Dominican Republic demands apology over Haitian protests
published: Wednesday | December 14, 2005

Haitians scuffle with police during a protest in front of the national palace in Port-au-Prince, on Monday. The clashes were sparked during violent protests against the visit of Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez. - REUTERS

SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (AP):

The Dominican Republic's ruling party demanded an apology yesterday from neighbouring Haiti after violent protests disrupted the Dominican president's one-day visit.

Protesters angry over the treatment of Haitian migrants in the Dominican Republic hurled stones and burned tyres in the streets Monday as Dominican President Leonel Fernandez tried to leave the presidential palace in downtown Port-au-Prince.

Haitian police fired automatic weapons in the air to disperse the crowd, and at least three protesters were wounded. A United Nations spokesman said that the Dominican president's bodyguards also opened fire.