Issue #1322

Issue no: 1322

• NOVEMBER 12 -18, 2021 • PUBLISHED WEEKLY

PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue...

Corona Updates: ‘Green Passport’ to be Introduced, Booster Jabs Now Allowed for 12+ NEWS PAGE 2

When Avoiding and Hiding from the Essence of an Issue. Part I POLITICS PAGE 5

Green Economy School for Young Entrepreneurs SOCIETY PAGE 8

Image source: 15min.lt

FOCUS

ON GEORGIA'S INT'L REPUTATION

EU VIPs warn that Georgia is at a crossroads in EU relations and integration

PAGE 2

Saakashvili: Still on Hunger Strike, Still in Prison, Despite Mass Protests and an Appeal to the ECHR

BY TEAM GT

I

t has been a dramatic week for former President Mikheil Saakashvili and his supporters.

On November 9, following 40 days of hunger strike, Saakashvili was transferred from Rustavi Prison to Gldani prison’s N18 Medical Facility. He claimed he was taken there unwillingly and was subject to abuse on the way and on arrival.

“They pulled me out of the car, hit me in the neck several times, and dragged me to the ground by grabbing my hair. I resisted,” reads a letter from Georgia’s third president introduced to the public by his lawyer, Nika Gvaramia.

“I was deceitfully moved here after it was announced to me that I would be taken to a civilian clinic in the city.

Continued on page 3

Team Europe: EU, France & the Czech Republic Launch Project on Social Protection in Georgia SOCIETY PAGE 9

Soloman Arts Gallery Presents: Artistic Couple, Margarita and Shota Metreveli CULTURE PAGE 10

Leading British Magazine Rugby World to be Published in Georgia SPORTS PAGE 11 CULTURE PAGE 11 Prepared for Georgia Today Business by

Markets As of 08ͲNovͲ2021

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GRAIL 07/28

101.45 (YTM 3.75%)

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Bank of Georgia (BGEO LN)

GBP 15.44

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GEBGG 07/23

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106.28 (YTM 2.24%)

Ͳ0,1%

+0,0%

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GBP 6.09

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Ͳ0,3%

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GBP 15.92

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+8,3%

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103.17 (YTM 4.67%)

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108.08 (YTM 7.26%)

Ͳ0,0%

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106.86 (YTM 2.99%)

Ͳ0,0%

Ͳ0,4%

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106.64 (YTM 5.74%)

+0,1%

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3,1600

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3,6617

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+1,1%

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476,1400

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MSCI EM EE

2

NEWS

GEORGIA TODAY

NOVEMBER 12 - 18, 2021

Corona Updates: ‘Green Passport’ to be Introduced, Booster Jabs Now Allowed for 12+

Photo source BBC

BY ANA DUMBADZE

T

he epidemiological situation in Georgia continues to shock. Given the extremely low vaccination rate against this background, the Georgian government this week decided to introduce the ‘Green Passport’ concept from December 1, which means that unvaccinated citizens and those without proof of corona-free status will not be allowed to enter various facilities.

The government administration published a list of facilities where citizens will be able to enter only with a “green passport” from December 1.

“Green” status is granted to those fully vaccinated, those who have passed a 72-hour-validity PCR or 24-hour-validity antigen test, and those who have recovered from coronavirus. From December 1, Green Passports will be required of all citizens over 18.

“On the Coordination Council’s decision, ‘Green Passport only’ admission will apply from December 1 to the following: eateries, restaurants, cafes and bars (both outdoor and indoor), cinemas, theaters, opera houses, museums, concert halls, entertainment centers, casinos and gambling sites, spa centers, fitness clubs, hotels, and aerial lifts in winter resorts. Said requirement also applies to guests of the listed facilities. In entertainment centers for children, Green Passports are mandatory for all citizens aged over 18.”

Further, on the Prime Minister’s instruc-

tions, the immunization campaign is to be bolstered, and vaccination promotion activities will be held in every municipality of Georgia.

“The Interagency Coordination Council once again urges citizens to become actively engaged in the process of vaccination, wear facemasks, maintain social distancing, and protect their own and their loved ones’ health,” a statement read this week.

Covid Passports can be received from justice houses and service centers, free of charge and without booking a visit.

In order for citizens to be able to get a Green Passport, a special application covidpass.moh.gov.ge has been launched, which can be downloaded from smart-

phones and is connected to the databases of the Center for Disease Control. Those who do not have a smartphone can get a paper passport at the House of Justice.

“Covid passports will be of little use to the rural population,” said Amiran Gamrelidze, head of the National Center for Disease Control. “I do not think the rural population goes to restaurants and entertainment centers, where we have established this requirement. But I think the incentive mechanism we have for the elderly will work well for the rural population.”

To stimulate the vaccination process, the Coordination Council also ruled this week that each pensioner who is vaccinated with even one dose before Janu-

ary 1 will receive a one-time pension supplement of GEL 200.

“The supplement will be issued after the first vaccination, on December 1,” said Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili.

In addition, this week, the Immunization Council permitted the vaccination of children aged 12-15 with Pfizer.

“Based on the decision of the Immunization Council, it is now possible to vaccinate children aged 12-15 with Pfizer,” Deputy Minister of Health Tamar Gabunia told journalists.

“The council supported the vaccination process in the age group of 12 to 15 years, with two doses of Pfizer vaccine, with the consent of a parent, which is a necessary requirement in case of medical intervention for a minor.

“Accordingly, children between the ages of 12 and 15 can go to vaccination centers and get a dose of Pfizer,” Gabunia added.

She noted that the rate of infection in children is not high, but their vaccination is important.

Until now, only citizens over 16 could be vaccinated with Pfizer in Georgia.

NCDC Head Amiran Gamkrelidze further announced that Georgia is working to get a drug to treat coronavirus.

“Many drugs are in different research phases today. Merck and Pfizer were the first to complete the third phase of research. They will appear on the market soon. We confirm that Georgia is working to get these drugs,” he said.

He pointed out that these are the two most advanced drugs available. Britain was first to approve the Merck drug, and Pfizer will soon be approved by the US’ Food and Drug Administration.

Both are drugs that work by different mechanisms but both directly affect coronavirus, which works with the same mechanism as the flu drug Tamiflu.

“If you take it at the beginning when the virus is confirmed, within 5 days, then the effect is very high. It reduces further complications, and mortality of the disease, complications from about 80% to 90%,” Gamkrelidze said.

THE STATISTICS This week’s COVID statistics are particularly alarming in terms of fatalities.

The latest data is as follows: 2191 coronavirus cases, 4348 recoveries, and 74 deaths on Monday; 6021 coronavirus cases, 3792 recoveries, and 75 deaths on Tuesday; 5751 coronavirus cases, 3647 recoveries, and 78 deaths on Wednesday; 4563 coronavirus cases, 4744 recoveries, and 77 deaths on Thursday.

A total of 771,381 cases of coronavirus infection have been identified in Georgia, of which 705,312 have recovered and 10,739 have died.

A total of 2,025,471 vaccinations have been given so far.

THE CASES WORLDWIDE The World Health Organization (WHO) is reporting that coronavirus deaths rose by 10% in Europe in the past week, making it the only world region where both Covid-19 cases and deaths are steadily increasing, reported the Associated Press.

It was the sixth consecutive week that the virus has risen across the continent.

The countries with the highest numbers of new cases worldwide were the United States, Russia, Britain, Turkey and Germany. The number of weekly Covid-19 deaths fell by about 4% worldwide and declined in every region except Europe.

In the Americas, WHO said that new weekly cases fell by 5% and deaths declined by 14%, with the highest numbers reported from the United States.

The United States on Monday ended a pandemic travel ban that was in place for more than a year and a half. The ban, put in place by then-President Donald Trump in early 2020 and later expanded

by President Joe Biden early this year, prohibited visitors from 33 countries, including the UK, much of Europe, China, Brazil and South Africa.

Now, visitors can fly into the US with proof of full Covid-19 vaccination and a recent negative Covid test, though there are exemptions for travelers under age 18 and passengers from countries with low vaccination availability.

In Southeast Asia and Africa, Covid-19 deaths declined by about a third, despite the lack of vaccines in those regions.

WHO's Europe director, Dr. Hans Kluge, said last week that Europe was once again “back at the epicenter of the pandemic.” He warned that if more actions weren’t taken to stop Covid-19, the region could see another 500,000 deaths by February.

Georgia’s Reputation in the Balance

BY TEAM GT

M

ember of the European Parliament Andrius Kubilius on November 10 stated the Georgian people “may have a moment when they will have to choose between the Georgian Dream and integrating with the European Union.”

He noted that recently Georgia has been undermining its international position and perception in the West as a country that wants to join the EU. “I have tried to explain to the members of the ruling party what mistakes they make – they speak rudely about the opposition; they refuse to make promises to the EU, as in the case of the Charles

Michel agreement; they refuse EU financial assistance and fail to fulfill the conditions required to accept it.

