Decision on the GMR issue should be made after completing all the legal phases-Thasmeen

Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party Leader Thasmeen Ali has said that the government should complete all the legal phases regarding the issue of the agreement of the former government with the GMR before making a final decision on the matter.

Thasmeen said that the government should annul an agreement signed by the government only through the courts of law. He said that the country might face a lot of consequences if the decision is made through any other means.

Thasmeen noted that to claim that an agreement is false and void is not a solution to the problem. He said that the validity of the agreement can only be determined by the court.

“When the court annuls the agreement the government might not have to pay any recompense. DRP wants it that way. However, if the government seeks anyother way the government might have to pay more than 700 US dollars which is almost equal to one year’s state budget. A lot can be done by such an amount. So the decision that will not waste such an amount on other than the country will be the best decision,” he said.

Explaining the reason why DRP did not partake in the all party discussion held at Nasandhura Palace, Thasmeen said that the some information was requested regarding the case from the government so DRP finds there being no benefit in such a discussion without getting that information.

“When the agenda has not been agreed then no good will reap out of such a meeting. The other day one person mentioned that India is a very poor state. I do not accept that ridiculous statement. India is a country that aids us in many many areas. Then how can we in the right state of mind say that they are a poor country?,” he asked.

Thasmeen accused the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) of spreading false rumours about the DRP and trying to defame the party. He said that PPM is envious of the many developments of the party in the political arena of the Maldives.

Also Mr Thasmeen said, if PPM president former President meets with Indian officials, including GMR Owners PPM  counts as good and duty of statemanshipbut if he meets they sout saying it is to take bribe, which is totally unfair and unbalanced.