Maldives Prez Announces Investigation Into Recent Events

New Delhi, Feb 12, IRNA – Maldives President, Mohamed Waheed Hassan Saturday announced an investigation into the events that took place in the country from 14 January to 8 February 2012. Speaking to local and international media at a press conference held today at the President’s Office, in Male, Waheed called for chaos on the streets to stop and to restore peace and calm. He added that as the country’s economy depends on tourism, it is important that the country maintains its good image as a peaceful country. He further re-assured that life and property of all citizens will be protected, said a release issued from President’s office. He also said the previous government’s projects and programs that are beneficial to the people would continue. The President further announced that his administration would give a high priority to reinstate the civil service salary and implement court rulings on employment disputes over the years. President Waheed also urged all political parties and leaders to put forward national interest before politics. He stressed that his highest priority was to restore peace in the country, and to constitute a national unity government. He reiterated that Maldivian Democratic Party MDP’s representation in the new leadership was welcome. Earlier on Friday President Waheed met with Assistant Secretary General at United Nations, Oscar Fernandez-Taranco and Commonwealth Delegation. At the meeting held at Hilaaleege, the President briefed the Assistant Secretary General on the measures being taken to find peaceful and amicable solutions in tackling the political conflicts faced in the Maldives. He also said that his most important responsibility was to deliver a peaceful and harmonious environment to the people, by safeguarding the constitution and the rule of law in the country. President also welcomed the UN’s suggestions and recommendations in the reform process. Highlighting the current political climate in the country with Commonwealth Delegation, the President said that his key priority was to restore the peace and harmony. He also reaffirmed his commitment to the constitution and the rule of law in the Maldives. Referring to the composition of his cabinet, President Waheed noted that he was working towards a national unity government. He also expressed his gratitude to the Commonwealth for the assistance being provided in resolving the current situation. At the meeting, Director of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Division of Commonwealth, Akbar Khan spoke on the importance of equal representation of all political parties in the leadership, and said that the Commonwealth was trying to identify areas in which assistance is most needed in the Maldives at present. Meanwhile, according to media reports, the situation is calm in Male. However, in Addu, tension prevailed on Saturday with reports of people getting tortured. Nearly 200 people were reportedly rounded up and detained by the police./end