18/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - Catherine Ashton calls for restraint. Following the latest developments in the Maldives with concern, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton called on all parties, on 15 February, to abstain from any action or statements which are liable to inflame the political climate. “I underline the urgent need to resume dialogue between the parties, so as to ensure that the presidential elections set for September 2013 are credible, transparent, inclusive and fully representative of the wishes of all Maldivians, and so that the reforms identified by the Commission of National Enquiry in August 2012 can be rapidly implemented”, Ashton added in a press release. The former president of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, announced on Thursday 14 February that he will remain a refugee in the embassy of India until a transition government is formed, despite the assurance of the government that he will not be arrested if he leaves (see EUROPE 10707). (CG/transl.fl)