Caracas, Venezuela, Nov 2, 2003 / 22:00 pm
The Bishops Conference of Venezuela issued an official statement which was read Sunday in every parish across the country, saying that “the grave political, socio-economic and etho-spiritual crisis” which the country is suffering “demands a peaceful, constitutional and democratic” solution.
Titled, “Peace Begins at Home,” the message explains that “it is unquestionable that Venezuela is in a grave crisis. It is of such magnitude that in order to avoid serious and long-lasting ruptures, and to ensure peace and development, it is urgently necessary that tensions be calmed, that poverty be addressed, and that work for a fraternal and united society” begin taking place.
“In a democracy, these crises are settled by consulting the people. We have repeated it many times: a peaceful, constitutional and democratic solution is urgent. The current constitution allows for referendums, and particularly recalls, as legal instruments for Venezuelans, who exercise their sovereignty as a people. These options guarantee their lawful participation and make them the protagonists” responsible for public political power, wrote the Bishops.
The Bishops also emphasized the “obligation of all, and especially the State through its diverse branches, to guarantee political participation free from intimidation, disqualifications and irregularities, so that we the citizens can be the ones to determine the future that we desire. We say this only because of our concern for a future of peace, liberty and justice for all Venezuelans, without distinction.”