The Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, the largest private university in the DR, released yesterday the conclusions of talks that took place for six months at the university among representatives of the leading political parties and civic society organizations. The talks covered topics that are considered top priority for the development of the DR. The documented was presented by Monsignor Agripino Núñez, rector of the university to the presidential candidates and presidents of the political parties, to the presidents of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, as well as to representatives of civic society organizations and international development organizations. Núñez Collado said that the purpose of the document was to make groups aware of the importance of working together to resolve common problems, regardless of legitimate differences in positions. The debates and talks covered topics regarding economic policy for development, reform of the state, politics and environmental management, frontier development and relations with Haiti. The document urges the three leading political parties to commit to increase social expenditures in the next years, apply a fair economic policies, and reform the budget so that the use of government funds is more transparent. Participants conclude that the approval of a legal framework regarding the environment is essential. Top priority was assigned in the discussions to DR relations with Haiti. The groups recommended these take be based on national interests and solidarity with that nation.
