CONI’s findings reveal that power transfer on 7 Feb was constitutional – President
-It is the time to put the nation’s interest before individual interests

President Dr Mohamed Waheed said that the Commission of National Inquiry (CONI)’s findings reveal that the change of President in the Maldives on 7 February 2012 was legal and constitutional. The President made this statement while addressing the nation at the President’s Office Thursday morning, following the presentation of CONI’s final report to the President.

Majlis sittings to be resumed in September
-Copies of CoNI report to be distributed to Majlis members

Speaker of the Peoples’ Majlis has announced that he is trying to commence the sittings of the Majlis in September. He also revealed that the third session of the Majlis sittings will begin on 1 October as stipulated in the regulations of the Majlis. “Differences should be resolved through dialogue in the Majlis. The Speaker believes that it is from the spirit of the constitution is to reconcile differences through dialogue. Therefore, the Speaker hopes and urges that all members of the Majlis to set aside their political differences and resume their duties.” Speaker Shahid called all stakeholders, political leaders, MPs and all government officials and the media to act with greater national interest and with utmost restraint and calm. The speaker has also decided to distribute the copies of the report of Commission of National Inquiry (CONI) to the members of the Majlis. Meanwhile, President Dr. Mohamed Waheed stated that it is imperative that sittings of the People’s Majlis resume in order implement the legal and administrative reforms advised in the report of the Commission regarding the transfer of power on February 7th and the recent reports of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives on the events leading to February 7th.

CoNI’s report exposes the lies of Nasheed in the past six months- Gasim

Leader of Jumhooree Party (JP) Gasim Ibrahim has said that the report of the independent Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI) into the circumstances surrounding the February 7 transfer of power has exposed the many lies of former President Mohamed Nasheed to the world. Speaking on air on VTV, Gasim Ibrahim said that the release of the report has revealed the true nature of former President Nasheed to the whole world and has smashed the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) into pieces. Gasim said that Nasheed has been lying without shame in public after resigning on his own accord willingly. “For the sake of regaining power Nasheed destroyed the economy of the Maldives and caused unrest in the country reviling the honour of the nation and violating the rights of the people,” he said. Gasim Ibrahim said that he is ready to make whatever sacrifices necessary to reforming the nation. He also expressed joy at the release of the report. He said that the report will be a refutation upon those who accuse him. Gasim strongly condemned the actions of Nasheed and the members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to incite the people to hate and loathe the law enforcement officers.

President Waheed strongly condemns harassment to CONI Co-Chair

President Dr Mohamed Waheed condemned in the strictest terms, the harassment caused to the Co-Chair of the Commission of National Inquiry (CONI), Justice Selvam. “I would like to highlight that the personal attacks by some against members of the Commission, especially the attacks on co-chair Justice Selvam’s character, are not acceptable in a civilized society. I strongly condemn these attacks.” The President made this remark while addressing the nation this morning, following the presentation of the CONI’s report.

UN chief welcomes report into Maldives’ transfer of power, urges parties to accept findings

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomes the release of the report Thursday by the Maldives’ Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI) that has looked into the facts, circumstances and causes of the 7 February transfer of power in the island nation, according to a UN spokesperson. “The Secretary-General urges all parties to accept the findings of the Commission and now begin the process of national dialogue aimed at resolving the political problems facing the country,” the spokesperson added in a news briefing at UN Headquarters in New York.

Commonwealth welcomes Maldives Commission of National Inquiry Report

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma yesterday welcomed the release of the Report of the Commission of National Inquiry in Maldives. Recalling that the Commission had been reconstituted through the good offices of his Special Envoy, Sir Donald McKinnon, to make it a more widely representative and generally acceptable body, the Secretary-General expressed appreciation to the Commission members for their efforts to conduct an objective and credible inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the transfer of power in Maldives on 7 February 2012.

US welcomes release of CoNI report
The United States has welcomed the release of the report of the independent Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI) into the circumstances surrounding the February 7 transfer of power in Maldives. In a statement of Victoria Nuland, U.S. Department of State spokesperson it was stated that the United States commends the Commission co-chairs for their leadership and commitment to a thorough and inclusive investigation and review process. The United States has consistently called for all Maldivians to respect the findings of the Commission of National Inquiry.“Now that the Commission has released its report we urge all parties to respect those findings, to exercise restraint, obey the rule of law, and continue to express themselves in a peaceful and nonviolent manner. Now is the time for all parties to work together through dialogue to chart a positive way forward that respects the Maldivian constitution, democratic institutions, human rights, and the will of the Maldivian people,” U.S Department of State spokesperson said.

Maldives has the most promising police services – Regional Security Officer, US State Dept

Douglas Marvin, the Regional Security Officer at the US State Department acknowledged that in his long career and experience in the field and among the several countries he visited, especially in this region, Maldives has got the most promising police services with a well-organized structure and qualified human resource providing professional services, utilizing all the resources to the maximum. He made this statement in this speech at the closing ceremony of “Crime scene and evidence management course” held at Iskandharu Koshi.

Police urges public to refrain from violence following CoNI’s report
Superintendent of Police Abdulla Nawaz urged the public to refrain from causing or engaging in any means of violence. He made the statement, as the spoke person of the operation to maintain public order following the report by Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI), at a press brief to media. Superintendent Nawaz stated that police has received intelligence information about plots to trigger violence following the report of CoNI and that they will not tolerate such events. He also urged public to refrain from participating in such events or engaging as a bystander, and to report police of any relevant information immediately. The police have been patrolling the capital, Male’ and the islands on foot and on vehicles monitoring the activities during late hours by questioning civilians out on the street at these hours and keeping active gang corners under surveillance. Nawaz also affirmed that marine police will be patrolling and inspecting sea vessels near capital Male’.

Maldives leader says he’s not resigning after inquiry finds he came to power without a coup
MALE, Maldives — The president of the Maldives says that he won’t resign because an internationally-backed commission has concluded that his rise to power in February wasn’t the result of a coup. President Mohammed Waheed Hassan said Friday that questions over the legitimacy of his government are now over and that he will serve his full term until November next year.

UPDATE 1-Former Maldives president "not forced out" - commission
Aug 30 (Reuters) - A former president of the Maldives whose removal from power this year threatened to plunge the tropical holiday island chain into chaos was not forced from office illegally, a commission of inquiry found in a report released on Thursday. The findings of the Commonwealth-backed commission are likely to enrage the supporters of former president Mohamed Nasheed, who hours earlier had called on his backers and the army to topple the government. "The change of president in the Republic of Maldives on February 7 2012 was legal and constitutional," the Commission of National Inquiry said in its report.

Former Maldives president "not forced out" : commission
A former president of the Maldives whose removal from power this year threatened to plunge the tropical holiday island chain into chaos was not forced from office illegally, a commission of inquiry found in a report released on Thursday.  The findings of the Commonwealth-backed commission are likely to enrage the supporters of former president Mohamed Nasheed, who hours earlier had called on his backers and the army to topple the government. "The change of president in the Republic of Maldives on February 7 2012 was legal and constitutional," the Commission of National Inquiry said in its report. "The resignation of President Nasheed was voluntary and of his own free will. It was not caused by any illegal coercion or intimidation."

                 30 August 2012 | Thursday              

President Waheed strongly condemns harassment to CONI Co-Chair

President Dr Mohamed Waheed condemned in the strictest terms, the harassment caused to the Co-Chair of the Commission of National Inquiry (CONI), Justice Selvam. “I would like to highlight that the personal attacks by some against members of the Commission, especially the attacks on co-chair Justice Selvam’s character, are not acceptable in a civilized society. I strongly condemn these attacks.” The President made this remark while addressing the nation this morning, following the presentation of the CONI’s report. President Waheed also expressed his sincere appreciation for the untiring efforts of each member of the Commission, the administrative staff attached to the commission, and all those who assisted the Commission in performing their duties. Noting that the work of the Commission was initiated and conducted with the advice of the international community, the President said “It had always been of paramount importance to me to ensure that the findings and conclusions of the Commission were credible and acceptable to the people.” The President further reiterated that the work of the Commission was conducted with utmost independence – to an extent that it would not have been possible to conduct similar work anywhere else in the world. He also reassured that he had never attempted to exert any influence on the work of the Commission, and that he had always extended his sincerest cooperation to the Commission.

“CONI’s findings reveal that the transfer of power on 7 February was legal and constitutional” - President Waheed

President Dr Mohamed Waheed said that the Commission of National Inquiry (CONI)’s findings reveal that the change of President in the Maldives on 7 February 2012 was legal and constitutional. The President made this statement while addressing the nation at the President’s Office this morning, following the presentation of CONI’s final report to the President. The President said that the report also shows that the events that occurred on 6 and 7 February 2012 were in large measure, reactions to the actions of former President Nasheed, and that the resignation of President Nasheed was voluntary and of his own free will, and was not caused by any illegal coercion or intimidation.

