Issue #1329

Issue no: 1329

• DEC. 31, 2021 - JAN. 13, 2022 • PUBLISHED WEEKLY

PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue...

The Success of Sairme and Evex Hospitals in the European Spas Association Award NEWS PAGE 2

A Nightcap for 2021 POLITICS PAGE 4

EGI President’s Letter Summarizing Georgia’s 2021 POLITICS PAGE 5

FOCUS ON BAZARI ORBELIANI An inspiring place to shop for high quality products in a uniquely Georgian atmosphere

PAGE 9

Invest Hub 2022: “Your Way to Invest in Georgia”

BY MICHAEL GODWIN

F

oreign investment remains one of the fastest growing facets of the Georgian economy. This year, the Swefland Group’s first international investment conference was host to some of the leading foreign investors, connecting them with Georgian business and government representatives. Swefland Group is a leading real estate developer in Georgia focusing on serving the Middle East and North Africa region.

With the goal of re-stimulating the economy through this investment avenue, the event hosted more than eight keynote speakers from the EU, China, and Middle East. Included in this portfolio are many investors that have already made considerable investments in Georgia and attest to the fertile nature of Georgia’s business and economic environment. Continued on page 2

In Pursuit of Novelties: Interview with the Head of "Innova Invitro", Dr. Keti Osidze SOCIETY PAGE 8

A Year of Cultural Exchange and MASHAV Aid SOCIETY PAGE 10

‘Tsvara Jewelry’ - Modern Continuation of Ancient Georgian Jewelry Culture Opens Showroom at 37 I. Chavchavadze, in Axis Towers Shopping Center CULTURE PAGE 11 CULTURE PAGE 11 Prepared for Georgia Today Business by

Markets As of 24ͲDecͲ2021

BONDS

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STOCKS

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GRAIL 07/28

100.48 (YTM 3.92%)

+0,0%

Ͳ0,3%

Bank of Georgia (BGEO LN)

GBP 15.38

Ͳ0,3%

Ͳ4,8%

GEBGG 07/23

106.04 (YTM 2.09%)

+0,0%

Ͳ0,1%

Georgia Capital (CGEO LN)

GBP 6.35

+1,4%

Ͳ3,5%

TBC Bank Group (TBCG LN)

GBP 16.14

+0,4%

+4,1%

GEOCAP 03/24

102.66 (YTM 4.83%)

+0,5%

Ͳ0,2%

SILNET 04/24

107.59 (YTM 7.29%)

Ͳ

+0,1%

TBC 06/24

105.36 (YTM 3.47%)

Ͳ0,3%

Ͳ1,0%

GGU 07/25

106.37 (YTM 5.76%)

+0,1%

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3,0720

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3,4795

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4,1221

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75,86

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3,3470

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1 808,82

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15 756,31

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0,8828

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35 950,56

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0,7454

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15 653,37

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0,9179

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182,16

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RUB / USD

73,4623

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MSCI EM

1 219,59

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TRY / USD

11,7186

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Ͳ2,0%

SP 500

4 725,79

+2,3%

+0,5%

AZN / USD

1,6992

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MSCI FM

2 651,98

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AMD / USD

479,0200

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MSCI EM EE

2

NEWS

GEORGIA TODAY

DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 13, 2022

Coronavirus in Georgia: 2021 Summary

BY ANA DUMBADZE

L

ike many countries worldwide, for Georgia’s healthcare sector and economy, 2021 was full of challenges and uncertainties, mostly due to the spread of coronavirus and gradual appearance of new strains.

The country met the beginning of 2021 with Covid-related restrictions: public transport halted, schools, universities, kindergartens and ski resorts closed, a curfew in force from 9 PM till 5 AM, and then unpleasant news – the appearance of the so-called “British” Covid-19 strain.

The new Covid-19 variant was little different from the others in terms of severity or lethality, but it did have increased transmission.

Georgians protested the related restrictions several times- citizens, business representatives, and political party members took to the streets demanding the regulations be eased for the sake of the economy, which had been severely affected by travel bans and various restrictions in the operation of services.

Mid-February, certain restrictions were lifted, with schools resuming in-person learning, and restaurants being allowed to resume outdoor service.

On February 17, Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, the favourite “crisis manager” of the ruling party Georgian Dream and its founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, who was by then well-known for his strict approach to Covid restrictions, resigned. He was replaced by Irakli Garibashvili, who started development of a more “liberal” approach towards businesses that had suffered significant damage during the several months of restrictions.

Within a week of Garibashvili’s appointment, the Georgian government lifted

almost all remaining coronavirus-related restrictions except the curfew. At the time, Georgia was recording up to 400 new coronavirus cases daily on average.

The country started an active vaccination campaign in March, with the first batch of 43,200 doses of AstraZeneca/ Oxford vaccine received on March 13.

Later, the country also received 29,250 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.

On March 30, Pfizer vaccination also kicked off. Georgia’s vaccination plan envisaged immunizing 1.7 million citizens, or approximately 60% of the population aged 18 and over, by the end of 2021.

However, Georgia’s citizens showed far less interest and trust in the vaccines than health officials expected. Despite constant calls from doctors and authorities to get vaccinated, the vaccination rate in Georgia remains low even in December. To date, just 39.4% of the adult population is fully vaccinated.

The Government of Georgia reopened land and sea borders on June 1, 2021, and on June 30, lifted the nationwide curfew which had been in force since November 28, 2020, to curb the spread of the virus.

The summer turned out to be particularly difficult in terms of virus spread, seeing Georgia become a “red zone” country, with the virus spreading rapidly.

The US gift of half a million PfizerBioNTech Covid-19 shots arrived in the country on July 23. Vaccination with the first dose of the Pfizer jab begun on July 26. At the time, more than 80% of the coronavirus cases in Georgia were of the Delta strain.

In the same period, given the particularly difficult situation, the government decided to restore compulsory face mask wearing outdoors.

The Georgian government imposed some restrictions between August 14 and September 4 to curb the spread of coronavirus, including the suspension of

public transport, which was then extended until September 13. When public transport resumed, the government kicked off a lottery with cash prizes for vaccinated citizens to boost interest in Covid19 vaccination. This project had little effect on the vaccination rate. 200 GEL one-off gifts were then offered to over 60s for getting their first jabs. At the end of December, the initiative was extended to include over 50s.

Due to the high numbers of the coronavirus cases detected on a daily basis (up to 5000 cases and 80 deaths), after the summer holidays, schools, higher and vocational educational institutions, and kindergartens were allowed to resume in-person learning only on October 4.

Until then, the institutions worked through online distance learning from September 15. Parents were thereafter given the freedom to register their kids for online learning or in-person attend-

ance, with Thursdays open to register or unregister a child. Teachers were (and are still) forced to divide their time between the classroom and online classes.

Despite the deteriorated epidemiological situation, the elections were held in Georgia on October 30 with the observance of safety norms.

On November 8, the Board of Experts greenlit Covid-19 booster shots for those aged 16 and over, where only over-50s and risk-groups had been eligible before.

Citizens can book their booster jabs five months after their second dose.

On December 1, the concept of ‘Green Passports’ was introduced in Georgia.

As such, citizens are now able to enter many facilities only if they are carrying physical or digital green passports.

“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 recov-

ered from coronavirus. Green Passports are required of all citizens over 18.

Also from December 1, restaurants had their hourly restrictions lifted, and the number of spectators allowed in cinemas, theaters, and operas was increased from 30 to 50%.

On December 20, the first two cases of the new Omicron strain were detected in Georgia. Within a week, that number had grown to 51.

“The Omicron strain of coronavirus has already been detected in 110 countries, and because of the rate at which it spreads, it could have a significant impact on health systems, even if it poses less danger than the Delta variant, and lead to significant morbidity,” a WHO report noted.

The number of Omicron cases in Georgia is expected to rise over and following the New Year holidays, and experts warn the number of coronavirus jabs and booster doses should also increase to avoid further deterioration of the epidemiological situation.

The idea of double-jabbed citizens being required to get a booster shot is being considered by the government’s Coordination Council, as is the idea of the time gap between last jab and booster shot being reduced.

The current epidemiological situation in Georgia is as follows: As of December 28, Georgia’s total case tally since the first case in February 2020 reached 928,030. Among them, 888,022 people recovered and 13,646 died.

The daily test-positivity rate now stands at 6.26 %, while it was 5.74 % in the past 14 days.

As of December 28, 2,481.500 people had received the Covid-19 vaccine, at around 13,377 recipients per day.

Ahead of the New Year celebrations, doctors urge citizens to observe coronavirus recommendations more carefully.

The Success of Sairme and Evex Hospitals in the European Spas Association Award

S

airme Resort and Evex Hospitals’ Covid Rehabilitation Program has won the prestigious European ESPA Innovation Award. The main goal of the competition was to identify hotels operating in the medical and healthcare directions that have developed new, distinctive and effective approaches to improving quality of life following infection by the new Coronavirus. Maia Sanikidze, head of Sairme's medical department, stated that the key to the success of their program is its unique, complex approach which combines the clinical and balneological directions.

Sairme is the first Georgian brand to become a member of the European Spas Association. The fact that such an award could be won lead to their decision to

present a project implemented in cooperation with Evex Hospitals. This approach proved to be a success - the joint program of the Georgian resort and medical center won the nomination of "Innovative Medical Spa" among 100 spas from 20 European countries.

“I would like to welcome Sairme as a new member of the European Spas Association network,” said Csilla Mezosi, Secretary General of the European Spas Association. “There, along with mineral and thermal waters, the nature is also distinguished. We live in the Covid era, and Sairme and Evex Hospitals rightly won the Innovative Medical Spa nomination unanimously. In their joint program, the combination of the clinical and balneological sectors was vital to treating post-Covid complications. I

would like to congratulate them once again on this important award.”

