Yameen: I am complying with law, will continue to do so

President Abdulla Yameen said on Thursday that he was performing his presidential duties in accordance with Maldivian Constitution and laws, and that he guaranteed Maldivian citizens that he would continue to do so.

Speaking during his presidential address to People’s Majlis, President Yameen said that it was one of his government’s biggest targets to restore faith in the country’s justice system.

“Some are expressing concern when some are justly punished for arresting people illegally, and against court order. This will weaken legal rule and destroy society. This is not acceptable,” said Yameen.

He said that the most important principle Maldivian foreign policy was based on, was maintaining independence of the country, regional peace and safety, and promoting national interest.

He said that it was also the government’s foreign policy to prevent other governments from interfering with internal affairs, but that Maldivian government was however open for discussion.

“Moreover, promoting global human rights and making Maldives a country that respects these rights. As such, it is also an important part of Maldivian foreign policy to push the country to execute everything that needs to be done in compliance with international acts Maldives has signed up with,” said Yameen.

President Yameen said that 2015 was a year worthy of pride, when looking at diplomatic ties with other countries.

He said that it was his biggest target to make Maldivians people that religiously followed Constitution and laws.

“At the same time, making Maldives a country with low crime rate and safe from the clutches of narcotics. And to ensure that Maldives remains an independent nation that other countries respect.”