Opposition MDP has once again refused to attend today’s session of the all-party talks
Speaking to press Fisheries Minister Dr. Mohamed Shainee, the senior government representative at the talks, sad that the Government will continue efforts to begin talks with MDP and Adhaalath Party. However, he said that the Government cannot force individuals to attend the talks.
He said that the Government also wished to hold discussions with regards MDP’s claims over the missing journalist Rilwan.
“The case is under investigation, therefore, we have asked them to share all information,” he said.
Dr. Shainee said that inspite of all these claims, MDP had said that they did not wish to engage in discussions.
He also refuted the claims made by MDP that the Government had restarted the all-party talks due to public pressure. Dr. Shainee said that the Government had initiated the talks not because the nation was on CMAG agenda, but as it was for the betterment of the nation. He added that the all-party talks had been conducted before that.
Dr. Shainee said that MDP has said that they would hold discussions with Adhaalath Party, but stressed that the concerns of MDP will be addressed with MDP alone. He further said that the Government had given the guarantee that the discussions with Adhaalath Party will be held.
He noted that the actions of MDP, without taking part in the discussions, were irresponsible. Dr. Shainee remarked that MDP did not take part in the discussions as they had nothing to offer, calling their actions “insincere”.