Port Victoria offered as haven from pirates |17 September 2008

The authorities here are also putting port facilities at the disposal of regional armed forces – which it says are better equipped to deal with the situation – to launch concerted efforts to halt the actions of the pirates.

The decisions were taken yesterday during a meeting organised by the Department of Environment, along with all partners affected by the piracy that has been taking place outside Seychelles’ territorial waters.

The move comes just days after several ships entered Port Victoria seeking refuge after French fishing vessel Drennec was attacked at sea. 

The meeting was presided over by Minister Joel Morgan, with delegates from organisations including the Seychelles Fishing Authority, the Ports Authority, Coast Guard and the Seychelles Tourism Board.

Speaking to the media afterwards, Mr Morgan said the meeting was held so the government could put the situation into context and review its options as a sovereign nation to protect its exclusive economic zone.

He added that the country’s reaction to the problem is based on the fact that Seychelles is a small country with barely enough resources to protect its vast waters, let alone provide a shield against piracy to ships crossing its zone.

Bearing that in mind, he said moves are being taken to ask for the presence of military forces from partners in the European Union, America and India, to ensure that ships crossing our waters can do so without being menaced by pirates.

He said Seychelles’ priority is its exclusive economic zone, which explains its decision to help with logistical services any armed forces willing to take action to tackle the pirates.

Apart from seeking a military presence, moves are also being made through diplomatic channels in an attempt to find a peaceful solution to the problem, he added.