Rafael Correa: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC HAS BECOME A NATION OF PEACE
SANTO DOMINGO.- Dominican president Leonel Fernandez, after detaining a last wave of explosive banter between Ecuador’s Rafael Correa and Colombia’s Alvaro Uribe, obtained a peaceful solution from the two leaders of the countries involved in the conflict stemming from the latter’s incursion in its neighbor’s territory
"President Uribe, if there is a public commitment from our brother nation Venezuela to work for peace, then I ask all here to stand and let us give ourselves a hand shake to reaffirm the commitment to dialogue and peace,” said the Dominican leader to bring to a close the gathering fraught with accusations and threats
The session began at 10 a.m. with Correa railing Uribe for ordering the attack against the FARC guerilla group in Ecuador last weekend, which the Colombian leader sought to justify calling a necessary measure aimed at protecting his country’s own sovereignty from the insurgents.
Uribe also told the leaders gathered in the Dominican Foreign Relations Ministry that orders to cross into Ecuador’s border was his government’s decision, in response to allegations by Correa and Venezuela president Hugo Chavez that the incursions was the work of the United States. “Get this out of your head that this is an imperialistic project, it's an autonomous project of the Colombian people.”
The following are comments made by the leaders throughout the nonstop session which lasted around seven hours:
Alvaro Uribe…
“As for me I'm going to work for the brotherhood with our neighboring countries, we will proceed with the release from prison of a large number of FARC guerillas which submit themselves to the peace process.”
“With president Chavez I have always had a strong willingness toward dialogue, I accept your proposal to shake our hands on this.”
“President (Daniel, of Nicaragua) Ortega I pledge to you that our warships will be in the Santa Providencia only to protedt against drug trafficking, in a manner that the Nicaraguans don't feel threatened.´´
Bolivia president Evo Morales…
“I don't agree with these labels of terrorist and communist. When I was a union leader we were called communists and crazies. We are victims of those accusations, I know those accusations came from the empire. Now we are terrorists. In 2002 we were accused by the empire of being Taliban.”
“We were forging a grand union in South America and all of a sudden we are facing this reality: CNN says ´Alliance between narcotics trafficking and terrorism,´ if that's so you have terrorist among you.”
Rafael Correa…
“With this (handshake) as a country, this very grave incident has been solved.”
"I ask the to the Dominican Republic to be careful, if Uribe thinks the FARC is here, he will bomb Santo Domingo.´"
Hugo Chavez...
"President (Uribe), you can’t go by everything you hear. Here in this conflict lays the great interest, the United States, interested in the oil reserves, to provoke a war amongst us, when Venezuela has the world’s largest reserves.
I propose the ´Group of Santo Domingo´, that sounds beautiful, to work to seek the peace."
Chavez stressed this point by singing part of that country’s popular merengue song "Quiesqueya de mis Amores"
Brazil Foreign Relations minister Celso Amorim…
President Fernandez knew when to drive the wedge to make sure the meeting came to a fruitful end.”
Declaration of Santo Domingo (Summary):
It has been agreed that as to the incident between Ecuador ad Colombia when troops of the latter entered the territory of the former, we accept the apologies made in a frank manner by the president of Colombia
We accept the pledge by its president Alfaro Uribe that this wouldn't occur again, and we take note of the request by Ecuador president Rafael Correa to investigate this incident we also that according to the precepts of the OAS that no state has the right to intervene the territory or internal affairs of any other nation.
We reiterate the commitment to the peaceful coexistence of the region and we vow to work together in any conflict that affects the region.
We pledge to cooperate against any criminal threats including those which Colombia considers terrorists.
We approve the OAS resolution to tour the regions the parts indicate to propose solutions to the conflict.
We manifest our total support for the Rio Group for Ecuador and Colombia to solve their conflict.
Signed in Santo Domingo March 7, 2008.
Written by: ny4life, 7 Mar 2008 9:07 PM
From: United States, New York, NY
A historic event took place today in Santo Domingo. I had the priviledge to watch the Rio Group XX mtg and it was amazing to see a peaceful resolution take place. I am proud that the DR was able to obtain the Pro-tempore Presidency of the Rio Group these last two years and put together a great meeting with great President's of Latin America. I give Leonel Fernandez a lot of credit for being able to the manage the conflict as a mediator in today's mtg. His efforts helped a established a peaceful ending to a potentially devastating war. Ecuador, Colombia, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, all agreed to cooperate and end the conflict. Leonel Fernandez played a key role in establishing this peaceful ending as a mediator of the event. It was a historic moment when these countries shook hands and resolved the issue with the declaration of Santo Domingo. Santo Dominigo is now known as the a nation of peace in Latin America. Once again, DR has been represented well by our honorary President, Leonel F
Written by: BASTA, 7 Mar 2008 9:37 PM
From: Dominican Republic, SPM
Sure well done. Ferndax probably lied to them like he always lies to us.
