Issue #1248 by Georgia Today

Issue no: 1248

• MAY 29 - JUNE 4, 2020 • PUBLISHED WEEKLY

PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... PM Reviews the Next Stage of Reopening the Economy NEWS PAGE 2

10 Main Messages from PM’s Report to Parliament on COVID-19 NEWS PAGE 3

Confessional Issues of NATO’s Eastern Enlargement: Search for a Common Saint POLITICS PAGE 5

FOCUS

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ON GERMANY The Ambassador talks us through Germany's COVID-19 management and more

PAGE 4

Redjeb Jordania, Son of Noe, on Georgia’s Independence Day

y fellow Georgians: On the occasion of the 102nd anniversary of our declaration of independence, I would like to congratulate all Georgians and the Georgian institutions for the great progress made in the past 20 years to wean Georgia once and for all from the Soviet ideology, for the improvements in all phases of everyday living, for the promotion of international tourism, and for the successful efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus that created such misery and disruptions throughout the world. At last count, in our country corona cases numbered 723, and the deaths just 12: much better than in neighboring Armenia and Azerbaijan, and immensely better than Europe and the United States. With this low count, it is more than probable that this year’s tourist season will be relatively successful, since Georgia has been rated in many publications as one of the most interesting countries to visit, provided, of course, that corona does not make a come-back. The virus took the whole world by surprise: nothing like that had happened in a long time, since 1918, in fact, when the Spanish Flu pandemic swept the globe. Continued on page 6

Helping Businesses in PostPandemic Georgia: The Initiatives of Hualing Free Industrial Zone BUSINESS PAGE 6

Chikori – Delicious, Healthy Georgian Snack Made with Love & Sunshine BUSINESS PAGE 8

Roadblock – Spanish Cycle Tourer Stuck in Georgia Shares His Story SOCIETY PAGE 10

“Corona Days” Artworks of Young Georgian Artists: Giorgi Kobiashvili CULTURE PAGE 11 Prepared for Georgia Today Business by

Markets As of 22ͲMayͲ2020

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NEWS

GEORGIA TODAY

MAY 29 - JUNE 4, 2020

PM Reviews the Next Stage of Reopening the Economy I n line with information shared by the National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC), 3 new cases of infection have been detected in the country today and all of them originate from the quarantine zones. The spread of virus is effectively under control and it is evidenced by several facts: new cases of infection predominantly originate from quarantine zones, which confirms that it was a prudent decision to introduce quarantine in relevant locations of the country; new cases of infection stem solely from already known clusters; riskrelated groups are international transportation, which are actively scrutinized by the Task Force of the Inter-Agency Coordination Council of the Government of Georgia and control is tightened. It also means that spread of the infectious pandemic is under control, which resulted from the joint effort of us and the general public. A new task is faced in terms of a much quicker recovery of the economy. You may well be aware that we proposed a Plan for Economic Recovery of Georgia, which included concrete measures. Today we can state as a matter fact that we are positioned well to slightly accelerate the implementation of this plan, noted Giorgi Gakharia, Prime Minister of Georgia at the meeting of the Inter-Agency Coordination Council of the Government of Georgia today. The head of the government noted that the intention of acceleration is based on the control gained over the spread of the virus and Seroprevalence Study produced by the NCDC, which once again evidences that the scale of domestic spread is small and risks are declining at the same time. “Acceleration is made possible by a number of listed reasons and control

gained over the spread of the virus. Today NCDC submitted findings of its Seroprevalence Study, which once again evidence that scale of domestic spread is rather small and risks are declining. Hence, irrespective of the fact that virus has not yet been defeated, it remains with us and we should essentially adhere to basic safety norms. We took a decision on further easing the existing restrictions by considering the economic and social interests of our citizens” he added. The PM also spoke about lifting the restrictive measures, which will happen gradually in the country. “Municipal transport of all types, including the underground, will resume operation from May 29 and it will happen only by complying with concrete rules. Face masks remain to be an essential routine accessory and organizations managing the municipal transport or private transportation business owners will bear responsibility over the passenger compliance. "Shops with direct street access, including shopping malls, roofed and open-air markets of all types and restaurants with open spaces will resume operation from Monday, June 1. "Restaurant services of all types will resume operation from next Monday, June 8. It means that restaurants will be able to operate and carry on business. "Also, hotels will resume operation from June 8. However, only those hotels that have been specifically tested by the respective agencies of the Ministry of Health of Georgia (MOH) and have the permission of a specific type. Inter-city transportation will also resume operation” stated the Prime Minister of Georgia. He emphasized that these decisions are made by considering the social and

economic interests of citizens. Though, it is essential to adhere to the basic rules and recommendations to avoid the risk of further spread. “These steps are primarily taken by considering the social and economic interests of our citizens. However, we should all remember that it is essential to maintain the rate of spread observed today and wear face masks at every place of public gathering. We should all wear face masks! These decisions, along with more detailed norms and concrete obligations will be released by the Government Administration of Georgia in the

nearest future, today. These decisions are made possible by the plan developed at the MOH and NCDC, which has been submitted and based on the increased volume of testing. I am referring to the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test regarded as a gold standard. Today we can clearly visualize how a whole range of labs will operate in the coming months till the expected second wave in autumn to ensure control over the infectious spread in the country. I wish to underline here that these steps are made by considering the best and essential interests of our citizens for the economic devel-

opment of our country, which manifests itself in the re-opening of the domestic tourism sector from June 15, while international visitors will get admitted from July 1. All of these are critically important for the quick resumption of our economy, however, we should fully understand that responsibility is shared between the government, businesses and citizens. As we have been doing jointly so far, civil consciousness should continue to be used with the greatest responsibility to continue fight against the virus at both fronts – healthcare and economic development,” he concluded.

US Embassy Responds to Georgian Ambassador to Ukraine ‘Borderization,’ Developments Comments on Saakashvili's Appointment around Lugar Lab BY ANA DUMBADZE

G BY ANA DUMBADZE

he US Embassy in Tbilisi has responded to the continued ‘borderization’ activities along the ABL and the disinformation campaign against the Lugar Center. "As the world honors the anniversary of Georgian independence and celebrates Georgia’s success in combating COVID19, the United States protests the ongoing, provocative 'borderization' by Russian-led security forces along the administrative boundary lines of the Russian-occupied Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. "Over the past two weeks, these Rus-

sian-led security forces have erected unauthorized fences and reinforced existing illegal 'borderization' efforts near 12 separate Georgian villages. "Equally disturbing is Russia’s ongoing disinformation campaign, including the fabrication and dissemination of falsehoods about the Lugar Center, which has played a vital, life-saving role in Georgia’s fight against COVID-19. The United States will not waver in our support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. "We renew our demand that Russia end its occupation of 20% of Georgia, fulfill its 2008 commitments, withdraw its forces, and stop blocking the delivery of international humanitarian assistance," reads the statement released by the Embassy.

eorgian Ambassador to Ukraine Teimuraz Sharashenidze, who has been recalled from Kyiv to Tbilisi for consultations following the appointment of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili to the post of Head of the Executive Committee of the Ukrainian National Reform Council, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry on May 25. Georgia’s Foreign Minister Davit Zalkaliani explained that the strategic relations with Ukraine were not subject to revision, however, the situation had "created serious problems in bilateral relations." Before entering the Agency, the Ambassador commented on Mikheil Saakashvili's appointment to the post, saying that he did not agree with the opinion that the Embassy had failed to act appropriately. He said his conversation with the MFA was to focus on all the issues of cooperation between the two partner countries, based on the newly created reality. "Quarantine is over, and I came here for consultations. The reason is well known to you," he told journalists. "Based on the newly created reality, we will discuss all the issues of cooperation between the two partner countries. I do not share the criticism that the Embassy has failed to act appro-

priately. I communicated with the Ukrainian side at the highest level and we handed over a protest note. Recalling the ambassador for consultations was chosen as a form of protest, I came, and we are starting these consultations today," the Ambassador said. He noted that he does not know when he will return to Ukraine, as "it is not his competence." In his words, "of course, it is important" for Georgia to have an Ambassador to Ukraine. "The recent events will not aggravate the situation between

the two countries," Sharashenidze concluded. On May 7, former president of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili was appointed to the post of Chairman of the Executive Council of Reforms. This move by the Kyivan regime stirred controversy in Tbilisi, as the current Georgian establishment is trying to convict the ex-president. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia officially declared that it would summon its ambassador from Ukraine for consultations.

