4thpresident

This is a very sad day in the history of Maldives . This is just another begining of a new end.

2012-02-08T09:36:00.002+05:00

The best president Maldives ever had and will have was anni,he was a brave and kind guy who loved his country and didn't use power to defeat his opposition unlike the previous dictator.

Its a sad day in the history of Maldives i am not trusting police and military. Police joined opposition protests last and attacked the headquarters of the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) is this a democratic.

“Gayoom controls the judiciary, now the executive, the media, and in couple of weeks probably the parliament. One thing he cannot control is popular support for President Nasheed, so he needs to find a way to jail or discredit him ahead of the 2013 election,”

51 pct fee hike threatens carrier's service to Maldives-statement

2012-02-02T11:02:00.000+05:00

Feb 1 (Reuters) - A planned move by a private airport operator in the Maldives to raise handling fees would hurt Qatar Airways' operations and threaten services to the holiday islands, the carrier said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Gulf Arab state's flagship carrier said it was "dismayed" to learn of the Male International Airport operator's plan to increase fees by 51 per cent and that the increase would "threaten Qatar Airways" continued presence in the Maldives."

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker in a statement called the planned increases "totally unreasonable".

"The Maldives economy is wholly based on tourism. If we or any other major player withdraws services because of these unwarranted and draconian measures, it will be the people of the Maldives who will lose out, affecting their livelihoods as they rely heavily on the tourism industry," he said.

"My message to the Maldives authorities is to think rationally about the future prosperity of your tourism industry. These steps may have not been thought through seriously by the airport operator and I urge them to think again."

Qatar Airways, half-owned by sovereign wealth fund Qatar Investment Authority, bought a 35 percent stake in freight carrier Cargolux Airlines International last year.

In June Al Baker said the airline was preparing to launch a low-cost carrier (Reporting By Regan Doherty, Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)

BAROS MALDIVES AMONG THE TOP TEN HOTELS IN ASIA

2012-02-01T12:32:00.000+05:00

BAROS MALDIVES AMONG THE TOP TEN HOTELS IN ASIA
Baros Maldives, the award-winning resort in the Indian Ocean archipelago of the Maldives, has just been acclaimed as one of the Top Ten Hotels out of the 25 best hotels in Asia, listed by the influential www.tripadvisor.com website.
This “Traveller’s Choice” Award is the result of reviews by guests who contributed to the Trip Advisor website following their holiday at Baros Maldives. One couple describes Baros Maldives as “the perfect honeymoon destination” while others have commented on the outstanding, personal service and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of the resort.

Baros Maldives is ideal for couples in love as it is a resort of intimacy and romance created on a lush, uninhabited island isolated in a lagoon and ringed by a golden sand beach and a vibrant house reef.
Some of its 45 luxuriously-appointed beachside Villas have private swimming pools while the 30 individual Water Villas offer complete privacy in elegant luxury, suspended over the translucent waters of the lagoon. All Villas feature a gossamer curtained king-size bed, and bathroom opening to a tropical garden or with a stunning ocean view.

The resort has three gourmet-standard restaurants while meals can also be arranged for couples on the deck of their Villa, under the stars on a sandbank, on a private sailing boat or on a luxury motor yacht.

Whale Sharks: Swimming With The World's Biggest Fish In The Maldives And Beyond

2012-02-01T12:28:00.000+05:00

Whale sharks may be the world’s biggest fish—18 to 32 feet long and averaging 20 tons—but they don’t seem to have trouble hiding out in the sea. The threatened creatures, which feast on plankton and swim with mouths wide open to slurp up any in their path, are elusive; they populate tropical waters and spend each spring migrating to Australia’s Ningaloo Reef. But there are ideal times and places to glimpse and even swim with whale sharks—starting now, in the Maldives, where the exclusive Conrad Maldives Rangali Island hosts the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme through February. For about $200 (which is nothing if you’re staying at this stunner, where rooms start at about $1700 nightly), you can join experts with the charitable research organization for a snorkeling or diving excursion.

Maldives faces judicial crisis ‎

2012-02-01T11:46:00.000+05:00

The newly democratic Indian Ocean republic of the Maldives is facing what its own government is calling a "judicial crisis" following the arrest by the military of a senior judge.

The detention of Abdulla Mohamed has sparked protests at home and abroad with the United Nations calling for the judge to be either freed or charged.

The Maldives vice president has also called for judge's release saying he's ashamed of his own government's actions.

President Mohamed Nasheed, himself a political prisoner under the islands previous authoritarian regime, argues the judicial system is in crisis because it's unable to regulate itself and accuses the judge of political bias.

Presenter: Liam Cochrane
Speaker: John Dowd, President of the Australian branch of the International Commission of Jurists

DOWD: Clearly he has been demonstrating independence as he's supposed to do and the government doesn't like it. There is even if the government's assertions about what he's supposed to have done wrong, none of it would warrant arrest, none of it would warrant his incarceration, and it's clear that the must be immediately released. This will do serious damage to the Maldives internationally and their tourist industry is a big part of their income and they just can't allow this to go on.

COCHRANE: And specifically I understand the judge has been accused of releasing a government critic from detention. Now you've been to the country. What's your understanding of the competence or otherwise of the judiciary?

DOWD: The judiciary is generally competent. It's not a legally focused country. They've had a change of government after some 30 odd years and there's obviously a settling down period and they do need assistance in terms of bringing their legal system up to date. But nonetheless, there is nothing wrong with the way the judges carry out their duties and it's just a classic situation of a government not liking someone's decision.

COCHRANE: Now the Maldives has called on the UN to help sort the mess out. What realistically do you think can be done?

DOWD: Well, I don't know that the UN is the proper body to do it. The Commonwealth Secretariat based in London because it's a member of the Commonwealth has been interested in law reform in the Maldives and in fact last year there was some discussions about assistance they could provide. It's got a funny legal system in that there are aspects of Sharia law in it and British Commonwealth law and so on. But I would have thought that the Commonwealth Secretariat could have arranged some judges or someone that could go in there to mediate and the Commonwealth is the more likely basis for resolving the issue. It really is very difficult for outsiders to intervene and I don't think the UN is the correct body.

COCHRANE: What about Australia as a provider of aid? Do you think the Australian government should get involved?

DOWD: Oh, I think it would. I mean Australia is respected in the Maldives, a lot of Australians go there and I think it would be very good for our foreign minister to make an offer to provide people that could go there and resolve it judicially or otherwise. We've got successful judicial commissions here and clearly there are some problems with the judicial conditions, but nevertheless, I think it would be a proper thing for Australia to do with a near Commonwealth neighbour of ours.

Tata Housing marks global foray with Maldives

2011-07-06T23:34:00.002+05:00

Tata Housing will mark its foreign debut with a Rs850-900 crore investment project in Maldives. Going forward, it also plans to tap other foreign markets like Sri Lanka and countries in the Saarc region, with a total investment plan of close to Rs1000 crore for land acquisition.

Tata Housing would be executing the Maldives project through Apex Realty, in which it holds around 65% stake. The remaining 35% is held by SG18 Developers, a joint developer in the project. Apex Realty has entered into an agreement with the Maldives Government for developing 350 residential apartments under public private partnership (PPP) model.

Under the arrangement, 80% of the apartments would be allotted to government-appointed buyers and the remaining 20%, around 72 apartments, would be available to Apex Realty for free sale.

In addition, the Maldives government will also provide commercial space of around 1.5 lakh square feet to be developed and sold or leased out for 50 years and an exclusive island to develop premium luxury villas. The total area of land — villas, apartments and commercial space — is close to 8,50,000 square feet.

The entire project is to be completed in three years in a phased manner. The first two phases would involve development of the apartments. Development of the villas project would be at the third stage.

For the villas project, planned on the island, the company is considering various models including the condo model. Under the model, the company could partner with a resort company and buyers could buy a villa, use it for a specific time during the year and could pool it in for the remaining part of the year for yields at around 5% to 7%. The company could also look at outright sale of these villas. The typical size of these planned villas is around 20,000 square feet.

“The total investment for the entire project is around ¤850 crore to Rs900 crore. The investment would be funded through a mix of internal accruals and debt, with 70% of it being debt-funded,” said Brotin Banerjee, MD and CEO, Tata Housing Development Co Ltd. For the current financial year, the Maldives project is expected to witness an investment of around Rs200-250 crore.

“Tata Housing plans to invest around Rs800-1000 crore in the current financial year towards land and property acquisitions,” Banerjee added. The expected total size of land or project acquisitions is around 20- 22 million square feet. The company currently has around 43 million square feet at various stages of development.

On the international front, the company is confident of finalising a few projects in Sri Lanka in the current fiscal — a couple of them in the capital city of Colombo and another in the hills or central highlands. All these international projects are being planned through separate special purpose vehicles formed for each country or project.

Tata Housing marks global foray with Maldives

2011-07-06T23:34:00.001+05:00

Jumeirah Dhevanafushi opened Maldives

2011-06-05T20:08:00.001+05:00

Jumeirah Dhevanafushi opened Maldives on May 2011.
Jumeirah Dhevanafushi is very lux hotel than some Maldives hotels. Jumeirah Hotels will open a new hotel to Maldives named of Vittaveli.

Mr. Ernst Mayer has been appointed as General Manager of the recently-opened Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, Maldives.

Prior to joining Jumeirah, Ernst, an Austrian national, was the owner and proprietor of his own hotel, the Point Hotel Anif in Austria. He was previously the General Manager for Crowne Plaza Salzburg, also in Austria.

He brings 35 years of industry experience to his current position at the first resort for Jumeirah in the Maldives. Ernst had served over 20 years in senior roles for the InterContinental Hotels Group in China and Hong Kong. His experience also covers F&B operation positions in South Africa. Ernst became Asia’s youngest General Manager at the age of 33 during his tenure at the Holiday Inn Guilin in China.

Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, the first all-suite resort in the Maldives, soft opened on 1 May 2011. The resort features 39 suites and villas, including the Ocean Pearls, a unique water village separated from the main island resort. The resort also includes 2 restaurants and a bar, a Talise spa, water sports and a PADI certified diving centre.

Translation of the Presidential Address 2011

2011-03-03T16:51:00.001+05:00

The opportunity to outline the state of the country as well as measures seen as necessary for its development, at the first session of this esteemed Majlis each year is a privilege granted to the Head of State. I note that this is the third time I have been bestowed the honor and I call upon all my faculties in praising the Almighty for his Grace.

2010 was a year of achievement in many areas. It was a year which saw marked improvements in various sectors. The most important accomplishment is the establishment of local councils. Obviously, there are obstacles in the management of some of these councils. The government’s aim is to solve these complications, in introducing decentralization in a manner that does not compromise the features of a unitary state stipulated in the Constitution. The government as well as I cannot allow the unity of the country to be disrupted in any manner. I expect that competitive parties will not deliberately participate in any such activity.

Honorable Speaker:

When the budget was presented to the Peoples Majlis in December 2009, the year’s deficit stood at Rf 3.8 billion - which translates into 18.7 percent of our GDP. Although expenditure stood higher than revenue due to budget cuts, deficit was down by 2.3 over the previous year to reach Rf 3.1 billion, which signifies 16.4 percent of our GDP.

In the year 2010, the total debt stood at Rf 607 million which is 41 percent of our GDP. The government has been regular in the management of liabilities.

By the end of 2010, the income revenue of the government amounted to Rf 6 Billion. By 2010 the government had estimated recurrent revenue of Rf 9.1 billion. However, the government had earned Rf 7.8 billion. Government expenses have been reduced to a large extent. The estimated recurrent expenditure for 2011 stands at Rf 9.77 billion ,while Rf 9.713 billion has been passed as the recurrent expenditure of the People’s Majlis.

Honorable Speaker:

In my second address to the People’s Majlis, I highlighted matters to be resolved by 2010. I am pleased to note that most of our measures are moving towards targets of resolving these challenges.

Honorable Speaker:

To increase the value of Maldivian currency, I note that there are two important short term measures. That is to strengthen regulations within context of existing laws and their prompt implementation. I assure this esteemed Majlis that the Government is prepared to take all steps necessary to achieve these aims. Additionally, we need long and mid-term measures for effective solutions to the economic infrastructure. According to the Strategic Action Plan, recurrent expenses and income are required to be kept in line with national income. The government had made several efforts to achieve this target, including corporatizing and privatizing government services.

In addition to these measures, the government’s center right philosophy was adhered to in improving balance of payments and in stabilizing currency values.

Honorable Speaker:

The government worked on many fronts to attain economic development last year.

Without the introduction of a proper taxation system, income and resources cannot be managed as that of a developing country. Therefore, I thank this esteemed Majilis for having passed the previous year, the bill on tax administrative measures, the business profit tax bill and the Maldives tourism goods and services tax bill.

The main aim of the government is to prevent indirect taxation of consumers caused by the levy of import duties and to supplement government revenues from taxes charged on business profits. I am happy to note that the government is achieving these targets.

Honorable Speaker:

Small and medium enterprises in the Maldives will continue to receive government financial assistance this year. With focus on various economic sectors, financial assistance or a program of providing soft loans worth Rf 78 million is currently in place. In addition, between 2011 and 2012, a program worth Rf 12 million is underway to increase small and mid-market businesses. Business development centers have been established in Kulhudhuhfushi, and Hithadhoo and 489 participants were trained by the end of 2010. In these programs, projects to diversify fisheries, build guest houses in inhabited islands, handicraft, cultural artwork and farming are included. The government shall not falter in this work as they are related to the economic growth of the country.

Important steps taken to eliminate obstacles facing those wishing to start a business, include enabling vital information, trade licenses and permissions to be submitted and received via the Internet. These will be facilitated this year.

The main obstacle faced by Maldivian traders in developing their businesses further, is the problem of sourcing finance. To mitigate currency shortages for Maldivian traders, the government will develop a collateral guarantee scheme worth Rf 300 million via Maldivian banks this year. This scheme will help to provide speedy government interventions for businesses that can be developed through market mechanisms. This project would make it easier for businesses to obtain loans without facing complications in the provision of collateral. This credit scheme is especially developed for infrastructure development.
Programmes for the development of harbor areas in various islands will be initiated this year. The opportunity to submit expressions of interest will be open soon. Various trade opportunities will open up for private parties under this project.

Priority is being extended to small and medium enterprises to increase job opportunities in the atolls, and widen the self-sufficiency of the people. It is also designed to increase exports and clear pathways for a greater number of Maldivians to have easy access to foreign currency. These measures are important for the socio-economic growth of Maldives.

I am happy to note that a rebate of 30% has been waived from import duties for goods unloaded at regional harbours. Under this reduction, from July to December, goods worth Rf 3,765,000 have been cleared from Kulhudhuhfushi harbour. From January to July of 2010, goods worth Rf 5,191,000 were cleared from Addoo Hithadhoo harbour, and with the introduction of the rebates on import duties, goods worth Rf 44,535,000 were cleared from July to December. This is an increase of 857 percent in comparison to the first 6 months of 2010.

Honorable Speaker:

During this term, the government will propose amendments to the Fisheries Law. Last year, the law covering fisheries for export and trade, manufacture of fish products for export, and the issuance of licenses for aquaculture, was amended, before being implemented. The regulations for catching Yellowfin Tuna were also amended. The Fishery businesses are more open than before and this has resulted in an increase in the amount of income received for the average quantity of 5 tons of fish presently equals the earlier average earnings from 15 tons of fish. The household incomes of fishing families have risen significantly.

Other government initiatives to facilitate commerce include unrestricted licensing for parties wishing to export raw seafood products starting on 10 December 2010, exemptions on packing materials, and assigning Maldives Customs Service as the issuer of import license. For the convenience of those in the fisheries sector, the responsibility of issuing operating license for the economic zone was handed over to the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. The decision to cease the levy of royalties from parties operating in the E.E.Z was also made last year.

Last year, fishermen were assisted both practically and financially on the installment of refrigeration systems on fishing vessels. To alleviate challenges for fishermen, the period allowed for the repayment of loans granted for building fishing boats and installation of engine systems has been increased. Soft loans were granted to fishermen under a specific project to increase the quality of businesses processing fish and fishery products.

The framework and management plans for sharks and groupers were also begun and the task of providing compensation for those affected by the proscription of shark- hunting was also carried out.

To expand and improve the fishing industry further, a project to develop the Skipjack tuna trade was implemented and the minimum price for the purchase of fish was fixed. Furthermore, the agreements established on the trade of Skipjack Tuna were revised and private companies were allowed greater participation in the Skipjack Tuna fishery. In addition, various researches, programmes and projects were implemented to establish modern infrastructure for fisheries in various regions of the country.
Earlier this year, in order to facilitate high-quality surveys and research of international standards on the reefs and seas of the Maldives, the official opening of an outpost of the University of Bicocca Milano was held in Faafu Atoll Magoodhoo. Meanwhile, a fisheries research facility is currently being established and developed in Maniyafushi.

Honorable Speaker:

Last year, much work was also done to develop agriculture in the Maldives. In this regard, agricultural products of 3 islands were brought out to the market, by contracting tourist resorts and food supply companies. Moreover, efforts were made to raise the prices of poultry farming and agricultural yield through the production and marketing of locally produced goods. In addition, a 1.7 million Rufiyaa worth of goods were made available to farmers at reasonable rates and 1,932 farmers were trained in various aspects of agriculture. The preliminary work was also done for the establishment of the first veterinary clinic in the Maldives last year. Four uninhabited islands were leased for agriculture, and soft loans worth Rf 18 million were extended to 332 agricultural workers.

Significant measures to be implemented this year include, granting subsidies worth a total of 50 million Rufiyaa, paving the way for farmers in 25 islands to market their agricultural goods on a regular basis, and the setting up of an Agricultural School in Laamu Atoll Gan to train farmers in advanced agricultural techniques.

Honorable Speaker:

More than 900,000 tourists visited the Maldives last year, which is an increment of 21% compared to arrivals the previous year. This is interpreted as the effectiveness and efficiency of our policies in the tourism sector.

To facilitate the greatest possible number of tourists to visit various parts of the Maldives, Laamu Atoll has been selected as the zone, providing accommodation of 3 and 4 star qualities. The Integrated Tourism Development Zone being developed on the island of Gan in Laamu Atoll, would initiate many new economic opportunities as a result of mid-market tourism in the region. The region will also be opened for the construction of two hotels in the mid-market category of 3 and 4 star qualities, and for allocating and dispensing land to private investors who wish to run guest houses. To enable this, discussions and preparations are underway between the Ministry of Tourism and the people of the Laamu Atoll region. Mid-market zones are planned to be established in other regions of the country as well.

Honorable Speaker:

In order to expand the services offered at the Male’ International Airport, Malaysia Airports Holdings and India G.M.R Group were contracted last year, to develop the airport and to handle the management and administration more effectively. As you would know, increasing the number of passengers to the Maldives is only possible with the development of Male’ International Airport. This will augment the flow of foreign currency into the country.

The groundwork of the land reclamation and the building of airport in Kolhumadulu Thimarafushi was initiated last year. This would introduce even greater opportunities to all the islands in the region, and multiply economic activities. The construction of an airport in Fuvahmulah is underway and the airport in Baa Atoll Dharavandhoo is likely to reach the stage of completion by the end of 2012.
In order to standardize and develop Gan International Airport in Addu Atoll to international standards under a joint venture enterprise, a contract was signed between STO, Maldives Airports Company Limited and Gan Airport Company Limited last year. The culmination of this project to turn Gan into a fine international airport would expose the Southern part of the Maldives to tourism even more and be a tremendous step in allowing greater expansion for an improved flow of visitors.

Honorable Speaker:

The major policies formulated to achieve the pledge of establishing a nation-wide transport system are currently underway. A vast proportion of the nation’s population is using the transport system to the extent to which it has already been established. The transport network is vital to improve local trade and way of life by allowing for the freight of goods between islands and for providing a convenient mode of transport for people wishing to visit islands, rather than being in the confines of their homes. The modernization of the transport systems is being planned to further enhance the ties of fraternity and amity existing between local families that signify the success of the transport network being implemented.

Honorable Speaker:

Last year, I proposed to provide the people of the Maldives with basic utilities such as water supply, sewerage facilities, harbours, electricity and roads, in an affordable and sustainable manner through corporatization.

A safe water supply and sewerage system are fundamental human rights and therefore, 7 different areas of the Maldives were improved for the provision of these services. 8 islands were completed with sewerage facilities, at an expense of 295 million US Dollars, to ensure indiscriminate reception of these services.

In 27 islands, designing work of sewerage systems were completed and opened for expressions of interest in 2010. Submission for expressions of interest to design and build sewerage and water system under the Contractor Finance Policy were also opened and completed on 11 islands. Out of these islands, sewerage systems of 9 islands were agreed to be built under a contract signed last year. Under the AFD loan contract signed to improve the sewerage systems in Gaaf Dhaal Atoll Thinadhoo and Laam Atoll Gan, the practical work for which will be begun this year. The sewerage systems of Alif Dhaal Atoll Mahibadhoo and Laamu Atoll Fonadhoo to be designed under the ADB loan contract, commenced construction last year and are expected to be completed by the end of this year.

To improve the quality of drinking water available for consumption in the islands, last year, submission for expressions of interest in establishing water supply systems in 10 islands were opened, under a Contractor Finance Policy. Amongst these, 9 islands were engaged under the contracts signed. To establish a water supply network in Gaaf Dhaal Thinadhoo, the government is working in tandem with the Ministry of Housing and MWSC under a contract signed last year. In addition, 58 islands were supplied with water on an emergency basis last year.

2010 saw the completion of 27 projects of building harbours, the gross cost of which amounts to 687 million Rufiyaa. In addition to that, groundwork of harbor projects is currently underway in 4 islands. This year, the construction of harbors in 39 islands, the construction of jetties in 3 islands to ease transport, and the ‘Maintenance Dredging’ of 3 islands is slated for commencement. In addition, a project to connect Madaveli and Hoan’dedhdhoo islands by a causeway would be implemented this year. Furthermore, the revetment of reclaimed islands and the protection of the erosion zones of 7 different islands will be carried out this year.

Honorable Speaker:

I reiterated last year our pledge to provide affordable housing and to strengthen family relations.

Providing affordable housing is one of the most essential pledges of our government. Therefore, we have commenced the project of building a total of 10,000 housing units, of which 4,150 have been contracted and 1,750 of which are currently under construction.

In order to resolve the issues of congestion and lack of housing in Male’, under the first phase of Veshifahi Male’ programme, application forms are being issued for those wishing for housing. The second phase of the Gulhifalhu Project is underway and the reclamation of the 50-hectare land is scheduled to begin next month. An approximate area of 10 hectares of land is consigned for the establishment of the campus of National University of the Maldives. The development of 2500 housing units in Gulhifalhu will also take place and by the end of 2012, new residents will have been relocated there. Moreover, a bridge will be constructed to link Vilingili and Gulhifalhu by the month of July 2013. The strategic plan of possibilities and action for this project is expected to be devised and with the Grace of Allah, initiated this year. The primary objective of the government is to construct a 12-kilometre road connecting ‘Male’ Lonuziyaaraiykolhu’ and the ‘Giraavaru Kan’duolhi’. This is under the main aim of the government to convenience the lives of one-third of the entire population living in Male’, and accelerate overall development.

Under the programme to provide shelter for those afflicted by the Tsunami, the 298 housing units planned for construction in Gaaf alif Atoll will continue at a faster pace this year. The proposal for the construction of 42 houses in Thaa Atoll Madifushi has been tendered and the contract has also been signed. The project to build 78 houses in the same island has begun and is expected to be completed by the end of this year, Along with that, the 45 houses’ project in Laam Atoll Maabaidhoo is currently in progress, while 168 houses are being built in Meem Atoll Kolhufushi to arrange for the permanent accommodation of those residents displaced in the tragedy.

Moreover, the residents of Haa Dhaal Maavaidhoo, Faridhoo and Kun’burudhoo have been relocated to Haa Dhaal Nolhivaranfaru, where 181 houses have already been built for their residential purposes.

Honorable Speaker:

Various efforts were exerted by the government last year to transform the Maldives into a carbon-neutral nation. In this regard, auditing of carbon present in the Maldives and the measure of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere were identified. It is highly essential that we embrace renewable energy and diversify sources and techniques used to generate renewable energy.

The environmental changes instigated by the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere are directly linked to the life of every Maldivian. The problem of energy usage is not solely an environmental problem – and so it is an economic predicament. It is necessary for the government to reduce our dependency on oil for energy uses. It is an aim of the government to pave the way for private parties to emphasize this proposition. In order to prompt such forms of trade, efforts will be underway this year to reduce import duty on biodegradable goods and modes of transport employing renewable energy forms such as battery and solar energy for operation, so as to achieve our pledge of being a carbon-neutral nation. It is scheduled for the government to commence the task of establishing rules and regulations required to introduce renewable energy to the Maldives, practice the trade of energy sources and transform the country into a carbon-neutral nation.

The 30 million dollars’ fund granted by the World Bank will be specialized and opened for private traders and utilities companies. Our aim is to lessen electricity service prices by incorporating such technological advancements in all governmental endeavors to ensure the former is achieved.

Honorable Speaker:

As you would know, the Government is working in many ways to protect our fragile environment and promote tourism. In order to regulate environmental affairs in a decentralized government, sub divisionary offices of the Environment Protection Agency are to be set up in the North Central Province and the South Province this year. It is also planned for charts to be made, illustrating the environmentally delicate regions in the nation, and for these charts to be transmitted to concerned authorities throughout the nation. In addition to that, guidelines will be set on reclamation and dredging, coupled with an effort to instigate and implement the laws revolving around waste disposal.

The waste disposal techniques exercised in Thilafushi will achieve even greater improvements this year. Under a consultancy of the International Finance Corporation, a contractor will be engaged this year, to undertake the disposal of waste generated from Male’ and nearby resorts. The contracting party will invest a sum of nearly 50 million dollars to execute the task. In addition, utilities companies are to carry out related projects in various areas of the country.

Honorable Speaker:

Significant efforts were made last year to promote and improve socially stable communities.

During 2010 more than 56,000 people have been brought under the care of Madhana (the state health insurance system). Currently, the number of clients under Madhana is estimated to be more than 75,000. The government expended over 144 million rufiyaa on social protection last year in an effort to assuage the public plight of having to depend on handouts for healthcare. Work will continue this year on increasing the number of people registered under Madhana. The government’s aim is to raise the number of Madhana clients to nearly 100,000 by the end of this year. Work will also continue on expanding Madhana Plus coverage to include more countries besides India and Sri Lanka.

Consequent to numerous efforts undertaken last year to expand health services, Telemedicine has now been introduced in 5 islands of Maldives. This service would alleviate health service difficulties presently experienced in islands of the Maldives and the requirement of keeping doctors of all specialties in each island. This system would instead allow patients to benefit from the expertise and facilities of hospitals and doctors all across the world. This service would be introduced in another 34 islands of the Maldives in the future.

Five health service corporations were established last year to maintain health services in a sustainable, decentralized manner. Health corporations would be established in three more regions this year. Following the creation of these corporations, 108 clinics under government administration and based in resort islands have been licensed.

Under the integrated human development project, community pharmacies would be established in 21 islands this year. The registry of health service assets and practitioners would also be completed by the end of this year.

The government will be working with the honorable members of this Majlis this year on two health sector bills. These are the Health Service Bill and the Medical Negligence Bill. As work on the last two bills can be completed swiftly, I appeal to the Majlis to conclude deliberations on these two bills at your earliest convenience.

Honorable Speaker:

Last year, government assistance was granted directly to the less fortunate and underprivileged families in our society. In order to improve the lives of all senior citizens above the age of 65 the government granted allowances up to Rf 2000/- each, which amounted to an expense of 399 million Rufiyaa last year. In addition, those included in the social safety net were accorded financial and medical aid worth a total of 29 million Rufiyaa was granted as welfare assistance to single parents and foster-parents of orphans. I take this opportunity to thank this esteemed Majlis for having passed the bill of protecting the rights of the disabled and granting them financial aid.

In order to maintain social security costs at a sustainable level, a social security fund has been established and is being developed further to protect people from economic instability and insecurity. A special budget has been allocated for this purpose.

