Mexican Caritas reps call for end to violence in Oaxaca

Published: 2006-10-06

TLAXCALA, Mexico (CNS) -- Representatives of Mexico's Caritas organization have urged an end to violence in Oaxaca state. During their annual meeting near Apizaco, Caritas representatives of 63 Mexican dioceses made an urgent call to find a peaceful solution to the social conflict that has gripped Oaxaca for five months. Caritas is the church's charitable agency. "There is no moral or political justification for the events in Oaxaca" said a statement published by the representatives. It condemned the authoritarianism, impunity, injustice and political unwillingness to respond to the urgent needs of the poor in Oaxaca. It also criticized the use of navy helicopters flying over the city of Oaxaca as a measure of "intimidation and provocation." Bishop Samuel Ruiz Garcia, retired bishop of San Cristobal de las Casas said "what is happening in Oaxaca is only the articulation of many other conflicts in Mexico, some still simmering and others that have exploded like the one in Oaxaca."

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