WILLEMSTAD - Instead of the expected agreement to reopen the borders, Venezuela has introduced a no-fly zone for the ABC islands. The ban applies until April 30.
A delegation of top officials from Venezuela is in Curaçao this week to discuss the reopening of the borders. The intention was to herald the first phase of the reopening, including the boats, and to hold meetings about the resumption of air traffic. According to the Curaçao government, the negotiations went 'in a good atmosphere'.
Aviation, however, remained a thorny issue. Kingdom representatives could not make a full commitment to the reopening and this led to a counter-action from Venezuela.
In 2019, the borders closed after a unilateral decision. In a 'comunicado', Venezuela informed last month that, “together with the Dutch Kingdom, we are working towards a 'gradual reopening' of the border with the Caribbean islands.”
