LDS calls for clarification on agreement with India and commitment to sovereignty |27 June 2018

The Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) has sent a communique to the press in which it has expressed its concern over what it has termed as 

“contradictory statements” that have been made on the subject of funding for military purposes as part of a USD100 million line of credit from India.

The LDS communiqué reads:

“LDS expresses its serious concern over the contradictory statements that have been made on the subject of funding for military purposes as part of a USD100 million line of credit from India.

“The participation of India in a military facility on Assumption Island has been raised again in the meeting between President Danny Faure and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after Mr Faure has said very recently that the subject would not be part of the discussion in India.

“Reports on the meeting which linked the loan to development of defence infrastructure and capability, along with other civilian projects, also reiterated India’s interest in security facilities in Seychelles.

“Mr Modi has been quoted in the Indian press saying that they had agreed to work together on the Assumption Island project ‘based on each other’s rights’. For his part, Mr Faure is quoted as saying: ‘Assumption Island project was discussed, we are equally engaged and will work together bearing each other's interests’.

In a further statement today (yesterday), Mr Faure has said that the line of credit was not related to the development of any facility on Assumption although the subject had been raised by Mr Modi in the course of the meeting.

“The statements have left the Seychellois people in confusion and uncertainty as to what the terms of the agreement are and India’s aim in pursuing military facilities.

“LDS maintains its opposition to any military facility on Asumption that provides a base for foreign personnel and activity. It also has serious concerns over the use of loans from a foreign government for military purposes while there is a need to clearly define the role of our armed forces in line with our needs.

“LDS calls on President Faure to be clear and consistent in maintaining full sovereignty on any facility on Seychelles soil and to be fully open to the Seychellois people on the subject of military cooperation with India, as with other countries.”