Colombian bishops urge renewed agreement for peace and reconciliation

Bogotá, Colombia, Mar 9, 2010 / 20:59 pm

The National Commission of Reconciliation, led by the President of the Bishops’ Conference of Colombia Bishop Ruben Salazar, has called on political and social organizations in the country to sign a National Accord for Peace and Reconciliation on March 12.

The accord is intended to create a “consensus” among sectors of the Colombian society to establish the minimum conditions necessary for overcoming the armed conflict within the country.

This national agreement encompasses “the need for Colombia to take part in the globalized world. It recognizes and supports the principle of international co-responsibility and welcomes the cooperation of the international community in the solution of our national problems, under the principle of non-intervention, and on the basis of an agenda of shared goals.”

It also upholds an ethical standard in which “the protection, promotion and defense of the dignity of the human person and human rights are given priority.”

The Church in Colombia, the various regional commissions of reconciliation, numerous other religious denominations, political parties and movements, trade unions, business associations, retired military and police officers, the academic community, the media and other important sectors in Colombian society are all expected to be involved in the agreement.