Issue #1295

Issue no: 1295

• MAY 7 - 13, 2021 • PUBLISHED WEEKLY

FOCUS ON THE HPP PROTEST

As the protests continue, we speak exclusively to one of the organizers on the inner thinking of the collective

PAGE 9

PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue...

A Week of Political Meetings and Strategic Discussions with Foreign Diplomats NEWS PAGE 2

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Landsbergis: The South Caucasus Needs More Europe POLITICS PAGE 3

Something Good about Georgia. Thank You, Eugene Markov!

POLITICS PAGE 4

ISET Business Confidence Index | Q2 2021: Looking Forward BUSINESS PAGE 7

Gomelauri: Moped Drivers Will Soon Need a Driver’s License

Corona Updates: Cases Continue to Rise in Georgia

BY ANA DUMBADZE

T

he epidemiological situation in Georgia has significantly deteriorated in recent days.

The country is recording 15002100 new coronavirus cases daily on average, with a minimum 10 and maximum 24 fatalities reported on a daily basis.

The capital Tbilisi remains a hotspot in terms of infection spread.

The coronavirus data for this week has been relatively alarming, showing notable increase: Georgia reported 2171 coronavirus cases, 1074 recoveries, and 24 deaths on Wednesday, with 27,648 tests conducted in the 24 hours prior. This was a shocking jump up from the 788 new cases and 20 deaths reported on Tuesday. Thursday morning presented reports of 1806 new coronavirus cases, 1144 recoveries, and 20 deaths, with 28,180 tests conducted throughout the country.

Continued on page 2

SOCIETY PAGE 10

Profile: Kato Shalvashvili, Sommelier SOCIETY PAGE 10

7 USAID-Supported Museums for the Perfect Day Trip CULTURE PAGE 11 CULTURE PAGE 11 Prepared for Georgia Today Business by

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2

NEWS

GEORGIA TODAY MAY 7 - 13, 2021

A Week of Political Meetings and Strategic Discussions with Foreign Diplomats

The Georgian PM and President of Azerbaijan discuss their two countries' strategic partnership.

BY TEAM GT

O

n May 5, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili paid an official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, where he met with President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, in the Zagulba Presidential Palace in Baku.

The sides are said to have focused on the strategic partnership and friendly relations between the two countries, and to have highlighted the successful projects of regional importance implemented through joint efforts.

“Our brotherly relationship has existed for centuries,” Aliyev said. “It is a relationship characterized by dynamism and covering many areas. We have a very good history of implementing joint projects, including in the fields of energy and transport. These projects have changed the political, economic and transport situation in the region. Without strong partnerships between our countries, these projects would not have been possible.

“The last day of 2020 coincided with the last day of the implementation of the Southern Gas Pipeline project, which is of great importance not only for the development of the Caucasus but also for the wider region: for stability, predictability and cooperation,” he noted.

“Azerbaijan is still among the largest investors in the Georgian economy. This is a credit to the reforms implemented in the country, thus creating a positive and favorable investment climate. I know that many Azerbaijani companies want to work in Georgia, and I hope that will happen,” the President said.

After inviting the President to visit Georgia, Georgia’s PM recalled the words spoken by Aliyev’s father in Tbilisi, that “The brotherhood of the Georgian and Azerbaijani nations is our destiny. Thus, we are interconnected and interdependent.”

According to Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis National Assembly, who hosted the PM during

his visit, Azerbaijan and Georgia have signed more than 100 intergovernmental documents, with 15 documents now under consideration, creating a legal framework for relations in numerous spheres.

“Last year, despite the pandemic, the trade turnover between our countries amounted to over $500 million,” Gafarova noted. “Today, Azerbaijan is one of the largest investors in Georgia's economy, and Georgia is an active participant in the international projects implemented by our country. Azerbaijan and Georgia play an important role in European energy and transport security via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-TbilisiErzurum gas pipelines.”

This week, the Georgian PM also met with Kelly Degnan, US Ambassador to Georgia, in Tbilisi.

Their conversation focused on key directions of Georgia-US strategic partnership across a variety of areas, notably security cooperation, the global challenges posed by COVID-19, and the process of vaccination.

The PM welcomed the arrival of USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753), the fourth Legend-class cutter of the United States Coast Guard, in Batumi, emphasizing that this visit demonstrates the importance of the Black Sea for Euro-Atlantic security, and bolsters both security cooperation and regional peace and stability.

The parties also singled out the importance of rapid vaccination and joint efforts for effectively combatting the pandemic.

“This was an important opportunity to discuss with Prime Minister Garibashvili many of the issues on our agenda.

The PM meets with US Ambassador Degnan.

The Minister of Culture discusses cooperation with French Ambassador Colas.

There are a lot of priority issues that we are already working on with the government, one of them being, of course, COVID response and the vaccine rollout,” Degnan said afterwards. “We are hoping that Georgians will go out there and get vaccinated. We’ve had very good success in the United States, where over 55% of the adult population has now been vaccinated. I have been vaccinated; my teenage kids have been vaccinated.

We see that this is the way to reopen our economies, reopen our schools, and get life back to some kind of normal.

“We also discussed our security agenda and many different issues we are working on. We have coast guard cutter Hamilton visiting Batumi. US Navy vessels love coming to Georgia, and we’ve been doing some good training with the Georgian Coast Guard. I’m very impressed with what the Georgian Coast Guard is able to do; its level of capability, its professionalism. And we are delighted to continue to cooperate with Georgia all across the security sector.”

Also for her part moving diplomatic relations forward, the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Youth Affairs of Georgia, Tea Tsulukiani, met with the Ambassador of France to Georgia Diego Colas this week to discuss the possibilities of future cooperation in the field of culture, sports, and youth.

The Minister is to visit Leuville in France on May 20. In 1922, the mansion provided refuge to exiled Georgian leader Noe Zhordania and his government-inexile. The 4.5 ha estate where the Geor-

gian government was located was handed over to Georgia by France in 2016.

The main purpose of Tsulukiani’s visit will be to hold meetings with the municipal authorities regarding the estate, as well as with the descendants of representatives of Georgian political emigration. The Minister will get acquainted with the first phase of rehabilitation works carried out on the Leuville estate under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2018 to date, and she will discuss the implementation of the next stages with all stakeholders. As a result of the work carried out, a cultural center is to be arranged at Leuville.

At the meeting with Ambassador Colas, the Paris Book Fair was discussed, an event which has been postponed several times due to the pandemic and is expected to next take place in 2023. The Ambassador noted that the French Embassy will support Georgia’s participation.

Minister Tsulukiani also met with the Ambassador of Germany to Georgia Hubert Knirsch to talk about deepening cooperation between the two countries in the field of culture, sports, and youth.

The German Ambassador highlighted the historic German settlements in Bolnisi municipality, where several houses have been granted the status of cultural heritage monument. He noted the German side is ready to rehabilitate several houses in the area in accordance with Georgian legislation. He also discussed with Tsulukiani the upcoming Frankfurt Book Fair and UNESCO’s naming Tbilisi as Book Capital 2021.

Corona Updates: Cases Continue to Rise in Georgia Continued from page 1 Tbilisi recorded the highest number of 1089 cases that day, followed by the Adjara region with 167 cases, and the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region with 121 cases.

Georgia’s total case tally reached 317,719 on Thursday, among them, 297,676 recoveries and 4227 fatalities.

The daily test-positivity rate at time of print stands at 6.41%.

Presently, there are 15,816 active cases of infection in the country.

In connection with the pandemic, May 4-11 was declared a holiday in Georgia, aiming to reduce public mobility. Municipal transport was stopped in cities, but intercity transport and taxis are still running.

THE VACCINES Against the background of the alarming epidemiological situation, the vaccina-

tion process is being actively carried out, and as of Thursday, 51,600 people had received the coronavirus vaccine in Georgia.

On May 6, Georgia received 43,000 more doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from the COVAX platform, intended for those who have already received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

The registration of citizens for the second dose of AstraZeneca started on May 5, while vaccination will be available from May 10.

Vaccination with the Chinese vaccine Sinopharm started in Georgia on May 4, with demand from citizens proving high. To encourage citizens to follow their example, government and health officials have this week been getting vaccine jabs publicly. On 4 May, Amiran Gamkrelidze, Director of the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, was vaccinated with Sinopharm in front of media representatives.

“It is symbolic that today, for the first time, I get vaccinated with a new vaccine. It is the third vaccine to be introduced in the country. The vaccination process started in the country on March 15, with AstraZeneca, then we began with Pfizer. The Chinese-made vaccine Sinopharm is a well-tested vaccine. Vaccination with this vaccine is underway in 45 countries. It is made using ‘traditional’ technology, to which you are all accustomed. Many of you have been vaccinated with this technology during your childhood. It is a vaccine based on the inactivated virus, of which 200 million doses have already been administered in China and around the world. We received 100,000 doses of Sinopharm in April.”

On 5 May, Vakhtang Gomelauri, Minister of Internal Affairs, was also publicly vaccinated with Sinopharm. Employees of the ministry will also receive the vaccine.

It was announced this week that those

employed in the tourism and hospitality sector, and public transport drivers and controllers, will be involved in the vaccination process.

