President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela has accused the Netherlands of plotting with the United States in a speech at a leftist meeting in Copenhagen. He is in Denmark to attend the climate conference.

He accused the Netherlands of planning aggression against Venezuela by allowing the US to use the Dutch Antilles islands Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao for preparations for an attack on his country.

President Chavez says the US has sent warships, secret agents and spy planes to the islands.

The United States has had a long military presence on the self-governing islands of Aruba and Curacao involved in counter-narcotics and surveillance operations.

The president wants a reaction from the European Union on the issue.

Caracas is also embroiled in a dispute with Colombia over the use of bases by the US. Analysts say this is the strongest criticism the president has ever expressed towards the Netherlands.

Photo: Hugo Chavez - EPA/ANP