UN and UK urge all groups to show restraint

The United Nations (UN) and United Kingdom (UK) have urged all groups to show restraint in order to solve the political issues in the Maldives.

A statement by the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General said that the Secretary-General is monitoring the developments in the Maldives with concern, and urged all political actors to exercise restraint, renew their commitment to the Constitution and work toward creating conducive conditions for fair, peaceful and inclusive elections.

The statement further said, “All parties contesting the 7 September presidential elections should be able to field the candidates of their choice in accordance with the rule of law and the Constitution.”

A statement by the UK government also urged all sides to show restraint in the interest of achieving a sustainable political solution to Maldives’ recent problems, and advised that protests must be held peacefully.

The statement further said that the situation in the Maldives is being closely followed.

In addition to the statements by the UN and the UK, the United States has also expressed concern over the situation in the Maldives.

The international community’s concern over the situation in the Maldives comes following former President Mohamed Nasheed taking refuge in the Indian High Commission, following efforts by the police to implement a court order to arrest him in order to produce him in court.

Nasheed entered the High Commission on Wednesday, and has since remained inside the High Commission.

The trial against Nasheed is regarding the alleged unconstitutional arrest of Chief Judge of Criminal Court Abdullah Mohamed during Nasheed’s presidency.