President Waheed dissolves CONI

President Dr Mohamed Waheed today dissolved the Commission of National Inquiry (CONI), following the completion of its work and presentation of its final report to the President, the Speaker of the Parliament, the Prosecutor General, and the Attorney General. President Waheed signed the decree of dissolution just before addressing the nation following the presentation of CONI’s report.

CONI presents its final report to the President

The Commission of National Inquiry (CONI), constituted by the President by decree, has presented its final report to President Dr Mohamed Waheed, following the completion of its investigative work. The report was presented to the President by the Co-Chair of the Commission, former Singaporean judge, Justice G Pannirselvam. At the ceremony held at the President’s Office this morning, members of the commission briefed the President on the details of the main points included in the report. The President expressed his gratitude to the members of the commission for their hard work and efforts.

Unofficial translation of President of the Republic of Maldives Excellency Dr Mohamed Waheed’s address to the nation on being presented the CONI report
Beloved People of the Maldives: On February 7th of this year, I took oath of office as President of the Republic of Maldives when the former President tendered his resignation as stated in Article 121 (a) of the Constitution of the Maldives. If the office of the President becomes vacant for any reason, the Vice President assumes office of the President according to Article 112 (d) of the Constitution. It is in line with this clause of the constitution that I assumed the office of the President.

All coalition agrees to accept CoNI report
All the leaders from the political parties in the government coalition have agreed to accept Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI)’s will investigative report on what events of February 7 unrest that lead to the resignation of President Mohamed Nasheed. The coalition members agreed to accept the report in a meeting held with President Dr Mohamed Waheed yesterday. At the meeting held at the President’s Office yesterday, discussions were held on how to proceed after the presentation of CoNI’s investigative report. President Waheed and the political leaders also spoke on all coalition parties supporting the President’s views on the issue. The leaders from the political parties in the government coalition also agreed not to give any opportunity any people to cause unrest in the country following the release of the report.

If CoNI does not declare there was a coup we will topple the govt through a coup- Nasheed
Former President Mohamed Nasheed has warned that he and his followers will topple the current government through a coup if the Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI) does not declare that it was through a coup that the power was transferred on February 7, 2012. Stating that he would not return to his residence up until the commission releases its investigative report on the events of February 7, Nasheed camped at Usfasgandu since yesterday. Speaking to the members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) last night, Nasheed said that the current government will be toppled by a coup if the commission does not agree that it was a coup that lead to his resignation. Nashed said that CoNI will conclude that there was no coup although this is against the reality of the events on February 7. Meanwhile, last week Nasheed said that he will accept the report of the commission regardless of the decision of the commission. It is noted that along with the former President Nasheed other leaders of MDP have all been camping at Usfasgandu since yesterday. Among them include Parliamentary group members of the MDP and members of Nasheed’s cabinet.

Human Rights Minister urges stakeholders not to lead the people to destruction
Human Rights Minister Fathimath Dhiyana Saeed has urged all stakeholders not to lead the people to destruction and to their own loss by instigating them to cause unrest and damage public properties. Minister Dhiyana said that it ironic that a people who are most aware of that all criminals deserve punishment are trying to deceive the masses into commit crimes. She said that this is a deliberate violation of the rights of the people.

Fundamental Principles of NAM Still Remain Relevant- Foreign Minister
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdul Samad Abdullah is attending the Ministerial Meeting of the Non Align Movement taking place in Tehran from 28-29 August 2012. The Minister delivered a statement on the first day of the Meeting. In his statement, Minister Samad spoke on the theme of the meeting “Lasting Peace Through Global Governance”. The Minister noted that “the fundamental principles of NAM still remains relevant’ and asked “whether the Movement manifest its founding principles in its operational work”.

Two-time world champion Damien Hardman wins single fin division
Wednesday August 29, 2012: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa: In an, ‘80s flashback, legendary surfers Mark ‘Occy’ Occhilupo (Aus), Tom Curren (USA), Damien ‘Dooma’ Hardman (Aus) and Martin ‘Pottz’ Potter (GB) relived their historic rivalries with the same intensity on the first day of the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2012. Rounding out the ensemble cast is 2007 ASP Longboard champion Phil Rajzman (Brz).

Four Seasons Maldives and Soneva Resorts Wins Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Award 2012
Maldives Promotion House – Four Seasons Resorts Maldives and Soneva Resorts has won Condé Nast Traveler World Savers award 2012. For this award Condé Nast Traveler recognizes tourism companies that are working hard toward making the world a better place. Categories considered for this award are education – building schools, openings minds; health – funding clinics, fighting decease; poverty – enriching local communities; preservation – championing heritage, greening the planet; wildlife – protecting habitats, saving species; and doing it all.

Maldivian Awarded National Flag Carrier Status
Maldives Promotion House – Maldivian, the airline division of Island Aviation Services Ltd is awarded the national flag carrier of Maldives. At a special ceremony Transport Minister, Dr. Ahmed Shamheed presented ‘The National Carrier Status” certificate to the Island Aviation Services Ltd’s Chairman Bandhu Ibrahim Saleem. Dr. Shamheed said ‘This is the rebirth of national airline after discontinuation of few years” he added “This is a historic day for Maldivian aviation and with new aircraft and new destinations Island Aviation will fulfill our dreams of a flag carrier”

                 29 August 2012 | Wednesday              

Gasim calls not to sacrifice peace and stability of the country

Jumhooree Party Leader Gasim Ibrahim has called all people not to sacrifice the peace and stability of the country for the sake of a single individual. Gasim Ibrahim said that all people should precede national interest over their own interests. He added that no one should take the statement of an individual over the welfare and interest of the country and the economy.

Maldives is among the countries granting most subsidies to the people- President

President Dr. Mohamed Waheed has said that Maldives is among the countries granting the most subsidies in various areas to the people. The President made this remark meeting with the Maldivian families and students residing in Sri Lanka, during his visit to the country. The President noted that the government has been granting subsidies in the areas such as health, education, housing and other areas.

Statement from Andrew Cox, United Nations Resident Coordinator
There have been a number of messages over social media indicating that the Commission of National Inquiry’s (CNI) report on the events of February 2012 will be launched at the UN Building in Male’ on August 30th. However, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Maldives would like to state that this information is inaccurate. We understand that the CNI report will be directly delivered to the major actors concerned as per prior agreements. The report will not be released at the UN Building.

THE ANGSANA VELAVARU RESORT IN MALDIVES
There is no telling what could happen in a place defined by peacefulness and beauty, disturbed only by wooden villas surprisingly emerging from the infinite blue. The Angsana Velavaru Resort (or “Turtle Island” in the national language of Maldives) is the ultimate place for a luxurious retreat.

Dhiraagu introduces a new website interphase with online bill payment features
Dhiraagu has introduced a new website interphase for their official Dhiraagu website with new and user friendly features. Among the features included in the new interphase of the Dhiraagu website is the Pay Your Bill online feature and other useful features. In a press conference held at the Dhiraagu main office last night, Marketing Communications and Public Relations, Mohamed Mirshan said that the company is committed to bring customer satisfaction. He said that the new website will be helpful and very user friendly for the Dhiraagu customers in this regard. He expressed hopes the customers will be able to pay their bills online using Bank of Maldives Gold Card and Ammex Card within one month.

President Waheed awards Champions of Baibalaa Competition

President Dr Mohamed Waheed has presented the President’s Trophy for the champions of the Baibalaa Tournament 2012. The Baibalaa tournament is held annually, organised by the Baibalaa Association. After watching the final match last evening, where B.G. Sports beat T.C. Sports, President Waheed presented to the champions, the President’s Trophy, and the champion cup and prize money from the Baibalaa Association.Minister of Human Resources, Youth and Sports Mr Mohamed Hussain Shareef awarded the prize presented by the Baibalaa Association for the runner-up T.C. Sports. Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Mr Ahmed Adheeb Abdul Ghafoor presented the prize for the fair play team Zefrol. Abdulla Nishan of Lorenzo Sports won the Mr Baibalaa award, while Ali Naeem of T. C. Sports won the Fair Play award.

Official Song of Maldives Travel Awards 2012 Released

Maldives Promotion House - The official song of MATATO’s GMR Maldives Travel Awards 2012 has been released. The song, “It’s the Sunny Side of Life” was sung by popular Maldivian artist Unoosha and the music was composed by Barchie. The song is now available on Dhiraagu MyTones, and both the songs can be activated by calling 155 from Dhiraagu Mobile Numbers. The MyTones ID for “It’s the Sunny Side of Life” is 18971, and the ID for “The Maldives Song” is 15297.

