Dialogue should not end up being monologue, Venezuelan archbishop warns

Caracas, Venezuela, Sep 3, 2007 / 07:19 am

Archbishop Robert Luckert of Coro and vice president of the Venezuelan Bishops Conference, said last week, “At this moment of so many difficulties, when the democratic constitutionality of the country is at risk, we must accept the invitation” to dialogue.  “My own personal advice is this: it should not be a monologue,” he warned.

Speaking on Union Radio, the archbishop said it appeared that the constitutional reforms were sent to congress with the expectation they would be approved as-is and “that is what they are racing to do.”

Archbishop Luckert said there is great concern about an increase in corruption and about the idea of no presidential term limits.  “If this is approved, in December we should put this phrase on the ballot below the box for president: As long as Chavez is breathing, don’t even think about running,” he stated.

The archbishop stressed that the bishops wanted to “at least make it known that we are not in agreement with the reform of the constitution, because when one sees the position of the National Assembly, it’s a monologue of deaf people where we go to make proposals but they are not going to listen.”

He said the bishops hope to receive a formal invitation to present their opinion.  Next week, they plan to meet to study the reform and discuss the changes proposed by President Chavez.