Male, February 21 (newsin.asia): The Government of Maldives said on Tuesday, that it is ready for a dialogue with the opposition parties, “as this is essential to help restore normalcy in the Maldives.”
A statement from the government reiterated “its firm commitment to work closely with the international community to address the concerns that they might have.”
It reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of foreign nationals residing in the country, as well as those visiting the Maldives on vacation.”
The Government said that it takes note “with appreciation” the concerns being expressed by friends and partners in the international community regarding the declaration of the State of Emergency in the Maldives for a period of fifteen days on 5 February 2018 and subsequently extended by the Parliament for a further period of thirty days on 20 February 2018.
Plea to Check Facts
The government appealed to the international community to check with it before forming opinions as the Maldives is undergoing a crisis involving the stability of the government and the security of the State.
“During this difficult time in the history of the nation, the Government also wishes to extend an invitation to all its international partners to clarify facts and policies prior to reaching assessments pertaining to these very serious security issues, complicated constitutional problems and sensitive internal differences.”
“It is important for friends and partners in the international community to stand with the Government and the people of the Maldives, and to refrain from any actions that could escalate an already delicate situation and derail the efforts being made to bring back normalcy in the Maldives,” the government said.
Why Emergency?
Justifying the extension of the State of Emergency, the statement said investigations are going on into the money trail allegedly used to bribe Supreme Court Justices, which need more time to reach a conclusion.
“The evidence received in the investigation illustrates how the Supreme Court’ verdict of February 1 had resulted in: the disruption of the functions of the executive power and the State institutions vested with specific mandates under the Constitution and the infringement of national security and public interest. It would have led to an undermining of the supremacy of the Constitution.”
“The Government is conscious of the gravity and consequences of the decision to declare the State of Emergency and assures the international community that the decision was taken as a last resort, after serious and exhaustive consideration, to ensure national security and constitutional order, to uphold the rule of law and to safeguard the peace and stability of the nation,” the government said .
However it assured that the State of Emergency will be lifted “as soon as the threats posed to national security are addressed satisfactorily.” .
(The featured image at the top shows President Abdulla Yameen meeting people)
