General reportedly linked to diplomatic passport scandal

Santo Domingo.- President Danilo Medina ordered the military and police brass to quickly clarify how a Fernch-Lebanese businessman obtained a Dominican diplomatic passport, and the alleged link to a military general.

Armed Forces minister Sigfrido Pared made the announcement after a meeting with Medina and the chiefs of staff of the Dominican Air Force, Ramon Hernandez, of the Navy, Edwin Dominici, and Police chief Jose Polanco, among others.

Pared warned that the general who might be involved will be stripped of his commission and charged.

He said if it’s true that Ziad Takieddine –a campaign funding violation suspected in France- paid to get the passport, those guilty will be indicted. "The president wants this case to be clarified as soon as possible and those involved, no matter who, be brought to justice to answer for the crime, if it’s a fact."