Paraguayan president’s indecision linked to his faith

An article in one of Paraguay’s leading daily newspapers, ULTIMA HORA, reveals that U.S. pressure on the Paraguayan government to send troops to Iraq is producing discomfort, particularly for the president. One reason is his close connection to the Mennonite Brethren church.

The Feb. 22 article, translated and sent to the MB Herald by H. Wilfried Kaethler, says, among other things, “President Nicanor Duarte Frutos is demonstrating indecisiveness, and his close advisors say that he fears, primarily, being responsible for eventual casualties of Parguayan soldiers in an area that continues to be dangerous. The President’s discomfort is also based on the religious belief which he espouses together with his whole family, characterized by the rejection of all forms of violence and armed service.”

The article, by Richard Ferreira, states that presidential strategy so far has been to leave the discussion “in the political sphere outside of the executive branch, especially in Congress.” The Defense Minister stated that he was in favour of sending the troops, but that “this was his personal opinion.”

“Duarte Frutos repeatedly mentions his faith in God,” the article goes on, “and his advisors and friends state that the President’s religiosity is solid.” It describes the President’s attendance at RAICES, a Paraguayan Mennonite Brethren Church, where his wife is a founding member, and says this church requires members “to dignify human life, rejecting all types and forms of violence.”

According to the article, U.S. pressure on Paraguay to send troops to Iraq continues to rise.