“The country should now move ahead following the CoNI report” UNSG Ban Ki Moon

The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon has noted that now that the transfer of power has been accepted nationally and internationally as constitutional through the very credible process of the CONI, the country should now move ahead to meet the challenges. 

The UNSG made his remarks in his meeting today with the President of the Republic of Maldives, Mohamed Waheed Hassan. 

The UNSG assured Maldives of the continued support of the UN in consolidating democracy. In particular he noted support of the UN in preparing for the 2013 elections and as election observers. 

Ban Ki Moon specifically requested Maldives to continue to advocate and take leadership on the issue of climate change. 

President Dr Waheed thanked the UNSG and the UN for their continued support for the country in the past, and especially in the months following the transfer of power in February 2012.  He noted the support of UN in reconstituting the CoNI and remarked that the UN observer had been specially impressed with the transparency of the process and the excellent support provided by the Government of Maldives. 

The president also noted that the issues and challenges noted in the CoNI report as well as the  HRCM and PIC reports will be given high priority by the Government of Maldives.  He noted that the country would be moving ahead to consolidate democracy and strengthening the economy. 

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan is on a 7 day visit to New York as head of the Maldivian delegation to the UNGA.