Ministry of Environment signs agreement for procurement of solid waste disposal equipment

Ministry of Environment and Energy had signed an agreement with Biz4Maldives Pvt. Ltd today for the procurement of solid waste disposal equipment (can crushers and chipper) under assistance from Asian Development Bank (ADB). The contract amount is worth of MRF 1,009,179.36. (One Million Nine Thousand One Hundred and Seventy Nine Maldivian Rufiyaa and Thirty Six Laari).

                 28 August 2012 | Tuesday              

President Waheed expresses confidence that CoNI’s report would be accepted by all

President Dr Mohamed Waheed expressed his confidence that the investigative report of the Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI) would be an impartial and factual report acceptable by all. The President made this remark in an interview given to Raajje Miadhu programme of Television Maldives last evening. In his interview, the President said that CoNI’s independence, impartiality, and credibility has now been very well established. Noting that CoNI’s report would be acceptable by all, the President said that the member from former President Nasheed was included in the commission with the condition that former President Nasheed and his party should agree with CoNI’s final report. The President also noted that none from the international community has raised any doubt of the independence, integrity, and morality of the commission.

Saeed’s statement is highly irresponsible and seeks to undermine the CoNI process - Foreign Minister

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdul Samad Abdulla has said that the statement made by former President Nasheed’s representative in the Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI), Ahmed Saeed (Gaha Saeed) is highly irresponsible and seeks to undermine the work of the CoNI set up by President Dr Waheed to look into the events leading to and following the transfer of power of 7th February. The Minister said that Ahmed Saeed’s statement just four days before the actual CoNI report is due to be made public, is an act to influence the report itself and destabilize the political situation in the country.

Commonwealth Secretary-General's Special Envoy urges all stakeholders to keep national interest paramount and move forward
The Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Maldives, Sir Donald McKinnon, today urged Maldivian stakeholders to keep the national interest paramount and move forward in a calm and responsible manner, as the country anticipates the Report of the Commission of National Inquiry this week. Sir Donald observed that the Commission, established to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the transfer of power on 7 February 2012, had been reformed in June in order to be more widely acceptable and to enable an independent, impartial and credible investigation to be conducted.

President invites all political party leaders to meet on 30 August

President Dr Mohamed Waheed has yesterday sent out invitations to all the leaders of political parties to meet on the night of 30 August, Thursday. The meeting will be held at 9 pm at Bandos Island Resort. The letters of invitation were sent to Maldivian Democratic Party, Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party, Progressive Party of Maldives, Dhivehi Qawmee Party, Adhaalath Party, Jumhooree Party, People’s Alliance, and Maldives Reform Movement.

No Pressure from International Corps - Foreign Minister

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdul Samad Abdullah has said that President Dr. Waheed’s decision to invite all political parties to “All Party Talks” before Commission of National Inquiry’s report was not because of any. In an interview with Haveeru Daily, Foreign Minister said that President Waheed has no pressure from the Government of Sri Lanka or the diplomatic community based in Colombo and that it was his own decision. In the statement made by President Dr. Waheed while meeting the foreign diplomats in Colombo, he said that he will invite all political parties to “All Party Talks” within the next 48 hours. Dr. Samad said that the President was always willing to hold discussions and that the “All Party Talks” were on halt because of the differences among the parties. The Foreign Minister also revealed that International Community always wants, peace and security be up held in the Maldives and a solution to the current political situation through dialogue.

Maldives to enhance trade relationship with Lanka

Maldives will be looking forward to extend trade and investment relationship with Sri Lanka while addressing issues that hampers the progress at present. We are confident that further improvement of trade and investment relationship between the two countries could be achieved. There are opportunities for Sri Lankan companies to set up branches in Maldives with the streamlining of existing regulations, Sri Lanka Maldives Bilateral Business Council President Hussein Hashim said. Sri Lanka could capitalize on its capabilities and expertise where the country could derive benefit in operational cost.

President inaugurates exhibition on the recent change of power in the Maldives

President Dr Mohamed Waheed today opened an art exhibition on the recent change of power in the Maldives on 7 February 2012, organised by Adhaalath party. At the ceremony held this morning at the National Art Gallery, the President said that being persistent about one’s own views without regard to that of others, and creating conflict among the society, was not a quality of the devoted. He called upon everyone to set aside personal interest and give priority to the brotherhood and close unity among us. Further, regarding the changes that had been experienced by the country today, the President said that every individual had a different view on the political events that took place from the last part of 2011 to the first part of 2012. He said that this exhibition displayed the vision of the majority of the people. However, the President noted that there was a minority of people with contradicting views, and spoke on the importance of a mechanism that was acceptable by all, in order to guarantee the facts of the events.

Friendship and support of Maldives assured - President
External Affairs Minister Prof G.L. Peiris called on Maldivian President Mohamed Waheed who was on a state visit to Sri Lanka, at Hotel Hilton on Thursday. They had comprehensive discussions on co-operation between Sri Lanka and the Maldives. It was agreed to accord priority to collaboration in the education, health and security sectors. Fisheries and tourism are two other areas where both countries could derive considerable benefit from close co-operation, and practical strategies to accomplish this formed part of the discussion.

Sri Lanka President assures to protect rights of all religious communities
The Sri Lankan government is committed to protect the rights of all religions in the country and respect all religions equally despite the attempts by certain groups to create a religious passion in the society and mislead the people, the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa today assured the public. The President, who is on the campaign trail to support the ruling party candidates in the Eastern Province, addressing public rallies in the towns of Eastern Province this afternoon said it is the responsibility of all Sri Lankans to overcome the challenges before the country without divisions on nationality or religion.

Sri Lanka and India - its cultural and religious ties
The ‘Kapilavastu relics’ brought to Sri Lanka from India for Buddhists across the country to pay their respects should further underline the long and continuing cultural and religious ties that have existed between the two South Asian neighbours. Indian Culture Minister Kumari Selja, who brought the relics at the initiative of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, also launched the Indian-funded renovation work at the Thirukeetheeswaram Kovil in Mannar. It’s again a reflection on another facet of cultural and religious linkages that have existed between the two countries for centuries now.

                 27 August 2012 | Monday              

Gaha Saeed violated Commonwealth agreement- Government

The government has condemned the statements made by former President Mohamed Nasheed’s representative in the Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI) established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the transfer of executive office on 7 February 2012, Gaha Ahmed Saeed that he is not satisfied with the report of CoNI which is to be released at the end of this month.

CoNI’s report invalidates all that we saw and experienced on Feb 7: Gaha Saeed

Former President Nasheed’s representative for the Comission for the National Enquiry Gaha Saeed has cinfirmed that that the comission’s report is not on the way MDP wants..so this proves that the Report will prove that its was not a coup.

No chance to rule that a coup was involved in the transfer of power- Gasim

Leader of the Jumhooree Party, Gasim Ibrahim said that there is no chance to rule that a coup d’etat was involved in the transfer of power on 7 February, 2012. Gasim made this remark at the public rally of the Jumhooree Party held at A.Dh. Fenfushi last night. Speaking at this rally, Gasim said that all the events of that day were witnessed by the people and all the events following that day up until today has been happening in front of the people and that there is no chance for the people to be deceived regarding the truth of these matters.

UK’s shared goal is for stability, peace and democracy for the Maldives people- British High Commissioner

British High Commissioner to Maldives, John Rankin has stated that the UK’s shared goal is for stability, peace and democracy for the Maldives people. High Commissioner Rankin made this remark in the eleventh video in the ‘Ask the High Commissioner’ series published by the British High Commission, Colombo (BHC) on Thursday, 23 August, 2012. The High Commissioner said that the UK follows the events in the Maldives closely and that he and his team visits Maldives on a regular basis.

President and First Lady arrive in Male’ following the conclusion of their visit to Sri Lanka

President Dr Mohamed Waheed and First Lady Madam Ilham Hussain arrived back in Male’ yesterday evening, on conclusion of their official visit to Sri Lanka. The President made this visit on the invitation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. On arrival at the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport this evening, President Waheed met with the local media and briefed them on the accomplishments of this visit.

President Waheed meets the Maldivian community in Sri Lanka

President Dr Mohamed Waheed yesterday met with the Maldivian families and students residing in Sri Lanka, as part of his current visit to the country. Speaking at the function, the President said that the emergence of political parties should not “wound” our country, or create conflict among family members. He said that the birth of political parties must not sow the seeds of factious dissension among our people, and that today we have lost the brotherhood that our society had once typified so well.

