In a telegram sent today to Cardinal Julio Terrazas Sandoval, archbishop of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, the Pope said he is profoundly concerned over the crisis and appealed for commitment, “through all peaceful means,” in favor of a just solution to the critical economic situation.
The papal message, sent by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, encouraged Bolivians “to create a climate of serene coexistence” capable of promoting social negotiation in an atmosphere of fruitful and sincere dialogue.
Wednesday’s disturbances, caused by the uprising of police against military men loyal to the government, began after President Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada approved a new tax scale that would cost workers 12.5% of their salaries.
Today, the government and the police, who are demanding a pay increase, signed an agreement of “pacification and restitution of the state of law.”
