No one has the authority to abolish judges bench- Husnu Suood

Former Attorney General of the regime of Mohamed Nasheed, Husnu Suood has said that no one has the authority and power to abolish the judges' bench of any court of law. Husnu Suood said that the Peoples' Majlis and Majlis committees have no authority to abolish the court benches. Husnu Suood, who has chaired the Civil Court and also was a member of the Special Majlis during the passing of the constitution, said that Majlis cannot determine and rule to abolish the bench of any court of law. He said that if the Majlis or any other institution tries to abolish the bench of the court then it will be regarded as attempts to interfere with the court and also an attempt to violate the jurisdictions of the court. In view of the decision of the Committee of the Majlis to abolish the judges' bench of the Hulhumale' Magistrate Court, Husnu Suood said that he does not believe that the decision of the court holds any legal weight.

Political Party Bill and Privileges Bill are two siblings- Sheikh Mohamed Didi

Minister of State for Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Mohamed Didi has said that the Political Party Bill and the Privileges Bill of the Peoples' Majlis which were recently passed by the Majlis and ratified by the President are two siblings. Speaking at the meeting of the National Movement, Sheikh Mohamed Didi said that the objectives of these two bills are connected to each other and the aim of both the bills are the same.

Information can't be provided to a channel which use unverified information in their programs- Govt

A top official of the government has stated that information cannot be provided to a channel which use unverified false information regarding the recent official trip of the President to Qatar. Speaking to Miadhu Daily, the official said that the President's Office daily brief on the activities of the President including his recent visit to Qatar but however despite this RaajjeTV claimed a number of times that the President visited Dubai.

Dr. Shakeela, participates in the High Level Fourth Regional 3R Forum in Asia

Minister of Environment and Energy, Dr. Mariyam shakeela has participated in the High Level Fourth Regional 3R Forum in Asia, held in Hanoi, Vietnam from 18 – 20 March, 2013. The minister was accompanied by the Assistant Director of Environmental Protection Agency, Mr. Ahmed Murthaza. This high level meeting is a strategic and knowledge platform for sharing experiences and disseminating among Asian countries best practices, policy instruments, tools, and technologies, in relation to various aspects of the 3Rs. The overall goal of the meeting is to achieve low carbon and sound material cycle societies in Asia and to set in motion a regional mechanism to address 3R issues, needs and priorities in Asian countries, including social issues and emerging issues of concern in waste management. The main objective of the meeting was to address how 3R could effectively contribute towards the implementation of Rio+20 outcomes – The Future We Want in relevant sectors/areas.

                 21 March 2012 | Thursday            

President expresses hope for further investment cooperation with Qatar

President Dr Mohamed Waheed has expressed his hopes of further consolidating investment cooperation between the Maldives and Qatar.
The President made this statement while speaking to the local media yesterday afternoon briefing on his visit to Qatar, on arrival at the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. The President noted that his visit to Qatar has further strengthened the bilateral relations between the two countries. President Dr. Waheed highlighted on his meetings with Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Al Thani, and other Cabinet Ministers of Qatar.

Increase of Maldivians is no concern- Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan government has stated that the increase of Maldivians in Sri Lanka is not concern for the government. Answering a question raised by Vnews regarding recent statement Sri Lankan Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, Spokesperson for the Sri Lankan President, Mohan Samaranayake said that despite the Minister's statement the government has no concern of the rise in the number of Maldivians living in the country.

Sheikh Imran calls to remain steadfast upholding Islam until death

President of the Adhaalath Party and founder of the National Movement, Sheikh Imran Abdullah has called to remain steadfast upholding Islam until death. Sheikh Imran made this remark speaking at the public rally of the National Movement held last night at the Artificial Beach area. He said that there might occur that he might lose the opportunity in participating the activities of the movement but no matter what the activities and meetings of the National Movement should be continued.

