ORANJESTAD (AAN) – MEP leader Evelyn Wever-Croes addressed the Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean (COPPPAL) virtually on July 1, calling for international support to help safeguard Aruba’s autonomy.
Speaking during COPPPAL’s plenary meeting in Mexico City, Wever-Croes said Aruba’s autonomous status was achieved through a long struggle led by MEP founder Betico Croes with international backing. She argued that the principles of equality and self-determination, as recognized in the United Nations Charter and the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, should continue to guide relations between Aruba and the Netherlands.
Wever-Croes expressed concern that the Netherlands continues to impose conditions that could reduce Aruba’s financial autonomy despite the island’s efforts to manage its public finances responsibly.
She urged COPPPAL to support Aruba’s position and help bring the discussion to international forums, including the United Nations, CELAC, Parlatino and the Organization of American States (OAS).
MEP said COPPPAL reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Aruba’s autonomy and the principles of decolonization and self-determination. The party also thanked Joe Koolman, who represented Aruba in person at the conference and chairs COPPPAL’s Decolonization Commission.