President and First Lady visit Maldivian High Commission in Sri Lanka

President Dr Mohamed Waheed and First Lady Madam Ilham Hussain have yesterday afternoon visited the Maldivian High Commission in Colombo. During his visit to the High Commission, the President and First Lady personally met with and greeted all the staff members working at the Maldivian High Commission. The President and First Lady then took a tour of the High Commission building, and observed the administration of the office. The President also signed the visitor’s book during his visit. In his message, the President had expressed his pleasure of being able to visit the High Commission and meet with the staff. He had also expressed his gratitude to all the staff of the High Commission for their invaluable services extended to the Maldives and its people.

Sri Lanka, Maldives agree to extend and strengthen bilateral cooperation
Aug 23, Colombo: Leaders of Sri Lanka and Maldives agree to extend and strengthen bilateral cooperation on a wide range of issues when they met today for discussions. President of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik accompanied by First Lady Ilham Hussain arrived in Sri Lanka today on a two-day official visit. His Sri Lankan counterpart President Mahinda Rajapaksa welcomed the Maldivian leader at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.

                 15 August 2012 | Wednesday              

President Waheed to address at the OIC Summit this evening

President Dr Mohamed Waheed will this evening deliver his address at the fourth extraordinary session of the Organisation of Islamic Conference that began in Mecca last evening. King Abdulla Bin Abdul Azeez of Saudi Arabia is chairman of the summit. All Heads of State and Heads of Government of member countries are in attendance at the summit. The agenda of the summit would mainly focus on four issues: the ongoing situation in Syria, the issues faced by the people of Palestine, the issues faced by the Muslim community in Burma, and the situation in Mali. The Heads of State and Heads of Government who spoke at last evening’s inaugural session highlighted these issues and noted ways to solve the challenges being faced by the Islamic community.

President to exchange Eid-ul-Fitr greetings with members of the general public

President Dr Mohamed Waheed will exchange greetings with the members of the general public on the morning of Eid-ul-Fitr day, at Muleeaage. He will receive members of the public from 0930 to 1030 hrs. Attendance is not by specific invitation and all members of the general public are welcome to visit Muleeaage to exchange greetings with the President. According to the President’s Office, this invitation is open to Maldivians of all ages and to members of foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations resident in Male’. Members of the public are also welcome to bring along their children to exchange greetings with the President.

National Awards Technical Committee opens Nominations for National Award for Special Achievement

The National Awards Technical Committee has opened nominations for this year’s National Award for Special Achievement today. At a press conference held at the President’s Office, Chairman of the Committee Dr Ahmed Anwar and the members of the Committee provided additional details on the National Award for Special Achievement. Other members of the technical committee are, Dr Hassan Hameed, Dr Abdul Muhsin Mohamed, Dr Ibrahim Zakariyya Moosa, Ms Aminath Reena and Mr Hussain Amir. Mr Amir is on the National Awards Technical Committee as representative of the National Awards Committee. The Award for Special Achievement is given by the President in recognition and encouragement to those who achieve distinction for the country. Nominations will stay open from today until 3 pm on 20 September 2012. Nomination forms are available at the President’s Office during office hours, and can also be downloaded from the President’s Office website,www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv.

Meeting of Majlis members representing Political Parties did not break any grounds

The meeting of the members of the Peoples’ Majlis representing their respective political parties held yesterday as requested by the Speaker of the Majlis Abdullah Shahid did not break any grounds. According to the members of the parties supporting the current government accused the representative of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) of straying away from the scope of the meeting which is to find a way to resume the Majlis sessions. They noted that MDP’s representative only talked about how power should be transferred back to MDP, and about outcomes of the report of the Commission of National Inquiry (CNI).

Gasim calls for the resignation of Speaker Shahid

Jumhooree P Leader Gasim Ibrahim has called for the resignation of Speaker of the Peoples’ Majlis Abdulla Shahid. Gasim Ibrahim strongly condemned the Speaker's absence from the all party discussions with Vice President Waheedudeen yesterday with regard to the deadlock at the Majlis. Speaking to media after the said meeting, Gasim Ibrahim said that Shahid's absence from the discussion shows that the Speaker is not interested in ensuring that Majlis moves forward with its responsibilities. asim said that the Jumhooree Party would not take part in any further talks on the subject. He also strongly criticized opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for the way they acted in the meeting. He said that MDP’s representative’s talks were off the topic and outside the scope of the meeting. However, he said that if the President requests to participate in a meeting Jumhooree Party would make a final decision after discussions within the party. Apart from Gasim Ibrahim, the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP) also strongly criticized the Speaker.

No talks with Nasheed will reap any good results- Sheikh Mohamed Didi

Civic coalition President Sheikh Mohamed Didi has said that no good results could be reaped from any meeting or dialogue with the former President Mohamed Nasheed’s participation. In view of the continuation of the all-party-talks, Sheikh Mohamed Didi said that Nasheed’s participation in any talks will lead nothing but to baseless arguments and a waste of time. Sheikh Mohamed Didi stressed that Nasheed has no regard to hold discussions. He said that the past discussions held between Nasheed and his party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has shown nothing but their stubborn attitude and wreckless behavior. He said that they do not want to achieve any good results from these talks. Sheikh Mohamed Didi noted that MDP only talks about holding an early Presidential Election when there is no plausible reason to hold such an election.

Nasheed is concerned because CoNI’s report would expose him- Abbas

Spokesperson of the government Abbas Adil Riza has said that the former President Mohamed Nasheed is worried that he would be exposed to the whole world when the Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI) released their final report. Abbas said that the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) would not be given any opportunity to decide on the matter before the report of the Commission of National Inquiry established to make an independent and impartial investigation into developments in the Maldives from 14 January 2012 to 8 February 2012 and the reality of the events of February 7 which lead to the transfer of power.

President Dr Waheed attends Extra Ordinary Summit of the OIC

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dunya Maumoon yesterday briefed the media regarding the participation of President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan in the Extraordinary OIC Summit currently being convened in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The Summit has been organized by Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in response to the call of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosque, King Abdulla Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Heads of States/ Government of the OIC countries are invited for the Summit which is aimed at restoring the relationship among Islamic nations and enhance Islamic solidarity and to address the challenges facing the Islamic Ummah. During the Summit, discussions will take place on the situation and challenges in many countries of the Muslim World and the need to intensify efforts to address and overcome these challenges.

                 14 August 2012 | Tuesday              

MDP will not be given opportunity to make CoNI’s report a shield to create unrest- Abbas
Spokesperson of the government, Abbas Adil Riza has said that the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will not be given the opportunity to make the report of the Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI) as a shield to create unrest and disorder. Abbas said that the Commission of National Inquiry was established to make an independent and impartial investigation into developments in the Maldives from 14 January 2012 to 8 February 2012 and the reality of the events of February 7 which lead to the transfer of power and whether anyone is guilty.

Challenges faced by govt to manage the budget because of the dishonesty of the former govt- Economic Minister
Economic Minister Ahmed Mohamed has said that the government is facing many challenges in managing the state budget because of the dishonesty and deceptive plots of the former government regarding the expected income of the state for this year. Minister Ahmed Mohamed said that many problems have arisen because the former government predicted a large income to the state by selling off the government’s shares of different companies.

Cases of MP Hamid Abdul Ghafoor and MP Ibrahim Rasheed sent to PG
Prosecutor General's office yesterday confirmed that it has received the cases of MDP MP Hamid Abdul Ghafoor (pic) and MDP MP Ibrahim Rasheed (aka Bondaa) for prosecution. According the PG’s Office, the violations cited are obstruction of police performing their duties. In addition, MP Hamid is also charged with refusing to give a urine sample to police. The cases were sent to PGO by the Maldives Police earlier this month, while a case against MDP MP Imthiyaz Fahmy was sent last month.

Turkish airlines arrives at the “gateway to the sunny side of life”
Turkish Airlines the award winner from Skytrax for “Europe’s Best Airlines” second year in a row has announced its schedule service to Male’, Maldives. Having the world's 7thlargest flight network and flying to 199 flight destinations, Turkish Airlines continues its expansion mode with Maldives; one of the world’s most popular leisure destination.

MATATO Reveals Nominations for GMR Maldives Travel Awards
GMR Maldives Travel Awards, which was launched on 16th July 2012 has gained major support with the nomination of local hospitality brands and international chains. While international brands such as Sheraton, Anantara, Jumeirah, LUX* and W, have been nominated, a total of about 65 nominations have been made. The event is being managed by Highrise Private Limited, while Paradise Island Resort by Villa Hotels will host the event for 2012. GMR, who is managing Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, will be the title sponsor for this year’s award. The winners of GMR Maldives Travel Awards will be announced and awarded on September 28th at Paradise Island Resort.

