Separatists fight with GEL

In the occupied territory of Tskhinvali region and in Akhalgori district in particular, Georgian Lari is circulating together with Russian Ruble. However, Ossetian separatists, encouraged by the Russians, decided to take Georgian Lari out of circulation. So, from January 10, 2011 there will be no Georgian Lari in circulation. All entrepreneurs were informed about this in writing. The administration of the region wants only the Russian ruble to stay as the major currency. Some analysts, as well as the Akhalgori population doubt that this process will be successful as in the region there is more demand for Georgian lari. So, to place a ban on Lari will be very difficult.