The bishops also insisted that President Evo Morales' departure was not a coup, although the military has said it has ended support for him.
The Bishops said in their November 10 statement that:
“What happened in Bolivia was not a coup. We solemnly declare this to the citizens of Bolivia and the entire international community.” The statement was released just hours after Morales resigned.
“We urge the people of Bolivia to stay calm and not to commit acts of vandalism, revenge or anything that we may regret later. We have a serious obligation to protect the lives of all Bolivians.”
The Bishops also added:
“We agree with the proposal whereby the Bolivian Parliament finds a peaceful and constitutional solution that includes new elections in such a way that people can express their opinions freely. and peace”.
Morales, 60, who was Bolivia's first indigenous president, resigned after the head of the army, General Williams Kaliman, said on November 10: “We ask the president to resign to reestablish himself. peace and maintain stability for the sake of our country.”
The police. had left the army simultaneously and participated in demonstrations in several cities. Protesters ransacked the homes of government officials. Morales said his home was also ransacked.t.
Morales said his removal was a coup, but said he would step down to bring peace to the country and highlight his achievements during his time in power.
First elected in 2006, the Morales government has delivered a resource explosion and funneled proceeds into infrastructure and poverty alleviation projects. Bolivia's finances also flourished. However, he was communist, anti-American, and allied with Cuba and Venezuela.
Morales wants to run for a fourth term in 2019, although under the country's constitution he can only serve three terms. His wish to run for a fourth term failed in a referendum in 2016, but he received a favorable ruling from the Supreme Court.
After the vote counting was suddenly halted inexplicably, the vote share for Morales rose to the surprise of Bolivians.
After the October 20 election, Morales declared himself the winner.
However, protests broke out and the Organization of American States said the vote was clearly manipulated by Morales. He promised new elections, but the protests continued.
Pressure increased on Morales on Saturday when police officers outside the presidential palace simultaneously quit the army. Police. The police also climbed onto the roof of a nearby police station with national flags and banners declaring “Police. Stands with the People”. Police. have also retreated to their barracks in at least three cities.
At the Vatican, Pope Francis urged Bolivians, including politicians, to calmly await the outcome of the election review. On Sunday, the Pope told pilgrims and tourists in St. Peter's Square that he entrusts Bolivia to Our Lady in prayers for the beloved country of Bolivia, which borders his native Argentina. your.
Pope Francis invited “all Bolivians, especially those who play an important role in the political and social spheres, to wait with a constructive spirit, and without any preconditions.” , in an atmosphere of peace and serenity, the results of the election test."
Thought it should also be recalled that on July 8, 2015 the Holy Father flew to La Paz, the capital of Bolivia. He arrived at 4:30 pm. He then visited President Morales at the government building at 6 pm. On this occasion, Morales presented Pope Francis with a crucifix formed with communist symbols such as hammer and sickle.
On the morning of Friday, April 15, 2016, Pope Francis received Morales, who was in Rome for a conference on economic issues sponsored by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. Once again, Morales presented the Pope with a very unique gift: a book on the health benefits of coca leaves. Coca leaves are used as the main raw material for the production of drugs.
Source:Crux Bolivian bishops say Morales’s resignation was not a coup
Dang Tu Do – Vietcatholic