An appeal to all parliamentarians not to approve the changes to law 185/90 on the rules regulating the “control of the export, import and transit of armament materials”, already passed in the Senate at the end of February and now in commission in the Chamber.
“We cannot accept a policy dominated by arms dealers, merchants of death. Even now, in these dark times, we renew our commitment and choice of nonviolence as a pillar of peace. We reject war, we shout hope.” This is what Pax Christi wrote in a statement at the end of the National Assembly which took place on 20 and 21 April in Ciampino.
The works began with greetings sent by the president of the CEI, card. Matteo Zuppi and with a round table: “Peace at the heart of Europe”. “The current situation – writes Pax Christi – is increasingly dramatic, with choices that go in the direction of war: the madness of rearmament with the prospect of reaching 2% of GDP in Italy for military spending; the ongoing attempt by the merchants of death to undermine law 185/90 on the arms trade; Italy’s non-adherence to the nuclear weapons ban treaty; the idea, cunningly floated, of an Italian-style foreign legion, to grant citizenship to migrants who enlist and are willing to fight for Italy. And the list could continue… We renew our commitment to non-violence, also supporting training and educational paths. We encourage conscientious objection in the face of war and environmental catastrophe which requires radical choices.”
Pax Christi notes how “signs of hope and commitment for another possible way come from the world of young people, from universities”. The movement’s gaze is focused on the “Arena of Peace”, an event that will take place on Saturday 18 May in the Roman amphitheater of Verona where thousands of people will gather to discuss the issues of justice, peace and care of creation. Pax Christi also asks that “the planned differentiated autonomy be prevented, against which there have already been authoritative ecclesial interventions, but unfortunately only from the south of Italy. We cannot be silent! From south to north, together.”
