Commonwealth sending ministerial mission to probe Maldives transfer of power

The Commonwealth has announced today they are sending to the Maldives a ministerial mission to probe the events of Tuesday's change of Government. The Commonwealth in a statement issued in London yesterday said the ministerial mission is visiting the Maldives urgently to ascertain the facts surrounding the transfer of power from former President Mohamed Nasheed to his Vice President Mohamed Waheed last Tuesday. The mission is also aiming to promote adherence to Commonwealth vales and principles.

The decision to send the mission came after an emergency telephone conference of the nine-member Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, CMAG. CMAG's decision was prompted by the claim of former President Nasheed that he was forced to step down in a coup d'etat.

President Waheed has last week announced that he will probe the events that lead to the change of Government on Tuesday. Press Secretary Masood Imad said yesterday the Government is open to probe the matter.

The Commonwealth has said that the way forward must be determined by Maldivians themselves through inclusive political dialogue in an atmosphere of non violence, restraint and stability.

Former President Nasheed and his party is repeatedly calling on President Waheed to step down handover power to the Speaker of the Majlis and hold presidential election in 60 days. The U S Assistant Secretary Robert Blake visited the country last week and after meeting with the new and former Presidents, leaders of political parties and members of civil societies has ruled out a snap election. While the US has recognised the new Government of President Waheed, it has said  the circumstances surrounding the change of government need to be clarified.