In the midst of the diplomatic crises between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, President Luis Abinader assures that there will be no violent incidents in Dominican territory. He reiterates that the military forces of the Dominican State are fully prepared to respond to any potential violence caused by the intervention in the Masacre River in Dajabón.
Abinader characterizes the construction of the canal over the Masacre River as a senseless and inadequate project. He states that although isolated violent incidents could occur in the Dominican border area, the Army, the Armed Forces, and the National Police are prepared to maintain control and guarantee that there is no violence.
He emphasizes that the Dominican government continues in talks with the Haitian government to resolve the issue but notes that Haiti has control problems within its territory.
President Abinader also mentions that strengthening military brigades will help support peacekeepers tasked with addressing social instability in Haiti.
He announces that Dominican officials will participate in a United Nations meeting next week to coordinate efforts with other countries involved in addressing the situation in Haiti. Abinader confirms that the Dominican Republic will not participate in military operations in Haiti.
In response to the current dispute over the construction of the canal, President Abinader orders the total closure of the land, sea, and air border with Haiti starting at 6:00 am the following Friday. He also instructs the General Directorate of Immigration to deny entry to nine people involved in the construction of the canal whom he considers “provocators”.
Abinader declares that the border closure will remain in force as long as necessary to eliminate the provocation. In addition, he states that the ambassadors and the entire diplomatic corps assigned to Haiti will soon return to the Dominican Republic.