The Dominican Republic strengthens border security with Haiti

Santo Domingo .- The Dominican Government has today assured the security of its embassy in Port-au-Prince and in the border area with Haiti, where street violence has unleashed three days ago when his authorities announced an increase in fuel prices that were revoked this Saturday.

This was announced by the local Defense Minister, Rubén Darío Paulino, who pointed out that the army decided to strengthen the border, mainly in the cities of Jimaní and Elías Piña (southwest), the closest to the Haitian capital.

"The armed forces are still in a state of readiness against anyone trying to cross the border, and tomorrow there will be the celebration of bilateral markets at the four traditional border points," the general said.

In this regard, he indicated that the authorities have reinforced the military and police personnel operating in the towns of Elías Piña, Jimaní, Dajabón (northeast) and Pedernales (southwest), where the Dominicans and Haitians exchange goods and products of all kinds, usually twice a week.

The senior official spoke at the National Palace, where a meeting was held led by Dominican President Danilo Medina, regarding emergency plans before the eventual passage through the country of the remains of Byril.

On the other hand, the local political opposition today asked the government to pay attention to the events in Haiti and take the necessary measures in favor of Dominican interests.

The former presidential candidate of the modern revolutionary party (PRM, main opposition), Luis Abinader, explained that in the situation of "destruction, destruction and desolation" that prevails in Haiti, the government of Medina must increase the military control of the border area.

Abinader mentioned, in a statement, the massive actions of looting and destruction of a large number of properties in Haiti, and that the Dominican government must prepare to prevent the irregular penetration of large groups of people. Haitians fleeing the country's environment. existing destabilization.

"It is also important that among the measures to be adopted by the government, there is the preservation of the physical integrity and interests of the Dominicans who reside and work in Haiti," said the politician.

For his part, the president of the opposition Social Christian Reform Party, Federico Antún Batlle, asked the government to order the military reinforcement of the border and its temporary closure in the face of violent demonstrations in Haiti . "It would be prudent for the Dominican government to order the military reinforcement of the border and its temporary closure, until peace returns to Haiti, it is better to worry than regret. ", writes the political leader on Twitter.