We will ask for clarification on the Statement of CMAG: Government

The President’s Office has said that a request would be filed with the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) for clarification on the statement of CMAG claiming that the National Inquiry Commission established to conduct an inquiry into the incidents of 7th February was not independent.

CMAG said a few days ago that the National Inquiry Commission established by current President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, by a Presidential Decree, to inquire into the issue of former President Mohamed Nasheed’s resignation on the 7th of February was not independent.

Abbas Adil Riza, Press Secretary at the President’s Office said today that the Statement of CMAG did not clearly state why the National Inquiry Commission was not independent. He also said that CMAG did not make it clear what it wanted either, in their Statement. He said that the President would send a letter to CMAG through the Foreign Ministry for clarification of the position of CMAG as well.

“The major purpose of the formation of CMAG is to prolong rule of law in member countries. As there was no such act as would undermine the rule of law in the Maldives, we would ask what they want in issuing such a Statement”, said Abbas.

Abbas also said that CMAG was not properly informed about the fact that there had been no breach of the rule of law in the Maldives, and that the Maldivian Government would try to bring this truth to the attention of the CMAG.

“Foreign Ministers of member countries sit there (at CMAG). I believe that their Statement was published while they were not properly informed of the state of affairs in the Maldives. I believe that they would change their position when they are informed well”, said Abbas.

In a Statement issued last Monday, the CMAG claimed that the National Inquiry Commission that has been investigating the incidents of 7th February was not independent, and called for the re-constitution of the Commission. The Statement of CMAG also threatened the Maldives with “stronger action” if not the Commission was not re-constituted.

Furthermore, the Statement also repeated the Commonwealth call to conducted presidential elections in the Maldives before the end of this year.