But in Seychelles it was!
THE issue of Tromelin, was among the subjects discussed by President Sarkozy of France and Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam of Mauritius, during the latter’s visit to Paris last week.
The two leaders discussed a possible joint management of the southern Indian Ocean island, claimed by both countries.
The issue was however used as a pretext by the SNP to break up the electoral alliance concluded in 2006 and deprive the Democratic Party of its National Assembly seat which it had won as of right. The SNP, then quickly “jumped into bed” with the SPPF, to quote a publication linked to that party, “Isola Bella”.
Tromelin, still with no permanent population, has historically been claimed by Mauritius, though France occasionally uses it for scientific purposes.
Possession of the island also confers on the owner the right to 200 nautical miles of exclusive economic zone around it.
It is ironical that Mauritius is willing to undertake friendly talks with France over the issue, while in Mahe, this was used to sour relations within the ranks of the opposition, at a time when Seychellois are facing so much economic hardship, linked to the rupee devaluation and the global food crisis.