Brussels, 08/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 8 February, the high representative of the EU for foreign affairs called on the authorities of the Maldives to “guarantee the physical safety and the democratic rights of the people”, further to the resignation of President Mohamed Nasheed on Tuesday, following a mutiny by prisoners and weeks of demonstrations by opponents. Catherine Ashton reiterated the “importance of respect for the constitution, the rule of law and human rights”, which are “central” to the process of democratic transition. She called on all parties to engage in “an inclusive dialogue”, stressing that she is willing to support this dialogue “in any way that the Maldivian authorities consider useful”, in “close cooperation” with the international authority. The new president, Mohamed Waheed, said that he wishes to form a government of “national unity”, whilst his predecessor suspects him of involvement in a coup d'état, which he claims “forced him to step down”. (CG/transl.fl)