Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon has called upon the international partners of Maldives to recognise the defining principle of the international system, which is to refrain from acts and signals that could undermine the sovereignty of independent States.
Dunya said that she is very disappointed by the statements issued by some foreign governments and international organizations, including the Commonwealth and UN.
“Those who prefer to issue public statements about an on-going legal case, or on a domestic political situation, are advised to do a basic fact-check, before bandwagoning on to accusations made by a political party,” she said.
The foreign Minister said that Former President Mr Mohamed Nasheed was taken into Police custody on 22 February under a Court warrant. As per the normal legal procedure, he was presented before a judge within 24 hours, and the judge gave Mr Nasheed the opportunity to appoint a legal counsel. She added that the Maldives Police followed the standard procedure and due process throughout the process.
Dunya said that the Government will uphold the Constitution of the country, protect the rights of every individual, including those accused of serious criminal offences, and will implement to the letter, the decisions and verdicts of the Courts.
“The Government of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom will not take instructions from a foreign government on any issue in governing the country,” she said.
Dunya emphasized that the Government is elected by, and answerable to, the people of Maldives.