“All this creates a bad image for Georgia, not only the government- it harms the desire of the Georgian people for European integration. We need to talk about this very clearly. I would not be surprised if the time comes when Georgians will have to make a choice: either the government of the Georgian Dream or real European integration. Reconciling the two may be very difficult,” Kubilius said.

Also this week, MEP Viola von Cramon stated at a webinar set up to assess the impact of the 2021 local elections on Georgia-EU relations that, “On the one hand, we have to work with the ruling party, of course we need them, they are our partners in the parliament, but our statements about the rhetoric and hate

speech, the misuse of administrative resources should be very clear, as should the consequences.”

“I also warn each and every one of the ruling party that they are further away than ever from, let’s say, a real accession towards the European Union, as the ambassador has rightly said. The Association Agreement is still the current political framework, which is not fulfilled at all, which is not implemented in all terms. We’re far away from this and in terms of judicial reforms, other reforms, they are walking away almost every day and we can only comment on this.

“I think it also needs a financial response.

We cannot accept that we send taxpayers’ money into a country which is not ready to fulfill much of its promises and commitments towards democratic reforms for its citizens,” she said.

POLITICS

GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 12 - 18, 2021

3

Saakashvili: Still on Hunger Strike, Still in Prison, Despite Mass Protests and an Appeal to the ECHR Continued from page 1 “They canceled a meeting with my doctors, and an appointment with my mother and children. I was taken to a section housing criminals, and abuse was shouted at me.

“Despite my categorical refusal, I was dragged out of the car while under constant harassment. I was dragged to the ground, and was hit several times in the neck. I was dragged by my hair and of course I resisted, just as I did after in the ward, where some vague criminal-looking medical staff approached me. They started injecting something into me without my permission. I had a reaction caused by stress after all the violence and abuse. I refuse all medical intervention. I will not cooperate with medical staff. I will meet only with my personal doctor. The purpose of my transfer here is unequivocally my physical destruction at the behest of Putin!”

He then went on to rally his supporters. “I was obliged to put up physical resistance to the violence, but I was alone in here. You are out there, numerous, and therefore no-one can defeat you in the conditions of peaceful but very strong protest.

Don’t be fooled by their provocations. With our unity, we must save our country, which has fallen into the hands of bandits and is on the verge of extinction, with peace. Our country, our families, our homeland have to be saved.”

After Saakashvili was taken to Gldani prison hospital, Justice Minister Rati Bregadze told media that Saakashvili had physically and verbally abused prison staff. Later, the Ministry of Justice issued a statement claiming Saakashvili also damaged expensive medical equipment.

Public Defender Nino Lomjaria visited Mikheil Saakashvili in Gldani Prison Hospital, after which she told reporters that Saakashvili said the Penitentiary Department had lied to him about where he was being taken.

According to the Public Defender, the situation in the institution does not fully comply with the conclusions and recommendations issued by the group of doctors assigned to Saakashvili, while Saakashvili himself opposed his transfer to Gldani Prison.

The United National Movement on November 6 had given the authorities 24 hours to transfer Mikheil Saakashvili to a civilian hospital.

“We are giving the government 24 hours to transfer Mikheil Saakashvili to a civilian hospital. Bidzina Ivanishvili has 24 hours. If anyone has any grain of common sense in power, they should make the right decision and take him to a place where his life and health will be ensured,” party chairman Nika Melia announced at a rally outside Rustavi Prison.

If their demand was not met, they threatened large-scale protests countrywide, and these are now ongoing. Rallies have already been held in Batumi, Zugdidi, Kutaisi, and Rustavi.

Georgia’s foreign friends and partners responded to the transfer of the former president Mikheil Saakashvili to the prison hospital, urging the local authorities to treat him fairly and with dignity, and to transfer him to a civilian hospital for better treatment.

“It is the responsibility of the Government of Georgia, in this case, to protect inmates from abuse, including mental abuse; to provide adequate medical care; and to protect their private health information in accordance with Georgian law,” US State Department spokesperson Ned Price stated at a briefing this week.

“We are closely following, as we have been since it occurred, the imprisonment and now the treatment of former President Saakashvili, including the statement from Georgia’s Public Defender’s Office that raises concerns about the conditions of Mr. Saakashvili’s imprisonment.

In light of that statement, we urge the Government of Georgia to immediately take steps to ensure that Mr. Saakashvili’s urgent mental health and medical needs are addressed. We continue to urge the Government of Georgia to treat Mr. Saakashvili fairly and with dignity, in accordance with international standards and Georgian law. It is the responsibility of the Government of Georgia, in this case, to protect inmates from abuse, including mental abuse; to provide adequate medical care; to protect their private health information in accordance with Georgian law,” stated Price.

“The United States continues to follow very closely the imprisonment and health condition of Mr. Saakashvili and we remain concerned for his well-being,” US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan told reporters.

She called on the government to ensure that Saakashvili is immediately provided with the medical and mental health care he needs, in a fully

equipped medical facility.

“In light of the medical teams’ recent assessment that he is at high risk and needs urgent treatment, as well as the Public Defender’s statement that the Gldani prison hospital No 18 is not sufficient, we urge the government to ensure that Mr. Saakashvili is immediately provided with the medical care that he needs in a fully equipped medical facility,” Ambassador Degnan said.

“We also urge Mr. Saakashvili to accept the recommendation of his doctors and accept the medical care that they say he needs. This is obviously a very sensitive and emotional situation. Right now, the focus needs to be on addressing Mr. Saakashvili’s mental health and physical well-being. It’s our strong recommendation to the government to ensure that he is provided with the medical and mental health care that needs. He should be treated fairly and with dignity, in accordance with Georgian law and international standards.

“In any country, the government has a responsibility to protect inmates from abuse, including mental abuse, as well as to ensure their medical well-being and their safety. So, again, we urge the government to ensure that Mr. Saakashvili is immediately provided with the medical and mental health care he needs, in a fully equipped medical facility,” she added.

“The upholding of Saakashvili’s rights and due legal process are key and under the full responsibility of the Georgian authorities,” EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell said at a webinar involving Members of the European Parliament.

“Of course, we are also following closely the situation of Georgia’s third president in prison, in cooperation with trusted local partners, among them the Public Defender. From the outset, the EU made clear that the upholding of his rights and due legal process are key and under the full responsibility of the Georgian authorities. These rights include the right to stand trial, transparent, fair and due judicial proceedings and the right to adequate health care, as well as privacy and dignity whilst in prison. The Government of Georgia should make every effort to fully uphold these rights,” the Ambassador said.

Amnesty International responded angrily to the transfer of Mikheil Saakashvili to the Gldani prison hospital on Twitter.

“Ex-President Saakashvili (5th week of hunger strike) violently transferred to prison hospital; allegedly threatened; denied dignity, privacy & adequate healthcare. Not just selective justice but apparent political revenge,” the organization tweeted.

Justice Minister Bregadze published a post on his Facebook page Thursday, stating the European Court of Human Rights had rejected Saakashvili's complaint regarding his wish to transfer to a private clinic, and had asked him to end his hunger strike.

The Government of Georgia was informed by a letter to the Strasbourg Court of 10 November 2021 that on the same date Mikheil Saakashvili's representatives had appealed to the European Court of Human Rights to immediately transfer Saakashvili from N18 Medical Facility (where, according to the appellant, his health and safety are not adequately protected) to a multi-profile civilian clinic.

The ECHR did not grant the applicant's request and, instead of pushing for his transferal to a civil-

ian clinic, urged the applicant party to end the hunger strike.

"The Government of Georgia must provide the European Court of Human Rights with information on the applicant's health and safety by 24 November 2021," the post reads On November 10, the Penitentiary Service announced it would not take Mikheil Saakashvili to his own trial looking into a criminal case under Article 315, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Georgia.

The statement came following the State Security Service’s claims that in order to prevent Mikheil Saakashvili from entering the Gldani clinic, it had been planned by a number of political parties to

block the access roads to the facility.

“Such actions may also take place if we escort him to the courtroom. In addition, accused / convicted M. Saakashvili has stopped a substantial part of his treatment, and his transportation and attendance at trial may pose an additional risk to his health.

“In view of the above, the Special Penitentiary Service is deprived of the opportunity to ensure the accused / convicted M. Saakashvili’s attendance in the Tbilisi City Court,” the statement reads.

The trial on the criminal case of the former President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, began on Wednesday.

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POLITICS

GEORGIA TODAY

NOVEMBER 12 - 18, 2021

History Repeats Itself

Giorgi Kharchilava, Mayor of Tsalenjikha. Image source: ocmedia

OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE

T

he United National Movement is celebrating electoral triumph in just one constituency in the entire country.

Immeasurable exultation has followed; the celebrations are ubiquitous and overflowing, and they have already named the winning town “the land of the free.” The peaceful transition of power was finalized successfully, putting into place a new mayor who is proud to be the singular opposition winner of the mayoral elections in the nation, promising his electorate that he will turn his town from the epitome of a political conquest into the harbinger of prosperity in the region.

