WILLEMSTAD — Opposition party Partido MAN (MAN‑PIN) says it is encouraged by recent remarks from David van Weel, the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, who signaled support for a potential diplomatic role for the ABC islands — Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao — in negotiations surrounding Venezuela’s democratic transition. MAN-PIN leader Giselle Mc William said her party’s position aligns closely with Van Weel’s statement made in the press on January 9.
In a statement dated January 11, 2026, Mc William said the MAN-PIN faction took note of Van Weel’s comments in the media and views them as supportive of its own proposal that the ABC islands could serve as a neutral and facilitative location for discussions on Venezuela’s transition to democracy. MAN-PIN formally submitted its proposal to the President of Parliament on January 7, 2026, and is urging that it be placed on the parliamentary agenda promptly to allow Curaçao to take on a meaningful role in the process.
Van Weel’s remarks came during a committee debate in The Hague, where he suggested that one of the ABC islands might act as a hosting site for sensitive talks related to Venezuela’s democratic future — offering proximity to the country while maintaining a neutral setting outside of Venezuela itself.
MAN-PIN’s call for parliamentary discussion comes amid broader regional concerns resulting from heightened geopolitical tensions in and around Venezuela, including recent military operations by the United States that have drawn international attention and raised questions about regional stability.
The party hopes that a debate in Parliament will create an opportunity for Curaçao to take a clearer and more constructive position in facilitating dialogue between Venezuelan stakeholders and supporting a transition process. Mc William emphasized that acting as a facilitator in the talks would reflect Curaçao’s commitment to peace, democracy and regional cooperation.