EDMOND — People angry about plans to embrace Engles, Russia, as a Sister City protested the effort Monday, saying the community is communist.

Despite opposition from about 15 people, Edmond City Council members unanimously approved a joint proclamation between Edmond and Engles for the development of a Sister City relationship.

Thirteen community agencies and institutions have been working for four years to become a Sister City for a cultural and educational exchange. Representatives from Engels will make their third visit to Edmond next week.

The opponents, known as Govern Edmond Locally, say they want to restore Constitutional governance at the local level.

They argued the Sister Cities program is tied to the United Nations and a program called Agenda 21, which they said is an effort to take away personal property under the auspices of environmental initiatives.

They also oppose the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, which they claim has ties to the United Nations.

Last year, Edmond officials withdrew the city's membership in the council after this group complained. City officials said they joined the council to obtain computer software and were unaware of any United Nation ties.

“This has nothing to do with Agenda 21. No one has this in mind. I think you are wrong on this issue,” Councilman Nick Massey said at Monday's meeting. “They are no longer a communist city. This is a cultural exchange, not a government exchange.”

Ferlin Kearns, a member of Govern Edmond Locally, also accused University of Central Oklahoma President Don Betz of being pals with terrorists because of his academic ties.

Carl Reherman, chairman of the Edmond Sister Cities Association, said he found the comments about Betz offensive.

“There is no conspiracy,” Reherman said. “I resent it.”

City Manager Larry Stevens said, “I am personally embarrassed.”