It all started a few months ago when Sairme and Evex Hospitals, based on the knowledge gained during pandemic management, decided to develop a rehabilitation package for post-Covid complications. A joint program was developed that provides treatment, diagnostic and recovery procedures.

Within the frames of the program, a primary health examination is conducted at the Caucasus Medical Center, following which, Sairme Resort provides medical-healing procedures, including underwater massages, mineral water baths, inhalation with mineral water, halotherapy, as well as active and passive climatotherapy.

According to Maia Sanikidze, head of the Sairme clinical department, the award and becoming a member of the European Spas Association is very important for them.

“This year, Sairme Resort became the first and so far the only resort in Georgia to become a member of the “ESPA Spas Association”. Being a member of an association of this rank allows our resort to share European experience and to align with European standards in the development and implementation of balneological services. This is important not only for Sairme, but also for the development of the balneological sector countrywide.

“We are being given a unique opportunity to make Georgia known to European tourists, not only as a provider of gastronomic and adventure tourism, but also as a major resource provider of medical tourism. As for the program itself, such a complex approach is in fact

a new word in the management of the post-Covid situation,” she noted.

The team of Caucasus Medical Center is also proud to have received such an important award.

"This award will help the development of medical tourism in Georgia,” said Marika Toidze, head of the treatment and diagnostic hub at Caucasus Medical Center. “Up to 100 spas from 20 European states took part in the competition.

I'm sure they will offer programs for treating further post-Covid complications. Among competitors there were very famous medical resorts. Against this background, it was highlighted that the highest level of medical services and spa treatments are available in Georgia.”

Sairme Resort and Evex Hospitals will continue their post-Covid rehabilitation program and are planning to implement new joint projects in the clinical and balneological sectors next year.

NEWS

GEORGIA TODAY

DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 13, 2022

3

Invest Hub 2022: “Your Way to Invest in Georgia” Continued from page 1 The CEO of Sweftland Group, Mahmoud Sami, spoke with GEORGIA TODAY prior to the event, outlining his expectations and describing the vast increase in demand by investors.

“Talking in numbers, Swefland Group is expecting to recruit more than $224,000,000 in Georgia. By visibility studies and the calculations of our investment department, we are inviting more than 25 top-level investors who are interested in increasing their investment wallet in Georgia,” he said in an interview with us on December 23.

The investment conference “Invest Hub 2022”, held at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace, welcomed almost 100 attendees from around the world.

After brief introductions by some of the hosts, the first speaker was Zhao Yinong, the Chief of the WTF in China. The Chinese investment model in Georgia, with an emphasis on trade and the Belt & Road Initiative, are what lie at the heart of his East-West investor vision. China has already invested billions in infrastructure and trade projects in Georgia, a testament to the lucrative opportunities in the nation.

Following his presentation, Ilia Tamarashvili, head of Rural Development Agency, spoke at length about the potential of agricultural investment opportunities. With Georgia’s vast and fertile farmland space, the opportunity for both direct agriculture investment as well as farm equipment programs gives those interested in non-urban development plans much to consider. The coinvestment, with assurances from government programs in technology, particularly dairy modernization initiatives, also open the way for more Rural Development Programs through the United Nations Development Program. In addition, this expands into further non-agricultural entrepreneurship development programs for small municipalities and towns.

The Deputy Minister of Justice, Akaki Saghirashvili, covered many of the legal considerations investors were assured were keen to learn about investing in Georgia. From the freedom of economy and the Free Trade Agreements Georgia has with both the EU and China, to the simple ease of administration services online, he outlined that getting started in Georgia was very easy. Through advancements in the corporate law structure in the country, a focus has been put on protection of investors, a key topic for the attendees. Harkening back to the subject of land and rural development,

the registration of public and private land has been an ongoing campaign for his office, one he now says is a success story, bringing more land development opportunities to those interested.

Hynek Cech, one of the founders of the REGI Base Foundation, introduced his veterans’ charity fund and plans for a special treatment facility in Tbilisi.

REGI Base, a nonprofit organization based in Prague, Czech Republic, provides vital medical and rehabilitation services to many of NATO’s military service members wounded on operations abroad.

In connection with Georgia’s central location to Europe, the Middle East, and parts of North Africa, REGI Base intends to open a facility adjacent to the airport in Tbilisi. This facility, shown in Cech’s presentation in impressive detail, offers both a care center as well as aircraft parking facilities for special medical flights carrying the wounded warriors out of harm's way. In addition to the center, a special visa status for the facility is planned, allowing faster and easier transportation of both the wounded soldiers and their loved ones. Alongside robotic technology for rehabilitation of the patients, Czech medical staff will

further make this hospital the first of its kind in the region.

Closing this presentation, Swefland Group and REGI Base gathered around to sign a memorandum of understanding which outlines the bilateral goals of each organization and a plan to work together to accomplish the investment backing and a completed facility.

With this, Swefland Group representatives took to the stage to outline their housing development plans in Georgia.

Being one of the largest developers in the region, their insight into both urban and rural planning showed a keen understanding of how to attract foreign interest.

Their rural development plans involved new housing plots complete with selfsustainment measures. These measures ranged from the extensive use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, to clean building materials and waste management practices. Moving into the urban centers, these practices are mirrored, showing new urban housing plans for luxury apartments with modern and clean amenities.

Another project of Swefland Group is their unique radio station. Mtsvane Kalaki, or Green City, Radio is set to be launched in the coming year, delivering traditional

programming such as music and talk shows, with an aim at bringing “green” or renewable ideology to the public attention.

Yet another set of ventures of the group is the Tourzilla tourism company and the FC Gardabani sports program. Tourzilla is structured to be a full-service tourism service, bringing tours for both private and corporate clients, travel advice and planning, hotel and car bookings, as well as complete start-to-finish travel bookings. FC Gardabani is a largescale youth sports and wellness program aimed at keeping Georgian youth active and healthy through various intramural athletic activities.

The event’s VIP, Mr. Hussein Al-Shahrani, followed these with his experiences and outlook from his time investing in projects in Georgia. He shared his insight from starting out to growing his portfolio and wallet size in the nation, as well as his outlook for 2022. His exact views cannot shared in this piece as he spoke only in his native language, Arabic.

Following this, Mikheil Tarakhchev shared the benefits already in place and projects already underway that would ease any apprehension in the investor’s minds. Tarakhchev’s organization, the

Cross-Cultural Communication Center, is the link between foreign investors and local business and government representatives. His description of the current infrastructure projects is such that they are a sign of a healthy investment environment, as well as the current Free Trade Agreements with both the EU and China. Free Investment Zones and Free Trade Zones act as further enticing incentives for the prospective investors, particularly in the energy and real estate sectors. Alongside these, he characterized the taxation situation in the country as “low, efficient, and fair” and the existing labor force as “young” and “skilled.”

Closing out, Swefland Group representatives again took to outlining an additional project they aim to launch.

The so-called “Hollywood Resort” project is a multi-purpose development project that contains multiple facets of all the aforementioned presentations.

Combining rural upscale housing, sports, commerce, and arts components, the resort is designed to not only offer amazing lodging but also jobs and green environment initiatives outside of the major city centers.

The project is located at an approximately 30-minute drive from the capital and stands to bring millions in investment dollars, over 1800 jobs, and community services for new and existing local residents. A hotel with over 100 rooms on a 50,000 square meter structure is planned to complement this, along with special amenities for prospective film companies looking to bring their projects to Georgia.

Closing the event, Swefland Group and Oplus Ecosystems, the company behind the marketing to international customers, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to complete this project together.

Combining the real estate development with the investor attraction model, they begin their relationship towards a new endeavor in Georgia.

With the presentations concluded, the attendees were left to network and mingle, eager to converse about their businesses. The investment pitches surely left their mark, with such fantastic imagery and 3D rendered images of what is to be, something Georgia’s leadership, many of whom were in attendance, will be eager to engage in when assessing and accepting new investment activity. Georgia will need these foreign activities to grow at the rate they so dearly desire and, coupled with the prospect of integration into NATO and the EU, this only stands to catapult the country and her citizens ahead of other regional neighbors.

4

POLITICS

GEORGIA TODAY

DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 13, 2022

A Nightcap for 2021

BY MICHAEL GODWIN

C

ontinuing Covid capers, rusing Russians, and socio-political squabbling.

These are only some of the themes that make the past year memorable, albeit for better or worse. With the closing of 2021, an overview is due of the course of events of the year, as well as a look forward.

Despite the warm wishes of the season and those striving diligently to make the nation a better place for all, it is difficult to see past the immense challenges presented by this year's events.

The year began on a tumultuous note following last year’s elections, still leaving a lingering sour taste with many of the public. Many calling for an inquiry into the fairness and legitimacy of the electoral practices were met with those declaring the polls ironclad. Both local and international proponents of democracy have maintained their doubts, though many in the government did not display the same interest in exploring the opposition’s interests.

With continuing demonstrations against the ever changing restrictions to halt COVID, the public outlook on the ruling party continued to fluctuate.

European leadership, aiming to steer the country in the Western democratic direction, called on Georgian politicians to review their actions and statements. Throughout the year, the matter of vaccines, masks, and other attempts to maintain an element of control on the spread of the virus have brought people on both sides to a spirited debate that will likely continue into the new year.

The ever-present dissatisfaction with the political elite was only amplified when supposedly secret recordings were spread involving the ruling party.

Those promulgating these recordings stated they are of a conversation between Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Bera Ivanishvili, the son of the former chairman of the Georgian Dream Bidzina Ivanishvili. They alleged they were aimed at intimidating those that spoke freely to criticize Bera and the use of government assets to silence them.

In the wake of the political upheaval, multiple senior members of the government resigned. Some of these, led under Giorgi Gakharia, founded a new political party “For Georgia.” With violence mak-

ing its way to the United National Movement headquarters, their answer was framed as a return to normalcy and a focus on what they perceived as “real issues” affecting the everyday Georgians.

