'CoNI paves way for normalcy in the Maldives'

Disna MUDALIGE

The release of much awaited report of the Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI) would pave way for the normalcy of the situation in the Maldives which had been going through a traumatic experience for the last six months, Maldivian Human Resources, Youth and Sports Minister Mohamed Hussain Shareef said.

Addressing a media briefing at the Maldives High Commission yesterday, the minister stated the final report of the CoNI, which was appointed to probe the circumstances surrounding the transfer of power on February 7, was released yesterday morning. He said the Commission included eminent persons whose integrity could not be questioned.

He said the report has highlighted former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed had resigned under his free will, and the transfer of power is consistent with the Constitution. He mentioned President Mohamed Waheed was the Vice President under the rule of former President Nasheed and therefore his appointment as the new President is nothing contrary to the constitution.

He said the report has also referred to several cases of security forces acting out of line during February 6,7 and 8. The Maldivian minister noted investigations would be conducted to find whether any wrong doing had happened during the said period.

He also noted former President Nasheed would enjoy all the facilities, security and privileges given to a former President. He expressed the release of report would enable the Maldives to move forward in its development agenda and international relations without interruptions.

He said President Waheed has invited for a higher level cross party dialogue for all parties.

All parties including former President Nasheed's Maldivian Democratic Party have responded positively towards this move and it was to begin yesterday night. He asked the international community and development partners to once again work in close coordination with the Maldives and support its economic stability.

He said denial of visa and high level contacts with the Maldives was observed following the transfer of power.

He also said Sri Lankan government and the people have always maintained positive cordial relations with the Maldives.

High Commissioner of Maldives in Sri Lanka Hussian Shihab also spoke.

-------

US welcomes release of report

US Department of State Spokesperson Victoria Nuland issuing a statement on the release of report by the Maldivian Commission of National Inquiry on August 30 into the circumstances surrounding the February 7 transfer of power in Maldives said the United States welcomes the release of the report of the independent Commission of National Inquiry.

The release: The United States welcomes the release of the report of the independent Commission of National Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the February 7 transfer of power in Maldives.

The United States commends the Commission co-chairs for their leadership and commitment to a thorough and inclusive investigation and review process.

The United States has consistently called for all Maldivians to respect the findings of the Commission of National Inquiry. Now that the Commission has released its report we urge all parties to respect those findings, to exercise restraint, obey the rule of law, and continue to express themselves in a peaceful and nonviolent manner.

Now is the time for all parties to work together through dialogue to chart a positive way forward that respects the Maldivian constitution, democratic institutions, human rights, and the will of the Maldivian people.