Dr. Didi says he was boycotted for working for reform within govt
Former President of opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Fisheries Minister of former President Mohamed Nasheed's regime , Dr. Ibrahim Didi has said that he was boycotted and alienated when he worked for reform within Nasheed's administration. Dr. Didi made this remark speaking at the weekly meeting of Jumhooree Party. He said that the daily records of the former government will show the efforts he made to reform the government from within.

                 20 March 2012 | Wednesday            

President Meets Prime Minister of Qatar

President Dr Mohamed Waheed, who is currently on an official visit to Qatar, has met with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al-Thani. The meeting was held yesterday evening at the Prime Minister’s Office. During the meeting, the President briefed the Prime Minister on the socio-economic progress that the Maldives is making, as well as the challenges the country is facing in this area. The President also briefed the Prime Minister about the recent measures the government has taken to enhance opportunities for foreign investors.

We will rectify judiciary through the National Movement- Sheikh Imran
Sheikh Imran Abdullah has said that the judiciary of the Maldives will be rectified through the National Movement. Speaking at the rally held at the Artificial beach area, Sheilh Imran said that there are issues that should be rectified in the judiciary of Maldives. "Many of the people working in judiciary are my teachers, my colleagues or my students. Therefore we should know the problems in the judiciary," he said. Sheikh Imran criticised MDP for not giving details of the calls to rectify the judiciary. He said that it is saddening that some people have been violating their testimonies under the influence of political parties. "No efforts have been done to amend the wrongs within the judiciary. MDP was trying to get the courts to deliver verdicts in favour of them. They wanted to hijack the judiciary and to influence and interfere with the judicary.

MPs raise concern for delaying important matters from agenda
Members of the People' Majlis has raised concern regarding the delaying of important matters from the Majlis agenda. Milandhoo constituency MP Riza said that a person is able to save money to perform Hajj pilgrimage after working all his life and when the payment is made to the Hajj group they steal it. He said that this is a serious issue of concern. In this regard, Riza said that the rights of all those who paid Maleesha Hajj group have been violated and the Majlis is already late in taking a decision regarding the matter. "It's been one year since the matter was submitted to the Majlis. Perhaps some of them are now already deceased. However we are still in the debate phase. Therefore we should introduce a procedure to give precedence to matters of importance," he said.

National movement calls to show through actions opposition to Majlis Privileges Bill
National Movement has called the members who claim to not support the Peoples' Majlis Privileges Bill passed in the Majlis to show their opposition to the bill through their actions. Speaking at the rally of the movement held last night at the artificial beach area, Spokesperson of the National Movement, Abdullah Mohamed said it is not enough to just say that we do not vote in favour of it or that we do not support the bill. He said that they should raise the concerns of the bill in the Majlis and submit them back to the Majlis floor and amend the bill.

                 19 March 2012 | Tuesday            

Prince Charles learning the language of the Quraan

The Prince of Wales has revealed he is taking Arabic lessons. Prince Charles told guests at a reception in Qatar that the language “goes in one ear and out the other”, but an aide disclosed that he has been having private tuition for more than six months. The Prince’s new skill could help his desire to encourage dialogue between different religions, as he would be able to read the Quran in its original form.

National movement warns to remove MPs if the Majlis is not rectified

National Movement has warned the members of the Peoples' Majlis that they will remove all members who do not work according to the pulse of the people if the Majlis is not recitified. Members representing the National Movement made this remark speaking at the activities of the movement held at Artificial Beach area under the slogan "Peoples' Majlis to a peoples' Majlis". The movement's steering committee member Abbas Adil Riza said that the snake has been cut into two pieces but it is still alive. He added the venomous tongue of the snake is still unleashed towards the nation.