The key philosophies of this government are to reach out to people with good governance and benevolence. With God’s Grace, we shall not falter in ensuring the lives of our people are that of satisfaction and contentment. The government will not allow its efforts to be disrupted in ensuring social security. In this regard, I am fully confident that the bill submitted to this esteemed Majlis on social security will be passed at your earliest convenience.

Honorable Speaker:

Significant steps were taken once again last year to further develop the Maldivian educational system. An educational framework has been finalized and the Education Bill has been submitted to the Majlis for implementation. An additional 25 schools would be changed to single session schools. By the end of this year, 126 schools will be operating as single session schools. Technical training was provided to 2084 teachers the past year, an increase of 267 compared to 2009.

School boards were instituted in all schools in order to direct the school management. Standards and levels have been established for the purpose of creating and regulating modernized, student-friendly schools. Pre-schools have been established in all islands of the Maldives.

Last year I stated that our main goal for 2010 was to increase the percentage of graduates holding 5 passes from 32 per cent to 41 per cent. Even though this goal was not reached, the figure has now been increased to 35 percent. Performance improvements were achieved by 100 schools in 2010 over 2009. To sum up, the percentage of students who passed in 5 subjects has increased in those schools.

Another point of note is that a large number of students have achieved extraordinary accomplishments at an international level. I also emphasize the large number of students who have obtained a perfect score of 100.

A professional development loan scheme -‘Loan Scheme for Educational Assistants’ - for the sector has been introduced at the Bank of Maldives to provide partial and complete tuition assistance for vocational training courses and higher education courses. Under this scheme 50 top level officials from schools were sent abroad for studies in Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

Last year, approximately Rf 50 million were provided under the student loan scheme to more than 1000 students. Consequent to numerous efforts undertaken to seek out as many opportunities as possible for local students to attain higher studies abroad, the number of scholarships offered under the Australian Development Scholarship programme was increased two-fold at the outset of 2011.

I believe that we have now arrived at the grandest advancement in the history of the country’s academia. That is, a national university has now been established in the Maldives. The university will serve the purpose of creating, preserving and disseminating knowledge and skills required for national development in cultural, social, economic and public spheres to safeguard the Maldives as a sovereign Islamic nation. I take this moment to sincerely thank the honorable members of this Majlis for granting passage to the National University Act.

Honorable Speaker:

Last year had also seen notable achievements in the government efforts to spread religious awareness in the Maldives and to rejuvenate Islamic faith among the public. Religious scholars were engaged for religious sermons to be delivered all across the country. In 2010, mosques were built in 12 islands and several renovation projects of mosques were undertaken. Alms collection was also increased compared to last year, and the funds were used for major projects. 39 islands were selected for construction of new mosques this year, 21 of which would be funded by the state budget. Construction of these mosques is set to begin this year, and work is being done to procure foreign assistance for the construction of another 18 mosques. In addition to those, I would like to highlight that the first Islamic bank to be established in the Maldives will be opened during this month.

Honorable Speaker:

Compared to 2009, the number of crimes reported to the Maldives Police Service declined by 11 percent in 2010.

“Strategic Plan 2011 to 2013” has been compiled and put in effect to ease the public anxiety fostered by the prevalence of brutal crimes and violence. The Plan also sets out to penalize newly emerging criminal acts such as cybercrimes, human trafficking and money laundering.

Honorable Speaker:

The efforts exerted by the government to prevent the illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs into the country have been rewarding. This is evidenced by the reduction in the number of people reported for drug offences by 46% in 2010, compared with that of in 2009, according to recent Police records. Moreover, these records indicate a 40% reduction in the percentage of youth exposed and therefore, are highly susceptible to adopting the habit of drug abuse. Even more, a 55% reduction was seen last year in the number of people diagnosed positive of alcohol consumption compared to that of two years ago.

Reports reveal that approximately 114 addicts were treated at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre, 135 addicts completed treatments at the Vilimale’ and Hulhumale Detoxification Centres and 91 addicts were treated at various community centres across the nation last year. This year, we have planned to establish a rehabilitation centre in the South Province, a detoxification centre and a halfway house with a capacity of 25 in the North Province, and an additional drop-in centre in the North Central Province. Since many of our projects to cure drug addicts are backed up by financial corporations, we aim to help strengthen, fortify and expand their services rendered, this year. To examine the current drug situation further, a nation-wide survey will be conducted under assistance from the European Union by the UNODC. The complete effectuation of these measures is inseparable from the passing of the new bill currently proposed to this esteemed Majlis. Therefore, I appeal to this Majlis in all confidence, to endorse the presently submitted bill in the most absolute and rightful manner.

Presently, there is a programme in place initiated as a joint approach by the government, private companies and organizations to rehabilitate and re-integrate those alleged addicts recovering from powerful drug habits, back into the society. Several successful events were held in 2010 to analyze and identify the ways and means by which these addicts could be brought back into the society, through training them to embrace social etiquette and relate to the environment and surrounding people. The expansion of these programmes is currently underway in liaison with various companies. I assure you that we will not step back even the slightest bit in ensuring that these propositions are realized.

Honorable Speaker:

Under the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, 12,094 youths were trained. Maldives Polytechnic was established last year to improve technical capabilities of youth In addition, job centres were established in 3 islands and information on local job opportunities was disseminated from these centres.

Initiating volunteerism in the Maldives is a high priority of the government. In this regard, 120 youths who had completed their A-levels last year were engaged to Maldives Volunteer Corps. In addition, on the occasion of the International Voluntary Day, more than 600 youths voluntarily took part in activities held last year.

The tasks necessary for the administration of the ILO Convention are underway. Various activities were held last year in association with ILO to resolve issues faced by employers and employees, strengthen the laws of employment and the work of agencies assigned with the task of ensuring the effectiveness of these laws enforced. The reformation of the employment law is currently being carried out by the government with the assistance of ILO.

We have previously emphasized the need to develop cultural and literary talent in this country. One of the best opportunities opened for Maldivian writers and artists include the Hay Festival held last year for the first time. The Hay Festival is an annual art and literary festival held in Wales. The importance of a Hay Festival to the Maldives is justified by the fact that it is a platform for all writers, poets and artists to assemble, exchange ideas and communicate on issues concerning politics and society. The festival was all the more important for us as the Maldives is a fledgling democracy. It was inferred from this event that the natural bountiful beauty of the Maldives was indeed made more meaningful by the rich cultural and literary inheritance displayed by Maldivian artists, poets and writers.

In order to develop local skills and talents, the government will establish an Arts Council and a Heritage Council this year. Two bills will be submitted to this Majlis to accord legal identities to these two Councils.

Honorable Speaker:

Last year, the National Sports Council was strengthened and advanced to ensure their endeavors were at par with the lines of a decentralized system of good governance. This work will progress in the same manner this year as well. Plans are in progress to establish the National Institution of Sports and the framework has already been established. Attempts are being made to gain the attention of foreign investors to develop equipment available in the Maldives for water-sports. Six different programmes held by associations and communities under the title ‘Sports for All’ were assisted by the government. This year, it is planned to conduct these programmes inclusive of all provinces in the Maldives. In order to transform the nation into a regional and a tourist centre for sports and increase the number of international water-sports activities held in the Maldives, Maldives Invitational Beach Games is being planned and scheduled to be held this year.

On this note, I shall express my pleasure on the success the Maldives garnered in the field of sports last year. Our national cricket team had won the first place in the ACC Trophy Challenge held in Thailand. This is a remarkable achievement and an enormous pleasure to all of us.

Honorable Speaker:

Significant work was done by the government last year to reduce incidences of issues concerning gender inequality and gender discrimination,. In this regard, a resort forum was held to promote products crafted by women and financial aid was rendered to organizations striving to encourage and emancipate women in our society to gain their rights and opportunities, and to extend and employ their potential in managing trade and businesses.

Honorable Speaker:

There have been favorable outcomes ensuing increased efforts to improve bilateral diplomatic relations and attract foreign aid and assistance. A Donors Conference was held in March last year with friendly countries and organizations. The participants of this conference had pledged to provide aid to the Maldives in terms of health, infrastructure, education, trade and governance. This aid is currently being provided.

Within the past year itself, approximately 1.3 Billion Japanese Yen and 50 million Chinese Yuan worth of foreign grants were received by the Maldives. The National Museum constructed under grant assistance from the Chinese government was also completed. The extension of the period by 10 years, for the settlement of the 100 million US Dollars’ worth Standby Credit Facility granted by the Indian government to the Maldives also took place the same year. As with the partnership between the Indian government and the local government, 500 housing units were agreed to be built and 40 million US Dollars were granted as a Line of Credit last year. In addition, there are ongoing international talks on the elimination of the impediments and complications that may surface, in terms of losing special privileges and amenities offered to Least Developed Countries, as a result of the graduation of the Maldives from the list of the LDCs of the world on the 1st of January 2011.

In order to increase bilateral relations, efforts were made to create political connections between the Maldives and other foreign countries. In this regard, political relations were established with a number of countries. In addition, I undertook trips to some countries last year to strengthen bilateral relations. Under an initiative taken by the Maldives, a Climate Vulnerable Forum was held in New York during the time of the United Nations Common Debate last year. Discussions had been held with the members of CVF on matters concerning climate change prior to the successful UN Climate Change Meeting held in Cancun, Mexico in November 2010.

The Maldives has successfully become a member of the UN Human Rights Council. The Maldives is a frontline member of several efforts being exerted by the Human Rights Council to monitor and cease the inhumane acts taking place in Libya. The elections of the Sub-committee of Prevention of Torture established under UN’s ‘The Optional Protocol To The Convention Against Torture’ were also succeeded by the Maldives. I am proud to note that this is the first time a Maldivian judge, especially a female member of the judiciary, has been nominated for a global institution striving to prevent all forms of violence and injury.

Honorable Speaker:

Work is underway to compile a National Security Plan in order to distinguish the challenges being faced regarding security, and conduct deliberations on the establishment of laws on national security. The objective of this Plan is to create and sustain a safe and serene environment in the nation, and to set targets and goals from a collective viewpoint of all concerned authorities at a national level. Under this plan, the tasks of the National Security Council would be expanded further and an administrative layout of national security would be drawn up. In addition, the framing work of laws pertaining to national security would be carried out. The office of the National Security Advisor has been established to attend to these requirements.

National policies regarding Maritime security and its associated strategies will be established as an important aspect of the National Security Plan. This includes the initiation of a ‘’Maritime Domain Awareness’’ Programme this year. 8 action plans will be patterned under Maritime security. This mainly includes the propagating and analyzing awareness on maritime domains, the layout of a Marine Security information plan, identification of internal threats, improving bilateral relations, identification of marine threats, recovering the network of the marine industry and studying the transport system and marine trade systems. This action plan will be devised within 90 days forward. For the first time in the Maldivian history, Maldivian soldiers will participate in the UN Peace Keepers’ regiment under a contract to be signed this year.

The special economic boundary of the Maldives was marked and submitted to the United Nations on the 26th of July last year to facilitate the stabilization of the economical and political power in the country. As a result, the rights of local fishermen have been protected and the strengthening of efforts to protect fishing areas has taken place.

Given that the Maldives has been a nation subsisting on the bounties of the sea throughout its history, last year, the boundary of the continental shelf of the Maldives was marked and registered at the UN. In addition, on the 31st of this month, an area of 169,000 square kilometers will be allocated for this purpose by the government.

Honorable Speaker:

This is the year of the first SAARC Summit to be held in the Southern Hemisphere of the world. The central objective behind the selection of the Southern Province of the Maldives to host this Summit is to give the region a distinguishable geographical identity on the world map. Simultaneously, the aim is to introduce and inaugurate a way by which all travellers passing the Indian Ocean in either an East-West direction, or West-East direction, can obtain various opportunities from this region. The principal objective of the government, however, remains to develop and continue using the SAARC Convention Centre to be built, subsequent to the actual summit, to host other such conventions and conferences on various occasions. The government shall constantly endeavor to organize such summits, meetings and other formal procedures of international magnitude, to earn the citizens of the Maldives, greater honor and reputation, and enable them to reap the many benefits such events may yield.

Honorable Speaker:

The National Awards of Honour and Awards of Recognition were given last year as well. The awardees honored last year were indeed of high merit and contributed much in their respective fields. I firmly believe the National Awards Committee has always been independent, responsible and judicious in their selection process for the awards. I shall state here that the government does not and shall never exert any influence on the work of the committee. The Government had decided to bestow opportunities upon the conferees of National Awards to participate as guests of honour at functions organized by the government, and this will continue this year as well.

Last year, in my Republic Day’s speech, I had stated that the National Awards Committee had been assigned the task of setting a criterion for the acknowledgement of those who have served the government and the people for a very long time with sincerity and loyalty. This is through according them with special honour and titles of recognition. The committee’s work is drawing to a close. Selected figures will be awarded the honour and recognition in the coming Independence Day celebrations.

Honorable Speaker:

The privileges bill of the People’s Majlis was returned to this Majlis for reconsideration as I felt it could be revised and redrafted to allow more meaningful amendments to be made. I have proposed my recommended amendments to the Speaker of the Majlis already. I advice to seek ways of safeguarding the main foundations of the privileges bill at your earliest convenience.

I regard it as being highly important that the members of the Majlis receive their necessary privileges and protection. During the history of 77 years of the Majlis, there have been several circumstances under which some respected members of the Majlis, either incumbent or resigned then, had to face various contemptible consequences concerning politics, justice and other controversies.

Therefore, I believe that it should be highly emphasized that the members of the Majlis receive their privileges and protection under an established, legitimate law.

Honorable Speaker:

As I have mentioned on various occasions before, the most important mission of this government is democracy. In other words, it is the division of state powers and the trouble-free running of important independent institutions. The role of the Majlis is significant in making the most of our vision and plans to come into existence practically and successfully. A noteworthy example is the establishment of important offices that come under the judicial system in the Maldives last year.

The passage of the law on judges and the establishment of a permanent Supreme Court, form one of the most important cornerstones in the consolidation of democracy in the Maldives.

Several successful projects were undertaken during the last two years in the fields of economy, social order and good governance. The speedy rate at which governmental policies are being implemented proliferates the benefits and advantages received by the people. The gratifying changes are being seen from every angle and in every direction. The responsibility of providing services and conducting projects, that were long carried out and supervised centrally by institutions in the capital, will now be conferred to the democratically constituted Councils, to be implemented by respective communities. In reality, the government’s aim is to pass on the administrative powers that were once centralized on the government and concentrated in Male’, to Island, Atoll and City Councils. These changes have been accepted and acclaimed by the people of the Maldives.

Today, my main appeal is for you endeavor to instill trust and faith in the judicial system of the Maldives and in the work of parliament. I appeal for unity in the national interests and prioritize constructive judgment and wisdom to allow for peace, progress and order in our country, without being associated with those seeking abrupt opportunities to disrupt and topple the government. I sincerely thank you for your co-operation and collaboration with the government. I appeal to this esteemed Majlis to start afresh and continue working together with the government in all areas that are advantageous and beneficial to the people of the Maldives.

Today, the people of the Maldives have acknowledged the efforts of government and are now keen to see the work of the judiciary and the legislature reach acceptable norms of attaining public confidence. The people will not wish to see themselves being denied any services or rights from a house in their name, and would definitely not want to see their own representatives caught up in a drive to overthrow the government.

This government seeks to establish a completely new nationality. For us, the nationality that the people seek is very clear. The government’s present vision for a new nationality is based on good Islamic principles, Maldivian culture, human rights, and on civil, social and economic progress. Today’s vision for a new nationality is complemented further by the presence of an integrated nation-wide transport system in the country and the, easy availability of affordable housing and shelter for all the people of the Maldives.

I am very happy to note that with God’s Grace, our quality of life has improved with time as indicated by aforementioned achievements, statistics and facts. The achievements of the many projects and endeavors being carried out by the government is not specific only to a particular group of people. This is the government of all Maldivians.

In this nation’s existence, today also would be marked by the sun’s radiant, golden yellow rays that light up blue skies and bountiful seas, a day filled by the beautiful rich hues of Nature. A new day that signifies the evergreen, trouble-free, joyful clean living, granted us by Providence.

May Almighty Allah grant his bountiful blessings forever on the Maldives and its people. May the work of this esteemed Majlis be more productive and prosperous. My earnest prayer is for Almighty Allah to grant the people of the Maldives the benefits of both the worlds. Aameen.

Thank you very much. Praise be to God.

Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed asks India to help violence-hit Libya

2011-02-26T00:24:00.001+05:00

In a strong message from a Muslim country, Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed demanded the suspension of Libya from the United Nations Human Rights Council, pressed for probe into the crimes of the Gaddafi-regime besides prodding India to take lead in having a peace keeping force in the strife-torn n
ation.

President Nasheed, who concluded a three-day visit to India on Friday, also warned that any delay in the timely intervention on its part would lead to the UN system being obsolete.

Maldives along with the Jordan and Qatar among Muslim nations had earlier called for an emergency session of the UN Human Rights Council, which also has Libya as a member.

Stressing on the sense of urgency that the situation in Libya warrants he said: “Libya should be suspended from human rights commission and the crimes against its people should be investigated”.

“It should be done now. There is no point doing it a month later. Like this the UN system will become obsolete,” President Nasheed said.

“A month later we will be giving figures so many people have killed but we should go there and stop these killings,” he said. President Nasheed said maintaining that “world listens to India” prodded New Delhi to think of taking lead for a having a peace keeping force in Libya.

“Such moments come once in two life times”, Nasheed, who brought an end to the 30-year old of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in 2008 said.

The president said that the India-Pakistan differences have affected the potential of the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and hoped that the two countries could resolve issues amicably. Maldives hosts this year’s SAARC summit.

But in what would make New Delhi happy, he struck right chords while answering a question on China’s ambitions in the Indian Ocean region. “Maintaining balance in the Indian Ocean is very important. There is not enough room in the Indian Ocean for other non-traditional friends,” he said.

“We are not receptive to any installation, military or otherwise in the Indian Ocean, specially from un-traditional friends,” he said.

Profile: Hosni Mubarak

2011-02-18T08:45:00.001+05:00

Egypt's 82-year-old President Hosni Mubarak was in power for almost 30 years until he was swept from power in a wave of mass protests.Mubarak became Egypt's fourth president after the killing of Anwar Sadat.

Few expected that the little-known vice-president who was elevated to the presidency in the wake of Anwar Sadat's 1981 assassination would hold on to the country's top job for so long.

Mr Sadat was assassinated by Islamist militants at a military parade in Cairo, and Mr Mubarak was lucky to escape the shots as he sat next to him.

Since then, he has survived at least six assassination attempts - the narrowest escape shortly after his arrival in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, in 1995 to attend an African summit, when his limousine came under attack.

Besides his knack for dodging bullets, the former air force commander has also managed to keep a hold on power by positioning himself as a trusted Western ally and fighting off a powerful opposition movement at home.

But with domestic unrest, his regional clout waning, his health failing, and his succession unclear, many questioned how long Mr Mubarak would be able to carry on.

Then in a televised address on 1 February, following mass protests in Cairo and other cities, Mr Mubarak announced he had decided not to stand for re-election in September.

Protests continued and on 10 February he appeared on state television to say he was handing over powers to his vice-president, but would remain as president.

The following day Vice-President Omar Suleiman made a terse announcement saying Mr Mubarak was stepping down and the military's supreme council would run the country.
Early life

Born in 1928 in a small village at Menofya province near Cairo, he insists on keeping his private life out of the public domain.

Married to a half-British graduate of the American University in Cairo, Suzanne Mubarak, and with two sons, Gamal and Alaa, the Egyptian president has been known to lead a strict life with a fixed daily schedule that starts at 0600.

Never a smoker or a drinker, he built himself a reputation as a fit man who leads a healthy life.

In his younger days, close associates often complained of the president's schedule, which began with a workout in the gym or a game of squash.

Muhammad Hosni Sayyid Mubarak was sworn in on 14 October 1981, eight days after the Sadat assassination.

Despite having little popular appeal or international profile at the time, the burly military man used his sponsorship of the issue behind Sadat's killing - peace with Israel - to build up his reputation as an international statesman.
Emergency rule

In effect, Hosni Mubarak ruled as a quasi-military leader when he took power.

For his entire period in office, he kept the country under emergency law, giving the state sweeping powers of arrest and curbing basic freedoms.

The government argued the draconian regime was necessary to combat Islamist terrorism, which came in waves during the decades of Mr Mubarak's rule - often targeting Egypt's lucrative tourism sector.

He presided over a period of domestic stability and economic development that meant most of his fellow countrymen accepted his monopolisation of power in Egypt.

In recent years, Mr Mubarak felt for the first time the pressure to encourage democracy, both from within Egypt, and from his most powerful ally, the United States.

Many supporters of reform doubted the veteran ruler's sincerity when he said he was all for opening up the political process.

Leading up to his declaration not to stand again for the presidency, the US had heaped pressure on him to stand aside, calling for an "orderly transition" of power to a more democratic system.

Mr Mubarak won three elections unopposed since 1981, but for his fourth contest in 2005 - after a firm push from the US - he changed the system to allow rival candidates.

Critics said the election was heavily weighted in favour of Mr Mubarak and the National Democratic Party (NDP). They accused the Egyptian leader of presiding over a sustained campaign of suppressing opposition groups, most notably the Muslim Brotherhood.

The length of his tenure, along with his age and possible successors, had all been sensitive subjects in Egypt until January and February's mass protests allowed the Egyptian people to find a voice.

People around Mr Mubarak say his health and vigour belie his age - although a couple of recent health scares have been a reminder of his mortality.

Rumours about the president's health gathered pace when he travelled to Germany in March 2010 for gall bladder surgery. They flared every time he missed a key gathering or disappeared from the media spotlight for any conspicuous length of time.

However much Egyptian officials tried to deny them, they kept circulating, with reports in the Israeli and pan-Arab media.

The days of mass protests in Egyptian cities prompted Mr Mubarak to finally name a vice-president. On 29 January, intelligence chief Omar Suleiman was elevated to the role in what was seen as an attempt by Mr Mubarak to bolster his support in the military.

Until then there had been no obvious successor but opposition groups had feared his son, 40-year-old former investment banker Gamal Mubarak, was being groomed for a kind of dynastic inheritance dressed up as a democratic transition.

Gamal insisted he had no ambition to be president, but he had been moving steadily up the ranks of the NDP, becoming a leading advocate of economic and political reform.

Historians point out that every president since the revolution of 1952 has come from the military, and Gamal's civilian credentials may have given him trouble in gaining the support of that important constituency.

In the past, Mr Mubarak had said he would continue to serve Egypt until his last breath. In his speech on 1 February, he said: "This dear nation... is where I lived, I fought for it and defended its soil, sovereignty and interests. On its soil I will die. History will judge me like it did others."

Living in internal exile in his villa at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, he will have to find some other way to serve his country than as president.

Clearford signs $40M sewer servicing contract in Maldives

2011-02-01T13:29:00.000+05:00

Clearford Industries Inc. (TSX-V:CLI) will undertake a major $40-million upgrade of the sewage system in the Republic of Maldives, a previously identified priority area for international business development.

The Ottawa-based water management system provider aims to partner with the government-owned Upper South Utilities Ltd. to improve the infrastructure and groundwater on 15 of the 1,000 islands, which lie just southwest of India. Clearford said there are only 12 islands with sanitary sewers right now.

Under the terms of the contract, the government of the Maldives will pay back Clearford over a 20-year period.

"The islands are coral and sand structures with a very porous nature, and as a result the ground water on the unserviced islands is often contaminated by onsite disposal of human sewage," Clearford stated.

"Due to this circumstance, residents on many of the islands rely upon both rainwater harvesting and commercially available bottled water as their sources of drinking and cooking water."

Clearford and USUL will work together for six months towards gaining financing, as well as creating a design and working on the implementation of the system.

Earlier in January, Clearford announced a $150,000 contract to install its patented Small Bore Sewer System, which can clean up even small amounts of water, in a community near Orillia.

In its third-quarter results released Nov. 26, Clearford saw its net loss widen to $530,038 or $0.01 per share from $466,968 or $0.02 last year.

About Clearford Industries Inc.

Clearford Industries Inc is the developer of the patented Small Bore Sewer ™ (SBS™), a watertight small diameter wastewater collection system that provides servicing with superior operational and environmental performance at a significantly lower cost when compared to historic gravity sewers. With the SBS™ as the enabling technology, Clearford delivers, on a global basis, turnkey, fixed-price wastewater collection, treatment, and energy generation solutions that are ideally suited for:

* water-scarce regions,
* those with unreliable water distribution networks,
* existing communities requiring servicing, whether or not they currently have on-site sanitary disposal systems, and
* new developments seeking a greener approach to water and wastewater management.

5 judges elected for the High Court bench

2011-01-23T11:43:00.003+05:00

The five judges elected for High Court bench of Maldives are as follows.

1. Uz. Shuaib Hussain Zakariyya

2. Dr. Azmiralda Zahir

3. Uz. Abdul Gafoor Ibrahim

4. Uz. Abbas Shareef

5. Uz. Ali Sameer

Except Dr. Azmiraldo all the other judges were elected unanimously. 9 members of Judical Service Commission (JSC) attended the meeting to elect High Court bench.

The following members of JSC attended meeting

1. Uz. Adam Mohamed Abdulla

2. Dr. Afrashim Ali (represent MPs)

3. Abdulla Shahid (Speaker of Majlis)

4. Uz. Abdula Ghanee Mohamed

5. Abdulla Didi

6. Sh. Shuaib Abdul Rahman

7. Mohamed Fahmee Hassan ( Commissioner of Civil Service)

8. Dr. Ahmed Ali Sawad

9. Uz. Ahmed Rasheed

Sheik Shuaib Abdul Rahman didnt vote in favour of Dr. Azmiralda. His reason for not voting was that any of the four sects of Islam do not permit a woman to conduct trials in all types of cases,” the JSC said.

President’s member to JSC and the controversial member Aishath Velezinee was absent for the meeting.

Couple Sarah Harding and Tom Crane celebrating their engagement in the Maldives lovely beach

2011-01-22T23:50:00.004+05:00

They announced their plans to wed earlier this month, after four years together.

And now photographs of Sarah Harding and Tom Crane celebrating their engagement in the Maldives have emerged.

The couple are seen beaming with happiness as they walk along the beach at the five-star private resort of Velassaru in the Maldives, where Tom got down on one knee and asked Sarah to be his wife

Tom is thought to have brought Sarah's beautiful sapphire and diamond engagement ring weeks before their January break and secretly stowed it in his luggage before the pair flew out to the Indian Ocean island.

And Sarah was clearly delighted and immediately said 'yes' to Tom's proposal during the romantic getaway on the 21-acre island, situated in the quiet South Male Atoll.

Tom took to his Twitter page to spread the happy news, declaring: 'A late happy new year to you all...I feel like the luckiest man in the world!!!'

Shortly after the announcement, he happily responded to all the good wishes from fans of his girlfriend, saying: '@sarahaddicts thanks for all your support ladies. Happy New Year!'

Tom and Sarah stayed in the resort's Pool Villa, which boasted it's own private swimming pool, dining area, outdoor shower and decked veranda, and were also given the use of their own private butler.

The couple have been dating since June 2007 but briefly split in 2008.

However, they reunited, and have since grown closer than ever since going into business together - Tom is the resident DJ at Sarah's London nightclub Kanaloa - and setting up home last year.

Tom has previously said: 'I know the kind of ring Sarah wants.

'I want an old-fashioned English wedding. I want the top and tails, more subtle than a celebrity wedding.'

And Sarah recently revealed she is going to take inspiration from her Girls Aloud bandmate Cheryl Cole in what to wear on her special day.

When Cheryl married now ex-husband Ashley in 2006, she wore a £110,000 Roberto Cavalli dress, which featured a corseted, diamante-encrusted top and fitted fishtail skirt.

Sarah told OK! magazine: 'I loved Cheryl’s gown, it was gorgeous. I think I’d like a nice vintage dress. I’d like something fitted then I’d change into another dress afterwards.

'Sometimes you have to suffer for fashion, and I’d say Cheryl suffered on her wedding day in that tight dress.'

Government to Link Madaveli and Hoadedhdhoo

2011-01-22T11:43:00.001+05:00

President Mohamed Nasheed has announced that the government would this year begin building a causeway between Madaveli and Hoadedhdhoo of South Huvadhu Atoll which are separated by a shallow lagoon.

