The US State Department Dominican Affairs Officer, David Searby, stated that the crisis in Haiti directly affects both the DR and the US, during a visit to the Governor of Santiago. El Caribe reports that Searby believes the situation in Haiti is “very delicate” for the celebration of elections next month. However, he hopes that Haiti will advance towards a solution to its crisis and that it will have the support of the DR to do that. Searby also stated that DR-CAFTA is not only an economic agreement, but also offers the opportunity to become associates and face common problems together. Searby visited Governor Jose Izquierdo together with the US Embassy’s Political Affairs Officer, Bain Cowell. Also present was the president of PLD in Santiago, Julian Serrulle.