“Based on the decision of the Interagency Coordination Council, in the process of vaccination, persons employed in the tourism and hospitality sector, along with drivers and controllers of

public transport, will be added to the existing priority groups,” said Giorgi Gibradze, Council Chief of Operations.

To register for a vaccination, go to: https:// booking.moh.gov.ge/ The COVID-19 Vaccination Information Hotline “1522” is open weekends, from 09:00 to 23:00.

POLITICS

GEORGIA TODAY MAY 7 - 13, 2021

3

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Landsbergis: The South Caucasus Needs More Europe

BY TEAM GT

L

ithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, on a busy visit to Georgia prior to the Georgian Easter break, held meetings with the President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, new Speaker of Parliament Kakhaber Kutchava, and the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs David Zalkaliani, amongst others.

Landsbergis and the Georgian leaders discussed the ongoing reforms in the country, preparations for the next Eastern Partnership summit scheduled for autumn, topical issues of bilateral relations, the security situation in the region, and emphasized Russia’s destructive role.

Before departure, Landsbergis issued a statement on social media summing up his visit, where he noted that more Europe is needed in all three countries of the South Caucasus.

“Three South Caucasus states, different troubles; one repeating phenomenon.

Russia’s influence is growing throughout the South Caucasus region. Armenia sees Russian soldiers in its territory as a result of Azerbaijan’s possible aggression. Is it real, uncertain, but Russia is ‘voluntarily’ introducing additional capacity into the country. It’s nasty because it reminds me of the 1940s in Lithuania,” Landsbergis wrote.

“Since 2008, Russia has been fortifying the occupied territories, introducing new soldiers, building bases in their ter-

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. April 28, 2021. Source: gov.ge

ritories. After looking at the whole region, it looks like Russia is creating a “Kaliningrad”: strongly militarized enclaves whose help can threaten further military intervention or at least present regular political challenges. Experts from all three countries unanimously agree that the withdrawing of the United States from the geopolitical world, the European Union’s caution, and the growing Russian military power in the region, poses a threat of redrawing the map.

That’s why all three South Caucasus countries need more Europe,” he emphasized. “Europe is a soft power and that's exactly what the South Caucasus needs.

Europe must go back to where the Eastern Partnership began 10 years ago. If

we don't find a way to get back, soon there may be nowhere to go back to.”

Turning to domestic issues, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister spoke about the recent signing of the Michel Agreement which got most of the opposition back into Parliament.

“The agreement reached on 19 April will ensure the stability necessary to achieve ambitious goals. Therefore, I call on the country’s political forces to come to a compromise and to effectively implement what has been agreed,” he said.

He also voiced Lithuania’s support for Georgia’s aspirations for NATO and EU membership and stressed the need to continue the reforms necessary for the

integration process. Landsbergis noted that Lithuania would continue its versatile support for Georgia in implementing the reforms provided for in the Association Agreement with the EU, especially in the areas related to the EU Green Deal and the country’s resilience.

Officials of both countries agreed to cooperate more closely to prepare for the next Eastern Partnership Summit, and to set ambitious EaP goals. In this context, Landsbergis noted that it was important for Georgia to coordinate with fellow Associated Partners, Ukraine and Moldova.

When speaking about challenges to the South Caucasus regional security, both Landsbergis and the Georgian offi-

I had 35 meetings, a handful of interviews, three runs and five PCR tests. [I’m tired], but if needed, I would pack my suitcases again tomorrow and come back. Gabrielius Landsbergis cials agreed that the greatest threat was posed by the aggressive posture that Russia had taken, and the continuing occupation of Georgia’s territory. The Lithuanian diplomat promised continued support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that he would seek to actively raise this issue in the international arena.

Thoughts on the Russian Policy towards Unrecognized Territories ANALYSIS BY EMIL AVDALIANI

A

special case for the study of Russia’s evolving approach toward territorial conflicts along its borders is the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. The long-standing Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, in which Russia has never been militarily involved but has indirectly been in its orbit, is now under the Kremlin’s direct geopolitical influence. Russia’s decision to send some 2,000 peacekeepers to the conflict zone represents the existing pattern of Moscow’s geopolitical approach to the territorial conflict.

Although Russia has long been the guarantor of order in the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan’s recent military success in and around Nagorno-Karabakh has presented Moscow with a major challenge.

Its approach of maintaining the post-1994 status quo between the two South Caucasus rivals is clearly no longer sustainable, and a new reality, reflecting a new balance of power with another power, Turkey, has emerged.

Russia found itself boxed out of easily influencing future outcomes in the region, a moment which has been a long time coming. Azerbaijan has raced far ahead in the regional arms race, managing to purchase high-tech weaponry from Turkey and Israel, all the while successfully quashing any attempts by NagornoKarabakh to gain international recognition. Moreover, the 2016 four day “April War” over Nagorno-Karabakh can in retrospect be seen as Azerbaijan testing out what it already judged to be its growing military superiority. Although the conflict did not lead to any major ter-

ritorial adjustments, Armenia clearly saw itself as the loser, with President Serzh Sargsyan firing several top generals in its aftermath. At its conclusion, Russia managed to play its traditional role of arbiter, with a ceasefire negotiated in Moscow. Additionally, although Russia has been selling arms to Azerbaijan, its leverage over authorities in Baku has been in decline, while the Turkish influence has been on the rise. Therefore, Moscow faced a somewhat similar dilemma to what it witnessed in other regions: the emergence of another power gradually eating at Russian regional standing. Elsewhere, it has been the collective West; in the case of NagornoKarabakh, it is Turkey.

In the 2020 war, the territorial gains made by Azerbaijan are a concrete manifestation of the growing military imbalance that had already been apparent during 2016 clashes. And this time around, Russian attempts at brokering some kind of a lasting ceasefire in Moscow were patently ignored by troops on the ground.

Indeed, faced with a territorial fait accompli, Russia felt tempted to openly legitimate Azerbaijan’s gains rather than appear even more powerless. Such a move, however, could come with costs to Russia’s clout within Armenia. As a full member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Armenia expected Russian aid should its territorial integrity come under direct threat.

But given that Nagorno-Karabakh is not even officially recognized by the Armenians themselves, Russia is not treatybound to intervene. Nevertheless, Russia did not make a move for weeks. Some speculated that the reason for Russian reticence could have been Moscow’s antipathy toward Armenia’s reformist

Turkey’s very vocal and active support of Azerbaijan cuts at the very essence of Russia’s role as a regional arbiter.

Image source: gzeromedia.com

prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, who came to power in 2018 following the Velvet Revolution and has since tried to foster deeper ties with the West than his predecessors. However, the Russian vision was purely geopolitical.

Armenia, sandwiched between Azerbaijan and Turkey, had no potential alternative patrons and the Russians may have banked on a stinging defeat hurting Pashinyan to attain additional concessions from Yerevan. The defeat did not mean the fall of the densely populated core of Nagorno-Karabakh. This would

have been a red line for Russia. Such a defeat would inflict lasting damage to Russia’s reputation in the region: By allowing Azerbaijan to reconquer all its claimed territories, Russia would lose one of its main sources of leverage in the region, over both countries. Therefore, sending Russian peacekeepers to the conflict was a major decision Moscow had been working toward. Such a decision fits neatly into the Russian vision of using unrecognized territories for the geopolitical aim of keeping other powers at bay. The Russian move was also

conditioned by Turkey’s bold policy in the region. Turkey’s very vocal and active support of Azerbaijan cuts at the very essence of Russia’s role as a regional arbiter. Although Russia’s decision to move its peacekeeping troops into the conflict zone is a definite retrenchment of its power in the South Caucasus, Moscow will face an unenviable task in maintaining peace.

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

4

POLITICS

GEORGIA TODAY MAY 7 - 13, 2021

Something Good about Georgia.

Thank You, Eugene Markov!

OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE

F

rankly, I’m ashamed to admit that I had never heard anything about the Russian writer, traveler and ethnographer of the 19th century, Eugene Markov.

Yet, all of a sudden, a couple of days ago, the name popped up on my internet site.

At the very instance I was going to nonchalantly discard the story, I realized that a Russian was saying something very good about Georgia, a fact rarely heard nowadays from a Russian intellectual.

Curious, I read the piece, going on with voracious eagerness. Something good about Georgia, generally speaking, is not a rarity in principle. After all, figures like Strabo, Dumas and Hegel, suffice it to mention just those three outstanding names, have left to us their graciously flattering laudations in favor of Sakartvelo and its people. But hearing praise from a Russian truly attracts attention.

Markov enthusiastically writes that Europe, and especially Russia, have not yet fully comprehended how significant the historical mission is that Georgia has fulfilled thanks to its centuries-old torment, and with the help of the national dedication of Georgians to European Christendom. Having read these words, it inadvertently occurred to me how natural it is that Europe wants to help Georgia out of the difficulty it has lately found itself in.

Markov continues that the Georgian

nation is truly a nation of crusaders.

Exactly as the life of a crusading knight consisted of two different worlds, the life of this nation was split into two realms - the prayer on one hand and the fight against conquerors on the other.

