Dutch stand out in European Union by attending Olympics opening

Amsterdam - The Dutch will be one of the few European countries sending top representatives to the opening of the Olympic Games on August 8 in Beijing. Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen sent a letter to the Dutch parliament on Wednesday listing which European and Dutch politicians and heads of state would attend the festive opening ceremony. The Dutch are due to send Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende. Dutch Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and his wife Maxima will be present too. Formally, the crown prince is said to be present only in his capacity as member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Other European princes who will be present are Belgian Prince Filip, Danish Crown Prince Frederik and Spanish Crown Prince Felipe. Most other European countries are represented by ministers or lower diplomatic representatives.... [read full story]