The Listin Diario highlights that the presidents of Haiti and the Dominican Republic will hold informal conversations in Havana, where both have traveled to attend the Ninth Iberoamerican Summit. Heads of state from Spain, Portugal and Latin American countries are participating. Summit host, President Fidel Castro of Cuba invited the heads of state of Haiti, President Rene Preval, and President Jules Wijdenbosch in representation of the Caribbean Community, to participate as observers. President Rene Preval recently complained when the Dominican government stepped up deportations of illegal Haitians. The migration of Haitians to the DR serves to reduce the economic and social pressure within Haiti. The Listín Diario reports that the ministers of foreign relations of both countries already met in Havana, and the statesmen are expected to do so today. The Haitian and Dominican statesmen are lodged in neighboring Havana mansions. But President Fernández told Hoy newspaper that, "There is nothing formal set between President Preval and us." He acknowledged they would meet as part of activities planned during the summit, but "we do not have a meeting planned or programmed in a diplomatic manner," he said.
