WILLEMSTAD - The training ship Simon Bolivar is not allowed to enter Curaçao's port today, following reports that the Netherlands has not granted permission. According to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a visit from a military fleet to Curaçao is currently deemed inopportune. 

The spokesperson added that this decision was made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense, likely in consideration of the upcoming elections and concerns regarding human rights in Venezuela. 

Organizations in Curaçao are disappointed by this decision. The ship's visit was intended to coincide with the ceremony commemorating the 242nd birthday of national and international hero Admiral Luis Brion on Saturday, July 6. 

In the Venezuelan press, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López criticized the Netherlands for the decision, calling it an "act of European arrogance." He emphasized that permission had not previously been denied for this ship. 

The ship has been on a journey for 84 days, visiting Mexico, Colombia, and Honduras. After Curaçao, the ship was scheduled to return to Venezuela on July 13.