President Welcomes CMAG’s Recommendations 

President Dr. Mohamed Waheed has responded to the findings of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG).

“I want to thank the CMAG for their recommendations. When the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group visited the Maldives we gave them unprecedented cooperation and I am pleased that those with an outside perspective recognise the challenges we face as a nation and the honest attempts of the National Unity Government to deal with them,” he said.

The President noted that the CMAG recognises that progress will only be made if: Peace and harmony return to our streets; Political Parties put aside partisan advantage and put the nation first; and all parties join in a genuine dialogue without preconditions.

He said that itt is also of note that the National Unity Government is already carrying out many of recommendations of the CMAG.

President Dr. Waheed said that his government has already established an Independent National Enquiry Commission look into the events surrounding the transfer of power on the 7th February. Clearly as it is independent it will be for them to decide if they wish to take up the generous offer of international assistance in its deliberations. He also said that his administration is providing former President Nasheed with appropriate protections under the constitution.

“I am also delighted that the CMAG recognises that the safeguarding of democracy in the Maldives has other crucial elements as well as the vital issue of elections-namely the promotion of democratic values and principle in all facets of our political life. Constitutional and major legal reforms along with institutional reform and institutional strengthening is required. Further it is good news that the Commonwealth has agreed to our request for its continuous engagement to ensure reforms take place and election is held in a free and a fair manner,” he said.

The President said that he will discuss the report of the CMAG with all Parties and encourage a wider dialogue with all people within the Maldives. He added that he feels confident that along with the steps that his administration has already taken that the government has now identified a way of moving forward constructively.