The President of Georgia arrived in the Lapankuri Village today, met with the local population and informed them about the special operation undertaken at the Lopota Gorge. Mikheil Saakashvili also spoke about the importance of national security. According to him, the time when Leks were invading Georgia and ruining the country is part of the past, and it is impossible to bring that time back. Additionally, he stated that people from the other side of the mountain range should come to Georgia only as guests, friends, merchants and people of peaceful purposes and not armed, because making our people adversaries of each other is the goal of our conqueror.

“I think you, the Kakhetians, and the entire country were convinced that our population is secure. Our soldiers have administered a very tough operation despite the rough geographical conditions. They risked their lives to save peaceful citizens of Georgia from captivity. Unfortunately, the lives of three soldiers have been lost during this operation. However, if not their sacrifice, we would have to live in the same criminalized universe which we lived in 10 years ago. Our guys, our SWAT members acted in a heroic manner in order for us to have peace and order” – stated the President of Georgia.

While talking to the local people Mikheil Saakashvili noted that a rehabilitation process is going on in the country and nobody has time for war and devastation. However, the State will not forgive anyone for taking away the liberty of its citizens, and it will take as fast and effective measures as happened in the case of Lapankuri.

At this time, the main phase of the special operation has been completed in the Lopota Gorge.