AMERICA/ECUADOR - The Church in Ecuador expresses its closeness and solidarity with the Church in Honduras

Guayaquil (Agenzia Fides) – Given the political events that have been taking place in Honduras in recent weeks, Archbishop Antonio Arregui Yarza of Guayaquil, President of the Ecuadorian Bishops' Conference, expressed his closeness and solidarity with the Church in Honduras in a letter addressed to Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, President of the Bishops' Conference of Honduras.
In the document, dated July 22, the Archbishop of Guayaquil manifests above all his “closeness of the Bishops of Ecuador and their shared desire that national harmony may soon be reestablished.”
“With great joy we have learned of the Church's position, made known through her authorized presence in the mass media,” the text says. We give thanks to God for the prophetic word that resounded in his address, as a message of freedom, peace, and justice.”
The letter concludes with a prayer that “docile to the Spirit, while remaining firm and spreading hope, the Church's presence may help in resolving the crisis.”
According to recent reports, the overthrown President of Honduras, Manuel Zelaya, left his country's embassy in Managua, making his way to the city of Esteli, on his way to the border with Honduras. He was accompanied by Venezuelan Chancellor Nicolas Maduro and Nicaraguan government representative Eden Pastora. From there, he will travel today to the border with Honduras to prepare his return to the country. Zelaya said yesterday that it has been a peaceful day of return for “a legitimate president who has been overthrown by coups leaders.” From Guatemala and Nicaragua, he has called for an uprising to be led against them. The overthrown leader announced that he would return to Honduras after the failed mediation efforts of President Oscar Arias of Costa Rica, aimed at his reintegration.
This is the second attempt of Zelaya following his failed return in a Venezuelan plane this past July 5, which left a demonstrator dead after clashes on the outskirts of the Tegucigalpa airport.
The government established by Roberto Micheletti issued a statement extending the curfew for the border area from 6pm Thursday to 6am Friday. “We are calling for the understanding of the people of Honduras and we ask that they respect this measure which has been taken for the protection and security of the people and their goods and to guarantee social order and peace,” the text says.
Zelaya's intention to return to Honduras was labeled “hasty” by Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OEA), Jose Miguel Insulza, who said that the organization is awaiting the official response as to whether the de facto government and the overthrown leader accept the final proposal made by Arias. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 24/7/2009)