The Antillian islands of Curacao and Sint Maarten are to become autonomous countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The decision was reached after two days of talks between the Antillian and Dutch governments.

In October it was agreed that the three smaller islands in population terms – Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba – would get their own mayors and local councils.
The agreements mean that the Dutch Antilles will no longer exist as a single state.
The Netherlands is also prepared to take over its’ former colony’s debts of some €2.3b, news agency ANP reported.