US OFFICIAL PRAISES DOMINICAN FIGHT AGAINST DRUG TRADE

Santo Domingo - United States State Department official with
responsibility for Caribbean Affairs Velia de Piero has praised the
Dominican Republic's fight against the drug trade. De Piero held a
meeting with National Drug Control Department (DNCD) chief, General
Rafael Radhames Ramirez Ferreira.

De Piero held a one-hour meeting with the DNCD president, along with
Peter A. Reilly, U.S. special anti-drug department director in Santo
Domingo, and other U.S. embassy officials.

"It was a courtesy visit made by Mrs. de Piero, who speaks perfect
Spanish, to obtain first-hand knowledge of the DNCD's current work",
said Ramirez, following the meeting, which was held at his office. We
are infinitely grateful to these officials for coming to see what we
are doing, and we must acknowledge their valuable
cooperation".

De Piero has held a number of meetings with Dominican officials who
are working in the fight against drug trafficking.