Venezuela's Catholic bishops are lending their support for a
recall referendum on President Hugo Chávez.
Archbishop Baltazar Enrique Porras
Cardozo of Merida,
president of the episcopal conference, published a
reply Tuesday on behalf of the bishops to the "great insults committed by
the president of the nation, Hugo Chávez."
After referring to the country's grave political and economic crisis, the
statement calls for the urgent holding of a recall referendum, as provided in
the Constitution.
"There will be no social peace in Venezuela if confidence in public powers
is not restored," it states. "The real participation of all citizens
is necessary in making the important decisions that affect the life and future
of the country."
"Therefore, given the very antagonistic positions, there is an urgent need
for a popular consultation that restores confidence and tranquility to the
country, and that institutions and legitimacy are reinforced," the
statement adds. "To effect this, there is in the present juridical
ordering the possibility of a constitutional way out: the recall
referendum."
Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Venezuelan lawmakers traded blows during a
marathon debate on Supreme Court reforms that the opposition fears could weaken
its bid for a vote to recall Chávez.
The acrimonious all-night debate in the National Assembly, which was suspended
until Thursday, reflected political tensions gripping the nation as it waited
for electoral authorities to set regulations for a referendum.