NEWS

GEORGIA TODAY MAY 29 - JUNE 4, 2020

10 Main Messages from PM’s Report to Parliament on COVID-19 about bureaucratic costs, based on IMF data, Georgia ranks second in terms of bureaucratic expenditures compared to GDP, after Singapore. “Open books, read something, instead of waving flags,” the PM told the opposition.

BY ANA DUMBADZE

n Wednesday May 27, the Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia delivered a report to Parliament on COVID-19 and the government’s efforts to manage it. Below are his top 10 messages on the management of the coronavirus outbreak, Georgia’s successful experience in the fight against the new challenge, and already implemented and planned efforts for the country’s economic recovery.

9. EVEN AFTER THE DECLARATION OF THE STATE OF EMERGENCY, ABOUT 65,000 COMPANIES CONTINUED TO OPERATE

1. THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY IS FULLY UNDER CONTROL "Today, we can say that the epidemiological situation in the country is fully under control," the PM told Parliament. "No-one knows what the world will be like tomorrow in terms of both economic and social life, and this was the biggest challenge for us," he noted. "When we had to make concrete moves to overcome this crisis, at some point it became necessary to take steps that would turn this crisis into an opportunity for our country. Today, we can say that the epidemiological situation in the country is fully under control," he emphasized.

2. GEORGIA HAS THE LOWEST NUMBER OF DEATHS PER 100 OF ITS INHABITANTS AMONG 49 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES Gakharia said that Georgia has the lowest number of deaths per 100 of its inhabitants among 49 European countries. The country ranks 123rd in terms of epidemic rate. He noted that the country’s successful fight against COVID-19 is the merit of the government as well as of businesses and, first of all, of the citizens of Georgia.

3. UP TO 13,000 CITIZENS OF GEORGIA CAME HOME FROM ABROAD “We have been everywhere that Georgian citizens needed help,” the PM said during his speech. About 13,000 citizens have returned to the country, and diplomatic missions provided assistance to up to 22,000 cit-

izens abroad. “A very topical issue for some ‘political dancers’ is the return of our citizens from abroad. 12,720 people returned to Georgia, and the Foreign Ministry and government have provided assistance to 21,198 citizens. In addition, as a result of the joint efforts of the Georgian and American governments, we brought 90 schoolchildren home from the United States, including 30 Armenian citizens, and I would like to thank the US government for this," he said.

4. GOV'T TO SUBSIDIZE MORTGAGE LOANS FOR CITIZENS The Government of Georgia has decided to subsidize mortgage loans for citizens, the Prime Minister of Georgia said on Wednesday. He noted that the process of subsidizing mortgage loans will continue until the end of the year and will be intended for all people who decide to take out a mortgage in order to improve their living conditions. "Construction will be one of the most seriously affected sectors. We have already developed a concrete plan. "It’s not just to help companies but citizens too, who have either decided to buy an apartment and improve their living conditions, or are already involved in the process, or have paid a down payment, or have started cooperation with

a construction company and their apartment is under construction. "All such risks will be insured by the state. From today until the end of the year, the state will subsidize mortgage loans for all people who decide to take out a mortgage by the end of the year to improve their living conditions. We made this decision to avoid the results we had after the 2008 crisis,” he said. The PM added that 150 million GEL will be allocated to provide IDPs with apartments, which will also help the construction sector.

5. MEDICAL WORKERS INVOLVED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORONAVIRUS TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE The Prime Minister of Georgia pledged that medical workers who are involved in the fight against the coronavirus will receive financial assistance. "Medical staff, especially those who are involved in the fight against the coronavirus, will definitely need financial assistance and incentives, and this will be given,” said the PM.

6. GOVERNMENT PLANS TO TIGHTEN MANAGEMENT OF ONLINE CASINOS The Prime Minister says the government plans to tighten the legislation on the management of online casinos. In response to a question from MP Levan

Gogichaishvili, the government will address Parliament in the near future with a legislative initiative to tighten the management of online casinos.

7. THE PROCESS OF PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO THOSE WHO LOST JOBS DURING THE PANDEMIC WILL START THIS WEEK The government is fulfilling its promises and will start giving financial assistance to the population this week. Gakharia said the government will assist those citizens who lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic with GEL 1,200 over six months, meaning they will receive GEL 200 in financial assistance per month.

8. BASED ON IMF DATA, GEORGIA RANKS SECOND IN TERMS OF BUREAUCRATIC EXPENDITURES COMPARED TO GDP “Based on IMF data, Georgia ranks second in terms of bureaucratic expenditures compared to GDP, after Singapore,” the PM said in response to a question from opposition member Sergo Ratiani regarding the increase in bureaucratic costs. "Expenditures have increased by 25 million because the entire ambulance structure was transferred from City Hall to the Ministry of Health. When we talk

Even after the declaration of the state of emergency, about 65,000 companies continued to operate: no agricultural enterprises, systemic infrastructure projects or systemic industrial companies were shut down, Gakharia emphasized. In addition, he noted that none of these workplaces became a source of infection, as everything was carried out in stages, pragmatically and under control. “Therefore, when we talk about stopping the economy, there was no quarantine level in Georgia seen in most European countries. There has not been a single day in Georgia that citizens were restricted from leaving their homes, and yet we have been able to control the pandemic,” he stressed.

10. RELIGION IS THE RED LINE THAT NOT THE GOVERNMENT, BUT THE COUNTRY’S CITIZENS, SURVIVED CROSSING “Religion is the red line that I think not the government, but the country, its citizens, have passed,” Gakharia told MPs, emphasizing that even after Easter night, the country did not see an explosion of corona cases. “Something simple happened: the citizens trusted their government and state and followed certain rules when enforcing their religious beliefs; the Georgian Orthodox Church changed its attitude, calling on people to do not for what would be good for the governmentwhich would be not to attend the religious services on Easter night- but for it to be done following the rules. “In the end, we got pictures of the Georgian Church out in the world, where people are seen praying at a distance of two meters. The most important thing is that we did not have an epidemic explosion," Gakharia said.

Ninimo: Georgia’s First Vegan Designer Brand

inimo is the first Georgian vegan brand, popular in Georgia and beyond. The brand offers customers handmade shoes with a unique design, made from vegan natural materials. The brand was founded by Nini Mosulishvili, a young girl of 28, who started the brand back in 2017, independently without any investment. She came up with the technology that would make the vegan shoes as high-quality as those made from natural leather. The creator has been developing the techniques ever since and success keeps coming her way. Mosulishvili designs the models herself, being a self-taught painter and a very experienced shoe-maker. She has employed shoe craftsmen with over 40 years’ experience in the field, who make Ninimo shoes through the technologies that Nini came up with. Ninimo shoes can be found in the wardrobes of Georgian show-business representatives and other celebrities. The shoes are also worn by famous international models and bloggers outside of Georgia. The most important things to know about Ninimo is that the products are cruelty-free and that the brand is actively involved in charity. Ninimo helps stray animals, supporting the unprotected

beings all while helping the environment. It’s interesting to keep an eye on this brand, as it will amaze you each time with its high social responsibility and creativity. The world today needs brands like Ninimo more than ever so we no longer harm the environment and improve the conditions for our planet with our common sense. The world fashion scene lacks vegan brands, so Georgians can and should take pride in Ninimo: a successful business from a small country. The Ninimo team hopes that the brand will be an inspiration for other designers to think about just how much cruelty is associated with using natural leather and fur in their production.

