CMAG threatens of considering stronger measures unless commission’s credibility is enhanced

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) has stated that the group will consider taking stronger measures against the government unless the National Inquiry Commission, established to assess the events leading to the transfer of power on 7 February 2012, is amended within four weeks in a manner that is generally acceptable and enhances its credibility.

During its thirty-seventh meeting in London on 16 April 2012 which was the Group’s first regular meeting following its reconstitution by Commonwealth Heads of Government at their Meeting in Perth in October 2011, CMAG said that the Commission of National Inquiry is not independent or impartial, and has failed to gain sufficient support in Maldives. Ministers urged the Government to review immediately the composition and terms of reference of the Commission to make it genuinely independent, credible and impartial.  CMAG reiterated the Commonwealth’s offer to provide assistance in this regard.

CMAG agreed that, should the composition and terms of reference of the Commission not be amended within four weeks in a manner that is generally acceptable and enhances its credibility, CMAG would be compelled to consider further and stronger measures.

CMAG reaffirmed its support for Commonwealth assistance to strengthen democratic processes, institutions and culture in Maldives. In this context, it expressed support for the Commonwealth Secretariat’s technical assistance for strengthening for the long term the capacity of the judicial sector, as agreed with the authorities in Maldives. It also welcomed the Secretary-General’s offer to provide elections-related assistance. The Group further called for the capacity of the Majlis to be strengthened. It welcomed continued collaboration between the Commonwealth and other international partners, including the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, in the consideration of further assistance for Maldives.

CMAG received updates from the Secretary-General and from his Special Envoy, Sir Donald McKinnon, regarding recent developments in Maldives and the Commonwealth’s engagement. The Group expressed its support for Sir Donald’s ongoing interaction with Maldives.

CMAG also heard presentations from the Attorney-General of Maldives, Aishath Azima Shakoor, and a representative of former President Nasheed, Dr Farahanaz Faizal.

CMAG noted with deep regret that there had been little progress towards a political understanding in Maldives since it last met by teleconference on 15 March 2012.

CMAG called for political party talks to be held without interruption and with the participation of senior representatives of the parties. It urged that these talks cover all issues that divide the stakeholders in Maldives.

CMAG reiterated its belief that early elections should be called by the end of 2012.

The meeting was attended by Senator the Bob Carr, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia; Dr Dipu Moni, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh; John Baird, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Canada; AJ Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica; Bernard K Membe, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Tanzania; Dr Surujrattan Rambachan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Communications of Trinidad and Tobago; Alfred Carlot, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vanuatu; and Ebun Jusu, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone.