolai Gogol THE NATIONAL GALLERY Telephone: 2 99 99 09 Language: Russian Directed by Avtandil Varsimashvili Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. www.museum.ge Comedy AMIRANI CINEMA Start time: 19:30 www.museum.ge Small Hall Address: 36 Kostava St. Ticket price: 9-14 Lari January 20 – February 5 Russian Language Telephone: 2 99 99 55 PERMANENT EXHIBITION EXHIBITION BY Start time: 18:00 www.kinoafi sha.ge ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME The unique collection of artworks ARCHPRIEST ALEXANDER Ticket price: From 5 Lari Directed by Ella Lemhagen from the Shalva Amiranashvili CHAKHVASHVILI Every Wednesday ticket price: 5 Lari Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Rosie Museum of Fine arts is located AND ARTIST BUDU SIRBILADZE February 7 February 5-11 Day, Raoul Bova in four major exhibition halls on The exposition showcases up SCARLET SAIL Genre: Comedy the second fl oor of the Dimitri to 29 ecclesiastic sketches and Alexander Grin THE REVENANT 37 different artworks including Language: Russian Shevardnadze National Gallery. Directed by Avtandil Varsimashvili Directed by Alejandro González Start time: 12:15, 17:15, 20:05, 22:15 landscapes, portraits and Russian Language Iñárritu The exhibition showcases works Ticket price: 9-14 Lari abstract paintings. It is the fi rst Start time: 12:00 Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom by the distinguished Georgian collaboration project between the Ticket price: From 5 Lari Hardy, Will Poulter MUSEUM artists of the 20th century - Niko artist and the Archpriest. Genre: Adventure, Drama, Thriller Pirosmanashvili, David Kakabadze, TBILISI VASO ABASHIDZE Language: Russian Lado Gudiashvili and sculptor MUSIC GEORGIAN NATIONAL MUSIC AND DRAMA STATE Start time: 16:15 Iakob Nikoladze. MUSEUM THEATRE Ticket price: 13-14 Lari KAKHA BAKURADZE’S SIMON JANASHIA MUSEUM Address: 182 D.Agmashenebeli Ave. December 25 – February 10 MOVEMENT THEATRE THE DANISH GIRL Address: 4 Rustaveli Ave. Telephone: 2 34 80 90 THE EXHIBITION Address: 182 Agmashenebeli Ave., www.musictheatre.ge Directed by Tom Hooper Telephone: 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 DEDICATED TO THE 120 Mushtaidi Park Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Alicia www.museum.ge YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF February 5, 6 Vikander, Amber Heard February 7 DISTINGUISHED GEORGIAN MARY POPPINS Language: Russian ARCHAEOLOGICAL TREASURE Every Sunday at Movement P. L. Travers Start time: 16:15, 22:00 Permanent Exhibition MODERNIST ARTIST SHALVA Theatre Directed by David Doiashvili Ticket price: 10-14 Lari KIKODZE. RECITATIVE IN THE CITY Musical November 17 - May 1 KAKHA BAKURADZE, Start time: 19:00 13 HOURS: THE SECRET EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO TBC ART GALLERY ANA KORDZAIA- Ticket price: 8, 10 Lari SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI THE GREATEST MILITARY Address: 7 Marjanishvili Str. SAMADASHVILI, Directed by Michael Bay AIRCRAFT DESIGNER SANDRO NIKOLADZE, February 7 Cast: John Krasinski, Pablo ALEXANDER KARTVELI Tbilisi State Academy of Arts, IRAKLI MENAGARISHVILI CHRISTMAS TALE Schreiber, James Badge Dale (KARTVELISHVILI /1896-1974/). Faculty of Design, Department Start time: 21:00 Directed by Davit Doiashvili Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller of Ceramic Art Presents MFA Musical Language: Russian CAFÉ GALLERY December 21 - March 31 Diploma works by Start time: 19:00 Start time: 22:15 Address: 48 Rustaveli Ave. MEDEA KOKIASHVILI Ticket price: From 8 Lari Ticket price: 10-14 Lari THE TRAVELING MUSEUM OF MERAB GUGUNASHVILI THE CAUCASUS February 6 TBILISI NODAR DUMBADZE THE BIG SHORT The exhibition showcases the ELENE CHLAIDZE FABRICE LIG STATE CENTRAL Directed by Adam McKay museum collection of Alexander THIRD SOUL CHILDREN’S THEATRE Cast: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Roinishvili, representing exhibits THE EUROPE HOUSE ASH Address: 99/1 Agmashenebeli Ave. Ryan Gosling, Margot Robbie of a 7th-9th century collection of Address: 1 Freedom Sq. Start time: 23:00 Telephone: 2 95 39 27 Genre: Biography, Drama Georgian, Caucasian, Islamic, Asian Telephone: 2 47 03 11 Ticket price: 10 Lari GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 5 - 8, 2016 CULTURE 15 Watercolor Refl ections of an Artist’s Mind and Soul Tbilisi city. “I didn’t know that so many islands are alive on this sinful earth. gladly go and work in the US if the chance people knew of my existence. I wouldn’t Mimo is one of those for sure. This comes up.” However, as the only child call it success, as at my age it doesn’t appreciation came to Georgia, however, of his parents, he says that next year, come, but a certain appreciation is really from his native academy: he was never without any delay, he will go to Bangla- there. Once I was returning from Gldani approved of, being a naughty student. desh. “I feel that I have to smell my and asked a taxi driver how much I had “Now they are inviting me to go and homeland again.” Meanwhile, let’s wish to pay. “6 Gel” – he said. I was surprised, teach there,” he says, smiling. him good luck and thank this wonderful because I usually paid 10 Gel for the Mimo Mondal is not a very nostalgic person for loving our country so much. same distance. He replied: “I know you, person. “I feel I am a son of the world The next exhibition of his is planned in I saw you on TV.” I didn’t expect it. It rather than of one certain country. I will March. The theme is as yet a secret. happened two times with taxi drivers. Last summer, I was in Racha. To my extreme astonishment, I found out that the whole family somewhere in the Bordeaux Ballet Principal Dancer remote village knew about me. Oh, my Gosh, it is something! In fact, it is eve- rything I want!” Igor Yebra to Dance for Tbilisi tion, work, and main affection of life. In He is full of love and love is the main BY MAKA LOMADZE talks with us the young painter admits message he sends out. “If there is God that he does not sleep, paints every day in heaven, why can’t he be on earth, too?” and his muses never let him down. It is Therefore, he thinks that sometimes the imo Mondal is a 26-year- not surprising, though, as Mimo is a very essence of faith is misinterpreted. “Peo- old and extremely tal- literate person. “I’ve always read books. ple go to the church so often. It means ented painter from My parents encouraged it by doing it. that they are not happy and therefore, Bangladesh, with a I’m a Muslim, but I read about all reli- they go there to fi nd happiness,” Mimo particular love of Tbi- gions. I can tell you that there is one part says. “We can be happy if we fi nd our Mlisi and Georgia. He paints in watercolor, in the Koran that says that an artist is capacities and peace. All religions are a rarity for Georgians. For him, color God, as he creates himself.” Mimo adds based on peace. Even if a person is too matters most, which brings him close to that everyone can feel these things, but happy, he/she is a little bit crazy.” He is impressionism. However, he qualifi es not all of us can convey – this is the main full of peace and beams of constructive himself an alla prima artist which implies difference between artists and ordinary thinking. Mimo’s pictures – so fl uid and a spontaneous attitude. For those who folks. “At the opening of this expo, 70% without concrete shape- are the mirrors are interested, Mimo Mondal’s Water- were not my acquaintances. It was great!” of his soul: transparent, pure and light, color Exhibition 2015 is on until February He believes that we all have two faces refl ecting images of Tbilisi, Rustavi, 15 on Tsinamdzghvrishvili Street 25. – outer and inner ones. Money does not Mtskheta, Racha, Bangladesh, and win- It is impossible not to be captivated by give happiness – he has seen it in the ter impressions. It is diffi cult to be an the yellow, red, blue, and grey tints. “I examples of the rich. Mimo is not very esthetic person and easily separate from use two palettes in order to get the results rich, however, he has managed to earn this wonderful atmosphere of calm. I want. As one of our Bangladeshi great enough money without needing extra However, talented people are not eas- painters said, art arrives when an artist thought. Everything began 5 years ago, ily recognized. They are either labelled because at that time I was working for BY MAKA LOMADZE puts his brush into the watercolor of his when he exhibited several pictures about ‘crazy’ or weird’. Nevertheless, most another ballet in Bordeaux. I’d heard a own mind.” He is never tired of painting, Bangladesh. Now, Mimo is the most well- often, when it comes to madness, the lot about this theatre [the Tbilisi State as this is everything he has – his devo- known contemporary foreign painter of surrounding world has it and only small Opera and Ballet Theater]. The building n February 12, the Opera is incredible.” House will be opened by He has appeared as a guest artist with well-known composer Aterballetto, Ballet à l’Opera de Nice, Davit Toradze’s ‘Gorda,’ a Ballet Nacional de Cuba, Ballet Nacional famous ballet based on de Venezuela, Kremlin Ballet Theatre, ODaniel Chonkadze’s story Surami Fortress. the Bolshoi, the Kirov, Scottish Ballet, The ballet was fi rst staged in 1949 by leg- Rome Opera Ballet, Australian Ballet, endary dancer and choreographer Vakh- Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet tang Chabukiani who danced the pro- Theatre and the Arena di Verona Ballet tagonist himself. ‘Gorda’ was listed in the and is a guest principal with the Ballet Tbilisi Opera and Ballet theatre repertoire de l’Opéra National de Bordeaux and for decades. The up-coming premiere the Rome Opera Theater Ballet. will be a restored version of this immor- Yebra fi nds it fascinating that a country tal spectacle. GEORGIA TODAY spoke as small as Georgia has such great ballet to award-winning Igor Yebra, a success- traditions and he has enjoyed being a ful young ballet dancer from Spain, Bilbao, part of it. “I am open to all schools and who will partner Tbilisi ballerinas Nino try to absorb all the best,” he said. Samadashvili and Lali Kandelaki on the “As for the rehearsals [for ‘Gorda’], my 12th and 13th of February. Georgian female partners have been so “Everybody knows Nina Ananiashvili,” gentle and explained everything to me. Yebra told us. “When I was a child, I They are high professionals. In Spain, remember her dancing in Spain with we also have great dances, as you know, Andris Liepa. I’ve kept this image in my but I was shocked with the diffi culty and head. For me, it was something incred- at the same time thrilled to study this ible. I was born in Spain and we did not really complicated ballet style based on have classical ballet traditions. When I a story that is well-known for Georgians. found out more about her career, I was The role I am to play demands a spe- amazed.” cifi cally Georgian character, but I am Igor Yebra’s wife is Russian and her determined to do my very best.” father works in Georgia. When the Span- Tickets are still available to see Yebra iard attended one of Nina’s performances, and the other fabulous dancers perform. he got acquainted with Nina and, two The show starts at 20:00 on the 12th weeks later, they invited him to dance and 13th and at 14:00 on the 14th of Feb- in ‘Gorda.’ “It was quite complicated ruary.

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