1998 – Page 97

Vice President Jacinto Peynado favors changing the Constitution to permit consecutive re-election for a single additional period or extending the presidential period to six years. But he said that President Fernández would not win the re-election because his government has not been satisfactory.

The World Bank will be financing environmental improvement projects in tourism areas. Vice President of the World Bank, Shahid Javed Burki visited yesterday together with John Panzer and met with President Fernández and his economic advisors. The World Bank has approved loans for US$180 and is contemplating projects for an additional US$250 million. He said …

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The Dominican-Italian Chamber of Commerce has elected a new board for 1998-2000. The chamber fosters increased trade relations between Italy and the DR. The new board is presided by Giovanni Aguzzi. Other members are Vicenzo Mastrolilli, vice president; Guillermo Rodr[iguez Vicini, second vice presidnet; Franco Oliva, secretary general administrative, and members Jose Alberto García, Tamara …

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El Caribe newspaper reports that members of the Dominican Association of Producers of Coffee and Cacao met yesterday with the Ministry of Agriculture to explain that coffee production in the Cibao, the nation’s principal producer, will be 50% less this year due to the "broca" plague that has affected the crop. Some 1,210,846 tareas (629 …

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The Dominican Republic failed to make it into the select four that will represent the Americas in the World Juvenile Basketball Games. The DR placed fifth in the regular round of the Pan-American Championships taking place in Puerto Plata 4-11 July. The Dominican team defeated Canada 107-99 in the last game played at the event …

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The Partido Reformista Social Cristiano senators, majority in the Senate, passed a bill that establishes an age limit of 75 years for the working judges and the Judges Career Bill. It grants a four year grace period to the present Supreme Court judges. The President of the Supreme Court of Justice, Dr. Jorge Subero Isa …

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Presidential Palace reporter, Manuel Jiménez of Hoy newspaper, reports that he has heard that Abel Rodríguez del Orbe, Attorney General of the Nation since 1996, has asked the government to send him to Cuba as Dominican ambassador. The Dominican Republic restored full diplomatic relations with Cuba in April. Considered a personal friend of President Fernández, …

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The Ministry of Foreign Relations told the press that following the last round of negotiations in St. Lucia, the sixth of a series begun more than a year ago, all is ready for the signing of the free trade agreement during the meeting of ministers of the Caribbean in Santo Domingo, August 20-21. With the …

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The National Hotel & Restaurant Association announced the celebration of its 12th Trade Show for 3-6 September at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel. The event will be dedicated to the memory of Pedro Garrido, who was executive director of the association and passed away last year. Some 175 exhibits from tourism industry suppliers and Dominican hotels …

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Listín Diario’s Sigma Dos poll showed that 66% of Dominican voters reject the need to hold a second round to elect the President. The system was implemented in 1996 elections and requires a runner up election if any of the candidates fails to reach 50%+1 of the vote. The survey was carried out throughout the …

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