Speaking in Madaveli, the first leg of the tour of Huvadhu Atoll he began this morning, the President said the government’s intention was to combine the development of both islands.

He said, as both islands were being linked, it would be necessary to reclaim more land, increase commercial activity, and build a large harbour to foster the development of both islands.

In addition, he said, as part of the programme to link both islands, the government intended to establish combined electricity and water grids on both islands.

Highlighting, specific programmes planned for Madaveli, he stated that the government would this year commence laying the island’s sewerage system, and the island’s health centre would be upgraded to a telemedicine centre.

He also detailed the government’s achievements in delivering its pledges in Madaveli.

http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/Index.aspx?lid=11&dcid=4539

President inaugurates Dhiffushi harbour project

2011-01-21T13:19:00.003+05:00

President Mohamed Nasheed yesterday inaugurated the harbour construction project of Kaaf atoll Dhiffushi.

Addressing the people of Dhiffushi after inaugurating the project, the president underscored that the government’s policy was to develop harbours as commercial centres that would foster development and connectivity of the country.

In this regard, the president said the government’s aim for Dhiffushi was also to develop the island’s harbour as a commercial centre that would facilitate the island’s as well as the region’s development.

Speaking on how the government’s achievements in delivering its pledges benefit the island, President Nasheed said 146 of the island’s residents were insured under Madhana social health insurance scheme, while a total of 46 residents received Rf2000 per month as the old age pension initiated by the government.

In addition, he said 1588 passengers have begun their journey in Dhiffushi, and 1701 passengers have ended their journey in the island using the government’s new transport network.

According to the President’s Office, Dhiffushi harbour will be fitted with a breakwater and a revetment to enhance accessibility and protection of the harbour as part of the Rf21 million harbour construction project t

President inaugurates Dhiffushi harbour project

2011-01-21T13:19:00.001+05:00

International Environmental Award goes to the Maldives

2011-01-21T03:09:00.002+05:00

TUI AG awarded this year’s International Environmental Award to the Maldives.

The winner is the Eco Centre on the Maldives island of Kuramathi in the Rasdhoo atoll. The prize is worth 10,000 euros and this year has been awarded for work in protecting the coral reefs. The Eco Centre, headed by Dr Reinhard Kikinger, has been fully committed for more than 10 years to protecting the coral reefs in the Maldives. Coral reefs are one of the world’s most biodiverse systems, but at the same time are also one of the most sensitive ecosystems. The International Environmental Award was granted today in the presence of the President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed.

"Water pollution and over exploitation through tourism can lead to irreparable damage. The compelling concept of the Kuramathi Eco Centre for bringing nature conservation and tourism into harmony is based on research, the sustainable use of resources and the raising of public awareness, which are performed in cooperation with TUI and the local population. From the very beginning TUI was involved in the commitment of the research centre as an important partner playing a catalytic role. A project currently being undertaken is the production of a computer animated short film for tourists highlighting sustainable behaviour in coral reefs. Several times a week video presentations are shown revealing the coral reefs habitat. On top of that are microscopic demonstrations which provide tourists with an insight into concealed worlds. And guided snorkelling safaris reveal the beauty of and also the threats facing the underwater world. Moreover, the Eco Centre cooperates with the school on the neighbouring island of Rasdhoo," TUI informed.

Following the coral bleach after the el Niño, Ali Norordeen, Director of Universal Resorts, founded the Eco Centre in 1999. His aim was to explain the fragile eco system in the Maldives and help to protect it by informing and educating the Tourists.

India's IndiGo to start offering international flights

2011-01-20T11:05:00.002+05:00

Come August, Indian budget airline IndiGo will start flying daily to Bangkok, Singapore and Dubai from Mumbai and New Delhi, and Muscat from Mumbai.

The five-year-old airline based in Gurgaon and run by InterGlobe General Aviation Pvt. Ltd is India’s second largest airline with a market share of 18.6 percent and currently offers 221 daily flights connecting 24 destinations.

The new international routes are set to commence in August with plans to expand its route offerings to include the Maldives, Kathmandu, Jeddah, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

Commenting on the grant of the international traffic rights, a company statement said:

"This will hasten the process of Indian carriers taking back some of the market share that has been lost over the past many decades to foreign carriers. At the same time, this will allow airport operators in India to benefit from the significant investments they have made in developing the airport infrastructure necessary to meet the growing needs of the travelling public."

The company recently made history by placing an order for 180 A-320s worth US$15 billion, expected to be delivered between 2016 and 2025.

150 of the fleet will belong to the eco-efficient 'neo' series, which Rahul Bhatia, group managing director of InterGlobe Enterprises that runs IndiGo, and Rakesh Gangwal, its co-founder says "will allow IndiGo to continue to offer low fares."

No word yet on pricing but fares are likely be pegged competitively to those offered by Malaysian carrier AirAsia.

A check on AirAsia's website shows all-inclusive one-way fares from Singapore to Mumbai for S$139 (Rs 921/3,299 baht), and to New Delhi from S$180 (Rs 6,373/4,272 baht) during the month of August.

Gayoom seeking a comeback in Maldives?

2011-01-19T13:51:00.002+05:00

Is former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom reviewing his political options for the future in the light of the inevitable mid-term crises facing the MDP Government of his successor, Mohammed Nasheed? The question has acquired significance in the light of Gayoom returning from a Malaysian holiday earlier than expected, to spearhead the campaign of the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) for the local council polls due in February.

Proving critics wrong, Gayoom had made an honourable exit after 30-long years of controversial rule when Nasheed as leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) defeated him in the run-off presidential polls in 2008. The change-over came with an understanding that the new Government would allow him to retire in honour with protection against legal action for alleged wrong-doings while in power. The MDP campaign had centered on human rights violations under the Gayoom regime, and Nasheed himself was designated 'Prisoner of Conscience' by Amnesty International.

Hiccups in the implementation of the agreement apart, there was nothing to suggest in the interim that Gayoom would consider throwing his hat into the ring. This was so, despite the fact that Gayoom had handed over the reins of the party to his vice-presidential running-mate, Thasmeen Ali. He however agreed to remain as the 'Supreme Leader' of the party, in what was considered a sinecure position with no real responsibility or authority. Not any more, or so it now seems.

To its credit, the Government has introduced ferry services among various islands, which was a long-felt need, granting a monthly pension of Rf 2000 per month for all citizens above 65 years - thus bringing in an additional monthly income of Rf 4000 for a family with elderly parents -- and offering Rf 1,000 scholarship for out-station students studying in schools in important islands where alone the facility is available, and housing for the poor, with help from countries like India. Though the world over President Nasheed is acknowledged as possibly the only Head of State with 'environmental conscience', there is nothing to suggest that it has percolated down the line in his own country, in terms of additional vote-share. However, the MDP can now hope to offset some of the inevitable anti-incumbency loss after Budget-2011, presented in December, restored the salaries of Government employees. No one is talking any more about reducing the staff strength, considering in particular that over 10 per cent of the 350,000-population holds a Government job and their family members would account for half the electorate.

Interestingly, before President Nasheedhad completed his second year in office, various segments in the Opposition already talking about nominees and aspirants for the elections that are due only in 2013. Even the MDP was seen as looking at options for the party's agenda and a running-mate for the incumbent, though no one was even thinking about a replacement. It is another matter that President Nasheed was among those instrumental in introducing primaries for the MDP to choose its nominee for Elections-2008. As things stand, he is likely to carry the party with him as and when he seeks re-election.

A new-comer to the DRP after he had contested the 2008 presidential polls against Gayoom, Naseer had left the 'Islamic fundamentalist party' that he had founded, to join the DRP, after scoring only 1.5 per cent of the popular vote. Gayoom is now being seen increasingly in Naseer's company, with his return from Malaysia announced by the latter. Gayoom and Naseer may have also embarrassed the Thasmeen leadership when the sacked leader was present at the DRP reception for the former President on his arrival in Maldives. Naseer has since accompanied Gayoom in his campaign rallies whereas Thasmeen is seen as going in 'another direction'. The question remains: How far will the visibly-ageing septuagenarian Gayoom go in his purported but unconfirmed re-entry into active politics all over again? The DRP itself may be divided on this score, the party anyway having to look at a successor to Gayoom at one level, and at the same time have a 'winnable candidate' on hand. Ahead of Gayoom's current moves, there were reports of his half-brother and People's Alliance founder Abdullah Yameen might rejoin the DRP to be projected as its presidential candidate. There were also rumours that the party may require a Gayoom family member, possibly his daughter Duniya Maumoon, as the running-mate for Thasmeen Ali. Whether President Nasheed and his campaign managers could count on flogging a 'decided issue' and unbinding the super-structures of the time is a question that the voters would be asking themselves at the time - and also provide the answer.

Maldives is a experiencing a new tax System.

2011-01-19T13:37:00.003+05:00

18th January 2011- published the Business Profit Tax bill which was passed by parliament on 30th December 2010. All the business in Maldives will have to pay a 15% profit tax starting from July 18th 2011 which is six months from today.

Maldives is a experiencing a new tax regime. A value added tax by the name of T-GST is in place from 1st January 2011. Each tourism related enterprise have to pay 3.5% as T-GTS. In addition the new pension scheme required employers to pay atleast 7% of the basic pay as pension. A total of 14% of staff salary has to go to the new Pension Authority. It includes foreign workers in Maldives too.

The idea behind profit tax was once it is in place import duty will be abolished. The government has also decided to charge 30% less on goods imported into the country through Addu Port and Kulhudufushi Port. Reports are coming that many companies importing cigerette into the country has found out this hole and importing tobacco via these two ports to avoid paying in millions as tax.

In addition to above mentioned taxes the government also charges USD 8 per sqaure feet if the total rental of the island is less than USD1 per year. Passengers into Maldives will have to pay USD 26 once GMR the Indian company commences charging air development charge. Currently each passenger pays USD18 as service charge. The baggage charge at Male Airport has already increased from 3 to USD10.

Maldives already confirmed their tenancy in new Commonwealth office in Geneva

2011-01-18T01:47:00.000+05:00

The Commonwealth Secretariat Monday announced the opening of its new office for its small states in the Swiss city of Geneva.The Commonwealth Small States Office will provide subsidised office space for diplomatic missions of Commonwealth small states, as well as a business centre for tenants and visiting small states delegations attending multilateral meetings in Geneva.Maldives, The Bahamas, Solomon Islands, the Organisation for Eastern Caribbean States and Seychelles have already confirmed their tenancy in the new office.
Speaking on the occasion ,the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma, said: “We are delighted to open this new office to assist our small states that could not otherwise afford the full cost of a Permanent Mission in Geneva.The office will allow these countries to establish a diplomatic presence in the region for bilateral accreditation in Europe and to the many multilateral organisations in Geneva.
It will also act as a global hub for small states to work with other countries on issues such as trade, private investment, human rights, health and labour.”
At the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala, Uganda, leaders asked the Secretariat to explore the possibility of establishing an office in Geneva. Before the establishment of the office, The Bahamas, Solomon Islands and Seychelles did not have any offices in Geneva.
According to the announcement, the Geneva office can also be used by Commonwealth Secretariat staff and experts assisting member states in areas of work that take place in Geneva, including trade, human rights, health and labour.
Member states that take up tenancy at the new office will also have access to a resident technical expert on trade and human rights, provided at no extra cost by the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The American-born actress and fashion designer known professionally as LisaRaye travel plans confirmed to visit Maldives.

2011-01-17T12:26:00.003+05:00

The American-born actress and fashion designer known professionally as LisaRaye travel plans confirmed to visit Maldives.

Work-travel plans confirmed. Back in India from Feb 4th onwards...this time planning a trip to Maldives and Bhutan after work's in the bag.

Maldives grants full freedom to Islamic scholars, says President

2011-01-17T11:59:00.001+05:00

President Mohamed Nasheed has claimed that no other country in the global Muslim community “grants more freedom to Islamic scholars than in the Maldives.’’

Nasheed said there was no other country in the Islamic community aside than the Maldives where Islamic scholars can say whatever they want.

“No other country in the Islamic world allows scholars to preach the way they do in the Maldives,’’ Nasheed said. “Our goal was to give scholars the freedom to deliver their good religious advice, and to give the opportunity for them to provide council freely.’’

Nasheed noted that Islam had been a way of life in the Maldives for more than 1000 years.

“There is no other country that has continued Islamic Shariah, Islamic principles and Islamic culture for such a long time, other than the Maldives,’’ said Nasheed.

Meanwhile, local media have reported opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali as alleging that the current government was intending “to wipe out Islam in the Maldives.”

Thasmeen reportedly claimed that the government had demolished the only Arab medium school in the Maldives “to build 1000 flats.”

”After pledging to built flats, this government decides to demolish the only Arabic medium school in the Maldives,” said Thasmeen. ”this proves that the current government is trying to weaken the religion of Islam which has been here for a long time.”

PwC: Taxes are easier to pay despite downturn

2011-01-15T12:30:00.000+05:00

Paying Taxes 2011, a new report launched by PwC, the World Bank, and the International Finance Corporation has some interesting findings and some much needed good news for countries battered by the recession. The report, which looks at 183 economies, found that 40 economies have made it easier to pay taxes in the last year.

The study also showed taxes on company profits dropped each year because governments have reduced corporate tax rates trying to encourage business investment and stimulate growth. Easing compliance is also important for business and there is potential for more emphasis here.

Some countries worth mentioning include South Africa where the decrease in the corporate income tax rate and the abolishment of smaller business taxes showed a decrease of 7.6% . Overall the Maldives scored first place in the survey.

With budget cuts, it is clear tax revenues are a sustainable source of financing for developing countries such as South Africa, as opposed to debt or aid. Tax rates tend to be higher and the compliance burden more stringent in developing countries.

Ferry service between Maldives and other SAARC countries

2011-01-14T22:41:00.000+05:00

The Maldivian government said that it would connect neighbouring countries including Sri Lanka and India to its growing ferry transport network, the Minivan News reported.

Quoting Minister for Transport and Communication Adhil Saleem it said “the government was engaged in discussions with South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to add its member countries to the Maldives Transportation Network, under phase two of the rollout of its ferry network.”

It was reported that there is currently no scheduled passenger ferry service operating between the Maldives and other SAARC countries, with travellers often forced to fly to their destinations in the Maldives. Minivan News understands that domestically all provinces have at least a skeletal ferry service in place, while the ministry’s statistics show that the new ferry transportation network had completed over 311,000 ferry trips since it began operation last year.

Taj group to open 43 new hotels in 4 years including Maldives

2011-01-13T20:40:00.001+05:00

Indian Hotels Company that owns the Taj brand of luxury hotels, said on Thursday it will open 43 new properties in the next four years.

“We have a project pipeline of 43 properties across our brands. Timeline for the same is 36-48 months,” managing director and chief executive of the company Raymond Bickson told reporters on the sidelines of an international summit organised by the Hotel Investment Forum India here today.

These proposed 43 properties will have 10,000 to 12,000 rooms, headded.

On the location of the proposed properties, he said, “The majority of these additions will be within the country. We have planned growth for the Ginger, Gateway, Vivanta and Taj brands. But outside the country, it will be just with the Taj brand.”

The Tata Group company owns and runs six brands of hotels in the luxury, premium, mid-market and value segments.

The Taj brand with its iconic property being the Taj Hotel and Palace in south Mumbai is the flagship of the group; the resort and spa brand Taj Exotica; Taj Safaris are wildlife lodges; Vivanta by Taj come in the premium hotels & resorts segment; The Gateway Hotel operates the upscale/mid-market full service hotels and resorts and last is the economy brand Ginger.

Taj group has 66 hotels in 42 locations across the country with an additional 16 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, Britain, the US, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East, according the information posted on the company website.

Bickson further informed that the company is chalking out plans to add 1200 to 2,000 rooms this year across the world.

On the occupancy, he said, the hotels have seen 15-20% rise in occupancy in the quarter ended December, adding average rentals have reached the pre-crisis levels.

On the plans to hive-off its overseas properties and bring them under one single entity, Bickson said, the plan would take a few years.

The company is also looking at various options to raise funds, he said but declined to elaborate. On his outlook for 2011, he said he sees growth across all its properties, but the emphasis would be on expanding its budget brand Ginger.

Bickson also said the company plans to increase the number of Ginger properties to 150-200 this decade from 30 at present

President Mohamed Nasheed launches the work of Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo harbour construction project and the island’s sewerage system.

2011-01-13T13:39:00.002+05:00

Addressing the people of the island after inaugurating the projects, the president reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deliver its pledges.

He said delivering the government’s election pledges was one of the most important steps towards the development of the country. The president further said the government’s pledges, and subsequent development policies, were formulated after comprehensive consultation and discussion with people of all the islands in the country.

Speaking in this regard, the president underscored the government’s success in delivering its pledges especially in Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo.

President Nasheed revealed that the government has a programme in the national budget for 2011, passed by the parliament, to establish an institution specialized in teaching law in Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo. He expressed confidence of beginning the work of establishing the institution soon.

As part of his tour to the southern atolls, the president last evening hosted a workshop on implementing programmes included in this year’s national budget in Hithadhoo.

Gayoom to begin Local Council campaign trips today

2011-01-13T09:39:00.003+05:00

Opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) Supreme Leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom will begin his campaign trips to the atolls to gain support for the candidates competing in the local council election scheduled for February 5.

DRP Deputy Leader Ilham Ahmed said Gayoom will first visit Kaaf atoll Guraidhoo this evening in order to hold a ceremony in the island and will return to Male tonight.

“Haa Dhaal atoll Kulhudhuffushi is next on plan. On his visits, he will meet with the citizens and hold ceremonies. The main aim of the trip is to gain support for the DRP candidates,” he said.

Gayoom will visit Kulhudhuffushi on January 14, Haa Alif atoll Vashafaru on January 15, Meem atoll Mulaku and Dhiggaru on January 17, Faaf atoll Nilandhoo on January 18, and Addu Atoll and Fuvammulah on January 21.

The campaign team will also visit Laam atoll Fonadhoo on January 28 and Gaaf Alif atoll Villingilli on January 29.

Gemanafushi MP Ilham said the campaign team might also visit nearby islands.

“Moreover he will also meet with members in an attempt to increase the number of [party] members. After returning to Male he will hold a rally on the third of next month,” he said.

Asked if Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali will participate in the trip, Ilham said members of all the elements of the party were invited and added that he hopes to see Thasmeen participating in some of the visits.

Ousted Deputy Leader Umar Naseer will also address the party’s supporters on the speeches during the ceremonies.

Ilham further noted that MPs, council members and well-wishers are among those who funded the visit.

“DRP didn’t even spend 50 laari for the trip. People in the atolls and well-wishers are funding the trip. Some have spent Rf10,000 and Rf15,000 for the trip,” he said.

SAARC countries to participate in National Youth Festival

2011-01-12T10:52:00.001+05:00

About 5,000 youths from across the eight SAARC countries will participate in the National Youth Festival, which begins today.

Vice President Hamid Ansari will inaugurate the five-day mega event in a grand opening function to be held at Maharana Bhupal stadium in Gandhi Ground, officials said.

Nearly 5,000 youths from India, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal will take part in the festival, which is organised every year by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to propagate the concept of national integration, spirit of communal harmony, courage, brotherhood and adventure among the youngsters, they said.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot will also be present at the inaugural function.

Besides Gandhi Ground, the event will be held at Shilp Gram, College of Engineering and Technology, M L Sukhadia university, M G college, B N college and Town Hall.

main opposition party DRP forms 8 member advisory panel

2011-01-12T10:31:00.000+05:00

Opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) today announced an eight-member advisory panel in a move to strengthen the party and provide technical assistance in holding the government accountable.

Speaking at the ceremony held this morning at Nasandura Palace Hotel to inaugurate the panel, Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali highlighted the importance of utilising technical expertise in outlining the details of the manifesto.

Thasmeen stressed that the inauguration of the advisory panel opens a new chapter in the party’s history where it would get technical assistance of experts. He also acknowledged the need to strengthen its works in order to carry out its responsibilities and remain as a strong political party.

The panel consists of Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Lecturer Dr Mohamed Saud who serves as Advisor on Human Resources, General Surgeon at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) Dr Mohamed Solih as Advisor on Health Services, former Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) Board Director Thoriq Ibrahim as Advisor on Construction and Infrastructure, former Deputy Tourism Minister Abdul Hameed Zakariya as Advisor on Foreign Services.

Former Television Maldives (TVM) CEO Ali Halid serves as Advisor on Media and Communication, former Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) Managing Director Ibrahim Athif Shakoor as Advisor on Public Enterprises, former Assistant Police Commissioner Abdulla Riyaz as Advisor on Law and Order, and Lecturer at Faculty of Education/Maldives College of Higher Education (MCHE) Muhsina Mohamed as Advisor on School Education.

Thasmeen admitted that the party weakened after the defeat in the 2008 presidential election but said it was able to remain as a strong opposition party because of the technical experts in the party who have different opinions and skills.

The DRP Leader reiterated that the public’s hopes are linked to the party’s works. The party in its capacity as the main opposition party is responsible to hold the government accountable, he added.

Noting that only DRP is capable of defeating the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in the upcoming elections, Thasmeen said the party should prepare for the 2013 presidential election in a responsible manner.

“The responsibilities have increased as the current government does not listen to the people, does not accept the norms, and does not respect the laws and regulations. In order to produce a positive outcome we have huge challenges ahead,” he said.

Thasmeen said the party would need its technical experts to assist the councillors. The party is also working on creating a “policy think-tank” aimed at the intellectuals within the party, he added.

“I would like to inform to you that a policy think-tank comprising of several intellectual youths will be formed and announced soon. This is also part of our efforts to get the involvement of experts in our party,” he said.

Thasmeen noted that the think-tank would lay a foundation for people who are not DRP members to work according to the philosophies of the party. He further assured that DRP is open for everyone to serve in areas such as religion, politics, economy, and social issues.

Development to speed up under new budget: President Nasheed

2011-01-03T13:43:00.001+05:00

The passing of the 2011 state budget will allow for much faster development of infrastructure projects across the Maldives, President Mohamed Nasheed has said, as street protests by NGOs, civil servants and private citizens took place last week over concerns about the finance plan.

Miadhu reported that the president used his radio address on Friday to claim that the country’s finances for 2011 represented “a different type of budget” following multi-party consultation. Nasheed also said that he was hopeful the “objectives” of this year’s budget could all be achieved by 2012.

Miadhu reported that the budget has been said to be designed for the first time around various government programmes mandated by the Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) own manifesto.

“As the budget is implemented, it will show how much we achieve or how much we fail to achieve,” Nasheed was quoted as saying in the paper’s online edition. “The budget is based on programmes, which are government pledges. The budget’s objective is to fulfil those pledges.”

On Thursday, hundreds of protestors took to the streets around the Majlis to show their frustration at amendments included within the budget that could lead to increased salaries and other privileges for MPs.

According to the new bill, parliamentarians could receive up to an additional Rf20,000 in their salaries for attending committees, while also being allowed to import vehicles without paying any duty on them. Parliament also approved measures to reinstate the salaries of independent commissions, while failing to address the reduced salaries of civil servants.

Maldives new tourism tax comes into effect

2011-01-03T13:41:00.002+05:00

The New Year has potentially ushered in a new era for the Maldives’ lucrative holiday market as a Tourism Goods and Services Tax today comes into effect placing an additional charge of 3.5 per cent on a host of services supplied by the country’s travel industry.

The new tax is set to be levied on a wide of services; from room rates at resorts, guest houses and liveaboards, to tourist vessel hire and the cost of food and drink, diving schools and domestic transportation.

Speaking this week to the Agence France-Presse (AFP) service, acting Finance Minister Mahmood Razee claimed that the implementation of the new tax represented a government strategy aiming to roll out more direct national funding from Maldivian industries, where operators like resort owners have not previously been required to pay profit or income tax.

“It will gradually be extended to other [business] sectors… to reduce relying on indirect taxes, especially import duties that hurt the poor,” Razee told the AFP.

Mohamed Maleeh Jamal, Secretary General for the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour operators (MATATO), said that as an organisation, it was not against a service tax within the travel market, yet he claimed that concerns existed how the funds would be implemented.

“We as MATATO have concern over the negative impact there may be from the tax on local travel agents in the Maldives, which unlike other travel markets, has no law protecting [domestic] operators,” he told Minivan News. “This can make it hard to be competitive when foreign operators are also working directly with resorts and the industry to obtain strong value.”

Pointing to key travel markets like the UK that have themselves last year instigated amended departure taxes such as an Air Passenger Duty (APD), Jamal said he believed there was international industry concern over the “Maldives becoming a more expensive destination”. He claimd that the taxation developments could hamper the country’s competitiveness against other holiday hotspots.

However, the MATATO Secretary General said that the association did not have issues with the actual figure of 3.5 per cent being added to services in itself and remained positive that MPs would still be able to help try and alleviate some industry concerns over the new tax rates.

“We are hoping we can discuss measures with parliament that will help protect local travel agents,” he said.

With the new rates in place as of today, Jamal said that the industry had already begun working with tax authorities to ensure its members and the wider travel industry understood how to deal with the new system.

“Some of our [travel] agencies have not quite been clear on how the tax works,” he said. “It takes time to become familiarised with such a new system.”

In looking back, 2010 had be seen as providing a positive turnaround in visitor figures.

Official statistics from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture released in November reported year-on-year visitor growth of 21.8 for the first ten months of the year.

Between January to October 2010, the official ministry figures showed that 63.3 percent of visitors to the Maldives came from European markets. Asia Pacific territories contributed 32.3 percent of overall travel demand to the country during the same period.

Publication of the figures followed a period of turbulence for the tourism industry towards the end of the year generated by media coverage of a video recording of a ‘false wedding’ conducted at the Vilu Reef Resort and Spa. Footage leaked onto video sharing sites like Youtube depicted some staff members mocking a Swiss couple in the local dialect of Dhivehi during a vow renewal ceremony being leaked online. The incident garnered both local and international coverage.
Source: minivannews.com

Gayoom denies quitting politics completely

2011-01-03T13:35:00.001+05:00

Opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) Supreme Leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has denied quitting his political career completely.

Asked by journalists whether he is going to return to politics despite announcing his decision to quit politics early last year, Gayoom, who returned to the Maldives last evening from Malaysia said, “I did not say that I was quitting my political career, did I? I am at the post of the Supreme Leader of DRP which is the highest position of the party. So I am obliged, in my capacity as the person who is holding the highest position of the party, to work for the improvement of the party and to unite the party. God willing, I will do whatever is possible for the unity and improvement of the party.”

On January 25, 2010, Gayoom announced that he would not participate in any political activity after leaving the party’s leadership at the congress held in last February.

“What I meant to say was that I would not participate in any extreme political activity where things like criticising each other are common. I will remain in serving the public without being involved in the political turmoil and without criticising anyone,” Gayoom said at the press conference telecasted live from Male International Airport.

Former President Gayoom also said DRP does not have any factions but described the current internal conflicts as disputes.

Asked whether he plans to compete in the 2013 presidential election, Gayoom said the election “is still too far away” and he is focused on winning the local council election, which would be held on February 5.

Journalists also asked Maumoon about his view regarding a party primary to resolve the disputes, which had on one occassion led to violent clashes between supporters of Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali and Deputy Leader Umar Naseer, who was ousted by the party’s Disciplinary Committee.

“What is best is to opt for dialogue in order to find a peaceful and a smooth solution to the disputes. I am trying to unite the party,” he said.

Asked about the reports that Gayoom has withdrawn his support to Leader Thasmeen to compete in the next presidential election, he said, “I do not want to blame anyone.”

“My door is open for any member of DRP.”

Gayoom also reiterated that the Disciplinary Committee’s decision to oust Umar was made against the party’s charter.

Gayoom arrived in Male while DRP was holding a rally in Haa Dhaal atoll Hanimaadoo to officially inaugurate the party’s local council election campaign. Gayoom declined to comment on the matter.

“I was not informed by anyone about it,” he said.

Local media also asked the former president about the accusations that Thasmeen and Parliament Speaker Abdulla Shahid tried to travel to India on a ticket offered by India’s GMR Infrastructure.