POLITICS

GEORGIA TODAY

MAY 29 - JUNE 4, 2020

Ambassador Knirsch on the Int'l COVID-19 Recovery

n the third interview from GT LIVE INTERVIEWS’ “AMBASSADORS GO LIVE,” series, GEORGIA TODAY’s Editor-in-Chief Katie Ruth Davies met German Ambassador to Georgia Hubert Knirsch, who has been in Georgia since September 2018. Before we spoke to Ambassador Knirsch, we looked at the latest COVID-19 statistics from his home country Germany, which is 357, 386 km² and has a population of 83.02 million. France is the 8th on the Worldometer coronavirus list, behind the US, Brazil, Russia, Spain, UK, Italy and France. Germany has 10,162 active cases of coronavirus, of which 763 are critical. 8,533 German citizens have died and the number of total cases currently stands at 181,895.

WHAT STEPS HAVE GERMANY’S GOVERNMENT AND HEALTHCARE SYSTEM TAKEN TO FIGHT COVID-19, AND HOW EFFECTIVE DO YOU THINK THAT FIGHT HAS BEEN? As in many European countries, there was a huge effort that involved mass testing first of all, to get a clear picture and to get a control of the situation. Restrictive measures were imposed, like in other countries; I would place Germany in the medium range there. In some countries, the situation was even graver and restrictions were even stricter. But, of course, we are still in the situation when schools, universities can only work through electronic means, and now we are slowly reopening public life, things like restaurants and service industries. The effort to fight COVID, of course, was also concentrated on hospitals, it was very important, and German hospitals made available large capacities for COVID patients. Not the entire capacity that was available had to be made use of in the end, and we were also able to receive and threat patients from neighboring countries in German hospitals.

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU DO/RECOMMEND BE DONE DIFFERENTLY? This is a big discussion in Germany and everybody agrees that we should have been better prepared in terms of protection: at hospitals, in public authorities, and the same for our embassy. The first face masks we received were a donation from the Georgian government, for which I am very thankful, but indeed, every country should be prepared for epidemic situations which may occur in future, and having the necessary equipment is an essential part of that. Another aspect is our preparedness for electronic modes of communication and work. We’ve made a leap in applying electronic working methods, we’ve never had a conference with more than 200 participants over the internet, as we did with Ambassadors this week. I think the experience will teach us something. And in some ways, I hope, we will also learn from the crisis that we are going through, and we will find ways of doing things better. Maybe sometimes it’s better not to have a massive international conference with thousands of participants flying in…we can use technologies to have a greener economy and also to address environmental challenges.

CAN YOU TELL US ANYTHING ABOUT VACCINE DEVELOPMENT IN GERMANY? Some German companies are actively working on vaccines, always in international teams and with international partners. Germany wants to be a part of this effort, and I hope that German companies will be able to make a good contribution to this global challenge. But we want to do it as part of a global network and really avoid the rising competition for the vaccine. The most important thing

is that vaccines should be available worldwide to people who need them. And this is something that our government persues very actively in multinetwork associations.

WHERE DO YOU SEE GERMANY IN 6 MONTHS OR 1 YEARS’ TIME? In six months, I hope that schools and universities will be able to work normally again and that public life, also cultural life, will be able to recommence. I’m thinking of things that can’t easily be done through an online meeting format, such as listening to a concert, or seeing a theatrical presentation, I think of how hard artists are hit in this situation and they can’t easily adapt. So, this is a horizon for six months, returning to a sort of normalcy, and the next year, in 2021, I hope will be the year of economic recovery in Germany and in the EU and worldwide.

WHAT HAS GERMANY DONE TO SUPPORT ITS CITIZENS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO LOST THEIR JOBS DUE TO THE PANDEMIC? There were massive job losses in Germany, just as in other countries, much more so than during the financial crisis in 2008 for instance; we’ve never seen before. The German government nationally has rolled out three programs: a grants program for self-employed people to help them survive economically and to continue their activities, not to go out of business. It’s not the biggest program, but it touches a lot of people. A very big program financially is a program for credit guarantees for companies. These credit guarantees are provided by the federal government through the German Development Bank, public bank KFW, which is also active in Georgia. This supports both large and small businesses. The third program of support allows employers to continue to employ their staff and reduce working hours. So, the volume of business goes down, the number of working hours goes down, but people still receive their old salary thanks to this government grants program. It is expensive, of course, with the gov’t paying a portion of the wages of employed people, but it is estimated this crisis could touch up to 10 million people. From these national measures, it is very interesting and important to find a European answer to the economic problems, because we are an economic union and currency union. Together with France, we’ve proposed a number of programs, one of them a short-time work allowance on the European scale, and another to launch a massive 500 billion European loans program, which would be financed jointly. Discussions have started and I hope that we will jointly reach an agreement soon.

WHAT ABOUT EDUCATION? HOW HAS THAT KEPT GOING? AND WHAT ARE THE PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? Schools and universities, just like schools and universities in Georgia, are working electronically, and of course, this is a challenge for teachers, for students and younger kids, and this is a great challenge for parents, especially when parents have to work from home and also take care of their children’s studies. Electronic teaching can be very effective, but you have to know the right methods, and unfortunately teachers, as a rule, are not prepared for this mode of teaching. So, this is something we should learn from and be better prepared for in future.

WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF POST-COVID RECOVERY HAPPENING IN GERMANY AT THE MOMENT? The south and west of Germany were

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harder hit by the virus than the north and east, so northern and eastern regional governments have essentially reopened public life, and restrictions are fairly limited now. There are things which are very essential to the German life. The Bundesliga is being played behind closed doors, with no spectators or fans, and that is terrible to see. Also, we know that the Munich October Fest will not take place this year. That said, we should keep in mind that all these restrictions are necessary in order not to have a second wave of the virus.

MANY PUBLICATIONS, BOTH IN THE US AND EUROPE, HAVE OVER THE PAST MONTH PRAISED GEORGIA’S HANDLING OF THE PANDEMIC. FROM WHAT YOU’VE READ OR HEARD, WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON THAT? I was very impressed by the Georgian government’s reaction, but also by the reaction of the public. People reacted with great calm and discipline to quite severe restrictive measures. As it turns out, it was the best method: taking strict restrictive measures from the beginning, lockdowns, closing off the major cities; it was something that no other country had done beyond Wuhan in China. And Georgia’s easing of restrictions was also a good measure of control. The necessary testing capacity was available, and it is a very good thing that Georgia had the institutions in place to do so, such

as the National Center for Disease Control, something which can’t be created during a crisis: it has to be there, and it is very good [for Georgia] that it was. And here allow me a political remark, how Russia continues to discredit the work of this institution… Everybody can see what the purpose of this institution is and what it does. And the fact that Georgia is in a fairly good situation thanks to the qualified staff available there, thanks to the institution that was able to test a large number of people and advise the government on epidemiological matters… So, the results in Georgia are really great and I am impressed how resilient Georgians are as they cope with this very difficult economic situation. I know that people have completely lost their incomes, people in Georgia have a certain experience of overcoming crises. The 1990s are not so far behind and people know how to cope.

recover as soon as the COVID situation changes, not only in Georgia but around Georgia, because, of course, neighboring countries are important here. Within 6 months, I hope that we will be behind the elections, Georgia will have had good parliamentary elections, and have a strong government and strong opposition balancing it. Let’s keep in mind, with the COVID situation, that democratic development is continuing. As for every country around the world, 2021 will be the year of economic recovery. People are only waiting to take up businesses again; to receive tourists, and my hope is that Georgia, too, will emerge from this crisis better adapted to the future and needs of the future than before. Perhaps with a greener economy, with a stronger focus on the tourism industry, which is very important in Georgia, and with a stronger focus on productive industries and agriculture.

