The Group had agreed on the probe after it decided that it was not possible to determine conclusively the constitutionality of the resignation of former President Mohamed Nasheed on February 7 within the allotted time period.The CMAG had convened in an extraordinary session in London today to consider its response to the situation in Maldives, received a report from the ministerial mission that visited the nation last week to establish the facts surrounding the transfer of presidential power.During the session the group had heard statements from Dr. Hassan Saeed, Adviser to the new President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik and former High Commissioner to UK Dr. Farahanaz Faizal, who represented the ex-President.The Group urged President Dr, Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik and former President Nasheed to sit down for an immediate dialogue, without precondition, to agree on a date for early elections, which should take place within this calendar year.It also state that such a dialogue should facilitate the opening of the parliament session as scheduled on March 1 and lead to cooperation for necessary constitutional amendment for the holding of early elections, as well as legislation that needed to be passed to ensure peaceful, free and fair elections. Given the questions that remain about the precise circumstances of the change of government, as well as the fragility of the situation in Maldives, CMAG decided that Maldives should be placed on its formal agenda.The Group further agreed that, in situations where a member of CMAG was under scrutiny by the Group itself, its CMAG membership should be placed in abeyance as long as it remained on the formal agenda of CMAG. It decided, accordingly, that Maldives should not participate in CMAG during this time.CMAG decided to convene again via teleconference in March to review progress in Maldives, and to consider at its next scheduled meeting in April any further measures that may be warranted.Further to the proposed investigation, the group noted the national Inquiry commission formed by President Waheed yesterday for this purpose, expressed its views to include international participation in the investigative mechanism, as may be mutually agreed by all political parties in the country.It called on all concerned to show restraint and mutual respect in their statements and actions, and to take immediate steps in the national interest to seek an inclusive agreement on the way forward. CMAG noted the assurance by the new government that former President Nasheed would continue to receive the protection and privileges provided for under the Constitution. In this context, the Group expressed strong concern at the continuing impact of the warrant of arrest against him, and urged that this issue be addressed in order that his ability to participate fully in the electoral process is not prejudiced.The Group further agreed that, in line with the agreed parliamentary agenda and matters emerging from the dialogue, the Commonwealth should enhance its technical assistance to Maldives to help build capacity in such areas as the Judiciary and the Parliament, and that of the Elections Commission, as well as to promote adherence to democratic values and principles. In particular, it urged the Commonwealth to support the Elections Commission as well as to engage with all stakeholders towards ensuring the credibility and peaceful conduct of the next elections. Nasheed, the nation's first democratically elected leader who came to power in 2008, has refused to recognise the new government and demanded early elections. Waheed, who is from a rival political party, was Nasheed's deputy and took over on February 7 following a police mutiny that capped three weeks of opposition protests in the capital Male.