Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kabul (Agenzia Fides) - "We heard explosions and gunfire this morning. The conflict was intense. Until not long ago, in Kabul the atmosphere seemed more relaxed and these incidents have now brought fear. The city is not armored, but leaving the protected areas is dangerous." This is testimony Agenzia Fides has received from Fr. Giuseppe Moretti, Superior of the Missio sui iuris in Afghanistan, in commenting on the suicide bombings being carried out in Kabul by the Taliban, affecting the Central Bank, several ministries, the telecommunications center, a hotel for foreigners, and several shopping malls. This was then followed by a battle with police and NATO forces (with different victims), who took over full control of the situation in the city.
The population of Kabul is still stunned. Fr. Moretti told Fides: "This morning was a demonstration of strength and vitality of the Taliban. Certainly, there is no danger that they can regain power: the international forces would not allow it. But, we are in a situation of uncertainty and insecurity that prevents the normal course of life. We live between high points and low points, according to warnings that are disseminated. Yesterday, for example, at the Sunday Mass celebrated in the Italian Embassy, members of the international Catholic community residing in Kabul filled the church. Today the fear is back, and many prefer not to leave home.”
The Superior adds: "There are signs of hope that we pray may soon become a certainty for the Afghan people. The country needs means and ways for finding a political and diplomatic solution, not only a military one, on the whole scenario of Afghanistan."
Fr. Moretti stresses that "we need to place things back in the hands of civil society and work towards the true foundations of democracy: schools, hospitals, jobs, fair wages. If illiteracy is widespread, if health care is the privilege of few, if wages are low, how can you stabilize and pacify a country? For some time we have been reiterating that the international community should encourage social engagement in Afghanistan, to alienate the extremist sympathies of the population. The Church, in her humility, does its part: we have built the 'School of Peace' in a village on the outskirts of Kabul, where more than 850 children receive an education. The work of the Missionaries of Charity with the orphans, initiatives such as 'Pro-Kabul Children' (carried out by various religious congregations), or humanitarian aid from Caritas, are a sign of our presence, a silent witness of the love of God for the Afghan people. We pray for peace and we do good, looking at the human being, without label or distinction of religion, ethnicity, or origin. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 18/01/2010)