Well, history is history and nobody has to be embarrassed to meditate with good will over its vicissitudes. Thank God, yesterday’s adversaries are today’s friends.

Who knows, someday the same might happen in the Russian-Georgian lovehate political fluids: history has known even stranger alterations.

According to Markov, in more than a thousand years, this nation has kept a firm grip on the sword hilt, and if many of them didn’t have the cross to decorate their combat uniform, they had the same cross embroidered in every single Georgian heart. Because this statement is so true, my sincerely delighted gratitude goes to that singular Russian gentleman of letters. The educated Russian admirer of Sakartvelo thoughtfully concludes that in exactly this way, Georgia became the European Christendom’s border-line sharer and its castle of vigil, always standing to take the first and the harshest adversarial assaults. This minor European ally served a great duty of historic significance to maintain the continent’s security.

I am more than confident in Markov’s precision of thoughts and their truthful verbal formulations. Most likely, a Russian of that magnitude had no reason to exaggerate. He carries on with his exceptional historical factuality and outward

Monument to the Georgian Warrior Heroes. Gori. Sculptor: Giorgi Ochiauri

openness: “Regardless of all the complexities that Georgia had to cope with, this nation has maintained its beauty, language, customs, and traditions, and of course, faith. The energy and fanaticism of myriad eastern cultures and countries have many times been trained on little Georgia’s unflinching breast, and in spite of the fact that their talons have often caught on the peoples, living in Georgia and to its north, most of them

having been proselytized, Georgia managed to remain Christian, and the assault of the East was curbed by the Georgians of those times.”

It is in today’s democratic and friendlier world that we no longer feel the religious differences, and thank God for that, but in the past, as described by Markov, things were totally different.

His story goes further, to close in the following emotional words: “The tem-

ples of Christian Georgia and the crosses on top of those temples were streaming higher and higher, time and again hiding themselves or strengthening once again, keeping fresh their Christian luster.”

Certainly and deliberately, this does not end with the mere recognition that Eugene Markov once felt so to express such sentiment about Georgia: it should be taken to heart in pursuit of our innate tact, tolerance and political correctness!

Ondrej Soukup: Russia Looks at the Czech Republic as a Younger Brother that Has to Listen to Moscow and Behave INTERVIEW BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE

think. So you need preparation, negotiations and not spontaneous decisions.

This is not how things are done.

M

THE INITIAL RESPONSE FROM THE KREMLIN, ONCE THE NEWLY-APPOINTED CZECH FM DEMANDED PARITY ON THE NUMBER DIPLOMATS, WAS THAT “ULTIMATUM TALK” WON’T WORK WITH RUSSIA, AND YET THEY HAD TO ACCEPT THIS FROM THE CZECHS. WHAT IS THE RATIONALE BEHIND IT?

oscow says “yes, yes, Czechia is a very nice place, with some entertaining hobbits living there, brewing perfect beer, but they aren’t supposed to decide anything for themselves, not while we are around to do that for them. So what’s the point in talking to them? We have to talk to Berlin, London, Paris instead.” Ondrej Soukup.

As the diplomatic standoff between Prague and Moscow continues, it is as yet unclear what price the Kremlin will have to pay. This was the principal question GISP asked Ondrej Soukup, journalist at the Czech economic daily Hospodárské Noviny, to shed a light on.

HOW WILL THIS IMPACT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND RUSSIA, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THE CURRENT CZECH LEADERSHIP’S REPUTATION AS ONE OF THE MOST PROKREMLIN IN ALL EUROPE? I think that in order to analyze the current situation, it would be helpful to look at the background first. For years, the Czech Republic was very reluctant to get into any kind of conflict with the Russian Federation. For that reason, we weren’t able to persuade the Russians to downsize their contingent at their gigantic embassy, despite the fact that our security services repeatedly, for the last 15 years at least, have been claiming that at least one third of the excessive number of Kremlin diplomats in the country are working for the Russian intelligence services. So, in a way, what has happened has been a blessing in disguise.

Another issue worth considering is

I believe Russia didn’t want to close down their embassy, and they realized it would inevitably happen if they didn’t agree to the Czech side’s demand.

the dismissive attitude towards the Czech Republic from Russia. On one hand, Russia’s general enmity towards the West is an exacerbating factor, but Russians also look at the Czech Republic as some kind of younger brother that has to listen to Moscow and behave.

They don’t consider us as a sovereign country. They say ‘yes, yes, Czechia is a very nice place, with some entertaining hobbits living there, brewing perfect beer, but they aren’t supposed to decide anything for themselves, not while we are around to do that for them. So what’s the point in talking to them? We have to talk to Berlin, London, Paris instead.’

Both of these factors helped to unite most of the Czech political scene and the public, and helped them to reach an understanding that there is no point in speaking with Russia, because they will only hear what they want to hear.

THE LATEST HEADLINE IN THE CZECH VS. RUSSIA ROW WAS CLAIMED BY PRESIDENT ZEMAN, WHO, AFTER A WEEK’S PAUSE

TO COLLECT HIS THOUGHTS, ISSUED YET ANOTHER DIVISIVE STATEMENT. FOR MANY, THE PRESIDENT SAYING HE WAS NOT SURE WHETHER GRU WAS INVOLVED IN THE VRBETICE INCIDENT COMES STRAIGHT OUT OF KREMLIN’S NOTEBOOK. WHAT’S YOUR TAKE? To be honest, I expected worse. There is something for both sides in his statement: for the Russians, it obviously stops at him saying there is no proof the GRU agents were there. But he also said that it is highly likely that they were there and that he has complete trust in the Czech police forces and the state prosecutor in charge of the investigation.

Over the years, Zeman has mastered the art of political trolling. Three years ago, during the Skripal incident, he cheerfully announced that Novichok could have been produced in the Czech Republic as well, that we have the necessary capacity to create chemical reagents. Which technically is correct, and he got his headlines. Almost nobody remembers his statement in the spring of 2014, when

he proposed that the NATO states should send their armies to defend Ukraine from Russian aggression. After stunning everyone with that remark, he helpfully added: ‘if it is indeed Russian aggression.

But I spoke to FM Lavrov and he assured me there are no Russian soldiers there, so there is no need to send armies after all.’

THE CZECH REPUBLIC REQUESTED SOLIDARITY EXPULSIONS OF RUSSIAN DIPLOMATS FROM THE EU AND NATO. YOU RECEIVED VERBAL SUPPORT, BUT SO FAR ONLY EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES HAVE ACTUALLY EXPELLED DIPLOMATS. IN WESTERN EUROPE, THIS CZECH REQUEST SEEMS TO HAVE FALLEN ON DEAF EARS. WHY? I think it was a big mistake made by Czech diplomats to act so spontaneously about that without pre-negotiating. There are 27 countries in the EU, and let’s be real, the Russia issue is not equally important for all of them…or so they

RUSSIA HAS ENDED UP A LOSER ON BOTH THE DIPLOMATIC AND ECONOMIC FRONTS: THE SPUTNIK VACCINE DEAL SEEMS TO HAVE FALLEN THROUGH, AND ROSATOM IS EXCLUDED FROM THE DUKOVANY NUCLEAR POWER PLANT PROJECT, A LOSS OF $6 BLN. WHAT REPERCUSSIONS SHOULD PRAGUE EXPECT FROM MOSCOW? Last year, Czech exports to Russia amounted to $2.5 billion, but around half of them belonged to companies working in the nuclear energy field, including one owned by Rosatom itself. So they would harm themselves if they resorted to banning or embargoing Czech production such as beer; 80% of Czech beer sold on the Russian market is made in Russia, manufactured locally by companies who have obtained the license, so once again Russia would be harming its own business sector. That, and Russian beer drinkers, who would have to contend themselves with subpar Russian beer instead.

The Russian market constitutes only two percent of overall Czech export, so I think we could easily survive such a loss.

POLITICS

GEORGIA TODAY MAY 7 - 13, 2021

5

About the Role of Nonconventional Solutions during Extraordinary Times: A Case for Achieving a Tangible Result. Part 2 ANALYSIS BY VICTOR KIPIANI, GEOCASE CHAIRMAIN

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oday, the issue of the regional security of the Black Sea is increasingly discussed and reviewed at meetings of various formats and levels.

However, despite such a tendency, the gap between word and deed is still noticeable. Yes, relations with NATO are developing. Yes, it is filled with new elements.

Yes, new security line projects and initiatives are being added with the participation of our key strategic partners.

All this is true, however, the rapidly changing situation in the region requires much more – a more in-depth and fully tailored solution to the issues.

In order to create more guarantees for our country, membership in the Alliance should envisage clear deadlines and quick procedures. In this respect, however, the picture is still unsatisfactory.

We would also consider the transition to a strategic contractual alliance with our key strategic partner in the field of defense and security as a kind of “alternate” option. The likelihood of this option, as well as its “experimentality” given the Black Sea regional context, have been discussed in previous publications as far as possible. This time we will try to discuss the “Small NATO” of the Black Sea – the cluster of the regional security of the Black Sea – and we shall mark its regional specification for further discussion. We believe that the Black Sea precedent of the abovementioned Quadrilateral Security Dialogue deserves a detailed study by the buffer states located between the two geopolitical camps on the Black Sea, especially for those countries that have made their own foreign policy choices.

