Jonathan Hatwell, European Union’s European External Action Service (EEAS) head of division for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean told Diario Libre in an interview that the European Union will “not leave the Dominican Republic to fend for itself” in dealing with finding solutions to the multidimensional crisis in Haiti. Hatwell says it understands that the Dominican Republic needs support and it cannot be left to confront the crisis in the neighboring country. We agree with that,” he told Diario Libre.
Nevertheless, he insisted the solutions to Haiti’s problems have to come from within Haiti.
He agrees with the Dominican government’s position that to get to the point where a Haitian solution is possible, security and safety conditions must be re-established. President Luis Abinader has said that restoring of Haiti’s safety and security is that country’s priority. He said the European Union will not send troops but favors the international community making contributions to restore security and safety in Haiti.
He said this is essential before being able to deal with humanitarian issues, social programs and subsequently political issues.
He said the EU has allocated EUR20.5 million in humanitarian aid to Haiti in 2022. The sacking of humanitarian aid points in Haiti is common, as gang violence has escalated in the neighboring country.
Hatwell and the European Union mission also visited the Specialized Corps of Land Border Security (Cesfront) checkpoint in Dajabon province, on the border with Haiti to learn about the border security. The delegation toured the operations area of the military border agency and the area where the perimeter fence is being built.
They were received by the director of Cesfront, Brigadier General Frank Mauricio Cabrera Rizek. The European Union mission from Brussels traveled to Dajabón accompanied by ambassadors of the European Union countries in the Dominican Republic.
The European Union’s Brussels mission schedule in the Dominican Republic was 24 to 26 October 2022. The mission is headed by Jonathan Hatwell, head of the Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Division of the European External Action Service, and Felice Zaccheo, head of Unit for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean of the European Commission’s Directorate General for International Partnerships.
Read more in Spanish:
Diario Libre
Listin Diario
El Nuevo Diario
Cesfront
26 October 2022