Fernandez denies corruption is endemic

posted on: Mar 1 2010 9:30 by Royston. Viewed 362 times.


President Leonel Fern�ndez said yesterday in his speech before the joint session of the legislative chambers that corruption in government is not endemic, but the unacceptable behavior of  isolated individuals.

He believed, however, that corruption obstructs the path to development.

The President warned he would bring to justice any corrupt officials.

"My only responsibility, entrusted to me by the Dominican people, is to take the nation forward with dignity, integrity and honor," he said.

In introducing the reports of his government, President Fernandez said that corruption is a factor that obstructs "our way to full development and institutional strengthening of the Republic."

Fernandez stressed that, while there are manifestations of corruption in different sectors of public administration, "it is not an organized system  but rather  isolated individuals who engage in such acts."

Fernandez assured the country that "nobody is going to defy justice, to mock the law, or to challenge the democratic state." affirming that, although the process is sometimes slow, criminals and drug traffickers are arrested, and brought to justice.

He admitted that the illicit drug trade is one of the biggest challenges facing the country and called for further purification of the institutions that fight against crime.

Arguing for transparency and accountability in the military, he said, "We must make compulsory the declaration of assets of officers and enlisted men, to detail the amount and source of the funds obtained.�

He announced he will submit three draft bills that seek to strengthen the military institutions. Fernandez also proposed to limit the number of generals and to establish the  requirements for promotion.

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