Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
La Paz (Agenzia Fides) – In accord with the most recent message issued by the Bishops (see Fides 12/9/2008), the Secretary General of the Bolivian Bishops’ Conference reiterates its concern during these important days in the nation’s history, with a statement entitled: “Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.” In the document, the Bishops speak strongly against the “fratricide that has caused mourning and in pain for many Bolivian families” in the state of Pando. The Prelates also express their solidarity and closeness to the victims and family members.
Thus, in response to the “state of seige” established in Pando, the Church is calling for “total respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, in strict compliance with the indications of the Constitution.” They ask that they perform an authentic and unbiased investigation of the events occurring in this state.
The Bishops also ask national authorities “to advise families as to how they can guarantee that their rights are respected and that they receive medical attention” and “form a humanitarian committee that would ask each of the persons involved what the status of the situation is.”
“We ask the national authorities and social leaders,” the statement says, “that they exercise prudence and common sense so that this extreme temporary recourse to the ‘state of siege,’ may not interfere with the dialoguing that has begun, as it is the only way to reaching a resolution to our nation’s problems.”
The Bishops conclude their statement by inviting all the faithful and people of good will to pray for the unity of Bolivia and take an active role in the National Day of Prayer for Peace, to be celebrated September 19, “through pilgrimages to shrines, community celebrations, fasts and other initiatives in the local Churches.”
The President of the Bishops’ Social Communications Commission, Monsignor Cristóbal Bialasik, also issued a message entitled: “Freedom of speech and the common good,” in which he spoke firmly against the aggressions committed against journalists, the attacks on the mass media, and all types of obstacles that they have had to face in their work in recent weeks, as “it constitutes another dangerous side-effect of the state of intolerance, violation of rights, and violence that is afflicting our nation.” He also mentioned the fact that “no one can attribute to the right to censure, what is an act of physical aggression and destruction, establishing their own criteria and interpretation.”
The Bolivian government declared a “state of siege” in Pando on September 12, in light of the “violence unleashed” in the region and “a growing number of victims.” President Evo Morales has agreed not to extend this extraordinary situation to other areas, as long as those involved cease their attacks on the government. According to the Defense Minister, what is occurring in Pando is a unique situation due to the “extreme seriousness” of “guaranteeing life” and “the interests of all involved,” in that territory. The government has confirmed the death of 16 people in the violence.
A summit meeting has also been held by the Union of South American Nations, yesterday, in Santiago de Chile. They have held an emergency meeting to analyze the crisis in Bolivia and issued a document in support of Morales and rejecting any other intent to divide territories in Bolivia. A dialogue committee was also established to help in opening communication between the Bolivian government and the opposition. It will be led by President Morales. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 17/9/2008)