Gayoom said he received the report that Thasmeen and Shahid were trying to fly to New Delhi from Colombo and asked Shahid about the report via an SMS.

“He said that they [Thasmeen and Shahid] did not go to [New Delhi] but were in Colombo,” he said.

Hundreds of Gayoom’s supporters were gathered near Jetty No.1 to welcome him. He was greeted with rose petals and an art performance at the area.

Human Resources asks employees to register

2011-01-03T13:31:00.001+05:00

Human Resources Ministry has declared a due date for all private and government employees, both foreign and local, to register at the ministry in order to collect information about the employees working in the Maldives.

A ministry official said today that employees working in all sectors of Maldives must register before January 31 to compile an employees’ registry.

“Information about employees working in Maldives has not been collected yet. The registry will contain everyone that is entitled to a salary. The information will be collected in coordination with Planning [Ministry] and shared with Pension Administration Department,” the official said.

The ministry said the registry will enable the ministry to protect the rights of both employees and employers and to provide quality and swift government services.

According to Human Resources Ministry, expatriate workers are now working in the most basic occupations to the most expert occupations.

“We get complaints that jobs are announced specifically for foreigners. We face a lot of difficulties because we have no collected information to refer to,” the official said.

The official also noted that the registry will enable the ministry to reduce the number of foreign workers and increase the number of available job opportunities for locals.

The registration form is available from Human Resources Ministry and Province Offices. A copy is also available for download from the ministry website.

world’s most expensive football player Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo in Maldives

2010-12-25T11:55:00.002+05:00

world’s most expensive football player Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo just arrived Maldives with his girlfriend top model Irina Shaykhlislamova.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his girlfriend Irina Shaykhislamova are staying on a private island “The Rania Experience” in faafu atoll.

The Resort “The Rania Experience” is totally private and has his own Yacht. The Private Residence Island is completely hidden from the outside world.

Rates for the Rania Experience in the Maldives start at $ 66,500.00 a week. For that Price,you get Luxurious accommodations, Access to a yacht, a private chef and a personal butler.Cristiano Ronaldo on a the most expensive and private resort of the Maldives.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjhhKswIay8

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=440347102255&set=a.132208827255.120107.522882255

WikiLeaks cables: US keeps Uzbekistan president onside to protect supply line

2010-12-13T16:17:00.001+05:00

Leaked dispatches reveal need to maintain supply route in state riddled with organised crime, forced labour and torture

The post-Soviet state of Uzbekistan is a nightmarish world of "rampant corruption", organised crime, forced labour in the cotton fields, and torture, according to the leaked cables.

But the secret dispatches released by WikiLeaks reveal that the US tries to keep President Islam Karimov sweet because he allows a crucial US military supply line to run into Afghanistan, known as the northern distribution network (NDN).

Many dispatches focus on the behaviour of Karimov's glamorous and highly controversial daughter Gulnara, who is bluntly described by them as "the single most hated person in the country".

She allegedly bullied her way into gaining a slice of virtually every lucrative business in the central Asian state and is viewed, they say, as a "robber baron". Granted diplomatic status by her father, Gulnara allegedly lives much of the time in Geneva, where her holding company, Zeromax, was registered at the time, or in Spain.

She also sings pop songs, designs jewellery and is listed as a professor at Tashkent's University of World Economy and Diplomacy.

The British ambassador in Tashkent, Rupert Joy, was criticised by human rights groups in October when he helped boost Gulnara's image by appearing with her on a fashion show platform.

But the US secret cables go some way towards explaining western ambivalence. They detail how the dictatorial president recently flew into a rage because the US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, presented a Women of Courage award in Washington to a newly released Uzbek human rights campaigner, Mutabar Tadjibayeva.

Karimov's displeasure was conveyed in "icy tones", which alarmed the embassy: "We have a number of important issues on the table right now, including the Afghanistan transit (NDN) framework."

On 18 March 2009, the US ambassador, Richard Norland, submitted to a personal tongue-lashing from Karimov with an "implicit threat to suspend transit of cargo for US forces in Afghanistan via the Northern Distribution Network".

Norland claimed to have calmed Karimov down on that occasion, but warned Washington: "Clearly, pressuring him (especially publicly) could cost us transit."

Gulnara, wryly dubbed the "first daughter" by the diplomats, appeared on the embassy radar in 2004.

Describing trips to sample Tashkent's raucous nightlife, diplomats said she had been spotted at 3am joining her younger sister Lola in a booth surrounded by four large bodyguards.

Lola had arrived in a Porsche Cayenne four-wheel drive – "one of a kind for Tashkent" – and danced all evening with her "thuggish-looking boyfriend" in a club she appeared to own. It served large quantities of imported hard alcohol, the diplomats noted, "which is against the law".

Dispatches over the next five years chronicle Gulnara's extraordinary rise, allegedly making local businesses offers they could not refuse.

US businessmen claimed, for example, that after they rejected Gulnara's offer to take a share in their Skytel mobile phone firm, "the company's frequency has been jammed by an Uzbek government agency".

Gulnara acquired interests in the crude oil contracts of Zeromax in "a deal with [a] local mafia boss", the embassy said. She also got hold of shares in the Coca-Cola bottling franchise after it was subjected to a tax investigation, they claimed.

"Most Uzbeks see Karimova as a greedy, power-hungry individual who uses her father to crush business people or anyone else who stands in her way … She remains the single most hated person in the country."

Neil Livingstone, a Washington businessman closely involved with Zeromax, denied to the Guardian that Gulnara had interests in the company, which has recently had its assets seized in Uzbekistan, following unfavourable publicity alleging corruption by the Karimov family.

He said: "Had we had the relationship with the government or the daughter that was rumoured … we would not now be in serious financial straits. I have never met the president's daughter or even spoken to her."

Gulnara did not respond to requests for comment, sent to her own website and to the Uzbek embassies in both London and Washington, but she has reportedly denied claims that she fully or partly owned Zeromax.

The US diplomats paint a harsh picture of overall life in Uzbekistan, largely corroborating allegations made by the former UK ambassador Craig Murray, who was forced out of his job in 2004 after denouncing the regime.

The US embassy reports there are "close connections between organised crime and the government of Uzbekistan". Both public and private sector jobs are routinely "bought", they say.

WikiLeaks: U.S. proposed setting up intel hub to counter Islamism in Spain

2010-12-12T22:19:00.000+05:00

2007 cables say U.S. and Spanish authorities had identified Catalonia as having a 'large Muslim Population Susceptible to Jihadist Recruitment.'

The U.S. Embassy in Madrid proposed setting up an intelligence hub in the northeastern region of Catalonia to counter a "major center of radical Islamist activity", according to a U.S. cable obtained by WikiLeaks and published on Saturday by the newspaper El Pais.

The cable, dated Oct. 2, 2007, said U.S. and Spanish authorities had identified Catalonia as having a "large Muslim Population Susceptible to Jihadist Recruitment" following increased surveillance after the 2004 Madrid train bombings, which killed 191 people.

"Specifically, we propose that our Consulate General in Barcelona become the platform for a multi-agency, jointly-coordinated counterterrorism, anti-crime, and intelligence center," said the cable, classified secret and apparently authored by then-Ambassador Eduardo Aguirre.

It was not immediately clear whether the center was set up in Barcelona. U.S. Embassy officials in Madrid were not immediately available for comment.

The cable said the inhabitants of the Catalonian capital Barcelona traditionally believed themselves to be culturally different from other Spaniards and the city was now home to many migrants from North Africa and Southeast Asia who felt marginalized.

"Spanish authorities tell us they fear the threat from these atomized immigrant communities prone to radicalism, but they have very little intelligence on or ability to penetrate these groups," the cable added.

Organized Crime

The cable also noted that Catalonia attracted drug-traffickers and money-launderers and was a destination for human trafficking, as well as home to organized crime and money counterfeiters.

"Spain remains the principal entry and trans-shipment zone for the large quantities of South American cocaine, Moroccan cannabis, and Afghan heroin destined for Spanish and European Union consumer markets," it said.

The embassy added that Barcelona, Spain's second city, was also a major port where U.S. security agents worked with port authorities to screen U.S.-bound cargoes.

The cable concluded by saying an inter-agency U.S. team working from its consulate in Barcelona would "help leverage the substantial resources and expertise of Spanish and regional authorities".

"The Spanish political class is gradually waking up to the amorphous threat represented by the nexus of terrorism, crime, and drug trafficking, and would likely look favorably on our proposal," it said.

Wikileaks exposed Iran's weak foreign policies, says opposition

2010-12-12T22:18:00.001+05:00

One of the most significant cables showed that not only Israel was in favor of a military attack to stop Tehran's nuclear program, but also Muslim countries such Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

An Iranian opposition leader said in an interview Sunday that recent U.S. cables released by Wikileaks disclose President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's weak foreign policies and Iran's isolation, even among its neighbors.

"The (Wikileaks) documents disclosed the government's weak foreign policies and the impacts such adventurous policies could have," Mir- Hossein Mousaavi, the leader of Iran's Green Movement, told the opposition website Qalam'e Sabz (Green Pen).

One of the most significant Wikileaks disclosures about Iran was that not only arch-foe Israel was in favor of a military attack against the Islamic state for halting its nuclear program, but also Muslim countries such Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad termed the WikiLeaks documents as worthless and without any legal basis, saying that the documents followed certain political aims and had therefore no impact on Iran's relations with any states.

But Moussavi had a different take.

"The documents showed Iran has not even one real ally in its own neighborhood," Moussavi said.

The former Iranian prime minister, who lost to Ahmadinejad in last year's presidential election, said that the president's "individual shows, political hallucinations and unbalanced remarks" have made Iran vulnerable even in its own region.

Moussavi and other opposition leaders still accuse the government of fraud in the presidential election and have not yet acknowledged Ahmadinejad's re-election.

The opposition further says that Ahmadinejad's foreign policies, including his uncompromising stance in an ongoing dispute about Iran's right to a nuclear program with the world powers and his boisterous rhetoric on global issues, would eventually push Iran into total international isolation.
Ahmadinejad and his government, in return, accuse Moussavi and the opposition to be political mercenaries of the West and sabotaging the country's political and economic progress.

WikiLeaks: Egypt's Mubarak likely to run in 2011

2010-12-12T22:15:00.001+05:00

Leaked cable written by the U.S. ambassador in Cairo says Hosni Mubarak will likely run in and 'inevitably win' the presidential election next year in Egypt.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is likely to run in next year's presidential elections and will "inevitably win," the U.S. Ambassador in Cairo Margaret Scobey wrote in a newly leaked cable.

"Despite incessant whispered discussions, no one in Egypt has any certainty about who will eventually succeed Mubarak, nor under what circumstances," Scobey wrote in the May 2009 cable to Washington, which was leaked to newspapers by WikiLeaks.

The 82-year-old Mubarak, who has ruled for nearly 30 years, has not formally announced his plans for next year's elections or named a vice-president or successor. However, Mubarak has previously vowed to continue serving as Egypt's leader until his "last breath."

Mubarak is "in reasonably good health; his most notable problem is a hearing deficit in his left ear," wrote Scobey.

However, Mubarak's health has been subject to speculation since he went to Germany for an operation earlier this year, reviving debates over the country's future after his reign ends.

Mubarak's son Gamal, who is a top official in the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP), is rumored to be a possible candidate for the post.

"The most likely contender is presidential son Gamal ... Mubarak's ideal of a strong but fair leader would seem to discount Gamal Mubarak to some degree, given Gamal's lack of military experience, and may explain Mubarak's hands-off approach to the succession question," said the cable.

The release of the dispatch comes shortly after opposition figure Mohamed ElBaradei, urged people and opposition to boycott the 2011 presidential vote.

Mubarak's ruling NDP swept the recent elections for the lower house with over 80 per cent of the vote, leaving opposition groups few seats in the 518 member People's Assembly.

Parliamentary elections were seen as an indicator ahead of the presidential vote. Monitors and opposition groups said the election was marred with fraud that favored the ruling party.

ElBaradei, who urged a boycott of the recent parliamentary elections, has voiced his concerns over vote rigging next year.

WikiLeaks: U.S. frustrated by continued Mideast funding of terrorists

2010-12-12T22:13:00.001+05:00

'Donors in Saudi Arabia constitute the most significant source of funding to Sunni terrorist groups worldwide,' according to classified memo.

Top U.S. officials have grown frustrated over the resistance of allies in the Middle East to help shut the financial pipeline of terrorists, the New York Times reported on Sunday, citing secret diplomatic dispatches.

Internal State Department cables, obtained by WikiLeaks and made available to news organizations, indicate that millions of dollars are flowing to extremist groups, including Al-Qaida and the Taliban, despite U.S. vows to cut off such funding.

A classified memo sent by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last December made it clear that residents of Saudi Arabia and its neighbors were the chief supporters of many extremist activities, the newspaper said.

"It has been an ongoing challenge to persuade Saudi officials to treat terrorist financing emanating from Saudi Arabia as a strategic priority," according to the cable cited by the newspaper.

It concluded that "donors in Saudi Arabia constitute the most significant source of funding to Sunni terrorist groups worldwide" and offered similarly critical views about other countries in the region.

The United Arab Emirates was described as having a "strategic gap" that terrorists could exploit, while Qatar was seen as being "the worst in the region" on counterterrorism and Kuwait was dubbed "a key transit point".

The publication of the leaked U.S. embassy cables, which began late last month, has embarrassed Washington as well as foreign governments. Clinton has sharply criticized the leaks but said they will not harm important U.S. alliances.

The cables cited by the Times detailed a long list of methods that suspected terrorists are using to finance their activities, including a bank robbery in Yemen last year, drug activity in Afghanistan and the annual pilgrimages to Mecca.

One memo reported on a possible plot by Iranians to launder 5 billion to 10 billion euros through the UAE banks as part of a broader effort to "stir up trouble" among the Persian Gulf states, the Times said.

The Clinton cable stressed a need to "generate the political will necessary" to block money to terrorist networks -- groups she said were threatening stability in Pakistan and Afghanistan and targeting coalition soldiers, the Times said.

But foreign leaders have resisted U.S. pressure for more aggressive crackdowns on suspected supporters of terrorism, according to the newspaper. In private meetings they have accused U.S. officials of pursuing Arab charities and individuals in a heavy-handed manner and on thin evidence.

Although many State Department cables conclude Al-Qaida generates money almost at will from wealthy individuals and sympathetic groups in the Middle East, they suggest there is little evidence of significant financial support in the United States or Europe for militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"UK financing is important, but the real money is in the Gulf," a senior British counterterrorism official told a U.S. Treasury Department official, according to a cable last year from the U.S. Embassy in London, the Times reported.

Maldives set to graduate from least-developed status

2010-11-29T16:53:00.001+05:00

Bangkok - The Maldives was set to rise from its status as a least-developed country in January with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar expected to follow in its footsteps soon, a senior UN economist said Friday.

The United Nations classifies the world's 49 least-developed countries as those with the lowest personal incomes, poor human resources and the greatest vulnerability to economic trends such as globalization.

Over the past 30 years, only Botswana and Cape Verde have managed to graduate from this status, but more graduates are in the making.

The Maldives would be the next, said Nagesh Kumar, chief economist for the UN's Economic and Social Commission for the Asia-Pacific.

Samoa was also scheduled for graduation next year, but the status change has been postponed until 2014 because of setbacks caused by natural disasters this year, Kumar said.

Most of the world's least-developed countries are in Africa and 15 are in the Asia-Pacific.

Those in Asia have benefited from economic 'connectivity' with their more dynamic neighbours through such frameworks as the free trade agreement implemented by the 10-member Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

'Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, because of the increasing connectivity of the ASEAN countries, are beginning to get into good growth and development, so it should be possible for them to graduate in a few years,' Kumar said. All three countries are members of ASEAN.

Some of the countries neighbouring India, such as Bhutan and Bangladesh, have likewise benefited from India's dramatic growth in recent years, he said.

'Bhutan has been able to grow very fast in the past 10 years because of hydroelectric exports to India,' Kumar said. 'Now Bhutan has an even higher per-capita income than India.'

The UN is to host a conference on setting up a new development architecture for the least-developed countries in May in Istanbul.

Facebook Launches New Friend Browser

2010-11-27T02:15:00.000+05:00

In an effort to help people discover more of their friends, Facebook has updated their find friends browser. The tool, which allows people to find existing friends, has gone through a number of changes in the past few months.

This latest version is clean and is extremely effective at browsing through friends based on various Facebook profile details, including the schools you attended, your hometown, and more. The new tool is currently accessible here. While Facebook previously suggested friends, the model has evolved to enable users to more efficiently discover friends that they already know.

By default the browser shows those individuals who you are most likely to know, most often ranked by mutual friends as well as other factors that aren’t clear. The most significant aspect of this new page is how fast it loads. You simply load it up and can just scroll through indefinitely, browsing through people who you are most likely to know. It’s a pretty slick tool and it’s one that I’m sure many users will find to be useful.

Bagladesh and Maldives deal sand deal in sight

2010-11-24T19:30:00.001+05:00

The government is seriously assessing the potentials of exporting sand to the Maldives as an inter-minister meeting yesterday decided to invite sand importers of Maldives to Bangladesh.

An inter-ministerial meeting held at the land ministry decided to send the invitation through the foreign ministry. The government will step further on this regard after getting specifications of sand quality from them.

At this moment, a bilateral agreement will be required to export sand or earth to a certain country, the meeting discussed. There is no prohibition of exporting sand according to the current Export Policy Order of the commerce ministry.

The government is considering sand as a new potential for export, says a release of the ministry of land yesterday.

Earlier this year, Maldives President Mohammed Nasheed expressed keenness to import sand and earth from Bangladesh as his country would be inundated if the sea level rises by only a metre.

A huge amount of sediment is naturally deposited in Bangladesh from the Himalayas by the river network spread over the country. The quantity of sediment is around one billion cubic metres, which is one of the main reasons the country’s rivers are losing their navigability.

Bangladesh is pushing a huge river project worth over Tk one thousand crore to dredge all major rivers which will bring up huge quantities of sand in the near future.

State Minister for Land Mustafizur Rahman, it’s Secretary Md Mokhlesur Rahman and representatives from energy, power and mineral resources ministry, law ministry, justice and parliamentary affairs ministry and environment and forest ministry were present at the meeting. Land Minister Rezaul Karim Hira presided over the meeting.

Tourist arrivals increase in Maldives

2010-11-24T19:20:00.001+05:00

Tourist arrivals in October 2010 increased by 21.8 percent compared to that of last year.

A ministry statement said 74,707 tourists visited the Maldives in October 2010 while 62,432 visited in October 2009.

Europe still dominates the Maldives tourism market with 407,519 visiting the country from January-October, which accounts for 63.3 percent of the total arrival – a 9.2 percent increase to the European tourist arrivals within the period of last year.

Asia-Pacific follows Europe on the second with 207,736 tourists visiting the Maldives within the 10 months – a 57.5 percent increase to 2009’s amount.

China contributes the highest to the tourist arrivals by October 2010 with 104,148 tourists, which is a 109.7 percent increase to the period of last year. From January-October 2010, 95,586 British tourists visited the Maldives.

Beckhams to spend Christmas with the Ramsays in Maldives.

2010-11-22T13:47:00.003+05:00

David and Victoria Beckham are to spend a sun-soaked Christmas with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and his family in the Maldives.

Ramsay’s wife Tana and Victoria are believed to be firm friends, so much so that Tana leapt at an invite from the fashion designer to share the festive season together.

And with Tana currently stuck in the middle of a row between her parents and Gordon - after he sacked her father as CEO of his company – friends think the break will be just what they need.

A source told the newspaper: 'The last few weeks have been hell for the Ramsays. They just want time away. Gordon, David, Victoria and Tana all get on incredibly well.'

The two families spent last Christmas together at the Beckham's home in Hertfordshire.

Facebook's email gives us a new way to chat - but are we reaching overload?

2010-11-21T16:28:00.002+05:00

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced that his company is to launch a new email messaging system. Photograph: Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP

It is the human issues the new system raises, not its technical challenges, that should concern us, writes Richard Harper

One of my boys has his birthday this weekend. Even if he hadn't been reminding me on a daily basis, I wouldn't have been able to ignore it: when I come home and try to push the door open, it resists. There is a heap of handwritten envelopes – birthday cards – on the floor. It's funny how we still receive them. I remember a boss of mine sending me an e-card many years ago and telling me that "E-cards are the future! We won't send paper cards any more." I suppose we keep with the paper cards since it makes us feel old-fashioned; birthdays are as much about continuity as they are change. I got cards from my mum and dad. I like to give them to my children too.

But other ways of communicating have changed. And even if we don't use paper as much, it is not always clear that the changes are for the better. At work I seem inundated by email. When I come home, I find my daughter lounging on the couch, "doing Facebook" as she puts it. I wonder whether she will have time to do her homework with all the postings she seems to do. She growls at me when I ask.

And things could be about to change again. Last week, Mark Zuckerberg, the Facebook founder and CEO, announced that his company was to launch a new email messaging system. He wasn't seeking to elbow in on free email services. This service would be "something different". Traditional email is made for intermittent exchanges of content, he explained, whereas this new messaging medium will support "ongoing conversations".

If, in the past, Facebook allowed people to come together in a broken-up sort of way, with a person creating a message, "posting" it and waiting for their friends to reply, with this new system people will be constantly aware of one another's communications. They will be instantaneously and continuously connected. But many commentators have remarked that this new communications channel might be a step too far. It won't just make communications easier. In a world where we already have emails, texts, instant messaging, video conferencing and mobile phone calls, it could lead to communications overload.

I already feel under pressure. More phone calls are made, more texts sent and more emails received than ever before. This comes at the cost of not doing other things, whatever those might be. It's not just me who complains of being overloaded by the constant barrage of messages. We all do.

It's not how efficient our communications channels are that is beginning to worry us, but why we use them and how we might become further obsessed by them. It's what communication is for that is turning out to be the issue.

Being able to experience instantly the views and expressions of friends and loved ones is appealing. Our lives are constrained by geography. We have to take the kids to school and then go to work; we cannot always be at home with our partners. With changing technology, we might overcome the limitations placed upon us by geography.

But it's not the increased volume of messaging that changing technologies offer – it's the different forms of communication they allow that is critical – and we must learn to appreciate the different needs they can meet, and train ourselves to use each one properly.

In the 19th century, when the written letter first became widely used, the delight it afforded came in overcoming physical separation. But people discovered that letters offered something else too: the written word could allow a person to express themselves candidly in ways that were not possible face to face. People discovered that they could articulate themselves with more finesse with the written word. In short, distance became a pretext to communicate in a special kind of way.

To be instantly in touch is something that I want to achieve only with some people some of the time. I certainly don't want this level of constant communication with colleagues. Sometimes it's fine – when I have a question or a doubt about something. But on other occasions I simply want them to send stuff that I can deal with in my own time. And it is not just information about work – it might be advice, even a bit a gossip or a joke. I may indeed want instant communication with my partner. But if I choose to be this close all the time, won't she get irritated with me for demanding too much attention? Won't her colleagues complain she is giving them too little?

The issue here is how different communications technologies afford different sorts of ways of being in touch. Take another example: when I post on my Facebook account, I mostly do not want an instant response. All I am doing is raising a flag to describe what I am thinking or doing, hoping that at some later time friends might come back to make conversation – on the phone, or at the pub, or even on Facebook itself the next day, where they might post some remarks next to my own: "You were having a bad day yesterday, well, I am having an even worse one today!"

Technology companies have made a fortune out of inventing new ways of being in touch. But they seem to forget the rich variety of ways in which people already choose to do this, and instead of offering more ways, seem to think that people only want one medium. They should recognise that people have different needs at different times.

Sometimes they choose one means of communication over another because the expression that it enables is taut and quick. SMS can have this capacity, for example. At other times, people choose a different method because it is loose and slow, or gentle – and so treats those being addressed gently in turn. A voice message can have this quality. A third method might be selected because it is permanent and inviolate: however much those being addressed try to avoid one's missive, they will find it cannot be undone. This is why people still write letters. A fourth is chosen because it is ephemeral, although it is offered as a token of regard. The Facebook postings I mentioned above are of this order.

If this is the case, then the concern that we might have reached an overload might be missing the point. The issue is not that we will spend too much time communicating. It is that we might not be communicating in the right way – spending too much time on one mode, not enough on another.

Just as there were numerous books and courses developed in the 19th century to teach people the art of letter writing, so we now ought to be thinking of teaching ourselves how to make the best of the increasingly rich communications landscape. At school, kids are taught to use PowerPoint, but they are not taught to think about how Facebook is a different form of communication than, say, email or a video call.

Often they are told to worry about what they post on Facebook, with concerns about privacy and stalkers being uppermost, but they are not encouraged to think that part of the skills of adulthood are deeply bound up with how adroitly one uses communications technologies.

So Zuckerberg's announcement has hit a nerve – but not because of the number of messages we now receive. It's because his announcement is asking us to think about who we want to be and how we convey that through our communications. These are human questions, not technical ones, and all the more important because of it.

Richard Harper is principal researcher at Microsoft Research, Cambridge. His book 'Texture: Human expression in the age of communication overload' (MIT Press) is out next month

■ There are now more than 500 million active Facebook users, with 50% logging on to the site on any given day. Worldwide, users collectively spend 700 billion minutes a month on Facebook.

■ Google's email service Gmail ended July with 186 million worldwide users, a 22% increase from the same time a year ago. Both Microsoft's Windows Hotmail (nearly 346 million users) and Yahoo's email (303 million users) are larger, but aren't growing as rapidly.

■ As of September, Twitter, which launched in 2006, had 175 million registered users posting an estimated 95 million tweets each day.

■ There are now more than five billion mobile phone connections worldwide. In many regions, penetration exceeds 100%, meaning more than one connection per person. Research earlier this year found that teenagers in American now use text as their main method of communication, with more than 30% of US teens sending more than 100 texts a day.

■ More than 25% of the UK's population – some 16 million people – accessed the internet from mobile phones in December 2009. Nearly half those total minutes online via mobile devices were spent at Facebook Mobile – 2.2bn minutes out of 4.8bn – with Google on 400m in a very distant second.

Yogurt of Al-Qasimi: Emarati investments in 62 state leads her 100 company national big

2010-11-21T16:07:00.001+05:00

Excellency Sheikha yogurt of girl immortal of Al-Qasimi said external minister the commerce indeed the ministry prepares during the next months for condensation of opportunities exploration of the markets export for the products Emarati in areas commercial task in Asia and Latin Europe and America and consolidation of the circulation for the investing opportunities in markets of the Emirates in this areas and attraction extra from heads the national moneys foreign to cutters of the economy.

Confirmed dependant her that subject of the investments Emarati outside acquires attentively big before specialized and friends of the decision. Adviser except that the ministry seated stature in establishing statements for the investments Emarati outside with the aim of the acquaintance on size and nature of this investments and the important vines which the Emarati investors polarize facilitating to mechanism for orientation created the external investments in what economic services of the politics match with the interior for the state and directions of the economy [aaldwly].[wbHsb] external minister the commerce losing was complete observation investments of Emarati [fy]62 state reverses activity .[maa] does not decrease about 100 from as the land companies Emarati investments in cutters of the communications vary her and power generation and the prospection about the oil and puzzles natural and the agriculture and the tourism and the drug and production [aal'almnywm] and maintenance [aalmwaany'] and constructive and civil reform of the ships and craftsman of the airplanes and military and the investment in sector the banker services.

To elapsed dependant her except that the Emirates considers within the big markets exported for the investment in the scientist where value of the investments informed Emarati outside 2, 198 one billion Dirham in general end 2009 (on the basis of international reports).

Indicated dependant her except that efforts of the ministry and the ministries and the organizations which the circulation and attraction and encouragement of the investments inside the state straightens in increase afflicted to the valuable investments [aaldaaxlt] to the Emirates in ratio 9, 81% where united investments of the kingdom on way rose the example in ratio 1, 32% and Japan in ratio 3, 15% and united the United States the American in ratio 210% and India in ratio 2, 18% and Iceland 2, 779% and Kuwait 8, 113% and frenchified 8, 87%.

