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Maldivian govt., opposition reps explain their positions to MS, Ranil
View(s):Both the Maldivian government as well as opposition parties briefed Sri Lankan authorities this week on the political unrest that has erupted in their country with the arrest of its former President Mohamed Nasheed.
Leader of the opposition Jumhooree Party (JP) Gasim Ibrahim met President Maithripala Sirisena last morning to discuss the ongoing political crisis in the Maldives, while members of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) met with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to discuss the matter on Friday.
Spokesman for the Maldivian President’s Office, Ibrahim Muza Ali said that Sri Lanka and Maldives have always maintained close, friendly relations and that, the political situation would not impact the relations. “We have kept the Sri Lanka Government briefed on the situation here,” he said.
Street protests were held in the Maldivian capital Male on Friday, as people called for the resignation of the country’s President Abdulla Yameen, in the wake of the detention of former President Nasheed under anti-terrorism laws
The Sri Lanka Government expressed concern over the developing situation in the Maldives, following the arrest of Mr Nasheed.
“Sri Lanka, as a friendly neighbouring country is concerned about the recent developments in the Maldives. It is hoped that all stakeholders in the Maldives will resolve their differences in a peaceful manner, within the legal provisions in the Maldives,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry statement said.
The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Kamlesh Sharma too raised his concerns about the situation there, and stressed the importance of ensuring that the rule of law is respected, with adherence to due process, and in accordance with the Commonwealth Charter.