President will not participate in discussions if MDP continues Direct Action protests: Government Spokesperson

Government Spokesperson Abbas Adil Riza has said that President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik will not join former President Mohamed Nasheed in discussions, if Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) does not end the protests against the Police on the streets of Male’.

In response to a question by Sun Online today, Abbas said that concerns have been raised by other political parties as well, over holding discussions with MDP while they conduct violent protests against Security Forces.

“Other parties have also expressed concerns over holding talks with MDP while they are throwing acid and attacking the Police in other violent ways. The President has decided not to hold high-level discussions with MDP while this is ongoing. These activities raise questions about to their sincerity. The most important thing for the discussions is sincerity,” Abbas said.

Moderator of All-party-talks Ahmed Mujtaba has recently said that the discussions have to change direction; and that work is underway to organise a meeting between the leaders of political parties.

The US Ambassador to Maldives, during her recent visit to Maldives urged former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to participate in the peace talks.

The All-party-talks were initiated by the government on 20 February 2012, but has been disrupted since June.

The only item the parties could agree on in the sixteen meetings which have transpired, was an agenda or topics to be discussed.

The international community has urged political parties to resume the All-party-talks.