Expected dependant her to external value the commerce rises other than oil for the state in this year to 766 one billion Dirham in ratio of growth 16% comparison chimpanzee 2009 to exceeds thereby expected ratio the growth for the worldwide commerce according to expectations of the organized commerce worldwide.

Striking except that the growth raved resulting about adopting the state for strategy the economic openness and consolidation politics of the free market and supporting of initiatives competitive just and increase role of the cutters other than oil.

While the complete text for the dialog follows:

Map of the investments external

Is any modification on map occurred the external investments for the state and on map of the vines the foreign investor inside the state during the last years?

Subject of the investments acquired Emarati outside attentively profound before the economists and specialized and friends of the decision.

Frame observance of external ministry the commerce in strategy of the government for the economic development fulfilled and protection of services the commercial state outside, stature of the ministry in establishing of seated statements around the investments Emarati outside on general level the sectors and special, and which update in continuous form and daily is complete her, in spite of difficulty restriction identicals of this statements in any state from vines the scientist.

Establishing of this Al-Qaeda to the acquaintance on size and nature of the investments aims Emarati outside the state, and the important vines which the Emarati investors for the investment in range polarize their state, to mechanism for orientation created the external investments in what economic services of the politics match with the international interior for the state and directions of the economy.

Restriction of the challenges and the difficulties which the Emarati investors faced outside, and the assistance in surmounting this and the difficulties and saving the generous circumstances for they, and the economic acquaintance on the activities which the Emarati investors for the investment face in her outside the state.

To the requested statements restricted general preparation of example was complete (in the languages Arabic and English) to gathering of the statements and the next variables include (invested name the vines in her, the trade-name for the invested establishment in her, the economic activity main who practices him the establishment, the legal entity for the establishment, size of the investment before the Emarati investor, channels of the continuity in the establishment), in addition to design questionnaire (in the languages Arabic and English) for opinion poll the Emarati investors outside cross-eye the produced difficulties and the challenges which faced them outside.

Inclusion raved the questionnaire seven sections corrodes me all section from her on group from the phrases opinion measures invested around this difficulties and the challenges through the use of measure “[lykrt] quintuple”.

Results of the wiping to spreading of investments indicate the state in different aspects of the scientist and concentrating her in united Europe and the states American, where observation for the investments was complete Emarati in 62 state, and which activity reverses what 100 company does not decrease about from the big companies Emarati.

The thing their pain that the Emirates considers within the big markets exported for the investment in the scientist. So in according to report of the worldwide investment the 2010 issuer about organization United Nations for the cooperation and the international development “the UNCTAD” value of the investments rose Emarati outside to 2, 198 one billion Dirham (around 54 one billion dollar American) in general end 2009, comparison in 34, 7 one billion Dirham (around two billion dollar) general 2000.

Fulfilled opposite and on level attraction of the foreign investments [ldaaxl] the state, external ministry the commerce one from the ministries considers and founded Emarati which the worldwide circulation and attraction and encouragement of the investments inside the state for polarization of the companies straightens in.

That through consensual signatures commercial and investing with many from the vines and from during the twofold meetings which her complication the ministry with the different delegations different blessing aspects of the scientist in addition to the meetings which the opposed is complete through which participated in her the ministry inside and outside the state. Results and fruits of this participations through rise appear the total valuable investments [aaldaaxlt] to the Emirates in ratio 9, 81%.

Which [twze't] according to the big vines in the ratios the next united kingdom, then rose total her investments inside the Emirates in ratio 1, 32%, Japan in ratio 3, 15%, American the United States in ratio 210%, India in ratio 2, 18%, Iceland in ratio 2, 779%, Kuwait in ratio 8, 113%, France in ratio 8, 87%.

Grants searched and development

Is for the ministry role in giving grants searched and development for the companies the Emarati laborer outside [mn] ['ajl] competitive consolidation the power at her?

The ministry progress of grants for the Emarati companies the laborer outside, yet supporting and assistance of the local companies straightens in, characteristic small and medium from her, for the export searching about the opportunities suitable whether through the circulating participation in the exhibits external and organization of the tours and organization and attendance of the economic meeting places and commercial and investing.

In addition to reduction the material cost resulting on them through their participant with the ministry in the exhibits established outside the state, [mn] ['ajl] competitive consolidation the power for this companies in the foreign markets and definition of the markets external in the products national and high showing of extension her goodness and what enjoys in him from worldwide criteria.

The governments cooperate custom with the organizations the international laborer in domain circulation of the investment and presentation [aalaastshaaraat] and the investing services; What she is the produced organizations international which deals with her the ministry in the frame raved?

On the external level the ministry deals with similar her from external ministries of the commerce and chambers of commerce and the industry in addition to the commercial appendices and the embassies. As for on the local level so deals with many from founded and the circles self of the tie in encouragement of the investments [aaldaaxlt] to the state perhaps from important her device of the Emirates for the investment, device of Abu Dhabi for the investment, and council of the Emirates for competitive.

Worldwide shadows of the crisis

The economic crisis threw her the universality in shadows on vines of the scientist which different degrees in collapses perceived in this crisis, to any extension the commercial exchanges for the state in this crisis perceived and on special exports and returning of the export? Is the measures were which took her some vines for confrontation the crisis reason in effect of the Emirates looted?

Indeed the financial crisis and economic which still the scientist worldwide crisis witnesses here it is impacts, [twze't] her collapses on all vines the scientist in disagreement her degrees and her impact, and that economic result the connection Al-Qaim between vines the scientist all.

Since beginning of this crisis, sign of the state to undertaking altogether initiated and executive measures on the levels unionist and local, contraction collapses of this crisis on the national economy during lapse of time short genealogical succeeded in, yet indeed economic cutters many succeeded in surpassing collapses of this crisis in big form because of strength of the formed economic and her legislative structure and the flexible laws and the competitive facilitations.

Perhaps pointing and the registered data during the last period make sure that. Then register of the economy the Emirates positive growths noticeable, and the economic indicators local fix that, and from her valuable rise of exports national Emarati other than oil in ratio 9, 31% to 38 one billion Dirham arrives to around, just as activity returning of the export increased in 9, 16% to 83 one billion Dirham arrives to around, and the incomings in ratio 1 slept, 3% to 231 one billion Dirham arrives to.

External size the commerce

What he size commerce of the external Emirates during the half first of the year current comparison in the period her self is blessing general 2010? What she the important vines which the dealing was complete with her in this period? What she your expectations for size of commerce the external state for year 2010 and ratio of the growth or the expected retreat and reasons that?

Informed the total valuable commerce external other than oil for the state during the half first general blessing 2010 relationship 352 one billion Dirham whereas informed evaluated her during breath of the period general blessing 2009 relationship 324 one billion Dirham achieved growth in the value in ratio 7, 8%.

As for in the ratio to five partners worry commercial for the Emirates during the half first blessing general current, losing came India in the center the first among vines scientist in total valuable 75 one billion Dirham informed and in contributed ratio arriving to 3, 21%, her hill China in total valuable her quantity 24 one billion Dirham and in ratio 9, 6%, then the United States of America in total valuable 22 one billion Dirham informed and in ratio 3, 6%, and absolution of Iran in the arrangement fourth in total 8, 16 one billion Dirham and in ratio 8, 4% and from after her Germany in value informed 8, 13 one billion Dirham and in ratio 9, 3%.

While expectations of growth hang in the external commerce other than oil for the state during year 2010 so indeed him expects accordingly external size the commerce other than oil for the state with the scientist during the years the ten last to external value the commerce rises other than oil during year 2010 in complete his, to 766 one billion Dirham in ratio of growth arrives to 16% comparison arrives to chimpanzee 2009 and the adult 4, 660 one billion Dirham, to exceeds thereby expected ratio the growth for the worldwide commerce according to expectations of the organized commerce worldwide and which worldwide growth the commerce in ratio expected arrives to 5, 13%.

Blessing confirming that this rise in the growth resulting about adopting the state for strategy the economic openness and consolidation politics of the free market and initiated supports the rivalries just in addition to increase role of the cutters other than oil in formed the local resultant total, in what strategic success the diversification economic reverses which her pursuit the state.

The partnership with vines the scientist

Leads dependant your active directions for supports of the partnership commercial for the Emirates with many from vines the scientist, to any extension this visits in attraction of investments succeeded external for the Emirates adequate opening of markets new for the products Emarati outside?

Circulating participation ministry of the external commerce in the external exhibits and organization of the tours in areas resulted commercial determining reconciled detailed study for the markets which the dealing fulfilled with her added value for the national economy and the economic use and commercial for the Emarati products fulfills, and the investing requirements for the state comply with, then considers.

This participations within frame of goals and tasks ministry of the external commerce for strategic consolidation the diversification economic for the state and commercial development the standing for the state and seated expansion the markets external for the Emarati products and increase of exports national to the markets worldwide and attraction extra from the investments worldwide and foreign heads the moneys to cutters of the economy national and especially the cutters other than oil which touched developments witness abundance continuously investing opportunities nature and numerous complies with the ambitious investors and the companies from all aspects the scientist.

Of which confirms that the Emarati products capability consolidation her of signers and her markets in plenty from vines the scientist in spite of the tough rivalry which faced her from worldwide products in what the high goodness confirms which enjoys in her the national products and the worldwide confidence in her.

External ministry the commerce during the next months for condensation opportunities of exploration of the markets prepares export for the products Emarati in areas commercial task in Asia and Latin Europe and America and consolidation of the circulation about the investing opportunities in markets of the Emirates in this areas and attraction extra from heads the national moneys foreign to cutters of the economy.

Just as the ministry participated in many blessing the opposite external conferences is currency during her on the investing circulation the idealist for market the state and the definition in the economic evaluators developed and competitive high for the national companies and the products.

Of which contributed with changed him from initiated which rose in her local sides last to rise the total valuable investments [aaldaaxlt] to the Emirates in ratio 9, 81%, in addition to increase national exports other than oil in shackles special and which ratio 4 slept in, 30% during the half first blessing general current to 38 one billion Dirham arrives to around, in addition to development the external commerce for the state, which growth be true informed 3, 8% during the half first to arrives evaluated her to 352 one billion Dirham while activity returning of the export in ratio 7 indicated, 16% to arrives evaluated him to around 83 one billion Dirham.

Competitive consolidation the characteristic for external commerce the state

Excellency Sheikha of yogurt of Al-Qasimi confirmed that external ministry the commerce follows strategy several integral axes and harmonious with the strategic view complete for the government concentrate on from her commercial consolidation the standing advanced for the state and issued development and supports other than oil for the state in the frame of development the strategic state in the diversification economic and national preparing the markets the worldwide occasion in front of the products and competitive consolidation the power have fun.

The worldwide use from the ways and the conferences and the occasions in different her kinds for the optimal circulation for the investing opportunities in different markets of the state is adequate all economic cutters, in addition to assistant the national companies on establishment of partnerships and strategic alliances with the worldwide companies for the investment inside the state and protection of the investments Emarati outside.

Participation of the ministry considers in the frame of the organic state in council the cooperation to the Arabic gulf in negotiations with some vines and the regional groups for signature of number internationalized of consensual establishment of areas for the free commerce one from the projects which the competitive characteristic for commerce of the state be reinforced outside.

Just as that participation of the ministry in the external exhibits and organization of the tours circulating in areas commercial definitive resulted detailed study for the markets reconciled which the dealing fulfilled with her added value for the national economy.

Wide participation for the Emirates in the exhibits worldwide

Excellency Sheikha of yogurt of Al-Qasimi discovered about that external ministry the commerce the state in exhibit organized during months of October and November 2010 participation conference “the worldwide continuity” in fat state [fwrtymbrj] German last last month October.

Subject Malaysian commercial international during November current, just as the ministry in organization rose circulating mobile and definitional for delegation bellows and my investment in Armenian of joining around 50 person idealizes the organizations the government and special, and the ministry resolves organization of mobile similar in some vines Latin America during the next period.

Added that the ministry organized also during the current year participation of the Emirates in several worldwide exhibits from her subject issued and mentioned Chinese “canton”, and subject south of African and exhibit of Kenyan international participated in.

Just as Indian mobile circulating wide for the national companies in four cities promising organized last vines and regions from her region of Kurdistan Iraq, and the ministry in several meeting places participated and external conferences currency during her on the investing circulation the idealist for market the Emirates and the definition in the evaluators the developed economist for the state and competitive high for the companies and the national products.

The Emirates leads vines of the area from where the investments outside

The Arabic Emirates arranged first on level of the vines occupy and states of Middle East in issued balance the investment for end 2009. For statement size of that flows through the international comparisons plateau that the Emirates occupied the rank first between group vines of west Asia in flows the investment for the leaving, then value of the investments informed external for this group 2, 159 one billion dollar in general end 2009, any that her the Emirates in individual engrossed on 6, 33% from that flows, the issued statements about worldwide report the investment for year 2010 reconciled.

From the Emarati companies which invests outside on way of the example the restriction is ports of bearish worldwide, company of Abu Dhabi for the investment, organization of the Emirates for the communications (اتصالات), national company Abu Dhabi for the energy (energy), company of wells for the investment, company of exchange for the development, company of reconstruction land, bearish company [ll'almnywm] limited ([dwbaal]), petroliferous company the investments international (['iybyk]), and company of towers and changes her from the big companies.

Which her investments varied in the different activities and the economic sectors as the investment in sector the communications and power generation and the prospection about the oil and the natural gas and the agriculture and the tourism and the drug and production [aal'almnywm] and maintenance of the ports and constructive and reform of the ships.

The Beet good nutriment for activation of the brain and lowering pressing of the blood

2010-11-21T14:56:00.002+05:00

Roots of the beet beet, or the beet just as become beautiful for some her naming, in addition to forms her the sharp products the botanical delicious taste and rich in the metals and the vitamins and the fibers and changes her from the nutritious elements useful, transient her engrosses today on medical interest from special kind.

Correct that the medical studies which was complete corroded today on the beet initial studies small consider, and juice of the beet used [ldwaae'] search pattern and evaluation of the impacts hangs in, except that her positive results which good evaluation in criteria of searching was complete her, blooming of the door in front of extra from the researches around the healthy impacts to taking roots of the beet.

The scientific researches face towards the studious impacts the healthy positivity for elements available [bGzaart] in the beet, they is substances [aalnytraat] nitrates the capacitance for the arteries and easy to blood pressure, [wSbGaat] [bytaalyn] red which opposite substances for the oxidization do as and lightened for operations the inflammations and activating for purification the body from the poisons.

*juice of the beet [waalnytraat]

*and with buildup of the injuries in illness of the arteries, whether in the turning or the brain or the edges or the genital members, and with spreading of the injuries in her collapses and doubled her, heart identicals the turns and the cerebral stroke and multiple [aalaantSaab] and rise pressing of the blood and changes her, the transient methods the remedial medical chemical use from the substances faces towards which expansion of the arteries and improvement flexibility her of walls and increase flow of the blood contributes in from during her.

For that rise pressing of the blood became for the expanded substances for the arteries high importance in treatment of cases, adequate lightening of pains [aaldhbHt] chest, and for the prevention without continuation blockage of the arteries in turns the heart clots, and for facilitation [aantSaab] the male member across extra flow from his the blood arterially, and for many from the purposes remedial which use of the substances is complete expanded for the arteries in her. The studies towards the searching about nutritious sources natural faced corrodes me on that expanded substances for the arteries.

In this context the brain in the blood comes the American research new around relationship of taking the beet in the changes in quantity of deliberation. He was the subject first within subjects Issue second of November (November) the situations for magazine “[naaytrk] ['aksaayd]: Biological [EEnd] [kymystry]” Nitric Oxide: Biology and Chemistry meant in the researches scientific related in the sides vital and chemical for substances expanded oxide the nitric for the arteries.

The researchers rose from comprehensive [wyk] [fwryst] in northern state Carolina in the United States, in measure first of study proved that in possibility juice of the beet the work on increase enemy flow of the blood to the brain the persons big in the age. Weak result considers her the researchers is self of use promising in attempts struggle of development senile insanity enemy growns-up of the age.

Edifice of the doctor Daniel [shaabyrw], the main researcher in the study and manager center of application of the flags and the independent care for the old age in comprehensive [wyk] [fwryst], in the statement: “there plenty from the studies the medical high goodness which showed that drinking juice of roots of the beet for him positive efficiency in lowering of pressing the blood. To is what we in need to him he rotary evidence raved the juice in increase the deliberation and flow of the blood to the brain. That that there cerebral areas weakens her deliberation in the blood wound age of the human increased and income in stage the old age, and he what believes medical that for him connection sold him senile and multiple powers of the mental thought”.

*deliberation forelock of the brain

*and roots of the beet in upright introduction the products botanical rich in substances [aalnytraat], example wrapped and the celery [waalsbaanx] and the lettuce. While our one takes this containing products on substances [aalnytraat], transient [aalbktryaa] the friend good bacteria present in the mouth and the intestines, and secretions juice of the [hDm], all her conversion does on [aalnytraat] to substances [aalnytryt] nitrite, and absorbs her the intestines to the blood interferes to and the body spreads in. Blessing known scientific grandfathers that substances [aalnytryt] opening of the arteries in the body does on, ibex increase of flow of the blood and the oxygen from during her, especially parts of the body which [nqS] of deliberation complains from her in the blood.

What proved him this study for the first time that then positive relationship between taking of juice rich in roots of the beet substances [aalnytraat], and evident increase flow of the blood to the brain. That during period of four days from the continuation for what flow of the blood to brains of group collects in 14 person included from who age of seven year exceeded. Juice roots of the beet within meal was complete in the scientific attempt taking of some these persons the breakfast, nutritious program reconciled determining in the nature and mealtime taking during today all him. Just as daily observation for ratio of substance was complete [aalnytryt] in the blood, before and after taking of that juice or his lack of taking. In addition to measure daily photography for quantity of flow the blood to the brain, by means of the magnetic ringing MRI.

Masts of the rays proved that the person while juice roots of the beet takes, flow of the blood does not increase to “all” parts of the brain, yet flow of the blood increases only to “area of the forelock” frontal lobes in the brain. Known scientific that this cerebral area perceived on the thought and decision making, weak which progress of the age in the human perceives during, and damage in insanity causes her senile fastened me mental powers of the thought.

The researchers said in collected studious results: “this results indicates except that presence [aalnytraat] the nutriment is blessing possible that is useful in improvement the bloody deliberation for cerebral areas is blessing known her importance of role in the executive positions for the mental thought”.

*the beet and blood pressure

*and the studious researchers in introduction clarified group from [aalHythyaat] which positivity for the beets proposes possibility of presence healthy impacts. Specification said indeed “substances [aalnytryt] the extract from [aalnytraat] nutritious fixed scientific her use in lowering of pressing the stubborn blood and improvement powers of the endurance bodily performance the effort”. Was hereby taking juice of the beet indicates to medical studies precedents around impacts, and they initial studies small, and for their shelter the door opens in front of extra from the searching.

The study first, rose in her the researchers from founded “William is delirious” for the researches and from London “[skwl] for the medicine”, around role juice of the beet in lowering blood pressure. Spreading was complete her in number 4 فبراير (شباط) for year 2008 from magazine “[haaybrtnshn]” Hypertension meant in rise blood pressure which exports her “the connecting turning American”.

The British researchers spoke in her about green uses of taking [waalfwaakh] in lowering pressing of the blood. Mentioned that the previous studies is ratio that for her content the opposite wealth in the substances for the oxidization and the metals and the vitamins. To is studious their proposed also positive importance the role for substances [aalnytraat] in that nutritious products botanical. Following research in zealous student their the comparison impacts taking of juice of the beet on several readings for measurement blood pressure, what accepted and what afterwards for a period 24 hour, and to the positive impacts on lowering of pressing get lucky the blood stubborn taking of cups thereof the natural juice.

Edifice approached her Professor of imperative ['ahlaawaalyaa], the main researcher in the study, in the statement indeed “results searched indicates except that taking juice of the beet, or any nutritious products rich [baalnytraat], perhaps she good method easy and simple for the keepers on health for device the blood vessels and the heart, just as that he additional method for lightening of rise blood pressure in live our the contemporary daily newspaper”.

As for studious second, losing leased her researchers from comprehensive ['akstr] in British, and comparison impacts of taking searched in or lack taking of juice of the beet on bearing capacities stamina stubborn bodily performance the effort. Spreading was complete her in number 6 أغسطس (آب) from magazine “[EEblaayd] [fsywlwjy]” Journal of Applied Physiology meant in the researches applied to positions of the members know. The comparison on group was complete eight men included whereof their ages ranged between 19 [w]38 year. This first study considers which showed that containing juice the beet on substances [aalnytraat] lowering of the need performs to extra from the oxygen in parts of the body, of which the fast feeling lessens from in tired situation of the rising in the bodily effort.

*the beet. Rich in energy the vitamins and the metals

*the traditional medicine used healthy roots of the beet in treatment of cases numerous. The Greek doctor old advized ['abwqraaT] in taking of the beet for facilitation of convening the wounds, just as heat of the body used the old Romen this roots in lightening of fever, adequate treatment cases of the abstention. Since that time oasis today, considering roots of the beet continues sexual one of the activators, and perhaps in side from him because of containment of the beet on the expanded substances for the arteries.

Issuances ministry of the American agriculture around information of the nutrition agreed USDA Nutrient database, corrodes me quantitative 100 love from roots the fresh beet on low quantity from the energy, and thermal specifications about 43 price (calorie) only from the energy, any what energy third of banana equates.

Except that this little quantity corrodes me on assorted group from the vitamins and the metals and the nutritious elements useful. Weak:

The sugar about 6.5 love. The fibers about 3 fines. The proteins [nHw]1.5 love. The fats about 0.2 love. Daily need the body from vitamin guarantees quantity 100 love from the beet so ruler in ratio 27%, and from vitamin “[sy]” and the mined potassium and iron and the copper and vitamin in me - 6 and the magnesium and the phosphorus in ratio arrives to 7%, in addition to quantities less from the calcium and the zinc, and vitamins in me - 1 [w]2 [w]3, and changes her.

In addition to confirmation the medical studies on the healthy uses for this nutritious elements in roots the beet, so indeed her chemical substances speak about useful other for the health. Healthy specification the uses promising for substances [aalnytraat] [wSbGaat] [bytaalyn] red.

Observation of number of the matters around the beet deserves. First, that the useful substances in the beet, especially [SbGaat] the opposite substances for the oxidization from kind [bytaalyn] betalain the red easy solutions in the water, perceives sensitively tough and her ratio of stay and her efficiency warmly the cooking. For that cooking of the beet be necessary gently and without exhausting, and specification less from district of hour during the handcuffs or the cooking in the steam, ironing benefits the body from that [aalSbGaat]. This [aalSbGaat] the easy solutions in the water to ends corrodes me on element of the nitrogen, in disagreement kinds of last from [aalSbGaat] botanical and in the different colors which the situation in redness does not melt in the water just as she the beet.

As for the matter second, so he that taking of the beet already causes for some in rosy color change the urine to the color or red. Weak case acquaintance of medical smiling “beet of the urine” beeturia. Weak case other than harmful not at all, and hits in her about 15% from the obtainable beet in form daily, especially those who for de their disturbances in the iron in the body, either for de their iron of the body decreased in, or increase of accumulation iron in the body. For that from appears at him color of the urine envies in because of taking of the beet, his children is possibilities of presence disturbances in the iron, so from generous his review for the doctor ironing make sure from case iron in body his.

Just as already taking of the beet in color change causes the excrement towards color close blessing red, especially the enemy children comparative in the adult. Raved also healthy harms for him.

The matter third, he that the green parts from plant of the beet corrodes me on high quantities from oxalic substances, which perhaps causes for some in formation pebble of the colleges or the bitterness. To red roots of the beet are does not consider rich in this substance which already damages some from the people. Taking papers of the beet enables raw if child in the age was, as for big size and age so the chard is complete her cooking example in papers [waalsbaanx] and changes her from the paper bee eaters the bitter taste.

Third Afghan meeting held in Maldives

2010-11-21T13:57:00.001+05:00

(November 21, 2010) : Afghan factions held a third meeting at a holiday resort in the Maldives to discuss national reconciliation in their war-torn homeland, the Maldivian foreign minister said on Saturday. Details of the latest intra-Afghan talks held at Paradise Island resort were not immediately known.

"The Maldives supports efforts to reconcile the Afghan people" but is not formally hosting the talks, Maldivian foreign minister Ahmed Shaheed told AFP in Colombo during a visit to Sri Lanka. The talks were held in the second week of this month but only came to public attention this week. Maldivian media reports said Saturday about 60 Afghan figures attended the discussions. Two previous meetings in the Maldives were held in May and January.

In May, US-based monitors said the meetings were being organised by a relative of warlord and former Afghan premier Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. News of the latest meeting came as Nato, which is leading the fight against the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan, and its allies held a summit in Lisbon to seek an exit strategy from the country. Earlier this week, Afghan President Hamid Karzai urged the Taliban to join talks to bring peace, despite the insurgents' leadership ruling out negotiations

ONYX Hospitality Group to manage MTDC resort in Maldives

2010-11-18T19:46:00.001+05:00

ONYX Hospitality Group , Thailand’s leading hotel management company, has been appointed by the Maldives Tourism Development Corporation Plc (MTDC) to manage the Herathera Island Resort commencing December 1, 2010. Set on Addu, the southern-most atoll in the Maldives, approximately 480km south of the capital Male, the 273-villa resort features three natural lagoons, a turtle hatchery and a unique 4 km beach, the longest of any resort within the archipelago.

Recreational facilities at Herathera Island Resort include three swimming pools, a range of restaurants and bars, a spa and dive centre. During the course of 2011, the resort will undergo significant upgrades including enhancements to the beach and villas as well as the addition of numerous sports and children’s facilities. The resort will then be re-launched as an Amari, the centrepiece brand of the ONYX portfolio, and be positioned as a leading destination in the Maldives for activity and family holidays.

“We are thrilled that our first international management agreement is in such a renowned tourist destination as the Maldives,” said Peter Henley, CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group, adding, “we look forward to working closely with MTDC on a range of exciting improvements so that this wonderful resort will be able to showcase its full potential.”

MTDC’s chief executive officer Mohammed Mihad noted: “We are focused on further developing the southern part the Maldives with Gan International Airport as the hub. The re-launch of Herathera under the new management will play a significant part in this.”

President to outline the future path of the country at the second ceremonial inauguration in office of the Presidency.

2010-11-17T14:53:00.002+05:00

Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake says the ceremony to mark the second inauguration in office of President Mahinda Rajapaksa will be conducted in a simple but, gallant manner. Many Foreign heads of states including President of the Maldives and Prime Minister of Bhutan will participate in the event. The government has also declared a special commemorative week in connection with the assuming of duties by President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the second term. The Deyata Sevana presidential felicitation national tree planting programme was launched yesterday. A unique exhibition titled as “Nidahasa-Suba Sanskruthiyaka pera dekama” will begin on the premises of Independence Square in Colombo tomorrow. The first vessel will berth in newly built Magampura Harbour on Thursday. Addressing a media briefing held in Colombo today Minister Wickremanayake said at the ceremony to mark the second inauguration in office of the Presidency, President Rajapaksa will outline the forward march of the country to the public. Speaking at the occasion Minister Maithreepala Sirisena stated maximum relief would be provided to the state employees from the forthcoming budget. The President has given instructions to the Secretary to the Treasury in this regard. Minister Dallas Alahapperuma who also took part in the briefing pointed out the political stability is essential to rebuild a country. Such political stability has now been created in the country under the leadership of the President. Minister Wimal Weerawansa was also present on this occasion.

Maldives elected Co-Chair to World Bank’s key climate fund committee

2010-11-17T14:49:00.002+05:00

The Maldives has been elected Co-Chair to the World Bank´s Strategic Climate Fund Committee (SCF) that helps nations to pilot environment friendly development.

The fund is part of the governing body of the Climate Investment Fund (CIF), established in 2008, the President’s Office said.

The Climate Investment Funds are a pair of funds to help developing countries pilot low-emissions and climate-resilient development.

“With CIF support, 44 developing countries are piloting transformations in clean technology, sustainable management of forests, increased energy access through renewable energy, and climate-resilient development,” it said.

