2004News

Country cannot accept refugees

Foreign Minister Frank Guerrero Prats has reiterated his stance on the Dominican Republic’s capacity to receive refugees fleeing the violence in neighboring Haiti. He said that the government is advocating a peaceful settlement to Haiti’s internal problems: “The DR is in favor of any peaceful solution through harmonious dialogue for our sister republic, Haiti, to emerge from the current confusion towards peace and normalcy.” The Foreign Relations Ministry is closely monitoring the situation, said Guerrero Prats, in coordination with the armed forces in charge of the border zone. According to reports, 1,200 more soldiers are being sent to police the border in the wake of the recent unrest. The DR had not yet received any applications for asylum from Haitian officials or civilians, he added. There are no reports to indicate that any Dominicans residents in Haiti have being affected by the problems there, according to the minister.