KIEV, Dec. 8 - President Petro Poroshenko has congratulated local governments and territorial communities on the occasion of Local Self-Government Day.

"Communities want to live a new life and have broader opportunities. We are ready to launch decentralization of power - a change that is acquiring special importance ahead of the rural and mayoral elections, and the elections of local legislatures. However, representatives to be elected by local communities must be prepared not only to get broad opportunities, but also to bear responsibility for the life and development of their territories," says Poroshenko's message of greetings, posted on his website on Sunday.