All this is happening in a little town in our beautiful Mingrelia, called Tsalenjikha. The place is truly beautiful. I visited it last summer and thought that the dwellers of this wonderful land

deserve a lot better and more than they actually have. And now the UNM is there in the form of Mayor Giorgi Kharchilava, representing a party frustrated electorally, but still poised with enough revolutionary charge and vigor to pledge the rest of the country will soon see how their actions turn Tsalenjikha into an oasis flowing with milk and honey. If only!

The unlikely Tsalenjikha is now becoming an exemplary territory of radical social and economic changes, all with the blessings of the UNM’s revengeful enthusiasm, and the magic wand of businessmen-turned-politician, the famous Mamuka Khazaradze, founder of TBC Bank and now an elected member of the Georgian parliament. Having demonstratively surrendered his parliamentary mandate in protest at the “unfair” elections, he made a loud and curious declaration that he is to purchase a new abode in Tsalenjikha, move there, give a hand of friendship and assistance to the newly elected mayor, and to fight shoulder-to-shoulder with him

Coming Soon Say Hello To Ramada By Wyndham Old Tbilisi

to the immediate economic benefit of the region.

Khazaradze is also trying to attract other businessmen to his innovative idea of pulling the depressed area out of poverty and hopelessness, suggesting that they move their accounts to Tsalenjikha and, consequently, leave part of the profit there for further economic development. Remarkably, his banker’s career has gone through many interesting vicissitudes in relations with the ruling parties of various times of the country’s recent history. He used to be and still is at certain odds with the UNM too, but now, as he says, it is time to stand together again in favor of the general good and national reconciliation. Nothing wrong about that!

The presumption is that, sometime in the near future, people will ask the question: What happened in Tsalenjikha? And this is where historic parallels emerge so vividly, as, a little less than a century ago, exactly the same question was asked, and became viral in the press, about another region of the selfsame Mingrelia, called Abasha. Abasha became a catchword for economic success in the soviet years. Those were the times of Eduard Shevardnadze, the prominent soviet statesman and Number One communist of Georgia. By soviet measures, the event was truly new and gigantic, and literally hundreds of newspaper and magazine features and interviews inundated the mass media.

The exciting event? The first ever introduction of

private enterprise in the Soviet Union after the Leninist New Economic Police (NEP) was abolished by Stalin, having admitted prior to it only the notorious collective farming. The peasants of Abasha were given land to cultivate without private ownership, leaving the entire crop to their own discretion, of course after having paid the taxes.

The experiment became momentarily renowned in the soviet empire. Curiosity was worked up, but doubts were also persistent. The soviet power was afraid of nothing more than private ownership of property and land, and the authorities knew that its introduction could have a cancerous effect on communist ideology. And still, Georgia did it. And it worked to a certain extent, although the experiment never saw a time of great proliferation. Something got in the way. Something was wrong with the whole thing. Something did not live up to the expectations of those whose brilliant minds had conceived the idea.

I only wish for Georgia to prosper to the utmost.

Let it start in Tsalenjikha if it must, although I am not a big supporter of the separatist development of the nation: I would rather see the entire country crank up the economic engine together so that we all feel the progress. Frankly, I have my own misgivings about the intended separatist success of the Tsalenjikha economic experiment, but, still, I wish them well!

Steppes, Nomads and Modern Geopolitics

BY EMIL AVDALIANI

H

arnessing the Eurasian lands has always been difficult. The Khazars, an obscure people from the steppes that converted to Judaism many centuries ago, stand out as an exceptional example of how geography, economy, and religion can be used to advance geopolitical interests.

Halford Mackinder, father of geopolitics, who laid out the concept of a heartland encompassing central and northern Eurasia, maintained that Russia was the first power ever to manage to harness the power of geography and economy in northern Eurasia. The Khazars, an obscure people that existed well before the modern Russian state, might beg to differ.

The Khazars were neighbors to two world powers: Byzantium and the Islamic caliphate. At the time of the united and relatively strong Islamic empire (the seventh to the tenth centuries) that dominated the vast territory from Spain to Central Asia, the Khazars, a nomadic people from the Eurasian steppes in the North Caucasus and the territory north of the Caspian Sea, created a large, powerful state.

Reports from Islamic historians and geographers, as well as archaeological evidence, suggest that along with nomadism, agriculture was widespread among the Khazars, and they were able to produce goods. These details suggest a rather inconspicuous people on a par with other nomadic peoples of the past.

However, a closer look at the Khazars (whose language and ethnic origin remain obscure) suggests that they were quite a bit more interesting as geopolitical actors. Their understanding of geographic space and their ability to harness the power of their lands allowed them to stay relevant for centuries.

Furthermore, their religious policy (they chose Judaism as their state religion) was remarkable, as they lived in close vicinity to an Islamic world that was condescending toward other religions.

But let us start with their geographical knowledge and their drive to use geography for the advancement of state interests. The Khazars built their state at the crossroads of two strategically important trade routes. One ran from the Baltic Sea in northern Eurasia to the Caucasus, the Caspian Sea, and the Near East; the other ran from Central Asia (Khwarazm) to modern-day Ukraine and the territories of western Russia.

The Khazars thus placed themselves at a major transit point. Traders, both Muslim and Jewish, from the Near East, Central Asia, and lands that are now Russia and Ukraine, visited Khazaria and its capital, Itil, on the river Volga.

It is astounding how well the Khazars understood and used geography to attain their economic and political goals. They managed to control the major

rivers of the region: the Volga, the Don, and various estuaries running toward them. They built fortresses and collected taxes at the rivers’ major entrances and exits. Moreover, the Khazars were in contact with the Baltic Sea and even with eastern and western Europe. Ninth-century geographer Ibn-Khordadbeh recorded that Jewish traders from Andalusia (Spain) visited Khazar lands. Trade was so active that millions of coins have been found in lands north of the Black and Caspian seas.

The Khazars’ geopolitical thinking was also visible in their desire to control strategic passes and cities such as Daruband, between the Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian Sea, at the point where the pass narrows to only three kilometers.

These strategic moves by the Khazars led them to clash with the Islamic empire, which also aspired to control key crossings, roads, and transcontinental trade routes.

In the west, around the Black Sea, the Khazars found themselves facing the Byzantines, who also aspired to control trade and strategic fortresses around the sea. However, because the Muslims had been largely victorious against the Byzantines, the latter decided to ally with the Khazars, using the logic that a Byzantine-Khazar alliance would be too much for the Muslims from a strategic point of view.

The Islamic empire likely concurred with this assessment, which probably explains why it established a sudden peace with the Khazars in 750, when the Abbasids came to power and moved the imperial capital from Damascus to Baghdad.

The Byzantines and the Muslims were thus locked in a battle for a strategic alliance with the Khazars.

Both sides made economic and religious tools in their attempts to sway the Khazars.

Remarkably, the Khazars responded to the dual courtship of the Christian and Islamic empires by making the strategic decision to adopt neither of their religions but convert to Judaism instead. This decision suggests that the Khazars’ strategic thinking extended well beyond geography and trade.

Muslim travelers to Khazaria, as well as Muslim historians and geographers, made note of the cleverness of this choice of state religion. The Judaist state was very tolerant of foreigners as well as of local and world religions. The Khazars’ judicial system consisted of Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and pagan “judges” who tried cases concerning major disagreements.

The Khazars’ understanding of geopolitics was manifested in their drive to dominate river, military, and land trade corridors and correlate geography with the economy. They achieved significant geopolitical power by establishing wise strategic alliances to counter Byzantine and Islamic military, economic, and religious influences.

Emil Avdaliani is a professor at European University and the Director of Middle East Studies at Georgian think-tank, Geocase.

POLITICS

GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 12 - 18, 2021

5

When Avoiding and Hiding from the Essence of an Issue. Part I OP-ED BY VICTOR KIPIANI, CHAIRMAN, GEOCASE

T

he country is facing many problems, some of which are so serious that even much stronger states than us Georgians are struggling to find adequate responses to them. Many problematic issues, from top to bottom, are raised by our history and national characteristics, whereas others are reflections of global processes of transformation. These issues can be categorized according to different themes and contents, notably thanks to accumulated knowledge or experience in relevant fields, as well as to an analysis of these issues and their systematic nature.

THE DISEASE OF A MONOPOLY OVER AN IDEA Certain problems can be dealt with rapidly, whereas others might require longer periods of time. Some can be resolved through national efforts, and others only through a proper combination with international resources. But… what could be done (and when?) to tackle the centuriesold fallaciousness of the political culture, the political immorality that is reflected through hypocrisy when evaluating events?

What societal or political undertaking can save us when we prefer to follow current trends instead of properly defining our country’s interests, and to replace a thorough analysis of risks and challenges with smug and useless media rhetoric?

What could we oppose to the fact that we have been sacrificing a pure and professional evaluation for the coquetry and superficiality of "winning hearts"?