Muslim leaders stream into Kingdom
JEDDAH: Heads of some of the most important Muslim countries of the world began streaming into the Kingdom yesterday answering the call of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to attend a two-day Islamic solidarity summit that begins in Makkah today. The leaders were accorded red carpet welcome and fitting protocol on their arrival in Jeddah and Madinah. Prominent among those who arrived yesterday were Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Libya’s General National Congress head Mohamed Yousef El-Magariaf, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Bangladeshi President Mohammed Zillur Rahman, Senegalese President Macky Sall and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz. Foreign ministers of almost all the 57 member states of the Organization of Islamic Conference were in attendance at the meeting at the Conference Palace yesterday.

With all due respect to the leaders of the Muslim world, sedition is not unavoidable destiny
First and foremost, we should thank Almighty Allah for enabling you to gather around His Sacred House during these blessed Ramadan nights. We hope that Allah will help you better serve your nations. Leaders of the Muslim World: We do not need to remind you that you are meeting at a turning point in the history of your nations. It is a moment in which sedition, with all its evils and tragedies, is protruding and all elements of success have been ensured for it. We do not want to hold you responsible for the emergence of sedition. Many of us, the citizens, are equally to blame for intentionally or unintentionally rekindling its fires. The result, however, is the same. Is it too late for such a talk? Has the train of sedition already started its journey or is there still an area for hope? To be honest with you we do not know but pray to Allah that there is still time for the wise and the benevolent to do what pleases Allah and what can preserve lives, souls and blood.

Makkah summit aims to shore up Muslim strength
JEDDAH: In the most significant outcome of the two-day Islamic solidarity summit that begins in Makkah today, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) late last night agreed to suspend Syria in view of Bashar Assad regime’s unrelenting bloodbath against its own people. The suspension completes the discredited Syrian leader’s total isolation in the Muslim world. “Yes, the resolution to suspend Syria from the OIC was adopted by a majority vote during the meeting (of the Council of Foreign Ministers at the Conference Palace) ... Everyone was relieved,” OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu told Arab News. “This is what most of the members wanted, and there was very little opposition to the move.” Ihsanoglu appealed to Assad to listen to the collective voice of the Muslim world. “I would like to tell him that it is the duty of leaders to sacrifice for their people ... He should leave for the sake of his own people,” he said.

                 13 August 2012 | Monday              

President expresses hopes to establish close relations within Islamic community

President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has expressed hopes to establish close relations within the Islamic community at the fourth extraordinary session of the Organisation of Islamic Conference, on the invitation of King Abdulla Bin Abdul Azeez. Meeting the local media at the Official Jetty prior to his departure to Saudi Arabia yesterday, President Waheed said that the most important on the agenda at the summit would be the ongoing situation in Syria and establishing close relations within the Islamic community.

Will participate in the talks if peace is restored- President

President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that he is ready to participate in the all party talks if the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) ceases to cause unrest in the country and peace is restored. The President said this meeting the local media at the Official Jetty prior to his departure to Saudi Arabia, to attend the fourth extraordinary session of the Organisation of Islamic Conference, on the invitation of King Abdulla Bin Abdul Azeez. He said that he will partake in the negotiations once the unrest on the roads and the harassment of government officials and employees ceases. “It should be stopped. Once it is stopped I will partake in the talks,” he said. In addition to this, President Dr. Waheed said that he has appointed a representative on his behalf to the Peoples’ Majlis on the request of the Speaker Abdulla Shahid to hold talks with the leading members of the Majlis. He expressed hoped that these talks would be initiated this week. President said that the unrest has simmered down then in the past and he thanked MDP for this. However he said that the harassment of the government employees still continued. He said that it has to stop. The President also said that he has been in continuous dialogue with mediator of the All Party Talks Ahmed Mujuthaba and expressed hope that the talks will be resumed once the mediator returns from his leave.

A decision on the 25million dollar budget support loan should be expedited- Finance Minister

Minister of Finance Abdullah Jihad has said that it is important the Peoples’ Majlis expedite a decision on USD25 million loan from India as part of the loan to be taken for State budget support. He said that if the Majlis does not make a decision soon than the country might have to face severe economic problems. He said that the government found the need to obtain the 25 million dollar because of the increase in the budget deficit. He said that this loan will be obtained as a budget support. Minister Jihad noted that the bank guarantee period has expired while the Majlis failed to make a decision regarding the 125million dollar bank guarantee. He said that this will cause many difficulties for the contractors. The Minister said that the government has requested the Majlis with two important matters. He said that the government in this regard has submitted the issue of the 25million dollar and the case of the bank guarantee for the 125million dollars to be released.

First Futsal arena established under “Unity Through Futsal” project inaugurated

The first futsal playground that was constructed at Hulhumale has been declared open. The playground named “HITACHI Futsal Arena” was declared open by the Vice President of the Maldives HE Mohamed Waheedhuddin. Speaking at this ceremony the Vice President said that the “HITACHI Futsal Arena” is the first phase of the project “Unity Through Futsal” that is aimed at constructing seven futsal arenas. Highlighting the importance of youth for the development of a nation, he said that to boost the progress of the nation we need to build a valuable youth with patriotism. He also stressed that sports play a major role in character building and enhance self-confidence. “Therefore, this Futsal ground would be a precious one and those who play in this ground must display good manners and discipline in order to obtain good results from it”, said the Vice President.

Muslim world pins hopes on Makkah summit

Former deputy chairman of the Shoura Council and world-renowned Islamic thinker, Abdullah Omar Naseef, emphasized the significance of the emergency Islamic Summit called by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. “There is nothing strange in this call by King Abdullah for an emergency summit. It shows his deep concern toward Islamic issues as a prominent Muslim leader in the world,” Naseef told Arab News. “This summit is being held at the right time, when the Islamic nation is facing a lot of challenges and crises, such as the worsening situation in Syria, the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, and the continuing Israeli atrocities against the Palestinians,” he added. “The organization of the summit in the holy city of Makkah during the last days of the holy month of Ramadan gives it even more importance.”

King: Dialogue will strengthen unity

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah yesterday highlighted the importance of dialogue in strengthening national unity and improving relations among citizens.“Upholding Islamic values and showing allegiance to leadership are among the hallmarks of Saudi people,” the king said while stressing the role of national dialogue in narrowing differences in viewpoint. King Abdullah urged officials of the King Abdul Aziz National Dialogue Center to double their efforts in organizing dialogue forums on major issues with the participation of people from different parts of the Kingdom.

Diseased trees new source of climate gas
Diseased trees in forests may be a significant new source of methane that causes climate change, according to researchers at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies in Geophysical Research Letters. Sixty trees sampled at Yale Myers Forest in northeastern Connecticut contained concentrations of methane that were as high as 80,000 times ambient levels. Normal air concentrations are less than 2 parts per million, but the Yale researchers found average levels of 15,000 parts per million inside trees.

Secret of the rare 'twinned rainbow' unlocked
Scientists have yet to fully unravel the mysteries of rainbows, but a group of researchers from Disney Research, Zurich, UC San Diego, Universidad de Zaragoza, and Horley, UK, have used simulations of these natural wonders to unlock the secret to a rare optical phenomenon known as the twinned rainbow. Unlike the more common double-rainbow, which consists of two separate and concentric rainbow arcs, the elusive twinned rainbow appears as two rainbows arcs that split from a single base rainbow. Sometimes it is even observed in combination with a double rainbow.

                 12 August 2012 | Sunday              

President Waheed departs to Saudi Arabia

President Dr Mohamed Waheed has this morning departed to Saudi Arabia, to attend the fourth extraordinary session of the Organisation of Islamic Conference, on the invitation of King Abdulla Bin Abdul Azeez. During this trip, the President will be accompanied by First Lady Madam Ilham Hussain. Meeting the local media at the Official Jetty prior to his departure, President Waheed said that the most important on the agenda at the summit would be the ongoing situation in Syria and establishing close relations within the Islamic community. The President also said that efforts will be taken to secure investment in Saudi Arabia, for the fund opened to aid Mosques in the Maldives, by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

Goverment reconsiders appointing VP as govt representative in party talks

The government has decided to reconsider the appointing of the Vice President Waheed Deen as the government’s representative in the Political Party Talks because of the Hulhumale’ protests of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) held against the Vice President. Spokesperson of the government Abbas Adil Riza said that supporters of the MDP taunted the Vice President Thursday at Hulhumale’ during his visit to inaugurate a futsal field set up by the “Unity Through Futsal” project run by the Youth Ministry, State Trading Organisation (STO), Police, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Football Association of the Maldives (FAM).

