AMERICA/MEXICO - Mgr. Rangel Mendoza: "Dialogue works, there is less violence in Chilpancingo"

Thursday, 21 June 2018 human rights   violence   dialogue   peace   bishops  

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Chilpancingo (Agenzia Fides) - Dialogue with criminal groups has worked to reduce violence in the Chilapa area, as well as peacebuilding projects, said Mgr. Salvador Rangel Mendoza, O.F.M., Bishop of the diocese of Chilpancingo- Chilapa, according to information sent to Agenzia Fides.
During a press conference held yesterday, on the initiatives of the Church for the construction of peace, the Prelate commented that, at least in his diocese, violence against candidates in the upcoming elections has diminished as a result of dialogue with criminal groups. "I met these people because the same candidates have asked me to speak with them, so they can conduct their campaign. I can say that dialogue has worked here in the diocese. At the beginning they killed two candidates in Chilapa, one who belonged to the PRI and another to the PRD, but for reasons which have nothing to do with the election campaign", said the Bishop.
"We have reached agreements on many things talking directly with the leaders, I had the opportunity to talk with them and now I have had the opportunity to propose a peace project for two regions (Tlanicuilulco and Filo de Caballo) talking with these 'gentlemen' and with a representative of the federation", said Mgr. Rangel Mendoza in a message sent to Fides. The Bishop states that he is in favor of the amnesty, but in a "restricted" way, and referred to the case of the peasants who, in the absence of occupation and opportunities, sow poppy (amapola), an unlawful activity in which children are involved.
In March 2017, the Bishop had been reported for having met criminal gangs (see Fides 27/03/2017). "The authorities did not seek dialogue with criminal gangs - said Bishop Rangel - even if the government knows who they are and where these people are. As bad as they are, we must listen to their arguments", the Bishop had said. (CE) (Agenzia Fides, 21/06/2018)


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