.- Auxiliary Bishop Romulo Emiliani of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, said this week he is hopeful dialogue between the government and leaders of violent gangs would lead to peace in the country.
Gang leaders recently accepted an invitation to engage in talks with the new president of Honduras, Manuel Zelaya. An estimated 36,000 young people are involved in gang activity in the Central American country.
Speaking to Reuters, Bishop Emiliani—who is heavily involved in the rehabilitation of gang members—said gang members first want random arrests of tattooed suspects to end and guarantees that their leaders would be safe.
"Let us hope that these conversations will be successful and that we soon have peace and tranquility in the country,” the bishop said. Talks could begin in two weeks.
Hondurans consider gang-related activity the biggest threat to public safety.