Campaign to destroy Maldivian tourism is a campaign to enslave Maldivian people- Adheeb

Minister of Tourism Ahmed Adheeb has said that the campaign to destroy the tourism industry of the Maldives is in reality a campaign to enslave the people of Maldives. He said that the calls to boycott the Maldives tourism, the largest economy industry of the Maldives, are a sinister plot hatched to achieve political agendas to enslave the people. Adheeb reiterated that the tourism is the main economic industry of the Maldives and damages to the tourism industry is a loss on the economy of the country thereby having a direct loss on the people. Minister Adeeb said that those who are behind the recent call to boycott oMaldives tourism are traitors who have enmity towards the nation and the people of Maldives. He said that their plots will be foiled by the will of God.

MDP contradicts their decision and comes out to the streets

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has acted in contradiction to their decision to cease its series of anti-governmental protests to offer co-operation in the Political Party Talks by coming out to the streets of Hulhumale’ last Thursday night. In view of Thursday night’s unrest, Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) condemned the act and stated that MDP is a party which is full of hypocrisy.

Government welcomes MDP’s cessation of its series of anti-governmental protests to offer co-operation in All Party Talks
The Government has welcomed Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on having ceased its series of anti-governmental protests to offer co-operation in the Political Party Talks. The Government affirmed its strong approval in a press statement released Thursday by the President’s Office. The Statement confirmed the Government’s advocacy of MDP’s decision to bring an end to its ongoing series of anti-governmental demonstrations, and its willingness to offer co-operation in the Political Party Talks. The Statement stated that the Government had firm belief that consequent to this decision, MDP would also disallow the incitement of violence and harassment targeted at Senior Government Officials, Maldivian National Defense Force and Maldives Police Service.

Bringing Myanmar killers to justice tops summit agenda

The ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar is one of the key issues to be discussed at the Islamic solidarity summit convened by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah in Makkah on Aug. 14-15. With just two days to go for the conclave of the world’s most important Muslim leaders in the most holy city, pressure is mounting on Myanmar’s military junta to allow international and Islamic relief agencies access to the besieged Muslim population of the Arakan province. Two important delegations to Myanmar — one led by Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and the other by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation — this week have revealed signs of panic and desperation among the junta’s top leadership.

Grand Mosque imam: ‘It is time to act upon and confront challenges’

Imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, urged Muslim heads of state and leaders to become more aware about their great responsibility toward God and their people, especially at a time when the Islamic nation is facing myriad challenges and crises. In his Friday sermon at the holy mosque, Sheikh Saleh stressed that the upcoming Makkah Islamic summit would be a venue for transparent dialogue in order to restore the Islamic nation’s vitality and remove barriers.

                 10 August 2012 | Friday              

Goverment welcomes the decision of MDP to halt demonstrations
The Government of Maldives has welcomed the decision of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s decision to halt their ongoing demonstrations to facilitate meaningful political dialogue to end the political crisis the country. The government stated this in statement issued by the President’s Office yesterday. Referring to the decision, the government welcomed the decision of the MDP, and expressed hopes that this will be an end to the continuous harassment and threats to the law enforcement officers and their families. In the statement of the President’s Office it was noted that the “All Party Talks” were suspended because of MDP’s failure to recognize the first issue mentioned in the agenda of the talks, which is to create a peaceful environment. “However, now with the announcement of the MDP the government believes that the All-Party-Talks can be resumed. The government will decide on a date to reinitiate the dialogue after discussions with the coordinator of the talks,” the statement said. Furthermore, the government in this regard urged all sides to not indulge in any activity that obstructs the works to create a peaceful environment in the Maldives.

HRCM initiates dialogue for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing political conflict
A political dialogue among parties to find a peaceful resolution for the ongoing violence and disagreements has been initiated by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM). According to HRCM, the main objectives of this initiation is for political parties to collectively work towards sustaining social harmony and creating a human rights culture in the Maldives, to bring an end to human rights violations caused by the ongoing political unrest, and facilitating for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing political disagreements.

Maldivian people do not want the birth of another Nasheed in politics- Home Minister
Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Jameel has said that the Maldivian people do not want the birth of another Nasheed in Maldivian politics. Home Minister Dr. Jameel made this remark rebutting for the first time the criticism of some people on the Home Ministry claiming that the Ministry have been procrastinating Ministry’s duty. Dr. Jameel said that the current government is not the government of former President Mohamed Nasheed which makes decision without considering the legal implications and legality of an act. He said that the present administration will do all its work within the confines of the constitution. The Minister said that the government will not hesitate to act within the law and there is no reason for the government to act otherwise. He said that it is the present government who are promptly sending major criminal cases for prosecution.

Maldives a paradise for parents and kids
The Maldives is one of those destinations that everyone dreams of visiting, but people assume that it's just for single people without kids. Not true. There are family resorts all over. One of the best resorts you can take the kids is the Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa. It's a resort that understands the needs of kids, without sacrificing the luxury parents are after. The Dhoni Kids Club offers daily supervised programs for kids, which include opportunities to discover the island's friendly wildlife inhabitants, fun arts and crafts activities, indoor and outdoor sports and games, even introducing them to new games inspired by local culture.

Kingdom has SR 1 trillion worth of Zakat: Saleh Kamel
Prominent Saudi businessman Saleh Kamel has estimated the total value of Zakat in the Kingdom at SR 1 trillion, and said such a huge amount could be used to solve many economic and social problems in the country. Kamel, who is also chairman of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said people should pay Zakat for real estate properties that have been for sale. “We Muslims should understand the economic wisdom behind the Zakat system. If we collect and use Zakat properly, it can bring about substantial improvement in our economic condition,” Kamel told a gathering of businessmen and academics in Madinah. He added: “If we had collected Zakat from real estate properties we would not have faced the housing or land problems.” Kamel emphasized the need to introduce purely Islamic products for promoting Islamic banking and finance.

Syria, Myanmar, Palestine under spotlight
OIC secretary says the call made by King Abdullah to hold this Islamic summit during these blessed days could not be timelier. The tragic situation in Syria, and the crisis in Myanmar caused by the persecution of the Muslim Rohingya people of the Arakan region will figure prominently in the extraordinary Islamic summit to be held in Makkah on August 14-15, Secretary-General of the 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has announced. “All preparations and arrangements have been completed for the grand event to be held in the last days of the holy month of Ramadan,” he told Arab News in an exclusive interview. Ihsanoglu added that the summit would also consider the Palestinian cause and the Al-Quds (Jerusalem) issues, which were the two main factors behind the establishment of the OIC in 1969. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has called for the convening of an Islamic solidarity summit to be held in Makkah on 26-27th of Ramadan to discuss various issues facing the Ummah and further augment cohesion and solidarity in the Muslim world.

Malawi to test 250,000 people for HIV in one week
Malawi on Monday launched a week-long campaign to test 250,000 people for HIV in what health authorities called a crucial intervention in a country ravaged by AIDS. People will take tests in 810 sites in the southern African nation's 28 districts. The week would give Malawians "a chance to access anti-retroviral therapy if found HIV positive," said deputy health minister Halima Daudi at the launch in tourist town Mangochi at the southern tip of Lake Malawi, a region with high infection rates. "The campaign is being launched on a broad and large scale to allow all Malawians to know their status and become eligible to benefit from rapidly expanding opportunities for prevention, treatment, care and support services," she said. Daudi took HIV tests together with other politicians at the launch, which will especially target youth who make up half the population. One in ten of the 14 million Malawians are infected with HIV, and officials say over 60,000 people are infected every month. The country has so far enrolled 300,000 people for free AIDS drugs, up from 5,000 in 2004.

Research Links Extreme Summer Heat Events to Global Warming
A new statistical analysis by NASA scientists has found that Earth's land areas have become much more likely to experience an extreme summer heat wave than they were in the middle of the 20th century. The research was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The statistics show that the recent bouts of extremely warm summers, including the intense heat wave afflicting the U.S. Midwest this year, very likely are the consequence of global warming, according to lead author James Hansen of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York.

                 9 August 2012 | Thursday              

Government will not resolve issues through use of force- Abbas

Spokesperson of the government, Abbas Adil Riza has said that the present government does not resolve issues through use of force. Speaking to Miadhu Daily, Abbas said that although the government have been faced with many criticism regarding how the government is tackling issues, the government does not believe in using force to resolve issues. He said that the government believes in dialogue, consultation and patience to resolve issues within the confines of the constitution.

Investigation of the corruption of Nasheed’s regime should be expedited- Yameen

Parliamentary Group Leader of the Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM), Mulaku constituency MP Abdullah Yameen has said that the investigation of the corruption of former President Mohamed Nasheed’s regime should be expedited immediately. In an interview to DhiTV, PPM Parliamentary Group Leader Yameen said that Anti Corruption Commission should investigate the corruption of the former government and should send them to the Prosecutor General’s Office as soon as possible.