As the months passed, Covid vaccine shipments began to arrive en mass. The Georgian government health leadership celebrated the arrivals, seeing them as a surefire way to end the spread. As this rollout of drugs was pushed into public service, many maintained their indifference or even contempt at their promulgation of mandating the administration of this new drug. Public demonstrations and marches in cities across the nation displayed a clear opposition to this hardline tactic.

Returning to the political sphere, multiple protests were held in support of Nika Melia, the leader of the United National Movement. His arrest and subsequent trial were highly publicized following his being charged with incitement of violence during the June protests back in 2019. The European Endowment for Democracy paid for his release in May. Throughout the summer, protests took place in the northwestern town of Namakhvani where a new hydroelectric power plant had been planned to be constructed. The Namakhvani HPP was an instrumental infrastructure project between Turkish construction company Enka and the Georgian government. However, local residents and environmental protection groups had raised concerns with the courts about the side effects and legal considerations of the local populations. After months of protests, environmental evaluations, and meetings with the construction company, the Prime Minister announced that the project would no longer continue.

At the close of June, with NATO beginning the end of operations in Afghanistan, Georgia’s last remaining soldiers returned home. After 17 years of dedication, the 32nd Infantry Battalion concluded a mission which had involved the service of over 20,000 Georgian servicemembers and cost the lives of 32.

July began with the Tbilisi Pride march and demonstration. This quickly drew the ire of multiple groups on the opposite of the social and political spectrum, particularly those claiming Orthodox Church affiliations. For several nights, the streets around the parliament building were the scene of violence, only partially contained by legions of

Photo by Bettmann / Contributor

police forces. However, this was not enough to prevent injury to multiple protesters, as well as members of the press attempting to cover the events. Sadly, TV Pirveli cameraman Lekso Lashkarava was severely injured in the fray.

In the days and weeks following the melee, multiple calls for investigations, prosecution, and condemnation from political leaders were made. While many of those directly involved were apprehended, it was the statements and lack of stern condemnation that angered many of Pride proponents and their allies. European and American politicians made their outcry at the handling of the events, in a volley of statements and press releases.

The sadness of July had yet to abate. At the close of the month, the call went out for a missing Australian woman who had seemingly disappeared during a hike in the Mtatsminda park area. After multiple searches of the area, the body of Shanae Brooke was found, leaving the police to determine that she had been attacked and murdered. Her alleged killer, Rafael Mursakulovi, was arrested days later. In the weeks following, another British foreigner was found dead in Gori followed by a stabbing of a Thai immigrant in Tbilisi. All three of which, among other tragic cases, continue in the courts.

Mikheil Saakashvili’s highly publicized return to the nation arguably took the largest spotlight of the year. While many still debate the exact details about the return of the former President of Georgia, his televised arrest and transport to prison rallied an army of supporters. During his controversial incarceration, dozens of protests and rallies were held across the country. Political, media, and cultural figures made impassioned and vigorous speeches demanding his release. The European Union also questioned the fairness of the trial as well as details of his treatment in prison, supported with allegations of abuse and neglect.

As the year began to wind to a close, the increasing threat of Russian forces on Europe's eastern frontier again threatened peace and civil life. The

alleged use of foreign immigrant trains by Russian and Belarusian actors to undermine the European Union, particularly Poland, has led to increased sanctions against both regimes. Additionally, Ukraine, already in a low-to-mid level conflict with Russia, called for international assistance. After multiple intelligence and satellite reports uncovered almost 100,000 Russian troops being moved to positions near their border, money and material assistance was quickly funneled to Kyiv.

Saakashvili’s trial and the Russian military buildup continue to be at the top of the headlines moving into the new year. With the potential for social and political fallout to be immense, the courts and current leadership of Georgia will have to tread carefully to avoid 2022 being another volatile year.

Balancing the rule of law and justice with politics is a risky endeavor in any regard, but amplified even more so with someone of Saakashvili’s repertoire.

The enduring war of words between NATO, the EU, Belarus, and Russia will not dissipate in any timely manner. Russia and her puppet Belarus are not known for their willingness to bow out of a match so easily, and NATO and the EU cannot afford to lose any face in the military and political showdown. With Georgia and her proverbial sister in the matter Ukraine stuck between the two, the outcome will most assuredly have the greatest effect on them.

Given the break-neck pace of the current information environment, it is all too easy to let the year slip into the sands of the past and be ignored. Lessons learned are the building blocks of successful societies by keeping our leadership accountable and driving social, economic, and political progress.

Looking forward, it is critical that both the people and leadership avoid the mistakes, continue the successes, and unite in defiance of the division created in recent years. In the final days, for the individual, enjoy the seasonal serenity with Georgian wine and food, family and friends, and well wishes into 2022.

Imagining the Future World Order

BY EMIL AVDALIANI

A 10% Discount on Corporate Evenings and Events for Companies in January-February

Tbilisi, Georgia, Alexander Tsurtsumia 14, 0103 577 262 242

world without American primacy could prove a dangerous place.

In comparison with the powers of the past, American dominance in world affairs overall has been more benevolent. Yet, during its worst stage, especially the early 2000s, the US policies have stoked resistance among many Eurasian states, seeing the hard drive for liberal hegemony causing a push-back from illiberalism, which eventually evolved into an authoritarian tide.

Looked at it from a century-long perspective, the rise of those states that now oppose the US was the result of a generally positive economic and political atmosphere in the world that enabled the exchange of ideas and economic profits, to nearly everyone’s benefit. China, for example, rose to prominence within a US-dominated world. Even Russia benefits in many ways from the rules-based world order. If the challenge to US primacy emanates from those two states, which for decades have been near-integral parts of the world economy, the results of the US’ withdrawal from its eminent position could resemble what happened when the America backtracked from its responsibilities following WWI. Historical pride, a belief in destiny, and the pursuit of exclusive spheres of interest, as well as his-

torical insecurities rooted in geography, are propelling China and Russia to seek a rapprochement to push back against the US-led world. Each seeks to establish either military or economic control (or, in certain circumstances, both) over large swaths of inner Eurasia. Beijing is trying to build a China-centric regional order by using its wealth to reshape the US-led world order; Russia wants its own sphere of economic and military influence in its immediate neighborhood.

Accompanying trends like the revived arms race and fractures in security architecture can lead to a power competition that could slowly turn into open rivalry, with a high chance of global military conflict either between the great powers themselves or through prolonged conflict with proxy actors.

It has been suggested that a “Concert of Europe”like global order should reemerge in which the powers can work to attain a more inclusive and peaceful vision. Its purpose would be to establish a permanent multilateral structure to build understanding on basic norms of peaceful cooperation, negotiate new rules of state conduct, and deal with geopolitical crises.

While some trends do indicate that spheres of influence are reemerging, a 19th century model for the modern world might not be entirely suitable.

In the Concert of Europe model, the presupposed cooperation was between the then major European powers, which were united by a set of common ideals.

Continued on page 6

POLITICS

GEORGIA TODAY

DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 13, 2022

5

EGI President’s Letter Summarizing Georgia’s 2021

T

o celebrate the end of the year, George Melashvili, president of the leading hybrid independent civil society organization, the Europe-Georgia Institute (EGI), has released a summarizing letter – an annual report and assessment which discusses all major political events in Georgia.

The summary itself represents a summary of the organization’s weekly Political Digest, published by the EuropeGeorgia Institute with the support of the Swedish International Liberal Center, with the aim of summarizing current political developments in Georgia.

The Political Digest is one of the organization’s flagship projects that helps its partners keep their finger on the pulse of Georgian politics. Its subscribers are the heads of international organizations, politicians, members of the European Parliament and national parliaments, as well as members of the Senate and Congress, heads of foundations and nongovernmental organizations.

The letter released by George Melashvili thoroughly reviews and summarizes all the important developments that occurred throughout the year that had a significant impact on the current political and social polarization the country is facing.

The document notes that 2021 ended up being a year of turmoil – with everchanging Covid-19 news, turbulent political life, and Russia and Ukraine on the brink of war.

“Just like everywhere in the world, 2021 was a turbulent year that began in hope, flirted with whiplash, and shuddered to a halt. I will outline several events that are most memorable to me: an unprecedented involvement of the European Union and Charles Michel’s agreement; aftershocks of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War and 3 + 3 format; events on the 5th of July and burning of the EU flag; municipal elections in Georgia and Mikheil Saakashvili’s return, and last but not least – Georgia’s long lasting bleeding wound: the judiciary,” notes the author.

The letter recalls that the year began with a clash between Nika Melia, the Chairman of the United National Movement, and the ruling party. Shortly after the decision to arrest Melia, Georgia’s 14th Prime-Minister Giorgi Gakharia resigned and announced the creation of a new “For Georgia” party.

“The party demonstrated promising results at the municipal elections, becoming the kingmaker in several municipalities. Gakharia’s resignation, Melia’s arrest and the return of Georgian Dream’s hardliner Irakli Garibashvili to the post deepened the political crisis even more,” the author concludes.

To deal with the deepening political crisis, Charles Michel’s agreement was achieved.

“Michel’s involvement and actions were not merely political: it was not only an important symbolic gesture that the European Union remains in the region, but an indication that the EU truly considers Georgia a part of the European space and is ready to engage. For those in Georgia

who felt Westlessness and noticed an increased Russian presence and pressure, it was an important step in the right direction. The efforts of both Christian Danielsson and Charles Michel were huge, and will remain an example of political willingness and tremendous hard work.

Even though the political relevance of the agreement decreased following both the decision of Georgian Dream to leave it, and Georgia’s municipal elections, it became a foundation for the ongoing process of reconciliation initiated by the President of Georgia. Even though it is yet too early to predict whether this reconciliation attempt will be successful or not, it is yet another important step for Georgia’s democracy,” reads the letter.

