AMERICA/VENEZUELA - “There must be pressure to reach a democratic solution ” says Bishop Pérez Lavado

Madrid (Agenzia Fides) – "There must be a peaceful solution, elections, but to reach this goal there is need of pressure at very high levels, perhaps extreme, in order to find a democratic solution, which is what everyone desires...we, bishop of Venezuela, as Pastors, defend the constitutional right to stage peaceful demonstrations". This was said by Bishop Enrique Pérez Lavado of the Venezuelan diocese Maturín, passing through Madrid where he was interviewed by Radio Cope.
In the interview, sent to Fides, Bishop Pérez Lavado remarked that unlike other occasions this time demonstrations are being held all over the country increasing tension everywhere: "Not only in Caracas, but also in Maracaibo, Valencia, Barquisimeto, Merida, San Cristobal, and other cities. In the university city of Merida, the situation is serious with young people in the streets". The Bishop continued: "it is clear that despite this popular explosion, people still live in fear ".
The local Catholic Church, also on this occasion, is close to the people taking to the streets. Bishop Diego Padrón, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Venezuela, speaking a few days ago at the 7th National Laity Congress , emphasised in particular the role of the laity in these cases, urging them to always act in keeping with the Gospel, underlining that "without resistance there is no hope".
According to latest reports, Venezuela’s Foreign minister Ms Delcy Rodriguez announced the withdrawal of Caracas from OAS, the Organization of American States, after the latter convoked, with 17 states in favour, an emergency meeting of foreign ministers on the crisis to talk about their “deep concern" for Venezuela. In the meantime 32 people are reported to have been killed during the recent demonstrations.
(CE) (Agenzia Fides, 27/04/2017)

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