An appeal for the parties involved in the conflict inNorth Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to waive "the logic of confrontations and weapons", and for the international community "to intervene with all its weight", was made known today by the Pontifical Council of Justice and Peace. The president, Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, signed the appeal. "The news about the new fighting in that part of the country stated Card. Martino are a sign of alarm and a serious reason for preoccupation. The world cannot go on looking at the death of innocent victims of barbarian and violent acts without reacting. The world cannot ignore the destiny of dozens of thousands refugees escaping war, who are exposed to the elements, diseases and hunger". The Pontifical Council addresses the parties in the conflict directly, because "they should waive the logic of confrontation and weapons, in favour of dialogue and negotiations. Caught by humanity reasons, they should place common good above selfish and partisan interests". At the same time, he appeals to the international community "to intervene with all its weight in the resolution of the conflict in progress, in particular, taking care to check respect of the different peace agreements, which the belligerents have subscribed". (To be continued)