Which approach is statehood-minded in such cases? What standard of behavior can serve the national interest? An "expert opinion" that aims to gain cheap publicity by blindly following current trends and that benefits from a special exclusiveness (for suspicious reasons)? Or developing and adopting new and innovative approaches in order to find proper, rational solutions? I admit that these questions are relatively rhetorical and that it shouldn't be too difficult to answer them, but only in theory, since in reality we find it as difficult to find answers as we do to take them into consideration when making decisions and carrying them out. We find it difficult to such an extent that by doing so we damage the country’s security and undermine its potential to become a competitive national state, and all this against a background of increased internal and external risks.

In this article, I would like to express my own opinion regarding several urgent topics. It seems to me that these topics are often discussed under the influence of those stereotypical "pincers" which surpass the ability of critical thinking and freedom of opinion, and that these discussions turn "conclusions" and "evaluations" into useless clichés for practical politics.

I also fully acknowledge the fact that going beyond established stereotypes and clichés threatens to attract "anti", "contra" and "pro" labels; and this is done very adroitly and enthusiastically by those in our country who have spent decades guarding the "Holy Grail" of their analytical thinking and imposing their own "unique and reputable" contribution to Georgia's futile journey around the same circle. But why "futile" when one of the results is clearly achieved?

The contribution of these "Guardians of the Holy Grail" to forming public and political opinions has always been and will always be appreciated—and this is how a certain "monopoly over an idea" is formed; a closed, stereotypical approach that hinders the free and unbiased thinking and discussion that development

A "peaceful neighborhood initiative" was recently mentioned, and Tbilisi will hopefully encourage efforts to make this initiative worthwhile in the region. The spirit of this initiative is welcomed, but its details remain unknown. Image source: 112.international

requires, causes societal processes to stagnate, renders us spineless and incapable of political modernization, and significantly delays the attainment of a degree of maturity in statehood.

TO JUSTIFY ONESELF? Before moving to a specific topic, one that takes this sad reality I have described into consideration, I will refer to a few passages from my professional career.

Again and again, in order to strengthen the credibility of a few and presumably quite disputable opinions expressed in this article, I hope that this small "marketing" insert will somewhat tame the desire to "label" of the "monopolists" mentioned above and will encourage a more thematic discussion.

Over the past thirty years, the law firm for which I work has been involved in many large geopolitical and economic projects. Notable examples include advising the critically important Baku-TbilisiCeyhan and South Caucasian pipelines, accompanying the agreement to purchase French-made air defense equipment, acting as a consultant for the US State Department and other Western state or diplomatic institutions, providing legal support to dozens of Western and Asian companies seeking to invest in Georgia, working alongside leading international financial institutions to create often highly innovative financing agreements for various large projects and structuring capital resources, etc.

"Presenting my credentials" should also put a stop to any futile questioning of the style and attitude of the analytical organization whose member I am honored to be, particularly as, for those of you who are interested, this questioning will lead you nowhere.

Let us therefore now move to the main message at hand.

SPEAKING OPENLY There are issues whose discussion requires maximum openness and honesty from all, and especially among the researchers and analysts whose main mission is to thoroughly diagnose problems in order to help politicians make the best decisions in pursuit of the country's interests. Moreover, a non-politicized discussion free of any idées fixes and media-related factors is as necessary for internal consumers as it is for the actors of processes beyond Georgia's borders.

I sometimes have the impression that, in this regard, our partners have greater readiness and desire than certain local politicians or public figures have will-

power and motivation (and ability, by the way), "pouring out their intellect" on Georgian television talk shows.

Let us discuss this thematically.

THE URGENCY OF THE NEED FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION There have recently been active discussions around the idea of a so-called "3+3" initiative. Interested readers will of course already be familiar with this concept, so I shall neither repeat myself nor shall I analyze in depth the recent comment by the Foreign Minister, who called for a discussion of the idea of Georgia joining various "infrastructural projects", which in turn caused a certain agitation and disagreement, especially against the background of the "3+3" initiative. I will not hide the fact that this comment also dissatisfied me personally. It is true that, by adopting a healthy and unpoliticized approach to this comment, its main message could still be read; but objectively speaking, the Minister should have elaborated a little more, as was subsequently done in an official statement by the Ministry.

I will start by mentioning that the government's evaluation of almost any topic is always accompanied by a clear definition of "red lines" beyond which actions are incompatible with our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This time was no exception, and has always been the case, for any past Georgian government, and will always be so, regardless of party allegiances among the members of the Georgian government. The reason for this lies with the civilizational choice of the Georgian people, which will always be reflected by its government.

It is also worth mentioning a few essential circumstances of current events. In the beginning, we spoke of rearranging the global political system by bringing regionalism to the fore. As we move away from a unipolar or bipolar world (although many are currently discussing a new USA-China bipolar arrangement), regional centers of influence are acquiring a renewed gravitational role around the world in the formation of "geopolitical weather". I have repeatedly mentioned the so-called "regional crisscrossing" tendency within the emergence of a new world order and have also discussed the reasons for and the dynamics of its development.

Under these conditions, it is crucial for the sustainable development of the Georgian state to maintain our strategic course without suffering any losses and to build relations with our neighbors (considering existing conditions and

possibilities) by adopting intelligible and acceptable rules of the game. And yes, both lines of Georgian foreign policy should be gathered equally at this point: the first being the previously mentioned civilized choice as a main pillar of Georgian statehood and its stability; and the other being the practical embodiment of the truth that serves to minimize the country’s internal and external risks through the adoption of foreseeable and predictable neighborly relations.

The reality is such that, alongside the increase of multivectoral tendencies in the neighborhood, Georgian diplomacy must become more layered. I must, however, repeat that this does not mean either changing the country's main foreign policy course or replacing it with another.

The thing is that the main global players find it difficult nowadays to unconditionally generalize the "piercing geopolitical" influences characteristic of unipolar, bipolar or even multipolar systems, whereas their tactical or strategical cooperation with regional players increases in consequence. In addition to other results, all this is followed by a rearrangement or regrouping of pre-existing regional alliances, as well as by the emergence of new ones, including in some cases relatively amorphous and short-term partnerships. (It is also worth noting that multivectoral politics, both in deed and in effect, have practically become equal to maintaining an active neutrality.)

We, in the South Caucasus, are witnessing precisely such a process. Although the latter has been actively discussed in numerous publications and has given rise to many opinions and evaluations, I believe that every single one of them, while maintaining the impregnability of the "red lines" mentioned above, deserves a calm and emotionless discussion.

After this short review, let us return to the Minister's comment and the Ministry's statement. The unrealized attempt of the former and the unambiguous interpretation of the latter demonstrate that, on one hand, Tbilisi does not discuss the "3+3" format due to its composition, and that on the other it cannot do so due to the negative results of its official membership. The official materials that we currently possess should therefore in theory exclude speculation on this topic, but this exclusion is of course complicated by the abundant desire of political and non-governmental "speculators"(?) in Georgia to establish a monopoly over the manipulation of public opinion as well as to "juggle" with the analytical process.

At the same time, observers and the general public ignored an absolutely fundamental aspect of the Georgian Foreign Ministry's position: the meaning of the country’s function within the modern regional context, i.e. the principal pillar without which a country cannot establish itself in external processes. At first, a country without a function becomes uninteresting, a passive and inactive subject, but it then very soon turns into an object over which regional forces seek to gain and exert influence.

Alongside various important issues, Georgia’s functional assignment is that practical benefit that gives our country a laissez-passer for integration into this new order. It is no coincidence that since the mid-1990s we have joined the process of obtaining this very important permission, and back then this attempt proved to be successful but only for a certain period of time. But like everything else, this too is quite changeable. The speed at which our modern world is being transformed has accelerated, whereas the Georgian Foreign Ministry emphasis on "thinking" was first of all mostly linked to the country’s functional load and emphasized its role in this regard. This is my personal reading of the circumstances, but I hope for greater explanations and efforts to be dedicated to this issue. It definitely deserves this, and indeed requires it.

In this respect, when concluding our discussion of the regional question, I would mention signs of a pale but possibly careful optimism of a (frankly speaking forgotten) Georgian activism. A "peaceful neighborhood initiative" was recently mentioned, and Tbilisi will hopefully encourage efforts to make this initiative worthwhile in the region. The spirit of this initiative is welcomed, but its details remain unknown. Although such details would of course be linked to numerous objective or subjective factors and their specific nature would be shaped as progress is made, none of us is naïve: we understand the current conjunction and we acknowledge our possibilities.

But it is vital to remember that ceaselessly being dynamic and proactive is the very source of our existence as a nation and a state. Moreover, both the good and the bad aspects of Georgia’s historic role also lie in the fact that, more often than not, in order to achieve our own results, we would not only walk our share of the road but also that of others as well.

Continued in next week's GT and online at georgiatoday.ge

6

POLITICS

GEORGIA TODAY

NOVEMBER 12 - 18, 2021

A Private Solution to Illegal Borderization

PMC company employees secure the site after a roadside bomb in Baghdad, Iraq, in September, 2007.

