Una lettera della vergogana scritta da un vescovo della chiesa Cattolica

Un vescovo dovrebbe essere lo strumento di pace e di unità tra i popoli, non di entrare in merito ad una decizione di una commissione internazionale che fatto il suo lavoro autonomamente.
Sarebbe stato molto più dignitoso per Lui e per la sua Eparchia se Lui avesse invitato il suo popolo di pregare per la pace, solidarietà tra i popoli fratelli.
Uomini di chiesa che perdono il loro ruolo di super partes, di difenssori dei poveri bisognosi, si buttano spregiudicatamente in attivita politica. La Chiesa Cattolica su questo e chiara il Prete o Vescovo non dovrebbe fare politica, ma occuparsi delle anime della loro dignità spirituale ed umana. Il vescovo in questione aveva tutto il diritto di intevenire sulle violazioni dei diritti umani sul suo gregge, ma non in una vicenda meramente tecnica e politica come la questione del confine tra Eritrea ed Etiopia. Questo vescovo non sa gurdare al di la del suo naso, se non fosse cosi non avrebbe scritto una lettera di questa portata.
Ecco perché chiamiamo questa lettera una lettera della vergogna.
August 10, 2003

H.E. Mr. Kofi Annan
Secretary-General
The United Nations
1 United Nations Plaza, Room S/3800
New York. N.Y. 10017
U.S.A.

May the grace and peace of Our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. As the Catholic Bishop of the Eparchy (Diocese) of Adigrat, Tigray, I wish to state that the territorial jurisdiction covers the whole of the Tigray State. During the recent hostilities between Eritrea and Ethiopia the people on both sides of the border suffered untold hardships. Within my jurisdiction alone over 300,000 were displaced: their homes were destroyed; their cattle ran wild; their lands remained uncultivated; schools, clinics and churches were looted, either severely damaged or totally destroyed. Zalambessa, for instance, was systematically bulldozed. Together we are still living with the dire consequences of that conflict, and in Zalambessa alone the Catholic Church lost 8 institutions.
When hostilities ceased and a Border Commission established all the people held high hopes that a secure, stable peace, based on justice would ensue for the people on both sides. To date, however, the information at hand seriously jeopardises those hopes. Without prior consultation on the spot, arbitrary proposals are being presented that are highly injurious to security, stability and, therefore, a lasting peace. What is the logic that violates and sweeps aside the historical, legitimate rights of people? Without a settlement based on justice, the possibility of future dangers cannot be dismissed as arising from vague fears.
Several of the proposed areas of demarcation along the border flagrantly violate their historical and legitimate rights. Justice, therefore, would seem to have been relegated to oblivion. It is totally inconceivable, otherwise, that their social identity, economic, cultural, educational, religious and health services' infrastructures should be axed. In this regard to have access to Zalambessa from the east, the region surrounding Alitiena, the people would be obliged to cross the border four or even five times. Without making a very long detour on foot there is no alternative market where they might sell produce or buy commodities. To understand, therefore, the catastrophic economic and social consequences do not call for any stretch of the imagination. They would be deprived of vital services and for which alternatives simply do not exist. For the Border Commission to suggest such draconian measures is the surest way to plant mines that could detonate in the future. With seemingly little regard for the prospects of enhancing the people's quality of life, the suggested proposals in this regard are simply counterproductive.
To be explicit but not exclusive I am referring to areas around Endalgeda, Zalambessa - Alitiena line of accessibility, Badme and Sheraro, etc. In some cases flagrant cartographic mistakes, dating back almost 100 years, even though they were admitted at the time, would receive the sanction of international law, if these suggested demarcations should be enacted.
Parishes belonging to this ecclesiastical jurisdiction, the Eparchy of Adigrat, which were founded from here over 100 years ago and whose national status has never been questioned nor doubted, would be sliced off. This represents a totally arbitrary and undemocratic proposal by the Border Commission, as not once has either members of the Commission or their delegates taken the slightest trouble or shown the slightest interest in consulting those who would be so adversely affected.
As a Bishop I have at heart the well being of all the people, irrespective of their religious affiliations, living within this territorial jurisdiction. If I failed to speak out in the cause of justice and peace, I would be guilty of a grave dereliction of duty. Previously, the people living on both sides of the border in the areas I have mentioned have lived in peace. Now, why should their social harmony and mutually respected national identities be jeopardized without any prior consultation of the peoples affected on both sides?
Trusting that those who carry the awesome responsibility for implementing justice and peace may give my voice and that of the concerned millions their sympathetic and constructive consideration.
May God bless you and enlighten you with the spirit of lasting peace.

________________________________________
Abune Tesfaselassie Medhin
Bishop of Adigrat
This letter is sent also to :
• The Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission, the Hague, Netherlands.

• President of the UN Security Council, Mexico Mission to the United Nations.

• Ambassador L.J.Legwaila, SRGS (UNMEE), Asmara

• H.E. Alpha Oumar Konare, Head - African Union - Addis Abeba

• Mr. Yves Gazzo, Head - Delegation of the European Commission in Ethiopia, Addis Abeba

• Mr. John D. Negropponte, the U.S. Ambassador to the UN, New York.

• The Permanent Mission of the Russian federation to the UN, New York.

• The Permanent Mission of the People's republic of China to the UN, N.Y.

• Ambassador S.E.M.Jean-David Levitte, Delegation of France to the UN Security Council, New York.

• The U.K. Mission to the United Nations, New York.

Copy to:
• H.E. Seyoum Mesfin, Foreign Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Addis Abeba.

• H.E. Tsegay Berhe, President of the Regional State of Tigray, Mekelle.

• His Grace Abune Berhaneyesus D.Suraphiel, Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Abeba & President of Ethiopia-Eritrea Episcopal Conference.

• Vatican Embassy - Addis Abeba