Thursday, September 28, 2006

Transition Process to Dismantle the Netherlands Antilles May Begin in July, 2007

According to the Dutch Council of State RvSt, the transition process to dismantle the Netherlands Antilles may begin as early as July, 2007, however, completing the entire process could take additional, and considerable, time.

July 2007, only ten months from now, was the date for new relations in the Kingdom as previously agreed upon in the Round Table Conference (RTC) in November 2005.  In its September 18 advice to Dutch Minister of Administrative Reform and Kingdom Relations Atzo Nicolaï and Antillean Prime Minister Emily de Jongh-Elhage, the RvSt stated that this was a tight deadline.  The RvSt advised against excessive optimism about this target date, while admitting that it should not necessarily be put aside as non-feasible, as the transition period might begin by that time.

However, due to constitutional changes which affect legislation and the reorganization of civil and political functions, completion of the transition period will be a time-consuming affair.  The transition period should not take longer than is strictly necessary. 

For additional information, click here.  (Source:  Caribbean Press Releases)