Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Agenzia Fides) The crisis of food supply which comes as a result
of the oil embargo placed on the PDVSA, the increase in violence, and the
serious difficulties in the relation between Colombia and Venezuela, are the
main themes that the Bishops of Venezuela hope to address this week in their
extraordinary meeting, according to the President of the Venezuelan Episcopal
Conference (CEV), Bishop Ubaldo Santana.
Bishop Ubaldo is especially worried about Exxon’s recent freezing of
Venezuelan state company PDVSA’s assets, as he is afraid that the country’s
food supply will be in grave danger. “This decision is truly worrisome, as
it can effect international relations, our country’s food supply, and
therefore, the lives of our nation in crucial areas, such as the food supply.” He
also showed his concern for the fact that, “there are already children who
have been effected in their growth, as a result of the months they lived without
receiving adequate nutritional attention.”
In regards to relations with Colombia, he said that “it is necessary that
relations between both countries return to a path of peace, agreement, and
understanding,” something that is “highly favourable for economic life and
for millions of Colombians living on either side of the border, and of course for
us Venezuelans as well, who have always desired to maintain a fraternal and
united spirit to all of Colombia’s happenings.”
Bishop Santana appears to be glad in light of the liberation of the Colombian hostages, however, he asks that the Venezuelan government maintain
itself on friendly terms with Colombia, “so that things can go smoothly and
mutual relations can be consolidated.” “We pray and advise, and we are
willing to put in all our part as Pastors to do all that can favour a
climate of conversion and understanding between the two governments,” stated
the President of the Episcopal Conference.
The final theme on the agenda, during the Bishops’ meeting, will be “the
climate of violence that has evolved in the country since the start of the
year, that is to say, the time bomb that must be deactivated as soon as
possible, because nothing good can come from it, if it is allowed to
establish itself in the country. It can only produce more violence and
confrontation.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 12/2/2008 righe 33, parole 378)
