DOMINICAN REPUBLIC'S WAR ON DRUGS GETS THE US'S NOD

SANTO DOMINGO -- Drug trafficking in the Caribbean region,
specifically the springboard existing between Dominican Republic and
Haiti, the ways to cooperate to fight organized crime and the pursuit

of fugitives, are topics that are well highlighted in the United
States agenda.

U.S. attorney general Alberto R. Gonzales sees the war on drug
trafficking as a challenge for the country, taking into account that
it is used as a bridge.

In an interview for the local media, in the residence of U.S.
ambassador Hans Hertell, he said that the continued extradition of
fugitives must be assured.

Asked as to how he sees Dominican Republic's efforts regarding its
criminal policy as a State, he said that, =93in a word, we see it very

well.=94

=93I am seeing a very significant progress, I am seeing that there is a

strong political leadership, that has an audacious vision for the
future, that has a strong vision on the State of Law,=94 the senior
U.S. official said.