Venezuela says Dutch plane violated airspace, warns Netherlands relations may suffer

Venezuela alleges Dutch violation of airspace

CARACAS, Venezuela — President Hugo Chavez’s government complained Tuesday that a Dutch military aircraft violated its airspace and urged the Netherlands to stop provoking Venezuela, saying diplomatic relations could be hurt.

In a statement, Venezuela’s government said it detected three separate incursions last week, “even through the aircraft used techniques to hide its position and identification.”

“Venezuela demands that the government of the Netherlands take the necessary measures so these acts of provocation cease,” the statement said.

If incursions continue, diplomatic relations could suffer, it added.

Venezuela did not give details on the origin of the flights, but Chavez has accused the Netherlands in the past of letting the United States use Dutch islands off Venezuela to prepare a possible military attack against his country.

Officials at the Dutch Embassy in Caracas did not answer telephone calls seeking comment.