Issue no: 1141 • APRIL 12 - 15, 2019 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... SovLab Calls for Autopsy of 150 Corpses Found in Batumi

NEWS PAGE 2 De Facto Abkhazia to Deprive Georgians of Right FOCUS to Inherit Property ON JACK SHEPHERD'S POLITICS PAGE 4 LAST INTERVIEW Georgian Wine Shows Find out Jack's last Great Potential on the words and thoughts before being put behind Japanese Market bars in British prison PAGE 6 SOCIETY PAGE 7 Samtskhe-: a A Europe in Crisis: Where Does Georgia Stand? Hidden Gem of Georgia

tarian yoke and thirty years of democratic progress, our European aspi- Preserving an Ancient ration is inseparable from the consolidation of liberal democracy.” Zurabishvili believes that Europe will both protect and progress Geor- Megalithic Culture gia by bringing improvements such as new commercial opportunities, access to Erasmus programs, and the introduction of European regula- tions for health and safety. In addition, Europe plays an integral part in preventing Russia from continuing to encroach on Georgian territory. Georgians predominantly support the European idea: “Georgians have been supporting EU membership with 80% for years,” writes Zurabish- vili. However, despite Georgia’s pro-Europe stance, many EU member states are becoming increasingly eurosceptic and turning towards pop- ulism and nationalism. Since the turn of the century, the number of Europeans voting for populist parties in national votes has risen from 7% to more than 25%, according to research by The Guardian. In 1998, only Switzerland and Slovakia had populist governments. Two decades later, another nine countries do. Continued on page 4

Image source - Emerging Europe

BY AMY JONES St Marine Church of Tmogvi Fortress. Photo by Giorgi Maghradze CULTURE PAGE 11 urope is in crisis, begins the Salome Zurabishvili in her op-ed published in Le Monde, a French newspaper. Indeed, a steady increase in populism and the Creative Education divisive effect of Brexit is destabilizing European ideals. Yet nonetheless, Georgia is steering itself towards the EU more Studio Revolutionizing the thanE ever before. “The European choice is easily made,” writes Zurabishvili. “Europe is Georgian Music Scene synonymous with freedom: after seventy years under the Soviet totali- CULTURE PAGE 11 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS APRIL 12 - 15, 2019 Prime Minister Bakhtadze Takes the Floor at PACE up,” Bakhtadze pledged. BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE In the midst of the anger and hurt caused by the occupation, however, Bakhtadze emphasized that the only eorgian Prime Minister solution to the confl icts is a peaceful visited one. “Our joint victory will come only Strasburg this week. On when our IDPs are able to return to their April 9-10, Bakhtadze made homes, bridges between people are fully an appearance at the Coun- restored, the rule of law and human Gcil of Europe, accompanied by David rights is ensured throughout the whole Zalkaliani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, territory of Georgia,” he said, going on , Deputy Speaker of to note the Georgian government’s pol- the Parliament and Archil Talakvadze, icies to improve the quality of life for Leader of the parliamentary majority. people in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali He held a number of bilateral meetings region, offering economic and social during the visit, including with Liliane benefi ts, such as the new Step2Better- Maury-Pasquier, President of the Parlia- Future program, although such programs mentary Assembly of the Council of are rarely taken advantage of. Europe (PACE), and Thorbjørn Jagland, “Today, from this stage, I would like to Secretary General of the Council of Image source: Government of Georgia send a message to all our Ossetian and Europe. On Wednesday April 10, Abkhaz citizens - our every success is Bakhtadze gave a speech to the Assem- the April 9, 1989 massacre when Soviet rights and freedom of expression, and rights to return to their homes. The erec- your success! And the only future that bly, addressing the Council of Europe’s troops descended on peacefully protest- defending minority groups. tion of barbed-wire fences, and the sup- we see together is with you – united in Parliamentarians on the occasion of the ing Georgians in the center of with He also noted last autumn’s election pression of the local population are daily peace and prosperity,” Bakhtadze pro- 20th anniversary of Georgia’s member- tanks and riot gear. “Their fi ght was not of the fi rst female president in the coun- issues. The situation on the Georgian claimed. ship in PACE. fruitless,” said Bakhtadze, “as, after two try’s history, Salome Zurabishvili, and occupied territories is nothing other Another topic the Prime Minister The speech opened, dramatically, with years, we gained independence.” the fact that at the end of last year Geor- than a humanitarian catastrophe.” breached is that of Russia’s non-payment a live rendition of the classic Georgian “Peaceful demonstrations are no longer gia adopted major reforms to the Con- He spoke aloud the names of Georgian of its PACE membership fee. To highlight folk song Chakrulo, sung by the men’s dispersed by the government in the stitution, which, he said, now provides citizens killed by occupying troops, warn- the issue, the Government of Georgia polyphonic choral ensemble ‘Rustavi,’ country. Human rights protection is the for better, more democratic governance. ing that “we still deal with threats of abduc- donated 500,000 EUR to the PACE budget which Bakhtadze explained is “a marker top priority,” the Prime Minister stressed. Georgia’s two main challenges, accord- tion, torture and murder of Georgian voluntarily “as a sign of gratitude” for the of Georgian identity” through its diver- Most of the speech was dedicated to ing to the Prime Minster, are territorial citizens today.” He also thanked the Coun- Council’s support over the last 20 years. sity of tones. the theme of democracy, and Georgia’s occupation and poverty. To addresses cil for their support of the Otkhozoria- Bakhtadze closed his well-received Bakhtadze began his speech recogniz- “irreversible” democratic advancements. these challenges, the government is start- Tatunashvili sanctions list, which identifi es speech with the famous quote from for- ing the support of PACE and other allies, “Georgia has an ambition to become the ing with systematic education reforms individual human rights violators on the mer Georgian Prime Minister Zurab which has led Georgian to achieve “unim- role model of democracy in the region,” – likely to have a stronger impact on occupied territories of Georgia. Zhvania, which he spoke before PACE aginable goals over the past 20 years.” said Bakhtadze. He continued, saying reducing poverty than freeing the occu- “The Russian Federation tries to under- in 1991: “I am Georgian and therefore I “Georgia has managed to make a dramatic that “Both PACE and Georgia can be pied territories. mine our peaceful initiatives, with... am European.” On the same day, Zhva- transformation, and today we are a coun- proud of our democratic achievements,” On the subject of the occupation, diversions they try to block all our efforts, nia’s name and his famous quote were try on the rise,” he added. and affi rming the country’s commitments Bakhtadze told PACE, “20% of our ter- with ethnic discrimination they try to inscribed on a star outside the Palace of The Prime Minister dedicated his speech to the values of the Council of Europe ritory is occupied by Russia. We have fully eradicate the Georgian identity, but the Council of Europe in Strasburg, to “those killed for freedom,” nodding to – combating corruption, ensuring human 300,000 IDPs who are deprived of their this won’t happen: we will never give France. SovLab Calls for Autopsy of 150 Corpses Found in Batumi

2. If anthropological and criminal created which was tasked to work on this BY THEA MORRISON examination and research are not being issue but ultimately proved ineffective. conducted, expert groups should be able The Batumi and Lazeti Eparchy stated to study the remains. the place where the graves were found he Soviet Past Research 3. If these are the remains of victims was given to the Patriarchate of Georgia Laboratory (SovLab) has of the Soviet period, the State should for temporary use, adding four graves addressed the state author- give this fact a legal framework - to ini- were found there with a total of 150 ities and representatives of tiate an investigation in a prescribed human remains. the Batumi Eparchy to con- manner and to ensure that the process The clergy have announced that the Tduct an anthropological-criminal inves- is documented. corpses will be reburied, in the same tigation and comprehensive autopsy of Otherwise, the Soviet Past Research place they were discovered, on April 21. 150 corpses found on the territory of the Laboratory believes that it is unreason- It is unknown whether the reburial military base in Georgia’s Black Sea able and premature to claim these corpses ceremony will be a religious or civil one, coastal city Batumi. are of the victims of the 1937-1938 Soviet as the remains have not been identifi ed. The organization, which aims to make terror. The Eparchy claims that the excavation a proper analysis and exploration of the Information about the discovery of a process started openly in 2016 and the state Soviet totalitarian past, has given three mass grave was released on April 5 on agencies were actively involved in it. recommendations to the State and the the offi cial website of the Batumi and The statement reads that with the Image source: Batumelebi Church: Lazeti Eparchy. cooperation of the Ministry of Health a 1. Provide public access to materials The remains of 150 people were found other opinions circulating. The State has The graves of victims of Soviet repres- base of DNA of the remains will be cre- that will allow researchers to use this in the grave. Killed, it is assumed, during yet to release an offi cial statement as to sions have been found in Batumi since ated and an examination of the corpses information. Stalin's repressions, but there are also what steps will be taken in this regard. 2014. In 2015, a special commission was can be done at any time. SUBSCRIBE!

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GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS APRIL 12 - 15, 2019 De Facto Abkhazia to Deprive Georgians of Right to Inherit Property make changes that will affect even Geor- BY THEA MORRISON gians whose family members did not participate in the hostilities. "We will defi nitely raise this issue," he de facto authorities of he noted. Georgia’s Russian-occu- Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia pied region of Abkhazia David Zalkaliani says that the decision are to deprive Georgians of the so-called parliament of Abkhazia of the right to inherit prop- is a direct manifestation of discrimina- erty.T tion on ethnic grounds and is nothing The relevant “law” was adopted by new. the so-called parliament of occupied “This has no legal basis and the inter- Abkhazia at the fi rst reading. national community will not consider The initiative belongs to “MP” Raul it or accept it. But we should appeal to Lolua, who said, "the ban at the fi rst all international organizations,” he said. stage concerns citizens who participated Zalkaliani stated that the Co-Chairs in the war against Abkhazia or helped of the Geneva Discussions have already Georgians." been informed about the issue. “We were addressed by the veterans “We will raise all these issues with all and citizens who told us that the Geor- international organizations, in all for- gian nationals who lived in Abkhazia mats directly related to human rights before the war and left the country, are and their violation. We will work to get returning and asking for property... a reaction from the international com- Therefore, we initiated a change to the munity," the Minister added. law and deprive the members of fami- State Minister for Reconciliation and Image source: hrw.org lies who fought against the sovereignty Civic Equality Ketevan Tsikhelashvili of Abkhazia, participated in hostilities states that the steps of the so-called been violated, with 300 thousand peo- pied territories is invalid according to region of Georgia, Tskhinvali (“South against Abkhazia or assisted occupa- parliament of Abkhazia are not surpris- ple still unable to return to their homes. Georgian law. This decision cannot have Ossetia”) were occupied by the Russian tional forces, from the right of inherit- ing. She noted that human rights and “This ‘decision’ can be considered a a legal basis and cannot be reviewed in Federation in the wake of the August ance," said Lolua. the property rights of the local popula- continuation of the occupation policy… future,” stressed the Minister. 2008 war, which turned thousands of The “MP” said that in future they will tion of breakaway Abkhazia had already Any decision about property in the occu- Breakaway Abkhazia and another locals into internally displaced persons. Russians Need to Question their Foreign Policy

if one considers how many world eco- BY EMIL AVDALIANI nomic centers it borders on: EU, the Middle East and China, Japan, etc. This potentially allows Moscow to become pen, public discussion on an economic powerhouse of its own. Russian offi cial foreign True, Ukraine and the rest of the former policy has been rarely Soviet space are important to the coun- seen in Russian history, try, but it is also true that Moscow spends due largely to the com- too many resources on unnecessary monO perception that the government separatist confl icts and the ‘prospective’ correctly understands all Russian state NATO onslaught. interests. The Russians should also question the In the Soviet period, foreign policy most diffi cult notion: the pursuit of rarely came into the public spotlight. So imperial grandeur. However trivial that was it under the Romanov dynasty, albeit might sound, the concept of turning with much more freedom and fl exibility Russia into a superpower (derzhava in (and there were cases when public dis- Russian) should not be a primary goal cussions were in fact instigated by the from questioning Vladimir Putin's for- the countries those regions were in to has strengthened its positions. of any successive government. There authorities). Overall though, public dis- eign policy over the past 19 years. This enter the EU and/or NATO, but Moscow There are even unpleasant develop- should be a clear understanding that a cussion was under much scrutiny and does not mean that the Russians do not is having more and more diffi culty ments on the cultural level. As the num- perennial Russian quest for military control from the imperial and Soviet write about Russia's foreign affairs, but maneuvering in so many diverse con- ber of Russian speakers decreases around modernization sucks up most of the authorities. This does not mean big it seems that the dose of questioning and fl icts. Various actors are trying to play the world, Kazakhstan recently rid itself revenues and other resources. Instead, debates were not taking place within possible reconsideration in those discus- their own games, at times independently of the Cyrillic alphabet and replaced it the Russians should develop a clear Russian government, however- debates sions is slim. of Moscow, while anti-Russian sentiment with the Latin one. strategy, even grand strategy, based on questioning the existing foreign policy Yet, there are plenty of reasons why will always be present among local pop- On a broader geopolitical level, Russia the fact that fi rst powerful economic initiatives, the country’s overall strategic the current Russian foreign policy should ulations. Geography also complicates is feeling pressure from the US and the incentives should be given to internal trajectory and its position in the Eura- be questioned. Over the 19 years of Putin's Moscow’s ability to act decisively. For EU. It is unlikely that the sanctions economic activity. sian landmass. rule, the Russian infl uence has seen major instance, the Transnistria region, where imposed on Russia will be lifted any time This would allow the Russians to be In the years before Napoleon invaded setbacks. In 2014, when the Euromaidan it has approximately 1,500 troops as soon. competitive and return to the Eurasian Russia in 1812, Russian Tsar Alexander took place and Russia grabbed Crimea peacekeepers, was essentially cut off This gives plenty of reasons why Rus- arena as a major global power. No isola- I was criticised for his policies towards and supported separatists in Donbass, from Russia once Ukraine closed transit sia’s basic foreign policy assumptions tion from the outside world is necessary the French Emperor, leading to fears that Kiev became unequivocally pro-western routes through its territory. should be reconsidered. The Russian to develop internally; on the contrary, one day he might be ousted. In the Soviet in its foreign policy course. In the same To make matters worse, Russian foreign foreign policy is probably still too Euro- cooperation with Europeans and Amer- epoch, Nikita Khrushchev’s downfall year, Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia all policy setbacks are not limited to the centric, and there are now signs that icans should not be stopped. However, was largely caused by unpredictable signed EU association agreements and western borderlands or the South Cau- Moscow is becoming Asia-centric. Indeed, Russia should take time to rethink its behavior on the world stage. And the list stepped up military cooperation with casus. Russian infl uence in the strategi- Russia should neither position itself as position on the global stage. It should goes on, with plenty of examples how NATO members and other western states. cally important Central Asia region is leaning towards Europe nor to the eco- leave what seems impossible to do for the Russians internally debated and Moscow has also experienced problems also receding. It is true that Moscow nomically vibrant Asia-Pacifi c region. many in nowadays Russia (battle for reconsidered the country's foreign pol- with breakaway territories across the remains a predominant military power The Russians should in fact be cooper- Ukraine, Georgia, etc.) to perhaps return icy, while on the surface all was static as former Soviet space. Russia once used with military bases in Tajikistan (although ating equally with all the economic cent- to the same lands as a different, eco- if no change was forthcoming. the confl icts in Abkhazia, South Ossetia, China too its own base there) and Kyr- ers across Eurasia. nomically and technologically vibrant The Russian public today is prevented and Transnistria to curtail the ability of gyzstan, but on the economic front, China Russia’s geographic position is unique power in a couple of decades or so. A Europe in Crisis: Where Does Georgia Stand? Continued from page 1 in France in 2017. has Europe been so necessary. And yet cemented in political rhetoric. This allows Georgia to fully appreciate its Brexit has become a symbol of Europe’s never has Europe been in such danger,” year, Georgia will celebrate ten years benefi ts. European democracies such as Aus- crisis. Euroscepticism, populism, and stated Emanuel Macron, President of since joining the EU-led Eastern Part- Zurabishvili believes in Europe’s need tria, Italy, and Poland now have far-right misinformation have caused deep divi- France. He believes that a centrist, pro- nership in Batumi. The government also to unite: “To pull its weight against the parties in government. In other coun- sions within the UK and Europe. After Europe alliance is essential to stave off continues to pursue European goals and continental states of the 21st century, tries like Germany and France, pillar years and months of Brexit-focused the populist and nationalist movements implements regulations and projects Europe must embrace, not divide,” she countries in the EU, the far-right is debates in parliament, British politicians that have been gaining support across with support from the EU. writes. “Tomorrow’s Europe will need becoming more and more popular. The are still unable to resolve the Brexit the continent. Georgia’s commitment to Europe is us all: from the stronghold of parlia- nationalist and eurosceptic party the problem and agree on a Brexit plan, Despite the problems the EU is cur- a refreshing perspective in a euro- mentary democracy in Great Britain to Front National received over 33% of the even within their own parties. rently facing, Georgia sees a European sceptic environment. Perhaps its the cradle of tolerance that is small votes in the second round of elections “Never since the Second World War future and European integration is unique vantage point outside the EU Georgia.” GEORGIA TODAY APRIL 12 - 15, 2019 POLITICS 5 On the Georgian Troops Abroad

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE

wenty-four states (21 allied, 3 partner), 350 participants, the largest of its kind in the Caucasus region: the 2019 edi- tion of the NATO & Georgia exercise was an impressive affair. The growing Timportance of Georgia for NATO, though not yet matched to the zeal of the host country’s Euro- Atlantic aspirations, was apparent, with the exer- cises attended by Secretary General Jens Stolten- berg himself, while a week later, after a ministerial in the United States, NATO Foreign ministers fur- ther underlined it by agreeing to strengthen sup- port for Ukraine and Georgia in the Black Sea region. One of the more lauded staples of the NATO-Georgia relationship is the latter’s involve- ment in NATO Peace missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, with Georgia being the largest non-allied contributor. NATO representatives spare no moment to express their gratitude for it, as did the Secretary General, who dubbed Georgia “a critical partner.” It was precisely the impact and importance of the deployment of Georgian forces in Afghanistan and Iraq that GEORGIA TODAY discussed with Lieu- tenant Colonel Dave Olson, Public Affairs Offi cer at the Allied Land Command Headquarters in a IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN? MEMBERS OF THE GEORGIAN here in Georgia. brief interview during his stay and attendance of My experience there was very impressive. They PARLIAMENT. SKEPTICS ASK, Even though we need no anti-terrorist warfare the NATO & Georgia exercises. Olson, who after are very good soldiers, very disciplined and com- WHAT’S THE BENEFIT FOR GEORGIA on our soil. a distinguished military career has been deployed petent. They know the job, the business, the ins HAVING TROOPS THERE? The fundamental principles of warfare are very in the capacity of Public Affairs Offi cer, having and out of it. Experience. It’s quite invaluable. The combat expe- similar; the principles of intelligence are similar, been overseas on 16 operational or strategic mis- rience you come back with. And added value is and the troops get to see and learn how these prin- sions including three combat tours in Iraq and two DID THEY COME DISCIPLINED OR IS IT that you can be a multiplier and pass it to others; ciples apply in real life situations. The effectiveness in Afghanistan, several trips to Europe including SOMETHING THEY GET ON THE SPOT? you can share your experience with your fellows of Georgian combat forces will no doubt rise through Germany and the Balkans, one to South Korea, one They come disciplined. They know what they have back here. Experience is a good teacher. It’s very that. to Egypt, and several to Latin America, was only to do. They do it very well. valuable for a country like Georgia. What is the level of readiness as a result of the too keen to discuss the matter with us, claiming joint trainings here in Georgia? that Georgian forces were some of the best, and HOW WAS THEIR ENGLISH? THE EXPERIENCE THEY GET THERE From what I have seen here today, they are very best-prepared, he had seen during his deployment Those I was in contact with could speak quite well. CAN BE USED FOR CHALLENGES well-prepared. We send mobile training teams from in Iraq and Afghanistan. FACED IN GEORGIA FROM A Allied Command, whatever Georgia needs, they A FEW TIMES, THE IDEA OF MILITARY POINT OF VIEW? make a request, we send a team. They are ready to WHAT ARE YOUR IMPRESSIONS DOWNSIZING TROOPS [EMPLOYED The lessons they are learning there can be applied apply it, the knowledge and they will use the skills OF THE GEORGIANS YOU MET IN ABROAD] HAS COME UP AMONG to various situations, including the challenges faced for the benefi t of their country. The Obscene Verbal Despair

OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE

hy should a journalist use obscene language on air unless the jour- nalist is emotionally disturbed and suffers from a noticeably detrimental linguistic defi ciency whichW keeps the journalist from using commonly accepted decent vocabulary powerful enough to Image source: durantelallera/Shutterstock persuade the audience of what the journalist thinks to contaminate our beautiful native tongue come is right and deserves to be believed? Obscenely from? Could this be an erroneous belief in the power expressed despair has lately become commonplace of an X-rated vulgarity? Or is bad language thought in the Georgian political playground and media, to be a good tool in the user’s mouth, juxtaposed with the spoken fi lth completely inundating the with a regular linguistic format with decent content place. The abundance of choice F-words, having lost and pleasing confi guration? How does obscenity as their taboo nature, now dominate TV programs, and such serve the political landscape of the country to what is most astonishing, the public is learning to operate to the utmost benefi t of our people? I might feel comfortable in said contaminated linguistic also guess that this is a psychosomatic exhaust that environment. In fact, the impression is that the pub- some unbalanced and neurotic medium needs to lic likes to hear the verbal dirt on the air, entertain- equip itself with to continue functioning. ing the porno-adaptive ear. And the conclusive opportune question: could the Now the question is whether this is right or wrong, public usage of coarse language emanating from our and if the crude language in electronic or written TV screens or the internet be considered a form of media should be the subject of penalty. There is no violence against the addressee. The relevant eluci- law in the country that would ban the public usage dation towards this presumption might take the of obscenities, which means that even if the air special effort of a profi cient expert, and if the con- becomes totally saturated with unquotable lingo, clusion is that this is a legal category equal to vio- nobody will be chastised for it. On the other hand, lence, then the ill-fated thing must become punish- there is a mildly-functioning code of ethics, spo- able. I am afraid the culprits thereto will be revealed radically fl aunted and not obligatory for media pro- and apprehended in considerable numbers. fessionals to adhere to. Let us now bounce back to the habitual usage of So, what to do? Should we continue putting up the obscene language on the air in Georgia! The with such profuse usage of unprintable and unre- situation is a little ludicrous because the freedom peatable lexical material in media, or should we of media is totally misunderstood in this country. revolt? Putting up with it is unsavory, and revolting Here, the practice of wanton speech on television makes no sense because even if we rebel, the result has become a norm only because the oppositional is going to be zilch. How about using psychological media feels totally unbridled to make use of any help for a change? Let medical experts provide us possible device to perpetuate the truth of their own with relevant professional interpretation of what molding and are doing this the way they think admis- the newly-born trend of linguistic foul means, fl ow- sible. Meanwhile, the decision-making segment of ing so plentifully and with such disturbing stench our society, which is not currently armed with any down the ideological and cultural avenues of the legal power in this doubtful respect, keeps mum nation. because if it decides to make even the fairest among Many would say that a well-built powerful word the most lawful moves against ‘free’ media, the West may have a stronger and more far-reaching effect might feel discontent. So should the nation admit on society than a regular profanity. And if this is the uncontrolled universal usage of obscenity by true, why should our journalists apply in their rou- media for the simple reason that the nation feels tine vocabulary that is audibly disagreeable and uncomfortable with negative western reaction? This distasteful in content? Where does the propensity sounds pathetic! GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS APRIL 12 - 15, 2019 The Sun Gets Jack Shepherd’s Last Georgia-Based Interview

