President Joaquin Balaguer made changes in his cabinet and other government posts on 4 June. In decree 187-96, Dr. Balaguer appointed Francisco Amaro Guzman Minister of Public Works in place of Ramon Antonio Garcia Santos. The President also named Carmen Leyba Mora governor of the Monte Plata province (governors are appointed by the president, not elected) to replace Minerva Then de Rodriguez. In addition, Juan Guliani was named general administrator of the new Maria Montez International Airport in Barahona. The decree also makes the appointment of Aristides Fernandez Zucco, as General Coordinator of the Lome IV, official. His job is to supervise the management of funds donated by the European Union. The removal of Mr. Garcia Santos was met with surprise by many, and rumors circulated that the measure was connected with the extension of the Autopista Duarte which stretches from Santo Domingo to the northern Cibao region. Dr.
Balaguer has repeatedly expressed his desire to have the project finished before 16 August so he can personally open it before the end of his presidential term.