Dominican RepublicDroughtsGeneral NewsHaitiLatin AmericaLuis AbinaderWorld News Dominican Republic’s president stands resolute on his closing of all borders with Haiti by Michael Nguyen September 18, 2023 written by Michael Nguyen September 18, 2023 0 comments Bookmark 41 The President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, reaffirmed his decision to close all air, sea, and land traffic with neighboring Haiti in response to an ongoing dispute regarding the construction of a canal intended to harness the waters of the Massacre River, which flows through both nations. In a televised address on Sunday, President Abinader stated that these border closures, which were initiated on Friday, would remain in effect until construction on the canal was halted. The primary aim of the canal project is to divert water from the Massacre River to address a severe drought in Haiti’s Maribaroux plain. President Abinader emphasized that his government did not seek confrontation but rather aimed to address the instability in Haiti, particularly the pervasive gang violence. He expressed concern that certain individuals, motivated by private interests, were conspiring against the Haitian government’s stability and the security of their shared water resources. Accusing Haiti of violating a 1929 treaty between the two countries, President Abinader underscored the importance of the Massacre River for Dominican farmers and raised environmental concerns, including potential harm to a wetland ecosystem. He cautioned against setting a precedent with unilaterally initiated irrigation projects, which could lead to further construction activities that might ultimately harm the river. The Massacre River derives its name from a historical battle between French and Spanish colonizers and witnessed a tragic mass killing of Haitians by the Dominican army in 1937. The decision to implement a complete border shutdown came four days after President Abinader announced the suspension of visa issuance to Haitians and the closure of the border near the northern town of Dajabon. He stressed the importance of international awareness and assistance for Haiti’s challenges, stating, “There is no Dominican solution to Haiti’s problem. We cannot be asked for more than what we already do.” In response, Haiti’s Prime Minister’s office declined to comment on Sunday, referring to a statement released on Friday that condemned President Abinader’s decision to close all borders, even as negotiations between the two nations were ongoing. The Haitian government expressed its support for the canal project. Haiti has also sought international assistance in addressing a surge in gang violence. The United States has indicated its intention to submit a U.N. Security Council resolution authorizing Kenya to lead a multinational police force, but as of now, no specific timetable or resolution has been put forth. Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Border ClosureWhy did the President of the Dominican Republic close the borders with Haiti?What is the purpose of the canal project?What concerns does President Abinader have regarding the canal construction?What prompted the complete border shutdown?How has Haiti responded to these border closures?What is the historical significance of the Massacre River?Is there international involvement in addressing the situation in Haiti?More about Border Closure Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Border Closure Why did the President of the Dominican Republic close the borders with Haiti? President Luis Abinader closed the borders with Haiti due to a dispute over the construction of a canal that aims to divert water from the Massacre River. This dispute led to concerns about shared resources and environmental damage. What is the purpose of the canal project? The canal project’s primary goal is to use water from the Massacre River to alleviate a drought in Haiti’s Maribaroux plain. What concerns does President Abinader have regarding the canal construction? President Abinader is concerned about the potential violation of a 1929 treaty, the impact on Dominican farmers who rely on the Massacre River, and the environmental consequences, including damage to a wetland ecosystem. What prompted the complete border shutdown? The decision to shut down all borders came after President Abinader suspended visa issuance to Haitians and closed the border near the town of Dajabon. It was made to raise international awareness and assistance for Haiti’s challenges. How has Haiti responded to these border closures? Haiti’s government expressed support for the canal project and issued a statement condemning President Abinader’s decision to close all borders while negotiations were ongoing. What is the historical significance of the Massacre River? The Massacre River was named after a historical battle between French and Spanish colonizers and was the site of a tragic mass killing of Haitians by the Dominican army in 1937. Is there international involvement in addressing the situation in Haiti? The United States has indicated its intention to submit a U.N. Security Council resolution authorizing Kenya to lead a multinational police force to help quell gang violence in Haiti, but no specific timetable or resolution has been provided yet. More about Border Closure Dominican Republic-Haiti border closure over canal dispute Luis Abinader’s televised speech on border closures Purpose of the canal project in Haiti Concerns raised by President Abinader Historical significance of the Massacre River United States’ involvement in addressing Haiti’s challenges You Might Be Interested In How Kim’s meeting with Putin at Russian spaceport may hint at his space and weapons ambitions ‘The Nun 2’ Slightly Outperforms ‘A Haunting in Venice’ During Subdued Weekend at Box Office Students Elevate Their Dorm Rooms into Cozy Living Spaces Two-Year-Old Michigan Girl Found Deceased in Detroit, Culminating Extensive Search Death Toll from Category 5 Hurricane Otis in Mexico Increases to 39, says Security Authorities Increasing Volume of Falsehoods from Trump Regarding the 2020 Election: A Factual Analysis Border ClosureCanal DisputeDominican RepublicDrought ReliefDroughtsenvironmental concernsGeneral NewsHaitiHaiti-Dominican Republic Relationsinternational relationsLatin AmericaLuis AbinaderMassacre RiverPolitical Tensionsregional stability Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Michael Nguyen Follow Author Michael Nguyen is a sports journalist who covers the latest news and developments in the world of sports. He has a particular interest in football and basketball, and he enjoys analyzing game strategies and player performance. previous post Two Bulk Carriers Dock at Ukrainian Port Following Russia’s Termination of Grain Export Agreement next post $250K reward offered as detectives search for assailant who shot Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