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Netherlands more concerned about Russians than the Antilles

September 13, 2008

WILLEMSTAD – The navy exercises of Venezuela and the Russian navy planned for November seem to cause a great deal of controversy in the Netherlands, more than in the Antilles. Parliament members John Leerdam (PvdA), Maarten Haverkamp (CDA), and Johan Remkes (VVD) ask state secretary Ank Bijleveld of BZK (CDA) and the Foreign Affairs’ minister Maxime Verhagen (CDA) for clarification. To Prime Minister Emily de Jongh-Elhage (PAR), the exercises are nothing special.

“Venezuela and the Netherlands conducted joint exercises last week. Those of Venezuela and Russia take place within the territorial waters of Venezuela and they have the right to do so”, said the premier during the weekly press conference of the council of ministers yesterday. De Jongh-Elhage emphasizes that the Antilles are a peace zone and they want to keep it that way. These exercises are no reason for concern.

The parliament members have asked both ministers to evaluate the intended exercises. They also want to know whether Venezuela has informed the Antilles or the Netherlands of this in advance; what the consequences are for the Leeward Islands; if the Netherlands and Antilles are going to make diplomatic contacts and if that is the case, ‘are they willing to take measures’.

Source: amigo.com

Written by alice · Filed Under Current 

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