[Documents menu] Documents menu


Trade Unionists Protest Against Albright's Visit

Panafrican News Agency, 9 December 2000

Port-Louis, Mauritius - Three trade unionists, led by the Federation of Progressive Union's secretary-general, Reeaz Chuttoo, were arrested briefly by police Friday night while they were sticking anti-Albright posters in Rose-Hill, 10 km south of the capital.

US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright is due in Mauritius Saturday evening on a 24-hour visit.

Some of the posters read: "Albright take your Africa growth and opportunity act home; Go home; and AGOA means jobless growth."

All the three were released later during the night.

Chuttoo said their arrest was against the Human rights declaration to be celebrated Sunday.

"We wished to express ourselves on the Africa Act," he added.

He called upon the government to follow the examples of developed countries where the populations are allowed to express themselves on matters of concern.

According to the programme of the visit, Albright will hold talks Sunday with Prime minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth, his deputy, Paul Berenger, and foreign minister Anil Gayan.

She will also visit the Shibani textile plant at Phoenix and meet business leaders.