President Hipolito Mejia turned his attention away from electoral matters yesterday, to instead engage in discussions with the US ambassador and business leaders on the possible impact of the ongoing Haitian crisis. The meeting, which included the participation of investors from the BHD banking group, also dealt with internal economic matters. The crisis in Haiti, however, represents a threat to social and economic stability, not only within that country but for the Dominican Republic as well, according to the business representatives at the meeting. Mejia also took a meeting with US Ambassador Hans Hertell at the Presidential Palace, during which the Haitian crisis figured prominently. Hertell conceded that the situation in Haiti was cause for concern and that his staff were following it closely, but he refused to comment on claims that he had discussed the possibility of setting up refugee camps on Dominican soil with President Mejia, who also declined to comment on the issues discussed during the meeting. Scott McClellan, spokesman for the Bush administration, has said the US will deport any refugee that reaches Florida coasts.