Series of questions from D’66 directed to the goverment in regards to Alabama’s boycott against Aruba
DIARIO Aruba
11/10/2005

ORANJESTAD (AAN): A fraction of D’66 of Tweede Kamer in the Hague is following with much attention the developments around the case of Natalee Holloway.

D’66 is very concerned that various actions from Americans (of members of the American press and a few politicians) are causing a lot of damage for the general image and economic position of a partner of the Kingdom, Aruba.

Because of this, D’66 has asked the Dutch Government (specifically Minister Pechtold, D66 and Minister Bot, CDA) to take the necessary measures, as soon as possible, to let American authorities know that these American actions cannot continue.

DIARIO received the series of questions that D’66 put to the Dutch Government related to this case.

"Written questions of fractie president Boris Dittrich (d66) to the
Minister of administrative renewal and Coninkrijksrelaties and the
Minister for Foreign Affairs concerning the call to boycott of Aruba
by American authorities, because of the disappearance of Natalee Holloway.

09-11-2005

1. Have you taken knowledge of the fact that Aruba lies at present heavily
under fire in the American press as a result of the disappearance
of the American Natalee Holloway?

2. Is it correct that American authorities, such as the governor and a majority of the members of Parliament of Alabama, calls to a boycott of Aruba? And that the governor of Alabama his colleagues in 49 other states ask do the same (to see also volkskrant Article of 9 November 2005).

3. How you assess the fact that also in well-watched American television shows, such as those of Dr. Phil and Jay Leno, it has been called to a boycott against Aruba?

4. It is correct that also commercial American organizations such as tour operators, busy its their activities m..b.t. Aruba to suspend?

5. You share my opinion that American boycott will have serious consequences on the economy of Aruba, which for a large part dependent is on tourists, of who the majority American?

6. Are you prepared for there at the American ambassador c.q. his substitute to insist the call to boycott should be withdrawn c publicly by the Americans authorities have to be contradicted?

7. Which steps will you undertake still more to support Aruba and the American boycott to conclude to help?"

It is signed by Arjen de Wolff, who is the political secretary of the D66 fractie, Tweede Kamaer the Staten-Generaal.

[translated by Getagrip - Dutch portions translated via Worldlingo online translator]