Shainee: Govt. does not object to UN mediating talks

The Maldivian government does not object United Nations mediating talks between the government and political parties, says Dr. Mohamed Shainee, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture and chief envoy for all-party talks on behalf of the government.

Opposition political parties have refused to sit down for talks with the government unless the UN acts as mediator.

Some Indian newspapers carried reports this Thursday that the Maldivian government has refused to let the UN mediate talks, citing a UN spokesperson as a source.

In an interview to “Sun”, Shainee refuted the reports and said the Maldivian government does not object to UN acting as mediator, and said the Maldivian government was working together with the UN even now.

“The UN is working closely with the Maldivian government at the special request of President Yameen. We are also discussing how to organize the talks,” said Shainee.

Dr. Shainee said the only way to resolve the current political crisis was through direct discussions between the government and political parties. He expressed concern political parties were refusing to sit down for talks until the government meets its demands.

Leader of main opposition political party MDP’s parliamentary group, Hinnavaru MP Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) said the opposition has no intention of sitting down for talks until the government releases all politicians it has arrested during the State of Emergency.

Conditions set by the opposition:

- The UN must act as mediator.

- The government must follow the Constitution.

- Supreme Court’s order on February 1 must be immediately enforced.

- The two Supreme Court judges must be released, and the Chief Justice must start running the Supreme Court again.

- Those arrested during the State of Emergency but be immediately released.

“I don’t believe direct talks with the current administration will bear any fruit. President Yameen is not trustworthy,” said Ibu.