Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Panama (Agenzia Fides) - The Catholic Church has been proposed by the High Commission as a guarantor appointed by the executive and the representatives of the “Coalition for the Defence of Natural Resources and the Rights of the People of Ngobe Buglé” and of peasants involved in the mining conflict that is affecting the indigenous communities of the Country. In recent weeks in the district of San Felix, in eastern Panama, units of anti-riot police clashed with indigenous communities who oppose the Law n. 8, which amended the Code of Mineral Resources.
On the negotiating table, among the demands, the leaders of the Coalition are calling for a law that expressly prohibits mining activity in the area of Ngobe Buglé. Although there is a desire for dialogue with the Government, they have warned that if their demands are not met, they will march again through the streets.
The Episcopal Conference of Panama (CEP), in a statement sent to Fides, launched an appeal for dialogue “without preconditions and with transparency” in order to find a solution to the mining conflict regarding the native community of the Country. This dialogue “should involve the communities concerned, specialists in the field and also a representation of the sectors of society concerned about the impact of these reforms (the Mining Code), to calmly discuss the pros and cons of mining and to reach a consensus on what is best for the common good of the Country,” the Bishops' statement said.
“The Church of Panama, which has closely followed developments relating to the approval of Law n. 8 (on mining reform), is concerned about the conflict between indigenous communities, a group of civil society and government authorities, which may lead to unpredictable outcomes. As Pastors of the People of God,” concludes the statement, “we encourage you to make all appropriate efforts to build a culture of peace through just, fair and constructive dialogue.” (CE) (Agenzia Fides, 02/03/2011)
