Minister of Foreign Affairs Dunya Maumoon has said that the international community should not comment on activities that take place in the Maldives that follow the country’s constitution and laws.
Dunya’s remarks came in relation to statements issued by some countries and international organisations, regarding the arrest on Sunday and the appearance in court yesterday, of former President Mohamed Nasheed.
Speaking at a press conference today, Dunya said, “Everything done by President Yameen’s government is according to the constitution. Nothing has taken place in violation of the constitution. Maldives is a young democracy. We have only recently adopted the new constitution, and separated the powers. The responsibilities of the respective institutions are clearly prescribed. I want the international community to know that I have full confidence, that the institutions will carry out their duties. So the international community should not comment on things that are done in our country, according to our constitution and laws.” She also criticised specific countries and organisations for their statements. Referring to the statement by the Commonwealth, Dunya said that earlier, the Commonwealth Secretary-General had said that issuing statements was not the best way to communicate with countries – but the organisation continues to issue statements nonetheless.
She questioned the purpose and benefits of being a member of the Commonwealth – an issue that was debated in the Maldives just a few years ago.
She also condemned the statement by the Canadian government, and said that it was not based on facts.
“There are groups working to harm the country’s reputation and achievements in the international arena. We are saddened by the fact that some countries and organisations take the opposition line when issuing statements.”