HOW DO YOU SEE GEORGIA IN SIX MONTHS OR ONE YEAR IN TERMS OF TOURISM AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY?

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST TAKE AWAY FROM THIS WHOLE EXPERIENCE?

The Georgian government, together with the IMF, have mapped out an economic path for this crisis and partners have come, such as the development banks of partner countries, including KFW from Germany, to fill the financial gaps in the short term, so there is reasonable hope that Georgia will remain financially stable throughout this crisis. This is essential and will make it possible to

I’d never thought I was going to have such an experience in my life. You see that things that were so important to you in your daily life, all the events, conferences, receptions, meetings, all of a sudden are not so important anymore, and people say, OK, we can do without it for a while. And this is a good experience. We can learn to put things into a different perspective and find out what is more important to us.

POLITICS

GEORGIA TODAY MAY 29 - JUNE 4, 2020

Confessional Issues of NATO’s Eastern Enlargement: Search for a Common Saint OP-ED BY PROF. DR. TEDO DUNDUA, DR. EMIL AVDALIANI INSTITUTE OF GEORGIAN HISTORY, TSU

ulgaria and Romania, the west and northwest parts of the Black Sea shores, are NATO members. Both joined the organization in 2004. It is now time for Ukraine and Georgia, the rest of the Black Sea, to join the alliance. NATO member states are characterized by identical values, such as democracy, regional and global security, environ protection, etc. Similar values are present in NATO-aspirant states (Ukraine and Georgia) too. The NATO alliance is a military alliance interested in establishing Eurasian security. A closer look at the map of NATO’s eastward expansion, however, shows that the alliance essentially grows mostly where the confessionally Orthodox Christian states are located. Turkey being a notable exception, NATO mem-

ber states are predominantly Christian, where Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox versions of the same religion do exist. Still, there is a common confessional fundament between the western and eastern parts of Europe exemplified in the third or fourth pope of Rome. Pope Clement was banished to Crimea (modern Ukraine) where he was martyred, while his disciples spread Christianity in Western Georgia. Below is the story of Clement, the pope whose life could serve as a common ground and driving force for cooperation between western and eastern parts of Europe with the NATO alliance. “He assembled the whole province by preaching; everyone coming to Clement was converted to his doctrine about the Lord; more than 500 persons were baptized by him daily and then dismissed. 75 churches were built there in one year by the true faith, and all the idols destroyed, all the temples in neighboring regions demolished, 300 miles around everything was destroyed and leveled due to his permanent work” (Martyrium S. Clementis. XXII. Patrologiae Graecae

Tomus II. Paris. 1886, p. 630). This aggressive and obviously exaggerated proselytism is an “apocryphal” deed of either the third or the fourth bishop of Rome (the Pope), Clement (92-101). Indeed, this is an amalgam from apocryphal Greek acts of martyrdom. Around the 4th c., Clement was banished from Rome to Chersonesus (Crimea) by Emperor Trajan (98-117) and set to work in a stone quarry. Still, he managed to go on with his Christian propaganda. Clement could really inspire the creation of Christian organizations in those regions. But nobody could have ever believed the story about the destruction of the idols and the temples in the 1st c. A.D. And under whose protection and by whose money could be those churches built?! So, the whole story is to be believed only partly. Then, what about those 300 miles? (A Roman mile is equal to approximately 1480 m.) If it is true, then Pitius, a city in Colchis/Lazica (western Georgia), and its outskirts fall within this range. Still, there is a major problem to be solved regarding Clement: was he in Crimea, or is this again fiction? The nar-

rative of his martyrdom in Crimea is no older than the 4th c. (Trajan orders Clement to be thrown into the sea with an iron anchor attached). Even Eusebius writes nothing like this. Mikhail Sabinin thought of Clement’s converts working hard in Colchis/Lazica for the faith, both of them having in mind the proximity of northern and eastern

Black Sea coasts, and not these 300 miles mentioned in the narrative. We believe this note about the exact distance should not be ignored. Thus, apocryphal acts of the martyrdom show Clement’s large-scale missionary labor and his life, proving the possibility of cooperation between the western and eastern parts of Europe.

He Laughs Best Who Laughs Last OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE

t would certainly be delightful if we came out winners in the aftermath of the horrible pandemic: the most cherished recurring dream of any nation in the world today. The known illness has proven itself as one of the most politicized woes in the history of Georgia, having altered social life all over the country and painfully hitting the economy. And if it explodes once again, especially with more devastating power, wars might seem like child’s play compared to the possible consequences of the virus. This is what I read and hear from the doctors, ceaselessly giving us a professional heads-up. Frankly, to catch their medical observations and social remarks, I have become all ears and eyes at all times. It is difficult to imagine what our media would be doing without the viral assistance enabling them to fill the air with deliberations on the topic from a variety of angles – political, social, economic, cultural, spiritual, and fortunetelling. Gossip-mongering, predictions, presumptions and occult infatuations spout from every television screen at all times of day and night, avidly listened to with equal interest both by retarded and sophisticated viewers. But things have lately changed: after being sheltered for three months within the serenity of our homes and hospitals, we have finally broken the chains to find ourselves outdoors, exalted by the happiness of freedom, overwhelmed with the reacquired human rights, and relaxing in the virus-free nirvana. Wasn’t this wonderful? The only doubt drilling through a sporadic cautious mind remains the presumption that it would be too late to shut the stable door after the horse has bolted.

Image source: Westend61/Getty Images

Hating skeptics, and loathing pessimists as I do, I was almost at the point of joining the celebrating crowds that blissful night, my car ready to take off, but something pulled me to remain where I was, thinking that I might laugh better if I laugh last. Next morning, I heard stories I was not totally happy to listen to: some of those town-cruisers and party animals moved that night from the dreaded quarantine spots straight to even more despised detention centers. Nobody would be happier than I if writing off those viral restrictions and

deprivations were immediately possible, but I would not hurry to jump to conclusions that all is good. I have been taught that all is good that ends well, and I don’t think this is the end! The end of the story, by which I mean the happy end, will loom on the horizon only when the entire world sighs with relief, and nations big and small, simultaneously recognize that there is every reason to believe that Mankind has been saved from the monster, and saved forever. Any other version of the finale of the story makes me feel uncomfortable inside and out.

Stories about the powers that are to control the world through the universal vaccination of humans or implantation of chips in their bodies seem to be a little funny at this point in time, but what if the saying “There is a grain of truth in every joke” proves to be a believable verity? I usually listen nonchalantly when this curious theme is discussed publicly, but when I find myself faced with my own thoughts at times of loneliness, I start taking those presumptions more seriously than I normally do. Adding up all those variables, I tend to conclude

that every decision concerning our state of mind and health has to be made with a thoroughly calculated precision. It is well understood that dying of a virus or hunger would not make any big difference in the end, so to speak. This is the thought that takes us to the point of recognizing that our feeder, the economy, cannot and should not be left to its own devices. It must definitely pick up with our help, but not at the risk of even more damage. We can take the fading-away virus easy, but not that easy. It’s not yet time to relax!