Photo by Ahmad Al-Rubaye/ AFP

BY MICHAEL GODWIN

P

rivate Military Contractor (PMC) companies have made massive waves in the wake of the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. From logistics and administration to security and VIP protective services, these men and women have filled gaps that are critical to NATO armies in fulfilling their larger mission. The goal of securing the limit of the Russian incursion, often referred to locally as the administrative border line or ABL, is something where the EU has had limited quantifiable success.

The EU, through their European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM), has arguably hamstrung Georgia into bowing before the Russian occupation forces.

Heavy limitations on the police presence and a restriction on Georgian military actions has put the nation at a disadvantage. Russia regularly deploys their state security and military forces in the area, even harassing and abducting civilians.

Placing the military along the ABL would surely draw the ire and potentially the deployment of more regular Russian forces; however, the quiet emplacement of PMCs is another matter entirely.

PMCs have long been a means with which governments have been able to augment and amplify their forces on military campaigns. Throughout history, the deployment of privatized military detachments has worked to distance the potential socio-political fallout of a situation from the government seeking a solution. Simply put, it is far more palatable for a private corporation to bear the brunt of public outcry than the government themselves.

Recently, Russia has made extensive use of this avenue. Russian private military companies, though technically illegal in Russia proper, have seen combat deployments in Georgia, Ukraine, Syria, Central Africa, Afghanistan, and even in internal conflicts in Chechnya.

Allegedly, there is even use of these shadowy elements in some South American nations as a furtherance of the Kremlin's doctrine. These companies, headed by some of Putin’s closest friends, are allowed free reign and lucrative contracts with virtually endless state resources to back them. What’s more, they are afforded the shieldwall of deniability and cover of the Kremlin, should anything go awry during operations.

Many of these companies prey on recently retired service members of the military. Returning from contract service to a small town or village with little prospects of real work, they are ripe for

recruitment into the ranks of this shadow army, as, for many veterans, leaving the military and that unique lifestyle is particularly difficult. Regaining that camaraderie, regimented environment, and military culture is a natural magnet for these men.

However, unlike Western PMC companies that focus on logistic, administrative, and limited defensive use of these assets, Russia sees them as more of a covert means to an end. Deployed in areas where conventional or even special operations forces would be unlikely to go unnoticed, these PMCs are able to maneuver virtually uninhibited from media and international political scrutiny. As the proverbial question goes; if a tree falls in the forest, does it truly make a sound? If Russian mercenaries commit crimes in the Central African jungle, does it truly have any effect on the global stage?

While the press-ganged service of these unfortunate men is largely ignored, it brings into question the idea of their more legitimate use by Georgia. Georgian police and border officials have been restrained by much of the EUMM regulations. These regulations, though laid out in good faith, are a stark contrast to their neighbors to the north, who not only ignore any sanctions against them, but actively take part in continually violating national sovereignty. Some in defense and security circles have even come to question the efficacy of EU involvement in the matter entirely.

Absolving themselves from the binds of political affiliation and the related restrictions, PMC companies operate with a profit-driven model towards delivering a “product.” This product is aimed at being superior to both competitors in the private sector and their equivalent in the public sector. Given that any mishap could jeopardize their contract, and as such their business, they are vehement in ensuring that their product is flawless.

This product is territorial sovereignty.

Sourcing talent from not only the Georgian military and law enforcement communities, but also bringing in foreign veterans from Europe and the United States could build a considerable defensive force. Operating outside the EUMM’s ineffective framework, these PMC entities would have the ability to stop and stymie any attempt to illegally disrupt the situation at the occupation line. While restraint must be exercised, something perfectly familiar to these seasoned contractors, they will be well within their natural and legal rights to use deadly force should their lives or the lives of civilians be jeopardized.

Organizing these units would not be dissimilar to that of a military unit. Due to the ease of administration, command,

and control, they would largely be dispersed along occupation lines, with local management in larger villages or towns.

The regional commands would be divided into a western and central command: the western command assigned the occupation line with the Abkhaz region and the central being along the ABL with Russian-occupied South Ossetia.

Under this command, an infantry regiment would be divided into several operational branches, each with their own logistics, administration, and armed security and stability contract employees. Each branch would have 3-5 armed components of a minimum 10 personnel per component, with patrol routes, a supply office, armorer, administrative officer, a public relations contingent, and a combat command office should things along the occupation line become particularly “complicated.”

It must be asserted that these private elements are not an end-all to the matter of borderization. Rather, they are a buffer element between the occupation and invasion force and the might of the Georgian military. In optimal conditions, they will also facilitate the deployment of NATO forces. While silence in privatepublic matters is widely viewed as horrific, should a Russian military occupation member disappear from his post or

fail to return from his post, as stated, would this make a sound on the world stage? Perhaps only when their members go missing would further deployment of special Russian FSB, GRU, and other military/paramilitary teams be reconsidered.

Armed employees, certified and licensed with the weapon systems they are assigned, would be deployed along the occupation line. As with any sensitive position, these employees would be vetted and certified to be of sound mind and sound body for the applicable assignment. With many of them drawing from the military and law enforcement fields, this is hardly a difficult task.

Kit and equipment, particular to the individual, may be both partially provided and personally procured, as many in the aforementioned communities desire their own configuration.

Positioned in both static positions as well as mobile patrols, they would be similar in style to the current EUMM patrols, though far more effective. In addition to their special weapons license, they would also be granted special powers of arrest and authority with a carefully defined scope. In an attempt to limit any potential for corruption or abuse of authority due to complacency, every armed contractor would be limited to a maximum of 3 years’ service, or they will otherwise be reassigned an unarmed logistical, administrative, or management role. Any apprehension of offending individuals would be summarily processed and passed on to the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs for incarceration and subsequent prosecution.

The individual expense for these contractors would be minimal, the payroll being reduced due to the lower cost of living in Georgia compared with that of Europe and the United States. Supply and materials would be the majority of the overhead costs for the PMC company or companies conducting this operation. In a further measure to reduce budgetary concerns, meals and lodging can be afforded by the military. Amalgamation of the ancillary services between the Georgian army and these private security services would not only serve to alleviate many of the issues with upkeep of such a force, but also possibly forge a cohesive bond between the two entities that may pay dividends in any future conflict.

Along with special liaison offices for government relations, they would be able to procure much of the needed materials from local vendors through a blind bidding process, encouraging and growing the local business environment.

In addition, the potential for foreign investment in this Georgian PMC company could draw even more growth for the nation's economy.

However, it is expected that the EU, particularly the EUMM themselves, will provide a spirited rebuttal to this proposal. Being an overly cautious-minded organization, they would most likely shriek at the thought of an armed privatized solution to a job that they have routinely failed to do. Much like any manufacturer of an inferior product, the producer of the inferior product will strive to destroy not only the product, but also the reputation of the manufacturer of the superior item. Despite their expected disapproval, and in much the same dismissive fashion as the Russians, the Georgian government must employ these services to halt the ever expanding occupation.

Other detractors may point to a more legally founded basis for their opposition. Under Chapter VI, Article 22, of the Law of Georgia on Private Security Activities, the use of some security actions may be prohibited if in violation of certain international conventions. It could be argued that the potential of PMC employee defensive actions may degrade the situation along the occupation line. Despite this, much of the other provisions under this legislation reinforce the lawful right of these security contractors to act in good faith and in defense of the innocent.

The Russian puppets in Tskhinvali and Putin’s circles in Moscow will also undoubtedly voice their objection to this project. Despite their repeated use of illegal mercenary groups in various warzones, they cannot stand anything of more legal flavor being used against them. Any statement by the Kremlin should be met with nothing more than a brief laugh and a quick dismissal. They are worth nothing more.

There comes a point where only so much ground can be given. While many may debate what duties truly lie in the government purview, one that is unarguable is the duty to ensure territorial sovereignty and the safety of the people.

The EU has talked highly of the right to this sovereignty, but done very little to enforce this right. It is well within the natural, God-given, and legal right for the Georgian leadership to seek appropriate measures to fight this proverbial fire with like fire.

The Kremlin, and Putin more specifically, rarely react to anything other than raw strength and classical machismo.

Only with this style of response will there ever be any chance of restoring the rightful lands of the united Georgian peoples, regardless of their local cultural affiliations and minor differences. A few scoffs and eyes rolled in Brussels and Moscow are more than worth the opportunity to reform the nation and defend the Jewel of the Caucasus.

A chart displaying ten of the most high-profile private military companies in Russia and their deployment in various conflicts. Their use, while illegal in Russia, includes the ability to operate outside the bounds of international law and the laws on armed conflict.

Source: informnapalm.org

SOCIETY

GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 12 - 18, 2021

7

Reaching out to Youth with a Message of Equality, Inclusion and Education

by Sweden and the UNDP to help expand their activities at a time of the pandemic and to respond to the needs of the communities they serve.

“It is inspiring to see all this young energy, creativity and the desire for learning. Young people must have every opportunity to live and study in an equal and safe environment free from discrimination and intolerance. The UNDP remains committed to assisting Georgia to build an inclusive and fair society where every person can fulfil their potential and no-one is left behind,” Beresford said.

