Transborder market of Dajabón allowing trade of food between the two countries has not reopened today, contrary to the rumor. The Dominican Republic blames the government of René Préval which fears the threats of the crowds and the risk of overflowing at the borders, preferring to maintain the status quo on Dajabon and tension that is growing in the absence of solution.

Despite the continued closure of the market for the fourth consecutive week, authorities and representatives of Haitian merchants Juana Mendez [in Haiti], were told to allow the temporary crossing of the border of the food products. However the construction materials and other goods indefinitely remain prohibited of passage.

Haitians have allowed the movement of shopping carts and burdens to the shoulders (live and frozen chickens, ice, rice and eggs) essentially. Dozens of Haitians were entered in the commercial district of Dajabón where they could buy different products.

The decision comes after several unsuccessful meetings concerning the reopening of the markets. The Haitian and Dominican authorities are still unable to agree on how to maintain business operations and the health measures implemented to fight against the cholera epidemic.

The Dominican authorities accuse the position of Haitian and Haitian traders which refuse to resume business operations if these last are not carried out in the usual place and if the Haitians are not authorized to sell their goods. Haitians accuse the Dominicans to take unilateral decisions.

Despite everything, the situation remained calm today in the border town where no significant incidents were reported. Soldiers and members of Cesfront remained on alert on the Dominican side, to prevent any incident, while the Haitian National Police (PNH) and MINUSTAH, stood ready to intervene on the haitian side, as was the case previous weeks,

"If there is no market, why have, appointed a Joint Binational Commission and documents sign, if that does not go more far..." deplored Esther Ramirez, the Governor of Dajabón. "The reopening of the market is an issue that should be decided between the Foreign Ministries of both countries, but we have no answer on the Haitian side" he insisted. "This situation must be resolved quickly, because merchants are desperate"

S/ HaitiLibre