Let the Maldives decide if it is coup or not – US Envoy Blake
US Envoy rules out snap election in the Maldives

The visiting United States Assistant Secretary of State Robert Blake has ruled out snap elections in the Maldives to defuse the political crisis prompted by the resignation of President Mohamed Nasheed and taking over of the presidency by his Vice President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Maniku on Tuesday.  The new President Mohamed Waheed has also ruled out such an election before his term ends in November 2013.

The US Envoy said this to the media after his meeting with President Waheed, former President Mohamed Nasheed , leaders of major political parties and members of the civil society.

The United States has recognised the Government of President Waheed on Thursday but has insisted circumstances surrounding the transfer power need to be clarified. President Waheed has said he would probe allegations that the military backed him to power.

Former President Nasheed has called on President Waheed to step down immediately to enable the Speaker of the People's Majlis Abdulla Shahid to take over and hold presidential elections in 60 days. According to the Envoy, Speaker of the Majlis Abdulla Shahid has said the change of Government was not against the Constitution

The US Envoy has said in the news conference that some people say it was a coup, and others view the change over as a constitutional transition of power, the matter will be investigated and decided by the people of Maldives, a commission comprising Maldivians.

Blake further said the concerned institutions do not believe an early election can be held and Elections Commission and Police are not ready for such an election. He said presidential election must be held when the concerned institutions are fully prepared for it.

The Envoy said some members of the civil society also feel the country is not ready to hold the election. He expressed the hope that the capability of the Elections Commission, the Police and the Judiciary will be strengthened to ensure a well organised and peaceful election. 

 The United States is desirous of working with the new Government of Maldives, and the outcome of the meetings he had with President Waheed, leaders of political parties and civil society was good, Blake pointed out.

He also stressed the importance of all to refrain from confrontations, and work in peace with due respect to the Constitution and rule of law. Referring the disturbances in Male on Wednesday, the Envoy has said Nasheed's MDP party was responsible for the violent demonstrations and added the Police and MNDF were responsible for the violence in Male and Addu city.

He also said the position of the United States on the change of power may change depending on the findings of the independent probe, but the US has recognised the Maldives Government as constitutional.

The US Envoy described Nasheed's administration as a peaceful and moderate country which maintained close relations with Israel and he expressed his hope to maintain same relations during this difficult times.

He also stated former Presidernt Nasheed was opposed to the position of the US Government in recognising President Waheed's administration, but the meeting yesterday has indicated that Nasheed now supports the US position,

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