stay in Georgia, one day before leaving HE WAS SORRY; THEY BELIEVE EXCLUSIVE BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE the country and while still in his cell. YOU NEVER APOLOGIZED. Shepherd answered each and every ques- WOULD YOU BE READY TO tion aimed at him and, as his Georgian APOLOGIZE? THAT WOULD hank you, Georgia, love you adventure nears its end, GEORGIA PROBABLY MEAN A LOT TO Georgia, see you Georgia TODAY is publishing the full version of THEM; IF NOT, WHY NOT? – said Jack Shepherd, the The Sun’s interview for its readers. Absolutely, unreservedly. I apologise fugitive Brit, as he was for the role I played, and undeniably I escorted to the airport by IF YOUR APPEAL IS did play a part. They have my sincere TGeorgian penitentiary services offi cers UNSUCCESSFUL, WOULD YOU sympathies and condolences and I to be handed over to the representatives BE PREPARED TO TAKE YOUR understand why they apportion the of the British police ahead of his loom- CASE TO A HIGHER COURT? blame as they do. If I was in the same ing extradition. FOR EXAMPLE, ECHR? situation, I would probably feel the same Shepherd, who was convicted of gross I’m not a legal expert, but my under- way. I am very sorry for what happened. negligence manslaughter in 2018, fl ed to standing is that it’s not really a European It was a tragedy and if I could do any- Georgia and, after spending nearly 10 or human rights issue; the question arises thing to change what happened, I really months on the run, handed himself over in British law and I think the judges and would. to Georgian police in January. After ini- appeal court are best placed to answer tially turning down the simplifi ed extra- questions about my case. DO YOU REGRET dition procedure, he consented to an RUNNING AWAY? extradition request from the UK, citing ONCE YOUR CASE IS Yes. It was the consequences; it upset his motivation to “participate in the RESOLVED, OR YOUR APPEAL go, but I think in reality, considering I it’s understandable, but from my per- people and it was against my own inter- appeal court process and be close to his IS SUCCESSFUL, WHAT want to pay off my debts and provide spective the reality is not quite so simple. ests. I truly believe my being there in son and family.” WILL YOU DO NEXT? WILL for my family, I think I’m best off stick- There were a number of factors that led the court to explain my case might have Earlier this week, Justice Minister Thea YOU STAY IN BRITAIN? ing to the trade I know. to the accident, some external ones, some made the jury give a different conclu- Tsulukiani signed his extradition, I haven't decided. My son is in Britain. being my decisions, some being Char- sion. At the same time, the choice I felt although it emerged in the media that I’ve always worked in Britain. I think it DO YOU PLAN AT ANY lotte’s decisions too. I faced at that time really was between the fl ight arrangements for Shepherd’s may be diffi cult for me to fi nd work there STAGE OF YOUR LIFE TO running and committing suicide and so departure were made even before the given the media coverage that I experi- GO INTO POLITICS? COULD YOU ELABORATE in a way I am not entirely regretful; I am Minister gave her offi cial consent to enced. Having said that, I do have obli- No, I really don’t have such plans. ON THOSE DECISIONS? glad I didn’t choose the other option. extradition, something that left Shep- gations, debts, I want to provide for my For example, it was our joint decision to herd’s defense team disappointed with son, so I’ll try to fi nd decent work some- YOU FIRMLY BELIEVE go out on the boat that night, Charlotte’s DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE how the Georgian justice system handled where, be that Britain or someplace else, YOU ARE INNOCENT OF desire to drive it, my decision to permit BRITISH JUSTICE SYSTEM? matters, as his Georgian lawyer claimed: another European country perhaps, or MANSLAUGHTER BUT DO YOU her to drive it. Perhaps I ought to have I think by and large it is fair. I think on “the case acquired a distinctly political even Georgia – I’m not sure at this point. TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY instructed her more than I did. But then occasions it makes mistakes, but I do character.” The day after his arrival in FOR CHARLOTTE’S DEATH? again, it was openly Charlotte’s decision have respect for the institution and peo- the UK, Shepherd faced the UK court, WOULD THAT MEAN YOU TAKE PEOPLE WHO BLAME YOU to accelerate in the manner that she did ple who work there. The fact that I ran to be slapped with an additional 6-month YOUR FAMILY WITH YOU? FOR WHAT HAPPENED SAY IT and I failed to prevent her. In the end I away, that happened not because I had sentence for skipping bail and was told Wherever I end up working, I would like WAS YOUR BOAT, SO IT WAS survived, Charlotte lost her life. You see, doubts about the British justice system, it would be served consecutively to his to always spend a good amount of the MORALLY IF NOT LEGALLY it’s a shared [responsibility]. And there it was a decision made out of fear, based 6-year sentence for manslaughter. year with my son. I’m not with him now. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO are matters of luck or fate — an unseen on emotions. According to the passengers on the Ideally, it would be him spending some ENSURE HER SAFETY. log in the path of the boat. In the end, I Tbilisi-London fl ight, the British media of the year with me or me spending some Obviously, this is something I’ve spent survived while Charlotte lost her life. WHAT REASONABLE REQUEST had a fi eld day with Shepherd on the of the year in the UK. a great deal of time thinking about. To These things could have been very dif- YOU WILL MAKE IN THE plane, incessantly quizzing him ahead a certain extent, I agree with that; I do ferent. PRISON? ACCESS TO BOOKS, of his unclear future in his home coun- HAVE YOU GIVEN UP YOUR clearly bear some of the moral respon- TV, VIDEO GAMES? try. However, it was Britain’s largest CAREER OF WEB DEVELOPER? sibility for Charlotte’s death; I don’t deny REGARDING HER PARENTS, I don’t know. I hope, you know in Geor- paper, The Sun, that got most out of him, I’m up for trying something else. If the that. Further, I can understand why some WHEN I READ THE COMMENTS, gia I luckily had books which were greatly including perhaps the most comprehen- opportunity arises in prison to learn new people, including Charlotte’s family, A RECURRING PHRASE IS helpful in my state; I don’t know how it sive interview that he gave during his things, like carpentry, I would give it a apportion the entire blame to me. I think THAT HE NEVER SAID THAT will be in British prison. Minister of Regional Development Shares Vision for Development Outside Tbilisi degree, at job creation – vocational and other planned and ongoing projects, BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE higher education reforms, tax incen- including the David Kakabadze Fine tives, entrepreneurship training pro- Art Museum in Kutaisi, the Vani Archae- grams, business grants schemes, and ological Museum, the German-settled inister of Regional more. Tskitishvili also impressed that village of Asureti in the Tetritskaro Development and economic growth must be inclusive and Municipality, a new museum in Oni, Infrastructure and evenly distributed throughout the coun- Racha, the Zugdidi Botanical Garden, Deputy Prime Minister try, including “even the smallest settle- and the development of Bakhmaro as a Maia Tskitishvili has ment.” four-season resort. publishedM a new article in the Georgian “In addition to infrastructure, strong In the piece, she recognizes that there language edition of The Economist self-governance is necessary for the is a long way to go before the country’s magazine. In the article, published this development of the regions,” noted Tskit- potential can be fully realized. “Unfor- week, Tskitishvili explains the priori- ishvili. The MRDI is introducing pro- tunately, we are still busy building basic ties and key policies of the Ministry of grams to increase the fi nancial and human infrastructure in many settlements. Regional Development and Infrastruc- resources of the regions, promoting There are villages where there are no ture (MRDI) and her vision for the political and fi scal decentralization and internal roads or water,” she lamented. future of Georgia’s regions. good governance, in cooperation with The article closes by connecting the The piece opens with a note on account- other ministries and government agen- development of Georgia’s region to the ability. Tskitishvili and her team pre- cies. She warned against the fragmenta- development of the wider Black Sea/ sented the Ministry’s achievements in tion of development, particularly in the Eurasia region as a whole. She empha- 2018 and near-future plans to the public realm of infrastructure, saying that col- sized the value of foreign trade and in January. Just two weeks ago, Tskit- laboration, communication, and joint Georgia as a trade route linking Europe ishvili visited Parliament in the frame- strategies are essential “to fully utilize and Asia, “the transport and economic work of the new “Minister’s Hours” the regions’ potential.” corridor of the region.” format, established by the new consti- The MRDI strategically looks at Geor- “The development of [major national tution, which came into force in Decem- gia’s history to identify potential devel- highways] allows us to use our geo- ber of last year. During her visit, she opment hot spots, targeting old resorts, graphical and historical links to the briefed the members of Parliament on such as Abastumani and Dusheti, for economic strength of our country,” the Ministry’s work. renovation and revival, hoping to create wrote Tskitishvili; “and yet, fi rst of all, “The name of our ministry already a tourist-driven eco-system for a variety these roads connect the regions of our determines the main priorities of its of businesses to thrive. The ministry is country with each other and give them Image source: Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure activities. This is the development of also working to turn Gudauri into a new opportunities, additional prospects. our regions and the country's infra- expressing that “the strength of Georgia importance of job creation to help bring “new center of gravity” for tourism in Georgia's regions have a chance to inte- structure,” Tskitishvili bluntly states at is in the strength of its regions and the rural areas out of poverty and make the eastern Georgia, attracting new invest- grate into the world economy.” the beginning of the article. task of the government is to develop regions a more attractive place to live. ments. “We have such a vision for the The full article is available, in Geor- She is committed to her ministry’s regions equally, and to create new Her ministry, and others, are enacting development of all regions of the coun- gian, in the current edition of the Geor- role in developing Georgia’s regions, opportunities.” She highlighted the a variety of projects aimed, to some try,” Tskitishvili wrote, listing several gian language edition of The Economist. GEORGIA TODAY APRIL 12 - 15, 2019 SOCIETY 7 Georgian Wine Shows Great Potential on the Japanese Market

