Ecuadorian bishops call for peace and solidarity in region

Quito, Ecuador, Mar 6, 2008 / 11:21 am

The Bishops’ Conference of Ecuador expressed sadness over the recent events that have led to tension with Colombia and called for serenity and sincere dialogue in order to bring about reconciliation between the two nations.

In a statement the bishops noted that Ecuador and Colombia are historically united “by many bonds,” and they made known their “pain, before God and before both nations, beyond all political considerations, over the new episode of violent deaths, whose blood cries out to heaven.”

Likewise, they rejected “the violation of Ecuadorian borders by those who illegally crossed into our territory.  Violence, they warned, only leads to more violence.

The bishops called for an end to aggression and for sincere dialogue, which is “the path towards reconciliation,” and they said the events that occurred on the northern border should be explained with transparency, truth and justice.”

They implored “the protection of God, that he might enlighten us in order that we may work together to overcome the difficult situations with intelligence and decisiveness.”

The bishops called on “all Ecuadorians to remain in unity and solidarity with each other, as the way to be strong and defend the national dignity, inside and outside our borders.  “Let us not renounce our vocation as a people that loves peace and let us build it on the basis of justice and respect for law,” they stated.