At the joint SCF Trust Fund Committee meeting held in World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC on 11 November 2010, Maldives, represented by Ahmed Shafeeq Moosa, President´s Envoy for Science & Technology, was elected as Co-Chair from the recipient countries, after Senegal´s nomination was supported by Bolivia. United Kingdom was elected Co-Chair to represent the donor countries.

"This is an opportunity for Maldives to learn about and benefit from the wide range of climate change finance mechanisms that are available now,” Moosa said.

“It also provides an excellent platform to interact and associate with leading professionals in the area. Maldives was selected a pilot country under the Scaling-up Renewable Energy Program (SREP) in July 2010, with grant financing of up to $ 30 million. Going forward, it is my hope that further funding can be channelled to the Maldives through the CIF program.”

Moosa urged the Maldives’ private sector to benefit from global financing mechanism targeting clean technology and renewable energy to build more climate resilient communities.

Maldives was also Co-Chair of Pilot Programs for Climate Resilience (PPCR) sub-committee in the 2nd session of 2009/2010, along with the United Kingdom, representing the recipient and donor countries respectively.

The governing structure of the Climate Investment Fund (CIF) consists of two main funds, Clean Technology Fund (CTF) and Strategic Climate Fund (SCF) and is channeled through the African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Inter-American Development Bank, and World Bank Group.

The Clean Technology Fund (CTF) and the Strategic Climate Fund (SCF) each are governed by a separate Trust Fund Committee having equal representation from contributor and recipient countries.

The CTF Trust Fund Committee oversees the Fund´s operations, provides strategic direction, and also approves and oversees its programming and projects.

The SCF Trust Fund Committee approves the establishment of its targeted programs and advises on strategic direction. SCF targeted programs include the Forest Investment Program (FIP), Pilot Program for Client Resilience (PPCR), and Scaling-up Renewable Energy Program (SREP), each of which is governed by its own Sub-Committee.

"Active" observers from the UN, GEF, UNFCC, civil society, and indigenous people and the private sector are invited to participate in meetings of the Trust Fund Committees and Sub-Committees. Decision of the Trust Fund Committees and Sub-Committee are made by consensus.

Climate Investment Funds (CIF) - $6.4 billion

Main donors to the CIF are:

United States $2 billion

United Kingdom $1.212 billion

Japan $1.190 billion

Germany $741 million

France $274 million

Norway $177 million

Australia $137 million

Spain $108 million

Other donors include, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland.

CIF is a unique model for development and climate finance:

* Country led, owned and built on development and low-carbon growth plans

* Equitable governance, equal representation between recipient and contributor countries, consensus decisions, stakeholder engagement

* Joint MDB initiative ensures alignment with development strategies, coordination, pogrammatic approach, leveraging regional/global synergies

* Provides support for transformational change at policy, institutional and market levels

* Leverages significant priveate sector and MDB financing: every $1 CTF leverages $8.4 other sources

* Results monitoring through results chains and performance measurement strategies linking impact, outcome, outputs with country-level activities

Clean Technology Fund (CTF) $4.5 billion

Finance scaled-up demonstration, deployment and transfer of low emission technologies to initiate transformation to low emission development

CTF Country and Regional Investment Plans Demonstrate, deploy and scale up renewable energy, energy efficiency, urban transport, commercialization of sustainable energy finance through local banks

* 3 CTF Investment Plans ($4.5 billion): Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Kazakhastan, Mexico, Morocco, Philippines, South Arica, Thialand, Turkey, Ukraine, Vietnam; regional MENA Concentrated Solar Power (Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocoo, Tunisia

Strategic Climate Fund (SCF) $1.9 billion

Targeted programs with dedicated funding to pilot new approaches to initiate transformation with potential for scaling up climate resilience

Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR)

Mainstream reslience in development planning

- 9 PPCR countries, 2 regional pilots ($1 billion): Bangladesh, Bolivia, Cambodia, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Tajikistan, Yemen, Zambia, Caribbean, S. Pacific

Forest Investment Program (FIP)

Reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation
- 8 FIP pilots ($587 million): Brazil, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Indonesia, Laos, Mexico, Peru

Scaling Up Renewable Energy in Low Income Countries (SREP)

Create economic opportunity, increase energy access through renewable

- 6 SREP pilots ($318 million): Ethiopia, Honduras, Kenya, Maldives, Mali, Nepal

Maldivian shuttlers enjoy competition at Asian Games

2010-11-17T14:49:00.001+05:00

Maldives' Mohamed Sharim and Shaheed Zaki Hussain Zayan's first appearance in the Asian Games lasted for just 12 minutes but they were satisfied with their own performance.

Sharim and Zayan succumbed to Indonesian pair Mohammad Ahsan and Alvent Yulianto Chandra 21-5, 21-8 in the Badminton Men's Doubles round of 32 on Tuesday morning.

"I think I played very well today. The match was hard and our opponents were tough." said Sharim, 23.

Sharim and Zayan formed a makeshift pair for these Asian Games where their three-athlete Badminton team hardly have any chance to score good results.

"We come here to learn, to collect some experience," said Zayan,

Zayan is the runner-up in the national championship while the bronze went to Sharim, who fell in love with the sport after watching Chinese Lin Dan overcoming Malaysian Lee Chongwei for the Beijing Olympics gold.

"So I started to practice Badminton in 2009," said Sharim. He then went through the national qualification to be selected into the national team.

"I work and train five or six days a week. It is tiring but I like it," said Sharim.

Sharim's Asian Games journey has not ended as he is scheduled to meet Chan Yan Kit from Hong Kong, China in the Men's Singles on Wednesday.

As his teammate Ajfaan Rasheed, the national champion, received a walkover from Dinuka Karunaratna from Sri Lanka in the Men's Singles, the Maldivian team is sure to enjoy a longer stay in Guangzhou.

Afghan peace talks in Maldives propose shura

2010-11-17T14:46:00.002+05:00

PARADISE ISLAND, Maldives – Denials by the Taliban and Hekmatyar faction of Hizbe Islami about peace talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s government are intended to diminish the importance and credibility of last week’s intra-Afghan conference in the Maldives.

Those talks on the island nation were attended by unofficial representatives of two Taliban militias who came to participate in efforts to chalk out a peace mechanism to end the 9-year-old conflict.

But, the reclusive leader of Afghan Taliban Mullah Mohammad Omar, in a message posted November 15 on a militant website, repeated his calls for jihad and his demand for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan before negotiations.

A spokesman for Engineer Gulbadin Hekmatyar, chief of his own faction of Hizbe Islami, also denied to have entered into talks with Karzai’s government.

Nonetheless, more than 60 delegates from a variety of political and ethnic groups in Afghanistan, and by unofficial representatives of Taliban militia, Hekmatyar’s Hizbe Islami and even the Haqqani network attended the Maldives talks. More than half a dozen members of the Afghan parliament also participated, as did observers for Karzai’s government.

The third intra-Afghan conference in two years was organised by Humayoon Jareer, once a close associate of Hekmatyar.

Conference yields suggestion of supreme shura

The five-day conference, which ended November 11, discussed ways to bring all stake holders in Afghanistan to the negotiating table. The delegates ended with formulation of a proposed peace mechanism, under which a supreme shura, the Shura-e-Aali Amniyat-e-Milli, would convene.

The supreme shura would include representatives from all political, ethnic and warring groups of Afghanistan.

Once in place, the supreme shura would scrutinise all major government policies before they are introduced before the parliament. Policies would have to be passed with a two-thirds majority of the shura to be passed on to parliament or be implemented.

The proposed shura would be authorised to scrutinise ministerial nominees before induction into the government, as well as candidates for the higher courts. The shura would also examine the government’s nominees for the Afghan Election Commission and Elections Complaints Commission.

The peace mechanism calls for creation of a Peace Commission to broker a ceasefire between the government and insurgent groups and to resist attempts to thwart peace efforts.

It also calls for an immediate withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan.

A communiqué released on last day of the conference stressed that only Afghans should be involved in the peace process. It also asks the world community, the UN and Afghan’s neighbours to help in the return of peace to Afghanistan.

The conference organisers are hopeful and plan to discuss the proposed peace mechanism with insurgent groups.

The unofficial representatives of the Taliban and Hizbe Islami assured the conference that they would forward the recommendations to the militias’ top leaders and to prepare ground for their successful implementation.

Maldives effect on broader peace plan is unclear

Despite the attractive recommendations and presence of unofficial representatives of militant groups, the prospect for the Maldives conference is unclear. A major reason is the absence of official representatives of the Taliban, Hizbe Islami, the Afghan government and the international coalition.

Despite shortcomings, the conference delegates are hopeful and a majority of the participants called the formulation of the peace mechanism a step forward.

To many, the Maldives conference was yet another effort undertaken by outside groups to thrash out a peace solution for Afghanistan.

Without engaging the primary actors – the Taliban, the Kabul government, and the international coalition – and bringing them face-to-face for talks, peace in Afghanistan seem a distant reality. Those three groups need to come together for the return of a permanent peace in the war-torn country.

Neighbouring countries can also play a pivotal role in the return of peace to Afghanistan.

Pakistan, for example, can influence the Taliban leadership though they cannot dictate to them.

Saudi Arabia can help bring Afghans to the negotiating table. Riyadh, however, will not talk to the al-Qaeda dominated Taliban.

Persistent efforts are required to convince the stakeholders to kick off peace talks. And efforts must be backed by all the neighbouring countries that have influence on any of the groups.

Miss France 2011: Miss Ile-de-France unpacks all!

2010-11-17T14:44:00.001+05:00

Pauline Darles, who left Maldives and the contest Miss France Tuesday morning, unpacks today the reasons of her departure. And Miss Ile-de-France does not chew her words.

Tuesday, end of the afternoon, airport of Roissy. Two large and beautiful young women get out of a plane come from Maldives. It is about Pauline Darles, Miss Ile-de-France, and Sylvie Tellier, director of the Miss France company. The whole of the press waits to have finally an explanation on this premature departure of Francilienne when so many women of its age dream to be in its place.

And the journalists are not disappointed, since Pauline Darles tells without too much being made request her version of the facts. The daily newspaper the Parisian one reports the remarks of beautiful. Apparently, Miss Ile-de-France did not support any more the constraints imposed by the Miss France company and the Draconian organization which goes with. Element release, “one énième photo meeting under the rain”. The miss tells: “I had some enough, I were tired. And one was to connect with a turning, intended this time for the Web. It was too much.”

Pauline Darles does not support this frantic rate: “I said to them that I had of it enough the days which do not finish any, rising with 5:30, to sleep with 0:30.” And especially, its strong character does not accept the reserved treatment with the candidates: “Dissatisfaction of the framing which épie least of our gestures, which scans our plates to know what one eats. Dissatisfaction of the hoods which check the night if one hides to smoke (...) Marre to be made engueuler like some 4 years gamines.”

Measurements one cannot banal any more all in all in this kind of organization, but to which the miss is not done definitely. Sylvie Tellier on her side, which endured the same tests at its time, does not understand that a candidate can complain thus and strongly encourages it to leave its place. Pauline Darles jumped indeed on the occasion, but remains bitter: “I however believed that the beauty queen was also a free woman. I was mistaken. ” Cruel disillusion.

Hajj gets under way in Saudi Arabia

2010-11-15T17:28:00.001+05:00

Muslims from round the world, dressed in white cotton robes, have assembled on Mount Arafat, east of Mecca, as an important ritual of the hajj pilgrimage gets under way.

Military helicopters roared over the 2.5m pilgrims on Monday who, at the world’s largest religious gathering, chanted: “Here I am, God, to answer your call, God. Here I am . . . ”

Pilgrims, many of them weeping, raised their hands to the heavens to pray for absolution on the mountain where the Prophet Mohammed gave his last sermon.

“I have been praying for God to grant me hajj,” said Amal Mahmoud, 37, a theology teacher. “I am praying for all my loved ones to live this experience. God is proud of us today and the doors of heavens are open.”

This year the threat of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsular, whose stronghold is to the south in Yemen, hovers over the pilgrimage, however.

The group, which launched a campaign to destabilise the kingdom between 2003 and 2007, has not openly threatened the rituals. But Prince Naif, the Saudi interior minister, warned last week of possible attempts to disturb security.

Last month, the country deployed thousands of security forces to patrol the rugged approaches to Mecca. Checkpoints at strategic sites along the highway to the holy city monitor vehicle traffic, linked to some of the most modern surveillance systems in the world.

“When it comes to Mecca and Medina, we take no chances. We have year-round security,” General Mansour al-Turki, the interior ministry’s spokesman told the Financial Times. “Trained special forces are stationed near the two holy mosques who are prepared to deal with any emergency or threat to the safety of the pilgrims.”

The logistics and health challenges of the hajj also demand extensive provision by the Saudi authorities. Pilgrims come from round the world so public announcements are repeated in dozens of languages to enable them to perform the rituals.

During the pilgrimage, officials in most government offices leave the main posts to lend a hand in Mecca if needed, virtually shutting down the bureaucracy for nearly two weeks. Along with them, hundreds of thousands of security forces, firefighters and doctors are deployed throughout the holy sites to prepare.

“It is a very tightly managed, time-sensitive operation. One bottleneck in one area could cause a chain reaction, preventing millions from performing their rituals,’’ said General al-Turki.

The Saudi government has spent billions of dollars to expand the Grand Mosque, adding several levels to mosque as well as the Jamarat Bridge, a platform where Muslims cast pebbles at pillars that symbolise the devil. In 2006, 362 pilgrims died in a stampede at the site as many Muslims rushed to complete the ritual before sunset.

The Eid al-Adha, or feast of sacrifice, begins on Tuesday after the symbolic stoning of the devil and sacrifice of sheep. The event commemorates Abraham, who, according to Muslim tradition, was called upon to slaughter his son, but instead God sent him a lamb.

Muslims circle around the Kaaba seven times, then walking seven times between two rocky hills, al Safa and Marwa, emulating the path of Abraham’s wife Hagar as she sought water for her son Ismael.

Pilgrimage is one of five main tenets of Islam, which all Muslims are encouraged to carry out, but which only the financially and physically capable are obliged to perform.

Jumeirah Group to open first resort in Maldives by Q1 2011

2010-11-14T11:55:00.001+05:00

Jumeirah Group has announced that the company’s first resort in the Maldives; Jumeirah Dhevanafushi will be an all suite resort and is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2011.

The property is situated in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, 400 km south of the capital city of Malé. The resort comprises 22 island villas, water village, called the Hermitage Collection, including 16 ocean villas. The villas, named Revives and Sanctuaries offer sea views, direct access to the beach and 24 hour butler service.

The resort also features three restaurants and a bar with a variety of culinary options and a Talise Spa. Jumeirah Group also has its second upscale family resort underway in Maldives, christened as as Jumeirah Vittaveli it will stand at the South Malé Atoll and is scheduled to open March 2011.

President concerned over rising reports of mistreatment of children

2010-10-17T15:53:00.002+05:00

President Mohamed Nasheed has expressed “deep concern” over increasing reports of mistreatment of children in the country, including rape and sexual abuse.

Speaking during his weekly radio address, Nasheed said that protecting children was an important part of the government’s role.

He publicly thanked opposition DRP MP Rozaina Adam for her work on the domestic violence bill and its submission to parliament.

GMR, Axis Bank Discuss $360 Million Loan for Maldives Airport

2010-10-01T20:30:00.001+05:00

Oct. 1 GMR Infrastructure Ltd., controlled by Indian billionaire G.M. Rao,(Net worth: $3.2 billion Founder chairman of the GMR Group, G M Rao is the 16th richest in India. With a wealth of $3.2 billion, his global rank is 297.) is in talks with Axis Bank Ltd. on a loan of about $360 million to fund an airport project in the Maldives.

GMR’s Maldives venture may sign the 12-year loan by the end of this month, Sidharath Kapur, chief financial officer for airports, said in a telephone interview yesterday from New Delhi. The debt may be syndicated to overseas lenders and multilateral agencies, he said, without providing a timeframe.

The Bangalore-based airport operator and partner Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd. in June won a bid to modernize and expand Male International Airport as they seek to benefit from rising tourism in the Maldives, a nation comprising 1,190 coral islands in the Indian Ocean. Indian companies such as GMR have expanded overseas as bureaucracy and land disputes slow infrastructure projects at home.

“For a company like GMR to grow, this is the way it has to be,” said Jagannadham Thunuguntla, chief strategist at SMC Global Securities Ltd., which manages $100 million in assets, in New Delhi. “Indian infrastructure projects can face bottlenecks and execution problems.”

A spokesman for Axis Bank, India’s fourth biggest by market value, said he wasn’t able to immediately comment.

Maldives Growth

GMR Maldives International Airport Ltd. will spend about $510 million on the Male terminal, which will have a capacity to handle 5 million users a year, Kapur said. The airport currently handles about 2.5 million passengers a year, he said.

“The government of the Maldives is taking steps to attract tourism from India and Southeast Asia,” he said. “That will drive growth.”

GMR Maldives, 77 percent owned by the Indian company and 23 percent by Malaysia Airports, will build and operate the terminal for 25 years. The facility will be ready by 2014.

GMR and partners also run airports in Istanbul, Turkey, India’s capital New Delhi and Hyderabad in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

The Maldives attracted 683,000 tourists in 2008, growing at an average 12 percent annual pace since 1980, compared with the world average growth of 5 percent, the government said on its website.

GMR got about 33 percent of revenue from airport operations in the year ended in March, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The company also builds highways and operates power projects.

In July, GMR’s new terminal in New Delhi started international flights. The facility, run by a group also backed by state-run Airports Authority of India Ltd., Frankfurt-based Fraport AG and Malaysia Airports, cost about $2.7 billion to develop, along with other renovations.

President Appoints New Attorney General

2010-08-13T13:54:00.000+05:00

President Mohamed Nasheed has yesterday appointed Dr Ahmed Ali Sawad as the new Attorney General.

The swearing-in ceremony was held yesterday morning at the President’s Office. The oath was administered by Supreme Court Judge Abdulla Areef.

Speaking after the presentation of the letter of appointment, President Nasheed expressed confidence that Dr Sawad would diligently fulfill his responsibilities as the Attorney General.

Dr Sawad previously served as the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

After the resignation of former AG Husnu Suood at the termination of the interim period last Saturday, President’s Office set the swearing-in ceremony of Sawad for Sunday. However, it was postponed until the Supreme Court judges were appointed

First permanent Supreme Court begins work

2010-08-13T13:48:00.002+05:00

The first permanent Supreme Court appointed in Maldives officially began work yesterday.

A flag hoisting ceremony was held yesterday morning at 0600 hours to mark the beginning of the new Supreme Court. The new Chief Justice of Maldives Ahmed Faiz hoisted the flag during the ceremony.

“Today is a joyful day in the history of Maldives and in the history of Supreme Court. Today we are going to write pages permanently for the first time in the history of Supreme Court,” said Chief Justice in his inaugural address.

Chief Justice also reiterated the importance of having a permanent Supreme Court and ensured the citizens of the Maldives that the permanent Supreme Court bench will uphold the constitution and justice will be given according to the Maldives constitution and Islamic Shariah.

The first permanent Supreme Court was established under the article 145 of the constitution after the bitterly divided partisan Majlis finally cooperated to set it up saving the country from plunging further into a political turmoil.

Majlis approves 5 members to CSC

2010-08-13T13:47:00.000+05:00

On Thursdays session of the People’s Majlis has approved the five nominees proposed by President Nasheed to the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

In accordance with second amendment to Maldivian Civil Service Act (Act number 5/2007) the Majlis opened applications for the membership of CSC on 4th June 2010.

Majlis Committee on independent institutions deliberated on the applications, and proposed names for the approval of the Majlis yesterday.

After debates on the proposal the nominees endorsed by the Majlis were: Dr Mohamed Latheef, M.A Kinbi; Mohamed Fahmee Hassan, G. Kokkiri; Ahmad Hassan Didi, G. New Waves; Abdullah Jihad and Khadheeja Adam, G. Alafaru

Top 10 hot spots for celebrities

2010-08-09T10:58:00.003+05:00

Not all beaches are created equal. Some glamorous shorelines get a little more love from entertainment royalty than others, so check out the cheapflights.com list of which hot spots attract the world's most scintillating stars, and add them to your travel agenda this summer. This list is not endorsed by Reuters:

Maldives

Although Beyonce and Jay-Z seem to vacation everywhere, the hip-hop royalty couple jets to the beach-side huts of the Maldives on the Indian Ocean as well. The beaches here are set around a series of ancient coral reefs that expanded along the sides of prehistoric volcanoes, which make for astounding snorkeling and diving in the warm water lagoons. Other celebs who love this spot are Kate Moss, Eva Longoria, Jude Law and Penelope Cruz.

Mallorca, Spain

The largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is a no-brainer for spotting famous beachgoers. Stars like Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas own property here, as well as athletes and pop stars from all over the world. When you're done sunbathing on its glorious stretches of sand on the east and north coasts (rumored to be the best beaches on the island), take a Vespa tour through the rich Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, and along olive groves and pine forests.

Turtle Island, Fiji

This South Pacific paradise is your best bet for celeb sightings - if you have the money and connections to get on land, that is. Pop stars like Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson have secured spots on the privately-owned island, which allows only 28 guests at a time. If funds allow, you can also reserve one of the island's 14 beaches, or the entire island itself. But we're guessing if you have that kind of money, you might already be a celebrity, and not looking to spot one.

South Beach, Miami

The smooth Latin rhythm of South Beach, Miami does something to its guests - or at least Jennifer Lopez and Shakira seem to think so. Ocean Drive runs along the Atlantic, where the rich and famous situate their yachts and play on the sand. A-listers especially flock to The Setai, a luxury accommodation where gods and goddesses of entertainment can lounge in the three azure pools, relax in the spa and jet-ski in the rolling blue waves.

Anguilla

The most wonderful thing about Anguilla is the sheer lack of development (there are no casinos or nightclubs) that seems to plague other idyllic islands. There's a certain serenity here that celebrities like Courteney Cox-Arquette and David Arquette crave, so if you happen to bump into them on one of the unspoiled and tranquil beaches, keep the peace by maintaining Anguilla's calm and quiet power.

St Tropez, France

Don't be confused - P Diddy doesn't own the place, but he certainly has a stake in its social circle. His yacht parties on the beach have been known to cause an elegant ruckus or two, and stars like Lara Flynn Boyle and Jack Nicholson frequent the beaches here as well. (No word on whether or not they hang with Diddy).

Lake Como, Italy

It's not technically the point where the sand meets the water that attracts the celebrities, rather it's the scenic area that surrounds the water. Menaggio and Tremezzo boast beautiful lakeside beaches on Lake Como, but the real highlights are the outdoorsy activities like boating, horseback riding and paragliding. Hey, if George Clooney likes it, we're not arguing.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

In the heart of French Polynesia, Bora Bora exists as a sort of honeymoon-land. Glam ladies like Charlize Theron, Sharon Stone and Nicole Kidman have been spotted lounging on its golden beaches, most likely taking advantage of the private beach huts and tropical bungalows that offer views of volcano peaks and cobalt lagoons.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo has always been a classic respite for big wigs, especially due to its close proximity to Los Angeles. Legends like John Wayne and Ernest Hemingway vacationed here back in the day, and now stars like Dustin Hoffman relax by the Sea of Cortez. Hit the beach here for parasailing, snorkeling, kite sailing and diving.

Bondi Beach, Sydney

Once again, Sydney makes the list (is there anything this city can't do?) From surfing to snorkeling to simply tanning on the shore like Paris Hilton, Bondi Beach has it all. The best part of Bondi is how many activities surround it, so while you're sailing under the Harbour Bridge or checking out the Coogee cliffs, keep an eye out for celebs like Nicole Richie and Hugh Jackman, who have been known to come here and kick back.

Maldives attorney general resigns

2010-08-09T10:53:00.001+05:00

Maldives Attorney General Husnu Suood has resigned over government's 'failure to enact necessary legislation' that made his job 'untenable', a media report said Sunday.

'I resigned... There are a lot pending matters. I believe that all state bodies have failed (to take their responsibilities). So I believe that at least someone should take the responsibility,' Suood said in an interview with haveeru.com.mv.

Suood said he resigned to take responsibility of the constitutional void triggered after the transition period deadline.

He said that failure to enact necessary legislation during his term in office made his job as attorney general, stipulated in Article 133 of the constitution, untenable.

Maldives almost ended up without its Supreme Court

2010-08-09T10:49:00.000+05:00

The simmering political and constitutional crisis in Maldives threatened to surface again over the weekend after its Majlis (Parliament) failed to pass a legislation to ensure that the country's interim Supreme Court continues to function. Maldives current interim Supreme Court's term ended on
August 7. The Majlis, where the opposition is in majority, needed to pass a necessary act to make it permanent but failed to do so.

But according to President Mohamed Nasheed's office, the crisis was averted after Nasheed issued a decree at 12 midnight on Sunday to ensure the administrative functions of the Supreme Court continue.

"Chapter 14 of the Constitution established a number of temporary, interim institutions, including the creation of an interim Supreme Court, and stipulated that the people's Majlis must pass a necessary act to make the institutions permanent. The interim period of the Constitution ended on 7 August," a statement from Nasheed's office said.

"The Majlis failed to get its work done on time. This left the President with two options: allow the country to have no Supreme Court at all; or issue a decree so at least the administrative functions of the Supreme Court can continue. The President chose the latter option," Nasheed's press secretary Mohamed Zuhair said.

The Presidential decree appoints four legal practitioners of high repute to continue the day to day administrative functions of the Supreme Court.

But the four-person interim administrative panel will not rule on cases or act as de facto judges. Their powers will be limited to running the overall administration of the Supreme Court and the Department of Judicial Administration, which sits under the Supreme Court. The government has asked the Commonwealth to advise the interim administrative panel.

This new crisis came barely few weeks after Maldives was left without an effective government for days after its cabinet resigned en-masse after a deadlock with the Majlis.

Maldives to appoint interim supreme court – AFP

2010-08-08T12:45:00.000+05:00

The Maldivian president will set up an interim supreme court as the opposition-controlled parliament blocked the appointment of new judges, the foreign minister said Saturday.

President Mohamed Nasheed’s move would ensure the administration of justice even after the two-year term of the current Supreme Court expires at midnight Saturday, Minister Ahmed Shaheed said.

“The parliament has failed to approve a new supreme court and that means we would be without a judiciary from Sunday, but the president can’t allow that to happen,” Shaheed told AFP by telephone from the Male.

“You can’t run the country without a judicial system. That is why the president is making an interim arrangement.”

Prominent citizens will be included in the interim panel which will function until the parliament confirms the new judges in line with the 2008 constitution, he said. There was no immediate reaction from the opposition.

The luxury holiday paradise of Maldives embraced Western-style multi-party democracy in 2008 amid high hopes for reforms, but the country’s parliament and president are from rival parties and are at loggerheads.

Nasheed’s cabinet resigned en masse on June 29 saying it could not carry out its work because parliament was blocking their work.

Since then, Nasheed has reappointed the ministers but the parliament is refusing to ratify them as well as his nominee to head the Supreme Court.

The current political crisis in the Maldives goes back to the 2009 parliamentary election when the People’s Party (DRP) led by former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom won a majority.

Although it gained control of the legislature, the DRP fell short of a two-thirds majority needed to impeach the president. At the same time, Nasheed cannot dismiss the assembly until it completes its full five-year term.

President urges to refrain from misleading public on appointment of judges

2010-08-07T16:32:00.002+05:00

A statement by President’s Office has called on to refrain from misleading the public on permanent appointment of judges on 4 August 2010.

President’s Office statement also rebutted the claim by MP for Ungoofaaru, Dr. Afraashim Ali, that during his meeting with members of JSC on 2 August 2010, “President has unconditionally supported the process”. However, President’s Office stated that President Nasheed called on the members of the JSC to be transparent on the process to appoint judges permanently and in finalizing the code of conduct and code of ethics of judges, during the meeting”.

“Any statement on President’s meeting with the members of the JSC otherwise are misquotes and misinterpretations of President’s comments” the statement said.

The statement also said that Parliament has started deliberations of the necessary bill stipulating the procedures of the process. “President is of the view that some members of JSC have prioritized politics over constitutional provisions in appointing the judges permanently, and has favored to move ahead with the process in the absence of such a law and despite having the knowledge that Parliament would enact the law before the deadline” it continued.