he potential of Georgian shared their impressions about their wine on the Japanese mar- visit to Georgia, while renowned som- ket was highlighted at the melier Azusa Segava spoke about the presentation of Georgian unique features of Georgian wine and wine held in the head- the representative of the Georgian ofTfi ce of ‘Tokyo Marin Holdings,’ Japan's Embassy in Japan, David Goginashvili, leading insurance company. The event introduced the history and culture of was held within the frames of the exhi- Georgian wine, the investment climate bition ‘Georgia - Homeland of Wine’ and Georgian-Japanese relations. and was attended by directors of Tokyo After the presentation, a tasting of Marine Holdings’ partner companies, Georgian wine and dishes of different Ministry of Economy of Japan and rep- varieties was held. resentatives of other state structures. The guests agreed that Georgian wine Head of Tokyo Marine Holdings and has great potential on the Japanese Director of Sony, Shuzo Sumi, and the market. It was also underlined that in famous TV reporter Hitoshi Kusano addition to wine, Georgia is also inter-

esting in terms of tourism, investments tion combines unique archaeological and trade. exhibits and modern technologies, the The project ‘Georgia – Homeland of concept of which is based on the Wine,’ organized by the National Wine uniqueness of Georgian wine culture. Agency and Association ‘Georgian The exhibition ‘Georgia – Homeland Wine,’ is implemented by Sony Music of Wine’ was opened on March 10 in Communication and TOPPAN, the Terrada Warehouse and will last until world's largest company. The exhibi- May 7. GEORGIA TODAY 8 SOCIETY APRIL 12 - 15, 2019 Paranoid Enough for You?

scarily larger infrastructures: transport The house is plenty big enough to host BLOG BY TONY HANMER of people and things, fi nance, education, many more than just the two of us: it is medical facilities, borders, defense, com- a guest house, after all! If others required munications, and whatever else one can entry to stay, we couldn’t really refuse ritten on March 14, have nightmares about. My cough has a them without violence. Medical issues BEFORE “that attack” nasty HACK to it lately. Guns and bombs and treatment would become tricky (the one in New Zea- can do some terrible damage, but this? without good knowledge, equipment and land)… We interrupt It’s insidious. A “Legend in my Living supplies. Alcohol and marijuana produc- our regular program- Room,” as my favorite singer put it once. tion would not have to suffer much if at Wming etc., etc. The burgeoning network can either be all, for better or worse. We could even On January 1, 2018, I posted to Facebook attacked or, like us, lied to more and grow our own grain and use local water my expectation that this would be the more easily, with the stakes growing mills to make fl our! So, quite a mixed year of a world-threatening internet higher and higher if it crashes as one bag. meltdown of some kind, pleading with unit; or it can more easily (attention, I should brush up on some lacking my friends to back up their fi les of all sci-fi fans!) achieve “consciousness” and knowledge: electrical, agricultural (with kinds to drives offl ine and disconnected put us pesky humans out of the picture my wife’s help), engineering and con- from their usual computers. That event, now that we have handed existence and struction, much more my late father’s obviously, did not happen. But my dis- autonomy to it while demonstrating specialties than mine. Stock up on the quiet has only grown since then. Now fl awlessly our utter disregard for organic all-important duct tape, not much known I’m editing what I wrote, on March 16, life, ours perhaps especially included, or used locally but so multi-functional! thinking, blowup fi rst, followed eventu- on the entire planet. And fi gure out: what’s important enough ally by meltdown. Bang, then whimper. Suddenly the Little House on the Prai- to fi ght to keep (answer: not very much), In our brilliance, we are coming full rie side of my life in rural Svaneti starts and what can we just let go of and not circle, back to blind, suicidal stupidity. to look good. Yes, I do have a laptop and really miss? Connection might just kill us. modem. But my wife and I can also grow This has been a test, only a test, a The response to “that attack,” if it’s a our own food, heat and cook from local thought exercise if you will, disguised backlash in a similar vein, will only beget materials and supplies, drink clean water as a Conspiracy Theory-style rant. One more of the same. Of course, it didn’t by purely mechanical means, use some though I’ve never used these. Money that escape route? Better growing sea- way another, tribal warfare or Matrix, start there, it’s just a symptom of who small amount of solar energy for elec- will become worthless, replaced ulti- son, no relatively long and extreme win- feels like it’s coming. I don’t want to we have been since we called ourselves tricity [Note to self: Work on getting mately by something we can use simply ter… But up here might be good enough, make myself, or you, afraid; just ready. human. more solar capabilities]. All the door to exist: seeds, I think. Our well-stocked with temperate fruits and vegetables, Next week we return you to your regu- Now… the more connected we become, locks are mechanical. I can cut and split shop—now I’ve done it, let the cat out and local livestock. Although I might lar etc., etc. with IOT (the Internet of Things, fi tting my wood by hand if I have to. Cellphone of the bag! All we could do is either hoard also expect lawlessness, in resurgence nicely into Star Trek’s IDIC, the Vulcan service and its internet add-on won’t and fi ght to the death, or share before up here already today, to fl ourish once Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since phrase of Infi nite Diversity in Infi nite survive past a single desperate message being demanded to, and cheerfully sup- again, as it did from the USSR’s breakup 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a Combinations, resulting in IDIOTIC), that “We’re OK,” though, because they’re port the whole community. to the Rose Revolution. I’d have to debate weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He the more vulnerable. Doors and locks, a national system. Off goes the news, by Our small stocks of gasoline and diesel it with my wife and come to a consensus: runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook fridges and kitchens, computers, cars, all media. We’d still have satellite TV, as won’t last long. The former powers the I wouldn’t split us up. We might all decide group, now with nearly 2000 members, at phones, utilities, lights: what else at home long as power lasts and the birds don’t chainsaw (needing repair anyway, about to dynamite Svaneti’s only two roads in www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenais- can we cram into connectivity, and thus get knocked from the sky or just EMP- to be joined by an electrical one), the 5 and out, returning ourselves to a pre- sance/ surrender control over to “bad actors” blasted into inertia. KW generator for the fridges/freezers communist donkey track connection.) He and his wife also run their own guest house of either the DNA or digital varieties? But we won’t starve immediately, or and the car (would I WANT to go to the The diesel I have little use for, except in Etseri: To say nothing (except I will) of the freeze. We’d need weapons for defense, lowlands, when most people might choose starting fi res more easily. www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti GEORGIA TODAY APRIL 12 - 15, 2019 SOCIETY 9 The Future is Female

debate and leadership. Our goal is not to tell Eastern European people how to be democratic, but rather to exchange, connect and work together. We go to the countries, learn, and real- ize projects with them. We are helping people with their own ideas, ideas that result in long-term projects, not short- term.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO CHANGE THINGS? Mainly through a good use of media: to foster the idea that social change is easy, we just need to work together. Nowadays, you can become famous on Instagram or with your own blog. The sad thing is that most people who become famous do not use these channels for social change or useful content. We work together and try to spread the word. We really think we can make a different and drive social change by empowering the new generation.

HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO GET FUNDING FOR THE ACADEMY? I do political advising, so I knew people in the German government, however, it was incredible luck to get the funds from GEORGIA TODAY met Christian Stahl, the Federal Foreign Offi ce of Germany. BY GABRIELLE COLCHEN founder of EDLA, and three members Frank-Walter Steinmeier [the current of his team working passionately on this German President, who was foreign project. minister at the time] agreed to support he Future is Female was the “The idea of this academy came to me us. name of the European Lead- years ago,” Stahl tells us. “I was a jour- ership and Debate Acade- nalist helping my NGOs friends with WHAT IS THE ‘FEMALE my’s (ELDA) fi ve-day train- different projects, but I always ended up LEADERSHIP ACADEMY ing that occurred in Tbilisi disappointed by the unsustainability of 2019’ PROJECT? lastT week. the projects. NGOs would come, then It is a three-part project that began in ELDA is an academy based in Berlin leave without implementing a long-term Lviv (Ukraine), is continuing in Tbilisi that addresses the issue of democracy solution. I was deeply frustrated by this and will also happen in Odessa (Ukraine) in post-Soviet countries by engaging situation and realized I needed to create in May. We gather the same participants young leaders from South-Eastern Europe something different that lasted longer. in these three cities for about fi ve days in an innovative learning experience. “Something clicked when I was at the each for trainings and discussions. We They offer skills and new attitudes that last Maidan in Ukraine and saw that get to know them and see the kind of aim to empower a new generation of German journalists were only reporting projects they want to foster. These women responsible and active citizens. Klitschko’s actions without really under- are very strong female leaders. Most of Their visit to Georgia was part of the standing what was happening. I decided them already have their own company ‘Female Leadership Academy 2019’ pro- I wanted to empower the voices of the even though they are so young. They are ject, and they met over fi ve days at Fab- local people and create a debate acad- journalists, fi lm directors, psychologists, rika hostel, Tbilisi. The initiative gathers emy.” etc. 15 female participants 18-35 years old from Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Arme- WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO WHAT DO YOU DO nia, Russia and Belarus to participate in WORK IN EASTERN EUROPEAN SPECIFICALLY IN TBILISI? three weeks of networking and training. COUNTRIES IN PARTICULAR? We now have around six projects aimed Being a successful woman in a pre- I want to empower youth from all Euro- at promoting gender equality, female dominantly male leadership culture can pean countries that may not belong to leadership and breaking stereotypes. be challenging, but women can use their the European Union but encompass the One of the projects is about post-post community-building strength to connect European idea, and Ukraine is the per- Soviet feminism. This expression comes and help each other. fect example of that as it has a long from women who do not identify them- This ‘Female Leadership Academy 2019’ European history, just like Georgia. selves as post-Soviet women: they feel project creates space for women who We have to re-integrate the idea that they are women of their own, part of a believe they can make a difference. The those countries are European, and we Union of Eastern European women. A goal is to train them to increase their need to empower a new generation of Georgian photographer is doing por- leadership skills and share their knowl- young female and male leaders who can traits to break these stereotypes and edge with other women after the program drive the social change. We aim at a more plans to exhibit them soon. If we get ends. democratic and pluralistic thinking by some money, they will be able to extend this initiative. We are also creating a small video to promote gender quotas in Georgia. We know it is an issue being debated but we need to get the quotas to reach gender equality. It was the idea of one of the participants, so we are supporting her. We’re creating an awareness-raising video and it is challenging to do that without excluding men. One of our cur- rent questions is: how can you address men on this topic without offending them? One of our challenges is also that we always have a budget to conduct our trainings but no budget to shoot a fi lm, for example.

The interview was edited for more clarity and was realized with the participation of Sergiy Pudich, Steffi Klein and Jessica Jorgas, who are all working on this project. To fi nd out more about ELDA and their pro- Image Source: ELDA Facebook page jects: http://www.eldacademy.org/ GEORGIA TODAY 10 CULTURE APRIL 12 - 15, 2019

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER April 17 Exhibitions: MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS DJ. KAKHIDZE TBILISI Animated documentary fi lm GEORGIAN COSTUME AND 10 Betlemi Str. CENTER FOR MUSIC & REZO WEAPONRY OF THE 18TH-20TH TBILISI ZAKARIA CULTURE CENTURIES Discover the Museum of Illusions PALIASHVILI OPERA AND Directed by Leo Gabriadze 125/127 Agmashenebeli Ave. NUMISMATIC TREASURY Be brave enough to jump into an BALLET THEATER Start time: 20:00 EXHIBITION STONE AGE illusion created by the Vortex, 25 Rustaveli Ave. Ticket: 15 GEL April 17 GEORGIA ARCHEOLOGICAL deform the image of yourself in the TEL (+995 32) 2 99 04 56 THE CONCERT OF CHAMBER TREASURE NEW LIFE TO THE Mirror Room, let yourself free in the MOVEMENT THEATER MUSIC ORIENTAL COLLECTIONS Infi nity room, fi ght the laws of gravity April 13, 14 182 Aghmashenebeli Ave. Participants: Tbilisi Chamber TOSCA TEL (+995 32) 598 19 29 36 and size ratio, and take pictures of In the framework of the celebrations yourself in every possible pose. Enjoy Orchestra * Premiere Georgian Sinfonietta and April 12 of the European Year of Cultural our collection of holograms, look Giacomo Puccini Soloists– Sandrine Cantoreggi IGGI Heritage in Georgia the Georgian closer at every optical illusion and Opera in Three Acts (Luxemburg, violin) and Conductor: Gianlucca Martinengi Based on Jemal Karchkhadze’s National Museum presents the observe thoroughly each installation. Bruno Canino (Italy, piano) Director: Giancarlo del Monaco novel “Iggi” exhibition Tickets: 17.5 GEL, Children (ages Set Designer: Carlo Centolavigna Directed by Kakha Bakuradze WISDOM TRANSFORMED INTO 6-18): 11 GEL, children (under 5 F. Mendelssohn’s concerto for Costume Designer: Ester Martin Start time: 20:00 GOLD years): free, students: 13 GEL, family violin, piano and Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10-15 GEL (2 adults + 2 children): 39 GEL. orchestra and Symphony N9 Swiss MUSEUM OF SOVIET Start time: 19:30 Ticket: 20-300 GEL GALLERY April 13 OCCUPATION Ticket: 10 GEL MUSIC AND DRAMA STATE DON JUAN 4 Rustaveli Ave. THEATER Directed by Kakha Bakuradze TEL (+995 32) 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 THE NATIONAL GALLERY ART HALL 182 Agmashenebeli Ave. Composer- Sandro Nikoladze www.museum.ge 11 Rustaveli Ave. 26 Ts. Dadiani Ave. TEL (+995 32) 215 73 00 TEL (+995 32) 2 34 80 90 Start time: 20:00 April 12 Exhibition Ticket: 10-15 GEL CHARITY MAGIC SHOW April 16 RED TERROR AND GEORGIAN Until February 26 (2020) ARTISTS GRAND MASTERS FROM THE Supporting young photographer WELCOME TO GEORGIA April 14 Giorgi Kaliaev The Musical LABYRINTH The exhibition showcases artworks GEORGIAN by Dimitri Shevardnadze, Petre NATIONAL MUSEUM Start time: 19:30 A musical, theatrical play and Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Otskheli, Henryk Hryniewski, COLLECTION XIX – XX Ticket: 10 GEL romantic comedy telling a story Composer- Sandro Nikoladze Richard Sommer, Kiril Zdanevich, CENTURY about Georgia and its people Start time: 20:00 Vasily Shukhaev, Elene Akhvlediani, SOUNDS OF GEORGIA by combining song, dance, culture, Ticket: 10-15 GEL traditions, history, national Lado Gudiashvili, David Kakabadze, Until May 27 Ucha Japharidze, Aleksandre Georgian National Museum and costumes and local cuisine. April 18 April 17, 18 Bajbeuk-Melikov, Korneli Sanadze Italian embassy in Georgia present Start time: 20:00 THE TEMPEST SING AND DRINK and more. the exhibition Ticket: 50-80 GEL Directed by Ioseb Bakuradze Mini concerts in the cozy ESOTERIC DE CHIRICO. A atmosphere of Old Tbilisi, a mix Composer- Sandro Nikoladze April 11-30 TRAVELER BETWEEN TWO GABRIADZE THEATER Start time: 20:00 of traditional Georgian music of 14 Shavteli Str. Georgian National Museum and WORLDS different genres: folklore, a capella, Ticket: 10-15 GEL Warsaw Rising Museum presents The exhibition showcases 15 guitar, and Georgian pop and city April 12 EXHIBITION: WARSAW RISING artworks of Giorgio de Chirico SHALIKASHVILI THEATER songs. THE AUTUMN OF MY 1944 between 1920-1970, clearly 37 Rustaveli Ave. Start time: 17:00 SPRINGTIME The exhibition refl ects military, presenting that even his most TEL 595 50 02 03 Ticket: 24 GEL Revaz Gabriadze political, historical and human “natural” artwork hints at the Directed by Revaz Gabriadze aspects of the struggle for surrealist world. Venue: April 17- 10 Erekle II Sq., English Subtitles April 12, 13 independence during the 63 days of Tekla Palace Hotel, April 18- New Start time: 20:00 KRIMANCHULI the Warsaw Rising in 1944. NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF Tifl is, 9 Agmashenebeli Ave., Ticket: 20, 30 GEL A performance based on comedy GEORGIA Wine bar ‘Wine Station’ genre novels with Georgian IOSEB GRISHASHVILI 40 Pekini Str. April 13 national motives: Review, Cinema, TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM STEINWAY & SONS RAMONA Sailors, Today is a football, Fire, - KARVASLA Until May 1 1 O. Dgebuadze Str. Revaz Gabriadze Chichetura, Vineyard, Krimanchuli, 8 Sioni St. MERAB ABRAMISHVILI’S Bath-house attendants, Final Directed by Revaz Gabriadze TEL (+995 32) 2 98 22 81 EXHIBITION April 12 Start time: 20:00 English Subtitles DINI VIRSALADZE’S Ticket: 15 GEL April 5-24 MUSIC Start time: 20:00 JAZZ EVENING AT Ticket: 20, 30 GEL THE EXHIBITION OF BESO MUSEUM STEINWAY & SONS GEORGIA KOBAKHIDZE AND REPUBLIC SHOWROOM. April 14, 16 ALEKO ESVANJIA - BOUNDARY 1st Republic Sq. STALINGRAD GEORGIAN NATIONAL The exhibition showcases the In Program: Jazz Improvisations Revaz Gabriadze MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA works of two artists in different April 14 Start time: 20:00 Directed by Revaz Gabriadze MUSEUM media - painting, sculpture, AQUARIUM Ticket: 10-30 GEL English Subtitles 3 Rustaveli Ave. graphics, on the theme ‘an eternity Boris Grebenshchikov 65 Start time: 20:00 TEL (+995 32) 299 80 22, 293 48 21 of the boundaries of creative Start time: 20:00 TBILISI STATE Ticket: 20, 30 GEL www.museum.ge thought.’ Ticket: 90-220 GEL CONSERVATOIRE 8 Griboedov Str.

