YEREVAN. - President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on Monday attended the solemn ceremony dedicated to the 20th anniversary of introducing the local self-government system in Armenia.

In his speech, the President congratulated those present on this occasion, noting: ''20 years ago, on 10 November 1996, the first elections of community leaders and city council took place. Thereby a new and democratic self-government system, which was fundamentally different from the previous one, was introduced in Armenia. 

During that period we often moved forward by the methodology of experiencing, since our own historic tradition in this area was interrupted long ago. We oftentimes filled this gap thanks to the support of the international community. In this context, I'd like to thank the diplomats and representatives of international organizations present for the diverse support provided to us.

Armenia's membership to the Council of Europe especially contributed to the establishment and improvement of the self-government system. The key pledges of our progress in this area were the approximation of our legislation with the principles of the European Charter of Local Self-Government and its efficient application.

Today we can note with satisfaction that the local self-government system in Armenia has not only been established, but also proved its vitality. When I say that the local self- government system has been established, I don't mean that we have no shortcomings in this area. This doesn't mean that the leaders of all our communities are a success or that that there are no derelictions. This means that the system has indeed been established, and we should constantly work towards improving it."

"Today it is not enough to record the existing issues and problems and report them to me, the Prime Minister or Minister of Territorial Administration. Part of this function is successfully carried out by media and NGOs. Apparently, our citizens have more expectations, and those who are not able to find answers to the day-to-day issues of their fellow citizens and villagers will simply waste the confidence vote of the community residents.

The Government and the local self-government bodies should organize their work as serious and reliable partners. For many years we have invested significant means for the proportionate development of our country. Serious investments are made in the direction of developing the capacities of the provinces and social infrastructures. But the community leaders should rule out consumer's psychology here. Those who work efficiently will get more support."

We are especially careful to the border communities, which for decades live and struggle with honor in the conditions of shelling. This is a special direction of our work, which is in the center of my attention and direct control. We have already established a number of privileges for these communities. Investment programs have been implemented and new production centers and workplaces have opened there."

''Administrative and territorial reforms, which have already been launched, are also in the center of our attention. The enlargement of communities is not an end in itself. It is necessary to form local self-government authorities, which will be able to become efficient partners in carrying out the changes initiated by us in the sphere of public administration, promoting decentralization. We will also continue attaching importance to the competitive formation of the pivotal institute of the city council, raising the accountability of its activity.

''Strong community, strong family, strong state – this is our formula for powerful Armenia,'' the President concluded.