Written by: Cacique, 7 Mar 2008 9:54 PM
From: Dominican Republic
He's not perfect, but Fernandez again showed leadership.
Written by: Jander, 7 Mar 2008 10:13 PM
From: Dominican Republic
A day that all Dominicans can be proud of !
Your President showed leadership and class.
Written by: Tassos54, 7 Mar 2008 10:24 PM
From: United States, NYC
Whatever one's view is of President Lionel Fernandez, the result obtained, the peaceful resolution of a potentially very bloody confrontation, is a feather in the cap of both President Fernandez and the Dominican nation. Congratulations are in order.
Remember: "Blessed are the Peacemakers"
From: Dominican Republic
I think that all Dominicans should be emensely proud of their President on this historic day. President Fernandez has shown the world that he possesses that diplomacy and persererance can still solve problems that a few days ago was begining to bring three countries to the brink of war.
A very volitile situation has been "nipped in the bud" through diplomatic efforts by sensible men acting in concert toward a peaceful settlement and in the manner of Statesmanship of thehighest order.
I salute both the Dominican President and the three protaginests for their decisions.
WELL DONE to ALL.
TB
From: United States
I watched it live and I must say, Fernandez did a great job. He managed to stay on Chavez's good side (very important) but also on Colombia (currently backed by the US therefore also very important). And above all he squashed the heightening tone to a much lower one. It was obvious there was still a bit of resentment especially on the Ecuadorian side, but Fernandez's statements made everyone breathe peacefully at least for now. This will definately guarantee DR's seat in the UN when their next chance comes up (assuming Fernandez is still pres).
Written by: lcabrera, 8 Mar 2008 3:35 AM
From: United States
Imagine if it was Hipolito, Bahahahahahahahahahaha I can't take the picture out of my head hahahahahahaha lol.
Written by: Escott, 8 Mar 2008 8:21 AM
From: Dominican Republic, Sosua/Cabrera
This is probably the only time Fernandez SHINED in relation to Hippo. How disappointing this presidency was! TOO BAD!
Written by: josean, 8 Mar 2008 9:52 AM
From: United States
"DR has been represented well by our honorary President, Leonel F" the only truth in this statement is the term "honorary!"
Even a broken clock gets the time right twice a day.
I wonder how this "great achievement" will bring modern education, health care and security to the Dominican people. It is a well known tactic of politicians to divert the local attention from the national crisis to the international ones.
La puerca por mas que de seda se vista puerca se queda! or Aunque la mona se vista de seda mona se queda!
Written by: Jander, 8 Mar 2008 10:15 AM
From: Dominican Republic
I think I saw Hippo outside the summit with his shoe shine kit.
They didn't want him to feel left out.
Give me a break if he was in power this would have turned into WWIII, or would have been sanctioned by the WWF (World Wrestling Federation).
Written by: josean, 8 Mar 2008 10:41 AM
From: United States
Now after all this orgasmic talk of how Lio-nel Fernandez walks on water:
Back to reality in METROLANDIA!
Source DR1
Deficiencies in the education system
According to a report released during the Global Education Forum, most students in the Dominican educational system aren't getting the basic educational tools needed to succeed, which are important building blocks for their academic progress and is leading to unprepared students at the higher educational levels. The report was prepared by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) at the request of the Dominican government and points out that failing conditions of Dominican schools, insufficient investment, the bad image of teachers, difficulties in accessing education, drop out rates, high rates of repetition and lack of teaching resources are roadblocks in the development of a strong educational system.
Continued:
Written by: josean, 8 Mar 2008 10:42 AM
From: United States
The main areas of concern about the state of the education system were that 70% of rural schools only offer between first and fifth grade education and that 45% of primary schools have to run three teaching shifts per day. The lack of an educational monitoring system and the lack of a learning evaluation program are also hurdles that need to be overcome by the educational system. Ian Whitman, Aims McGuiness, John Coolahan and Simon Schwartzman were part of the group that developed the report, which was presented to the Education, Higher Education and INFOTEP Ministers. The report makes recommendations, 55 in all, including increasing investment in education, reforming the teacher training system to produce better teachers, introducing full primary programs in rural schools and gradually reducing the number of teaching shifts in schools.
See what I mean about diverting the attention from the national crisis!
Written by: Edward, 8 Mar 2008 12:50 PM
From: United States, Leominster, Massachusetts
This shows what a great leader Leonel is. He is very compassionate and intelligent!!. My mom was like " I bet if it were Hipolito he would have said something stupid" LOL
Written by: DannyVC, 8 Mar 2008 12:54 PM
From: United States, New Jersey
Leonel showed good leadership, and also put forth a good image of the DR to our Latin American brothers. Good job President!
