Maldives calls on President Saleh to accept GCC terms for his departure

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Ahmed Naseem, yesterday joined growing calls on President Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen to accept and implement the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) terms for his departure from office.

The Minister was speaking against a backdrop of escalating violence and human rights abuses in Yemen following President Saleh's refusal to cede power as per a transitional plan tabled by the GCC.

Over thirty people have been killed in recent fighting fueled by frustration over the protracted issue of reform in Yemen. Protesters see Saleh as the key obstacle blocking real change in Yemen. On 25 May President Saleh made clear that he will not leave power and will not leave Yemen, despite earlier promises to the contrary.

"The Maldives calls on President Saleh to stop reneging on earlier promises, to listen to the will of the people, and to put the country of Yemen above his own personal interests" said Minister Naseem. "Because of his actions, President Saleh is directly responsible for the current situation, including the political impasse and the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation".

"The Maldives urged President Saleh tol follow through on his commitments to peacefully transfer power, and for the parties concerned will reach a consensus, leading to the early stabilization of the situation. For that to happen, President Saleh must sign the GCC agreement and step down".

"The Maldives, a fellow Muslim State which has recently undergone its own democratic transition, stands firmly beside all those in Yemen who are calling for greater freedom and the full enjoyment of their human rights".