Matanzas, July 22 (RHC) -– The Provincial Assembly of People’s Power in the western territory of Matanzas granted Revolution leader Fidel Castro and President Raul Castro a special acknowledgement on the 40th anniversary of the government body.

During a ceremony, held at the local Velasco movie theater in Matanzas, the provincial body also acknowledged Parliament President Esteban Lazo on the occasion.

On June 30, 1974, the people of the western province for the first elected their local leaders and later on July 21st the provincial assembly was set up.

The local government experience, which is based on broad popular participation, was later extended to all the island in 1976.

During the ceremony, Provincial Parliament President Tania Leon called for actions to keep improving the role of People’s Power and Cuban democracy and to further increase the educational level of all the people.

Leon also called for the strengthening of the struggle for the release of the three anti-terrorist Cubans held in U.S. prisons since 1998 for having monitored U.S.-based violent groups that planned terrorist actions against the Cuban people.

Over 30 personalities present at the ceremony were also acknowledged on the 40th anniversary of the local government bodies.