KRALENDIJK – Bonaire’s Lieutenant-Governor John Soliano has raised concerns with the Dutch government regarding a potential military threat from Venezuela. In a letter addressed to Dutch Defense Minister Brekelmans and Foreign Affairs Minister Veldkamp, Soliano questioned “to what extent and in what way the defense of and support for Bonaire is arranged in the event of an attack on its territorial borders.”
KRALENDIJK
– Bonaire’s Lieutenant-Governor John Soliano has raised concerns with the Dutch government regarding a potential military threat from Venezuela. In a letter addressed to Dutch Defense Minister Brekelmans and Foreign Affairs Minister Veldkamp, Soliano questioned “to what extent and in what way the defense of and support for Bonaire is arranged in the event of an attack on its territorial borders.”
Soliano’s concerns stem from the political developments in neighboring Venezuela following its recent presidential elections, which he described as increasingly worrisome. He warned that Bonaire could face an uncontrollable influx of refugees, posing risks to public order and safety. Additionally, he highlighted the possibility of a military threat, which he argued has become more tangible due to shifting geopolitical alliances and evolving international relations.
Soliano’s concerns stem from the political developments in neighboring Venezuela following its recent presidential elections, which he described as increasingly worrisome. He warned that Bonaire could face an uncontrollable influx of refugees, posing risks to public order and safety. Additionally, he highlighted the possibility of a military threat, which he argued has become more tangible due to shifting geopolitical alliances and evolving international relations.
The governor also pointed out a significant omission in a recent threat assessment report sent to the Dutch House of Representatives by the Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) and the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD). According to Soliano, the report failed to include the situation in Venezuela, despite its potential implications for Bonaire.
The governor also pointed out a significant omission in a recent threat assessment report sent to the Dutch House of Representatives by the Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) and the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD). According to Soliano, the report failed to include the situation in Venezuela, despite its potential implications for Bonaire.
“Bonaire is a small island reliant on the support and intervention of the Dutch government in times of disasters, crises, and military threats,” Soliano stated. However, he expressed concern that the specific framework for military support in case of a threat to Bonaire remains unclear.
“Bonaire is a small island reliant on the support and intervention of the Dutch government in times of disasters, crises, and military threats,” Soliano stated. However, he expressed concern that the specific framework for military support in case of a threat to Bonaire remains unclear.
The governor emphasized that an attack on Bonaire’s territorial borders should be considered an attack on the Netherlands. He noted that the NATO collective defense clause applies to mainland Netherlands, but questioned whether the same protection extends to Bonaire. He further inquired about the Dutch government’s ability and willingness—given Bonaire’s geographical distance from the Netherlands—to provide military and diplomatic support, either independently or with the help of NATO allies.
The governor emphasized that an attack on Bonaire’s territorial borders should be considered an attack on the Netherlands. He noted that the NATO collective defense clause applies to mainland Netherlands, but questioned whether the same protection extends to Bonaire. He further inquired about the Dutch government’s ability and willingness—given Bonaire’s geographical distance from the Netherlands—to provide military and diplomatic support, either independently or with the help of NATO allies.
With rising tensions in the region, Soliano’s letter urges Dutch authorities to clarify Bonaire’s defense strategy and ensure adequate preparedness for potential threats.
With rising tensions in the region, Soliano’s letter urges Dutch authorities to clarify Bonaire’s defense strategy and ensure adequate preparedness for potential threats.
https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/main/bonaire-lieutenant-governor-raises-alarm-over-potential-military-threat-from-venezuela/
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