Santo Domingo.– The National Congress, represented by Ricardo de los Santospresident of the Senate, and Alfredo Pachecopresident of the Chamber of Deputies, received on Saturday a delegation of United States congressmen led by Brian Mastchairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the House of Representatives.
The situation that Haiti is going through It was the main point discussed during the meeting.
Of the Saints expressed concern about the deterioration of security, the expansion of criminal gangs, the economic collapse and the lack of opportunities in the neighboring country.
He stressed that the president Luis Abinader has placed the Haitian issue as one of its priorities and has taken its approach to national and international forums, especially in the United Nations (UN), where it has insisted on the need for a joint effort to find a way out of the crisis.
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The president of the Senate affirmed that the Dominican Republic has offered support in various ways, but insisted that without the support of the international community, especially the United States, it will not be possible to move towards a solution.
“Haiti is a nation without resources or government structure; the gangs are in charge of directing its citizens,” De los Santos said.
Pacheco calls for greater US involvement
On your side, Pachecoagreed that the United States and international leadership must strengthen their participation in the search for stability in Haiti.
“We want you to be spokespersons so that these concerns reach President Donald Trump directly, because Haiti has no authority; those who rule there are the large and fearful gangs,” he stated.
Pacheco noted that the exchange with US congressmen also strengthens trade relations, cooperation and regional efforts against organized crime.
Dominican legislators expose immigration impact
The deputy Ycelmary Brito He explained that the Haitian crisis pushes thousands of citizens to emigrate to the Dominican Republic in search of education, health, work and security.
“Part of our budget is being consumed by them, but they have no other way out,” said the legislator.
Response from Brian Mast
Mast, who led the US delegation, recognized that the Haitian problem constitutes a shared challenge and confirmed that the issue is part of the United States agenda.
He thanked the reception at the Dominican Congress and highlighted the historical relationship between both countries.
“Our cooperation is mutual: in trade, in the fight against threats such as drug trafficking. We work very well together and we believe that will continue to grow. We are proud of what the Dominican government is doing,” Mast said.
Visiting delegation
The delegation was made up of Patricia Aguilera, deputy chief of mission of the US embassy, and congressmen Ami Bera, Bill Huizenga, Jimmy Panetta, Michael Baumgartner, Ryan Mackenzie, Jefferson Shreve, Randy Fine, Cole Ireland, Michael Weglein and Matthew McLaughlin, along with Nora S. Brito.
Present at the meeting
The meeting, held in the VIP room of the National Congress, was attended by members of the Permanent Commission on Foreign Relations of the Senate, headed by its president, María Mercedes Ortiz.
Legislators Julito Furcal and Gustavo Lara Salazar were present in the Senate.
Robinson Díaz, Gustavo Sánchez, Amado Díaz, Ycelmary Brito and Rafael Castillo participated from the Chamber of Deputies.