“Education and the respect for human rights are the foundations of a prosperous society. As Georgia’s strong ally in many fields of sustainable economic and social development, Sweden promotes the principles of human rights, equality and diversity across all social groups,

H

uman rights, equality and education were at the center of a discussion with youth and civil society as representatives of the Embassy of Sweden to Georgia and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) visited the city of Kutaisi on 5 November.

At the meeting with Kutaisi Interna-

tional University students, UNDP Head Nick Beresford and Head of Development Cooperation/Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Sweden Erik Illes discussed the rapid development of technology as a powerful tool for promoting and protecting human rights and increasing the engagement of Georgian women in STEM education (science, technology, engineering, mathematics),

and especially among youth,” Illes noted.

The visit continued at the Akaki Tsereteli State University, where Beresford and Illes attended a hands-on Covid vaccination session organized by UNDP and Georgia’s National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC) with Swedish government support.

The information and vaccination session was part of the ongoing Vaccines4Life campaign initiated by the NCDC and UNDP in partnership with a range of supporters (Denmark, the EU, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, the United Nation’s Joint Fund for Sustainable Development Goals) to help debunk myths associated with Covid-19 vaccines and ensure high vaccine take-up. The campaign is reaching out to wide circles of Georgian society, including vulnerable and marginalized groups, people living in rural areas, and youth.

currently hovering at 16%.

The high-level guests also met representatives of the ‘Identoba Youth’ organization and the local LGBTQI+ community. They talked about challenges faced by queer people and their supporters and discussed non-formal civic education as a way to achieve cultural and social change. ‘Identoba Youth’ is among the civil society organizations supported

Georgia Failed to Protect Woman from Gender- and Honor-based Violence, UN Women’s Rights Committee Finds

G

eorgia’s failure to investigate and prosecute gender and honor-based violence against a woman who was severely beaten by family members in front of her young children, contributed to her death, the UN Women’s Rights Committee has found.

In the Views published on Thursday, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) said it deplored both the failure of the Georgian authorities to arrest and prosecute family members who had beaten the victim, Khanum Jeiranova, and their senseless decision to return her to her relatives. She was subsequently found dead.

The Committee issued its findings after considering a complaint filed by Jeiranova’s two children, who were 11 and 7 when their mother died.

Jeiranova, an ethnic Azerbaijani and a Georgian national, was accused of having an extramarital affair by her husband’s relatives. On 16 September 2014, three of her husband’s relatives rounded on her, dragged her through the village, and beat her so hard that she lost consciousness several times.

That night, the village governor and police officers were called to the victim’s father’s house where they saw her crying and begging for help as her family members wanted her to take a jar of rat poison. They didn’t make any arrest and

didn’t send her to hospital. The village governor took her away for the night but returned her to her mother the next morning. One day later, Jeiranova’s mother found her dead, her body hanging by a rope in the garden shed.

The mullahs who prepared Jeiranova’s body said that her clothes were covered in blood and that her body had been “beaten to a pulp”, according to a witness statement.

However, police did not conduct a

forensic examination of the location after the family refused to allow it.

An investigation was opened but quickly closed, the prosecutors concluded that the victim had committed suicide as a result of her, what they described as,

"shameful" and “dishonorable” behaviour.

“Ms. Jeiranova was a victim of intersecting discrimination related to ethnicity and stereotypical attitudes of the police and judicial authorities,” said Committee member Genoveva Tisheva.

“Had the Georgian authorities adequately protected Ms. Jeiranova against the gender-based violence inflicted on her, she would still be alive today,” she added.

The Committee found that Georgia had failed to provide effective protection and had not taken all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against Jeiranova. It also concluded that Georgia had violated its obligation to investigate and punish those responsible for the assault on the victim and her death.

The Committee urged Georgia to conduct a prompt, thorough and independent investigation into Jeiranova’s death and to prosecute those responsible. It requested Georgia to provide appropriate reparation, including adequate compensation, as well as an official apology to Ms. Jeiranova’s children. It urged Georgia to ensure that all legislation, policies and measures that address domestic violence also include honourbased violence. In addition, it asked the State to strengthen measures to ensure the right to life of women and their freedom from torture, with special attention to communities that are isolated, closed and where honor-based norms apply.

8

SOCIETY

GEORGIA TODAY

NOVEMBER 12 - 18, 2021

Green Economy School for Young Entrepreneurs

BY ANA DUMBADZE

E

nvironmental crisis cannot be resolved without active engagement of the Private sector and entrepreneurship that support sustainable and responsible use of resources. Steering the economy towards sustainability means establishing circular practices and supporting green businesses.

The development of a green economy in Georgia will promote the sustainable use of natural resources and reduce the negative impact on the environment.

Given the sustainable development of the country's economy, it will accelerate the implementation of clean consumption and production practices, attract green investments and create new green jobs. It will also prevent environmental degradation and depletion of natural resources, which will contribute to the well-being of the population. To support green business startups, for the second time in Georgia, a Green Economy School (GES) – a short-term green business development initiative – took place in Bulachauri, which was organised by CENN, “Georgian Forest Product” Association and the Agrarian Committee of the Parliament.

The Green Economy School (GES), helped students connect university resources with current state and international economic programs. The course aimed to support the students receive wide range of business and environmental knowledge including developing a business model and understanding the basics of circular economy.

The “Georgian Forest Product” Association, together with the Parliament of Georgia and CENN, held a training cycle for undergraduate and graduate students interested in entrepreneurship from October 31 to November 3 of this year.

The initiative was supported by the European Union, Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands to generate new, important ideas that support the sustainability principles and implementation of Green Economy in Georgia.

The participants of the Green Economy School were selected on the basis of a competition.

The first stage of the competition revealed 50 students and 9 participants with particular ideas, who participated in the 3-day training in Bulachauri Green Center. After consultation with partners and beneficiaries, the students will develop concepts for their business plans and submit them. The final stage will reveal three students with the best concepts and will be awarded grants.

This time, the GES initiative, which

was organized under the project “The Rural Entrepreneurship Development Program” is carried out in cooperation with the Agrarian Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands, CENN and Forest Product Association.

As a result of this project, students will have the opportunity to collaborate with forest product companies and work with them to develop business plans, obtain funding, and contribute to the development of the forest economy and poverty eradication in Georgia.

On the first day of the opening of the School of Green Economics, students worked with experts and mentors on a project to develop private initiatives in the forestry sector, learn about the potential of non-timber forest resources (NTFPs) in Georgia, and explore sustainable forest products collection, production and marketing.

In the following days, participants met with private companies and evaluated business opportunities based on specific examples, exchanged information directly with decision makers, and gained theoretical knowledge and practical experience in developing competitive business plans.

This initiative has two directions - educational and practical. The theoretical knowledge acquired at university is often difficult to apply in practice because people do not have the opportunity to get direct contact with experienced people working in the field. The School of Green Economics is working in this direction. Its program includes the creation and piloting of family, private, community, municipal, regional, or national models for the use of forest resources to meet sustainable development goals and strategic rural development objectives.

As part of the project, the students met with important representatives such as: • Pavle Tvaliashvili, Facilitator and Business Development Expert • Nino Tsilosani, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Agrarian Affairs and Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Council for Gender Equality • Rezo Getiashvili, CENN Projects Manager • Loes Lammerts, Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands to Georgia • Karlo Amirgulashvili, Head of Biodiversity and Forest Department at Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection of Georgia • Giorgi Gujaridze, director of the Georgian Forest Product Association.

The participants attended important trainings on the biomass potential in Georgia, forest use and forest sustainable development issues – the new forest code, and priorities in the circular economy, during which Teo Babunashvili, Entrepreneurship Program Manager of

the "Produce in Georgia" program, spoke about how to formulate a business plan and how to present procedural issues of evaluation. The evening lecture was dedicated to the potential of eco-tourism and its opportunities in Georgia.

Nino Tsilosani, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Agrarian Affairs, stated: “On the one hand, we get ideas from participants that will definitely be used in the future, and on the other hand, participants get the resources they need at this stage. In implementing this project, we found people with such unique ideas among the young generations, who, with the help of business, the state, our trainings, will be able to implement their ideas. We are glad to undertake this project with the support of the qualified and high-reputation organization – CENN – providing us with the planning of all necessary skills and trainings for the students, aiming at an increase in their knowledge in every direction that can be a priority for the agricultural development.” She went on to thank the partner organizations and agencies and underlined the role of the Dutch Embassy in this process.

"I am happy to be here and to meet a new generation of Georgian students,” said Ms. Loes Lammerts, Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands to Georgia.

“Thanks, CENN and all the partner organizations for taking the initiative and contacting us. The Embassy of the Netherlands is by your side. The main thing is that students have the opportunity and power to work on new projects and learn different things from the private sector. I hope that the participants will get a lot of interesting information from this project and will have the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills.

Georgia has the opportunity to change reality and give young people a chance to develop their own ideas and create unique products.”

The Rural Entrepreneurship Development Project helps students use their theoretical knowledge in practice.

“The trainings held at the Bulachauri Green Center, School of Green Economics, will significantly help students to improve their business ideas, develop new skills and also participate in the “Produce in Georgia” program,” said Giorgi Kavteladze, CENN representative. “The Rural Entrepreneurship Development Project serves exactly these purposes. Their activities and business models are aimed at solving various social problems. The majority of students are from the regions, so implementation of their ideas will contribute to the employment of locals living in rural areas. At the same time, there are some changes at the legislative level in terms of sustainable forest use, and this entire program is tailored to teach students how to use non-timber forest resources properly. Their ideas further strengthen the role of non-timber forest products in economic development and bring less harm to forests, which is very important.”

In the process of the development of the Green Economy in the country, the cooperation and involvement of both state institutions and the non-government sector is crucial. The role of the state in promoting the process and creating equal conditions for all the parties is important. In turn, the non-government sector promotes activities of quality and which are sustainable, and assists in ideas being turned into safe and fruitful businesses.

This is important not only for economic progress but in terms of reducing environmental damage. As such, the collaboration of the Parliament of Georgia, CENN and the Association of the “Georgian Forest Product” in this Rural Entrepreneurship Development Project can be considered a successful example.

The „Georgian Forest Product“ Asso-

ciation, a structural organization that unites the organizations working on issues related to the use of non-timber forest resources, is also actively involved in educating young people on the importance of the green economy.

“During the seminars and discussions held on October 31-November 3, the Georgian Forest Product Association provided participant students with all the necessary information about the sustainable use of forest resources for their businesses, giving them practical advice and recommendations, which allowed them to look at their future business development from a different angle,” said Pavle Tvaliashvili, Project Facilitator. “When getting acquainted with their ideas, I was happy to see that we have a serious basis for building a good society in terms of entrepreneurship. Importantly, the information we delivered regarding the sustainable use of forest

resources motivated them to further develop themselves as green entrepreneurs and seek out even more knowledge in this direction. The students invited here represent a bridge for building a green economy and, of course, we must assist young entrepreneurs and share our experience with them for the better future of the country.”

In the near future, considering the success and positive feedback, CENN plans to further expand and diversify the project, including taking it to a regional level. As such, the first consent phase organized by the School of Green Economics is underway in Akhmeta, where emphasis will be put on electricity and its generation through renewable energy sources. In the regions, local schools and students are expected to be involved in the project and take on important information, after which prospects for continued cooperation will be revealed.

SOCIETY

GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 12 - 18, 2021

9

Team Europe: EU, France & the Czech Republic Launch Project on Social Protection in Georgia one can be part of social life and the democratic process,” said Mr. Gherman.

“This is especially relevant in times of COVID-19, where many people need additional support and protection. We are therefore proud to launch this new project together with our Team Europe partners, and look forward to many positive steps over the coming years.”

“There is a global alliance between the French and Czech Development Agencies and I am very happy that this finds an application here in Georgia,” said Ambassador Colas. “We strongly support the choice of the Georgian people and of successive governments to build a strong, dynamic, European democracy in Georgia, and it makes sense to do this with another dynamic successful Eastern European democracy such as the Czech Republic. The implementation of this joint project, to strengthen the delivery of social services and work towards the social code, will be a key aspect of this broader democracy and institution building agenda”.

“Development of the Social Code is a

T

he European Union, France and the Czech Republic have joined forces to strengthen the social protection system in Georgia.

The signing event allowed the parties to kick off the project and show their common engagement in improving access to social protection and the extension of social rights and coverage of the Georgian population.

The cooperation agreement was signed at Embassy of the Czech Republic in Georgia on November 10 to mark the beginning of an EU-project implemented

by Expertise France (Agence Française de Développement Group − AFD Group) and the Czech Development Agency (CzDA), with the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied

key reform that will direct Georgia towards the establishment of an effective social welfare management system, including decentralization of provision of social protection,” noted Czech ambassador Mikyska. “The Czech Development Agency is happy to join the forces with Expertise France and move a long-term successful partnership with the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia to a new level.”

“By elaborating the Social Code, we aim at creating broader perspective of social welfare,” stated Deputy Minister Barkalaia. “Our goal is to guarantee that Georgian citizens are protected from social risks from childhood to old age.

Therefore, relevant healthcare and social protection systems and mechanisms need to be developed. This will be a big step forward towards European and international Standards.”

The project Strengthening Social Protection in Georgia aims at supporting the Government of Georgia and state organizations in improving social ser-

vices, evidence-based policy making and extending social protection rights. The project will last 24 months with implementing partners Expertise France and Czech Development Agency.

The project will focus on three components. The first component will improve access and delivery of social services and remittances from Social Service Agency (SSA) and at local level.

The second component of the project will support better analysis of information and the creation of communication materials around social rights and promotion of social work. The third component will support the Ministry in the elaboration of the social code in extending social rights in Georgia through a collaborative and inclusive process, following evidence-based policy and legislation proposals.

The project is now officially launched and is in its inception phase. The first action of the project will be to identify key policies and strategies for improving delivery and access to social protection services in Georgia.

to arrange more aid.

Some of the dental equipment which we did not send by truck made it through to Kaspi and Mestia, and we have seen it in place, and we now know how to proceed with future projects. A couple of architects, Mr and Mrs Caravit, she is Bulgarian and he is Austrian, were the only company which gave us money to make this thing possible. They are also involved in a project in Congo, Africa, a school for deaf children, and I made a donation to this in exchange.

“We have not made it to Georgia by car yet (never say never!); we flew here

this time for a week, to see how things are going in person, so much better than trying to understand it from a distance.

It’s difficult to get motivation from donors, though, if you have to explain that everything is “complicated”!”

territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia (MoIDPHLSP).

Their Excellencies, Petr Mikyska, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Georgia, and Diego Colas, Ambassador of France to Georgia, and Catalin Gherman, Deputy Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation, attended the signing ceremony. Tamila Barkalaia, Deputy Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the occupied territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia presented her ministry’s perspective, followed by with a short presentation of the project.

“Social protection goes back to the core values of the European Union. In a democracy, it is all of our responsibility to take care of the most vulnerable members of society, to make sure that every-

Once Bitten: Etseri, Svaneti

BLOG BY TONY HANMER

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he shop doorbell rang, and after I called, “Come in!”, His Highness Prince Alain Murat of Chkaduashi, Mingrelia (also a descendant of Napoleon) walked in. Along with a family of four from France, the parents both dentists, the boys along for the ride.

A total surprise, but the Prince and Princess do occasionally show up unannounced. I welcomed them and their driver in.

“My friends are in Svaneti with a large gift for the dentists of Mestia: some equipment from their practice in Paris, now being replaced but still very much useful,” he said. “Would it be possible for you to interview them for Georgia Today?” Delighted, I replied, always glad to showcase local connections with outside and aid coming in. I seated them at

our dining table with coffee, put my cellphone on a tripod to record, and began. The interview below is edited for brevity and clarity.

What brought you to Georgia?

Dr. Thomas Clément: I grew up traveling a lot with my parents, and decided to continue this with my wife, Marta, originally from Poland, and our two teenage boys. Our first visit to Georgia was in 2018, but it was really only for a few days, an introduction. It had been my dream to come here for a long time after hearing so many people say what a marvelous place it is. We loved it then, though.

We try to combine traveling and working. I wanted to make a long trip by car as my uncle used to: I visited Afghanistan with him when that was possible, and although now it is not, I wanted to cross all of Europe and reach the border of Iran as he did, to enter all the Caucasus countries in honor of him. We also began asking ourselves what we could do to

help where we go; we have all this dental equipment which we needed to replace but which is still totally useful, and decided to bring it.

A patient of mine was the former Ambassador of France to Georgia, and he put me in touch with the Prince and Princess. We wanted to put everything into a car we bought for the trip, took two months off, arranged everything… and then Corona came! We had to rethink everything and to send the equipment by truck. The first part was partly “disappeared” by Customs here, and they also wanted $5000 to get it back last year! Nightmares. The Princess went and “talked” to Customs, found someone there she knew, and the French Embassy tried to help; but not with total success. A dental company in Austria, and also one in Germany, gave us many thousands of Euros’ worth of equipment… and most of it disappeared here.

We sent clothes to the Prince and Princess as well, and these they delivered to needy families [including some here in Etseri]. This was very stimulating for us, seeing the photos, and enabled us

*** We also took the Prince and the family to buy some honey from my neighbor, and then to the school, where they were well met with great interest. They will be back, I have no doubt. Georgian Customs, though… needs some work…

Their websites, in French and English: www.drs-clement.fr and www.smilecaucase.fr And…as always at the moment, in Georgia’s current political season, #mishavs means: “It matters to me”!

Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a weekly writer and photographer for GT since early 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group, now with nearly 2000 members, at www.facebook.com/ groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti

10

CULTURE

GEORGIA TODAY

NOVEMBER 12 - 18, 2021

Soloman Arts Gallery Presents: Artistic Couple, Margarita and Shota Metreveli

Source: solomonartsgallery.com

M

argarita Metreveli (nee Atskvereli) was born in 1913 in Tbilisi. Shota Metreveli was also born in 1913, but in Borjomi.

