Netherlands legislators refuse to meet with Dutch delegation

Legislators in the Netherlands Antilles have refused to meet with a Dutch delegation after earlier demanding an apology from a member of the group.



They are angry with parliamentarian Hero Brinkman, who is accused of describing the Dutch Caribbean islands as corrupt.



A Dutch newspaper recently quoted Mr. Brinkman as labelling the Netherlands Antilles, as a corrupt nest of thieves that should be auctioned off to the highest bidder on the Internet.



Last Tuesday, MPs in Curacao who had demanded an apology, cancelled a meeting with the Dutch delegation.



Group leader Wilhelmus Van Beek urged officials to resume the meetings.



Mr. Beek said the meetings are essential for advancing plans to change the political status of the Dutch Caribbean islands.