Brussels, 20/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton called on Thursday 19 July on all parties in the Maldives “to refrain from any actions that could jeopardise completion of the Commission of National Inquiry's work, including legal action against political leaders”. The Commission has been tasked with providing an objective account of the events leading to the resignation of the president and they transfer of power to the present government on 7 February. Ashton stated that “it is more important than ever that the political forces in the Maldives cooperate in making the democratic system work” in order to be able to deal with the political, economic and environmental challenges.
Ashton spoke of her “deep concern” at the recent escalation of political tension and violent protests in the country and argued that “continued political unrest, heavy-handed responses by security forces, and charges filed against political leaders will only lead to further deterioration of the political climate in the country and will adversely affect the lives of all Maldivian citizens”.
President Mohamed Nasheed resigned on 7 February following riots by prisoners and weeks of opposition demonstrations. (CG/transl.rt)