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THE UNION OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES OF GREECE (KEDKE)
THE UNION OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN ISRAEL (ULAI) and
THE ASSOCIATION OF PALESTINIAN LOCAL AUTHORITIES (APLA)
On the onset of the 21st century human life and dignity in
many places of our planet are still challenged.
Even if the region of the Eastern Mediterranean is the cradle
of civilizations and religions, it also remains a continuous
source of conflict that accounts for the death of hundreds
of people and the destruction of their cities; simultaneously
and in a daily base the citizens of this region live in fear
and terror.
This environment characterized by insecurity is an obstacle
and brings back the progression and development of these people/nations.
Considering that municipal associations have the ability to
play a major and positive role in supporting just and lasting
peace.
Calling on the world municipal associations to follow the
good example of the Greek Association of Municipalities (KEDKE)
to do its’ utmost to ensure that peace and prosperity prevail
in the Mediterranean region.
Recognizing the efforts made to this effect and the meetings
held between the municipal associations in Israel and Palestine
(APLA and ULAI) in Athens on September 19/2002, and in Rome
on December 15/2002, and in the Hague on January 26/2003,
and following the agreements reached as a result of these
meetings, which are attached to this document.
Under these conditions, the representatives of the Central
Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece/ Hellas,
the Union of Municipalities of Israel and the Union of Municipalities
of Palestine have met, discussed, and cooperated developing
this way their mutual relations, in order to promote the exchanges
among the Municipalities and the Mayors of the three Unions.
Unanimously all three partners believed that:
– The peoples of Greece/Hellas, Palestine and Israel, despite
their geographical distance and differences, can meet today-
as they did in the distant past, and mutually teach each other
and fight in order to set the bases for peace in this trouble
region. Therefore, achieving their peaceful co-existence in
their differences for the development and progress of their
local communities.
– The framework of a multi-cultural society characterized
by culture and the distinctive uniqueness of the people’s
identity must and should be respected by everybody.
– The protection and respect of human life should have the
most significant role.
– The preservation and protection of the monuments of world
heritage should remain an important issue.
– The continuous development of the cities, such as the growth
of tourist exchanges, the renovation of old towns, the creation
of new ones, and additionally the protection of the environment,
are issues of common interest for the municipalities and the
mayors of all three nations.
– The Unions of the three local Authorities will encourage
the Mayors and their members to effectively carry out mutual
exchanges aiming at putting aside the barriers that divide
them. Their mutual cooperation will be the starting point/
limestone for development of partnership and cooperation of
all kind aiming/focusing at the progress and prosperity of
their people in an environment of sustainable peace and mutual
understanding.
– The three Unions of Local Authorities represent the local
authorities of their nations/people and their competent elected
representatives.
The signature of this framework of this framework of cooperation
intends to promote dialogue and cooperation aiming at prosperity
in all fields of everyday life.
This memorandum of cooperation is signed in the official languages
of the three parts with equal force.
Adi Eldar Paris Koukoulopoulos Ghassan Shakah
President of ULAI President of KEDKE President of APLA
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