Naval Base For Sheikh Khalifa?
A mosque at the centre of the complex shows the real intentions
The new coastguard base announced for Ile Perseverance will be as much for Sheikh Khalifa as for Seychelles.
For several months,
there have been strong
reports that the ruler of Abu
Dhabi wanted the presence
of an armed force here for
his own protection when he
occupies his palaces at La
Misere and Barbarons. The
new coastguard base and
military facilities
announced last week will
provide.
Confirmation of the real purpose of the base is in the plan itself. It includes a mosque at the centre of the complex, which can only mean the presence of foreign personnel of Islamic faith on the base. According to reliable reports, there will be up to 150 Abu Dhabi troops on the base.
When the plan was presented
to Government officials
and contractors, the
naval base was referred to
continually as the
‘UAE
Port’. This shows that there
is no doubt of the real purpose
on the part of those
handling the project.
Regar has learned that as part of the deal, Sheikh Khalifa will also have the use of the present coastguard base, which will accomodate his yachts and helicopter.
Combating piracy is a good excuse, since it is difficult to argue against anything that will give Seychelles more protection against a real threat. But the presence of a military force for a foreign power is full of implications that we have to face seriously. It is no longer enough to take James Michel’s word that the Sheikh intends only the best for Seychelles and that we have nothing to worry about over his plans.
This is something that James Michel cannot decide alone. The Seychellois people must have a say in matters that have such major implications for the future of their country.
Source: Regar 7-23-10