The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton issued a statement yesterday, Tuesday 4 February, in which she welcomed the Dominican Republic and Haiti’s initiative to engage in regular dialogue on bi-national issues. The EU, United Nations, Caricom and Venezuela have been invited to these talks as observers. In the statement, Ashton says that the EU is ready to support the talks by sharing its experience on trade and customs facilitation, security, fight against drug trafficking, border management, migration policies and environmental protection.
“The European Union is convinced that open and constructive dialogue is the best way to strengthen bilateral relations and foster political stability and economic prosperity in both countries.”
The statement also welcomes the Dominican government commitment “to take concrete measures to safeguard basic rights of persons of Haitian descent”. At the same time it recognizes “the sovereign right of the Dominican Republic to determine its policies on nationality and migration, the European Union encourages a rapid implementation of the necessary measures in line with universal human rights standards.”
www.eeas.europa.eu/statements/docs/2014/140204_01_en.pdf