Maldives opposes Darusman Report

Chaminda PERERA

The Maldives government yesterday opposed the controversial Darusman Report issued by a panel appointed by the UN Secretary General without approval from a UN body.

According to Maldivian Foreign Minister Ahamed Naseem, the Maldives government is concerned about the Darusman Report. He said that Sri Lanka was heaped with criticism and allegations instead of congratulations when the country succeeded in eradicating terrorism which deterred development.

Naseem was speaking at a press conference at the Galle Face Hotel yesterday. He added that his country was elected to the UN Human Rights Council with a large mandate. The Maldivian foreign minister added that his country is ready to give their fullest cooperation to Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council. Naseem was of the view that small island nations have faced with a number of challenges. "We have to face challenges of climatic changes and issues of development," he added.

He added that the Report issued by the UNSG's panel will not help Sri Lanka nor its people.