Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) - “We, wish to express our appreciation to the Heads of States and Governments, of the Great Lakes Region for their initiative to come together to reflect and discuss matters of common good for the Great Lakes Region” the Archbishops and Bishops attending the Great Lakes Regional Summit in Nairobi on the 14th and 15th December 2006 said in a statement dated 16 December addressed to the Catholic Christians and all people of good will in the Great Lakes. The Bishops were region referring to the 2nd International Conference on the Great Lakes Region which closed yesterday 15 December with an agreement to promote security, stability and development in the region.
“The presence of the representative of the Holy See and the message of the Holy Father are very clear signs of how close the Great Lakes Region is to the heart of the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI,” the Bishops write. “Inspired by the spirit of this message, it is our most considered opinion that our region requires lasting peace, security, political stability and sustainable development”.
“Due to violence leading to loss of human lives some of our people have been left divided and without hope. Therefore, this initiative of our Heads of State and Government offers a chance to initiate the process of healing, which the Church fully endorses and commits itself to promote leading our people to forgive and reconcile with one another in the interest of peaceful co-existence now and in the future.”.
The Bishops call on those concerned “to ensure equitable distribution of resources at the national and regional levels. We challenge ourselves to be pro-active so that we can be able to foresee and forestall explosive negative situations”. The security pact signed yesterday seems to go in that direction. The treaty covers issues such as security, governance and economic development. It also includes measures to disarm remaining rebel groups, prevent arms trafficking and help millions of refugees. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 16/12/2006 righe 33 parole 341)
