Dominican Republic threatens to close the border with Haiti
The crisis between Dominican President Luis Abinader and Haiti continues to grow. Abinader has openly threatened Haiti with closing the border. Last year 190-kilometer wall would be built on the border, citing gang wars in Haiti and the heavy flow of migration to the country.
The President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, has threatened to close the border with neighboringHaiti, which is building a canal on the Massacre River that crosses the border between the two countries.
In a statement made by the Dominican Republic government, it was announced that if Haiti does not stop the canal it is building on the Massacre River, the land border will be closed as well and air and sea trade will be stopped.
DEADLINE UNTIL THURSDAY
Local media reported that Abinader had suspended visas for Haitians until further notice and would order a complete closure of the border if the canal being built on the Massacre River was not stopped by Thursday.
The Masacre River, which is extremely important for both countries, is vital for the irrigation of agricultural lands as well as drinking water use.
The Dominican Republic, Haiti's third trading partner, argues that if the canal is built, some of the water will flow into Haitian territory and the river's water will be significantly reduced.
190 KILOMETERS WALL
Last year, Dominican Republic President Abinader announced that a 190-kilometer wall would be built on the border, citing gang wars in Haiti and the heavy flow of migration to the country. Haiti, which is struggling with a deep economic and social crisis, is evaluated that its economy will take a huge blow if the Dominican Republic border is closed.
Source: Ihlas News Agency
