10/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - Call for fair trial and elections. On Tuesday 9 October, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton expressed her concern at the arrest of former president of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed the previous day. She recalled the assurances given by the government of the Maldives as regards the personal safety of Nasheed and his right to a fair trial. Highlighting “the importance of the next presidential elections” -planned for July 2013 - Ashton reaffirmed “the need for credible and transparent elections allowing for the full participation of party candidates”. She asked all sides to refrain from creating further tension and to pursue political dialogue. Nasheed was released on Tuesday 9 October after appearing before a law court for abuse of power during his term of office. He has 25 days to respond to the allegations. His next hearing is planned for 4 November. He resigned in February after what he considers a coup d'état. (CG/transl.fl)