POLITICS

GEORGIA TODAY

MAY 29 - JUNE 4, 2020

Redjeb Jordania, Son of Noe, on Georgia’s Independence Day Continued from page 1 That was the year of the foundation of our modern Georgia, yet the documents of the time do not even mention the plague. In general, it seems that the Spanish Flu, which killed an estimated 50 million worldwide, did not affect our country, or, if it did, it was in such small numbers that it was not recognized as such, leaving the Georgians to enjoy their newfound freedom,

And thus, for the sake of nostalgia, I would like to share with you a brief description of life in Tbilisi in the times of Noe Jordania: “The Civil War, a conflagration extending over thousands of miles, had cut Tiflis off from Moscow completely. An independent republic had sprung up in Georgia, led by the Liberal Menshevik Noe Jordania. Iniquity raged everywhere, famine and pestilence reigned, but on the other side of the peaks of the Cau-

casus, free Georgians, together with Armenians, Persians, Russians, Greeks, and Jews, sat beneath chestnut trees, drinking wine and Lagidze mint, and eating fresh lavash bread; radishes, herbs, shashlik that wasn’t bad for the times, and, as always, the exceptional satsivi chicken with nuts lobio beans and tskhinvali fish. “Everything was so wonderful in Tiflis during that three-year springtime, Noah’s ark Jordania floated like a prospering

block of ice in a sea of blood and muck, in the sea of the typhus epidemic of the Civil War, and looked as though it might sink or split at any minute; maybe it was wonderful precisely because it was so fragile; all present felt as though their heads were spinning. “By the end of 1920, all of this Silver Age that had been transplanted to the south had vanished, perhaps flown back to its sources, the Greek islands. The Georgian Republic was in its

death throes. In 1921 the Red Army burst in, freedom came to an end…” [Reprinted from Generations of Winter by Vassyil Aksyonov, (1995 edition, pp. 246-249)] We regained our freedom 70 years later, in 1990. Let us continue free and prosperous forever. Gaomardjos Sakhartvelo! Redjeb Jordania East Hampton NY, 24 May 2020

BUSINESS

ADB Approves $100 Million Loan to Georgia BY ANA DUMBADZE

he Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $100 million loan to help the Government of Georgia contain the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, mitigate the impact on businesses, and protect the livelihoods of the most vulnerable, including women and children. “As a major trade and tourism hub, COVID-19 poses a grave threat to the health and economic wellbeing of Georgia,” said ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa. “We are fully committed to supporting Georgia’s response, and this comprehensive package will help address the country’s immediate health and socioeconomic needs. It builds on more than a decade of cooperation between ADB and Georgia in fiscal management and social protection, which are key to the economy’s post-pandemic recovery.” The news release of the Asian Development Bank reads that Georgia began

to introduce containment measures in January to shield its vulnerable public health system, but the pandemic has significantly impacted the economy. Travel restrictions hit the tourism sector, which recorded an almost 60% yearon-year decline in international visits in March. “The COVID-19 Active Response and Expenditure Support (CARES) Program will provide budget support to the government and help fund its comprehensive anti-crisis plan. This includes tax deferments for more than 4,000 small and medium-sized tourism businesses and subsidized loan repayments for at least 2,000 small and medium-sized hotels. "The loan will protect the vulnerable by helping to fund the government’s social assistance measures. These include temporary payments for up to 350,000 formal-sector workers who could lose their jobs as a result of the pandemic; one-off payments for up to 250,000 informal or self-employed workers; subsidized utility bills for 1.2 million families; and a six-month price freeze on nine key food products.

"To help contain the spread of the virus, the loan will help to fund free access to COVID-19 diagnostic and treatment services including for the poor, for whom out-of-pocket health expenses are particularly burdensome. A dedicated COVID-19 website is publishing the government’s public recom-

mendations, including specific protocols for pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. "COVID-19 particularly threatens Georgian women, who make up around 60% of both tourism and frontline medical workers. ADB’s loan will help provide personal protective equipment to front-

line female medical workers and expand cash assistance to disabled women and children. Of the 6,000 tourism and hotel businesses supported through the government’s tax and loan subsidy scheme, more than one-third are owned or managed by women. "ADB’s CARES package was developed in close coordination with the International Monetary Fund and other development partners as part of a coordinated effort to help Georgia tackle the COVID19 crisis. "The loan is funded through the COVID19 pandemic response option (CPRO) under ADB’s Countercyclical Support Facility. CPRO was established as part of ADB’s $20 billion expanded assistance for developing member countries’ COVID-19 response, announced on 13 April. Visit ADB’s website to learn more about its ongoing response. 'ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region”, reads the news release.

approach will make a sizeable contribution to stimulating local production in the shortest period of time possible.

HOW MANY COMPANIES CURRENTLY RUN OPERATIONS IN THE FIZ?

Helping Businesses in PostPandemic Georgia: The Initiatives of Hualing Free Industrial Zone

INTERVIEW BY ELENE DZEBISASHVILI

our years on since its establishment, the Hualing Free Industrial Zone has gradually become a special place for investors from different coun-

tries. It offers numerous cost-effective solutions and operational benefits to companies registered in Hualing FIZ. Its customers enjoy these benefits right from the start of their business activities in the Zone, and its creators aspire for it to become a prime destination for a broad range of manufacturers and traders across the Eurasian continent. GEORGIA TODAY spoke to the Executive Director of Hualing Free Industrial Zone, Soso Nibladze, to find out more. “Our innovative approach to business

and our capacity to understand and meet the varying needs of investors and entrepreneurs in a rapidly changing environment have established the competitive advantage of Hualing Free Industrial Zone in the marketplace,” he tells us. “Hualing’s business model is grounded in one simple guiding principle: our aim is to create values that make a better future for our customers. In practice, this means maximizing company resources to serve our customers in the most productive, efficient way. This principle drives every major decision we make at Hualing FIZ.”

HOW HAS HUALING FIZ BEEN HELPING LOCAL BUSINESSES TO DEAL WITH THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? As soon as the Georgian government announced its initiative to stimulate local production following the breakout of

the COVID 19 pandemic, we quickly came forward to back the initiative and took steps to support entrepreneurial start-ups in the country. As the spread of the pandemic has started to slow down, leading to the lifting of many lockdown measures, we are making our infrastructure, buildings, facilities, and communications available to all interested entrepreneurs on the most favorable and competitive terms. Hualing FIZ is the only free industrial zone in Georgia to offer a wide variety of warehousing facilities, an important benefit that enables businesses to start their operations in the FIZ promptly and with minimal capital investments. Hualing FIZ treats every client individually, carefully assessing the needs of each customer and offering partnership terms informed by the specific and detailed requirements of their business models. We truly believe that our

WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC BENEFITS YOUR CUSTOMERS CAN EXPECT TO GET IF THEY DECIDE TO PARTNER WITH YOU? The benefits cover the building rental rates, moratoriums on leases, access to communications, needs-based consultations on the production process, and more.

Over the last four years, Hualing FIZ has worked with dozens of companies that successfully continue their operations on the international and regional markets. There are 13 factories in the FIZ already functioning or being set up. They cover wood processing, furniture manufacturing, stone processing, building materials, ferroalloys, pharmaceuticals, solar panel modules, ethanol, textile, plastics, end-user product trade, and more. By 2020, the total portfolio of investments in Hualing FIZ has exceeded $70 million.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? Hualing FIZ will continue to support innovative high-tech projects, focusing on labor-intensive industries. To further improve our services, we plan to expand the Free Zone and add more facilities and better infrastructure to match the needs of a broader range of customers. Hualing FIZ became an honorary member of the World Free Zones Organization, the Global Free Zone family, that affirms our commitment to providing top-notch services to all our clients.

