Dominican truckers halt freight to Haiti on fear of attacks

Santo Domingo.- Citing a lack of protection by the Haitiauthorities Dominican Republic´s biggest truckers union (Fenatrado) will halt all freight transport toHaiti starting today, which will likely cause huge losses to more than 50companies linked to trade between both countries.

Fenatrado presidentBlas Peralta said the strike starts 6am at the main border crossings withHaiti, and will only be lifted when Haitian authorities abide by the agreementssigned with the Dominican government to protect truckers.

Over 100 Fenatrado trucksenter Haiti every day through Jimaní, Pedernales and Dajabón hauling cement, rebar,medicines, wood, food and raw materials used by free trade zones.

Last week Peraltasaid over 7o trucks were destroyed, looted or torched in Haitian territory,mostly at the Haiti town of Ouanaminthe.