In a significant development, Vice President Raquel Peña announced the Dominican government’s willingness to engage in talks with Haitian authorities for a peaceful resolution to the conflict caused by Haiti’s construction of a canal on the Masacre River, its neighbor.
After attending the Virgin of Las Mercedes Day Eucharist in Santo Cerro, Vice President Peña agreed with Nuncio Piergiorgio Bertoldi on the urgent need for a peaceful solution that has resulted in the border closure.
Highlighting alignment with the President and the Dominican government, Vice President Peña emphasized the importance of collaboration at the dialogue table, avoiding unilateral decisions.
He reaffirmed the long-standing solidarity of the Dominican Government with the Haitian people and stressed the need for diplomatic talks. “We are fully willing to engage in dialogue because the Dominican Republic has consistently shown solidarity with our Haitian brothers,” he recalled.
The United States pledges $100 million to support Haiti’s security.
As part of an international effort, the United States has pledged $100 million to support a proposal for a multinational force led by Kenya to restore security in Haiti. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced this commitment, emphasizing that the support would include necessary logistical assistance such as intelligence, air transport, communications, and medical aid.
However, this mission awaits approval from the United Nations Security Council. Alongside Kenya, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Antigua and Barbuda have committed to mobilizing their troops for this crucial task.
Secretary Blinken urged the international community to provide not only personnel but also equipment, logistical support, training, and funding to ensure the success of the deployment. “The people of Haiti cannot wait much longer,” he emphasized when addressing the foreign ministers of over 20 supportive nations.
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry echoed Secretary Blinken’s sense of urgency in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly. Henry emphasized the critical need for military and police personnel, stressing that the use of force was essential to restore effective functioning of the State.