Ambassador Price (right) during his meeting with President Rene on Tuesday, at State House

The decision by President France Albert Rene to step down from power is a further boost towards democratisation, United States Ambassador to Seychelles John Price said on Tuesday April 13.

Mr Price, speaking to the press at State House on Tuesday, after official visits to both President Rene and Vice-President James Michel, commended the current president – who will step down from power in a ceremony tonight – for his decision to hand over the presidency to Vice-President Michel after 27 years as the head of state.

The ambassador also extended his praise to President Rene in light of Seychelles’ progress during his tenure, citing the country’s housing schemes and environmental achievements.

Mr Price said he also expressed his appreciation for the country’s support in the global war against terrorism.

In his meeting with the vice-president, Mr Price said he welcomed Mr Michel into his future office as president and bid him good luck.

“I feel that Michel is going to do a good job as president,” Mr Price said, noting that although Seychelles is currently experiencing economic difficulties, it was possible that Mr Michel could “take the country to new heights.”

Mr Price said he also voiced his optimism for American-Seychelles relations in the future.

“We respect very much the friendship between our two countries,” Mr Price said, noting that the U.S. has always considered Seychelles a safe port of call for its Navy vessels. “We’re very comfortable having ships visit here, and it’s also a boon for (Seychelles’) economy.”

The ambassador said that during his working visit to Seychelles, which concludes today, he was to meet with various business leaders, including members of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce, and members of the opposition Seychelles National Party.

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