BUSINESS

GEORGIA TODAY

MAY 29 - JUNE 4, 2020

Chikori – Delicious, Healthy Georgian Snack Made with Love & Sunshine

owadays, healthy eating and lifestyle are becoming increasingly popular. More and more people try to avoid eating junk food and reduce food and drinks high in fat, salt and sugar. And what could be better than healthy local Dried Fruit, packed and ready to use? For those looking to taste a real Georgian product and feel the unforgettable taste and flavor of local fruit, the brand Chikori offers its best. The company’s enterprise was established in Kareli district, in the village of Samtsevrisi. The inscription on the village fortress wall, which dates back to the seventh century, tells us that the first irrigation channel was made at this time. All this is proof that agriculture was developed here more than 13 centuries

ago. For centuries, monks and residents of the monastery prepared dried fruits. Historically, in times of war, it was easy to use and store dried fruit, and this product became a gastronomic symbol for the village of Samtsevrisi. Together, the Chikori team managed to get back to the centuries-old tradition of dried fruit production, and they continue to use only Georgian fruit in their production. In addition to having its own fruit gardens, Chikori purchases products from local villagers, which is especially important today in order to support local production and help the economic recovery of the country. From the Georgian fruit garden to the supermarket shelves, the company delivers products that are as real and natural as possible, without unnecessary additions.

Chikori is the first Georgian company to have introduced a new system for food safety management. It uses HACCP, ISO, and USAID / REAP standards in production, which envisages maximum protection of safety and sanitary standards. Due to the global pandemic, protecting the safety and sanitary standards has become even more important for the company. Currently, Chikori is totally focused on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its customers and employees. While performing their duties, the company’s staff uses disposable uniforms. In addition, its couriers work with special protective equipment. While delivering orders, physical contact with customers is minimized and social distance is always maintained. An on-site delivery service makes Chikori’s services even more comfortable and convenient for customers. In addition to the possibility to buy the company’s products in local supermarkets, they can order various delicious, natural and healthy dried fruit without harmful additives online, via the website www.chikori.ge, and receive their desired products in a safe and timely manner. When ordering products worth more than GEL 20, a free delivery service is available throughout Georgia. On the website chikori.ge, customers can find a huge variety of products, such as chocolate coated dried fruits, bulk dried fruit, dried fruit especially for kids, mixed dried fruits, and also enjoy special offers. Variety is wide, and it depends on your taste. You just has to choose the product which suits your needs, order it online and enjoy the fast and comfortable ser-

vice offered by the company. In addition to the existing delicious snacks, the Chikori team is constantly

working to create new and exciting products, so it will offer pleasant and tasty surprises to its customers in future, too.

Premium Class Residential Complex from AUTOGRAPH the works were risk-free throughout the process. Autograph partnered with TBC Bank to make the buying process a whole lot easier for customers. The energy-efficient construction and decor materials from leading brands in the field, like Rinnai, Kone, TECHNONIKOL, Draka, and SESTA, along with the individualized design of the apartments, the green, roofed garden, parking lots with e-chargers, a high-quality fire-fighting system, 24-hour security, individualized signalling system – all these are elements ensuring the comfort of the residents at ‘Autograph.’ Keeping in mind resident demands, the complex offers a smart home framework, which means smart house functions and works finished to the last cosmetic detail of the apartment. In addition to the comfort and calm of the clients, each owner will be given a 1-year policy of renovation insurance. Another way that ‘Autograph’ guarantees customer comfort is the concierge

reating a home adapted to all the needs and wishes of the customer is a challenge for every developer. Real Estate Developer company ‘Construction Investments’ has taken this challenge to a new level, making it the force that moves the company forward, by creating project Autograph. ‘Autograph’ is a premium class apartment complex, offering customers all the conditions for a calm and com-

fortable life. Construction Investments has been on the market since 2015. It is a holding uniting successful companies like Ardi insurance company, one of the leaders in the field locally, Media-holding Commersant, and multiprofile hospital Pineo. Each company under Construction Investments names high-quality service and happy customers as their greatest priority. ‘Autograph’ is a product maximally

adapted to the demands of the customer. The first project of the brand is a premium class apartment complex in an old, calm and eco-friendly neighborhood of Tbilisi, in Vera, on 46 Petriashvili Street. An additional advantage to the complex is the unique view it offers to its habitants: panoramic views of a city that counts thousands of years. The complex is now finished. Since the beginning of the construction, it was insured by Ardi group to guarantee

service. A concierge will be at the service of the residents at any time the occasion calls for it, from parking a car or calling a taxi, to reserving tickets or technical support in the apartment. The 100 square meter lobby on the first floor promises customers a calm environment for their work purposes, with important details like constant internet connection, working tablets, and tasty coffee. All the apartment owners at the ‘Autograph’ apartment complex in Vera will be given Membercards which will enable them to purchase ubiquitous home accessories in the partner companies of the complex, 15-30% off their original price. At present, this includes up to 50 companies, among them Forum, New Light, My House Laboratory, and Italian brand Palazzani. Autograph also provides custom-oriented planning of the apartments: customized planning and design creating that truly special “autograph.”

BUSINESS

GEORGIA TODAY MAY 29 - JUNE 4, 2020

Confectionary ITI – A Taste Remembered by Generations

onfectionary ITI has been on the Georgian market since 1995, spoiling sweettooths for 26 years now. This is a taste remembered by generations: their advantage is the old recipes and bioproducts, merging to create an unforgettable taste. ‘New ITI’ has a wider assortment to offer to the customers: 100 types of cakes and tarts, and a wide choice of pastry. Customers can also order cakes with customized design. The renewed ITI is headed by a new

generation of confectioners, who work alongside those that have worked with the company for years. The founders of ‘New ITI’ are Levan Javakhishvili and Lasha Jambazishvili. The small, comfy, and calm cafes of ‘New ITI’ guarantee you a comfort zone full of serotonin, the hormone of happiness. The two cafes of ITI in Tbilisi, on Vazha Pshavela Ave. 39/39a, and on 10 Leonidze Street, are at your service every day, from 10 AM to 10 PM. They also provide free delivery.

Re | Bank Makes Shopping Easier for its Customers

iven the current situation, when the choice about where to shop is not so great, Re|Bank, an innovative service aimed at simplifying banking services in the retail sector, has decided to once again show

support to its customers and make shopping easier. Re|Bank was introduced in Georgia in 2019. Since then, increasing customer satisfaction in terms of using banking services throughout the country has been its main priority.

It represents a sub-brand of PASHA Bank, a Baku-based financial institution operating in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, providing corporate and investment banking services to large, medium and small enterprises, aimed at gifting users a totally new and convenient retail

0% installment card and one of the main products created by Re|Bank, will no longer have to search for partner companies to benefit from the service, because they will be able to use Top | Card installments everywhere, including when making payments with the card on local and international online websites. In general, Top|Card debts need not be paid for 1 month from date of purchase, however, due to the grace period in force during the COVID-19 pandemic, now, regardless of where you pay, until July 1, payments will be distributed over 6 months completely interest-free. With the above offer, Re|Bank gives its customers an excellent opportunity to use Top | Card everywhere, to not start paying until July, and to distribute the cost over 6 months totally interest-free, without any additional expenses. From July, when paying with a top card, one will receive an installment period of up to 12 months in partner facilities, and in non-partners up to 45 days with a grace period. Moreover, the daily amount of money customers want to pay for certain items is unlimited, meaning they get even more freedom when shopping. Top|Card is a 0% installment card (effective rate from 0%) that helps customers reduce and better manage their monthly expenses: by using 0% installment payments for everyday purchases, they will have money left for other needs. Top|Card gives users an opportunity to enjoy shopping with an up to 12-month installment period at partner companies and pay only the price of the purchased item. Top|Card users don’t pay additional costs for items or services purchased though installments. When shopping within partner companies of Re|Bank, the commission fee will be covered by the respective partner. Your Top|Card will have a pre-approved installment limit for an amount of 250 – 5000 GEL, which you can utilize multiple times while paying at your desired companies. With Top|Card, shopping fun is guaranteed! Those interested can order a card online at rebank.ge, or call the contact center: (+995 32) 222 25 25 | * 2525. Additional information about Top|Card partner organizations and hot offers is also available on the website rebank.ge.

