| Seychelles National Day - Piracy Hostages expected to be
18.06.09
released soon.
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President Michel and
Vice-President Belmont |
June 18, 2009 -- Seychelles National Day festivities took place all over the country today as Seychellois celebrated the adoption of multiparty democracy when the Seychelles constitution on 18th June 1993 was approved by 73% of voters in a referendum.
The central celebration activities took place in the National Day Parade of the Seychelles Police and Seychelles Peoples Defense Forces at the Stad Linite, Roche Caiman this afternoon.
This year the Seychelles Forces were joined by the Indian and French Armed Forces, who form part of the Seychelles military partnership for an integrated approach to combating piracy in the region.
During his National Day speech President James Michel congratulated the Police and Seychelles Peoples Defense Forces for the part they played in the negotiations to liberate seven Seychellois hostages held by Somali pirates, who are expected to be released very soon.
“ Our joy today would have been more powerful if our Seychellois brothers who are being held
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President Michel greeted by Mrs. Rene, while
Former President Rene looks on |
hostage in Somalia had been with us…. We have succeeded in reaching an agreement to liberate the hostages who were on the Indian Ocean Explorer. They were supposed to be in Seychelles today. Unfortunately we had have encountered a delay, our negotiation team is in Kenya to finalize the arrangements for their repatriation. I am sure that very soon we will welcome them and share in their joy and happiness. We pray to God they return to us safe and sound,” said President Michel in his address, broadcast live on national radio and television.
The seven Seychellois hostages onboard the Indian Ocean Explorer were seized by Somali pirates between 28th-31st March this year.
The President also spoke of the second group of Seychellois hostages held by Somali pirates and said that efforts to gain their release were being increased.
“Our thoughts are with those who were onboard the “Serenity”.
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President Michel delivering
his speech |
Unfortunately, at the last minute, those who were negotiating on behalf of the pirates broke off their agreement with us. But representations are ongoing so that they too can return home as soon as possible,” said President Michel.
During his traditional National Day speech, President James Michel also said that that country needs to reinforce of law and order, ensure a better public service through hard work and professionalism and also to develop a new way to conduct national politics, which made sure the country was not divided on political lines .
President Michel announced that he will soon be introducing an new prison administration system, which will be headed by the Commissioner of Prisons, as well as a new ‘Young Leaders Programme’ for the Police and Defence Forces that will give young officers the chance to gain further specialised training and recognition within the Forces.
President Michel also announced the introduction of a new ‘Special Forces’
unit that will act as a special intervention force in combating piracy, illegal fishing and other threats.
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**December Issue Now Available**
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Lifting of import quota is for lowest possible prices March 2, 2010 |
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Greater involvement and participation for law and order March 9, 2010 |
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Meeting the President March 8, 2010 |
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Parti Lepep’s women organisation launched March 8, 2010 |
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Women’s Day message March 8, 2010 |
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Condolences to Uganda March 5, 2010 |
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Continued cooperation strengthens Seychelles/US bond March 4, 2010 |
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New US ambassador March 3, 2010 |
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Mayor from Korea at State House March 2, 2010 |
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Message of condolence to Chile March 2, 2010 |
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President Michel presente ses condoleances au President Sarkozy March 2, 2010 |
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We are stronger and more determined in 2010 - President Michel Feb 26, 2010 |
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State-of-the-nation address tomorrow Feb 25, 2010 |
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State of the Nation 2010: We are Stronger and more determined in 2010
Feb 17, 2010 |
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Seychelles concludes debt reduction agreement with Libya
Feb 17, 2010 |
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Water pollution incident at the ex-tracking station, La misere
Feb 16, 2010 |
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President Appoints New DBS Board
Feb 12, 2010 |
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President Appoints Ombudsman Dora Zatte
Feb 11, 2010 |
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New CEO Appointed For Landscape and Waste Management Agency
Feb 11, 2010 |
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President Michel visits unisey campus
Feb 09, 2010 |
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President congratulates Seychellois referee for world cup 2010 appointment
Feb 08, 2010 |
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President Michel extends support to tuna talks
Feb 05, 2010 |
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New deputy tax commissioner appointed
Feb 03, 2010 |
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