THE HAGUE - There is no question of an acute military threat from Venezuela in the direction of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom. This was emphasized by Minister Stef Blok of Foreign Affairs in response to questions from MP Martijn van Helvert (CDA) about the presence of Russian bombers in the neighboring country.

Blok confirmed messages about it but added no information if the aircraft were still be there. They were in Venezuela to participate in a joint exercise. The minister also confirmed the rapidly increasing influence of Russia in Venezuela, particularly in the oil sector.

VVD member Sven Koopmans: “The crisis in Venezuela is getting worse. This has repercussions for the people on Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. It is good that the minister encourages the European Union to stay on top of it, but can the EU do more? What also plays is that Russia apparently benefits from the crisis in Venezuela. What can the EU do to ensure that it does not pose a major security risk for the region, and I am also thinking of all Kingdom members who are there."

According to Blok, enough action is being taken at EU level to put pressure on the Maduro regime. And, he said: "There is no reason to assume that there is an acute military threat towards the Kingdom."