At the same time, the author adds, the aftershocks of the Karabakh War continue to keep the region stressed. This year an important development took place – Azerbaijan released 15 Armenian detainees, while Armenia provided Azerbaijan with important information that will facilitate humanitarian demining and prevent future casualties. Georgia played an essential role in facilitating these steps, which bring the people of the region closer to the peaceful and prosperous future they deserve.

Another aftershock of the war is the 3 + 3 format: an idea to launch a six-nation platform that includes the cooperation of Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Russia and Iran. The official position of the Georgian government is that Georgia’s engagement in this regional platform “will be very hard when we see no process towards de-occupation”, with emphasis that sovereignty and territorial integrity are “red lines” for the Georgian government. The meeting of the platform was held in Moscow on December 10th and featured the Georgian flag, causing the Georgian MFA to condemn this action and reiterate that Georgia “has repeatedly stated its clear position”, emphasizing that the country “is not considering participation in this format.” Considering recent events in and around Ukraine, the motivation of these actions is easy to read – to create bait for Georgia and send a false message of cooperation resulting in Georgia losing its sovereignty.

The most heartbreaking development is also connected with Georgia’s occupation: early in April, a family of three drowned in their attempt to cross the Enguri River separating occupied Abkhazia from Samegrelo. Russian authorities effectively closed the Enguri crossing point in late February 2020, forcing the local Georgian population to threaten their lives. This tragedy is a continuation of a heartbreaking pattern in Gali district, home to over 30,000 people, of which the absolute majority are ethnic Georgians with Georgian citizenship. These people live under constant threat to both their lives and identity, and are denied basic human rights. Irakli Bebua, a young Gali resident who burnt the flag of the occupation regime in Abkhazia, remains in jail, and Russian authorities continue to kidnap Georgian citizens both along Enguri River and in Shida Kartli.

The document also mentions a judg-

ment on the interstate case of Georgia v. Russia (II), released on January 2, as an important development regarding occupation. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) asserted that since August 12, 2008, Russia has exercised continued “effective control” over the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The Court also held Russia responsible for the breach of six articles of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR), as well as for failure to conduct an effective investigation into the alleged breach of the right to life, in the aftermath of the Russo-Georgian War of August 2008. The “historic decision” was celebrated in Georgia both by the officials and the opposition as a major win for the country, and the significance of the landmark ruling was also stressed

by Tbilisi’s international partners.

According to the author, the most disappointing events in Georgia’s political life were the 5th of July events. The attacks were committed by right-wing groups on July 5 and 6 in an effort to prevent the Tbilisi Pride march from taking place. The attacks targeted civic activists, community members, and journalists who were peacefully exercising the rights guaranteed to them by Georgia’s Constitution. The mobs went largely unchecked by authorities as they attacked citizens and also broke into and vandalized the offices of the Shame Movement, the Human Rights Center, and Tbilisi Pride, attacked a long-term opposition tent protest outside of Parliament, and burnt the European flag hanging in front of the Georgian Parliament.

“I will not dive into theories connecting the ruling party with the alt-right groups (who eventually were able to easily register a political party following these events), but the fact that the Georgian government had and has the responsibility to do their utmost to protect journalists conducting their work and citizens exercising their constitutional rights is obvious,” notes George Melashvili. “The government did not protect this right, and did little to nothing to bring justice to the injured, and failed to publicly condemn and prosecute acts of violence against them. The tragedy of Lekso Lashkarava, a TV Pirveli cameraman who was found dead at home on July 11, days after being attacked by the mob, will remain a constant tragic reminder of these events.”

“Regarding the elections, I will just quote the ISFED Main Findings report published recently: ‘Municipal elections were more or less competitive; the election day was largely well administered.

However, the financial and administrative resources concentrated in the hands of the ruling party prevented the provision of an equal electoral environment.

The electoral environment was damaged by the high number of cases of pressure, threats, dismissal or coercion on political grounds, and the inappropriate response of the state to such cases.’ Cases of pressure, threats, dismissal or coercion are an unfortunate reality of Georgian politics, and they need to stay in the past. The return of Georgia’s third President was the most important earth-

quake of Georgian politics this year. Even though everyone, including the former President, should be equal before the law and, in ordinary circumstances, the fact of his arrest is not something extraordinary, there are several rather unfortunate developments turning this case into an example of politically motivated justice,” the author points out.

The letter also touches upon the judicial proceedings related to the third President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, which drew special public attention.

During Saakashvili’s hunger strike, the Special Penitentiary Service refused to bring the accused to court. The termination of the essential part of the medical treatment and the pending investigation in the State Security Service were named as reasons.

The Public Defender of Georgia believed that restricting the possibility of appearing before a court grossly violates the right to a fair trial enshrined in the Constitution of Georgia and the European Convention. As for the refusal to escort Mikheil Saakashvili to court for alleged security reasons, it is noteworthy that the procedural law does not provide for such a thing. It should be noted that today Mikheil Saakashvili has access to court and he has twice participated in the trial in person.

According to the author, another unfortunate development was the release of footage showing the transfer of Mikheil Saakashvili to Medical Establishment No. 18 against his will, the fact that was assessed by the Public Defender and the State Inspector’s Office as a violation of the prisoner’s right to honor, dignity and privacy.

The developments around the State Inspector’s Office are also rather unfortunate – the Government of Georgia initiated a reform to eliminate the office of State Inspector of Georgia by splitting it into two separate agencies, decreasing the ability to monitor wrongdoings by officials and weakening it. The document assesses these developments as “rather unfortunate personal/political retaliation to the office.”

“And finally – last but not least – Georgia’s long lasting bleeding wound: the judiciary. Since Georgia regained independence, the judiciary has always remained the soft spot. Every political party has tried to subdue the judiciary, and this process continues. Legal experts and civil society organizations highlighted that Parliament’s flawed process did not advance the most qualified nominees, resulting in less-qualified judges receiving lifetime appointments to the court.

Even though the parties agreed to conduct ambitious judicial reform through a broad, transparent process that includes legal experts, civil society, and opposition parties, Charles Michel’s agreement was violated. Unilateral legislative changes, including those adopted against the advice of international partners while the April 19 Agreement was being negotiated, are inconsistent with the letter and spirit of the Agreement.

“The early April amendments to the Organic Law on Common Courts failed to fully address Venice Commission recommendations, including a key recommendation related to staggering judicial appointments. Recent changes regarding appointments of CEC members is also part of this unfortunate trend, and the decision to break and weaken the State Inspector’s Office is another unfortunate example,” the author concludes.

The situation in and around Ukraine, as well as Russian demands, continue to be closely monitored in Georgia. Following Russia’s demand to “disavow the 2008 Bucharest Summit decision – that Georgia and Ukraine will become NATO members”, the Georgian MFA issued a statement that “On April 3, 2008, at the NATO Bucharest Summit the leaders of the NATO member states decided that Georgia (and Ukraine) will become a NATO member. The above-mentioned is an extremely important, consensus-based political decision in line with the fundamental principle of international law that all states have the sovereign right to choose their own foreign policy course.”

The President of the Europe-Georgia Institute believes that the geopolitical situation remains a challenge for Georgia.

“The situation should become more predictable after the negotiations between Russia and the US planned in January, and all that is left for Georgia and Ukraine is to hope that the next year will be better than the previous. The attempts to divide Europe into spheres of influence, to neglect the free will of the people living both in Georgia and Ukraine, should not succeed. The time of great-power dominance is long gone, and both people of Ukraine and Georgia have the right to decide our own fate – this is what we believe at the EGI, and will do our best to defend Georgia’s choice,” George Melashvili’s letter concludes.

George Melashvili Europe-Georgia Institute President December 26, 2021 Tbilisi, Georgia

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POLITICS

GEORGIA TODAY

DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 13, 2022

Adam Reichardt: The EU Should Be More Straightforward on the Trio's European Prospective ON 17 INDIVIDUALS AND 11 ENTITIES. IS THIS ENOUGH OF AN IMPACT?

INTERVIEW BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE

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s the dust settles (if there was any to start with) in the aftermath of the 2021 Eastern Partnership Summit in Brussels, it’s time to analyze what the Associated Trio of Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine are getting from Brussels for their combined efforts, and how the EU plans to cope with the ever increasing challenges in the EaP region. GISP spoke to Adam Reichardt, editor of the New Eastern Europe Magazine, to gauge the future prospects of the Eastern Partnership.

WHAT DOES THE ASSOCIATED TRIO OF GEORGIA, UKRAINE AND MOLDOVA HAVE TO SHOW FOR THEIR EFFORTS? WHAT DID THEY BRING HOME? I guess the real question is what there was for them to bring home in the first place. The ultimate aim of the Associated Trio is to get that European prospective, or membership prospective, and that's still a way away. But I would actually want to say that I view the Trio as a very positive development. The fact that Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova have decided to jointly pursue their integration is a really positive sign. This reminds me of how the Visegrad countries organized themselves in the 90s to get NATO and EU membership. The emergence of the Associated Trio as a group, as a bloc, is a really important development in the Eastern Partnership. Obviously, these are three different countries with three different agendas and stages of development and integration, but I think it was important for the Trio to show during the summit that they were united in their efforts to get deeper integration and eventually get the European prospective.

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE NATO MEMBERSHIP PERSPECTIVES OF GEORGIA AND UKRAINE, ONE KEEPS HEARING AN INCREASINGLY POPULAR TERM – “RUSSIA’S UNSEEN VETO”. SHOULD WE ALSO BE TALKING ABOUT UNSEEN RUSSIAN VETOES WHEN IT COMES TO THE EU MEMBERSHIP PERSPECTIVES OF THE TRIO? Some EU countries are much more sen-

CHARLES MICHEL PROMISED A “STRONG REACTION AND HEAVY PRICE TO PAY IF THERE IS NEW DIRECT MILITARY AGGRESSION IN UKRAINE”.

