The Dominican Association of Free Zones (Adozona) has gone on record in support of President Medina’s decision to veto the bill that was passed with a majority in the Senate and Chamber of Deputies and that had declared the Loma Miranda a national park. The national park category would ban mining and other commercial use of the mountain.
Adozona said the decision was responsible, sensible and balanced. It says the veto sends a positive sign from the point of view of juridical security and foreign investment.
In a statement signed by Adozona president Aquiles Bermudez, the free zone association stated that while the decision to veto this legislative initiative may not be popular in many sectors of national life, the President has acted responsibly in the face of a matter that could have unprecedented repercussions for the state and the national interest. Adozona says the veto is reasonable in view of the doubts expressed by the head of state regarding its compatibility with the Constitution and because it enters into conflict with international commitments taken on by the country in matters of protection of investments.
Adozona also supports the President Medina’s recommendation to postpone any decision on Loma Miranda and regarding any other extension in the national territory with mining potential until the Legislative Branch issues the law as ordered by the Constitution for the Land Use Plan of the Republic, to maximize the protection of national resources to support responsible mining development as other nations in the world and the region have done.
Most business organizations have expressed their approval of the presidential veto.
Sesenta asociaciones empresariales apoyan decisión sobre Loma Miranda