Govt expresses concern at MDP attempts to influence functioning of CoNI

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dunya Maumoon, yesterday expressed concern that MDP protests outside the premises being used by the Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI) are a blatant attempt to influence the proceedings.

She also noted that, through its actions, the MDP is acting contrary to the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group's statement of 20th June which emphasized that "no action should be taken by any party or authority that would negatively affect the functioning of the Commission of National Inquiry".

"These protests, which reached their height when former President Nasheed was called to appear before the Commission, are unnecessary and are clearly designed to place pressure on the CoNI.

The Government urges the MDP to stop such acts, to follow the statement of the CMAG and to allow the Commission to carry out its important work with full impartiality" she said.

In its statement of 20th June, CMAG expressed its hope that the Commission would be fully able "to carry out its work in its own best judgment", and urged "all concerned to extend their full co-operation to the Commission".

CMAG emphasized that "no action should be taken by any party or authority that would negatively affect the functioning of the Commission of National Inquiry or the ability of individuals to provide testimony to the Commission".