Written by: LRespect, 8 Mar 2008 1:37 PM
From: Dominican Republic
I am not surprise to see our honorable President being part of this discussion between Venezuela, Ecuador and Columbia, we as Dominican People must understand that he has represented us everywhere and has done it well, no I mean great. LEONEL FERNANDEZ PRESIDENTE 2008-2012.
From: Dominican Republic
l have some questions? there was some agreement of peace signed by the presidents Uribe, Chevez and Correa? l think not. Thas is only truce? when it will begin contra attack of the FARC supported by Chavez and Correa? will Leonel Fernandez remain as a clown as intermediary of a false peace?
Written by: santanar, 8 Mar 2008 1:47 PM
From: United States
the credit should go to all Dominicans that time and time again had chosen great heads of state, congrats to all.
Written by: josean, 8 Mar 2008 1:51 PM
From: United States
Now let us see his Highness Lio-nel Fernandez the "great statesman" deals with the Dominican-Haitian conflict!
The UN is waiting "Lio."
Written by: santanar, 8 Mar 2008 2:16 PM
From: United States
Josean what conflict are you talking about? the chickens? the border?. As you can see from this Meeting that yest took place, country that share borders always have some issues and difficulty, Dominican and Haitian issue are very mild when compare to other country that share borders. whats your thought?.
Written by: josean, 8 Mar 2008 3:02 PM
From: United States
"Dominican and Haitian issue are very mild when compare to other country that share borders"
Precisely my point since they are "very mild" it should be a cake walk for the new Henry Kissinger!
Written by: santanar, 8 Mar 2008 5:50 PM
From: United States
"Precisely my point since they are "very mild" it should be a cake walk for the new Henry Kissinger"
Josean, what issue is that you are talking about?
Written by: Euromax, 8 Mar 2008 9:23 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Bona, The holy land of the west
well done everybody! que viva rep.Dominicana! :D
From: United States, Long island, NY
To all Frustrated "Haitians": this news was even in "The wall Street Journal" so take like men.
Haitians are going backwards and Dominicans are going forwards........................
Stop bashing "Civilization" "Culture" "Education" and "Class"
Haiti will always live of "Handouts" and "compassion" but never doing anything "PROACTIVE"
From: United States, Long island, NY
jOSEAN" "wHAT A FRUSTATED HAITIAN" You are
Keep going backwards.....................................good for Haiti
From: Haiti
RUBIROSA YOU ARE A MORON!!! You are OBSESSED with Haiti my friend. OBSESSED. You are backwards. Well it pleases me that you are so obsessed. Shows that you care lol!
From: United States, Long island, NY
HayKickYouintheShin: Your people are the ones "Disgruntled" coming to Our website, our newspaper, our forums, our space.
Haitians want to teach, police, make comments and point Dominicans in the face when actually You have done "S..." with your own country.
You have set yourselfs a big example to the world with your negative, absurd, non-proactive actitude.
I'm not the one Bashing Haiti on "Haitian Today"
From: Haiti
OBSESSED. Poor fellow. Cant stop repeating himself like a robotic parrot.
From: United States, Long island, NY
Haykickyouinthe"Shin: help your poor country instead and all this negative energy that You have against us has to be focus to the other side of your "Dysfunctional" country
From: Haiti
Still ranting Rubirosa? Im glad to hear that our country is on your mind so often lol.
Written by: santanar, 9 Mar 2008 9:18 PM
From: United States
We don't dislike Haitian because their color, we are a color country, the problem is the language, can they start a a program to fix that issue?. this is nothing but an idea. will like to hear only fro the Haitian intellectual who usually participate in this forum.
From: United States
Rubirosa, I know some ppl come here to try to provoke dominicans, but don't fall into that trap. Just let it go, that's their problems. It doesn't make you or any dominican any better by bashing them back. It's pointless and only makes you look bad (no offense).
Santanar, that comment makes absolutely no sense. "fix that issue" meaning their language? First of all, Haiti's problems have nothing to do w/ their language, second, it's very demeaning to say something's wrong w/ a country's language simply bc you don't understand or speak it.
Written by: josean, 10 Mar 2008 1:04 AM
From: United States
I sincerely hope this statement is not representative of the educational level of the supporters of Lio-nel Fernandez and the PLD:
Quote from santanar,
"We don't dislike Haitian because their color, we are a color country, the problem is the language, can they start a a program to fix that issue?. this is nothing but an idea. will like to hear only fro the Haitian intellectual who usually participate in this forum."
