D.R. To Reopen Border to Essential Trade

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – The Dominican Republic government said Monday, it will temporarily allow trade of essential products, including food and medications, on its border with Haiti. But it said it will maintain a ban on the entry of Haitian citizens amid a dispute over the construction of a canal targeting a river that runs through both countries.

The government said in a statement, the measure will come into force on Wednesday starting at 8:00 a.m. in four border provinces in an effort to facilitate the trade of products aimed especially at children.

The Dominican government also said it will reinforce the country’s military presence on the border to make access to its territory more difficult for gang members who could flee Haiti.