International
President Abinader: border with Haiti will remain closed
September 18 |
The president of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, announced Sunday that the border with Haiti will remain closed, while stating that the situation on the dividing line is under control and that there is no threat to the development of the daily activities of Dominicans.
In a message to the nation, the president affirmed that “peace and security (…) are guaranteed”. He noted that this Monday he will travel to New York City for debates at the United Nations General Assembly, an occasion he will use to continue to raise awareness among the international community to assist the neighboring nation.
He explained that in August 2018, Haitian citizens began to unilaterally, unconsultedly and illegally build an irrigation canal supplied by waters from the Masacre (or Dajabón) River, with the purpose of irrigating large plantations and selling water to small producers.
He said that the Dominican Chancellery demanded in May 2021 to paralyze the work, which occurred after the assassination of former president Jovenel Moïse (July of that year), but that its construction was restarted weeks ago, “promoted by the same agents provocateurs as always”, he said.
He warned that such a work could lead to “an escalation of constructions that would destroy the river”, for which reason his government took measures to guarantee security, care for the environment, agricultural production and respect for the interests and rights of the population.
He detailed that several measures have been taken to force the stoppage of the work, such as the suspension of the delivery of visas, the prohibition of entry to the country of the promoters of the project, the closing of the borders and the increase of the military presence in the dividing line, among others.
He stated that in view of this serious situation, “we have understood the need to give a forceful response in legitimate defense against the uncontrollable groups that do not obey the Haitian constitutional order nor recognize the bilateral agreements that govern the border relations between both nations”, for which reason the measures adopted by his country will be maintained as long as necessary.
If there are uncontrollables in Haiti, they will not be uncontrollable for the interests of the Dominican government, he said, although he made it clear that his country does not want a confrontation and that both seek to live in peace.
He said that the Haitian people are suffering the consequences of the instability and insecurity generated by what he called insurgent groups. He added that these groups control a large part of the country, do not recognize his government and are causing a serious institutional crisis, which is resulting in an unsustainable political and economic situation.
He stressed that “Haiti’s problem is no longer in Haiti, it is in the hands of the international community”, and that “there is no Dominican solution to the Haitian problem”.
International
China calls for dialogue amid rising Iran-Israel conflict
The Chinese government emphasized on Monday the importance of “creating the conditions to return to the proper path of dialogue” between Iran and Israel, which have exchanged attacks in recent days resulting in more than 20 Israeli and over 220 Iranian deaths.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed deep concern at a press conference over the Israeli attacks on Iran and the “sudden escalation” of the military conflict.
Guo called on all parties to “take immediate measures to ease tensions and prevent the region from descending into further turmoil,” stating that “force cannot bring lasting peace.”
“If the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to intensify or even expand, the countries of the Middle East will be the first to suffer the consequences,” he added, while noting that China “will continue to maintain communication with the relevant parties, promoting peace and dialogue.”
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke last Saturday with his Iranian and Israeli counterparts to condemn the Israeli airstrike on Iranian territory, which he described as a “violation of international law” with the potential to trigger “disastrous” consequences.
In both calls, Wang reiterated China’s rejection of the use of force, defended diplomacy as the only solution to the Iranian nuclear dispute, and offered China’s mediation to prevent further destabilization in the Middle East.
International
Suspect arrested in killing of Minnesota legislator and husband, governor Says
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced on Sunday the arrest of Vance Luther Boelter, 57, the main suspect in the killing of Democratic legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband in a Brooklyn Park suburb on Friday night.
Boelter, who also reportedly shot State Senator John Hoffman and his wife early Saturday morning, was apprehended in Sibley County following an intensive manhunt involving hundreds of law enforcement officers.
In a public statement, Governor Walz condemned Boelter’s “unthinkable actions,” which resulted in the death of a woman who “shaped the core of who we are as a state.”
“We cannot become numb to this. We are a deeply divided nation,” Walz said in a statement posted on his X account.
“We move forward not with hatred or violence, but with humility, grace, and civility,” he added.
Expressing solidarity with the victims’ families, Walz said the entire state of Minnesota is in mourning. He also thanked law enforcement for their bravery and professionalism: “They have saved lives,” he emphasized.
“As we heal, we will not let fear win,” Walz concluded. “We must honor Melissa by moving forward with understanding, service, and above all, humanity.”
Throughout Sunday, police and sheriff units searched a rural area in Minnesota for Vance Luther Boelter, a security company director and preacher who, according to Governor Walz, acted out of politically motivated violence.
International
40,000 tourists stranded in Israel amid airspace shutdown over Iran conflict
Approximately 40,000 tourists are stranded in Israel following the closure of the country’s airspace amid escalating hostilities with Iran, the Israeli Ministry of Tourism reported on Monday.
The ministry has set up a virtual office to provide information via email (virtual@goisrael.gov.il) and phone (+972-53-583-5808), as well as a Facebook page called Israel Virtual Tourist Office.
Israeli Tourism Minister Haim Katz is in contact with hotels and accommodations across the country to offer support to tourists in need, the ministry added.
Many stranded travelers are considering crossing overland into Jordan or Egypt to seek flights from those countries. The Israel Airports Authority reminded the public that land border crossings remain open.
Three German tourists stranded in Jerusalem told EFE today that they have not received any assistance from their country’s embassy in Israel, and their primary option currently is to cross into Jordan to catch a flight from there.
Since early Friday morning, Israel launched operations against Iran, targeting military personnel and infrastructure, including energy and nuclear facilities, as well as numerous residential areas in Tehran.
In response, Iran has fired hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel, some of which have struck various locations across the country, leaving at least 24 dead so far, according to Israeli authorities.
Iranian health officials report at least 224 deaths, mostly civilians, including at least 17 senior military officials—nine from the Revolutionary Guard—and more than a dozen nuclear scientists.
The Israeli military has warned that many more “targets” remain, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard declared on Monday that it will continue missile attacks against Israel until its “destruction.”
China calls for dialogue amid rising Iran-Israel conflict
Suspect arrested in killing of Minnesota legislator and husband, governor Says
40,000 tourists stranded in Israel amid airspace shutdown over Iran conflict
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