April 19 GEORGIAN COMPETITION OF MUSICIAN-PERFORMERS Start time: 18:00 Ticket: 5-15 GEL

BARI BARSHI 9 G. Kikodze Str.

April 12 BAKUR BURDULI (BAND) & THE BLACK MARROWS LIVE CONCERT Start time: 21:00 Ticket: 10 GEL

April 13 DUDEY AT BARI-BARSHI Start time: 21:00 Ticket: Free

BASSIANI 2 A. Tsereteli Ave.

April 12 BASSIANI / HOROOM: LUKE SLATER, ZITTO, NDRX, JM MOSER, MERCURRIO Start time: 23:55 Ticket: 20-40 GEL

April 13 VODKAST GALA WITH EMIN, NIKA J, ZURKIN, VAKHO Start time: 23:55 Ticket: 10-20 GEL GEORGIA TODAY APRIL 12 - 15, 2019 CULTURE 11 Creative Education Studio Revolutionizing the Georgian Music Scene continued her education in London, UK. GROWN IN THE PAST thing they don´t really like, but I want TELL US ABOUT CES RECORDS. Her approach to music found its expres- EIGHT YEARS? my students to stick with what they really CES Records, started this year, was a sion in different genres and so it hap- We started CES in a small room running love and spend their time wisely. big step forwards, and we‘ve already pened that she became one of the fi rst just two or three courses, including released our a compilation of nine female female DJs to bring Drum´n´Bass to sound engineering, DJing and music DO A LOT OF YOUR STUDENTS local artists, called ´Sleepers, Poets, Georgia. production, with only 11 students. Now AIM TO WORK ABROAD? Scientists´. Now we are about to release In 2011, she founded the CES and later, we have 1,500 graduated students and It‘s not like it used to be. 10 years ago something of our own in May and another in 2018, the record studio CES Records, more than 400 currently involved in everyone wanted to leave Georgia and in June, with a total of fi ve releases set which just recently published its fi rst studying. This is our third location in do something incredible abroad. Now, for this year. It makes the perfect plat- disc ´Sleepers, Poets, Scientists´. The Tbilisi. We´re expanding in all direc- more and more youngsters are happy to form for students to take their music Calvert Journal described this as a “gen- tions and have 15 different active courses stay here, setting up their own businesses. out into the world. tle, healing record; a respite from the with different lengths in fi ve studios. Now, they can survive here doing what industrial, bass-heavy ´new club music´.“ they love. We have better times and more INTERVIEW BY LISA MAIER TELL US ABOUT YOUR GEORGIA TODAY met the founder of WHAT IS THE CES MISSION? youngsters are involved: they feel empow- NEW RELEASE. the experimental school for an interview CES is, fi rst of all, a place to connect ered to change things. Our new release is going to be published on location in Fabrika to fi nd out more. people with the same interests. It is the on May 16, a music single called ´Run- atia Sartiana-Kituashvili, perfect space for collaboration. Our stu- WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE Run,' with two covers. The single comes also known as sTia, WHY DID YOU FOUND THE dents can develop their creative, artistic TO SEE YOUR SCHOOL with a fairytale by well-established founded the Creative Edu- CREATIVE EDUCATION STUDIO? selves freely and fi nd like-minded people IN 10 YEARS? Georgian writer Uta Bekaia and an art- cation Studio in Tbilisi, a Eight years ago, there was no place like to work with. We defi nitely want to expand. We‘re book of photographs of the high moun- design, audio and music CES and we were completely unfamiliar planning to have twice the number of tains of Tusheti from mixed-media art- Nmedia school which aims to develop a with new technologies in music and music WHAT IS THE MESSAGE studios and to offer a degree. We still ist Nestan Nene Kvinikadze. It also new generation of talented, creative media. Georgia, and Georgian musicians YOU WANT TO SHARE have lots of students who are at univer- comes with the music notes, so you can people in the art and music fi elds. especially, were pretty desperate at the, WITH YOUR STUDENTS? sity and studying there for a degree, in actually play the music yourself. We try Natia, a classical pianist by origin, hav- so we wanted to fi ll this gap. Try to make living from something you parallel to working with us. Hopefully, to do more than just music: we want to ing played for the Tbilisi Philharmonic really love. There are so many people in 10 years, we can give them the chance make this label something special and Orchestra at the tender age of seven, HOW HAS YOUR SCHOOL who spend their time working on some- to take fulltime studies at CES. unique on the music scene. Samtskhe-Javakheti: a Hidden Gem of Georgia Preserving an Ancient Megalithic Culture about Javakheti is the Megalithic cul- destroyed in the Kartl-Kakheti region BC) are three rare historic fortresses heritage sites and monuments. They BY LIKA CHIGLADZE ture and giant monuments similar to and now can be found only in Samtskhe- that one should defi nitely see. The Vani should realize the importance of cultural Stonehenge. These Megalithic monu- Javakheti. Some have cultural heritage caves (a cave monastery built in the landmarks and take care of them. We ments can be seen even from afar. The status, yet still many are left without rocks) is also a very important historic have specifi c laws imposing punishments he peak tourism season is Abuli and Shaori fortresses represent care. The oldest dwellings count around site. Its walls preserve passages from on vandalism acts, yet they are not effec- warming up and soon large Cyclopean fortresses that date back to three centuries. Yet some Meskhetian the earliest version of epic Georgian tive. numbers of tourists will be the 8th century B.C. Abuli is made of villages also boast Oda houses (another poem Knight in the Panther’s Skin made heading to the most popu- two fortresses and is surrounded by a type of traditional house widespread by nuns in the 15th century. There are WHAT ARE THE UNIQUE lar regions of Georgia, most massive stone wall, each with a width in Georgia), that are adorned with carved also excerpts from Persian poetry per- GEOGRAPHIC FEATURES Tto well-known places like Svaneti, Kakheti of around three meters. Megalithic wooden patterns. This type of house is formed 5-6 centuries ago. These are real OF THIS REGION? and Adjara. Often, one of Georgia’s most culture denotes monuments and for- well-preserved here in comparison with masterpieces that need to be protected, Apart from its historic signifi cance and important and culturally rich provinces, tresses built with giant stones. These other regions and has immense tourist but unfortunately we have seen many importance during different periods of Samtskhe-Javakheti, is left out of sight, fortresses were built with 3-4-meter potential. These old villages can be examples of vandalism in the Vani Com- the , the area is yet, in the 9th and 10th centuries it was volcanic basalt blocks using the dry renovated back to their original appear- plex. graced with unique nature. Javakheti is the most highly developed region both masonry technique, so it is believed ance and can be turned into tourist rich in lakes- the place counts around culturally and economically. Javakheti that these monuments were built by attractions. In 2007, there were inten- WHICH MONUMENTS 80 small and big lakes. Moreover, it is is notable for its beautiful landscape and giant people. Megalith Menhirs are yet tions to put these villages on the tour- ARE IN DANGER AND home to the biggest lakes