La Paz, Bolivia, Jun 12, 2005 / 22:00 pm
The director of Catholic Charities in Bolivia, Roberto Barja, has announced the activation of emergency plans in order to send food and medicine to people who are suffering from shortages due to the blockades of highways by protests that have crippled the country’s infrastructure.
“Unfortunately the immediately outlook in the country is very serious,” Barja said. Catholic Charities in Bolivia is “in a state of emergency in order to plan for humanitarian assistance to be provided immediately following whatever events unfold,” he stated.
Emergency Commissions have been established to provide food, medicine and electricity to regions that are most vulnerable. Barja also announced that offices have been opened in the cities of El Alto and La Paz near the areas where clashes and protests are taking place.
Barja called on all Bolivians to solidarity with those in need, and he said Catholic Charities in Bolivia is in contact with other international relief organizations in order to obtain additional assistance.