European Union Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton on the situation in the Maldives

Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security
Policy and Vice President of the Commission, made today the following statement:
"Following the transfer of power on 7 February, I have been following recent events in the
Maldives closely and EU Heads of Mission have visited Male for discussions with major political
actors.
The EU calls on all parties to refrain from violence, inflammatory rhetoric and any provocative
actions which could threaten the future of democracy in the Maldives. The police and army should
exercise maximum restraint in the execution of their duties which must remain strictly within their
constitutional mandate.
The EU further calls on all political parties to immediately engage in dialogue, to commit
themselves to early presidential elections and to determine the legislative and constitutional
measures required to ensure that these are free and fair.
The EU is of the view that the legitimacy and legality of the transfer of presidential power in the
Maldives should be determined by an impartial, independent investigation as agreed by all parties
in the Maldives.
The EU is ready to offer further assistance in the field of governance, including in the justice sector,
in conjunction with existing actions financed by Member States.
The EU will support engagement by relevant international organisations in the interim."

P R E S S
FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 - +32 2 299 97 80 - Michael.Mann@eeas.europa.eu
Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 - +32 2 298 65 70 - Maja.Kocijancic@ec.europa.eu
Sebastien Brabant +32 498 986 433 - Sebastien.Brabant@ec.europa.eu
COMM-SPP-HRVP-ASHTON@ec.europa.eu
www.eeas.europa.eu

Comments

Anonymous said…
I am sure that no international organization would support a government which is corrupt,has disregard for the constitution and rule of law,publicly mocks the religion of a country,gives false statements even a child can see through,does not treat people equally and ignores judicial rulings.Those who do not understand our language should get translations of the public and other speeches made by the late president Nasheed to really know what kind of person he is. he shows an entirely false face to the international community, with the help of some of his allies.
Why did the international community reject Saddam or Gaddafi. Why do they not support the president of Syria or Yemen. For the same reasons you should try find out who this Nasheed really is.Even in those countries there are thousands who support the regimes, but justice has to prevail, and the constitution is to be upheld.
As a common citizen of Maldives I beg the international organizations to study deeply the reasons for Nasheed's resignstion, and the move made by the people of Maldives to uphold their constitution.