PHILIPSBURG:--- "History is about to repeat itself if the Kingdom Council of Ministers in The Hague, once again miss calculates the passion of the majority of the people of Aruba for their democratically elected leaders. I hope that a timely solution is reached to defuse this constitutional standoff which led Prime Minister Mike Eman of Aruba revert to take a drastic and life threatening action, a hunger strike".
"Twenty six years after fighting for their 'Status Aparte', it is truly sad to witness this sort of drastic action involving the PM of Aruba, a hardworking man who supported a strong relationship with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Let us be clear, this is not an issue between the people of the Netherlands and the people of Aruba. This is a matter between institutions that represent the people.
"I speak not on behalf of Parliament. In the years leading up to Sint Maarten achieving its new Constitutional Status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, my message was and still is, 'the devil is in the details'. I too am anxiously looking forward to a speedy resolution to this critical matter between The Hague and Aruba. Taking alleged unilateral decisions by the Kingdom Council of Ministers is undemocratic and not in any one's interest. It did not work in past, it is contra productive today.
"The government of Sint Maarten and regional civic organizations such as the Christian Democrat Organization of America, located in Mexico has sent messages of solidarity with the Aruban people and with PM Eman. This latest constitutional conflict must be on the agenda of the Kingdom Relations Committee as well.
"I sincerely hope that common sense will prevail soonest. There will be no winners or losers if this drama turns into death of Aruba's Prime Minister.
Statement by United People's Party Candidate Gracita Arrindell