THE HAGUE - The rising tension in neighboring country Venezuela is not yet a reason for the Dutch government to expand the capacity of the navy in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.

In response to the question from the Parliamentary Committee on Defense whether it is willing to send an additional frigate to the Caribbean, Minister of Defense Ank Bijleveld says: “There is currently no reason for the Ministry of Defense to use a frigate instead of an Oceangoing Patrol Vessel.”

The minister adds that “the development is closely monitored, including the military dimension. If there is reason to do so, the Ministry of Defense will take appropriate measures.” Bijleveld furthermore states that the Coast Guard is not hindered by the unilateral closure by Venezuela of the border with the ABC islands.

The contacts with the Coastguard of Venezuela are still ingoing "under normal circumstances," according to the minister, but there is great uncertainty about continuation of a previously announced joint exercise.