La Paz, Bolivia, Oct 7, 2008 / 03:14 am (CNA).- The Church in Bolivia has encouraged further national dialogue to achieve a peaceful solution to the crisis that is affecting the country, in  response to the news that opposition leaders are pulling out of negotiations in protest over the detention of one of their leaders, Jose Vaca.

Father Eugenio Cotter, who represents the Church in the negotiations, said the decision by opposition leaders was unfortunate as it came at a time when progress was being made. “The Catholic Church is concerned about the future of dialogue, and we hope [opposition leaders] will set aside their confrontational attitudes and return to the table to continue moving forward in this peace process, which is what the country is hoping for,” he said.

Likewise, Archbishop Tito Solari of Cochabamba said recently the country’s bishops would continue to facilitate the dialogue until an agreement is reached.  Cardinal Julio Terrazas of Santa Cruz said he was in agreement and that the country’s hopes were in the results of this national dialogue.

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