Mauritius suspends top Isareli
2009-01-10 18:00
Port Luois - The Indian Ocean island state of Mauritius on Friday announced it was freezing the activities of Israel's honorary consul in protest at the Jewish state's deadly raids in the Gaza Strip.
The largely symbolic decision was communicated to Israel's honorary consul - Mauritian businessman Soopaya Curpen - by Foreign minister Arvin Boolell, government officials told AFP on condition of anonymity.
"We strongly condemn the disproportionate use of force by Israel," Boolell told reporters after meeting Curpen.
The government also issued a statement in which it expressed "deep concern over the continuing escalation of Israel's military operation in Gaza".
The Jewish state launched a massive military operation against the Gaza Strip on December 27 in a move it said was aimed at stopping rocket attacks on southern Israel.
Medics say close to 800 people have died since the launch of the raids.
- SAPA