SOCIETY

GEORGIA TODAY

MAY 29 - JUNE 4, 2020

Walking in Circles, 1: Svaneti This is something which has been brewing in me for many years, finishing this great circle of about 400 km, seeing most of the province which has been my chosen home since that first walk of 2007. I admit to a great excitement in getting out into the wild, taking some new trails, getting up close and personal with Mt. Ushba and others, and being reminded why Svaneti is such a glorious place in the world. No doubt there will be many challenges en route, hopefully the worst of which will be a bit of weather; though we will have to hang our food high up just in case bears get interested in it. At least we’ll be going in the drier season, when snow and rain are less likely. For now, further planning, which I’ll document here as we gear up. Some of the things I bought way back in 1989 for a planned multi-year bike trip around the world will still serve, such as my tent. We’ll add the newest, lightest things we can, and stay in touch with family and friends all over the world by cell phone and internet as we go. We’ll both shoot enough video, I hope, to make a film of the event too. See you from there!

BLOG BY TONY HANMER

o, recently my wife and I were going down to Zugdidi for our twice-monthly stock-up run for the shop. We left right as the curfew hour ended, 6 am, to get to the big Jibe (Pocket) cash & carry store for its opening, when you still had to take a number to get in. It took us more than an hour to meet another car at all on the road down through Svaneti. Partly because the goods distribution vehicles from Zugdidi going up were also bound by the curfew, and hadn’t had time to get this far. But also partly just because tourism just isn’t happening now, and neither is public transport. I ended up thinking to myself, what a great time to walk around Svaneti. The last time I did any of this was 13 years ago, when I was 40 and in better shape. A young friend and I walked from Etseri to Ushguli and back, on the roads, with our luggage on a horse. We stayed in the homes of friends each night except one night in tents, and walked 20-28 km per day, with only a short bit of rain on one day. It was a wonderful trip. This time I want to circle all of Svaneti, with more off-road: Etseri to Ushguli via the Guli Pass with its spectacular look in the face of mighty Ushba. Down to Lentekhi in Lower Svaneti, to Tskhaltubo, then through Samegrelo back roads to Jvari, and back up home. It’s taken a few iterations of trip version to settle on this one, which is still subject to change. My good

friend Jan Richard Baerug, who runs the Grand Hotel Ushba in upper Becho, did the trip a few years ago both on foot and on skis, with his friend Shako Margiani, and they wrote it all up in the magnificent coffee table book Europe’s Unknown Fairytale Land. Now it’s my turn. Another young friend will join me. He’s

a fit, fully trained Eagle Scout, the highest level of outdoor experience, which inspires a lot of confidence. He has also contributed a lot of time to helping us with all sorts of renovation and building jobs around our house, such as making me a workbench in the garage at last. Just the man for the job. We’ll camp all

the way this time, to avoid staying in people’s homes; light backpacks, all food dried, filter bottles for water along the way. I’ll probably lug my big camera and all 3 lenses, just because I have nothing else which can shoot photos of the necessary quality and can’t imagine missing the opportunities.

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

Roadblock – Spanish Cycle Tourer Stuck in Georgia Shares His Story the corona situation started to hit worldwide. I heard from other cycle tourists that they were taken by police and put in quarantine in different places around the country, the government measures to prevent the virus became stricter, and the options to roam freely around the country were not optimistic. So I decided to stay in Tbilisi and see how things would evolve.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT GEORGIA?

INTERVIEW BY AMY JONES

oronavirus has affected the world’s travel plans this year. But what about those who were already on the road? Last week, GEORGIA TODAY sat down with Roberto, a bicycle traveler, to find out how coronavirus affected his journey from Thailand to Spain.

HI ROBERTO! CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR TRIP? I’m from Ardales, a small village in Malaga in the south of Spain. I’ve been living nomadically since March 2016, when I began cycling in South East Asia, not knowing how long my trip would last. I was working in Poland before I left, and have also worked in the UK and done Erasmus in the Czech Republic. I studied Physical Education and Sport Sciences at University. I was working in an office and in hospitality but I felt quite stuck. I decided on what remains to this day one of the

most important decisions in my life; to follow my dreams and start doing what I liked the most: travel! And since then, traveling has meant everything to me. Martin Luther King once said “I have a dream”. Me too, I thought while climbing that last Tibetan mountain pass. And here I am, making true what I always imagined before. Traveling is not only my passion, but a lifestyle. It allows me to get to know different places and people which were only in my imagination before, and I go deeper into my inner self. It has been a continuous learning process which surprises me every day. I wanted to travel with no restrictions, with no date to return to work, feeling free and following my own pace.

AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START CYCLING? That’s a hard question. At first, back in 2016, I started backpacking around Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and south Vietnam. I felt I wanted a bit more action and adventure so I decided to try hitchhiking and camping on my way through India. I reached Nepal and did a long trek in the Himalayas. I had to return to Spain in summer 2017

and decided to completely change the way I was travelling. With no previous experience, knowledge or equipment, I bought a bicycle and all the gear I needed and started bike touring from Bangkok through Asia with the aim of reaching my village in Spain. I wanted to combine sport and traveling, thus cycling seemed the right way to 'discover' the world. It took a long time to learn more about bicycles and this new way of travelling. My first puncture in Thailand was repaired by a Buddhist monk in a temple where I was hosted (I slept almost 30 nights in different temples).

HOW DID YOU END UP STUCK IN GEORGIA? Well, I’d spent most of the winter ‘hibernating’ in Spain after arriving there at the beginning of December last year, coming from Armenia and 3 months in Iran. I was fleeing from the cold temperatures and expected to be able to cycle right after my arrival to Tbilisi on March 9, being a kind of celebration of my 4th travel-versary. Things didn’t go as expected at all. Suddenly, when me and my bicycle (who I named Carmela) were ready to set off,

Unfortunately, I can’t say much yet, as I’ve only been in Tbilisi during this time, but I’m eager to travel around the country to see its incredible Caucasus mountains, villages and meet locals who can teach me more about this beautiful country. So far I have a good impression despite the difficult moments due to the virus. It wasn’t easy at the beginning of the crisis, especially being a foreigner.

HOW HAVE YOU SPENT YOUR TIME DURING LOCKDOWN? I was quite lazy during the first weeks, just waiting to restart my trip as I thought the lockdown wouldn’t last so long due to the few cases registered. Then, as the government extended the lockdown and implemented a curfew, I moved to a private apartment and started to work on my pictures and social network, things I’m not usually doing while I’m on the road. I also began working out a lot to be ready for the moment when I can cycle again. Of course, I have also met some friends in this time, but always taking into consideration the rules.

DO YOU THINK GEORGIA HANDLED CORONAVIRUS WELL? I think Georgia has been one of the countries which has handled the whole situation well, taking into account the small number of cases and deaths to date. When I arrived from Spain at the begin-

ning of March, I saw how strict the rules were. All the workers and officials at the airport were wearing special suits, masks, face screens, gloves, etc. I was a bit surprised as Spain hadn’t begun handling the virus at all yet. They closed everything fast to reduce the numbers of infected people, which proved to be the right decision. And the curfew… well, to be honest, I didn’t really get the point of this one.

HAVE YOU TRIED ANY GEORGIAN FOOD? Quite a lot and it’s delicious! Bakeries here are fantastic with the variety on khachapuris, lobianis, shotis… I can’t get enough of them. Fortunately, before the lockdown, I also had the chance to try some really tasty dishes such as kharcho soup, kharcho with nuts, lobio, ojakhuri, pkhali, eggplants with nuts (nigvziani badrijani) and of course the infamous khinkali. I'm looking forward to eating local dishes once again!

