Brussels, 06/11/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 5 November, the European Union expressed its concern at the declaration of a state of emergency in the Maldives, and at the suspension of fundamental rights.
“The decision to declare a state of emergency and suspend fundamental freedoms enshrined in the constitution of the Maldives is the latest in a series of worrying developments in the country”, said a spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini.
“A genuine dialogue with all political parties on the future of the country needs to be established”, Mogherini's spokesperson stated, saying that the EU expected all parties to act “responsibly” and to “exercise restraint”.
The spokesperson said it was “essential” that all constitutional fundamental freedoms “are immediately restored” and that due process be respected.
On Wednesday 4 November, President of the Maldives Abdulla Yameen declared a state of emergency for 30 days, and granted the security forces extensive powers. The decision was taken two days before a gathering planned by the main opposition party in order to demand the release of the former president of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed (see EUROPE 11275). Earlier in the week, the army announced that it had defused a bomb found near the presidential palace. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)