Van der Burg: ‘No meetings with Aruba's opposition are scheduled during my visit’

THE HAGUE – During a press conference Friday morning, Dutch State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Eric van der Burg told Tito Lacle of Noticiacla that no meetings with Aruba's opposition parties are scheduled during his official visit to the island next week.

The question referred to the criticism that followed Van der Burg's previous interview about Aruba's autonomy and the role of the Netherlands within the Kingdom. Several opposition parties, particularly the MEP, strongly criticized his remarks.

Van der Burg acknowledged that the interview, which he gave from The Hague, generated considerable debate.

"I noticed that my interview caused quite a stir, especially within a major opposition party. I saw the reactions that followed."

He said he has had no contact with MEP leader Evelyn Wever-Croes since then.

"No, I have not had any contact with Mrs. Wever-Croes since that time. Next week I will meet with the Prime Minister, but no MEP representatives are included in my schedule."

Van der Burg clarified that representatives from all four Kingdom parliaments, including MEP members, attended an IPKO meeting in the Netherlands, but that session was held behind closed doors and no separate discussion on the issue took place.

Asked whether he was surprised by the political reactions to his earlier comments, Van der Burg said he was not.

"I don't agree with all the statements that have been made. Personally, I would have chosen a different tone, and I think some rather strong words were used. But no, I wasn't surprised. I know that the MEP and Mrs. Wever-Croes oppose HOFA and are trying to build support for that position within Aruba's Parliament. They are entitled to do so."

He added that while no formal meeting with the opposition is planned, informal conversations could still take place if he happens to meet opposition politicians during his visit. NOTE: Archive picture.