Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Agenzia Fides) - The Vice President of the Venezuelan Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Baltazar Porras of Merida, has launched an appeal for peace after the statements by the President of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, who asked the military and civilians of his country to prepare the war with Colombia. "We, as Church, we are launching a standing invitation to peace, to seek the solution of problems, not only between the two sides, but also internally" the Prelate said. The Archbishop of Merida said that statements made by Chavez increased tension between the people, and that to resolve problems it is not appropriate to immediately call for war.
"It requires a high degree of maturity on the part of our governments to find the best way to understand and overcome any difficulty and this can not be done playing the drums of war," said the Archbishop. He also said that Venezuela has many internal problems because the government has focused on financing several foreign nations, pouring in large amounts of money for projects relating to highways, electricity, housing, dams ... although in Venezuela there is certainly a high deterioration of roads, electricity rationing (...). "The worst of all problems is the insecurity and violent deaths reported,” Archbishop Porras said, indicating the growing corruption, as well. (EC) (Agenzia Fides 11/11/2009)
