During the presidency of Jimmy Carter (1977-1981), the relationship between USA and the Dominican Republic was marked by a focus on supporting democracythe human rights and political stability.
Former President Carter assumed the Presidency amid tension over the Cold War. During his mandate he promoted diplomatic cooperation that sought to consolidate the democracy in Latin America.
Supported the Dominican Republic in it strengthening of the democratic system due to the internal tensions that existed in the country after years of a dictatorship and military governments.
In 1978, the Carter administration had significant support in the elections of the Dominican Republicsince it marked the end of Joaquín’s 12-year government Balaguerwho had assumed power after going through the elections in 1974, those who were accused of multiple frauds.
Given the events on this day elections, USAalong with the Organization of American States (OAS), sent international observers to supervise the process. This is why Antonio Guzmán, for the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD), achieved his victory, consolidating a new chapter in the democracy Dominican.
- Months before these electionsPresident Carter met for the third time with Balaguerwhere they had a private conversation, who was in Washington in the ceremonies of the Treaties for the return of the Panama Canal.
After the electoral process, the former president American sent two cards: one for Balaguer and another for Guzmán, then president-elect, which were delivered by the North American ambassador Robert Yost. In the letter, Carter expressed admiration for Balagueralthough, according to information, he never responded.
He Carter Center
After his departure from the US Presidency, the Carter Centera non-profit organization Founded in 1982 by Carter and his wife Rosalynn.
On different occasions he showed his relationship with the latin american region and the Dominican Republicwhere he participated as observer in several electionsas well as his visits to the country for the implementation of social programs.
From the Carter Center has promoted advances in the observation of elections, human rights and health in more than 80 countries, among which are: Dominican RepublicBolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Cuba.
A newsletter from Carter Center indicates that it has monitored numerous elections in the Dominican Republicincluding those of 1990, 1996 and 2000.
Health programs
In September 2008, the Carter Centerin association with the Dominican Republic and Haiti, launched an initiative to help the two countries and their other partners accelerate the elimination of two mosquito-borne infections, malaria and filariasis.
In October 2009, Carter arrived at the Dominican Republic through the Gregorio Luperón International Airport and then transferred to Dajabón.
A report published in Free Diary,on October 8, 2009, notes that after touring various sectors of Dajabón, Carter expressed his hope that in the next 10 years malaria and filariasis would be eliminated in the area. Dominican Republic and in Haiti.
I had good expectations about the health program started in September 2008.
Decoration from the Dominican Government
On November 9, 2011, the then president Leonel Fernández decorated former President Carter with the merit of Duarte, Sánchez and Mella, in the degree of Grand Cross Gold Plate, for his great contributions in favor of the democracy and respect for human rights in the world.
When making the recognition, Fernández highlighted that, thanks to Carter, many Latin American countries went from dictatorship to democracy.
