Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Quito (Agenzia Fides) - On March 4, the Ecuadorian Bishops’ Conference issued a statement expressing their deep sorrow and regret for what has occurred “between two sister-nations, Ecuador and Colombia, historically united in many ways,” in light of the serious tension that has arisen between the two countries (see Fides 4/3/2008). They also “manifest their sorrow before God and before these two nations, and in reference to the political considerations that must be made in light of this new wave of violent deaths, whose cry reaches Heaven.” The Bishops also “reject the violation of Ecuadorian borders by those who have illegally trespassed on our land.”
As the text follows, the Bishops called for a “a disarming of the aggression, paving the way for sincere dialogue and reconciliation,” recalling the fact that using violence only produces more violence. The Ecuadorian Bishops also made a request that the events that took place on the northern border by examined “with clarity, truth, and justice.” The Bishops asked that Ecuadorians opt for “unity and solidarity, as the means for showing their strength and defending their national dignity, on either side of our borders,” and “not to renounce our vocation as a people that loves peace, building it upon justice and respect for rights.”
Lastly, they asked the National Government, the public and private institutions, and each citizen to “maintain serenity in the midst of the intense adversity that we have had to face in recent weeks.” They concluded their statement with an invocation for God’s protection, “that He may enlighten us and enable us to work together to overcome the difficult situations with intelligence and decision.”
A statement has also been made by the Vice-President of the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Roberto Luckert, to the Catholic Journal of Venezuela, saying that the Bishops’ Conferences of Ecuador, Venezuela, and Colombia would hold an urgent meeting to discuss the delicate situation of these countries.
On March 4, there was a meeting of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American Countries (OEA), which was attended by all its members, in efforts to find a solution to the conflict between Ecuador and Colombia. After six hours of negotiating, the talks were temporarily suspended, due to a lack of consensus between the two countries regarding the final text of the agreement. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 5/3/2008 righe 30, parole 382)