Firstly, further structuring relations between geopolitically related countries on the Black Sea would be one very concrete and practical step. In the case of Georgia in particular (and, obviously, not only) to reduce harmful and destructive external influences. As a result, a format similar to the Dialogue for the Black Sea would mitigate the pressure on the buffer states under which they get exposed because of the realization of the foreign vector that is directed against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of these countries.

At the same time, no less important is the establishment of a similar structure of relations, which would significantly highlight Western interests in the region and completely nullify the urgency of a well-known question: “Where is the West in the region?” As opposed to the Baltic countries, in the context of NATO's fragmented representation in the Black Sea, this reorganization of relations would

establish the groundwork for the conceptualization of American Eurasian policy and make Western statements on real strategic interests in the region much more credible.

It is noteworthy that in this way, Georgia's main strategic partner would create a higher quality security system in the Greater Black Sea Region (macro-region of the Black and Caspian Seas). Through this system, the interests of politically different players would be brought together on a more logical basis: The stability of the countries participating in the format equates to the stability of the region. In the wake of this great regional task, the proposed format of cooperation, under the guidance of a policy of collective restraint in the Black Sea area, will serve as a relatively more effective deterrent to Russian revisionism, as well as counteracting the harmful effects of other state or non-state actors on the region.

We are well aware of the fact that the harmonized coordination of the countries participating in the “Small NATO” format of the Black Sea is not always easy: There are internal political complications, as well as social and economic differences, between countries or heterogeneity in the perception of human rights and freedoms. However, a strong factor for overcoming and amalgamating all this is the substantial concomitancy of the participants' foreign policy vectors. Virtually, participating countries will partner where they have their common interests mostly concentrated, in particular, such as common security risks and challenges. Establishing a reliable communications system for the exchange of classified information is one of the essential components towards the way of minimizing these risks.

We note that such a cooperation proposed in the Black Sea format, such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, would be devoid of bureaucratic formalities and strict treaty provisions.

Moreover, any country participating in the format would continue its path of security integration with NATO or the United States, as well as the implementation of commitments or programs already made in these two areas. Consequently, the “Small NATO” of the Black Sea is equally permissible as a unity of such interdependent treaties, the main binding and unifying factor of which will be the intention to strengthen and enforce certain rules of conduct in the region.

SECURITY “PLUS” Cooperation in our region is not only about security and there is a reason for that. The Black Sea itself and the Greater Black Sea region as a whole are important to maintain a stable balance of power in the Eurasian space, though participants in the above format should focus not just

on security issues.

To this end, we have repeatedly mentioned the Black Sea Declaration in the recent past, the signing and enactment of which would qualitatively contribute to the common Western political, economic, or security space in the region.

Moreover, such a document would be additional proof that the interest of Georgia's main strategic partner in the region has not slowed down at all; that by enacting the Declaration, the West expresses its firm readiness not to recognize the exclusive influence of others on the buffer countries of the Black Sea; not to mention that the Declaration would give practical means to building a strong democratic and economic order in such countries.

The Black Sea Declaration would also receive the significance of a “soft impact” and would neutralize the possible “militarization” of the collaborative format discussed in this article. In particular, it would also involve attracting additional investment resources for the implementation of regional projects, as well as infrastructure, environmental, and energy projects. The declaration would also specifically signify the unrestricted traffic necessary for trade unions and the expediency of free trade agreements or blocks. In order to intensify regional cooperation and Western participation in it, the declarant countries would discuss current geopolitical (pseudo-ethnic) conflicts in the region, cyber security, illegal migration and joint measures to combat international terrorism.

As a result, along with the Black Sea analogue of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue discussed in the introductory part of this article, determining the fate of the Eurasian space in our most important region would lay the groundwork for the Association of Black Sea Coun-

Georgia Participates in US Trojan Footprint 21 Exercise

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eorgia is serving as a host nation participant for US Special Operations Command Europe’s (SOCEUR) premier SOF exercise, Trojan Footprint 21. US Army Green Berets assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) will train and continue to build interoperability with Georgian Special Operations Forces (GSOF) in tactical training events throughout the region.

“While the exercise is focused on improving the ability of SOF to counter a myriad of threats, it also increases integration with conventional forces and enhances interoperability with our NATO allies and European partners,” said Col. Marc V. LaRoche, Deputy Commander, US Special Operations Command Europe. “Most importantly, Trojan Footprint fortifies military readiness, cultivates trust, and develops lasting relationships which

promote peace and stability throughout Europe.”

“Trojan Footprint 21 will commence in training locations across Bulgaria, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Georgia, and Romania. Other participating units include special operations forces from Germany, Spain, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. The SOCEUR-led exercise will provide an opportunity to test and improve upon multi-domain tactics, techniques and procedures.

These operations will leverage the professional skillsets of air, land and sea forces to execute a complex mission, and increase the readiness of Special Operations Forces in the Black Sea region,” the US Embassy to Georgia reported.

Trojan Footprint 21 also helps to strengthen NATO military relationships in Europe and establish a common sightpicture for combat and peacekeeping missions abroad.

Source: US Embassy to Georgia

tries. This would be another powerful mechanism for resilience and regional sustainability within countries.

ADDITIONALLY - ABOUT UNCONVENTIONALITY In the present world’s foreign or domestic policy, turning to excessive “classicism” can be a reason to miss a real result.

In contrast, non-standard decisions, as well as the uncommon actions resulting from them – a kind of unconventionality – can serve as a solid statement for achievement. Getting rid of fruitless stereotypical approaches in the field of security and trying new ones should be considered as a call for this.

It is desirable that the discussion of a specific model in this article to be considered as another demonstration that the talks of the present and the future of the Georgian state should be focused on interests with a realistic content. We would like also to point out that by no means do we want anyone to get the impression that we are undermining the significance of values (in the light of interest) and want to write them off. Of course not. But it should also be noted that in this highly unpredictable world it is inadmissible to overshadow practical results with pointless theorizing, while political realism is swallowed up by a dizzying and meaningless cacophony. On the steep ascent of the historical development of a complex region, a small nation facing both internal and external challenges has neither sufficient resources nor luxury. Maturity and vigilance dictated by a healthy Georgian egocentric standard should make Georgia’s state realism the norm of our actions.

The fact is that thinking about development is inconceivable without a reliable mechanism of national security. In the medium-term, the regional format

of the Black Sea mentioned in this letter (for example, in the absence of a further delay in NATO expansion to the east or in the absence of real bilateral defense ties) may be considered as one such mechanism. Its practical embodiment becomes a clear message that our region is in the sphere of interest of Western civilization and is a natural part of its main “geopolitical geography”. It is also noteworthy that for the West and the United States one of the most essential components of their Eurasian policy emerges through the “Small NATO” of the Black Sea. In addition, this is done by experimenting with a model that serves realistic tasks with relatively low cost and low risk (for example, no formal alliance and no additional infrastructure or physical representation in the region).

At the same time, despite the formalized structure, the proposed association maintains the very minimum required for its effectiveness, as it is based on the natural concurrence of interests, the voluntary participation of the subjects, and a recognition of balance. At the same time, the relative compactness gives it an additional value just as the development of modern regional diplomacy within this elastic geopolitical geometry.

In a nutshell, there is a lot of thought and work to be done to structure regional security. We’ve said and would like to repeat once again a simple truth: This time the whirlpool needs a bold rogue and sound political effort both regionally and nationally. I think we have the most difficulty with the latter one, because due to the trifles of the Georgian political culture and way of life, we do not spend enough time on big and urgent tasks. Or at least, in fact, we have already lost a significant part of the ability and sense to feel and understand national issues...

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BUSINESS

GEORGIA TODAY

MAY 7 - 13, 2021

Focusing on the Individual: A Leading Agricultural Company’s Crisis Management Strategy during the Pandemic

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ot only has COVID-19 had a serious impact on economies and businesses around the world, it has significantly changed our lifestyles and behavior. The pandemic is ongoing, and no-one can say exactly what tomorrow will bring, but these times have made many people revise how they think about many things in life, and many have begun to reconsider their priorities.

While traveling through Georgia, it is easily noticeable that more and more people are choosing to leave the noisy and overcrowded urban areas, and are moving to villages in search of a safer and healthier environment –houses which for years were left abandoned in villages are gradually filling with people and new life. Alongside those choosing village

life are those who have bought a house with a garden in the city suburbs, and as the weather finally begins to settle into spring and summer, the majority of them have already started to plan the layout of their outdoor spaces, with fruit trees, flowers and perhaps even a vegetable patch in mind.

This process significantly contributes to the development of agriculture, as more and more people are getting involved in agricultural activities. However, when you are not a professional farmer, or are new to gardening, it’s not easy to start growing successfully. That’s where an experienced and professional partner comes in handy.

Such trustworthy and highly experienced partners with innovative ideas can be found in two companies operating for years already in the Georgian

market: Water and Gas Technologies (WG TECHNO), which is the largest and first provider of irrigation systems, producing pipes, vegetable boxes for agricultural products, etc., and MZA CHITILI, which produces vegetable and flower seeds and fresh vegetables in its greenhouse, and then distributes them to supermarket networks. Their diverse experience and products are of use to both professional farmers and beginners in the field.

