Agenzia Fides

Tripoli (Agenzia Fides) - “We heard a heavy bombardment on the outskirts of the city. Tripoli is emptying, the population fleeing from fear of being bombed,” says Bishop Giovanni Innocenzo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli, Libya, to Fides. The Apostolic Vicar reiterates his opposition to the military action taken: “War does not solve anything. I don't know how this new war will finish that is reawakening sad memories about the Libyans' recent history. I keep repeating that we need to cease shooting immediately and begin mediation straight away to resolve the crisis peacefully. Why have diplomatic means not been considered?”. Bishop Martinelli finally recalls the plight of Eritrean refugees trapped in Libya: “We are working to transfer the refugees from Eritrea to the border of Tunisia. I spoke with the Bishop of Tunis to see if they can accept them, given that on their side of the border there are international humanitarian aid organisations.” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 21/3/2011)