Maldives names panel to probe gov't power transfer

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — The president of the Maldives has appointed a commission to investigate his rise to power and street violence that followed in the Indian Ocean archipelago two weeks ago, an official said Wednesday.

The Maldives envoy to Sri Lanka, Hussain Shihab, told reporters that President Mohammed Waheed Hassan appointed the three-member commission following widespread calls for an investigation.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed resigned on Feb. 7 after weeks of public protests and loss of support from the military and police. He was replaced by his deputy, Hassan.

Nasheed later said he was ousted in a coup at gunpoint and his angry supporters held street demonstrations that police ended in a violent crackdown. Nasheed's supporters also burnt down police stations, courts and government vehicles.

The United Nations and countries including the United States called for an inquiry into Hassan's rise to power but they have recognized the new government.

Nasheed has rejected Waheed's invitation to join a unity government and has insisted on having presidential election earlier than the scheduled, October 2013.

Maldives, known for its luxurious beach resorts for upmarket tourists, has 300,000 people.