The General Director of both companies is Erhan Zorlu, a professional in the agricultural sector, who significantly contributes to the development of the Georgian agricultural sector along with his team.

Georgia is a country boasting fertile soil, good climatic conditions and rich natural resources, and it is very close to many markets, among them Russia, Dubai, and Qatar. Yet, there was no mass production of seedlings until the company MZA CHITILI was established here in Georgia. MZA CHITILI is the first company in Georgia to produce not only ordinary but also grafted seedlings, for which the latest Italian technologies and robotics are used. The aim is to take and implement foreign technologies in Georgia, which will help the local farmers improve their knowledge and skills in the field and get a larger, high quality harvest, with lower expenses.

Zorlu believes that Georgia can become a production hub in the near future, from where diverse materials will be exported to the neighboring countries. The two companies he manages are expected to significantly contribute to this process.

Interestingly, it is planned to export not only seedlings from MZA CHITILI, but also agricultural tools, such as pipes, fittings, etc., from WG TECHNO. However, one of the challenging issues the companies are currently facing is the spread of coronavirus, which poses a serious problem not only for the agricultural fi eld, but for business in general. Despite these challenges, the company management was well able to survive the crisis.

The main difficulty for the companies was the fact that due to the pandemic and travel restrictions, the number of tourists in the country significantly decreased, many restaurants and cafes were closed, and accordingly, the demand for vegetables went down. This lack of demand lowered prices, and led to many farmers not even bothering to harvest their crops last year, leaving vegetables and fruit to rot in the field. Bankruptcy was high, and some farmers stopped farming, afraid the same might happen again this year.

All businesses have an impact on each other, and the agricultural sector, just like the hospitality industry, is waiting for summer and remaining cautiously hopeful that the epidemiological situation will improve, the number of coronavirus cases will decrease, and tourists will enter the country again, raising demand for their products. As such, higher prices on vegetables are expected this year, as are prices on polyethylene and the other plastic materials necessary for producing equipment and containers.

However, against the background of this situation and many farmers suspending their activities, the good point, as mentioned at the beginning of this article, is that many people have begun to grow their own gardens, which provides them with natural and healthy products as a result of their own labor. Naturally, these people need to buy seedlings for their agricultural activities, for which cooperation with MZA CHITILI is highly recommended, considering the company’s success and popularity among customers not only in Georgia, but also in neighboring countries, while WG TECHNO can provide them with useful items such as vegetable boxes, pipes, and irrigation tools.

More and more people are buying seedlings, a good sign that during this global pandemic, people are getting closer to nature and are appreciating the opportunities it can offer them to make a living. In terms of the crisis manage-

ment strategy mentioned in the headline, when MZA CHITILI lost a share from farmers in the market, it turned its attention to those individuals newly engaging in agriculture.

Today, it is growing the same amount of seedlings, but the marketing is changing, with the company trying to reach people who have houses in villages and need seeds for their gardens. As such, the company is spending more time on digital marketing and digital services in general. And internet statistics show that ladies are particularly interested in gardening, so, the company’s marketing strategy is currently focused accordingly.

The main comfort is that in their shops, customers can find everything they need for their gardening work in one space.

And, to make shopping easier and more comfortable, customers can shop online at www.farmershop.ge, a site offering everything for successful operation of both individual’s and experienced farmers’ businesses, from seedlings and fertilizers to irrigation and greenhouse systems and pipes.

It is also noteworthy that despite the difficult situation amid the pandemic, the company kept all its employees, appreciating their experience and hard work. Zorlu believes that at such times, the feeling of belonging and unity among employees is of vital importance for their motivation and mental health.

The busy season of spring is here, which is a seedling transplanting period, and this is the main focus for the companies now. For the future are plans to open a branch in Uzbekistan. MZA CHITILI and WG TECHNO are successful companies in their field not only in Georgia, but in neighboring countries. Even in Turkey, it is difficult to fi nd companies with such experience and diverse products. Based on his own experience, Erhan Zorlu advises other business representatives that in such difficult situations, changing their focus could be the best solution, as “small changes can bring about a big effect.”

BUSINESS

GEORGIA TODAY MAY 7 - 13, 2021

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ISET Business Confidence Index | Q2 2021: Looking Forward SALES PRICE EXPECTATIONS

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ollowing a significant jump in the first quarter, BCI has decreased slightly by 1.7 points for Q2 2021 compared to Q1 2021 and reached 1.7. Expectations in the Georgian private sector have decreased by 13.5 index points, reaching 9.0. As for business performance over the past three months, it has increased, reaching -4.1 points, indicating an upturn in production, turnover, and sales. Compared to the previous quarter, the Sales Price Expectation Index has decreased, showing decline in the market share of business owners who expect higher sales prices.

Compared to Q1 2021, BCI decreased in retail trade (-52.6), agriculture (-26.9), and construction (-16.3) sectors, while it increased in manufacturing (18.1), service (12.1), and financial (3.6) sectors.

Business confidence for the second quarter of 2021 has decreased for large companies (-3.8) and increased moderately for SMEs (0.6).

PAST PERFORMANCE Businesses’ Past Performance Index, which shows the development of businesses' production, turnover, and sales in the past 3 months, increased compared to Q1 of 2021 and reached -4.1 for Q2 2021.

Significant improvement in perfor-

for large firms (-18.7) and increased slightly for SMEs (5.6).

66% of the surveyed businesses do not expect any changes in employment over the next three months, 16% of firms stated that they would hire fewer employees in the future, and 18% think that they would hire more.

30% of the firms surveyed expect the economic condition of their businesses to improve over the next three months.

52% do not predict any changes, leaving 18% of businesses that believe their business conditions will worsen. mance was observed in the financial sector (79.2), followed by manufacturing (75.0) and service (34.7) sectors. A decrease in past performance was observed in agriculture (-52.0), retail trade (-38.9), and construction (-6.2) sectors.

EXPECTATIONS The Expectations Index decreased by 13.5 index points for Q2 2021 and settled at 9.0. Prospects for the next three months have improved for manufacturing (26.9), financial (6.7), and agriculture (6.3) sectors. The index has decreased for retail trade (-87.5), construction (-18.6), and service (-6.8) sectors.

Business expectations have decreased

The Sales Price Expectations Index decreased from 29.7 points (Q1 2021) to 17.2 points for Q2 2021. The index decreased in every sector, except construction (9.7 points increase) and service (14.1) sectors. The overall Sales Price Expectations Index has increased for SMEs and decreased for large companies.

Around 47% of all firms surveyed do not intend to change their prices over the next three months. 43% of firms expect to increase their prices, and the remaining 9% will consider decreasing their prices in the future.

Limited access to financing and a lack of demand continues to be one of the most significant obstacles for both large companies and SMEs. Access to financing turns out to be a more important problem for SMEs compared to large companies. For Q2 2021 "other" factors became less important for both, large companies and SME's (the last four-quarter average was 37% and 32%, respectively), which could indicate to relative mitigation of Covid-19 restrictions for businesses.

It should be noted that the present BCI results may be overestimated, as the survey only covers businesses currently operating and not those that have already exited the market. Firms, which exited the market are, to some extent, more likely to demonstrate a negative outlook.

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BUSINESS

GEORGIA TODAY MAY 7 - 13, 2021

USAID YES-Georgia Program ‘Buzz Georgia BUS’ Makes a Buzz Telling Local Women They Can Be Successful Women Entrepreneurs

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he USAID program Supporting Youth and Women Entrepreneurship in Georgia (USAID YES-Georgia) supports the economic empowerment of Georgian youth and women by developing entrepreneurial skills, providing business trainings, mentoring and access to finance. The program supports beginners, as well as already operating women entrepreneurs.

With limited access to knowledge, skills and finance, women are hindered from succeeding as entrepreneurs. The program tries to help women access these resources and increase self-confidence and motivation to overcome mental and cultural barriers and gender stereotypes.

USAID YES-Georgia program is implemented by Crystal Fund with financial support from the American people through USAID and the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative. Additional financial support is provided by the Financial Inclusion Organization Crystal.

USAID YES-Georgia works in a number of directions, among them the Buzz Georgia component, which represents a unique set of skills development trainings tailored to improve personal, leadership, entrepreneurial and financial skills and competences. The aim of the component is to increase women’s skills, including the soft skills necessary to plan and manage a business through a specially established mobile business service to reach out women, especially in regions and villages of Georgia.

“USAID has been working in Georgia since 1992. Since that day, the American people have provided $1.8 billion in assistance to Georgia through USAID,” notes Anna Chaus, USAID/Georgia Economic Growth Office representative. “USAID implements more than 30 programs in Georgia that contribute to Georgia's economic growth, the devel-

opment of democratic institutions, the strengthening of energy security, the improvement of the education system, and the integration of minorities and disadvantaged people, including those living along ethnic and geographical boundaries. USAID-Georgia also works to empower young people and women.

One such program is USAID YES Georgia, an important component of which is Buzz Georgia, which works with women living in the regions and aims to provide 1,500 women with training and knowledge about entrepreneurship.

