Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santa Cruz (Agenzia Fides) - The Catholic Church of Santa Cruz has publicly complained about the fact that the government does not show any openness to dialogue with the natives who march towards the city of La Paz to defend the Indigenous Territory of the National Park Isiboro secure (ITNPIS) , their habitat is threatened by the construction of a highway (see Fides 26/08/2011, 30/08/2011), and urged President Evo Morales to put aside pride and to respond to the request for dialogue.
The news reached Fides by the spokesman of the Diocese of Santa Cruz, Father Edwin Bazan, who has also asked the social parts contrary to indigenous mobilization, not to seek conflict and to allow the demonstrators to pass in transit through the village of Yucumo in the department of Beni. Father Bazan refers specifically to those who block the bridge of San Lorenzo, in order to force indigenous leaders and government officials to dialogue.
"This is an appeal to the social movements who are against this march: show solidarity with the demand of this group and let them pass, so negotiation can begin with the only valid interlocutor which is the government, without any pressure," asked the priest . He added that the Church can be a tool to help the dialogue between protesters and government authorities, but has not received any invitation in this regard by the parts in conflict.
The situation remains very tense: just before spreading this note, a meeting between a government commission, led by Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca, and the group leading the march had just ended. A temporary agreement had been reached: the chancellor has pledged to deliver a written reply from President Evo Morales on the 16 questions posed by the natives which emphasizes the preservation of the Indigenous Territory and National Park Isiboro Secure (ITNPIS). The letter must be delivered by Thursday evening, while all participants in the march will remain with the people of "La Embocada" along the road between San Borja and Yucumo.
The Church's is concerned because of the large number of people concentrated in areas where the march is held, especially Yucumo, and in order to avoid the clash between the natives of the march (about 1600), the movements against the march that are waiting in Yucumo (about 1900 people), the police force have been sent to ensure safety (800 elements) who, according to the authorities must not intervene (the figures are those reported by the local press). (CE) (Agenzia Fides 14/09/2011)
