Australia urges all political party leaders to participate in discussions

Australia has called on all party leaders to take part in discussions which pave the way to free and fair elections in the Maldives.

Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Bob Carr said this in a short statement issued today, to note the release of the report of the Commission of National Inquiry (CNI), established by the Government of Maldives to inquire into the transfer of power on 7 February 2012.

According to the statement, Senator Carr said the report examined the circumstances and legal issues relating to the events of 7 February and encouraged support for democratic structures in Maldives.

The meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group next week to discuss CNI’s report will be chaired by Senator Carr.

A representative of former President Mohamed Nasheed and a foreign Judge were included in the CNI following CMAG’s advice. The work of the CNI was also observed by two foreign experts.