We cannot run the country if we were to suspect agreements made between one nation and another- Thasmeen

Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali has said that “if we were to suspect the agreements made between one nation and another, or one government and another, then we cannot run the country.” Thasmeen made this remark at the press conference held after concluding his official visit to India.

MEGA Maldives Airline expands routes

The CEO of MEGA Maldives Airline, Mr. George Weinmann, released a statement today, saying: “MEGA Maldives Airlines is pleased to announce plans to develop new routes from Male, the capital of Maldives, to Melbourne, Australia; Johannesburg, South Africa; Tokyo, Japan; as well as one or two points in Germany. “All the new routes will be fixed-weekly, nonstop, point-to-point service using our 767-300ER aircraft, except Johannesburg, which may utilize our 757-200ER with 200 seats configured for long-haul operations.

LLRC: One for the Road!
N Sathiya Moorthy
The timely announcement on the setting up of official mechanisms for the implementation of the Report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) should be welcome for more reasons than one. On the face of it, the Roadmap on the LLRC Report implementation seeks to address the concerns, real and otherwise, expressed in and by the US-sponsored Geneva resolution of the UNHRC. Even more importantly, it has fixed responsibility and accountability on officials across the board and down the line on post-war national efforts at rehabilitation, reconstruction and reconciliation, nearer home, for addressing political and administrative aspects.

Sri Lanka: Trincomalee in development discourse
N Sathiya Moorthy
In a masterly stroke aimed at improving bilateral economic relations on the one hand, and job opportunities for the Tamil victims of the ethnic war, New Delhi and Colombo have agreed to set up Special Economic Zones (SEZ) for Indian engineering, auto components and pharmaceutical industries in the eastern port town of Trincomalee. The decision, taken at a meeting the visiting Indian Commerce Minister Anand Sharma had with Sri Lankan Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa at Colombo, provides for the setting up of ancillaries units for auto-manufacturers and other engineering companies, located in Tamil Nadu and the rest of South India.

Cocoa Island, Maldives: a desert island resort dream
The paradise that God, Eric and Christina built wasn’t meant to be like this: gusting winds of up to 70 miles per hour that made our overwater dhoni shake and creak, torrential rain, and waves so strong they punched a hole in a neighbouring villa. As swinging chandeliers smashed in the bar and a yacht broke its mooring to be thrown up onto the beach, it seemed appropriate to batten down the hatches, turn up the iPod on Bob Dylan’s 1975 song Black Diamond Bay, and wonder whether our Indian Ocean island was heading for a similar fate.

Are large earthquakes linked across the globe?
The press release and paper noted below, publishing in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, is strictly under embargo until 12:00 Noon Eastern Time US. The past decade has been plagued with what seems to be a cluster of large earthquakes, with massive quakes striking Sumatra, Chile, Haiti and Japan since 2004. Some researchers have suggested that this cluster has occurred because the earthquakes may be "communicating" across large distances, possibly triggering each other.

Earth's oceans and ecosystems still absorbing about half the greenhouse gases emitted by people
Earth's oceans, forests and other ecosystems continue to soak up about half the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere by human activities, even as those emissions have increased, according to a study by University of Colorado and NOAA scientists to be published August 2 in the journal Nature. The scientists analyzed 50 years of global carbon dioxide (CO2) measurements and found that the processes by which the planet's oceans and ecosystems absorb the greenhouse gas are not yet at capacity.

New influenza virus from seals highlights the risks of pandemic flu from animals
A new strain of influenza virus found in harbor seals could represent a threat to wildlife and human health, according to the authors of a study appearing July 31 in mBio, the online open-access journal of the American Society for Microbiology. It is crucial to monitor viruses like this one, which originated in birds and adapted to infect mammals, the authors say, so that scientists can better predict the emergence of new strains of influenza and prevent pandemics in the future.

                 5 August 2012 | Sunday              

Our Islamic unity should be saved from the calls and acts of Jahiliyya- Gasim

Jumhooree Party Leader Gasim Ibrahim has said that the Islamic unity of the Maldives and freedom to practice Islam in the Maldives should be saved from the calls and acts of the age of Jahiliyya (Ignorance). Gasim Ibrahim made this remark in an exclusive interview to the Editor, Abdul Latheef Adam, Miadhu Daily at the celebration held to mark the 4th anniversary of Jumhooree Party. Gasim said that the biggest agenda or the aim of the Jumhooree Party is to protect and preserve the freedom and independence of the Maldivian people and to make them self sufficient.

Tourism will be affected with news of unrest continuously spread in the media: Adheeb

Minister of Tourism Ahmed Adheeb has said that the tourism of industry will affected with the news of unrest in the Maldives continuously spread in the media. In an interview to the Miadhu News, Adheeb said that the apart from the news of unrest, the false allegations spread in the media in relation to religious issues will also be drawback on the tourism industry. Adheeb said that no person who truly and sincerely loves the Maldivian nation will ever spread lies regarding these issues when there has not been any complains by the tourists regarding the freedom to practice other religions and when there have been no incidents of harassment from religious extremists or similar.

People are frustrated with their aspirations to democracy: Thasmeen

Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali has said that the Maldivian people are frustrated with their aspirations to democracy because President Mohamed Nasheed’s regime did not have the sincerity to see through the democratic process that the people adopted. Thasmeen made this remark speaking at Observer Research Foundation (ORF) of India. He highlighted the many challenges to the infant democracy in the Maldives.

Targeting Rohingya Muslims in Burma
(MENAFN - Arab News) AT last somebody in an official position has said something.
United Nations human rights chief Navi Pillay has called for an independent investigation into claims that Burmese security forces are systematically targeting the Rohingyas, a Muslim minority community living in the Arakan region. Even the Burmese government says at least 78 Rohingya Muslims were murdered; their own community leaders say 650 have been killed. Nobody disputes the fact that about 100,000 Rohingya Muslims (out of a population of 800,000) are now internal refugees in Burma, while others have fled across the border into Bangladesh. As you would expect, the Buddhist monks of Burma have stood up to be counted. Unfortunately, this time they are standing on the wrong side.

Early weaning, DDGS feed could cut costs for cattle producers
If the drought forces producers to feed a larger portion of distillers dried grains with solubles, cattle can maintain gains and improve meat quality if the animals are weaned early, a Purdue University scientist has shown. The finding, reported at the American Society of Animal Science Midwest Meetings in Des Moines, Iowa, could allow some producers to save on rising feed costs in the face of this year's drought. Distillers dried grains with solubles, or DDGS, are the leftovers from corn ethanol production. DDGS generally cost about 10 percent less than corn feed.

GMR’s Maldives airport project flies into rough weather
Indian corporate giant GMR’s $500 million Male airport project has run into rough weather, as the Maldives government has temporary halted work on a new terminal building and the company has moved an arbitration court in Singapore over development charges. GMR had won the airport contract when government headed by former President Mohamed Nasheed was in place, but the project, the largest single investment in the history of Maldives, began facing problems soon after a regime change in the country earlier this year.

India wooing rivals of Nasheed in Maldives
Amid growing political tension in Maldives, India this week hosted a top leader of the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) – the principal challenger to the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)– headed by island nation’s democracy icon and deposed President Mohamed Nasheed. The DRP leader, Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon and Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai during his visit to New Delhi. He was accompanied by Maldives’ Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hassan Saeed, besides other DRP leaders supporting President Waheed Hassan’s Government ever since the archipelagic nation went through a change of regime last February.

N. Korea says floods killed 169, left 400 missing
Floods which hit parts of North Korea in recent weeks killed 169 people and left 400 missing, the state news agency said Saturday, sharply updating earlier casualty figures. It said the floods and torrential rain between late June and the end of July also made 212,200 people homeless and washed away or inundated 65,280 hectares (161,310 acres) of cropland. United Nations agencies have visited the worst-hit areas to assess aid needs and the World Food Programme (WFP) is sending an initial shipment of emergency food aid. The country suffered a famine in the 1990s that killed hundreds of thousands and still struggles to feed its people even in normal times.

                 3 August 2012 | Friday              

Nasheed Failed to answer to Police:
Gave his own statement instead of answering the questions of Police- MPS

Maldives Police Service has stated that the former President Mohamed Nasheed gave his own statement refusing to answer the questions asked by the Police yesterday at Police Headquarters in relation to an ongoing investigation. According to a statement of the Maldives Police Service, Nasheed appeared at the Police Headquarters after a summon notice of the Police for the investigation of a case lodged against Nasheed for inciting violence against law enforcement official since 29 May 2012.