Within this component, trainings and seminars are conducted in the field of personal development and entrepreneurial-financial education. Also, through the Buzz component, already experienced women entrepreneurs have access to business services and finances to further develop their businesses and be able to contribute to the advancement of the Georgian economy’’.

Considering the global pandemic, USAID YES-Georgia program Buzz component moved all activities including the trainings and informative meetings and discussions to online. After lifting the state regulations, Buzz Georgia moved to its normal plan to visit women in various cities and villages to raise their awareness about the program and women entrepreneurship and involve them in the Buzz training series.

The awareness-raising campaign was conducted on April 22-25, 2021, in West Georgia. The goal of the campaign was to reach out to as many women as possible in the regions and villages of Georgia to inform them about women entrepreneurship opportunities and invite them to participate in Buzz Georgia trainings and seminars that will introduce women to concepts of savings, financial planning, networking, business skills and personal development.

From April 22-25, Baghdati, Samtredia,

Tskaltubo, Khoni and the surrounding villages were visited by the program staff and 18 trainers and support staff from Financial Inclusion Organization Crystal, the program partner organization. During the campaign, over 600 women were reached and 280 expressed interest in participating in Buzz Georgia trainings and shared their contact information.

“Buzz Georgia is not a project that starts and ends after some time,” said Kristine Kutateladze, Buzz Georgia project beneficiary. “The project is not over, it still supports women from different regions of Georgia who especially need support, encouragement and motivation. These women need to believe that they can manage different businesses independently. I think more women should join the project and improve their knowledge in the field of entrepreneurship.”

"We are a united team of women from all over Georgia, and we hold various actions to get more interested women to join our big family," says Natia Letodiani, Loan Officer, Financial Inclusion Organization Crystal; Buzz Georgia trainer. “We held actions at four locations in the Imereti region, seeing a flow of interest and positivity coming out.

Women love it when they are noticed and their potential is seen. We serve

this very cause. The main line of our project is the economic and personal development of women and I am proud to contribute to this. The actions came out full of emotions, ladies stopped us, called us, invited us to their yards, asked us where and why we had come in the big bus, and asked us to provide more information about the training. There were also cases when men stopped us to find out the goals of Buzz Georgia and asked us to register their wives and daughters for training, which was really unexpected.” ‘’Those 5 days of the Buzz Georgia marketing campaign tour in the Imereti were filled with love, positive energy, inspiration, lessons learned, realizations and new ideas,’’ said Maya Kobalia, Head of Environmental and Social (E&S) Department from Financial Inclusion Organization Crystal. “More than 600 women we met during our tour were positively surprised to hear about the unique possibility that USAID YESGeorgia is offering them. The uniqueness of the Buzz Georgia trainings lies in the combination of off-line and online/ virtual courses and in the mixture of the training modules, which covers both entrepreneurial and personal development.

“Women, especially in the regions of

Georgia, are in crucial need of such development courses and even more importantly in need to the access to finance and consulting, which is offered by the financial inclusion organization Crystal in the framework of USAID YES-Georgia program. The next steps of the coming 2-3 months will be to meet those amazing women – partly virtually and partially face-to-face (as much as the global Covid-19 situation allows us) and continue strengthening them and supporting them with the Buzz Georgia above-mentioned tools.”

To date, around 700 women have participated in Buzz Georgia introductory training sessions that helped develop self-motivation, personal skills, financial skills and planning; over 160 were selected as Buzz Ambassadors to get more intensive training in various topics and participate in networking and information exchange process. The awareness-raising campaign will be followed by in-person trainings for rural women to raise their motivation and interest to initiate micro enterprises for their better economic performance and increased income. USAID YES-Georgia continues its activities to number of directions, youth entrepreneurship development and local women business support activities are among them.

SOCIETY

GEORGIA TODAY MAY 7 - 13, 2021

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Exclusive Interview with Rioni Valley "Guardian” Mirza Nozadze INTERVIEW BY ANA GIORGADZE

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irza Nozadze, one of the organizers of the Rioni Valley resistance movement, is a friend of the now-renowned Varlam Goletiani and his family.

“Varlam and I worked out the plans for the resistance movement over several months before the first tent was put up in the valley,” Nozadze tells GEORGIA TODAY. “When I realized the questions raised by the actors of the resistance were legitimate, and that the government was intentionally avoiding answering them and misleading public opinion about the movement, I decided to leave my family and daily routine and move into the Namakhvani Camp. I wanted to protect our fundamental rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia.”

WHOSE FIGHT IS THIS? TELL US ABOUT THE COLLECTIVE WHICH HAS BEEN STANDING UP FOR THE VALLEY FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW. This is the fight of the Georgian people aiming to challenge the Government of Georgia and the relevant attorneys on their ignorance and negligence, on their signing of a memorandum with a private investor company for a project as complex and important as the Namakhvani HPP. Despite the shameful narrative led by the government which tries to present the resistance movement as xenophobic and destructive, as a protest led by people with a lack of social and economic consciousness, people as dark minded and ruled by foreign enemies of the country, the organizers of the Rioni Valley movement have successfully managed to prove the complete opposite to be true.

The extent of the support shown, with the arrival of different groups from all over the country in Gumati, and with self-organized demonstrations both inside and outside Georgia to express solidarity with the movement, shows an empowering of the movement and its legitimation in representing the voices and interests of the Georgian people.

In some respects, this protest united all those in Georgia who have experienced injustice.

WHAT DOES THE PROTEST AGAINST THE NAMAKHVANI HPP INCLUDE, AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR OUR SOCIETY? The protest started in 2009, during the rule of Saakashvili’s [UNM] government, when it was announced that the Namakhvani HPP would be built. The resistance started with questions. It was not that in all cases we opposed the construction of the HPP, but we wanted to know how safe it would be, and what kind of impact it would have on the environment, flora, fauna, local culture, and on the whole country.

In the process of asking these questions, the government chose language that discredited us, responding with “Who writes these questions? Whose messengers are you? Which NGO is behind you? Are you Russian agents?”

In fact, had the government answered our questions normally and shown some respect, the project could have continued without resistance. But because they had no answers and did not expect such interest from us, from the very first day, they created an environment implementing the project in violation of the law.

The law stipulates that when such a large project is carried out in any geographical area, it is essential that those

people who are directly or indirectly affected by the project are fully informed and are involved in dialogue with the authorities to get any answers they need.

Instead, the government deliberately ignored the population, and if there were any discussions in the region about this project, to formally meet the requirements of the Aarhus Convention (which Georgia is also a member of), they would only sit down with company representatives or their party activists, who were not even from this region. We were not welcome at such meetings.

The kind of communication strategy offered by the government created mistrust between us. And that made the resistance more principled and informative. On the 80th day of our stay in the tents, we forced the authorities, based on a journalistic investigation, to make the contract public. It should have been public as defined by the law.

The government tries to portray us as a group that in no case wants to build a hydropower plant in Namokhvani, which is a misconception. We are, in fact, saying no to the Namakhvani HPP because of the contract, the security breaches that we confirm exist. It is an anti-state project, causing serious damage to nature, and its expediency has not been confirmed by financial analysis. Therefore, we want to make it a subject of dialogue, whether it should be built or not.

Our protest is based on legitimate questions about the contract, such as the issue of land transfer, full insurance of the company in case of tax changes, full insurance of the company in case of force majeure, full takeover of fiscal burdens by the state. If Georgia violates any of the terms, we owe a much larger penalty than the company under the contract.

We residents want to make sure this HPP is really worth leaving our houses, our cemetery, our church, everything, for.

If the Government of Georgia is unable to demonstrate the existence of such fair, objective and rational answers to our questions, then they must cancel the memorandum with the investor, regardless of the sanctions and fines that may be imposed on the country; declare a moratorium, and initiate public discussions in order to define the best strategy for using our energy resources so that all future possible energy projects are designed and executed according to the will of Georgian people, who are the owners of such resources.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART IN THIS FIGHT? The hardest part of this resistance is experiencing the unlawful and antidemocratic stance of the government. Instead

of the officials getting involved in a dialogue with their people, they are ignoring the voice of the members of the resistance and using unacceptable language of radicalization and marginalization in an attempt to discredit us.

HOW WOULD YOU EVALUATE THE OVERALL COMMON STRATEGY OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMPANY ENKA AT THIS STAGE? Surprisingly enough, the government continues to ignore the true spirit of the protest and is mainly occupied with running negative PR campaigns against the movement with the intention to harm and discredit the nature of the resistance. But as a result of their dark PR campaign, we have seen the protest grow, which is a clear sign that the people of Georgia are cleverer than perceived by the government.

Yet, instead of acknowledging the legitimacy of the expanded movement and creating a space for true and rational dialogue, they decided to further their stupidity and ignorance by using law enforcement forces to stop the spread of the protest. We saw deliberate destruction by the police when they removed the tents from the Namokhvani area with the aim of restricting the peaceful and constructive protest. Furthermore, we saw and experienced unjustifiable barricades and metal fences in the village of Gumati with the aim of restricting the free movement of local residents and other citizens of Georgia. And, as an extreme form of the government’s ignorance, we have also experienced the use of disproportionate force when dispersing peaceful rallies four times.

