WILLEMSTAD.- The situation is a little confusing, but our Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath announced that his Cabinet doesn’t recognize the result of the election of May 2018 in Venezuela, which in fact means that it doesn’t recognize the Presidency of Nicolas Maduro. But on the other hand, he indicated that, although his Cabinet respects and accepts the National Assembly of Venezuela and its president Juan Guaidó, he doesn’t recognize him as the Executive President of Venezuela. This was expressed by our Prime Minister yesterday, during a meeting with the press related to the situation that arose in Venezuela.
According to mr. Rhuggenaath, his government is based on the democratic principles that each free community choose their rulers. And in the case of Venezuela this is not the most appropriate example, for which reason it can’t recognize the results either. But neither can accept and recognize a person who proclaims himself president of a country. He alleges that his government’s position may be a bit confusing, but life goes on and the big interests related to this matter must also be addressed. The Prime Minister expressed words of coexistence and fraternity for the Venezuelan people and also of condolences for the unfortunate deaths and unfortunate events that occurred in the Bolivarian country, as a result of this.
The task of the Foreign Relations is a function of the Kingdom, but here in Curaçao the events under development are closely followed and there is even a special commission that brings together tasks of force dedicated to monitoring the incalculable risks that this situation in development in the country Venezuela, could affect the Community in Curaçao. Subsequently, Rhuggenaath indicated that Holland can have its individual position with respect to Venezuela, but this doesn’t mean that Curaçao blindly accepts the positions assumed by the Netherlands. During these days, Rhuggenaath maintained contact with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Blok, and they are aware that they must take certain aspects into account. If sanctions were to be imposed on Venezuela, it is necessary to analyze that they can affect not only Venezuela itself, but also Curaçao. Therefore, Diplomatic Relations with Venezuela will continue normally says the Prime Minister.
To be honest, it should be noted that, in a total context, conversations with PDVSA are also being developed. Curaçao and Venezuela have common interests and one of those is the activities in Petroleum. Absolutely the Matter of the Curaçao Refinery, is something that is going on between companies and private entities.
