As part of the commemoration of the 173rd anniversary of the independence of the Dominican Republic (this Monday, February 27), the Dominican Ambassador accredited in Haiti, Ruben Silié this week at the Hotel Montana front more than 200 Haitian and Dominican personalities declared :

"[...] Since our independence [1844], Haitians and Dominicans have been working on bilateral relations. After ups and downs we have come to a modus operandi based on collaboration and mutual respect in all aspects of the social and economic life of the two peoples. However, although we have very good relations at the moment, this does not mean that the lack of follow-up on these relations leads to many difficulties and sometimes makes us doubt the progress made [...] If we do not work to change the situation, we will represent ourselves as accomplices of the past because the policy of hatred is a blow to our two countries. We must prioritize the building of trust and harmony between the two peoples and the two governments. There is no ethnic conflict between the two peoples [...] It should not be forgotten that certain sectors wanted to take advantage of the situation by alienating our two peoples and creating animosity [...]" recommending that both countries free themselves from prejudices and fight to change attitudes "Our responsibility is to build a better future".

IH/ iciHaiti