THE HAGUE - The Netherlands does not recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as the new interim president of Venezuela, as the US and many other countries in the region do. "We follow 100% of the European Union," says the Dutch Undersecretary Raymond Knops of Kingdom Relations.

This also means that there are still lines of communication with the Nicolas Maduro government. "There is contact with both of them (including Guaido)", Says Knops. He says about the situation in the South American country that it is 'difficult to estimate what will happen next'. Like the European Union, the Netherlands also calls for peace and no use of force. And for free elections.

In any case, it is not the case that the Netherlands, for example, calls back its ambassador and other diplomats in Venezuela. Maduro threw out US diplomats after the US recognized Guaido. Europe does not recognize him, and Russia has just given support to Maduro.

No extra troops to the Caribbean

The Netherlands does not consider the situation as dangerous yet. This means that the Ministry of Defense will not send extra troops for border protection of the Dutch Caribbean islands. "We keep a close eye on the situation in Venezuela," said the spokesperson.

Defense does not want to anticipate if additional troops are needed. They will keep an eye on the situation and based on their analysis they will decide if they must do differently.