Delegations from CM and the European Parliament to visit Maldives next week

Foreign Ministry has said that a delegation from the Commonwealth’s Ministerial Action Group (CM) and another consisting of members from the European Parliament would be arriving in the Maldives next week upon the invitation of the Maldivian government.

Speaking at the press conference held at the Foreign Ministry, Minister Dunya Maumoon said that the two delegations would meet with high ranking officials of the government on their visit.

Foreign Minister Dunya said that the decision to invite the delegation from the CM to observe the proceedings in the Maldives was discussed and made at the Commonwealth Conference in Malta.

The delegation is scheduled to arrive in the Maldives on Saturday and work through to Monday.

“This is an invitation from the government. Would meet with leading officials of the government and hold discussions.” Minister Dunya said.

The delegation from DM consists of Vice Chair, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Kenya, Dr. Amina Mohamed, Foreign Secretary of India, Sujatha Singh and two delegates from the Commonwealth Secretariat.

CM has also observed the state of Maldives previous in 2012. Foreign Minister Dunya said that she hopes that unlike last time, the observation this time would be fairer.

“We are always saying that all missions like these would be welcomed, (that) we don’t want to (be) hide(-ing) anything, We are ready to talk, engage and work productively.” The Foreign Minister said.

Minister Dunya said that the European Parliament has some things confused about the Maldives.

“Recently (you’ve) seen a very strong resolution. That resolution is not appropriate to the state of the country.” Minister Dunya said indicating to the European resolution calling for the immediate release of the former President Mohamed Nasheed and all of the other political prisoners.

The Foreign Minister said that the Maldives is being accused of a lot of human rights violations but this government has not done and would do any such things.