Judicial Service Commission has appointed 59 judges on 4 August 2010, who served at Male’ Courts, although Parliament is yet enact the law which would stipulate the process and despite the appeals by the President. Aishtha Velzini, President’s member to JSC and Sheikh Shuaib Abdul Rahman, appointed by public to JSC, has voiced grave concerns on the process. Police has also blocked the JSC Office on 2 August, in an effort to “prevent unconstitutional activities” by the JSC. However, later that day members of the JSC met with President.

Qasim Ibrahim’s treason case sent for prosecution

2010-08-07T16:28:00.001+05:00

Police has sent Qasim Ibrahim’s treason case to Prosecutor-General’s Office for prosecution.

According to the case documents, Qasim Ibrahim, leader of opposition Jumhooree Party, MP for Maamigili and business magnet, has bribed fellow MPs to support a possible no-confident motion against President Mohamed Nasheed. If such motions are to be successful, proponents of the motion would have to win 2/3 majority, which can only be done with the support of some of the ruling MDP MPs.

Miadhu Daily also understands that although Qasim’s case is sent to PG Office, Police has not sent the cases against Abdulla Yaameen and Ahmed Nazim, leader and deputy leader of opposition Peoples Alliance respectively. Ahmed Nazim is also the deputy speaker of the parliament.

Three MPs has been detained by the Police but extension of their detention was not approved by judiciary. Since then Police has developed similar cases against three prominent MPs.

On 29 June 2010, cabinet has resigned claiming that the bribery and corruption is ripe in the opposition controlled parliament and the parliament is not providing the necessary support for the government.

Qasim Ibrahim has labored hard to elect then MDP candidate, Mohamed Nasheed into presidency, during the run-off of the 2008 presidential elections and Qasim Ibrahim served as the first Home Minister of President Nasheed’s government. However, political disagreements ensued between two politicians with Qasim resigning and JP quitting from the MDP coalition. Qasim has claimed that government supporters are deliberately attacking his business interests as well, in an effort to keep him politically “shut”.

In a DRP rally held after his release from detention, Qasim Ibrahim has also apologized for his backing to President Nasheed back in the election.

President appoints heads of Maldives Inland Revenue Authority

2010-08-04T08:56:00.001+05:00

President Mohamed Nasheed has appointed Yazeedh Mohamed as Commissioner General of Taxation, presenting letters of appointment at a function yesterday afternoon.

Hassan Zareer was appointed Deputy Commissioner General of Taxation.

Board members of the new tax authority, the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA), are Abbas Adhil Riza, Hassan Waheed, Ahmed Mohamed, Aishth Lulua Hassan and Uz Hussain Siraj.

The President made the appointments as per Article 4(e) of Tax Administration Act.

Maldives’ judiciary hits crisis

2010-08-04T08:54:00.001+05:00

In the backdrop of a clash between the executive and the legislature, the Maldives’ judiciary has now hit a crisis after the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) made 160 judges permanent, controversially, prompting the police to block entry to the commission, yesterday.

Police surrounded the Judicial Services Commission, blocking any member or its staff from entering the commission.

The controversy began when the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) Tuesday revealed that 160 sitting judges have been made permanent after amending the criteria, Haveeru reported.

A JSC press release said it had started appraising Maldives’ 197 judges – excluding Supreme Court judges – after amending article four of the judges’ criteria earlier set by the commission.

The revised article reads, “The commission decides on judges who have been convicted in a criminal offence, matters that include an action taken against by an independent commission and would be decided that he/she does not qualify to the code of conduct part of the criteria if he/she has committed a crime stated in article 149(b3) of the constitution.”

JSC Media official Hassan Zaheen said the 160 judges who were made permanent did not have any records of an offence.

However, the other 37 judges, including Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed, Civil Court judge Mohamed Naeem and another judge who was accused of trying to copy during an exam , have criminal records, he added.

Aishath Velezinee, President Mohamed Nasheed’s member in the commission, confirmed JSC was not making Supreme Court judges permanent, as it decided that it was not in its mandate, according to Haveeru.

Supporters of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) gathered outside Theemuge which houses the commission Wednesday and chanted that the commission’s decision was unlawful.

Ibrahim ‘Ibra’ Ismail, former Male MP, also chair of the committee that drafted the constitution argued on a VTV programme that making judges permanent without the necessary law was illegal. JSC cannot make judges permanent according to its judges criteria, he said.

Zaheen, however, said the commission believes that judges should be made permanent within the August 7 deadline set in the constitution.

“The commission, one way or the other, should make judges permanent before the constitutional deadline. Making laws is not our business. But we have asked the parliament through a letter to pass the law soon,” he said.

The bill on judges presented by Fonadhoo MP Abdur Raheem Abdulla on November 9, 2009 is still in committee stages.

Article 149(a) of the constitution states that a person appointed as a judge in accordance with law, must possess the educational qualifications, experience and recognised competence necessary to discharge the duties and responsibilities of a Judge, and must be of high moral character.

Article 297(a) stipulates that within two years of the commencement of the constitution, excepting matters specifically provided herein, elections or appointments to posts shall be finalised in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, and institutions specified in the constitution shall also be created or established.

Article 159(a) specifies that the Judicial Service Commission is entrusted with the responsibility and power to appoint, promote and transfer Judges other than the Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme Court, and to make recommendations to the President on the appointment of the Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme Court.

F1 gets set for summer holidays In Maldives

2010-08-02T23:55:00.001+05:00

It is definitely holiday-time in Formula One when Ferrari's media boss Luca Colajanni has a Maldives holiday booked.

"We all need a breather", wrote Telegraph correspondent Tom Cary.

He's not the only one. Silvia Hoffer, working for McLaren's PR department, was stocking up on gossip magazines in Hungary, the last race before a four-week calendar break.

"I need something to read on the beach," she smiled, revealing her vacation destination
is Italy.

The reason for the rare glut of holidays is a mandatory two-week factory shutdown for all the teams.

Red Bull's factory will stay open until later this week, but McLaren opted to kick-off its two-week shutdown at the stroke of midnight after Sunday's race, despite having a lot of work to do to improve the MP4-25.

"I'd love not to have a shutdown and be ploughing on, to understand what's permissible on the front wing and make them next week," said Martin Whitmarsh.

The happiest vacationer is therefore Mark Webber, the Hungaroring winner and new championship leader with just seven races to go.

"There's everything to play for," said the Australian, "but not until I've turned my phone off and had a couple of weeks' holiday!"

Government trying to speed up development projects – President

2010-08-01T13:19:00.001+05:00

In his weekly radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed has said government is trying to speed up development projects in the islands.

“Ever since we came to office, we have been trying to find ways to speed up infrastructure projects immediately required,” said the President.

The President added that “groundwork for several such projects has now been done, and they are ready to start in the coming days.”

The projects include provision of utilities services like water and electricity, establishing sewerage systems, and roads construction projects.

The President noted the agreement between Southern Utilities Limited and the Biwater Group to provide utilities in South Province, and the agreement between Upper South Utilities Limited and the UEM Group of United States to provide water and sewerage systems in the Upper South Province.

The government, he said, was implementing those projects through Public-Private Partnerships, as it would take several years if the government alone tried to invest in those projects.

Also, on Thursday, the President launched three major development projects in Kulhudhuffushi including roads, housing and water supply projects.

In his radio address, the President discussed the talks between political parties to find ways to solve the political impasse in the country. He said he could see a “bright view” since the talks began.

“I hope that the talks between MDP and DRP will see a productive outcome,” he said.

The President reiterated his readiness to face all elections that will ensue following constitutional amendments to find a long term solution to political deadlock in the country.

President launches major development projects in Kulhudhuffushi

2010-08-01T13:14:00.001+05:00

Today, President Mohamed Nasheed launched three major development projects in Kulhudhuffushi, during a visit to the island.
The three projects are a water supply project, a housing project and a road construction project for the island.

Addressing Kulhudhufushi people after a special function to launch the projects, the President reaffirmed government’s commitment to deliver its pledges to the people.

Highlighting the successful sewerage project in Kulhudhuffushi, President Nasheed said he was confident that the government would be able to provide potable water and sewerage systems for every island of the Maldives during his term in office.

The President discussed the process and time required for executing a sustainable project, adding that transparency and accountability was paramount for the success of projects.

Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC), which is implementing Kulhudhuffushi water project, says that during the first phase of the project a 250-tonne water desalinating plant will be installed.

Under the housing project, two-storey row houses will be built in the island. The row houses will have three bedrooms with attached toilets, a kitchen, dining room and a living room.

Speaking on the road construction project, President of Male’ Municipality Adam Maniku said under the first phase, Ameenee Magu, which is the biggest road, will be paved.

The President arrived in Kulhuduffushi Thursday afternoon. On his arrival, the President was warmly greeted by the Kulhudhuffushi people.

Also Biwater International Limited had signed a US$42 million water purchase agreement with Southern Utilities Limited to provide potable water to the Southern Province.

In his radio address, the President expressed confidence that the government will be able to provide a better life for the people.

Constitution mandates to create a new judiciary – President

2010-08-01T13:13:00.000+05:00

Constitution mandates to establish a new judiciary, President Nasheed has said speaking at an MDP rally held on 28 July 2010.

President also noted that the new judiciary is still not created and that is creating problems for the executive as well.

President also noted that the main feature of the new constitution was separation of powers and that the Executive and the Legislature which has to be elected are already in office. There are articles which mandate the judiciary to renew itself as well, President Nasheed noted.

However, reappointment of judiciary is slow, and that Supreme Court and lower courts are still not enacted although deadline for it is just a week away, President noted.

President Nasheed also noted that before judges could be made permanent JSC should analyze if judges meet the criteria set by the constitution and that it has to be done as per a necessary Law by the parliament.

President Nasheed also noted that the Supreme Court judges are still not appointed despite sending a bill to parliament on the matter. According to President, nominations for the post could only be sent with the adoption of that law by the parliament.

National Day of Maldives

2010-07-26T02:06:00.000+05:00

National Day of Maldives
July 26, 2010.

Today (Monday) is the National Day of Maldives.

Maldives is an island consisting of a group of atolls in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives is located south of India’s Lakshadweep islands and about seven hundred kilometers southwest of Sri Lanka. The name “Maldives” is derived from the Sanskrit maladvipa, meaning "garland of islands," or from mahila dvipa, meaning, “island of women.” Maldives is the smallest Asian country in both population and area. With an average ground level of 1.5 meters above sea level, it is the lowest country on the planet. Its highest point is only 2.3 meters – the lowest highest-point in the world.

Maldives was originally a Buddhist nation; Islam was introduced in 1153. It became a Portuguese (1558), Dutch (1654), and British (1887) colonial possession. On July 26, 1965, Maldives obtained independence from Britain and in 1968, the Sultanate was replaced by a Republic. However, in 38 years, the Maldives has seen only two Presidents, although recently, political restrictions have loosened somewhat.

The backbone of the Maldivian economy is made up of tourism and fishing. The country’s shipping, banking, and manufacturing sectors are growing at a considerable pace. Among the South Asian nations, Maldives has the second highest per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at around US$4,000. Major trading partners include India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.

I congratulate the people and government of Maldives led by H.E., President Mohamed Nasheed, on the occasion of their National Day.I wish them all the best and success in all their endeavors.

Opposition leader Yamin released from custody

2010-07-24T06:40:00.002+05:00

PA Leader and Mulaku constituency MP Abdulla Yamin has been released from Aarah island near capital Male’ where he was kept for safety by Maldives National Defence Force, MNDF. MNDF released Yamin this afternoon. He was taken to the island in the early morning of 14 July following violent clashes near his home between his supporters and opponents.

According to Mohamed Zuhair, Press Secretary of President Mohamed Nasheed, the President has ordered the release of the PA Leader. Zuhair further said President’s decision to release Yamin was not influenced by any pressure. The Secretary said because of the security situation in Male’, MNDF will provide protection to the PA Leader and his house.Yamin was also under house arrest earlier this month by order of the Criminal Court on a Police investigation of corruption case. But the Supreme Court ruled out the arrest saying there was no evidence to keep him under arrest.

Yamin was taken to Aarah by the MNDF following some disturbances in a huge rally held by the the ruling MDP. The disturbance resulted in a large crowd gathering near Yamin’s home and calling for his arrest when Yamin’s supporters also gathered there. This resulted in a violent clash between the two sides injuring several persons. Police had to use tear gas to disperse the gathering. Leader of main opposition DRP Ahmed Thasmeen condemned the Government for arresting opposition leaders for political motives. Speaker of the People’s Majlis Abdulla Shahid requested Ministry of Defence to allow Yamin to attend the meetings of the Majlis, but the Ministry refused to do so on security grounds. Heated arguments continued in the Majlis between Government and opposition MPs unable to deliberate on the agenda, and the Speaker decided the Majlis will not meet until Yamin attends the Majlis. All meetings of the Majlis were cancelled last week and may reconvene only from I August

President Mohamed Nasheed last week vowed to crush corruption in the country and said he will go out of the boundary to do so if it becomes necessary.

President Nasheed’s Government launched a major campaign to fight corruption after alleging opposition MPs were involved in bribing MPs to influence them to oppose bills and other matters submitted by the Government, after the en mass resignation of all ministers of President Nasheed’s cabinet on 29 June. The President announced his cabinet decided to resign because the Majlis was obstructing their work. Government vehemently condemned the opposition for amending the Finance Law to prohibit sale of public property without Majlis approval. The Government described this decision as an encroachment of the powers of the President and his administration. But the main opposition DRP and its alliance refutes the allegation and say that the Government is required to abide by law when it sells any public property, and the Government has been doing whatever they want disregarding the Constitution and other laws. They said laws are being enacted to ensure accountability and protect the assets of the country.

Billionaire businessman and MP for Maamigili Gasim Ibrahim and PA Leader Yamin were arrested for investigation in a suspected corruption case. However, they were later released by the order of the Supreme Court. Deputy Speaker of the Majlis and Yamin’s close colleague in PA, Ahmed Nazim is also under house arrest on a similar allegation. Last week arrest new warrants were issued on Nazim and ruling MDP’s MP for Thimarafushi Mohamed Mustafa, but the High Court ordered to release them.

Meanwhile friendly countries have expressed concern about the deepening political crisis in the Maldives and urged for restrain from all sides. They called on both the Government and opposition to solve the problem through dialogue. During his state visit, President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapakse also played a mediator’s role between the ruling MDP and opposition DRP and three other parties joining them. On Thursday, US Assistant Secretary of State Robert Blake met with President Nasheed and told in a news conference later the crisis will be very costly to the economy of the country. He has also said Yamin should be either charged or released. British and Indian Governments are also trying to help solve the crisis

Last Tuesday, President Nasheed has called for consultations between the Government and opposition, while the opposition DRP and its alliance have also called for the same.

No one should be in custody during peace talks, says President

2010-07-22T11:11:00.002+05:00

MALE, July 21, 2010 . No political figure should be held in custody when the government and opposition parties go for peace talks to resolve the current crisis, President Mohamed Nasheed said Wednesday.

The President made the comments at a press conference held at President’s Office Wednesday afternoon, in response to a question asked about opposition Mulaku MP Abdulla Yamin, who is in the armed forces “protective custody.”

Responding to claims that Yamin is being held illegally, President Nasheed said the armed forces acted “on my orders” and added that his commands were within the boundaries of law.

“There is a lawsuit filed in the matter you are referring to. The court has not decided the process is illegal. I think it is not acceptable to point fingers at each other claiming that it is illegal when there is no court ruling,” he said.

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) deployed armed personnel on July 14 taking Yamin away to Aarah island after violent clashes between government and opposition supporters outside his home.

Yamin was earlier arrested by police on charges of treason and bribery of parliamentarians. But the Supreme Court released the MP overruling a High Court warrant to hold him in 15 days house arrest.

The armed forces flunked an order to bring Yamin to Criminal Court to determine the legitimacy of his detention and refused to cooperate with the court to conduct a hearing in his absentia.

The President reiterated that the armed forces were acting according to the laws and added that he did not believe that those involved in a case could prevent a court decision.

President Nasheed noted that Yamin’s custody is based on National Security Council’s decision.

“[Yamin’s custody] will change once we believe that the situation has changed. I cannot take a risk on the safety of a political figure. Several times in the past several people, who were brought to Male by several politicians on various arguments, have perished. Their monuments are outside Male. I would not allow something similar under my leadership. I do now want that to happen,” he said.

US envoy to visit Maldives as political crisis deepens

2010-07-22T07:32:00.000+05:00

Colombo - A senior US diplomat is set to visit MaldivesThursday for talks with the government and opposition leaders as a political crisis in the country deepens.

Robert Blake, assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, is also due to meet with anti-drug trafficking activists and religious leaders, a US embassy spokesman in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo said.

The tourism-dependent country has been in turmoil since the cabinet resigned on June 29 in protest at blocking tactics by the parliamentary opposition, who have a slim majority in the Maldivian Majlis.

The cabinet was restored on July 8 after intervention by Sri Lanka's president, but fresh protests followed after the arrest of an opposition leader.

The US called on the Maldives to accept foreign mediation toresolve the rift between President Mohamed Nasheed's ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the opposition.

US Ambassador for Sri Lanka and Maldives Patricia Butenis hasalready hosted talks between the two sides.

On Tuesday, opposition lawmaker and deputy parliamentary speaker, Ahmed Nazim and MDP-legislator Mohamed Musthafa were arrested for allegedly bribing a judge in a civil case, but released later.

Nazim was already under a 15-day house arrest on a similar charge of bribing fellow parliamentarians to block government bills.

US official visits Maldives to break deadlock-BBC

2010-07-22T00:06:00.002+05:00

A senior US diplomat is to visit the Maldives in an effort to end the political crisis in the Indian Ocean nation.

The country has been in limbo since the mass resignation of the cabinet, who claimed the opposition-led parliament were blocking their every move.

Four MPs have been arrested for alleged bribery.

Opposition MPs say the government is acting unconstitutionally and preventing them from doing their job.

The dispute has sparked violent street protests by both sides, and the US and UK have issued travel warnings to citizens travelling to the popular holiday destination.

Robert Blake, US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, is arriving on Thursday for meetings with all political parties in an attempt to negotiate a solution.

President Mohamed Nasheed, who became the country's first democratically elected leader in 2008, says an alliance of MPs are preventing his proposed reforms from becoming law.

His government says the MPs had also threatened to bring no-confidence motions against every minister.

Mr Nasheed has since reappointed ministers, but they require the approval of parliament, which has been unable to hold a session due to the dispute.

"We are happy to engage in talks with opposition parties. We would like to resolve the differences between us," the president said at a press conference in the capital, Male', on Wednesday.
'Incarcerated'

A statement released by the Maldivian embassy in the UK said it was looking for a solution that would "focus equally on the executive, the legislature and the judiciary".

Alleging that the Supreme Court is biased towards the former regime, the government is calling for the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) to set up an independent judiciary in the country.

Abdullah Yameen, an opposition MP and the half-brother of ex-President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, says the "autocratic" government has illegally detained him on the presidential island of Aarah.

"They don't want to give me any political space," he told the BBC.

"The government is not able to do what they want with the national agenda because the parliament is obstructing that... This is why we are being incarcerated, intimidated".

The president's office says Mr Yameen is there for his own protection.

Mr Yameen says he is not willing to hold any talks with the governing Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) until he is released, and says he will only agree to "reasonable" requests.

The Maldives voted for a presidential system in a refendum in 2007, with the then opposition MDP campaigning for a parliamentary system.

Britain, US warn over travel to Maldives capital

2010-07-22T00:01:00.000+05:00

The US and Britain on Wednesday issued warnings to their citizens travelling to the capital of the Maldives, where a deepening political crisis has led to violent street protests.

The Indian Ocean archipelago, an upmarket tourism destination famous for its beaches and turquoise waters, has been gripped by a bitter power struggle between the president and the opposition-led national parliament since June.

Several street demonstrations in the highly congested capital island of Male last week injured at least nine police officers and six civilians.

In separate warnings issued online, Britain and the US noted that demonstrations in Male could get out of hand and warned visitors to avoid large political gatherings and state buildings.

Most tourist resorts are located outside Male and most tourists travel straight from the airport island to their resorts without going to the capital.

"The demonstrations have not targeted foreigners, and there have not been any demonstrations in the resort islands or outside of Male," the US embassy in Colombo added.

Police broke up an unruly gathering of ruling party supporters in the capital on Tuesday after they surrounded a school where the speaker of parliament had gone for his weekly badminton game.

Meanwhile US Assistant Secretary of State Robert Blake on Wednesday urged President Nasheed and opposition parties to eliminate their differences and work towards serving the needs of the Maldivian people.

"I am sorry to see the absence of understanding between the government and the opposition parties," Blake told reporters in Colombo ahead of his one-day visit to Maldives on Thursday.

Washington has been urging the Maldives to accept offers of international mediation to unlock the political deadlock.

US Ambassador Patricia Butenis and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse have travelled to the Maldives in recent weeks for separate meetings to iron out the row in the nation of 314,000 Sunni Muslims.

Blake said his visit was aimed at continuing a dialogue between warring parties, and to try to narrow their differences.

"If I can narrow the disputes, I am happy to do so, to help defuse the situation," said Blake who was also the ambassador for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, prior to his appointment last May

Britain cautions citizens travelling to Maldives

2010-07-20T01:28:00.002+05:00

Britain has urged its citizens travelling to Maldives to be on their guard because of political crisis triggered by a rift between the ruling party and the opposition.

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, in a revised travel advice, noted that political protests and demonstrations, predominately outside government buildings and political figures’ residences in the capital Male, are ongoing, following a period of political unrest within the parliament.

“Social unrest is possible and there is a risk demonstrations might become violent,” the advice said. “You should exercise caution and avoid any large political gatherings.”

The advice came as nine people were arrested in Male after the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) took opposition legislator Abdulla Yamin into custody.

Maldives has been hit by a political rift since its entire cabinet of 13 ministers resigned on June 29 after the opposition blocked legislations due to be passed in parliament. The cabinet was restored later, but the rift
continues.

Assistant Secretary of State Robert O. Blake, Jr. will travel to Sri Lanka and Maldives

2010-07-20T00:49:00.001+05:00

Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
July 19, 2010

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert O. Blake, Jr. will travel to Colombo, Sri Lanka July 21 and Male, Maldives July 22. This is his first visit to the Maldives as Assistant Secretary.

In Sri Lanka, Assistant Secretary Blake will have consultations with the Sri Lankan government, political parties, business leaders and civil society.

In the Maldives, Assistant Secretary Blake will meet government officials, opposition parties, civil society representatives, anti-trafficking activists, and religious leaders.

PRN: 2010/975

Maldives Opposition leader in Army custody

2010-07-16T00:46:00.000+05:00

(July 16, Male,) In the ongoing political battle between President Mohamed Nasheed and the Majlis, the leader of one of the opposition parties, People's Alliance, Abdulla Yamin was taken into army custody at 1 am yesterday (July 15).

The Maldives armed forces said in a statement released soon after, that Yamin was taken for protective custody after violence broke out near his home between his supporters and MDP activists.

According to hospital sources, a number of people injured in the clashes were taken to hospital including several policemen.

The detained parliamentarian's lawyers this morning filed a case in the criminal court demanding his immediate release. "He was taken against his will," said Azima Shakoor, head of his defence team, "and clearly that's against the law."

Earlier last night, speaking at an MDP public rally attended by President Nasheed, the outspoken leader of MDP parliamentary group, Reeko Moosa, said that if Yamin, Gasim and Nazim were not re-arrested before midnight last night, MDP would establish what he termed as "a people's court" to try those who are accused of corruption.

One foreign diplomat based here commented that it would be yet another departure from democratic practice that the Nasheed regime is planning.

"People are now living in fear," said one prominent lawyer, "they don't know what's going to happen to them. They might be dragged to the police for no reason at all, or their homes may be attacked by pro-government mobs. There's no rule of law any more."

The opposition alliance said that last night's mob attacks on prominent opposition leaders' homes as well as that of speaker of the Majlis, Abdula Shahid, was orchestrated by the MDP leadership.

Hundreds of MDP activists were brought to Male from the outer atolls on government boats, fed and accommodated by the government and then unleashed last night to do the dirty work, said one of the deputy leaders of the main opposition party, DRP.

The mobs roamed about Male till the small hours of this morning, throwing stones at the homes of opposition leaders, judges and the speaker of the Majlis. Several nearby houses also suffered various damages.

Ordinary citizens of Male are furious. Many of them speaking in talk show programmes today said that the president and Reeko Moosa were responsible for these attacks. The government has gone crazy, said one shopkeeper. Whoever heard of a government unleashing unruly mobs to attack ordinary people's homes, he said.

Second day of unrest in Maldives after arrest of opposition leader

2010-07-16T00:42:00.000+05:00

Colombo - Demonstrators were in the streets of the Maldives Friday protesting the previous day's arrest of the leader of the main opposition party, officials said.

The Maldives National Defence Force took People's Alliance party chief Abdulla Yamin into custody Thursday, claiming it was at his request and for his own protection.

The Supreme Court recently ruled that Yamin should be released from the house arrest imposed on him while cooperating with police on an enquiry into bribery and treason charges.

The defence force refused to bring him to a court hearing as requested by the judge and took him into military custody instead, prompting his supporters to protest and clash with supporters of the ruling Maldives Democratic Party.

The president's office released a statement Friday saying that "the government will take legal action against those who have engaged in unrest in Male," and accusing Yamin's supporters of instigating the violence.

The tourism-dependent country has been in turmoil since the cabinet resigned on June 29 in protest at blocking tactics by the parliamentary opposition, who have a slim majority in the Maldivian Majlis.

The cabinet was restored on July 8 after Sri Lankan PresidentMahinda Rajapaksa intervened.

Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed was elected in October 2008, ending 30 years of autocratic rule of the Indian Ocean island nation by Mohammed Abdul Gayoom.

David Cameron: Life and times of new UK prime minister

2010-05-12T11:25:00.001+05:00

He may speak the language of modernity and change, but in many ways Britain's new prime minister David Cameron is a throwback to an earlier era of Conservative leaders.
Not only is he the first former pupil of Britain's top private school, Eton, to hold the office since the early 1960s, he can also trace his ancestry back to William IV, making him a distant relative of the Queen.
Mr Cameron has never made any secret of his privileged background, but he has also sought to cultivate a fresh, unstuffy image.
At 43, he is the youngest prime minister since Robert Banks Johnson, the 2nd Earl of Liverpool in 1812. He is six months younger than Tony Blair when he entered Downing Street in 1997.
Like Mr Blair, he has a young family and an informal, self-consciously modern approach to politics. Mr Blair arrived at Number 10 with a guitar case in hand. Mr Cameron has his cycling helmet on his handlebars and fondness for indie rock.
Yet despite opening himself up to the TV cameras like few other British political leaders, Mr Cameron is still something of an unknown quantity.
'Happy childhood'
Friends talk of a witty, self-deprecating character, a devoted family man who loves to throw weekend parties at his Oxfordshire constituency home and who hates "talking shop".

But some who have had dealings with him on his rise to power, and during his brief career in business, recall a "slippery", "ruthlessly ambitious", somewhat guarded individual.
So who is the real David Cameron?
The third of four children, David William Duncan Cameron, was born on 9 October 1966 in London.
He spent the first three years of his life in Kensington and Chelsea before the family moved to an old rectory near Newbury, in Berkshire.
Mr Cameron has said he had a "happy childhood", but one where "whingeing was not on the menu".
His stockbroker father Ian was born with severely deformed legs, which he eventually had to have amputated. He has also lost the sight in one eye, but David's father said he never considered himself "disabled" and rarely complained about anything.
Mr Cameron's mother, Mary, served as a Justice of the Peace for 30 years. During her time on the bench she passed judgement on the Greenham Common protesters, including on one occasion her own sister, Mr Cameron revealed recently, and eco-warrior Swampy, who was protesting against the construction of the Newbury bypass.
'Mainstream Conservative'
At the age of seven, the young Cameron was packed off to Heatherdown, a highly exclusive preparatory school, which counted Princes Edward and Andrew among its pupils. Then, following in the family tradition, came Eton.
School friends say Mr Cameron was never seen as a great academic - or noted for his interest in politics, beyond the "mainstream Conservative" views held by most of his classmates.

