PRESS RELEASE
STATEMENT BY EU HEADS OF MISSION IN COLOMBO

EU Heads of Mission (HoMs) accredited to the Maldives resident in Colombo presently

visiting the Maldives have had talks with government officials and political actors.

EU HoMs note with concern ongoing political tensions and urge all sides to exercise

restraint.  There must be an end to violence and no political retribution.  In this regard we note

the large political rally being planned for Friday  17 February, and urge all sides to do

everything possible to ensure that this takes place in a peaceful and lawful manner.  Acts of

provocation on the part of participants or the use  of excessive force by law enforcement

agencies would be completely unacceptable at this point.