THE WORD “NEW” CAUGHT THE EYE – DOES IT MEAN THE CURRENT MILITARY AGGRESSION IN UKRAINE DOESN’T WARRANT ANY SORT OF INCREASED ATTENTION FROM THE EU? DOES BRUSSELS FEEL THEY’VE DONE ENOUGH?

very effective, as Russia has already managed to adapt. Unless the EU really goes all-in, such as investigating the off-shore investment schemes taking place in some EU countries, like Cyprus. Expelling Russia from the SWIFT system would also be quite hurtful, but then again, I am sure Russia has calculated its chances and the risks much better than the bureaucrats in Brussels have calculated what they can do to effectively deter Russia from causing more havoc in Ukraine. Unfortunately, the EU is left with very little leverage, unless they are willing to provide some military support. I'm not talking about troops on the ground, but equipment, support in terms of increasing defensive weapons, but the EU doesn't work that way. Some individual countries in the EU work that way, but the EU as a bloc does not operate in that manner. The Ukrainian government itself, the Zelensky administration, has done above and beyond to keep this issue at the top of the Western agenda. The Crimea platform, for example, was is a very good initiative, and was an opportunity for Western countries to reaffirm the fact they do not recognize the annexation of Crimea, and that they do support Ukraine in its endeavors. But the question is, how far are they willing to go to support Ukraine? Unfortunately, I don’t think there's much room there, beyond the steps that they're unwilling to take.

I wouldn't go that far. The Kremlin is good at creating mass paranoia and tension, and everyone is slowly adjusting to it. Then again, I don’t think that any new moves aimed at Russia to punish it, if there is renewed escalation, would be

BELARUS WAS ALSO WIDELY DISCUSSED AT THE SUMMIT. THE EU RESPONSE TO LUKASHENKO FOR PLAYING THE MIGRANT CARD: NEW SANCTIONS

sitive to Russian interests than others.

That is one of the main reasons why the declarations are often watered down in terms of not being so decisive, or not pledging to anything like membership prospective for the Eastern Partnership countries. But I don’t think the Kremlin takes the EU seriously, as a geopolitical power, that is. I think the Kremlin is much more interested in NATO, as this as a security alliance which is led by the United States. As for the EU, if we were in a different situation, where we didn't have already existing tensions and the possibility of escalation in the region, perhaps there would be more room to maneuver. As things stand, there is barely any space left. If we were to compare NATO and EU membership, the Russian “invisible veto” is much more present on the NATO side.

Imagining the Future World Order Continued from page 4 Even France, which went through a revolution and forged new social norms, adhered to the Vienna Order of 1815.

None of these sentiments exist in the modern world. Russia and China are united by a common adherence to pushing back against liberalism, but beyond this, they have shared norms. Other powers are even more dissimilar. It is hard to picture America, Russia, China, India, Japan, and the European democracies sitting around a table to discuss global issues and forge long-term solutions. They might work together on climate change concerns, but they have little interest in working together on other matters.

In the Concert of Europe, democracies worked with autocratic states; the states were united by their aristocracies and shared norms. But even then, disagreements abounded by the end of the 19th century, and by the 20th century, the countries had become unpalatable to one another as the different economic trajectories of the European states undermined their fragile unity.

Why, then, should a similar system work in the 21st century?

A key factor challenging the notion of several major powers policing the world is the nature of today’s world. It contains

nearly 200 states, so even with the resurgence of spheres of influence, it would be difficult if not impossible for a few powers to control so many players. There is also the question of how those powers would manage the grievances of smaller but nevertheless powerful states like Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, South Africa, and Brazil.

International orders take shape as a natural development; i.e., as the next stage in international relations. What might be the world’s next stage? This is a hard question to answer, but there are trends worth considering.

First we need to state some simple truths.

We must cast off the idea of a world without American influence. Powerful states do not lose their geopolitical weight overnight (consider the Roman Empire in late antiquity, the Mongols in the Middle Ages, and the British Empire in the relatively recent past). The 2008 financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic undermined the West’s position, but it has not lost its edge, and the US remains the most geopolitically favored power.

It must also be acknowledged that spreading one ideological model all over the world cannot work. No state in history has ever managed to do this. There were always several power centers, even in the time of the all-powerful Roman Empire and the period of British domi-

nance of the seas. There are simply not enough resources for one state to dominate the world and all its lands.

Even after the fall of communism and the collapse of its great power rival, the US did not manage to spread liberal democracy deep into the heart of Eurasia, Africa, and elsewhere. Efforts were made, but with minimal success.

China is in many ways exceptional, as it possesses both vast human resources and constantly improving technological capabilities. It also sits at the edge of the Pacific Ocean and looks into the heart of Eurasia. It has the potential to transform the entire continent (the Belt and Road Initiative comes to mind). But it lacks what the US has: soft power, which includes a wide variety of highly attractive tools, from governance to education to economic liberalism.

China will gain momentum by enlisting many more partners and could even pursue a policy of purposeful support for and spread of illiberalism and defense of autocracies. But it is safe to say that there will be a limit to Chinese success.

The border will likely be drawn somewhere from the Baltic Sea to the Caucasus and the Mediterranean, the area where Western influence is strong.

China will also face the question of legitimacy. Why should it be welcome to form the rules for those parts of the

It's more symbolic than impactful. The sanctions, of course, are important, but there are some opportunities where they could be much more impactful, including closing certain loopholes: a memberstate wide non-recognition of Lukashenko as president for example. I think there are still some levers left for the EU in terms of really turning the screws on Lukashenko and his regime. The EU should definitely do much more in terms of supporting Belarus’ civil society, making it easier for Belarusians who are fleeing, and there are a lot of them, to get asylum, and to continue their lives in countries outside of Belarus. Poland, for example, has really done a lot in this regard, and it would be good if others followed suit.

NOW TO WHAT WAS PROMISED FOR THE EAP COUNTRIES. IT WAS VERY MUCH UNDERLINED THAT DEEPENING COOPERATION WILL HEDGE ON THEIR WILLINGNESS TO REFORM. IS THAT A PLACEHOLDER FOR THE EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE THAT WAS NOT MENTIONED AT THIS SUMMIT? It’s a question of whether it's a placeholder or an excuse not to give your gift.

It’s easy to say, “well, the reform process is too slow,” or “there's even some backsliding in some countries, and this is the reason why we still haven’t given the membership perspective.” But this is just an excuse, because if you look at the Balkan countries, which have seemingly ended up in the accession negotiation process limbo, it’s clear to see that internal problems within the EU are to blame.

At the moment, there's a lot of skepticism in terms of enlargement of the European Union. And if there is a European perspective given to Georgia, Ukraine, or Moldova, then there will be a lot of outcry in some capitals of EU member states.

This is a reality we need to recognize and take into account. But at the same time, I think the EU can and should be more straightforward and say “here are the steps to get to the membership prospective, and some of them might not even depend on what you do, and once that membership prospective is achieved, this is how we get to membership.” Sadly,

we're still waiting for that to happen. If reforms are of such paramount importance, tailor the conditions around them, so if certain countries don’t meet those conditions, then we know where the blame lies. I think the Associated Trio should push for that; they should make the reforms and then say, “we have achieved this and that here, we now expect the European prospective,” at least put it somewhere on paper.

ON A POSITIVE NOTE, THERE IS THE ECONOMIC INVESTMENT PLAN MENTIONED BY COMMISSION PRESIDENT VON DER LEYEN, WITH AN ESTIMATED INVESTMENT OF 37 BILLION EUROS. HOW CAN WE GAUGE ITS IMPACT? That is indeed one cause to be optimistic about. I'm always optimistic that things will eventually head in the right direction. It's just a long process, maybe longer than some of us expect. We expect a lot of short-term satisfaction and actions and results. The investment in the region is clearly quite large, and each country has had the opportunity to set out its own priorities, and they can work together with the EU on where these investments should be directed. We're looking at infrastructure, connectivity, digital transition, climate, green resilience, and all of this obviously helps physical integration with the European Union. These are very important developments, but we will see the results in the longer term.

A big challenge is also accountability, making sure that the money is not just dwindled away and ends up in the pockets of oligarchs in the region. This is a huge, huge challenge for the EU to make sure it doesn't happen.

And then, lastly, another big challenge, one which the EU has been dealing with for a long time, is PR and communication: the EU has invested a lot of money in these countries already, and a lot of support is going to civil society, to different sectors, economic sectors. It needs to communicate this and tell these societies, “look, the EU is giving you all this, this is part of being even just in the Eastern Partnership.” The EU is very, very poor in terms of PR communications.

There should be a more strategic approach in terms of showing how much investment has already been made. This is a key challenge. Actions, obviously, speak louder than words, but words are also necessary.

Image source: doc-research.org

world that resisted an equivalent effort from the US? Even some illiberal states will stand up to Beijing.

A world without active American engagement in Eurasia will accelerate a new age of spheres of influence. This might resuscitate the role of diplomacy and diminish the need to use the military tool, but diplomatic engagement will be based on the prestige of two or three states, especially their leaders. Less attention will be paid to international mechanisms, global institutions with erstwhile pretensions to introduce norms on the behavior of and between states. The power and influence of those institutions will decay, and in the extreme scenario, they could share the fate of the League of Nations following WWI. The new age of spheres of influence will allow the US to engage in offshore balancing, something like what the Brit-

ish Empire did in the 19th to early 20th centuries. Balancing among Eurasian states will be possible only through the constant application of diplomatic and at times military capabilities. With a few exceptions, the US will base its foreign policy on realpolitik, even helping autocratic states when necessary to shore up weak states against stronger ones.

Offshore balancing is not only less reliable but also fraught with the potential for military clashes. The pre-WWI period is a good testimony to this. A milieubased approach in which multilateral global institutions are built and promoted is a far more powerful tool with which to moderate the behavior of rogue and illiberal states.

