EU High Representative Catherine Ashton issues statement
EU weighs in with call for due process in the Maldives and early fair elections
The President of the International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP), Mr. Geoffrey Lipman, welcomed the thoughtful position of Lady Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, on the situation in the Maldives.
Lady Ashton issued today the following statement:
"Following the transfer of power on February 7, I have been following recent events in the Maldives closely, and EU Heads of Mission have visited Male for discussions with major political actors.
“The EU calls on all parties to refrain from violence, inflammatory rhetoric, and any provocative actions, which could threaten the future of democracy in the Maldives. The police and army should exercise maximum restraint in the execution of their duties, which must remain strictly within their constitutional mandate.
“The EU further calls on all political parties to immediately engage in dialogue, to commit themselves to early presidential elections, and to determine the legislative and constitutional measures required to ensure that these are free and fair.
“The EU is of the view that the legitimacy and legality of the transfer of presidential power in the Maldives should be determined by an impartial, independent investigation as agreed by all parties in the Maldives.
“The EU is ready to offer further assistance in the field of governance, including in the justice sector, in conjunction with existing actions financed by Member States.
“The EU will support engagement by relevant international organizations in the interim."
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What really happened is apparent frame by frame by what were telecasted via the local TV channels, both operated by the rogue elements of the wealth elite who are hell bent on derailing the democratic processes and independent institutions, together with radical Islamic elements who are working against democracy as they want the autocrat Dictator Maumoon who ruled with an iron fist to take over once gain. The president was ousted by means of a military coup, by compulsion, by threatening to kill him if he does not resign within a stipulated time frame imposed on him by the coup conspirators. The constitution in no way justifies a mutiny or rebellion within the Police and the Maldives National Defence Force against the president and the people of the country!
Commonwealth statement seems to back a certain party: Government
The government today criticized the statement issued by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) expressing concern at the lack of progress achieved through the all party talks as promoting the rights of a certain individual or group.
Addressing journalists’ today state minister of the ministry of foreign affairs Dhunya Maumoon said that it is worrying that is was stated in CMAG’s statement that the enquiry commission established by the government was not receiving much cooperation from political parties.
“We’re seeing from that statement, backing being given to a certain individual and group. But we won’t completely say so, because the statement had also expressed several positive points about the government. It highlighted the government’s initiative in initiating the all-party talks, and expressed concern over the stymieing of the opening of parliament. A statement was issued about the matter on March 1 as well. I would say the commonwealth has also immensely supported the work of the government,” she said.
She noted that following the resignation of former president Mohamed Nasheed, then vice president Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik assumed presidency in accordance with the constitution, and that it is surprising the commonwealth is pressing for a date to be fixed for an early election.
She said that the government was willing to hold an early election, but for that to happen, constitutional amendments are needed which could only brought about through the parliament.
“We have set a calm and peaceful environment and make our institutions more liable and transparent in their work; otherwise an early election will worsen the situation. It wouldn’t be wrong to say the country might get plunged into a civil war following an election if one party does not accept the results of the vote given the divisions that currently exist. We don’t want to witness such a situation in the country,” she said.
She explained that besides the commonwealth no other organization had expressed any interest in the political situation of the Maldives and that as things became clearer more countries have begun to believe and back the government.
“Our hope is that the UN and neighboring countries help us alleviate the situation, it’s a request of the government and not impose their will on us,” she stressed.
She further said that the government will cooperate with the commonwealth special envoy Rt Hon Sir Donald McKinnon who arrived in the country yesterday.
The government also welcomed the latest statement issued by the commonwealth, she concluded.
It's crystal clear that the democratically elected government of Maldives was overthrown by a military coup financed by few business men. 100% evidence available for any independent investigation.
It's sad to see international organizations being part of and supporting Dictator Nasheed in everyway. Please take a look at what really happened and then make your judgements. There is a constitution the Maldives follows. Please don't let MDP or Nasheed stay over and beyond the LAW!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cu3GTGRGN4&feature=youtu.be
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