Restraint and prudence in a war zone

What the Papers Say:
La Prensa July 11
Changuinola and some of the surrounding villages are beginning to look like a war zone. The situation has become very dangerous, because neither side is backing down and unresolved confrontation creates rage.

 Police have so far proved ineffective in controlling outbreaks of violence, not just union members but tens of thousands of civilians, settlers and indigenous workers whose attitude does little to create a climate of dialogue and raising questions about its intentions .

But is the Government which must take the dialogue initiative, having been given prior notice and mistakes, over and over again have led this uprising. Meanwhile, the President owes us the Panamanians restraint and prudence in his decisions, especially in this case, because what is at stake here is the public peace. Neither pride nor fear are good counselors. Two dead and dozens wounded are more than sufficient for the parties to talk. Mr President, we must reach an early settlement, but do not do it at the cosof blood and mourning.