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

BUSINESS

GEORGIA TODAY

DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 13, 2022

7

Maqro Construction: How the Real Estate Market Survived the Pandemic and Restrictions

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gainst the background of pandemics and restrictions, the Georgian real estate market is still a c t ive ly d eve l o p i n g .

Despite the restrictions, construction and development companies continue to build both projects and sales. To find out how to cope with the pandemic and restrictions, what is the pricing policy in the real estate market, GEORGIA TODAY talked to the Deputy General Director of one of the largest construction companies, Maqro Construction, Oguz Kaan Karaer.

“The pandemic, like for other big companies, was a challenge for us, but it did not break us. The restrictions made only minor adjustments to the pace of development and operation of our company,” Karaer tells us.

“Maqro Construction operates in different areas of business. Prior to the pandemic, we were working on several projects in Georgia, as well as in the Czech Republic, Turkey and Belarus, including the construction of a five-star brand hotel, the Swissotel Tbilisi Center in the heart of Tbilisi, state projects in Zugdidi and Poti, and the Green Diamond development project, at the third and largest stage, together with the international network Accor. These were planned projects and I can proudly tell you that these projects are still ongoing. This is the merit of the team of professionals who are employed in our company and I want to thank them for that, it makes us really proud.”

WHERE DOES MAQRO CONSTRUCTION STAND NOW? The mitigation of restrictions has allowed us to move into a proactive phase of work and at this stage the company is working at full capacity in all directions.

It is also worth mentioning the fact that the activities of our company have increased even more against the background of lockdowns, for example, seeing us winning several tenders related to road construction. In May, we started

the construction and sale of the third and largest stage of the multifunctional residential complex Green Diamond.

Up to 800 families are already living in the first two completed stages. The environment we have created under this project has raised great expectations among people interested in buying real estate. Our customers living in the first two completed stages bring their loved ones to buy apartments and develop businesses on the territory of the complex. In short, the concept on which Green Diamond is built has been 100% justified, and the construction and sales process is accelerating in recognition of this.

WHAT IS THE THIRD STAGE OF GREEN DIAMOND? TELL US ABOUT THE PROJECT. The main essence of Green Diamond is that the customer can get all the necessary conditions for a comfortable life without leaving the complex. I’ll tell you a short story which happened to me personally in Tbilisi. I visited my friends in Nutsubidze, it was quite late when I decided to leave. The hosts told me I needed 5 tetri for the elevator and gave me a coin. I said goodbye and got in the elevator. I accidentally pressed the parking floor button and this is where my problem started - there was no other way out of the parking lot except the elevator, I no longer had 5 tetris, the phone did not receive a signal to allow me to call my friends!

Imagine, I spent two whole hours in the dark. And thank goodness that one of the residents returned home late and my forced detention ended there!

It was then that I realized how important it is to plan properly and calculate every detail. This would not have happened in our residential complex. The area of the complex is closed and protected, and provides for almost all needs, be it parking, shopping facilities, recreational facilities such as sports playgrounds, children’s and exercise areas, outdoor swimming pools, etc.

The customer should be able to enjoy all benefits. Added to this is the fact that the complex is away from the noisy rhythm of the city, and big shopping and sports facilities are within easy reach. It is also important that at this stage, based on previous experience, we are offering a novelty to customers: Now people interested in Green Diamond have the choice to buy a readydecorated apartment or in black frame condition. This has increased interest even more. At this stage, the process of construction and sale of three blocks is underway. We will soon start building the fourth block as well. In future, we will start new construction and sales once every three months. The project has lasted 36 months and includes the construction of 11 blocks.

In the current project, we have an interest-free installment plan, which also makes it easier for customers to buy an apartment. In addition, different promotions are available at different times with special discounts.

DOES THE PROJECT PROVIDE AFTER-SALES SERVICES FOR THE COMPLEX? Of course. The complex is located on a total area of 7 hectares, one third of which is green space, and this, in addition to the infrastructure, needs maintenance. The complex is serviced by a company that is responsible for the maintenance of the landscaped yard, outdoor swimming pools and elevators, and it monitors, protects and maintains the entire area of the complex. The goal of our company is to create comfort for customers in all regards.

We have created a special service for customer relations that will ultimately control and help our residents solve problems as far as possible. On the website, there is a “Jivo-chat,” where users can communicate directly with customer service about their problems, and there are phone numbers and email addresses. The relationship between us and our customers does not end with the purchase of real estate and the sign-

ing of the contract: Our goal is to make the customer satisfied so they can enjoy to the end all the benefits we have created within the complex. I would also like to thank all our customers and once again express my respect for them and assure you that we will always be by their side.

WHAT IS THE MARKET SITUATION TODAY IN TERMS OF PRICES? AS A REAL ESTATE EXPERT, WHAT SHOULD CONSUMERS EXPECT IN THE FUTURE?

If we take the data of the third quarter of 2021, the Residential Real Estate Price Index (RPPI) has increased by 6.2% compared to the 2020 average, and this is logical in the environment in which we live, I mean the pandemic, restrictions and the resulting processes.

The pandemic created significant global gaps in the supply chain. Restrictions in different countries continue to slow the flow of raw materials and ready goods, which in some cases leads to a complete cessation of production.

Organizations were forced to reduce staff, which led to staff shortages. This further accelerated and deepened the problems that already existed in the supply chain, to which are added inflation, expensive materials, and so on.

All this in general leads to an increase in prices. It is true that in Georgia, and in Tbilisi in particular, that growth is not large at this stage (as I mentioned above, 6.2%), but we cannot escape it in the future. According to statistics from the world's leading countries, for example, the price of newly built apartments in the United States has increased by 32.6%, while in large cities such as New York, Chicago and Dallas, this growth is close to the 43% mark.

We strive to maintain affordable prices and thus make it easier for customers to purchase an apartment in our complex. This project was already planned, the prices were set, and most importantly, our unwavering position was that the prices must be fixed in the national currency. This applies to both the single payment system and internal installments. I think this makes the process of buying an apartment much easier for our customers. In addition, the company uses individual approaches with all customers. We have discounts, at this stage for example there is a special New Year promotion on apartments and parking lots. We try our best to offer customers acceptable conditions.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our customers and future customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and a happy life in your new home!

8

SOCIETY

GEORGIA TODAY

DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 13, 2022

In Pursuit of Novelties: Interview with the Head of "Innova Invitro", Dr. Ketevan Osidze

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linic "Inova Invitro" appeared on the Georgian market more than 5 years ago, and during this time was able to easily gain the public's trust by offering them high quality servise. The clinic primarily deals with gynecology and fertility issues, and, over the years, it has earned a reputation as a highly qualified, well-organized clinic tailored to the individual needs of patients. Ketevan Osidze, Head of Inova Invitro, Reproductologist, ObstetricianGynecologist, tells us about the main advantages of the clinic, important news in the field, and other interesting topics.

“We are in collaboration with the world leader in our field - the Valencian Institute for Infertility IVI. This contract guarantees that we have specialists with the highest qualifications and results in the embryology laboratory,” Dr. Osidze says. “For their specialist, Hector Huete Ferriz, Georgia is practically a second homeland. Although Georgian embryologists have already established themselves as trusted specialists, Hector is happy to continue to participate in the development of our clinic. Moreover, in our country, patient appreciation for personal work is often seen and is big pleasure to receive it. Several couples are already planning to have a second and third child thanks to his work. It might sound funny to you, but one of the cutest girls told us that she’s going to name her second child Hector. The first, of course, was named after her father-in-law. This young woman is now again pregnant and we are waiting for her second child to be born a girl or a boy.”

WHAT ARE THE MAIN ADVANTAGES OF THE CLINIC? Most of our services are costly, complicated procedures, and the patient along with the authority of the clinic must have the belief of the doctor and embryologist that this fine process will be done professionally and with maximum transparency what will ensure minimal stress for them. Our priority is to make the patient fully aware of possible outcomes, modifications and capabilities. With the knowledge and experience of doctors, the professionalism and diligence of the embryology team is a key prerequisite for our success.

It is our greatest comfort and pleasure to be able to follow the innovations of our own field and introduce any new method. With so much innovations,

genetic research is especially evolving.

For the fourth year we are successfully completing one of the most difficult procedures: PGT-A and PGT M - studies of embryos. In addition to the theoretical aspects, the delicate performance of embryological procedures is very important. The possibilities of this method are irreplaceable for those who need it; however, the evaluation of indications and the pragmatic necessity in relation to price are not unequivocal and the experience of the physician fully determines the recommendations. The possibility of screening non-invasive embryos for aneuploidy - a procedure that is in the final stages of approbation and introduction to the clinic - would be a methodological step forward for good outcomes.

TELL US ABOUT NOVELTIES IN THE FIELD. It is especially important to refine the freezing methods of biological material - gametes and cells. The introduction of the so-called vitrification method into practice has led to a dramatic increase in the efficiency of in vitro procedures, while allowing us to virtually eliminate the most dangerous complication - hyperstimulation syndrome. Unfortunately, career plans and various social factors cause a woman to face infertility due to a decrease in ovarian reserve and chances of pregnancy. As a way out of the situation, timely vitrification of the gametes - eggs has its role. I would like to take this moment and urge women to apply this method in a timely manner as well, since at a more advanced age, the effectiveness is really drastically reduced.

Freezing is also very helpful before largescale gynecological surgeries - despite the reduction in ovarian reserve after surgery, consecutive frozen-warmed embryo transfer (FET) is still very effective.

