US government does not support boycott Aruba
Amigoe
11/11/2005

ARUBA – The American government does not support governor of Alabama, Robert ’Bob’ Riley’s appeal to boycott Aruba. This became clear yesterday after several diplomatic talks.

The consul-general of the United States for the Neth.Antilles and Aruba was in Aruba last Wednesday for a meeting with Prime-Minister Nelson Oduber. Acting ambassador of the United States, Chat Blakeman had a conversation at the ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague. Both diplomats said that the statements of the governor do not reflect the position of the US. The State Department in Washington gave a statement, indicating that no whistle will be blown on the governor, but the government also does not support his appeal. “We respect this elected representative’s right to come up with such an appeal. His statement does not reflect the position of the US however. There are no boycott-or travel limitations for US residents to travel to Aruba.”

Oduber had expected a stronger declaration of the State Department that would stop Riley. “We receive e-mails from lots of Americans that are not well-informed and do no longer want to come to Aruba.” The American ambassador in The Hague was emphasized once more that the authorities will do everything in their power to solve the Holloway-case and that Aruba is still a safe vacation destination.

[English language original text]