in Georgia: large number of lakes and cultural mon- another mystery of the Caucasus and ist map, but the plan was forgotten. The REACQUIRE RESTORATION? Paravani, Sagamo, Khanchali Lake and uments, in particular. GEORGIA TODAY a treasure of Javakheti: large stone pil- current tourist route covers only such Samtskhe-Javakheti and particularly Tabatskuri. Migrating birds usually stop talked with Giorgi Maghradze, an arche- lars with various ornaments and sym- basic and popular places like , Javaketi province are abundant with at Khanchali Lake, that is an amazing ologist who works at the Shota Rustaveli bols that can be seen throughout Akhaltsikhe, Borjomi, and is restricted cultural heritage sites and monuments, scene and attracts tourists of various Museum in Aspindza, about the impor- Javakheti, one of them at Paravani Pass. to a one-day route that is not enough. so it is hard for the government to take tastes. The place is notable for its vol- tance and huge tourist potential of They say these pillars were used to In terms of domestic tourism, Samtskhe- care, renovate and protect all of them at canic plateau and volcanic rocks. Abuli Samtskhe-Javakheti. direct travelers on their way as well as Javaketi needs at least a three-day tour. once. Although some buildings are under- Mountain is most famous and highest representing idols of fertility. These Samtskhe is notable for the Zarzma going rehabilitation, there are a number peak (3300 meters). Javakjeti is beautiful WHY IS SAMTSKHE-JAVAKHETI pillars had a bull’s head carved on them, Monastery, Abastumani Observatory of monuments that need urgent restora- year-round. In winter, when the lakes SO SPECIAL AND WHY DOES or a phallus, and were believed to give and a unique forest that was frozen dur- tion works. These monuments have fallen are frozen, lake tours are also organized. IT NEED TO BE TURNED INTO fertility to women; symbols of a pagan ing the ice age, seen within the rocks at victim to environmental damage and Javakheti also boasts canyons, such as A TOURIST ATTRACTION? cult still standing in places, and still the Goderdzi Pass which connects Samth- vandalism. The monuments that need the Paravani and Mtkvari gorges. One Javakheti was inhabited by people from used by locals asking for fertility. ske to Adjara. I fi nd it strange that this urgent repair are the St Marine Church can enjoy amazing panoramic views ancient times. The artifacts discovered Another distinguished monument is source is still unexploited by geologists, (14th century) of Tmogvi Fortress , here. There are also a number of water- in Akhalkalaki date back to pre-historic the Saro fortress, a complex that incor- botanists, etc. The region needs to be Sazvartei Church (10th century), Tsitel- falls that amaze tourists and hikers. The times. In the middle-ages Samthskhe- porates three fortresses, the distance planned properly so that the synthesis sakdari Church in Tabatskuri (10th cen- area is dotted with stone columns simi- Javakheti was the center of South Geor- between each around 200 meters. Close of natural landmarks and cultural mon- tury), Toki Monastery (9th century), St lar to the ones in Cappadocia. Many of gia and while other parts of the coun- to these fortresses is the Church of the uments will attract more internal tour- George Church (9th century), Vardist- them have a human shape, so we call try were being invaded, this part was Archangels. Also nearby are traditional ists as well as foreign visitors. sikhe Church (13th century), and the them stone men. I think this region is a fl ourishing. During this period a num- Meskhetian halls, dwellings spread Apart from the well-known Vardzia Damali St George Church (7th century). unique treasure of the country both from ber of cultural monuments and for- throughout entire eastern part of Geor- complex, the Tmogvi Fortress (built But in the fi rst place, we need to change historic and geographic perspectives. It tresses were built. The fi rst thing that gia. Unfortunately, most of these impor- during the Middle Ages), Artanuji (5th the mindset of the community who live is really a must-see place for locals as come to one’s mind when thinking tant cultural heritage sites were century) and Samshvilde (3rd century there and their attitude toward cultural well as foreign tourists. Generations for Peace Hosts Football Game for IDSDP in Public School N155 across mental, emotional and physical if we only provide them with the oppor- by NGO Advisor 2019. Generations for tools to address challenges of impor- BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE borders. tunities and empowerment they need to Peace is also the only peace-through- tance, such as post-confl ict trauma, The Tbilisi event, called Get the Ball do so,” Chargeishvili said of the event. sport organization recognized by the response and reconciliation, gender Rolling 2019, started with a presentation The International Day of Sport for International Olympic Committee. GFP inequality, and more. n Saturday April 8, Gen- about GFP and the IDSDP. Georgian GFP Development and Peace is an annual has a long history of using sport-based “Across nine countries and three con- erations for Peace (GFP), Pioneers Tornike Chargeishvili and Levan celebration recognized by the UN and activities to build peace and transform tinents, the simultaneous football games a global non-profi t organ- Kopaliani, and others, engaged voluntary has been marked on the international confl ict into friendship across tribes, involved not just our trained Pioneers, ization based in Jordan, football players in bonding and team- calendar since April 6, 2013. This date religions, races, ethnicities, and nation- volunteers and participants, but also organized a series of foot- work activities. Then, at 11am, 17 simul- serves to raise awareness of the potential alities. Over the last 12 years, GFP has engaged local community members, ballO games in nine different countries taneous matches began in Africa, Asia, sport has to contribute to global objec- trained, mentored and supported more demonstrating these values and encour- across six different time zones. The Europe and the Middle East. The organ- tives for development and peace due to than 11,400 youth volunteers, whose aging everyone to build peace and pass games celebrated the International Day izers welcomed volunteers from various its unparalleled popularity, enjoyable efforts later positively impacted more it on!” said Mark Clark, Generations for of Sport for Development and Peace backgrounds, including those who have nature and other positive values. than 524,000 children and adults in 50 Peace CEO. (IDSDP). In Tbilisi, Public School N155 faced school bullying or violence. Generations for Peace is an NGO that different countries. However, GFP is Generations for Peace was fi rst brought was the host of this wonderful global “This event, like all Generations for Peace has been ranked #3 Peacebuilding NGO not limited to sport-based activities, as to Georgia in 2013. Since then, it has been event which aims to emphasize the power programs, highlights the power of youth in the World, the 11th Children and the NGO is also known for using arts, working with youth around the country’s of sport to foster unity and build peace to lead us toward a more peaceful future, Youth NGO, and the 29th NGO overall advocacy, dialogue and empowerment capital, Tbilisi.

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