The Ministry of the Armed Forces has refused the request of the Committee of Airlines and will continue to exempt diplomats, legislators, government officers, dignitaries of the Catholic Church and other VIPS from undergoing airport security checks at Las Americas International Airport.
Major General Maximo Morel Marichal, in charge of the Specialized Airport Security Force, said that the Ambassadors Hall is operating as normal and that there was no ruling from the Federal Aviation Agency. He explained that it was only a recommendation made by the Committee of Airlines. The Committee of Airlines requested that the VIP privileges only be allowed for the President, Vice President, Minister of Foreign Relations and Minister of the Armed Forces. (28 September 2001)
