Alongside other leaders of the L’Espoir Platform in a press conference yesterday morning, it was announced by Paul Bérenger that a symbolic demonstration against Russian aggression will be held on Friday. The MMM leader expressed his wish that Mauritius adopts a clear position and thus, asked the government to announce that Mauritius officially stands with the countries that condemn Russia. To show their support, Paul Bérenger has announced a symbolic demonstration of the L’Espoir Platform this Friday at 3pm in front of the Parliament and asked all Mauritians, who are outraged by the Russian aggression, to participate.
As for Xavier-Luc Duval, he also called for a “strong reaction from the Mauritian government” and added that the Russian aggression is an “unjustified and barbaric act”. L’Espoir Platform, he said, is calling for the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine. He said the government’s reaction so far has been “soft“. Xavier-Luc Duval also deplored the fact that the Mauritian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not asked the Mauritians in Ukraine to leave the country.
Finally, Nando Bodha asked that the Mauritian Ministry of Foreign Affairs establish a special desk for Ukraine to help Mauritians in that country.
Rodrigues: Duval calls for suspension of quarantine law
For Xavier-Luc Duval, no one should be prevented from exercising their civic duty, even if they are positive for Covid-19. In a press conference this morning, he asked that the government suspend the quarantine law to allow all Rodrigues, especially those positive to Covid-19, to vote. He said there are a lot of active cases in the island and this means that these people are in self-isolation and cannot leave their homes. As a result, they cannot go to the polls. Xavier-Luc Duval called for allowing positive people to vote while taking strict precautions. For him, if 10% of the electorate cannot vote, then the elections cannot be free and fair. The Opposition leader said that he wished that the elections in Rodrigues would not be marred by anomalies.
Ramgoolam and Bérenger will meet next week
Paul Bérenger announced another meeting with Navin Ramgoolam next week and explained that they spoke on the phone on Thursday. It was then agreed that they would meet again in the next few days.
Duval deplores “the incompetence of the MPA and the government”
The Opposition Leader commented on the three Taiwanese fishing vessels which are stranded on the North West coast and also the Tresta Star. “It is clear that due to the incompetence of the Mauritius Ports Authority and the government, the whole blue economy is at risk,” he said. For him, none of the 21 actions identified since the Wakashio case have been implemented.
On the Chagos case, Paul Bérenger said he hoped that Britain would understand that it must recognise our sovereignty over the Chagos and that the United States would understand that it was time for them to negotiate directly with Mauritius.