He has described his 12 O-levels as "not very good", but he gained three As at A-level, in history, history of art and economics with politics.
Reportedly his biggest mention in the Eton school magazine came when he sprained his ankle dancing to bagpipes on a school trip to Rome.
Before going up to Oxford to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics he took a gap year, working initially for Sussex Conservative MP Tim Rathbone, before spending three months in Hong Kong, working for a shipping agent, and then returning by rail via the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.
At Oxford, he avoided student politics because, according to one friend from the time, Steve Rathbone, "he wanted to have a good time".
He was captain of Brasenose College's tennis team and a member of the Bullingdon dining club, famed for its hard drinking and bad behaviour, an episode Mr Cameron has always refused to talk about.
He has also consistently dodged the question of whether he took drugs at university.
But he evidently did not let his extra-curricular activities get in the way of his studies.
His tutor at Oxford, Professor Vernon Bogdanor, describes him as "one of the ablest" students he has taught, whose political views were "moderate and sensible Conservative".
After gaining a first class degree, he briefly considered a career in journalism or banking, before answering an advertisement for a job in the Conservative Research Department.
'Brat pack'
Conservative Central Office is reported to have received a telephone call on the morning of his interview in June 1988, from an unnamed male at Buckingham Palace, who said: "I understand you are to see David Cameron.
"I've tried everything I can to dissuade him from wasting his time on politics but I have failed. I am ringing to tell you that you are about to meet a truly remarkable young man."
Mr Cameron says he did not know the call was being made or who made it, but it is sometimes held up by his opponents as an example of his gilded passage to the top.
As a researcher, Mr Cameron was seen as hard-working and bright. He worked with future shadow home secretary David Davis on the team briefing John Major for Prime Minister's Questions, and also hooked up with George Osborne, who would go on to be shadow chancellor and his leadership campaign manager.
Other colleagues, in what became known as the "brat pack" were Steve Hilton, now one of Mr Cameron's closest strategy advisers, and Andrew Lansley, expected to be the new health secretary.
These young researchers were credited with devising the attack on Labour tax plans that unexpectedly swung the 1992 general election for John Major.
Mr Major described Cameron as an "an extraordinarily able and bright young man," and praised his "coolness and his capacity to think under pressure."
'Board material'
But the remainder of Mr Cameron's time as a backroom boy in the Conservative government was more turbulent.
He was poached by then Chancellor Norman Lamont as a political adviser, and was at Mr Lamont's side throughout Black Wednesday, which saw the pound crash out of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism.

By the early 1990s, Mr Cameron had decided he wanted to be an MP himself, but he also knew it was vital to gain experience outside of politics.
So after a brief spell as an adviser to then home secretary Michael Howard, he took a job in public relations with ITV television company Carlton.
Mr Cameron spent seven years at Carlton, as head of corporate communications, travelling the world with the firm's boss Michael Green, who has described him as "board material".
"I tried to persuade him that he could have a really good career in industry, but he was completely resolute about going back to politics, and I respected him for that. He's good, he's the real McCoy," Mr Green told The Independent.
But Mr Cameron's period at Carlton is not remembered so fondly by some of the journalists who had to deal with him.
Jeff Randall, writing in The Daily Telegraph in 2005, said he would not trust Mr Cameron "with my daughter's pocket money".
"To describe Cameron's approach to corporate PR as unhelpful and evasive overstates by a wide-ish margin the clarity and plain-speaking that he brought to the job of being Michael Green's mouthpiece," wrote the ex-BBC business editor.
Former Sun business editor Ian King, recalling the same era, has described Mr Cameron as a "poisonous, slippery individual".
Mr Cameron went part-time from his job at Carlton in 1997 to unsuccessfully contest Stafford at that year's general election.
Dedication
Four years later, in 2001, he won the safe Conservative seat of Witney, in Oxfordshire, recently vacated by Sean Woodward, who had defected to Labour.
Mr Cameron was by now a married man with a family. His wife, Samantha, is the daughter of landowner Sir Reginald Sheffield. She grew up on the 300 acre Normanby Hall estate, near Scunthorpe.

Her stepfather, Viscount Astor, was a minister in John Major's government, with responsibility for broadcasting.
Before becoming Tory leader in 2005, Mr Cameron sat on the board of late night bar operator Urbium with Viscount Astor.
Mrs Cameron, who works as the creative director of upmarket stationery firm Smythson's of Bond Street, which counts Stella McCartney, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell among its clients, has been credited with transforming her husband's "Tory boy" image.
She has a tattoo on her ankle and went to art school in Bristol, where she says she was taught to play pool by rap star Tricky.
The couple were introduced by Mr Cameron's sister Clare, Samantha's best friend, at a party at the Cameron family home. They were married in 1996.
They have two young children, Nancy and Arthur, with another baby due in September.
Their first child, Ivan, who was born profoundly disabled and needed round the clock care, died in February 2009.
The experience of caring for Ivan and witnessing at first hand the dedication of NHS hospital staff, is said by friends to have broadened Mr Cameron's horizons. He had, friends say, led an almost charmed life, to that point.
Leadership contest
In a message to party activists after Ivan's death, Mr Cameron said: "When we were first told the extent of Ivan's disability I thought that we would suffer having to care for him but at least he would benefit from our care.
"Now as I look back I see that it was all the other way round. It was only him that ever really suffered and it was us - Sam, me, Nancy and Elwen - who gained more than I ever believed possible from having and loving such a wonderfully special and beautiful boy."

On entering Parliament in 2001, Mr Cameron rose rapidly through the ranks, serving first on the Home Affairs Select Committee, which recommended the liberalisation of drug laws.
He was taken under the wing of Michael Howard, who put him in charge of policy coordination and then made him shadow education secretary. He also had the key role of drafting the 2005 election manifesto.
But when he entered the race to succeed Mr Howard as party leader in 2005 few initially gave him a chance. He was a distant third at the bookmakers behind Ken Clarke, Liam Fox and frontrunner David Davis.
It took an eye-catching conference speech, delivered without notes, in what would become his trademark style, to change the minds of the party faithful.
A few may have had second thoughts, when in the early months of his leadership he spoke about how some young offenders just needed love (caricatured by his opponents as his "hug a hoodie" speech) and was pictured with huskies in the Arctic Circle on a trip to investigate climate change.
Fashionable
At the start of his leadership, Mr Cameron was all about sunny optimism and "sharing the proceeds of growth". He told activists in his first party conference speech to "let sunshine win the day" and managed to get a round of applause for a mention of civil partnerships.
The media, eager for a new story after years of Tory failure and with an increasingly unpopular Labour government, gave him the glowing coverage he craved, helping him to "decontaminate" the Tory brand and move the party back towards the centre ground, where, the conventional wisdom has it, British elections are won and lost.
He ordered the party to end its obsession with Europe and tried to reposition it as the party of the environment and the NHS, as well as recruiting more women and candidates from ethnic minorities to winnable seats.

He also cannily used the expenses scandal that rocked Westminster to portray himself as a radical reformer bent on cleaning up politics.
He was helped in his mission by many older, more traditionally-minded Tory MPs being forced to retire to make way for younger "Notting Hill Tories" - as Mr Cameron's fashionable, Metropolitan supporters came to be called.
He was rewarded with big poll leads - but the financial crisis forced Mr Cameron to ditch much of his upbeat rhetoric, in favour of a more sober, even gloomy, approach, warning voters they face tough times and spending cuts ahead.
Despite his change of tone, and with the exception of a brief period when Gordon Brown enjoyed a bounce in the polls after becoming leader in 2007, Mr Cameron has ridden high in the polls throughout his time as leader.
TV debates
But during the course of the general election campaign, he watched much of that poll lead evaporate, with the rise of Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, a man with a similar background and smooth, telegenic manner.
He was no longer the fresh, new face on the block.
What's more, his big idea, The Big Society, the fruit of detailed policy work stretching back to the early days of his leadership, which envisaged parents setting up their own schools and groups of public sector workers forming cooperatives, failed to capture voters' imagination in the way he had hoped.
But after losing out to Mr Clegg in the first televised prime ministerial debate, he managed to regain his poise and, according to most of the instant viewer polls, came out on top in the two that followed.
Mr Cameron and his inner circle still had hopes of winning an outright victory, as Britain went to to the polls.
But despite gaining 97 seats, the Conservatives' biggest increase in decades, they fell just short of the majority they needed to form a government and Mr Cameron was forced into coalition talks with Mr Clegg's Liberal Democrats.
Before he was elected Conservative leader in 2005, David Cameron famously described himself as the "heir to Blair".
There are certainly similarities with the way he has used a small group of modernisers to force change on a reluctant party, even if it did not, in the end, produce the same seismic effect at the ballot box.
And like Mr Blair in his early days, Mr Cameron's political philosophy is sometimes difficult to pin down. He recently told The Daily Telegraph he did not trust people with a "grand vision," saying he was "a practical person, and pragmatic".
If he could sum up his approach to politics in one word, he told the newspaper, it would be "responsibility". He may learn the true meaning of that word in the weeks and months to come.

DAVID CAMERON
Age: 43
Family: Married to Samantha, with two children and baby on the way. First child Ivan died in 2009.
Education: Eton and Oxford (First in Philosophy, Politics and Economics)
Political career:
1988: Conservative Research Department
1992: Treasury special adviser
1993: Home Office special adviser
1997: General election candidate, Stafford
2001: Elected MP for Witney, Oxfordshire
2003: Shadow deputy leader of the House, Tory vice-chairman
2005: Shadow education secretary, election campaign co-ordinator, wins party leadership
2010: Prime Minister
Music: Bob Dylan and indie rock such as The Killers, The Smiths, Radiohead and Pulp.
Books: Goodbye to All That by Robert Graves, Cider With Rosie, by Laurie Lee
Films: Lawrence of Arabia, The Godfather
TV: Porridge, Little Britain, costume dramas, Ashes to Ashes
New media: Reads political blogs. Uses Blackberry for emails. Not a fan of Facebook or Twitter
Holidays: Turkey, France, Cornwall
Food: Home grown vegetables, slow-roast lamb, occasional fry-up
Drink: Guinness and real ale. Luxury item on Desert Island Discs was "a case of malt whisky from Jura"
Sport: Supports Aston Villa. Prefers snooker to pool. Likes to watch darts on TV

Pakistan for all-out support for development works in Maldives

2010-05-12T10:55:00.000+05:00

Faisal Karim Kundi, acting Speaker National Assembly, has assured all-out support of Pakistan for education and infrastructure development in Maldives. Talking to Dr. Aishath Shehnaz, Ambassador of Maldives, who called on him here at the Parliament House, Kundi said Maldives holds an important position in SASRC and is a close partner of Pakistan.

Kundi said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its historic relations with Maldives which were bound in religion, culture and history.

He said that the existing ties between both the countries should be further cemented through people to people and parliamentary contacts.

He pointed out that more avenues of collaboration could be explored for mutual benefit of the both countries. He asked the Ambassador to persuade Maldivian entrepreneurs to avail the liberal investment and trade policies of Pakistan.

Kundi also apprised the Ambassador about the working of National Assembly and its Standing Committees.

Dr. Aishath Shehnaz expressed gratitude for the support to Maldives and said that her country also attaches great value to its historic ties with Pakistan.

She informed the Acting Speaker about the Pakistanis working in Maldives in fields of Education, Medical health care and tourism.

She said that Maldives has a strong desire to enhance its economic and parliamentary ties with Pakistan.

She said that a 6-member friendship group in Maldivian National Assembly had been constituted which was intending to visit Pakistan. She said that Maldives will welcome assistance from Pakistan in fields of education and medicine.

She informed the Acting Speaker that the Maldivian Foreign Minister would visit Pakistan in the current month who would meet President, Prime Minister his Pakistani counterpart and discuss measures to enhance the relations between both the brotherly countries

Stolen assets recovery from rulers

2010-05-11T00:19:00.000+05:00

At a juncture when United Nations and the World Bank are successfully pursuing the recovery of assets stolen by corrupt leaders throughout the world, the Pakistani Law Minister Dr Babar Awan is heard stating that the money-laundering case pertaining to President Asif Zardari has been declared a closed transaction by the Swiss Attorney General.

Dr Babar Awan has perhaps ignored the fact that it is virtually impossible today to hush up any corruption-related activity on the planet, given the fact that the powerful developed world is seemingly adamant to weed out this menace from the globe.

The suicide of former South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun in the midst of a bribery investigation and the heated arguments in the trial of a US Congressman William Jefferson in not-so-distant past, bear ample testimony to the fact that the world is moving towards zero tolerance against corruption.

A study conducted by The News shows that in January 2004, former US President George Bush had issued a Presidential Proclamation 7750, which gave his country a legal authority to deny entry to individuals involved in public corruption.

The Proclamation was issued under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, which allows the President to suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens into the United States whenever their entry would be deemed detrimental to the interests of the United States. It also provides specific legal authority for the US Secretary of State to identify people who should be denied entry because they are involved in public corruption that has serious adverse effects on the national interests of the United States, including the international economic activity of US businesses.

Though the US may not have implemented this Presidential Proclamation in its true and spirit yet, it has certainly emitted strong signals everywhere. Meanwhile, the concerted efforts of the United Nations and the World Bank to deter the illicit flows of the corruption proceeds often hid in international financial centres can be gauged from the fact that very recently in February 2010, Switzerland was diplomatically and legally forced to repatriate over $6 million stashed in its banks by Haiti’s former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier.

Courtesy the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative of the World Bank and United Nations, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court had to order the release of the public funds misappropriated by Haiti’s dictator. These funds were returned to the people of Haiti for use in development and humanitarian projects, rather than to purchase yachts and villas, after the international community had worked together the first time ever to help a poor country recover its looted assets.

The World Bank’s Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative, commonly known as StAR, was launched jointly by the World Bank and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on September 17, 2007 in New York at an event chaired none other than the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon himself. This organization, which also collaborates with Interpol and global corruption watchdog Transparency International, has successfully sought international support in its efforts to track and recover dirty money parked in any offshore haven.

It only transpires after a thorough research that had these afore-mentioned organizations not raised a hue and cry over the wealth looted by corrupt leaders worldwide; the government of Philippines would not have succeeded in recovering the amount of $624 million, which was plundered by its former dictator Ferdinand Marcos. After an 18-year saga, which finally ended in January 2004, Philippines actually succeeded in getting the money, which Marcos had parked, in the Swiss Banks. Similarly, between August 2001 and 2004, Peru recovered nearly over $180 million stolen by its former Intelligence Chief Vladimiro Montesinos from several jurisdictions such as Switzerland, Cayman Islands and the United States, after the World Bank had voiced concerns in this matter as well.

Between September 2005 and early 2006, Nigeria recovered $505 million of Dictator Sani Abacha’s money frozen by the Swiss authorities. In July 2006, British authorities returned $1.9 million of the allegedly illicit gains of Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, the Governor of the oil-rich Bayelsa state in Nigeria.

In May 2007, an agreement between the governments of the United States, Switzerland and Kazakhstan allowed for the repatriation of $84 million to the Kazakh people.

Impressed by the World Bank’s initiative to recover stolen assets, the sitting Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed had recently announced that he would be seeking the help of the World Bank’s Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative to retrieve more than $2 billion in embezzled funds.

President Nasheed said recovering the money, embezzled by the former Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, was essential to help the government plug its gaping budget deficit, currently 34 per cent of the country’s GDP. Nasheed had established a commission last year to investigate the allegations of rampant corruption in more than 30 audit reports of state institutions under the control of his predecessor.

Apart from the UN-World Bank’s Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative, there are several organisations worldwide that have prioritised asset recovery and have created initiatives to enable international cooperation while bringing the issue to forefront. These organisations include the International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Commonwealth Network of Contact Persons, the Corruption Hunters Network and the European Judicial Network etc. The improvements in finance, transportation, and communications technologies in the 20th century may have made it easier for corrupt leaders and other “politically exposed persons” to conceal massive amounts of stolen wealth in offshore financial centers, but it is not easy anymore today to conceal ill-gotten wealth in any place guaranteeing secrecy and safety.

By taking advantage of differences in legal systems resulting in lengthy and expensive litigation, the high costs in coordinating investigations, lack of international cooperation and bank secrecy in some recipient countries, plutocrats skilled in an elaborate financial shell game have been able to preserve much of their loot overseas. According to the World Bank, the cross-border flow of proceeds from criminal activity, corruption and tax evasion is estimated between $1- 1.6 trillion per year, half of which is ransacked from the developing and transition economies. These estimates are roughly equivalent to the Bank’s total annual lending portfolio.

The WB has estimated that between $20 billion and $40 billion of this flow comprises of kickbacks paid to corrupt public officials from developing and transition countries. The World Bank has also evaluated that every $100 million recovered could fund firstline treatment for over 600,000 people infected with HIV/AIDS for a full year, it can help cure 50 to 100 million in drugs for the treatment of malaria and this amount can also be used to provide 0.25 million water connections for households.

MDP sends a letter to speaker expressing concern on voting rights issues in local council elections

2010-05-09T15:02:00.001+05:00

Chair of the MDP Parliamentary Group, Moosa Maniku has sent a letter to Speaker of the Parliament, Abdulla Shahid, voicing concern on the Local Council Elections bill adopted by the Parliament last week.

The bill also says that the voting only could take place in the islands they are registered, meaning that a sizeable population of the Maldivians living in the islands other than they are registered, would not be able to vote in the elections. Some MPs also believed that this was an unnecessary limitation applied to the rights bestowed by the Constitution.

The letter says that the Constitution guarantees that all Maldivians above the age of 18 is eligible for voting and that voting should be casted by secret ballots. However, the letter stated that MDP believes that the new bill contravenes the relevant articles of the Constitution.

The letter continued to state that most of the employed Maldivians work at resorts and industrial islands and a vast majority of Maldivians live in other islands than the one they are registered. “As those Maldivians would lose their right to vote in the upcoming local elections, MDP would like to bring this to the attention of the Parliament” the letter concluded.

Maldives President: China leading in renewable energy

2010-05-06T01:09:00.000+05:00

According to statistics provided by the Maldives Tourist Promotion Board (MTPB), China ranked the 8th in the year 2008 with 40,000 of its people choosing Maldives to be their tourist destination. This number has increased by 50,000 in 2009-2010 due to the charter flight that started in September 2009 between Guangzhou and Maldives, making China the 4th biggest contributor to Maldives tourism industry.

Operated by China Southern Airlines, this only direct flight connecting China and Maldives is catered by Nanhu Business Travel Limited Company (Guangzhou). It has already sent 15,000 passengers by April 2010.

Also this April, Nanhu Business and Paradise Holiday (Hong Kong) jointly hosted the filming tour of a program by Hunan TV, which was stared with many well-known Chinese pop singers.

It takes only 6.5 hours now to fly to Maldives from China and the charter flight is running on a twice-a-week basis – every Thursday and Sunday

Decentralization bill could change Maldives from unitary to federal state

2010-05-06T00:58:00.001+05:00

Social Liberal Party Leader Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) who was also the Head of Constitution Drafting Committee has warned that the newly passed decentralisaion bill could change the country from a unitary to a federal state.

“A unitary system was chosen for Maldives after an immense debate and after considering several options and suggestions,” Ibra who played key role in drafting the country’s new constitution was quoted as saying in Miadhu.

The decentralization bill “could make the Maldives a federal state, which would be against the Constitution,” he has said.

According to Ibra “decentralization could also mean different sets of policies being followed in different administrative regions” adding that could also “threaten the socio-economic fabric of the society.”

Decentralizing “Maldives into 20 minute atolls would further fragment the society and questioned if this was the best option.”

The controversial decentralisation bill was originally meant to divide the country into seven provinces, as pledged by President Nasheed during his 2008 election campaign.

But it was vehemently opposed by the DRP led opposition.

Finally, the bill was met with many amendments and was passed dividing the country into 20 administrative areas instead of seven provinces.

Nasheed not bothered about local politics but development projects

President Mohamed Nasheed has said there is nothing serious in the local politics that warrants his concern.

The President said his only concern is “materializing development projects in the pipeline” upon his return from official visit to Bhutan and China, Miadhu reported.

The President’s apparent don’t care attitude about local politics is despite his Vice President Dr. Mohamed Waheed publicly criticizing Nasheed over lack of consultation with him and also comes in the backdrop of opposition parties regrouping themselves against his government.

He said China has pledged USD 210 million to the Maldives, out of which USD 10 million is grant assistance.

Funding apart, China also promised to increase the number of its tourists arriving in the Maldives midst pledges of medical assistance and scholarships too.

MDP boycotts as Majilis passes Decentralisation without provinces

2010-04-29T12:46:00.001+05:00

The controversial Decentralisation bill submitted by the Government has finally been passed yesterday by the Peoples Mailis, after the meeting was boycotted by the MPs of ruling MDP and meeting extended till evening.

There have been heated arguments between MDP and main opposition DRP, PA and other parties including independent MPs which lead to suspension of some meetings delaying the bill considerably. The Government wanted to establish 7 provinces as a basis for the decentralization of local administration while the opposition and their supporters were totally against the concept of provinces. The opposition chose to maintain the present 20 atolls and capital Male as the centers of the new local administration system.

In yesterday’s meeting Speaker Abdullah Shahid first deliberated on the amendments proposed by MPs before taking a vote on the bill which was amended by a special committee. The committee in the process has omitted the whole concept of provinces in the bill. This has made the ruling MDP MPs unhappy and they wanted the bill to be sent back to the Committee for further amendment but this proposal which came first in the voting was turned down by DRP and their supporters. MDP Parliamentary Leader Moosa Maniku thus in a point of order announced they were withdrawing all their amendments and boycotting the meeting because of the mood and spirit in the meeting to turn down their amendments. Only Hoarafushi Constituency MP Ahmed Rasheed remained and all other MDP MPs left the chamber at 1.10 pm.

The Speaker initially accepted the request of MDP Parliamentary Leader and said he will not take a vote on amendments of MDP MPs. But this was refused by Kulhudhuffushi South MP Mohamed Nasheed, Maamigili MP Gasim Ibrahim and Kendhoo MP and DRP Leader Ahmed Thasmeen. The Speaker then reversed his decision and had put all amendments to vote. All amendments proposed by MDP MPs were turned down while 61 amendments were accepted before the bill in final was passed in the late afternoon with the approval of all 42 MPs present.

The bill stipulate that capital islands at the time of the new Constitution came into force will remain so. This will require the Government to reverse their decision to change the capital islands of K. Maafushi to Thulusdhoo and Sh. Milandhoo to Funadhoo. The bill also provides to establish local councils including island councils, atoll councils and city councils. Only Male will have a city council for the present because a city council requires the island where it is to be established to have a population over 25,000.

President Mohamed Nasheed in his radio address last Friday has said he will not have any problem accepting whatever decision taken by the Mailis. The bill will become law as soon as the President ratifies it.

The Mailis has also passed a motion proposed by the opposition DRP not to go on May recess before concluding the bills of decentralisation and local council elections. Earlier the Mailis has rejected a motion proposed by the ruling MDP to seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on the establishment of Provinces as a means to find a solution to the dispute between MDP and DRP.

Saarc leaders assemble to address climate issue

2010-04-27T20:16:00.001+05:00

The South Asian leaders assembled in this panoramic mountainous city to attend the 16th Saarc summit beginning Wednesday to take a joint initiative to tackle the terrible impact of the changing climate as well as to boost trade among the 8-member regional grouping.

Climate change is the key theme of the Thimpu Summit, as the impact of the changing climate is not only the greatest long-term threat to the region but a pressing global challenge as well.

Addressing the threat of climate change is an integral component of the overreaching Saarc goal of poverty in South Asia. Bangladesh and the Maldives are recognised as the worst victims of the global warming.

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, host Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigme Y Thinley, Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed, Nepalese Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse will attend the silver jubilee summit.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) that started its journey from Bangladesh in 1985 with a dream of improving the socio-economic condition of 1.5 billion people of this impoverished region marks silver jubilee this year.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who arrived in Thimpu Tuesday morning, will lead Bangladesh at the two-day summit. She will deliver a statement along with other Saarc leaders at the opening session to be held at the Grand Assembly Hall Wednesday afternoon.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to call for establishment of Saarc Himalayan Council, in the model of the Artic Council, for assisting affected countries in the region.

She may propose for setting up an International Adaptation and Research Center in Bangladesh for recommending adaptive measures because of the country’s years of experience in adaptation.

Representatives of nine observers with Saarc - Australia, China, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Myanmar, Mauritius, USA and the European Union - will also be present at the summit.

Bhutan, a founder member of the Saarc, is hosting the summit for the first time within two years of the establishment of a democratically elected government in 2008 ending the 100 years of monarchy.

The 16th summit will make a separate declaration on climate change -Towards a green and happy South Asia.

Two agreements - one on environment and the other on trade in services - will be signed during the summit.

The Saarc convention on environment is expected to promote cooperation among the member countries in the field of environment and sustainable development.

Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao says the scope of cooperation under the convention will extend to exchange best practices and knowledge, capacity building and transfer of eco-friendly technology in areas like climate change, coastal zone management, wildlife conservation and environmental impact assessment studies.

The Saarc agreement on trade in services is expected to enable the realisation of the region’s immense potential in services areas such as health, hospitality, communications, computer and information and air transport, and augment intra-regional trade in services.

One of the highlights of the Thimpu summit would be the inauguration of the Permanent Secretariat of the Saarc Development Fund (SDF) with initial capital of US$ 300 million to support Saarc socio-economic projects including on climate change.

On the second day of the summit (Thursday), the Saarc leaders will go for retreat at the ‘Saarc Village’ and hold informal discussions on issues relating to Saarc.

On the sidelines of the summit, the leaders will also seize the opportunity to hold bilateral meetings.

The 16th summit will end on Thursday adopting the `Thimpu Declaration’ and the `Declaration on the Climate Change’.

The Council of Ministers representing the Foreign Ministers of the Saarc countries met Tuesday to finalise the draft declarations to be endorsed by the Saarc leaders on the second day of the summit.

Earlier, Saarc standing committee representing the foreign secretaries ended their two-day meeting.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigme Thinley told reporters that the discussions were positive and constructive.

Meanwhile, the lush green mountainous city of Thimphu wore a new look with streets from Paro International Airport to capital Thimpu decorated with miniature flags of the Saarc countries and portraits of the Saarc leaders.

School children attired in traditional Bhutanese dresses welcomed the Saarc leaders by waiving hands and miniature flags with flashing smile.

Bhutanese Royal Army and Royal Police have put up a security bulwark in and around the capital.

Prime Minister Nepal calls on Maldivian President Nasheed

2010-04-27T20:10:00.001+05:00

Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal paid a courtesy call on President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed in the capital on Tuesday morning.

The Maldives President arrived in Kathmandu on Monday night en route to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan to attend the 16th SAARC summit which is slated for April 28 to 29.

In the meeting that took place at the VVIP lounge at Tribhuvan International Airport, PM Nepal and the Maldives President discussed agendas the two countries are to raise at the SAARC summit.

On the occasion, the two leaders agreed that the topic of climate change should be included as the main agenda of the SAARC summit in view of the adverse impact of the climate change with the rapid melting of snow and glaciers in the Himalayas in Nepal and the risk of rising sea levels in the Maldives.

The PM's press advisor Bishnu Rijal said, the two leaders also discussed issues of bilateral interest and establishment of Nepali diplomatic mission in the Maldives.

President Nasheed who arrived in Kathmandu at 9:40 pm on Monday stayed the night in Kathmandu and left for Thimphu this morning.

South China 3 VB Sports 1

2010-04-27T20:03:00.002+05:00

Football: South China have reached the knock-out rounds of the AFC Cup following a 3-1 victory over V.B at the Hong Kong Stadium. Needing at least a draw to advance, the match started in the worst possible fashion for the hosts with the Maldives team scoring straight from the kick-off through Ashfal Ali.

Brazilian striker Leonardo equalised two minutes before half-time while Leung Chun Pong headed Kim Pan Gon's team ahead after 57 minutes. Leonardo scored his second goal eight minutes from time with a powerful shot into the top corner to settle the result.

South China finish top of Group G and that means they have home advantage in the next round.