ARUBA

During this period there were no serious incidents against press freedom in Aruba or in the Netherlands Antilles. The law on control of radio and television stations remains the same. This is an ancient law which still is in effect. But it has not been applied for the longest time. However, recently, a discussion arose between Prime Minister Nelson Oduber and Editor/.Publisher Jossy Mansur of Diario which ended in a court case. The Prime Minister and Mr. Mansur for quite a length of time, especially during the election campaigns have been in discussion. This year, at a certain moment during the campaign the P.M. asked all his party members not to place any advertisement of his party in the Diario. Mr. Mansur also says that the P.M. ordered to stop all government ads, but the latter has not happened. The ongoing disagreement between Mr. Mansur and the Prime Minister dates back at least 10 years. During the campaign four years ago, the P.M.’s party even had stickers made stating “Don’t believe Diario.” This situation is at present very delicate and warrants close attention as the P.M. and his party has won the elections and will be forming the new government.