PRESS BRIEFING BY PRESIDENT OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Press Briefing

PRESS BRIEFING BY PRESIDENT OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Hipolito Mejia Dominguez, the President of the Dominican Republic, told correspondents at a Headquarters press briefing this morning that his time at the Millennium Summit was an “unforgettable experience”. In his view, the Summit would produce concrete results.

Asked by a correspondent what benefits he had been able to bring to the local Dominican community, and what his accomplishments were internationally while at the Summit, President Mejia replied that some things could be measured and others could not. The importance of the United Nations throughout the world was obvious. World leaders met here to exchange views and to hold a dialogue. There were highly developed countries and less developed countries included in this dialogue, and the Dominican Republic was amongst the poor countries.

He said that he had been able to meet with great leaders to discuss important issues such as environmental deterioration, natural resources, the debt, the increase in oil prices, low prices for raw materials, as well as religious and ethnic conflict. The experiences of women and men were considered, and leaders had worked on how to come to grips with the new realities of today’s world.

The President said that HIV/AIDS was a subject of concern to many leaders. Many of the African presidents had offered some very striking statistics. There were new cases of AIDS every day in Africa, they said. Those who had the experience and the means for carrying out research had to be relied upon for assistance.

Did the President have any conversations with President Chavez of Venezuela regarding the oil situation and the increase in oil prices? a correspondent asked. He replied that two days ago he had met with President Chavez and leaders of other Central American countries to discuss this issue informally. President Chavez looked positively upon the countries that had suffered the consequences. The Dominican Republic had to spend $500 million more on oil this year than last. There was an understanding of this situation. As he understood it, there would be a meeting on the subject today and he was looking forward to seeing what conclusions emerged.

A correspondent noted that a large portion of the President’s speech at the Millennium Summit had been devoted to the problem of Haiti. Was the problem going to be a major concern of his administration? a correspondent asked. The President replied that it would be one of them. The situation of the Dominican Republic’s neighbouring country was bad, which was a serious problem. As a poor country, the Dominican Republic could not afford another crisis. He urged the international community to understand this and called for assistance.

For some decades there had been concern regarding President Castro of Cuba, said a correspondent. How did the region evaluate Cuba’s Government? He replied that the situation in Cuba was well known throughout the world. The self-determination of people had to be respected, and a country’s sovereignty

Mejia Dominguez Briefing - 2 - 8 September 2000

had to be respected as well. The Dominican Republic had relations with Cuba and he respected the two countries’ historic ties.

In response to a question about the Dominican Republic’s high debt burden, President Mejia said that he had made a dramatic appeal to other countries during his time at the Summit. He hoped that the developed countries would move from speaking to acting. The Dominican Republic was paying back its debts and would continue to pay but it was a very heavy burden. One of his priorities as President was to confront poverty in a real way, but it was very difficult in light of the debt situation.

The leaders of the African countries had drawn a direct parallel between the debt and the level of corruption in their countries, saying it was one of the major causes of poverty. Was this the case in Latin American as well? a correspondent asked. The President replied that it was not the primary cause but it was one of the causes. He was convinced that poverty was closely linked with corruption -- but leaders had to serve and not be served. His Government would serve.

Was he expecting Fidel Castro to visit the Dominican Republic? a correspondent asked. President Mejia replied that Cuba had sent a mission to his country and had expressed interest in a visit. He thought this could take place without any problems.

Asked what the President expected as the outcome of the Millennium Summit, he replied that he had initially been quite critical about this type of meeting, but at this point he was optimistic. The representatives of all countries had met here to discuss realities and shortcomings. There were countries that could not feed their children. If these problems persisted, countries could not be productive. Despite all of this, he did feel optimistic.

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