The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has said today that talks among some 13 political parties would begin tomorrow. The talks are aimed at finding an amicable solution to the bitter disagreement between the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party and the opposition sides.
The quarrel between the ruling party and opposition sides has intensified recently, following the illegal abduction and enforced disappearance of the Chief Judge of Criminal Court by the Government.
According to HRCM, they have sponsored the process of discussions, and have stated that they would play the role of a mediator, and that 13 parties had ensured their participation in the process.
HRCM said that the discussions would be conducted behind closed doors, and that media would not have access to the sessions. HRCM has neither specified the venue or time for the sessions.
Ali Ridwan, Media Coordinator at HRCM told Sun today that the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), main opposition Divehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), the religious conservative Adhaalath Party, the newly formed opposition Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM), Jumhooree Party, Islamic Democratic Party, Maldives National Congress Party, and People’s Party would, among others, participate in the talks.
Ridwan also said that every party would decide who would represent itself in the talks, and that the HRCM had had no information about the matter as he spoke.
“The purpose of these talks is to bring harmony to the Maldivian society, create a tradition of respecting and upholding human rights, and enhance a culture of cooperation and constructive opposition among various political parties. Also, we have to put an end to violations of human rights for political reasons, and to find a solution to the problem created following the abduction of Criminal Court Chief Judge by the Maldives National Defence Force”, read a statement issued by the HRCM today regarding the talks to be conducted tomorrow.