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PM assures new Maldives President of India's continued support, cooperation
New Delhi February 8, 2012
New Maldives President Mohamed Waheed addressing a press conference in Male soon after assuming office in Male on February 7, 2012. Photo: Anas Mohamed.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today assured the new President of Maldives, Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan of India's continued support to the Maldivian people and cooperation with the Government of the Indian Ocean country.
In a letter of felicitation to Waheed, Singh said that, as a close and friendly neighbour, India would, as always, continue to support the Maldivian people's efforts to build a stable, peaceful and prosperous country.
"Our two countries share a common destiny and have common security interests, India is committed to working with you and the Government in Maldives to further enhance our close, bilateral cooperation to mutual benefit and for the continued security, progress and prosperity of our two countries," he added.
The letter came a day after Mohammed Nasheed resigned as President of the Maldives, after weeks of street protests and a mutiny by some police officers, and Waheed was sworn in as the new leader.
India had yesterday said that the developments were an internal matter of the Maldives, to be resolved by Maldivians.
"We hope that all issues will be resolved in a peaceful and democratic manner," the official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs said, in response to a question.
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"India has traditionally enjoyed close ties of friendship and cooperation with the Maldives. We remain committed to extending the fullest support and cooperation to the Government of Maldives in its endeavour to promote peace and progress in the Maldives and the prosperity and well being of its people.
"We continue to closely monitor the situation in the Maldives and understand that the Indian expatriate community there is safe," the spokesperson had added.
Soon after assuming office yesterday, Waheed assured the people that the rule of law would be maintained in the Maldives.
In a statement, he said no unlawful order would be issued to the police, the Maldives National Defence Forces, or to any individual.
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He said the sovereignty of the Constitution had been upheld yesterday and rule of law in its true sense restored.
“The nation witnessed difficult times in the recent past, but today the Maldivian people have made a momentous decision. Following that decision…at any cost, the rule of law must be upheld,” said the President.
He said differences among political parties and the public must be set aside for the sake of national unity. He urged everyone to join hands for the public interest.
Speaking on transitional justice, the President said no law must be violated in any revenge against the past political leaders. He appealed for advancing national peace and security.
The Maldives consist of nearly 1200 chains, of which less than 200 are inhabited. Famous for its beaches and coral, tourism is the country's main source of revenue.
Nasheed, a former political prisoner and activist, came to power in the country's first multi-party elections in 2008 after 30 years of rule by Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. He has faced fierce political opposition, with Gayoom's supporters dominating parliament.
Tensions in the country escalated last month after the army arrested a senior judge, Abdulla Mohamed, who was accused by the government of acting with political bias. This led to street protests.
Nasheed, 45, announced his decision to quit office yesterday in a statement after sending in his resignation to the Speaker of the People's Majlis, as per the Constitution.
“I believe if I continue as the President of the Maldives, the people of the country would suffer more. I therefore have resigned as the President of Maldives," he had said.
“I wish the Maldives would have a consolidated democracy. I wish for justice to be established. My wish is for the progress and prosperity of the people,” he added.
NNN
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