Imperative that confidentially is preserved while sensitive discussions are ongoing - Commonwealth

In view of the various media reports regarding the nominee of the former President Nasheed to the Commission of National Inquiry, the Commonwealth Special Envoy, Rt Sir Donald McKinnon, has said that it is imperative that confidentially is preserved while these sensitive discussions are ongoing in order to provide space for the parties to reach a desirable outcome.

“W e have noted the comments attributed in the media on 30 May 2012 to the Press Secretary of the President of Maldives regarding the nominee of former President Nasheed to the Commission of National Inquiry,” the Comomnwealth said in their statement released yesterday.

In the statement, the Commonwealth stated that the discussions between the Commonwealth Special Envoy, Rt Hon Sir Donald McKinnon, the Government of Maldives and former President Nasheed on the appointment of a representative of Nasheed to the Commission are still ongoing. No nominee has as yet been agreed upon between these parties.

The Commonwealth stated that Sir Donald is continuing his efforts to facilitate agreement between the Government and former President Nasheed on a suitable nominee.

Meanwhile, the Press Secretary of the government Abbas Adhil Riza said that it there is any plausible reason to conceal the nominee of former President Nasheed to the Commission of National Inquiry while the work of the Commission is conducted openly and transparently without any secrecy.

While the Press Secretary said this the President Dr. Mohamed Waheed has earlier stated that there is nothing the government wants to hide regarding the investigation.