TLC Opposition Groups To
Use Romería For "NO"
Campaign
Taking part in this
year's "romería" - the
annual walk to Cartago -
will be opposition
groups to the Tratado de
Libre Comercio (TLC) who
will be on hand to hand
out flyers and t-shirts
asking people to vote
"NO" in the October 7
referendum.
The romería takes place
on August 2, when during
the annual tradition the
faithful to pay homage
to the Virgen de Los
Angeles or "La Negrita"
as she is also known.
Eugenio Trejos,
president of the
Movimiento Patriótico,
did not explain the
details of the campaign,
however, did say that
phrases from Popes Paul,
Paul VI, John Paul II
and Benedict XVI will be
used in the campaign.
The Catholic Church and
pro TLC groups consider
the action will spoil
the spirit of the
pilgrimage.
"I see nothing wrong
with the idea", said
Trejos.
Trejos added that some
committees have made up
t-shirts, with the
Virgen symbol, and are
in good taste and very
respectful, using
positive phrases.
For his part, Alfredo
Volio, co-ordinator for
the "Si" TLC campaign
said that the "romería"
should not be used in
this manner and that
there should be a
profound respect for the
faith of Costa Ricans
and that the TLC
discussion and
manifestations should be
held elsewhere.
The Catholic church is
denouncing the actions
of the TLC opposition by
taking advantage of a
religious activity for
political means.
"The romería is a
manifestation of faith
and that is the only end
and anything else is a
distortion of that end.
I find it strange that
this group programs
certain activities, I
hope it does not
distract or prejudice
the normal course of the
pilgrimage", said
Monseñor Francisco Ulloa,
president of the
Conferencia Episcopal.
For his part, the
ministro de la
Presidencia, Rodrigo
Arias, said that the
government will limit
itself to respecting the
disposition of the
Tribunal Supremo de
Elecciones. |
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