Tiraspol, 12 October. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. A grand meeting of the city council was held today ahead of Tiraspol’s 225th anniversary.
The meeting was also attended by President Krasnoselsky, the chairman and members of the Supreme Council, government members.
The president recalled that the city's history had originated from the Sredinnaya Fortress, which was founded as a Russian outpost at the empire's southern border, and which is why from the outset the city had become a frontier between the eastern and western worlds.
"225 years has passed, but, in fact, nothing has changed. The fortress has, unfortunately, disappeared for objective reasons, but the Russian spirit, the spirit of the Russian world, has been preserved throughout the history of our city, of our capital," noted the president.
Krasnoselsky underscored that many foreign guests praised Tiraspol's tranquillity and convenience, the friendliness and openness of its residents.
"This is very gratifying. Of course, we can't dwell on what we have achieved; we must go forward, work on the city, on its infrastructure. [We must] work on its parks, landscapes and new jobs. But this is your home, and I don't need to explain it to you; you know it," Krasnsoselsky told the audience.
According to the chair of the city council, Albina Ivanova, the key to that development should become constructive cooperation between local councillors and the capital's state administration. She underscored, in the meantime, that Tiraspol was the landmark and face of Pridnestrovie and the country's prosperity would depend on the way the city would develop.
The chair of the Women's Strike Committee, Galina Andreyeva, was officially awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Tiraspol. The president personally handed her the ribbon and the certificate.
Prominent citizens were also awarded state decorations. Among them were Mark Dushkov and Yulia Takmelova, who received the Order of Honour. A number of citizens were awarded the Order of Labour Glory, Medal of Labour Valor and Medal of Labour Distinction.
The head of the capital's state administration, Oleg Dovgopol, underscored that the city's main asset was its residents. "Of course, we have a rich history and heroic people, but our residents are the main wealth of Tiraspol. It is thanks to you, Tiraspol residents that our city becomes nicer, neater, more pleasant and attractive for our guests. A city you want to live in," said the mayor.
Congratulating the city and its residents on the anniversary, Supreme Council speaker Alexander Scherba noted the capital's special nature. "Tiraspol has repeatedly demonstrated the unity and strength of spirit, the desire to live and develop. It was both in 1990 and in 1992 and during the blockade. the city's birthday is celebrated on the day of the Blessed Virgin Mary's Protection. This is symbolic — our city is protected by the Holy Virgin," the speaker believes.
The session also approved the powers of newly elected councillors.
