Tea Topuria
Mestia population is protesting against the Liberty Bank. In the Mestia Branch of Liberty Bank, Samegrelo, instead of Svaneti, is written on the bank stamp. “Samegrelo region, Mestia branch” – reads the Liberty Bank stamp in the region of Mestia when the region belongs to Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti and Mestia is in Svaneti and not in Samegrelo. “Zemo Svaneti” disappearance from the inscription was taken as a bad sign. People here remember how part of Svaneti was named Zemo Abkhazia, the uncontrollable territory now. Part of the population even started to have a suspicion that the government is planning to append Svaneti to Samegrelo.
Mestia governor Gocha Chelidze did not have information regarding the matter.
Gocha Chelidze: “This is an important issue. I did not know about it. I will pay attention now.”
According to the department of public relations of Liberty Bank, the issue will definitely be ascertained and the relevant measures will be taken.