The Dominican Republic pays a quota of US$131,000 a month to sustain the activities of the Central American Parliament (Parlacen), a regional political forum. Costa Rica resigned from the organization in 2009, alleging it had no positive impact. The total annual cost for the Dominican Republic to participate in Parlacen is estimated to be upwards of US$1.6 million. Wages to the participating legislators, travel expenditures along with other costs for the local delegation have to be factored.
Former culture Minister Tony Raful made the announcement. He also said that the four forums carried out recently at the Ministry of Foreign Relations convention center and city hotels were funded “for the most part” by the Dominican government with contributions from the other countries. He said the organization was strengthened by the meetings. “The Parlacen is living its best days because of the series of polities the six member nations are developing jointly in favor of integration.
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El Caribe
3 September 2018