Because if it is, not only is the educational system in DR atrociously incompetent, but apparently in the US as well!
From: Haiti
Children can we behave accordingly. Another dominican vs haitian ramble that is pointless and countre productive. The Rio Summit was to address issues within Latin America & one of the topics was the dominico-haitiana but was over shadowed by the venezolano-colombia-ecuatoriana fiasco. First, I would like to say President Fernandez was absolutely brilliant of handling of the Uribe-Chavez-Correa tvnovela. Although in my opinion this quarrel between Uribe & Chavez was already resolved pre-Rio Summit. Chavez's only reason of voicing his objection is/was to keep the venezuelans discontent of his government & low rating. Correa stood his ground and played his role to the T while Uribe entertained their ego. If and when this goes to the international courts Chavez & Correa will have to explain their support of a terrorist group and pay the consequences. And here we are dominican & haitians think we have problems.
From: Haiti
I am not an intellectual but I will try to answer your question. Haiti has her own identity and her language plays are significant role in the everyday lives of haitians just like dominican identity and language plays there role. Asking haitians to address our language issue is asking dominicans to address theres. I suggest you and all dominicans to go to Museo del hombre and ask for Juan Martinez the sub-director to give you a real history lesson about the two pueblos. It would give you a better perspective of your identity and issue with the Haitian state a matrimony without a divorce. Some might have suicidal results since their deep hatred for haitians is the sole purpose of participating in this forum & perhaps breathing
Written by: Lautaro, 10 Mar 2008 4:01 PM
From: Brazil, near Copacabana
The only thing that these rednecks need to do to see about common roots, mr jabao, is to pay a visit to Bahoruco or Barahona (the latter city founded by non other than Toussaint Louverture himself), due to the common heritage represented by the maroon communities existing over there. They only need to ask the elderly people over there to realize the uselessness of all this bickering between both nations.
From: United States, Long island, NY
Sickening statements from people that want to sink our country into a "Zombie" nation without future or hope.
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Your President showed leadership and class.
Remember: "Blessed are the Peacemakers"
A very volitile situation has been "nipped in the bud" through diplomatic efforts by sensible men acting in concert toward a peaceful settlement and in the manner of Statesmanship of thehighest order.
I salute both the Dominican President and the three protaginests for their decisions.
WELL DONE to ALL.
TB
Even a broken clock gets the time right twice a day.
I wonder how this "great achievement" will bring modern education, health care and security to the Dominican people. It is a well known tactic of politicians to divert the local attention from the national crisis to the international ones.
La puerca por mas que de seda se vista puerca se queda! or Aunque la mona se vista de seda mona se queda!
They didn't want him to feel left out.
Give me a break if he was in power this would have turned into WWIII, or would have been sanctioned by the WWF (World Wrestling Federation).
Back to reality in METROLANDIA!
Source DR1
Deficiencies in the education system
According to a report released during the Global Education Forum, most students in the Dominican educational system aren't getting the basic educational tools needed to succeed, which are important building blocks for their academic progress and is leading to unprepared students at the higher educational levels. The report was prepared by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) at the request of the Dominican government and points out that failing conditions of Dominican schools, insufficient investment, the bad image of teachers, difficulties in accessing education, drop out rates, high rates of repetition and lack of teaching resources are roadblocks in the development of a strong educational system.
Continued:
See what I mean about diverting the attention from the national crisis!
The UN is waiting "Lio."
Precisely my point since they are "very mild" it should be a cake walk for the new Henry Kissinger!
Josean, what issue is that you are talking about?
Haitians are going backwards and Dominicans are going forwards........................
Stop bashing "Civilization" "Culture" "Education" and "Class"
Haiti will always live of "Handouts" and "compassion" but never doing anything "PROACTIVE"
Keep going backwards.....................................good for Haiti
Haitians want to teach, police, make comments and point Dominicans in the face when actually You have done "S..." with your own country.
You have set yourselfs a big example to the world with your negative, absurd, non-proactive actitude.
I'm not the one Bashing Haiti on "Haitian Today"
Santanar, that comment makes absolutely no sense. "fix that issue" meaning their language? First of all, Haiti's problems have nothing to do w/ their language, second, it's very demeaning to say something's wrong w/ a country's language simply bc you don't understand or speak it.
I sincerely hope this statement is not representative of the educational level of the supporters of Lio-nel Fernandez and the PLD:
Quote from santanar,
"We don't dislike Haitian because their color, we are a color country, the problem is the language, can they start a a program to fix that issue?. this is nothing but an idea. will like to hear only fro the Haitian intellectual who usually participate in this forum."
Because if it is, not only is the educational system in DR atrociously incompetent, but apparently in the US as well!