India didn't discuss with the Govt concerning Nasheed request for ‘refuge’ at
Indian High Commission- Foreign Ministry
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives wishes has that neither the High Commission of India in Male’, nor any other authority of the Government of India has had discussion with the Government of Maldives concerning former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed’s reported request for ‘refuge’ at the Indian High Commission in Male’. However, following several inquiries by the Ministry, the High Commission confirmed Nasheed’s presence there.
The Ministry emphasised that Nasheed’s on-going trial is a matter handled by two independent State institutions, namely the Prosecutor General and the judiciary. Like any other democratic country, the executive branch of the Government of Maldives cannot, under the Constitution of the Maldives, interfere with the independence of the judiciary, and will indeed ensure that the independence of the judiciary is always upheld.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that it is unfortunate that the Government of India has decided to publicly comment on today’s events instead of opting for bilateral discussions between the two Governments. The Ministry added that it is further unfortunate that the Government of India has decided to comment on the types of candidates that could contest the upcoming Presidential Elections in the Maldives scheduled for September 2013. The independent Elections Commission has not, as of date, announced the candidates for the elections. Furthermore the Government firmly believes that the Elections.
The Ministry further emphasised that the Commission of Maldives is fully capable of evaluating and deciding eligibility of nominees in the elections and carrying forward a credible electoral process. The Ministry said that to presume otherwise would be undermining the democratic institutions of the country and the progress achieved by the Maldives in consolidating its democracy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured that the Government of Maldives will uphold and respect its obligations under international law with regard to diplomatic immunities and privileges granted to resident diplomatic missions.
Foreign Ministry stated that the ministry yesterday received media reports that former President Mohamed Nasheed has sought “refuge” in the Indian High Commission in Male’, following the court order issued to the Maldives Police Service to produce him to Hulhumale Magistrate Court for his trial scheduled for 1600 hours yesterday. Upon contacting, the High Commission of India confirmed President Nasheed’s presence at the Chancery and informed that he was present there for a meeting with the High Commissioner.
The Ministry confirmed that the Government is confident that all parties concerned, including the High Commission of India, will respect the laws of the Maldives and judicial independence as prescribed in the Constitution.