Thursday, December 15, 2011

ARTICLE - TENSION ON THE HAITI- D.R. BORDER

CLIMATE OF HIGH TENSION ON THE HAITIAN-DOMINICAN BORDER
(Haiti Libre) -

Following the shooting death of a dominican national, at the border point called Savann Bonm, on November 9, in which were involved at least two of our countrymen, in circumstances that investigators will have to determine, everything suggests that unidentified individuals of Dominican origin, particularly in "La Descubierta", acts of reprisal on Haitians... On Sunday, November 13, the death of four Haitians has been confirmed and several others were injured according to testimonies. A climate of tension is prevailing in the border town of Savanna Bonm where some inhabitants are worried about being without news of their relatives.

The Haitian Government has been informed of the situation on the Haitian-Dominican border of Cornillon-Grand-Bois and instructions were passed immediately to the National Police to secure the lives of the inhabitants of the region.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Laurent Lamothe, informsed ... of having continued diplomatic talks with the authorities of the Dominican Republic, asking them to take measures to protect the Haitians living in the area of Descubierta, following the incidents recorded in that community.

The Chancellor also spoke on this subject with the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic in Haiti, Mr. Ruben Silié Valdez and reiterated the urgent need for adequate provisions to stop this inopportune escalation of violence on the border in the town of Cornillon, near the neighboring town of Descubierta.

The Haitian Chancellery dispatched to the scene the head of the Consulate of Haiti in Barahona and requested from the Ambassador of Haiti in Dominican Republic, an urgent report on the circumstances surrounding these unfortunate events, and ordered the taking of the most appropriate measures to accompany the families of the victims.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that he received instructions from the President of the Republic, Michel Martelly to implement all diplomatic resources to resolve this situation and intervene systematically when a Haitian ise in trouble or in danger.

For his part, Jose Miguel Insulza, the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS), informed of the situation on Saturday, expressed concern about the incident that took place on the Haitian-Dominican border and that citizens of both countries were killed.

While the investigation into this incident continues and a great amount of confusion reigns around this case, fueled by multiple rumors... the Secretary-General urges the Governments of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, "to exercise restraint and to engage in meaningful dialogue to address this and other matters pertaining to their mutually shared interests along the border." We welcome initiatives from both Governments to strengthen friendly relations, and the OAS remains available to provide support as necessary and as requested, specified in a statement.

... Laurent Lamothe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Religious Affairs has told the press "...according to the latest information that I have "la situation est retournée au calme..." (the situation has turned peaceful)

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