AFRICA/LIBYA-The Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli, "the Italian cemetery should be respected as a sacred place"

Tripoli (Agenzia Fides) - "This morning I called the Islamic Call Society to report the desecration of the Italian cemetery " His Exc Mgr.Giovanni Innocenzo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli says to Fides. On June 3, unknown assailants attacked the Italian cemetery in Tripoli, causing extensive damage without being able to penetrate into the rooms where the ossuaries are. On the walls there were writings against NATO and the allied bombings in progress on Libya, as well as insulting and threatening messages.
"I still have not been to the cemetery, but I hope to do so as soon as possible - said Mgr.Martinelli -. I am in constant contact with the keeper and I have consulted some people who somehow can do something. We must make it clear that the cemetery should be respected as a sacred place. We will see what happens". According to the Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli the episode "was an act of evident anger. Tension is very strong and people are angry. The city is sad, everything is blocked. We are fervently waiting for something to happen ".
Mgr. Martinelli, however, continues to believe in dialogue: "Yesterday several people came to me to find out if there are possibilities of mediation or at least suspension of bomb attacks. There is willingness to find a peaceful resolution and reconciliation " . The Apostolic Vicar says he is depressed "because bombings have increased in intensity. It seems there is no desire to suspend them ". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 06/06/2011)