DIFFERENT ANGLE by Kenneth Rijock
The President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez Frias, speaking at this week's joint Cancun conference of the Rio Group, and CARICOM, directly threatened the status of the Dutch Caribbean possessions of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, as well as the United States Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Chavez, after berating the United Kingdom for initiating oil exploration in the Falkland Islands, then went after Caribbean possessions. He said, " In the cases of Puerto Rico, Aruba, Curacao or Bonaire, under Venezuela's nose, that is colonialism."
Back in 2006, World-Check warned you about the expansionist intentions of the current Venezuelan Government, in an article that revealed its position regarding the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. This goal has been apparent since at least 2002, when what appeared to be the Venezuelan Armed Forces' General Staff operartional contingency plan was leaked by an unknown officer. The document showed the Dutch Caribbean territories as a primary target. Obviously, there have been geopolitical territorial ambitions regading the Dutch Caribbean for a long time.
President Chavez may be a more astute observer of international developments than is commonly believed. The Netherlands at this time is in no position to respond to any threats to its overseas territories; its coalition government has recently collapsed, Dutch troops stationed in the Afghan conflict will soon be withdrawn, and issues involving immigration dominate domestic politics. There is an additional complicating factor; US military aircraft engaged in counter-drug operations are based in the Dutch possessions, and one of these aircraft was recently alleged. by Venezuela, to have strayed into restricted Venezuelan airspace.
Compliance officers and risk management officers charged with assessing country risk should consider whether, in the present situation, they should raise country risk for Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.
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The facts and opinions stated in this article are those of the author and not those of World-Check. World-Check does not warrant the accuracy of any facts and opinions stated in this article, does not endorse them, and accepts no responsibility for them.



