The government’s 2005-2008 Strategic Plan on Ethics includes establishing a national system of transparent purchasing and contracting, setting up ethics committees in all government departments, and opening information access offices in its 18 ministries. The plan’s objectives and goals were outlined yesterday by Executive Branch legal consultant Cesar Pina Toribio, who stated that the National Commission on Ethics and Anti-Corruption would inform the country of achievements and difficulties within 90 days. Other measures included in the plan are calls for bids in the selection of government personnel, a registry of state-owned property, and a disciplinary court to enforce the Code of Ethics. President Fernandez stated that the plan is testimony to the government’s political will to fight corruption, which he said was one of the top national priorities. The plan was presented during a meeting at Santo Domingo’s Barcelo Hotel Lina attended by high-level legal officials, ambassadors and representatives of international organizations, local civil society groups, lawmakers, government officials, business leaders and foreign delegates. US Ambassador Hans Hertell and National Business Council president Elena Viyella congratulated the government on this new initiative.