AMERICA/PERU - Bishops call for urgent action and dialogue, "No more violence" for the Tia Maria case

Tuesday, 12 May 2015

Lima (Agenzia Fides) - 50 days have gone by since the protests started in Islay, a village near Arequipa, about 800 km south of the Peruvian capital, against the Southern Copper mining project, and government and protesters have failed to reach an agreement and there have been other clashes which have caused victims and injured. "The protests against the mining 'Tia Maria' project continue!" say the representatives of the group that demonstrate and the people who live in Islay.
Faced with this situation, the Peruvian Bishops' Conference calls for "deep reflection which may lead to urgent action in defense of life, the building of peace and justice". In the document, sent to Agenzia Fides, the Bishops say: "We understand the importance of a project such as Tía María, because it involves investments of high level for the region's economy".
Since most of the area is agricultural, the Bishops stress that "agriculture must be protected, because it helps to give food, improves the economy of families". As everyone knows, "it is necessary to protect the waters, both surface and underground, along with the quality of the air and the earth, which are essential to achieve the necessary levels of productivity". Therefore "dialogue is absolutely necessary, with the good will of all parties, that must participate in the restoration of peace". The Bishops conclude urging "No more victims! No more violence!".
The conflict called "Tia Maria" has dragged on for almost six years, and has already caused 5 deaths. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 12/05/2015)


Share: