Abinader summons former presidents to a meeting on the Haitian crisis

President Luis Abinader formally summoned former presidents of the Republic to a high-level meeting next Wednesday, May 14, at 1:00 p.m., at the National Palace, with the goal of moving toward a national political consensus regarding the crisis in Haiti.

In a letter sent to former President Danilo Medina , Abinader highlighted the importance of a vision of state that transcends partisan interests and recognizes the social and economic implications that the situation in the neighboring country represents for the Dominican Republic .

"The supreme interest of the Nation calls us together," the president stated, while highlighting the pragmatic, results-oriented approach that, he said, characterized Medina 's administration and will be key to building a framework of common understanding .

The same invitation was extended to former presidents Leonel Fernández and Hipólito Mejía .

The cards: same objective, different words

In his press conference with LA Semanal on April 29, Abinader had already extended a verbal invitation to the former presidents. He announced at the time that he would send them a letter requesting a meeting to discuss the Haitian situation.

Although the intention is the same in all three letters, the way in which each former president is addressed varies .

To Mejía he addresses: "With the affection and trust that has always characterized our relationship."

He added: "His experience, his knowledge of the productive apparatus , and his practical vision of border management will be key to building a state policy that unifies wills and establishes a firm and respectful national position."

"As always, I trust your frank words and your political acumen, which knows when the country needs to put politics aside and talk about the homeland," he concludes.

To Fernández , Abinader says: "Your strategic vision , your diplomatic experience, and your understanding of the international context will be essential for this high-level dialogue."

"I am convinced that your participation will significantly contribute to consolidating a responsible, solid, and far-reaching state policy ," he concludes.

In Medina 's case, he tells him: "You have demonstrated, both in your management and in your political leadership role, a clear understanding of the social and economic implications that this crisis represents for our country."

He concludes by saying: "I am confident that your participation will be a valuable contribution to strengthening a common policy that transcends partisan interests ."

The Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) had stated last week that Medina would respond to Abinader 's call when the official invitation arrived.

Meanwhile, on April 28, Fernández urged the government to change course in its handling of the Haitian crisis , abandoning self-sufficiency and embracing an approach based on humility and a sense of state.

He reiterated that his party, the People's Force, has repeatedly raised the need for a broad and inclusive national dialogue to address the migration crisis with a focus on the state, rather than on political circumstances.

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