In all of the above mentioned scenarios, the government repeatedly failed to produce legal justification for their orders, despite the request of such justifications by the members of the protest, NGOs and even by the Ombudsman. Needless to say, all the above actions are unacceptable means deployed by the government to deal with peaceful protest. Such moves contain significant threats towards our declared democratic values, among them liberty, justice, truth, popular sovereignty, and patriotism.

WHAT TYPE OF SUPPORT WOULD BE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU AND THE PROCESS TODAY? The government continues to communicate with us through repression, including covert repression, such as threatening to dismiss people from public service.

Three people were fired for participating in a rally in Kobuleti. The government

Photo by Salome Simonia

also continues to inflict a shameful black campaign, declaring us Russian agents, or people who are not interested in the economic development of the country.

We faced the need to leave the valley and continue our protest in Tbilisi. Since the very beginning of our resistance, when there were five of us, then 20, and then more and more, standing side by side, we managed to unmask the government and show the unlawfulness of their actions, their negligence, and the harm they bring to the national interest.

I appeal to the population: it does not matter now whether we support or not the construction of the Namakhvani HPP, the national positioning is what’s important here. With this popular movement, we set a precedent that in the future, when a problem arises, the government will be accountable to the people and fear that if they do not respond adequately, as should any democratic state, the people will unite again.

It is important that we show the government our unity and stand together as a nation. Regardless of our differences, we were able to unite different groups of people, and instead of receiving any political or other dividends with this union, we are serving the common goal, which is to demonstrate our power and tell the government” “If you do not come to your senses, more people will come out to protest, you owe it to us to do your job properly and fairly.”

Our standing together on May 23 is crucial for us to continue to develop into a democratic and prosperous nation and country and to prove that by standing together and demonstrating the voice of the people, the government will have no psychological or historical experience to say “We can silence them.”

It is vital at this stage of the protest that the voice of our people is not only heard in Georgia, but outside Georgia as well. We have managed to meet the representatives of several ambassadors in Georgia, including those of the USA, EU, UK, and some international organizations, including USAID, with whom we had our first opportunity to informally chat about the true content of the pro-

Our protest is based on legitimate questions about the contract. We residents want to make sure this HPP is really worth leaving our houses, our church, everything, for test, which as we all know is quite different from what the government is trying to present. For example, they now know from the original source that we are neither a “no-hpp-campaign” nor a xenophobic group of people trying to kick foreign investors out of our country to prevent the sustainable development of our country’s economy.

It is crucial that international society carefully observe and evaluate how democratically the processes are conducted by the organizers of the rally, how much responsibility they show towards the law on freedom of expression and demonstration, and how the government behaves at the same time.

By their involvement, they should ensure the creation of a democratic environment for dialogue between the people and the government, which I think is in their interest as well, since they support us in establishing a democratic state in which dialogue should be used to draw conclusions and resolve issues effectively.

DO YOU SEE THE POTENTIAL TO EXPAND THIS PROTEST AND LINK IT TO OTHER SOCIAL ISSUES AND INJUSTICES IN THE COUNTRY?

Photo by Ana Giorgadze

If the Government of Georgia continues to be ignorant of the extent of the protest and to deploy oppressive means against the people of Georgia, this will automatically result in an expanded protest.

Without a single effort from the leaders of the protest, we have seen self-organized groups joining the resistance movement from different cities throughout Georgia, expressing solidarity and support purely as a result of the stupid and unacceptable act of police forces aggressively and depressively dispersing members of the protest. The people of Georgia read this action as a threat to our democratic values and, of course, we have seen an expansion of the protest as a result.

10

SOCIETY

GEORGIA TODAY MAY 7 - 13, 2021

Cross Country BLOG BY TONY HANMER

H

olidays had been announced for early May, long enough for my wife and I to consider a long trip. Her father’s year memorial since death was upcoming; we would see family in Kakheti, other friends there, and also stop to take stock of our newly renovated flat in Tbilisi.

Going by our own car gives us the freedom to move at our own will, and to take and bring back a lot more things. Gifts for family and friends, things for the new apartment, our own clothes and more.

Public transport is being curtailed in Georgia at the moment anyway, in order to combat The Virus during Orthodox Easter’s traditional time of large gatherings in homes and cemeteries. While I don’t have a CityPark license for the car in Tbilisi, we will park it where we can.

Our first stop was with royalty. He is descended from both the Napoleons and the Dadiani princely family of Samegrelo (Mingrelia); she can trace her family tree back a thousand years. Both Alain and Veronique Murat are French-Georgian citizens settled in rural Georgia, rebuilding his ancestral home and doing a lot of humanitarian work too, especially in Svaneti. Their neighbor has been a plumber in our house in Etseri, and he introduced us to them.

I will have to write much more about

this couple and their story. They have lived in Georgia for 20 years, similar to my own time, and saw a lot of the chaos of the late Shevardnadze years, as well as the changes since for better or worse.

The house, once containing nearly 20 refugees from Georgia’s awful collapse and their livestock, has come a long way in restoration since the Murats were able to move in. It sits on a hill-edge outside Zugdidi from which you can see the Black Sea on clear days. Sheep, geese, ducks and turkeys all coexist on the land, with its large expanse of close-cut grass and rare old trees.

Virus aside, there are plans to enlarge tourism and hospitality services, and obviously the situation offered by this couple is unique. We had supper at a large wooden table from Napoleonic times (the 200th anniversary of his death is May 5) which could seat 10 or 12 comfortably, served by Their Highnesses.

Collections of local factory porcelain and glass, as well as papier-mâché folk art, ancient maps and furniture, and a Napoleon on every wall, completed the décor. A massive fireplace could roast a sheep or pig on a spit if it had to. The walls were covered with cloth instead of wallpaper; generally, each room had the same cloth as that on its walls making up curtains and other accessories, tying the whole room’s design together.

The Murats are involved supporting poor families in Svaneti and elsewhere with clothing and other aid brought in from France, and we have started to con-

nect with this endeavor in Etseri as well.

One issue will be who can take up the baton in future years, as they are both in their seventies.

We were fascinated to hear how things had been when they started in Georgia, and what they have gone through, including a fire in a different house in Zugdidi which took everything in the place but left them alive. They have also had long contact with Georgia’s orphanages, which have come from deadly, Romanian-level awfulness in the 1990s to de-institutionalization of many of the children and return to their own families. The battle

is far from over, but at least we are no longer seeing children lying in their own filth, dying of malnutrition or even simple starvation. Millstones await the necks of those who treat “these little ones” in such a manner, to be cast into the depths!

It is heartening to see people from a high station stooping to serve as they can. Fully aware of who they are and where and whom they have come from, they are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get into the challenging job of humanitarian work. Their diplomatic and other top-level connections also give them some advantages in this, but it is

always a struggle nonetheless.

Salut, our dear new friends, and we look forward to whatever we can do together to help.

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

Profile: Kato Shalvashvili, Sommelier INTERVIEW BY ROBIN CLAPP

S

pending time over a glass of wine with Kato Shalvashvili, 24-year-old sommelier from Tbilisi, should be a mandatory treatment for anyone with chronic fatigue. Fifteen minutes in her company, and your love of life, thanks to her infectious love of winemaking, is restored.

I met Kato in an unusual way: ordering wine online. The wine shop called me with a follow up question: they were out of one Saperavi, would I try another?

It was Kato asking. Her advice was given with such authority, she even coaxed me out of my Georgian wine rut.

Before I even realized it, I was asking her, a stranger on the phone, to come to my home and do a wine-tasting for a group of friends.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PASSION FOR WINEMAKING. I just think there is so much to wine: choosing it, discussing it, teaching people about it; it’s not just drinking! The communication and emotion around wine means everything to me. In Georgia, it is not just winemakers who are making wine. Every family is making wine. Win-

emaking is in the Georgian soul!

HOW DID YOU BECOME A SOMMELIER? I did a four-year Bachelor’s degree in winemaking at the Agricultural University in Tbilisi. Now I’m doing my Master’s. I am also doing Level 3 of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) certifications.

HOW IS IT AS A YOUNG WOMAN IN YOUR FIELD? There were a few times when I first started working at the wine shop several years ago, when customers asked whether there was a male colleague who could help them instead of me. Fortunately, the director of the shop (a man) was really supportive and called this sexism out.

Once, when a customer asked for a man, I said “if you want a boy, I’ll go get you one!” The customer could see I was upset and actually apologized. I ended up choosing his wine. Later, he got pretty tipsy and came over, kissed my hand, and said “thank you again.”

Today, there is a lot of space for women winemakers and sommeliers in Georgia, although traditionally it has always been the men who made the wine. The number of women in the industry is growing and women are very active. Women and men are equal, including when it comes

Gomelauri: Moped Drivers Will Soon Need a Driver’s License

BY KETEVAN SKHIRTLADZE

T

he Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia, Vakhtang Gomelauri, this week recognized that moped drivers cannot be controlled with video cameras and that there are frequent road accidents caused

by mopeds. As such, he said, in the near future, drivers of mopeds will also need a driver’s license.