Nasheed’s activists worse than Jews in isreal:
cause unrest in mosque while the prayer was called

Supporters of former President Nasheed has caused unrest in the courtyard of the Islamic Centre while the prayer was being called. MDP members used obscene language against the Police and raised their voice while the Muezzin was giving the call to ‘Asr prayer. MDP protestors went inside the Islamic Centre claiming that were going to make the prayers however they started shouting at the police while inside the mosque. Journalists saw that they were also using profanities even while the people were praying the congregational prayer. Police stopped some of the protestors from entering the mosque’s premises because of this lowly behavior.

President meets China State Administration for Religious Affairs Delegation

President Dr Mohamed Waheed has today met with the visiting China State Administration for Religious Affairs Delegation. The meeting was held yesterday morning at the President’s Office. During the meeting the delegates spoke on the 40 year long existing trade and cultural relations between both countries. Delegates also briefed the President regarding the discussions with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs to strengthen religious relation between both countries. While speaking on the strong relations between both countries, President Waheed thanked the delegation for visiting Maldives. He also highlighted on the high number of Chinese tourists to Maldives. President also stressed on the importance of celebrating 40 year old relations between both countries.

President forms a new Committee for coordination between Govt and Civil Service Commission
President Dr Mohamed Waheed has formed a new Committee for Coordination between Government and Civil Service Commission. President appointed Vice President Mohamed Waheeduddeen as the Chairman of the Committee. Other members of the Committee are as follows: Abdulla Jihad, Minister of Finance and Treasury; Dr Asim Ahmed, Minister of Education; Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, Minister of Health; Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, Minister of Home Affairs; Ahmed Mohamed, Minister of Economic Development and Mohamed Hussain Shareef, Minister of Human Resources, Youth and Sports.

Application for the position on the Board of Directors of Maldives Broadcasting Commission opens
The President’s Office has yesterday opened for applications for the position on the Board of Directors of Maldives Broadcasting Commission. The President’s Office yesterday published the announcement calling for the applications for position on Board of Directors of MBC in the government gazette. Application form and declaration can be downloaded from the President’s Office website. According to the President’s Office, the applications is open till August 15.

Pakistani High Commission disburse US$26,500 SAARC Coastal Zone Management Centre Male’

Pakistan High Commission has disbursed an amount of US$26,500/- towards Pakistan’s annual contribution to SAARC Coastal Zone Management Centre Male’ for the year 2012. The cheque for the contribution was handed over by Mr. Zafar Iqbal Anjum, Charge d’ Affaires of Pakistan during the meeting with Dr. Mariyam Shakeela, the Minister of Environment and Energy held in President Office. While receiving the contribution, Dr. Mariyam Shakeela thanked the Government of Pakistan and the Pakistan High Commission in Maldives for Pakistan’s contribution for development and Management of the Center.

Maldives Environmental Management Project summary and update

The Maldives Environmental Management Project began in 2008 under a USD 13.8 million loan facility from the World Bank. This project is operated by the Project Management Unit of the Ministry of Environment and Energy. There are two main objectives of this project: Improve and develop a socially and environmentally sustainable system of solid waste management that reduces the associated environmental and public health risks and that can be replicated and scaled up across the country; Strengthen the national technical capacity and quality of local expertise in environmental management/monitoring.

Green Globe re-certifies Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo, Maldives

LOS ANGELES, California - Green Globe announced re-certification of the Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo Resort in the Maldives. Since the initial onsite audit two years ago, the property implemented a number of improvements and far exceeds the required certification pass scores for most Green Globe indicators. “Our commitment is reflected in our management principles and daily practices, which aim at building a sustainable future for the generations to come,” said Mr. Kumar Prem, General Manager at the Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo Resort, “We strive to include our partners, customers, staff, and local communities where relevant and to the extent possible in accordance and compliance to all local environmental regulations. We minimize waste by evaluating operations and ensuring efficiency by adapting environmentally-friendly waste disposal practices, composting programs, and actively promote reuse and recycle programs. Over the past two years, we have seen a 30 percent per guest drop of energy consumption.”

Maldives Luxury Retreat Reopens after Ten-Week Renovation
Situated on an island in the North Malé atoll of the Maldives, the Huvafen Fush retreat has undergone upgrades to its bungalows and pavilions, as well as being furnished with a new outdoor lounge area and fresh restaurant menus. Run by Per Aquum Resorts and Spas, Huvafeh Fush is one of the most highly-regarded resorts in the entire region, and it hopes to attract even more visitors to its lavish confines with its new and improved amenities. Neil Palmer, Chief Executive Officer Per AQUUM, saod:“As the flagship Per AQUUM property, we wanted to build on the iconic design of Huvafen Fushi by complementing its visionary DNA. “Now in its 8th year of operation it was important to introduce some new concepts that would not only update the property but also ensure we retain our competitive edge within the Maldives.”

                 1 August 2012 | Wednesday              

Maldives green constitution is our reply to UN- government

The government has revealed that the “Green Constitution” of Maldives is the reply of the government to the recommendations of the UN Human Rights Committee (UNHRC). In an interview to Miadhu Daily, Spokesperson of the government Abbas Adil Riza said that the government is very clear regarding a reply to the recommendations of the UNHRC although a group of people maybe in utter confusion. “Our reply will be to show the UN our ‘Green Constitution’,” he said.

Where was Canada when Nasheed violated the constitution during his rule?: Fuwad Gasim

State Minister of Fisheries, Fuwad Gasim has that it is shocking and questionable that Canada and other states were silent when the former President Mohamed Nasheed violated the constitution and arrested political leaders without due right during his rule. “Where was Canada when Nasheed violated the constitution and law during his rule? Why did not they raise their concerns then?,” he asked.

National Awards Technical Committee briefs the Cabinet
The National Awards Technical Committee briefed the cabinet on the revised selection criteria set for conferring the Award for Special Achievement. The committee made their presentation at the cabinet working session held this morning. Members of the committee briefed the cabinet on the specific areas for which the award is conferred. The Award for Special Achievement is given by the President in recognition and encouragement to those who achieve distinction for the country. At the cabinet meeting on 24 April, members of the cabinet decided to resume conferring the Award for Special Achievements, as a special award to be given by the President, and in accordance with the criteria decided by the National Awards Technical Committee. This committee was formed by the President on the 7 May 2012. Members of the National Awards Technical Committee are, Dr Hassan Hameed, Dr Abdul Muhsin Mohamed, Dr Ahmed Anwar, Dr Ibrahim Zakariyya Moosa, and Ms Aminath Reena. Mr Hussain Amir is on the National Awards Technical Committee as representative of the National Awards Committee.

WE AND OUR NEIGHBOURS
Need to treat investors with respect
Ali Naseem
International relations work on the basis of respect and reciprocity. If these are the criteria for having good relations with other countries then it is high time that we, as a nation, introspect vis-à-vis our relations with our neighbours. We, the citizens of Maldives should expect more explanation from the Government of Maldives on the GMR issue. Here is a company from a friendly neighbouring country, which has signed an agreement with Government of Maldives after going through processes that lasted several months. However, one fine morning we are told that the Government of Maldives is asking the company to halt work on a new terminal which is badly needed for the country. Maldives may have to pay huge compensation for the halted work.

Unrest In Maldives: Hardening Of Position On Both Sides Noticed – Analysis
By Dr. S. Chandrasekharan
In the current tense situation prevailing in Male, one would have expected President Waheed to make the initial move towards reconciliation during the national day address last week on the 47th year of independence. It was not to be. In his speech President Waheed appealed to the people to offer full cooperation to the State’s relentless peace efforts while maintaining high regard for the country’s laws and legislature. While highlighting the need to safeguard the religion, consolidating the military forces and further unifying people, a conciliatory gesture on his part would have gone a long way in defusing the current tensions.

Baros Maldives promises an ‘exclusive escape

BAROS Maldives is offering guests a chance to escape to an exclusive, five-star boutique resort nestled in a lush, tropical island set in shimmering waters. Only a four hour flight from the GCC and a scenic 25-minute boat trip from Male Airport, the resort is the ideal place for an unforgettable Eid getaway. A holiday of elegance, tranquillity and recreation will be instantly satisfied once you step foot in the intimate setting of Baros. From lazing around in luxury and tranquil refinement; to experience exquisite natural beauty or invigorate your senses by swimming with tropical sea life amongst some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, guests can unwind comfortably and pamper themselves. There is no shortage of activities to keep themselves entertained; from enjoying a breath-taking dolphin cruise during the sunset, exploring the tropical marine life by going snorkelling and diving, enjoying a romantic sandbank dinner under the starts, or discovering more of the island’s natural beauty with an ‘Island Exploration’ trip.