WHAT ARE YOUR UPCOMING PLANS? At the moment, I’m cycling once or twice a week around Tbilisi and to other towns on day trips to get used to cycling again. As soon as they lift the curfew and the state of emergency, I will slowly prepare for my departure. I’m planning to cycle around Georgia and get to the mountains and camp every day. I will do that for a few months as Georgia has a lot to offer, and then see how the situation evolves and if the borders open or not. If so, I will head towards Turkey on my way to Spain, finally! But if they open other borders, for example to the East, I will head in that direction instead and improvise a new plan day by day. I can’t wait to start again! If you would like to follow my adventures, join me on Facebook (Tras mis pasos) and Instagram (@Tras_mis_ pasos_).

SOCIETY

GEORGIA TODAY MAY 29 - JUNE 4, 2020

The Future of Cycling in Georgia – Caucasus Cycling Network BY AMY JONES

ith busy traffic and reckless drivers, Georgian roads are not best suited to cycling. However, the arrival of summer and coronavirus are encouraging more cyclists to take to the roads. Georgia is taking small steps to becoming more bike friendly. Earlier this month, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze announced plans to introduce a bike-sharing scheme and add more cycling lanes to roads. GEORGIA TODAY sat down with Mar Mikhelidze, co-founder of the Caucasus Cycling Network (CCN), to discuss all things bike-related in Georgia. CCN was created by a group of friends who are keen cyclists to confront the challenges of riding bikes in Georgia. “There are a lot of problems for us,” Mar tells us. “There are no bike lanes, and drivers don’t respect cyclists.” To improve the culture towards cyclists, CCN runs not-for-profit bike tours and

other activities to promote cycling. “One of our goals is to improve group riding culture,” Mar says. “We think CCN is important and necessary for our region, and we want to create a bike-friendly environment.” Mar was given her first bicycle, nicknamed “Qriala,” by her brother, and she started cycling with members of the Tbilisi Bicycle Group who ran trips around the city. “I felt how beautiful it is to ride in nature, climbing with all your power up mountains, and I realized how cool life can be.” With her second bike, named “Jeep”, she has ridden all over Georgia and ventured abroad (from Samsun in Turkey and from Tbilisi to Baku in Azerbaijan). Although Georgia is a beautiful place to discover by bike, cyclists still face some prejudices. “Basically, when people see you riding a bike, they either think you’re a foreigner or a ‘Kataob,’ someone who enjoys extreme sports,” Mar explains. “Bikes are not commonly seen as a form of transport in Georgia. Drivers either scream “get out of the road” in Georgian or say “what is your name, beautiful?” in another language.”

CULTURE

Often, there are no safe roads for cyclists to use as an alternative to the highway. There are currently just three bike lanes in Tbilisi, with one more planned to open in September. “That’s all the government has done for cycling,” Mar says. In many countries, cycling is often perceived to be a sport or hobby for men. Since 1992, the Georgian Cycling Federation has only trained men; there is no women’s team. “I once asked why they train just boys,” Mar says. “The answer was that they don’t have enough resources. I think that it’s simply discrimination.” So what changes should be made to make cycling safer in Georgia? “First, in my opinion, the government should change the laws around cycling; perceive it as a form of transport and make roads safer. I know many people who are scared to ride a bike because of crazy traffic and drivers.” However, cyclists themselves should also be aware of traffic rules and safety. “I think every cyclist should take an exam, like a driving license. There are still people who think it’s safer to ride in the opposite direction of the traffic. I

just want to cry when I see this,” Mar says. Mar is motivated to see cycling conditions improve in Georgia. “There are many routes in Georgia which are stunning, beautiful, and amazing. I want Georgians to enjoy it just like foreigners do!” You may recognise Mar as your Glovo delivery person. During Covid-19, her work in a kindergarten stopped, so she started working part-time for Glovo, delivering orders on her bicycle. “Customers are surprised because I’m a girl and I’m biking. I don’t like it, but I just laugh about it,” Mar says. With enthusiastic riders pushing for a change in perception, we can expect to

slowly see more riders travelling by bike around Georgia. “I love travelling by bike,” Mar says. “I dream about it before I sleep – mountains, climbs, new people, new experiences.” Hopefully others can experience this in safety too. Mar’s favorite routes in Georgia: Tsana to Ushguli; Bzhuzh-Hess to Khabelashvilebi pass to Gomismta; Truso Valley; Korsha to Roshka; Ananuri to Bzikurtkari; Abastumani to Khani. You can connect with the Caucasus Cycling Network here: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/caucasuscyclingnetwork

“Corona Days” Artworks of Young Georgian Artists: Giorgi Kobiashvili “It has certainly given me more free time and impacted the themes of my works. In the pre-pandemic world, I probably wouldn’t have touched upon these subjects that today I find a great source of inspiration,” Giorgi tells us. We were interested to know how he saw the post-pandemic world in his 3D creative mind. “I think it will affect painting as well as other fields of art. The art world will change, since our view point of the world will change: an invisible virus had us imprisoned in our homes, it got us thinking and made us face our own ideas. This will all be reflected in our works later,” the artist says. Meanwhile, the key in the lock in the shoes above is slowly turning to unlock, and Georgia, like the rest of the world, is finding ways to go back to the life as we knew it before the pandemic.

BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE

n continuation of its collaboration with BI Auction, presenting artists taking part in the online exhibition ‘Artworks @Corona Days’, GEORGIA TODAY is this time introducing a young innovative 3D painter, Giorgi Kobiashvili. Born into a family of artists, Giorgi has been closely in touch with his creative side since early childhood. His decision to become an artist came easy, and in 2016 he received a Masters from the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts. It was during his Masters that he truly found himself and his style, he tells us. The young artist has participated in local as well as international exhibitions in the United States, Germany and Italy.

One of them, ‘personal structures’ took place in Venice’s Palazzo Mora in 2017. The pieces he entered for the ‘Artworks @Corona Days’ online exhibition are unique in both symbolism and style. One of them, titled “the Secret,” carries the author’s special signature: it is a 3D work, meaning that 3D glasses are needed to take in all the dimensions of the piece. “I associate the very nature of secrets with mysticism as being locked within a prison of its own making. Sometimes, we find it hard to even reveal our own selves, even though the sharing of this information might bring us peace. When we tell someone a secret or whisper, we spark interest in other people,” Giorgi tells GEORGIA TODAY. We ask him about his interest in 3D paintings. “I believe that it is my creation, since I’ve not come across a similar technique.

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You need 3D glasses to look at this painting, which will help you see all the additional spaces in the work,” Giorgi says. He remembers where he got the idea of 3D painting from first: he was watching a 3D movie and became interested in how these effects could be transferred to the canvas. Giorgi’s first complete 3D work was

Journalists: Ana Dumbadze, Vazha Tavberidze, Nini Dakhundaridze, Tony Hanmer, Emil Avdaliani, Nugzar B. Ruhadze, Beka Alexishvili, Elene Dzebizashvili, Photographer: Aleksei Serov

‘Remove from Friends List.’ Unfriending someone is only a button click away for us in these modern times, but back in the day, they had their own solution: cropping out the heads of “frenemies” from photographs. The coronavirus pandemic has us all adapting to a new, unprecedented reality, and the young artist was no exception.

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About BI Auction ‘for ART’: BI Auction is the first Art Auction Company of Georgia, established in 2016. The company’s aim is to promote Georgian art and artists and enlarge the market. In four years, BI Auction ‘for ART’ has organized seven auctions and presented more than 400 paintings from 120 Georgian painters. In every auction, the collection is selected from among a thousand paintings from the well-known legendary artists of Georgia and also from promising young artists. For more information, please contact biauction1@gmail.com

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