In 1927, Shota's family moved to Tbilisi and in 1928 he met his future wife, Margarita Atskvereli, at secondary school.

In 1932, they were both admitted to the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts, in the class of Mose Toidze. Others among their teachers at the Academy were prominent artists Iosif Charlemagne, Davit Kakabadze, and Lado Gudiashvili, who undoubtedly had a great influence on the development of the creative manner of the young artists.

After graduating from Tbilisi State Academy of Arts, from 1939 onwards, Shota and Margarita Metreveli participated in various group exhibitions of artists in Georgia, Russia and various European countries. The first personal exhibition of the young artists was held in Tbilisi in 1944 at the Georgian National Gallery- this despite it being the Second World War, with the cultural life of the Georgian capital as alive as ever, boasting numerous exhibitions, concerts and performances.

Compositions depicting the historical monuments, nature and life of Georgia, pictures depicting the history of Georgian culture and episodes of the lives of prominent people, as well as portraits and ethnographic compositions, have an important place in the works of Shota and Margarita Metreveli.

A painting of the house-museum of the famous Georgian director Kote Marjanishvili in Kvareli was created by Shota Metreveli in 1950. This building is an important example of Georgian architecture between the 18th and 19th centuries and gives us some idea of the Georgian architecture of that period.

The painting is characterized with a high level of mastery and in fact documents the 70-year-old House-Museum of Kote Marjanishvili.

As said, compositions reflecting the past times of Georgia have an important place in the work of Shota Metreveli.

The painting "Urmuli", painted in 1971, is one of them, which on the one hand depicts the old Georgian transport "Uremi" against the background of a medieval castle wall, and on the other hand serves as a certain illustration of the old Georgian song "Urmuli".

The depiction of different periods of the history of Georgian culture, as well as the lives of prominent people, was also often featured in Shota Metreveli’s works. A painting depicting the visit of great poet Alexander Pushkin to renowned Georgian poet Alexander Chavchavadze in Tbilisi is considered as one example. The artist presented a party in honor of the guest on the balcony of the palace of Queen Darejan"Sachino", the wife of the prominent King of Kartli-Kakheti, Erekle II. A spectacular view of Old Tbilisi can be seen from there. The picture realistically depicts the family members of Alexan-

der Chavchavadze and others sitting at the table, Alexander Pushkin raising a toast. With this painting, Shota Metreveli appears as a worthy student of his maestro Lado Gudiashvili.

Compared to the thematic specifics in Shota Metreveli’s work, Margarita Metreveli's pieces contain more generalized compositions, although of course there are specific themes in her work too. She often painted views of Tbilisi with its characteristic historical charm. She was interested in the effects of lighting, which is evidenced by the proper mastering of the pictorial manner characteristic to Mose Toidze, Margarita Metreveli’s teacher.

The artist's paintings are also characterized by a rich, pastose manner, unusual combination of colors, and both sharp and soft transitions of light and shadow. “A Part of Old Tbilisi" was painted by Margarita Metereveli in the above mentioned manner in 1957, and can be considered as one of the artist's masterpieces. The picture was exhibited at a group exhibition of Georgian artists in Germany.

The painting "Swimming Women" (1980) by Margarita Metreveli is characterized by an extraordinary mastery and mood. Four young women are depicted in the blossom of nature near a mountain river. With its sharply balanced composition, masterful color combination, and rich, pastose manner of painting, this canvas is one of Margarita Metreveli’s most important works.

For years, Shota and Margarita Metreveli taught at the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts, the Iakob Nikoladze Art School in Tbilisi, and at the Virsaladze Children's Art School, the latter being established on the basis of the Iakob Nikoladze Art School. They both paid great attention to the education of adolescents and young artists, and laid the groundwork for their creative advancement.

Shota and Margarita Meterveli were merited artists of Georgia. Their works are kept in various museums throughout the country, as well as in private collections in Georgia, Russia, Europe and the United States. Shota Metreveli passed away in 1983 and Margarita Atskvereli-Metreveli in 1984. The couple is buried in the Mukhatgverdi Pantheon of Public Figures.

SPORTS

GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 12 - 18, 2021

11

Leading British Magazine Rugby World to be Published in Georgia

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he Georgian Rugby Union and British media giant Future Plc have signed a cooperation agreement to launch the Rugby World magazine, GEORGIA version.

The agreement was signed by the President of the Georgian Rugby Union Ioseb Tkemaladze and the Head of International Relations of Future Plc, Brandon Bester, at the Tbilisi Marriott.

Everybody knows that the first oval ball was rolled in England, the world leader in various fields, with London as the financial capital of the world. As such, for Georgian Rugby, cooperation with such a country in various directions is an honor and is at the top of its priorities.

It is twice as big a privilege to have an opportunity to work with a great company such as Future Plc. A joint venture created by the Georgian Rugby Union with the Rugby Journalists League and

Future Georgia LLC will launch Rugby World GEORGIA magazine.

Rugby World is the world’s leading and bestselling Rugby magazine, in the portfolio of the British media giant Future Plc. The company was founded back in 1985 and today combines over 150 magazines and web publications in different fields of interest covering the whole world (https://www.futureplc.com), and now Georgia as well.

The Rugby Journalists’ League was founded by prominent sports journalists Temur Japharidze, Zaal Gigineishvili, Besik Jangavadze, Zura Ksovreli and Luka Chochua. The organization they founded together with Future Georgia LLC, headed

by David Samsonidze and the Georgian Rugby Union, will be responsible for publishing the magazine, which will concentrate on Georgian and international rugby news and analytics, for Georgian and English rugby fans, in both languages.

Givi Mrelashvili, Founder of Rugby Union Georgia - on the right

The publishing will be performed at a high polygraphic level, with an approximately 100-page edition being published once a quarter. Its printing and distribution partner is media holding “Palitra Media.” A digital version of Rugby World Georgia will also soon be available.

“England is the homeland of rugby, where you understand the nature of this game best, and for the Georgian Rugby Union, cooperation with this country in different directions is a priority. Future Plc is a world-class brand. Therefore, cooperation with this company is a great honor and, at the same time, a responsibility.

“It was not an impulsive decision to seek and start cooperation with England, we have a lot in common with this great country. Thanks to the famous Georgian Scrum, which is considered #1 in the world, our team was honored to be invited twice by England’s National team for joint training sessions. Also, one of the

most successful clubs in Georgia proudly bears the name of “Lelo-Saracens”. “Lelo” is an ancient Georgian game, very similar to rugby, and in translation, it means “end of the pitch, try line.”

“Temur Japaridze, Zaal Gigineishvili, Besik Jangavadze, Zura Ksovreli and Luka Chochua are the people on whom Georgian rugby stands, and their journalistic experience will be useful all over the world.

“I am sure that the bilingual magazine published in Georgia will significantly increase the rugby audience in Georgia and satisfy their interest, as well as play an important role in the international arena – in promoting Georgian sports, culture and business,” said Ioseb Tkemaladze, President of the Rugby Union.

“Many thanks to Future Georgia, the Rugby Journalists’ League and the Rugby Union for this opportunity. It is a great honor for me to be your guest and to meet the Georgian rugby family,” Bran-

don Bester greeted the Georgian side.

After the end of the official part, Tkemaladze handed over the “Golden Book” of Georgian sports to Bester. The event was attended by one of the founders of Georgian rugby, Givi Mrelashvili, who also gave a memorable gift to the guest.

The meeting was attended by the British Deputy Ambassador to Georgia, Clare Allbless, former President of the Rugby Union Gia Nizharadze, board members and veteran players.

“I would like to thank the media holding Palitra, which has been successfully cooperating with the Georgian Rugby Union for years. This cooperation is deepening and we are moving to a new stage. Rugby World GEORGIA will provide the highest quality printing and distribution both within the country and abroad. Without this support, it would be very difficult for us to implement this initiative,” said Nikoloz Alavidze, vicepresident of the Rugby Union.

Georgia Prepares to Participate in Rock Climbing at Paris Olympics necessary to quickly build the infrastructure, equip the athletes and send them for training abroad.

Rock climbing is one of the sports that the Ministry of Sports considers to be a priority for the development of mass sports.

At the initiative of the Minister, the construction of an international standard climbing wall will begin in Georgia next year, which will allow athletes to train fully, and the country to host international tournaments.

Cooperation was also planned with the municipalities and the Ministry of Education to continue building small walls and increase youth interest in the sport.

BY KETEVAN SKHIRTLADZE

T

he Minister of Culture, Sports, and Youth Affairs of Georgia Tea Tsulukiani visited the rock climbing gym located in Tbilisi and got acquainted with the training conditions there. As she noted, rock climbing has great traditions in Georgia and was included in the Olympic Games this year.

Georgia will start preparations in January so that the Georgian rock climbers can compete with dignity at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. For this, it is

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