World September 27, 2023 | 8:14 am

OAS calls on the Dominican Republic and Haiti for a “frank dialogue” on the Masacre River

Santo Domingo.- The Organization of American States (OAS) has called on the Dominican Republic and Haiti to engage in a “frank dialogue” to resolve the dispute over the construction of a canal in the Masacre River. The construction of this canal has led to the closure of the border by the Dominican Republic and challenges from the Haitian authorities.

The OAS expressed its willingness to mediate between the two countries and offered its support in finding a beneficial solution for both nations. The organization emphasized the importance of dialogue, mutual understanding, and avoiding tensions to overcome the disagreement.

Consultations have already taken place with authorities from both Haiti and the Dominican Republic regarding the impasse. The Dominican Republic has called for a halt to the construction for dialogue, while Haiti insists on completing the work, claiming it is its right.

The OAS stated that both countries have equal rights to the Masacre River and its water resources and called for a resolution based on the principle of good neighborliness and friendship. It also emphasized that the use of the river should comply with international law and existing treaties between both nations.

On the Dominican side, the government has indicated the possibility of making border measures more flexible after the completion of the rehabilitation of the La Vigía canal, which is estimated to take two to three weeks. These measures include the closure of the border, suspension of visas for Haitian citizens, and the suspension of trade with Haiti, affecting Dominican producers.

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has expressed support for the canal’s construction, emphasizing Haiti’s sovereign right over the water resource. Despite this, the situation remains unresolved, with both nations maintaining their positions.

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Paul Tierney
September 27, 2023 8:46 am

Heck with dialogue, there have been enough words said. What is really needed is UN or OAS sponsored troops in Haiti to stop the provocations. What is needed is order and there is no order. When order exists, words will then assist.

Phil
September 27, 2023 11:34 am
Reply to  Paul Tierney

Stop the provocation??? Dominicans think they are right and haitians think they are right. Nothing better than a neutral body to determine who is right. You think the UN or OAS will send troops to stop canal or “provocations” as you called it. There’s no need for the UN near the canal its needed mostly in Port-Au-Prince. So dream on. You ought to think of a way for the issue to be resolved. You are neighbors weather you like it or not.

Diana Wight
September 27, 2023 1:07 pm
Reply to  Paul Tierney

So the river is only for DR or for both nations. I have read that DR has 11 outputs and Haiti just started digging his first. If this is true you must really hate the neighboring people to start a conflict because of this.

DCamp21
September 27, 2023 2:58 pm
Reply to  Diana Wight

Those 11 outputs are all on DOMINICAN TERRITORY, they do not affect Haitian communities in the slightest bit. Meanwhile, Haitians decided to construct their canal along the Massacre River which BOTH countries share, which is a violation of the 1929 bilateral treaty….

Last edited 11 months ago by DCamp21
Carine Jules
September 27, 2023 1:19 pm
Reply to  Paul Tierney

Haiti has the same rights . Both countries share the same islands .Haitian People have the rights to dig and use the river Massacre on their land. Simple as that

Last edited 11 months ago by Carine Jules