“We are working on it. You will agree that mopeds are a challenge to the city.

The main problem is that we cannot control their movement with video cameras; we cannot fine drivers for traffic violations. They are able to move freely and, unfortunately, there are frequent road accidents as a result. But

soon, mopeds will have to be registered and owners will need a driver’s license.”

The Minister noted that there has been no significant increase in the death statistics. “Actually, the traffic mortality rate is down. There are more frequent cases on powerful motorcycles that need a Category A driving license. The moped bill was submitted to Parliament in two readings and we will register it soon,” Gomelauri said.

Source of photo: publika.ge

to their winemaking ability!

In the end, I think it’s an individual thing. Good person = good wine! Wine is a living organism. So, what you have in your soul is ‘communicated’ into the wine. Telling someone you do not like their wine is like telling them their baby is ugly!

WHAT DO VISITORS TO GEORGIA NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GEORGIAN WINE? The first thing a visitor should know about is the traditional qvevri (clay pot) winemaking method. Secondly, visitors should know that Georgia has over 500 indigenous varietals, although not all of them are being used to make wine. Still, the old varietals are attracting more and more interest.

WHAT DO YOU SEE IN YOUR FUTURE AND IN THE FUTURE OF GEORGIAN WINE? My dream is to have my own wine cellar. It is based on the feeling I got when I made my own wine; a possibility to share my emotions and personality. I’d also like to travel, to taste different wines, and to explain Georgian wine to people in other countries. I believe Georgian wine has huge potential and a great future. The process has already started and it will continue!

CULTURE

GEORGIA TODAY MAY 7 - 13, 2021

11

7 USAID-Supported Museums for the Perfect Day Trip

S

pend your summer in Shida Kartli! USAID, through the USAID Zrda Activity in Georgia, has recently provided tourism infrastructure assistance to a number of rural history and ethnographic museums in Shida Kartli. Each within a two-hour drive from Tbilisi, these museums provide both a window into Georgia’s unique history and culture and a source of employment for workers in local communities.

Overall, USAID has supported 15 museums in Shida Kartli, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Tusheti, in line with the US government’s emphasis on creating jobs in Georgia’s regions while maintaining the country’s unique cultural heritage.

Below is a list of the USAID-supported museums in Georgia’s Shida Kartli region that are worth visiting when you hit the road this spring and summer.

UPLISTSIKHE CAVE TOWN The enormous ancient cave city Uplistsikhe sits 10 km east of Gori above the north side of the Mtkvari River. Between the 6th century BC and the 1st century AD, Uplistsikhe developed into one of the main political and religious centers of pre-Christian Kartli, with temples dedicated principally to the sun goddess. After the Arabs occupied Tbilisi in AD 645, Uplistsikhe became the residence of the Christian kings of Kartli and an important trade center on a main caravan road from Asia to Europe. At its peak it housed 20,000 people. Its importance declined after King David the Builder retook

GORI HISTORICAL AND ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM

KARELI LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Established in 1935, the museum boasts a rich collection of archeological, numismatic, ethnographic, and epigraphic materials. It houses artifacts from the local archeological sites dating back to the 3rd-4th millennium B.C. (ceramic family seals, adornments, weapons). The numismatic collection contains Georgian coins dating back to 7th century BC, while the ethnographic collection of 18th-19th cc. is composed of Georgian and Karabakh carpets and rugs, textiles, and unique golden thread embroidery.

Where: 12 Kirion II str., Gori Open: Every day, except Sunday and Monday, 10.00 – 18.00 Admission prices: Adults - 3 GEL, Students - 1 GEL, Schoolchildren - 0.50 GEL TEL: +995 (0370) 27 28 67, 27 73 67 Facebook: www.facebook.com/GorisIstoriulEtnograpiuliMuzeumi English language guide available

This museum boasts up to 3,000 exhibits, preserving various artifacts from Urbnisi, Bebnisi, Takhtidziri, Dirbi and Dvani archeological sites, of which the oldest dates back to 4th-3rd millennium BC. The institution houses the archaeological remains from local sites of the Bronze and Iron Ages (weapons and household goods, iron swords, bronze buckles, spearheads, numismatic materials, ceramics).

Where: 86, Al. Kazbegi str., Kareli Open: Every day, except Monday, 10.00 – 18.00 Admission prices: Free admission TEL: (+995 0369) 3 21 39 English language guide – not available

NIKO LOMOURI MEMORIAL MUSEUM

JAMBAKUR-ORBELIANI PALACE MUSEUM

Remarkable for both its architecture and history, the JambakurOrbeliani Palace Museum is a cultural heritage monument from the 18th-19th centuries located in the village of Lamiskana in Kaspi municipality. It was built on the edge of a mountain slope looking out over the Ksani River valley. The castle is distinguished by its complex construction, which includes a cellar, a stable, a mill, the court (Kari) church, and a defensive wall with towers. Inside the castle palace, there is an exhibition hall and a museum library. Since 1985, the castle palace has accommodated the museum and hosted various cultural, educational, and scientific research activities and events. Museum collections include ethnographic materials from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as numismatic artifacts, documents and photo materials, and paintings.

Where: Village Lamiskana, Kaspi Municipality Open: Every day, except Sunday and Monday, 10.00 – 18.00 Admission prices: Adults – 1 GEL, Schoolchildren and Students – 0.50 GEL, Guided tour – 3 GEL TEL: (+995) 555 24 37 80; (+995 577) 92 40 89 Website: www.orbelianimuseum.ge English language guide – not available

Located in the ABL Arbo village of Gori Municipality, this museum is named after the Georgian writer and educator Niko Lomouri.

Having hosted a great number of educational events and activities since its establishment in 1952, the museum was seriously damaged during the 1990s and later in August 2008. In 2019, the museum was fully renovated by the Gori Municipality Mayor’s Office, and through USAID support the museum was equipped with office and audiovisual equipment, touchscreen monitors, loudspeakers, and furniture that will enable the museum management to arrange a cultural and educational space.

Where: Arbo village, Gori Municipality Open: Every day, except Sunday and Monday, 10.00 – 18.00 Admission prices: Free admission TEL: (+995 555) 54 54 23 Facebook: www.facebook.com/GorisIstoriulEtnograpiuliMuzeumi English speaking staff may help you with translation.

AUGUST 2008 WAR MUSEUM

KHASHURI LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Tbilisi in 1122 and it was irrevocably destroyed by the Mongols in 1240. What you can visit today is the 40,000-sq-meter Inner City, less than half of the original whole. It's one of the oldest places of settlement in the Caucasus and almost everything here has been uncovered by archeologists beginning in 1957.

Where: Gori Municipality, Kvakhvreli village Open: Everyday (except Monday) 10.00 – 17.00 Admission prices: Schoolchildren, pensioners and students – 1 GEL, Adults – 15 GEL, Guided tour – Georgian 25 GEL/ English 45 GEL, Audio Guide – 15 GEL Free admission: Children up to age of 6; Pensioners, Georgian and Foreign museum staff, ICOM members (cardholders with ID), people with disabilities (upon presentation of valid ID), IDPs. TEL: (+995 595) 520778; (+995 591) 45 03 01 Website: https://www.heritagesites.ge/en/service/6 English language guide available

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Established in 1959, the Khashuri Local History Museum houses up to 103,000 exhibit items and archaeological remains from the local sites of the Stone Age (Satsikhuri dwelling), Bronze Age (Eastern South Caucasian axes), early and late Bronze Age (dwelling in Natsargora, Tsagvli burial objects, Akhaldaba and Tsagvli coin treasury) and early antiquity black ceramics. The site also preserves a collection of XVII-XX c.c. ethnography objects, photographs, and a collection of XX c. fine art made by Lado Gudiashvili, Gigo Gabashvili, and Alexander Tsimakuridze. The museum curators have digitized more than 100,000 exhibit items and restored a number of publications and exhibits. The museum closely cooperates with the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology based in Oxford, United Kingdom.

Where: 2, Merab Kostava str., Khashuri Open: Every day, except Monday, 10.00 – 17.00 Admission prices: 0.50 GEL Free admission: children up to age of 6, Georgian and foreign museum staff, ICOM members, people with disabilities, IDPs TEL: (+995 0368) 24 01 73, (+995 0368) 24 21 08 www.facebook.com/khashurissamuzeumogaertianeba.khashuri English speaking staff may help you with translation

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

Website Manager/Editor: Katie Ruth Davies Layout: Misha Mchedlishvili Webmaster: Sergey Gevenov Circulation Managers: David Kerdikashvili, David Djandjgava

A few meters from the occupation line in Ergneti village, one can visit the August 2008 War Museum housed in the basement of the burnt down house of local resident Lia Chlachidze. Lia collected photo and video materials, burnt cloths, toys, and bomb shards shared by the people living in the village to provide historical documentation. A car shattered with bullet holes still stands in the yard of her house in Ergneti village, a symbolic and powerful vestige of the war.

Where: Ergneti village, Gori municipality Open: Everyday, 10.00 – 18.00 Admission prices: Free admission TEL: (+995) 599 44 51 33 Facebook: www.bit.ly/3mdnUYq English language guide – not available

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