Govt didn't struck a "deal" with anyone regarding Nasheed's exit from High Commission- Govt

The Government of Maldives has emphasised that it did not struck a "deal" with anyone regarding former President Mohamed Nasheed's exit from the Chancery of the Indian High Commission in Male', yesterday.

Government noted that Nasheed’s exit from the High Commission was not negotiated with the Government. In the statement of the government it was stated that Nasheed went in to the High Commission on 13 February 2013 seeking India’s ‘assistance’, and his continued stay and his decision to leave the High Commission was an issue between himself and the Indian High Commission. The Government of Maldives’s only involvement in the issue was in the implementation of the Court Order on the Police to produce Nasheed to the Court. The said Court Order expired on Wednesday, 20 February 2013.

The Government of Maldives also reiterated its clear and firm position that it cannot, and will not, negotiate the charges laid against Nasheed for unlawfully arresting a judge during his Presidential tenure, in January 2012. Government highlighted that the charges are laid by the Prosecutor General which is an independent institution under the Constitution of Maldives. The Government has made this position clear to all of its external friends, including India.

Upholding the rule of law and respecting the independence of the three arms of the State are a fundamental pillar of President Dr. Mohamed Waheed's Administration.

The Government expressed hopes that, with the decision of Nasheed to leave the Chancery, the High Commission, would now be able to resume its normal diplomatic and consular work in the Maldives.