Today’s newspapers devote extensive coverage to the resignation of former foreign minister, Hugo Tolentino Dipp. The statement he made yesterday afternoon is carried in all the papers, in which he clarifies that his decision was made as a result of a difference of opinions on the Dominican government’s stance on the US-led war with Iraq. Tributes to the former minister come from all sides of the political spectrum and the consensus of editorial commentators and columnists is that his decision, described as honorable, was based purely on principle. Deputy Minou Tavarez Mirabal (PLD-National District), as quoted in Hoy newspaper, echoes former President Leonel Fernandez’s recent anti-war pronouncements by saying that Tolentino had ?no alternative? but to step down. Vice President Milagros Ort?z Bosch put it down to the ?anxieties of power?, while reiterating her support for President Hip?lito Mej?a’s position on the war. Confusingly, the leader of Mej?a?s own PRD party, Hatuey De Camps, made a statement in that party?s name in which he condemns the attacks on Iraq.