AFRICA/LIBYA - "We are anxiously waiting for a possible and reasonable solution, " says Mgr. Martinelli

Tripoli (Agenzia Fides) - " We are anxiously waiting for a possible and reasonable solution, even if it is not easy. But I trust in the good will of men, in spite of everything, " says Bishop Giovanni Innocenzo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli.
"Last night they bombed energetically. The city endures even if difficulties due to lack of petrol are being experienced. It is difficult to move and in front of petrol stations there are long rows of cars, "said Mgr. Martinelli.
The Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli said that "the Church of God goes ahead with the power of the Holy Spirit. There are still many Filipino Catholics who give courageous witness. Even the Philippine Ambassador remained here to be near the community of his countrymen. There are 2-3000 Filipinos who work in the various Libyan hospitals. I hope this testimony will serve to make it clear to everyone that above all one should show solidarity to those who suffer. "
"The population is suffering because of the bombs" underlines Mgr. Martinelli. "Despite what is said the bombs also are hitting civilian areas. The Coptic church which is located 10 km from us, next to a police station, has shattered windows due to explosive devices released against the military installation. ""If we hit military sites placed in civilian areas, in addition to psychological damage, they also cause civilian casualties and damage to homes, "concludes Mgr. Martinelli. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 06/01/2011)