Noting the importance of stability on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, the president of the Dominican Republic has urged international attention on the problems of Haiti, its neighbor.

Speaking at Counterpart International's headquarters in Washington DC, President Leonel Fernández, enjoying his second term as president of the nation which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, said he had urged U.S. President George W. Bush to "help Haiti in any way you can."

A stable and secure Haiti, added President Fernández, "helps the United States better fight illicit drugs, terrorism and threats to national security."

President Fernández told leaders of non-profit development organizations gathered at Counterpart headquarters this month that Haiti is a top priority for the Dominican Republic.

Stressing the importance of a peaceful and democratic Haiti, the president noted the conflict in Haiti has produced an influx of Haitians and a conflict of people in the Dominican Republic. He added, "We do not want to build a fence" separating his country from Haiti.

He urged the international community to be more involved because President René Préval "cannot do it alone".