Several countries have announced the temporary closure of their embassies in Port-au-Prince for security reasons, as protests rock several Haitian cities following the end of government aid for fuel.
The diplomatic headquarters of the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, said Thursday in a brief statement that it was closing its “doors to the public until further notice” due to the “deterioration of the safe situation” in the neighboring country.
“Our telephone lines and our social networks will remain open,” added the Dominican delegation in Port-au-Prince.
The price of diesel will double
The Canadian Embassy also announced its closure starting Thursday. The one in Mexico said on Tuesday it would remain closed “until further notice,” while the Spanish embassy took similar steps on Wednesday.
The main cities of Haiti are paralyzed by demonstrations in reaction to the lifting of government subsidies for fuel, in a country plagued by extreme poverty. Many roads are blocked, public transport stopped and many shops and businesses closed for fear of looting.
Diesel and kerosene prices will almost double, from around 350 gourdes (2.9 euros) to almost 670 gourdes (5.5 euros).
The Dominican embassy has advised its nationals in Haiti to “be careful, limit their movements and, as far as possible, bring basic necessities” such as food and medicine. Relations are tense between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, particularly due to the migration issue.
Source: BFM TV