AS WE KNOW, FREEZING METHODS ARE ALSO NEEDED FOR ONCOLOGY PATIENTS. A separate niche in the use of cryo technologies is to maintain reproductive potential for cancer patients of both sexes. It is gratifying that our colleagues - oncologists, surgeons, hematologists - are increasingly referring patients to us. The fact is that often, after courses of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, irreversible changes develop in the ovarian and testicular tissue and the patient may become sterile. Unfortunately, one study

found that only 32% of cancer patients were aware of the damaging effects of chemotherapy and the presence of vitrification methods. I think journalism should play its role in disseminating this information. In my opinion, it is necessary for the state to be involved in these processes and to allocate partial funding for the given needs of this most complicated contingent.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE KEY TO THE CLINIC'S SUCCESS? I think the in vitro fertilization department is our uniquely strong side. I am happy to share the accumulated experience with new specialists. After outpatient treatment, sometimes the only way is IVF - In Vitro Fertilization, and the patient's greatest comfort if he or she continues treatment in the hands of personal doctor. Detailed knowledge and

analysis of the patient's diagnosis, anamnesis is the key to success. In general, our field deals with such a sensitive topic that it implies a long-term and trusting relationship between the patient and the doctor. We are very grateful to the patients who trust us and follow us in their treatment.

AS WE KNOW, PREGNANCY IS ALSO MANAGED IN THE CLINIC ...

Alongside other routine gynecological procedures, I especially like to single out pregnancy management. If the pregnancy of a difficult patient (pregnancy after infertility, pregnant women over the age of 46, women who underwent spontaneous abortions) requires specific management and prevention of complications, in general a pregnant woman without complications should be offered

the minimum necessary services. The strongest ultrasound department and well-maintained laboratory services allow our obstetricians to protect pregnant women against pregnancy complications.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THE LADIES? I urge women to take prophylactic studies. Pap tests, gynecological examinations and breast ultrasounds must be performed at certain intervals - often in case of pathology, and in case of normal condition - at least once every two years.

Fertility issues should be priority and timely planned pregnancy is much better decision then carrier growth or all other reasons. Solving the problems detected timely is easier and ensures a much higher quality of life. I wish you all good health!

The New Year Resolutions Georgia Should Make and Stick To OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE

N

ew Year Resolutions are a purely western tradition, but we might use it here in Georgia too if we could think of some useful ones to make that wouldn’t take too much sweat to keep up. As a matter of fact, there is nothing special about the New Year in the United States, except that a new calendar year starts, and Americans tend to make fresh resolutions at the beginning of the New Year. Those resolutions could be of any wording and content, but it is a must that they contain a certain desire and potential to improve one’s lifestyle, anything along the lines of “listen more, talk less,” “go to sleep with kind thoughts,” “try to treat people well on social media,” “don’t keep grudges,” “work out twice a week,” “read a book a fortnight,” “lose weight,” “drink water regularly,” “cut out alcohol,” “stop smoking,”, etc. Such resolutions are made by regular individuals, but the resolutions made by a nation should probably be more solid and should certainly be more impressive.

If Georgia wants to embark on better

Image source: newsweek.com

social and economic practices than it did last year, it has to change the unfavorable political measures into more effective ones. For this, the nation should make the following resolutions and do its possible best to live up to their undelayed fulfillment without failure: get the failing demography up and going so much that by the end of the year, Geor-

gia’s population is a minimum five million people; give its boys and girls the kind of education that easily translates into wellbeing, and do this by mobilizing the crème de la crème of the nation into the army of productive teachers; bring the annual economic growth up to 10%, and let it directly reflect on the lifestyle of our workforce and their fam-

ilies, seeing them starting to believe that the high labor productivity is not a utopia in this country; arrest prices on food, medication and utilities, and if they can’t be curbed, let at least the wages keep up with runaway costs; handle inflation not by putting additional boosting funds into the money market, but by making new internationally sellable products; overcome the remaining poverty by creating new jobs and retraining the personnel accordingly, thus giving another chance to people who fell out of the labor market due to the absence of relevant qualifications; give impetus to tourism by refreshing the old infrastructure and building new, as well as constructing better roads and using local talent and hosting capacities; create conditions for banks to let them serve people with lower interest rates and higher-quality banking products; find a way to get rid of the irksome political polarization that is universally killing the opportunity to build mutually beneficial cooperation between the opposing parties; handle the future membership in NATO and the EU so masterfully that Russia desists eyeing Georgia’s national borders and whetting her appetite to gobble us up; talk to Russia in a way which excludes arrogance

on the one hand and obsequiousness on the other, the discourse being conducive to reinstating our temporarily forfeited lands in peace and good faith; go to mills and factories to work in lieu of all kinds of parades, manifestations and demonstrations; eradicate criminal activity so much that the good citizens of Georgia relax and feel free to leave their cars and houses unlocked without being afraid of high-jacking and burglary; introduce a strict and lawful architectural planning of our big cities, thus keeping our beautiful landscape from hideous views; learn how to keep the streets clean from animal droppings and other litter so that our niche in the western family of nations becomes more natural and, consequently, accessible; stop abusing each other as vehemently as we do over social media; be proud of the ancient Georgian culture and the heroic national past, but look forward into the future as well, being conscious that retrospect is good but prospect is even better; learn English, but remember that keeping up the purity and respectful practicability of our own Kartuli is no less important.

Bring all these resolutions to life, and Christmas will feel merrier and the New Year happier.

SOCIETY

GEORGIA TODAY

DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 13, 2022

9

Bazari Orbeliani – “New Life” for a Historic Market & The Most Distinctive Gastronomic Space in Tbilisi

BY ANA DUMBADZE

D

uring the festive season, each of us wants an inspiring place to shop, a place where one can find all the necessary items for home and gifts, and have fun in a cozy environment.

Very much worth checking out in Tbilisi is Bazari Orbeliani, an innovative and unique facility that completely changes the customer experience. Unlike a traditional grocery store or supermarket, it’s a perfect place for having a good time any day of the week, either alone or with friends and family, where together you’ll discover a plethora of unique and high quality products.

There are many markets in Tbilisi, but, due to sanitary norms, customers are often reluctant to go. The Bazari Orbeliani company thus decided to arrange a new space with well-arranged infrastructure, a modern design and the highest observance of sanitary norms, where both locals and foreign tourists can buy agricultural products and taste Georgian cuisine from different regions.

Implemented by the company Mercado, and with its unique concept and characteristics, Bazari Orbeliani is a special place in Georgia and the region as a whole. The company notes that the project is the first of its kind in the region and that it was fully implemented with Georgian investment.

This is a space whose concept is to revive a bazaar that has existed on the spot since 1886, in the historical part of the capital, giving it a modern and cozy environment.

Bazari Orbeliani combines 35 modern food facilities and a food hall with various restaurants - both Georgian and offering other magnificent cuisines from all over the world.

The market started operating this autumn, and aims to support local entrepreneurs.

The project planned to create a modern agrarian market on the first floor and

35 different food facilities on the second floor. Such a format allowed farmers and representatives of small and medium businesses from different regions of

Georgia to personally present and sell their grown and produced products.

Furthermore, the visitors of the facility have an opportunity to see various

production demonstrated at the venue, such as ceramics, making of traditional Georgian candy churchkhela and more, which makes the facility an even more attractive and exciting place for visitors.

All this allows the market to fully present and popularize Georgian culture, agriculture, cuisine and other important fields in one space, under one roof. This is also an important comfort for customers, who can buy all the necessary items for their homes in one space, quickly and conveniently.

The project plays an important part in supporting the local economy, as it directly employs hundreds of small entrepreneurs, farmers, cooks and those from many other professions, and indirectly employs hundreds of people from around the capital and in the countryside / regions.

As demand gradually increases, entrepreneurs and farmers are going to be able to expand their existing production.

In terms of tourism, the area represents a unique attraction for both locals and foreign visitors, where they can discover exciting Georgian food culture and traditions. By opening Bazari Orbeliani, a new landmark that has no similarity in the region was added to the city. Similar projects have long been successful in cities around the world: New York, Madrid, Barcelona, Florence, Rome, Budapest, London, Lisbon, Tokyo, Tel Aviv and many others, successfully operating and presenting the city; and now, Tbilisi also boasts such a space with a diverse concept.

The company that implemented the

project is proud that such an important project for the region was implemented during the pandemic.

"This concept is well-proven in international markets, and in the process of creating ‘Bazari Orbeliani,' we shared the experience and knowledge of developed countries," note the company representatives.

The management team of the facility is constantly focused on development and novelties, offering customers ever more innovative products and services.

In future, there are plans to open a Bazari gastronomic school in the venue, equipped with the latest equipment, a platform for masterclasses that will interest both Georgians and tourists.

Together with famous chefs, it will be possible for visitors to cook both Georgian and foreign dishes and have an unforgettable time with friends, colleagues or children.

It is also planned to open a cheese enterprise where cheese production will take place.

Every day, more and more renowned chefs, café-restaurants, and entrepreneurs are joining the market, making it even more diverse.

Most importantly, Bazari Orbeliani is big space, covering up to 10 000 sq.m., with a large terrace covering 2000 sq.m., and beautiful city views.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to shop during the winter holidays or throughout the year, do not hesitate to visit Bazari Orbeliani!

Working hours: I floor: 09:00 - 21:00 II floor: 10:00 - 23:00 (On weekends 10:00 - 24:00)

10

SOCIETY

GEORGIA TODAY

DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 13, 2022

A Year of Cultural Exchange and MASHAV Aid

BLOG BY RAN GIDOR, AMBASSADOR OF ISRAEL TO GEORGIA

T

he end of the year is usually a period ripe for reflection and self-reckoning, both collectively and individually. Looking back on everything that the Israeli Embassy in Tbilisi has been trying to achieve in 2021, I cannot but regret that the Covid-19 pandemic has prevented us from implement-

ing our work-plan on its original scale.

Nevertheless, the necessity to ‘think outside of the box’ and add new diplomatic tools to our arsenal has also served to refresh our thinking, open up exciting, untapped possibilities, and put us in touch with new partners.

