EMBASSY PRESENTS TIP ACTION PLAN TO DOMINICAN

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 004350 SIPDIS DEPT FOR WHA/CAR; WHA/PPC FOR ERIC FALLS; G/TIP FOR RACHEL OWEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM DR SUBJECT: EMBASSY PRESENTS TIP ACTION PLAN TO DOMINICAN AUTHORITIES REF: 04 STATE 154834 ¶1. On 23 July 2004 Poloffs met separately with Dominican MFA international organizations deputy Rhadys Abreu de Polanco and consular affairs director Dulce Rosario de la Maza to discuss the TIP issues set forth in reftel and to present the Tier 2 Watch List Action Plan for the Dominican Republic. ¶2. Both officials were receptive to the talking points and action plan and agreed that the Dominican Republic must work harder to combat trafficking, noting especially the need to enforce existing laws. They also pledged to brief the incoming authorities, who will take office on August 16, on the action plan and interim assessment. ¶3. COMMENT. Although the transition to a new government and expected turnover of many personnel in the MFA and other agencies complicates matters, we believe that both the present and incoming administrations are well aware of the need for action against trafficking. We will continue to press for additional effort and achievements by the GODR in accordance with the action plan. END COMMENT. HERTELL