28th Annual General Assembly of the Union of Cyprus Municipalities – 10/11/2011
The 28th Annual General Assembly of the Union of Cyprus Municipalities was held on November 8th, in the presence of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Demetris Christofias, the Minister of Interior, Mr. Neoklis Sylikiotis, leaders and representatives of political parties, former and current Mayors and other officials.
The first part of the General Assembly, which was held in the presence of its members, began with the speech of the President of the Union of Municipalities and Mayor of Limassol, Mr. Andreas Christou.
Mr. Christou firstly referred to the main achievements of the Union of Municipalities during the last thirty years and then noted that “there are still goals to be achieved, which demand the strong and constant effort both by the Union and the Municipalities”. Mr. Christou also expressed his disappointment for the non-achievement of the financial autonomy of the Municipalities and the non-institutionalisation of the annual grant from the Government to the Municipalities.
In view of the local elections, Mr. Christou invited everybody ”to keep on a high level and walk together, through the democratic process, to the path of progress, development and prosperity.”
The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Demetris Christofias, from the podium of the General Assembly, expressed the direct support of his Government, which aims at the substantial improvement, strengthening, reform and modernization of the local government in Cyprus and pledged that his government will remain in solidarity with the Local Authorities, despite the current difficult economic conditions, just as it did the previous three years with a series of decisions and measures that were implemented.
In his address, the Minister of Interior, Mr. Neoklis Sylikiotis, said that Local Authorities are the natural ally of the Government and the Ministry of Interior for the successful implementation of a wide range of crucial and innovative policies, which are currently under way.
The Minister described as urgent, the adoption of two acts tabled in the House of Representatives, concerning the voluntary unification of Communities and the consolidation and codification of the Laws of Municipalities and Communities.
The 28th Annual General Assembly of the Union of Cyprus Municipalities also had a celebrating character, since the Association completed 30 years of existence and action. In his address, the President of the Union of Cyprus Municipalities, Mr. Andreas Christou, referred to the 30-year course of the Association and presented the efforts and achievements of the Union during the last years, which will continue, as he claimed.
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Association, a number of Diplomas were awarded to the founder and initiator of the Union of Cyprus Municipalities, Mr. Lellos Demetriades, the former Presidents of the Union Mr. Michalakis Zampelas and Mr. Demetris Kontides, as well as to former Mayors who served the Union of Cyprus Municipalities, from its founding until today.