In July, MASHAV (Israel’s International Development Cooperation Agency) hosted in Israel the first ever-training seminar designed exclusively for Georgian farmers and agronomists. We inaugurated an agricultural demonstration hub near Mtskheta, which will hopefully grow in the coming years to become a regional focal point for training and knowledge sharing. We also established four new MASHAV Shalom alumni clubs in various regions around the country, bringing the nationwide total to six. This month, we launched an extensive webinar on digital health with the participation of over 40 leading Georgian health practitioners, following MASHAV support to the NCDC, Georgian Red Cross Society and Georgia office of WHO. But more than anything else, we are proud of the dozens of Israeli-made purification units installed in schools and kindergartens all over the country, supplying thousands of children, families and teaching staff with clean drinking water.

The Israeli Embassy has also initiated some exciting cultural projects, designed to appeal to fresh audiences, and dealing

unblinkingly with social issues common to both our nations. Together with the Sulakauri Publishing House, we are about to publish an anthology of five Israeli drama plays – all written by contemporary female playwrights exploring the roles of women within marriage, family and society in 21st century. The brilliant Data Tavadze (Royal District Theater) has produced stunning video adaptations of selected scenes from those five plays, which will be uploaded to social media and will hopefully trigger some lively public debates.

Upon Tbilisi assuming the title of ‘UNESCO World Book Capital,’ our Embassy also announced (jointly with Intelekti Press) a short story competition revolving around Jewish-Georgian themes. Once again, we didn’t shirk back from touching on sensitive or controversial issues, and the eight winning stories will be published together as an anthology in the coming weeks.

However, this blog entry is not meant as a tediously exhaustive list of projects, but rather as an opportunity to take stock of previous hopes and future possibilities. During the past 12 months, I toured Georgia far and wide, both professionally and privately with my family. Once again, I realized that the legendary Georgian hospitality, generosity and friendliness is not a myth but a solid national characteristic. I have seen the most breathtakingly stunning vistas, tasted the most incredible dishes, and made new friends for life. But if I had to choose one indelible impression that will stay with me forever, it will have to be the stupendously rich cultural life of this country.

It was my good fortune to meet in person Georgian artists of global fame such as the great violinist Lisa Batiashvili and conductor Nikoloz Rachveli. I was privileged to host at our residence some legendary artists: singer Nani Bregvadze, Prima Ballerina Nina Ananiashvili, pianist Eliso Bolkvadze, producer and director Leo Gabriadze, author Dato Turashvili, icon painter David Sulakauri, fabric artist Nino Kipshidze, photographer Daro Sulakauri and award-winning film director Levan Koguashvili.

No less exciting was the opportunity

to meet the younger generation of inspirational artists, who will undoubtedly make their mark on the international scene in years to come: the visionary artist Levan Songulashvili, astounding pianists Sandro Gegechkori and Giorgi Gigashvili, artists and curators Magda Batiashvili, Lasha Tsetsvadze, Gvantsa Jishkariani, Giorgi Rodionov, Ana Gabelaia and Nini Darchia, architect Eliso Sulakauri and fashion designers Vaska Tabatadze and Levan Dvali, actress and playwright Ana Sanaia, and photographers Bakur Tvrineli and Mari Ataneli.

All these remarkable people combined to create the almost statistical improbability of converting this small Caucasian nation of 3.7 million people into a ‘cultural empire’, punching way above its weight and providing a shining example to other, much bigger and infinitely more affluent countries.

Next year, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of our bilateral diplomatic relations. Admittedly, it is but a brief moment in the 26-century-old friendship between Georgians and Jews, but one that gives us pause to reassess, reevaluate and regroup. Both our nations have had to deal with centuries of adversity as well as recent political instability, and both have emerged all the stronger and much more resilient for that. I am looking forward to injecting our political, academic, scientific, cultural and intellectual exchange with fresh contents and contemporary narratives that reflect 21st century realities and our ever-evolving societies. Previous generations have provided us with a rock-solid base, and now it is our duty to modernize our bilateral relations and enhance them even further. The possibilities are endless!

innocent guest house owners who would suffer dreadfully from a tourism boycott, though.

The consensus is that local government, perhaps up to the highest levels, is deeply invested in this electricity theft, so, making mining of bitcoin illegal would have to get past them, and then be enforced even if it became law. Big hurdles, let us be realistic. However, if they want to be kings of an empty and totally lawless province, let them continue as they are.

Shakespeare’s Juliet says, learning of Romeo’s family which is at war against hers, “My only love sprung from my only hate!”. I say, My hate sprung from what I love! Is this how I should leave Svaneti,

with a taste in my mouth so foul all I want to do is spew it out? Please, God, no.

And…as always at the moment, in Georgia’s current political season, #mishavs means: “It matters to me”!

Darkest Days BLOG BY TONY HANMER

T

his isn’t a happy Christmas post about how the Light of the World was born during the days when there is the least light in His homeland, the longest nights and shortest days. I’m writing this on the shortest day of all, December 22. At least from here until half a year away we have more light to look forward to, if not (for some months yet in Svaneti) more warmth. The coldest weeks and months are, ironically, still ahead of us.

While I do believe in that Light of the World, shrouded as He may be in the distancing of 2000-odd years, this is not a hopeful post. The electrical situation in our village of Etseri and in most of the rest of Upper Svaneti is critical, worse than it’s been for the 10 winters we have lived in this house. I drove down to Zugdidi last week to stock up on shop goods before the big snows promised by forecasts could arrive, and was shocked at

the low level of the Enguri hydroelectric dam which supplies us with our free electricity. It looks to contain about as much water as it should in spring, when our normal increased power demand and the lesser inflow have yet to both reverse and refill it.

The reason, everyone knows, is simple, and I wrote about it two weeks ago: unrestrained bitcoin mining at a huge scale. Most of my neighbors have to switch everything else off to run a washing machine. Last night, even our lightbulbs were dim orange instead of blinding white; then the power went off at around 10 pm and has yet, as I write this14 hours later, to reappear. Two days before that, it was off when we awoke at about 8 am, and came on for about ½ a second no less than eight times until fully returning after 4 pm. I had already unplugged all the sensitive electrical appliances in case of a surge with these flashes of power, and only plugged them back in when the situation seemed to have stabilized late in the afternoon.

Our house actually has it better than most, with two power lines running in.

No-one has a generator except us, either, and ours is only 5 KW, not enough for more than the fridges and freezers and a laptop; it’s not connected to the whole house, as that would simply be absurdly beyond its capacity.

I talk to a friend who’s in local government and he suggests a village meeting to hash the whole thing out, with an ultimatum: get rid of your mining machines or we’ll call in the police.

Another friend assures me his household is doing the bitcoin thing too… and while I don’t want to go on rumors, I’m almost ready to believe all sorts of things. I do know, from firsthand experience, how bitterly divided the Svans can be against each other in the best of times, let alone these worst ones. So there’s that to take into account.

If we can’t live normal lives, not even luxurious lives but simply have a regular and stable power supply, what are we here for? Who among us even has the choice to pack up and leave? Should we have a general strike, ask tourists to stay away, protest in the streets of our villages and in Mestia? There are plenty of

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

CULTURE

GEORGIA TODAY

DECEMBER 31, 2021 - JANUARY 13, 2022

11

‘Tsvara Jewelry’ - Modern Continuation of Ancient Georgian Jewelry Culture Opens Showroom at 37 I. Chavchavadze, in Axis Towers Shopping Center

WHAT KIND OF JEWELRY CAN CUSTOMERS FIND AT TSVARA? In order to continue the cultural traditions of jewelry making, Tsvara successfully managed to produce jewelry based on ancient traditions and enrich these unique technologies through modern innovative approaches, better suited to the dynamic style of the modern century. In the collections, we find a variety of technologies, colors, sizes, and scales: the Tsvara technique (granulation), filigree, enameling, decoration with precious stones, artistic framing of precious metal, an abundance of original designs, and Georgian ornaments - all this combined into meticulously refined forms of jewelry.

The cultural origin of Tsvara jewelry, as well as the geographical location of its production, is Georgian. It is in Tbilisi that every detail, design, and techni-

cal unique characteristic of Tsvara jewelry is created.

Vaja Kutateladze, painter, scientist, and professional jeweler with many years of experience, is the man behind that magic, and he leads the process of creating outstanding, modern, and uniquely designed jewelry items.

Recently, the brand opened another new showroom at 37 I. Chavchavadze Street, in the multi-functional shopping center of Axis Towers, where it offers lovers of beauty and especially delicate aesthetics a unique choice of silver and gold products distinguished by its high virtuosity of execution.

Tsvara invites customers to explore a beautiful blend of the past and present centuries’ achievements, a modern continuation of the ancient Georgian jewelry culture.

David Kutateladze, Co - Founder of Tsvara Jewelry Company

G

eorgian jewelry brand "Tsvara" with a complex, diverse line of silver and gold collections, was born in 2016. Those appreciating Georgian cultural heritage and values are already familiar with the magnificent, high-quality product of the brand.

“It is important to emphasize the significance of Georgia as an ancient and

rich jewelry culture center,” Megi Chikhradze, public relations representative of the company, told GEORGIA TODAY. “With unique technologies, Georgia rightly represents the oldest homeland of metalworking in the world.

The stages of origin and development of jewelry art in Georgia are represented no less proudly than other Georgian cultural heritage, like Georgian dance, Georgian polyphony, and Georgian wine

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and cuisine.”

Tsvara jewelry continues history and produces jewelry pieces that represent a combination of prosperous ancient jewelry cultures that have been developing on the ancient territory of Georgia since the 7th-5th centuries BC. Various examples of royal and sacred jewels created through this period claim its place among the golden treasure of the Georgian National Museum.

Journalists: Ana Dumbadze, Vazha Tavberidze, Tony Hanmer, Emil Avdaliani, Nugzar B. Ruhadze, Michael Godwin, Ketevan Skhirtladze Photographer: Aleksei Serov

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