SANTO DOMINGO.- While several sectors demand that the Government clearly explain the negotiations for the sale of a 49% stake in the country’s only refinery (Refidomsa) to Venezuela, its president Hugo Chavez announced he will come to the Dominican Republic, as concern grows of his growing influence in the country.

Chavez will reportedly visit the country on June 30 to participate in the activities to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Juan Bosch, the late leader and founder of the ruling PLD party.

The Venezuelan chief executive, who has quoted Bosch in several of his speeches, has confirmed his visit, according to newspaper Diario Libre, citing a source.

Chávez, and president Leonel Fernandez would participate in an activity in Congress where he would be received with honors, among other events.

Yesterday opponents to the negotiations said the deal would give Chavez the faculty to direct the country’s energy policy and cautioned that it must be studied and debated by Congress.

The business leader Lisandro Macarrulla, president of the National Business Council (Conep), announced that they’ll evaluate the decision this week whereas its secretary Maribel Gassó, said it’s impossible to base an opinion when the negotiations are unknown.

The negotiations will allow the country to be included in a network of plants that Venezuela builds as part of the oil deal Petrocaribe, through which Caribbean and Central American nations buy Venezuelan crude and refined products under soft terms.

The Dominican Government owns 100% of Refidomsa after it acquired 50% from Shell for US$110 million earlier this year.