Maldives

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dhunya Maumoon has said that Maldives’ problems must be solved through discussions between the relevant authorities in Maldives, and that foreign groups can give advice, but it is not advisable for them to directly intervene in the internal conflicts of a country.

Dhunya made this statement at a press conference held at Foreign Ministry to provide information on President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik’s upcoming visit to the US.

When asked about former President Mohamed Nasheed’s request that Maldives remain on the agenda of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), she said that Nasheed made this statement because he is losing foreign support.

“The former President says opposing things all the time. I saw him calling for the removal of Maldives from CMAG’s agenda as well. The reason behind his recent statement is that he has lost all foreign support, and his only remaining hope is CMAG,” she said.

She expressed belief that Nasheed’s comments will stop once the Maldives is removed from CMAG’s agenda of CMAG.

Speaking on President Waheed’s visit to the US, Dhunya said that he will spend one week in New York.

The President will highlight the climate change and environment-related problems faced by small island nations in his speech at the UN General Assembly.

He will also talk about foreign assistance received by Maldives, problems being faced by Syria and the establishment of an independent state of Palestine.

The President will also participate in discussions on the rule of law.

President Waheed will address the UN General Assembly on 27 September.