AMERICA/BOLIVIA - Bishops of Bolivia call for respect for life, in social conflict as well

La Paz (Agenzia Fides) – The climate of violence in the area of Caranavi, Bolivia, has caused two deaths and many wounded. For this reason, the Bishops have issued a statement calling for respect for life and dialogue as the solution of social problems in the area that is experiencing conflict. For two weeks, in fact, according to local press, the area of Alto Beni and Caranavi is in a state of conflict over the construction of an industrial plant for the treatment of citrus fruit, which has divided the agricultural organizations in the area. The protests, which have been growing to include the blocking of highways, have called for police intervention. Over the weekend, there were clashes between demonstrators and police. Two young people were killed and many were injured on both sides.
The Catholic Church has been calling, since before the dispute, for open dialogue and has organized several initiatives both in the parish of Caranavi, in the Diocese of Coroico, supported by the Bishops' Conference of Bolivia, trying to prevent the occurrence of violence which, unfortunately, has later taken place.
Yesterday, the Conference of Bishops issued a statement, sent to Fides, which gives top priority to "respect for life, the value of life, over any private, regional, or political interest." "The protests, expressions of conflict - the statement of the Bishops says - are manifestations of social discontent to requests from several municipalities not answered at different levels, and in fact endanger the social peace and profound respect for fundamental rights."
"Based on the Gospel, we reject violence because violence is a lie that goes against the truth of our faith. Violence destroys what it claims to defend: dignity, life, human freedom. Dialogue is the only responsible way to solve problems," say the bishops, urging the Christian community to pray for the immediate solution to the conflict and for peace and unity for the people of Bolivia. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 11/05/2010)