Nicaragua’s bishops have suspended their participation as mediators and witnesses in a national dialogue, citing a “lack of consensus among the parties” on resolving the political crisis engulfing the Central American country.
The bishops announced the suspension of talks on 23rd May and said a six-person commission should continue to seek a solution, even as protests engulf the country and police and paramilitary groups attack civilians, who are demanding democracy and opposing what they consider authoritarian rule by President Daniel Ortega.
“As pastors of the Catholic Church, in service to the truth, fellowship and justice, we feel the need to remind (people) that the peace of our country and the lives of many Nicaraguans depends on this decision and the possibility of continuing this dialogue,” the bishops’ mediation and witness commission said in a 23rd May statement.
“We’re putting out a call to all media and social networks to please stay on the side of truth, and foster a respectful environment that aids further dialogue, avoiding attacks, disqualifications, and threats that damage dignity, reputation, body, and morale of those who are participating in the dialogue.”
Picture: Bishop Rolando Alvarez Lagos of Managua, Nicaragua, speaks alongside Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes Solorzano, left, during a second session of the national dialogue in Managua. Nicaragua’s bishops have suspended their participation as mediators, citing a “lack of consensus among the parties” on resolving the political crisis engulfing the Central American country. (CNS photo/Jorge Torres, EPA).