President expresses appreciation for Qatar Emir’s generous support extended to Maldives

President Dr Mohamed Waheed has yesterday met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. At the meeting, the President expressed his appreciation for the Emir’s generous support extended to the Maldives over the years. The President applauded the Emir for his leadership in addressing critical issues facing the Islamic world yesterday. The President also noted that under the Emir’s leadership, Qatar has emerged as one of the most advanced countries in the region, and was an important player in global politics. Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani assured President Waheed of Qatar’s commitment to work with the Government of Maldives in promoting investment in the Maldives in various areas, including infrastructure developments and the education sector. The Emir also expressed his hopes of the Maldives making progress to become one of the most successful countries in the region.

Committee decides to replace Fahmy
Committee of the Peoples' Majlis has decided to replace the Fahmy Hassan, the Chair of the Civil Service Commission with another nominee. On 20 November 2012, the People’s Majlis dismissed the Civil Service Commission Chair Mohamed Fahmy Hassan, with 38 votes in favour and 32 against, pursuant to Article 187 of the Constitution. On 11 December 2012, a case was lodged by former Civil Service Commission Chair Mohamed Fahmy Hassan against the People’s Majlis decision to impeach him, following which the Supreme Court ruled that the contested decision by the People’s Majlis to remove him is unconstitutional.

Maldives: Bipartisanship still has a chance, but...
N Sathiya Moorthy
Not all seems to have been lost to the infant Maldivian democracy. Arch-rivals in the still-unfolding national political drama have come together again, keeping faint hopes alive on the way forward. Though on specific issues, 'major parties' in the country have come together in Parliament to re-vote two Bills to ensure mandatory assent after President Waheed Hassan Manik had returned them. Better news still for democracy. For starters, President Waheed gave his assent to the two Bills, without contesting it beyond a point -by subterfuge, if at all and not in public. Any clash between the Executive and the Legislature thus was avoided. More so, it meant that the Executive went by the wishes of the Legislature, as under the Constitution. A constitutional deadlock was averted, after all.

Supreme Court Dismisses President Nasheed’s Request for Deferment of Trial

The office of former President Mohamed Nasheed expresses concern regarding the decision of the Maldives’ Supreme Court to dismiss his request for the deferment of his trial. In their dismissal, the Supreme Court cited that the case submitted by Nasheed contained no issue that needed to be decided by the Court. The Supreme Court’s decision is of special concern, in light of their recent encroachment of Parliamentary prerogative, stated the former President's office.

Gayoom’s Government should be resposible to the poverty stricken Gasim

Jumhooree Party leader Gasim Ibrahim has said that the Maldives is poverty stricken with the economy in crisis because of the irresponsible and damaging actions of a people. Gasim said that if the former government accepted the project to invest in the islands of Addu and accepted the project to develop a transit harbour at Ihavandhipolhu then the country will receive a large number of income which alone would sustain the nation. He said that the former government however irresponsibly denied his requests during his tenure as the finance minister.

Home Minister slams HRCM

Home Minister, Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed has said that it is not from the responsibilities of the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) to issue statements pointing the mistakes of Police. Minister Dr. Jameel made this remark rebutting the accusation of HRCM in their report on the events of February 6,7 and 8 that the no actions were taken against Police officers who violated the constitution. Dr. Jameel said that the report did not explain what the Police did wrong and how these wrongs should be rectified.

Hands Over Advanced Passenger Information System to Maldives

At a ceremony held in the Male’ Ibrahim Nasir International Airport yesterday afternoon, the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) installed by the Government of India in Maldives was formally handed over by the High Commissioner of India to Maldives Shri Dnyaneshwar M.Mulay to the Controller of Immigration & Emigration, Government of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Ali. The Maldivian Minister of Transport & Communication Mohamed Nazim, senior officials of the Department of Immigration (GoM), Aviation Security Command (MNDF), High Commission of India and the technical team from National Informatics Center (NIC), New Delhi which set up the system in Maldives were also present on the occasion.

President Dr. Waheed is the most capable presidential candidate- Sarangu

President Dr. Mohamed Waheed’s Special Advisor, Sarangu Adam Manik has said that Dr. Waheed is the most capable and competent presidential candidate. Speaking on a program aired by DhiTV, Adam Manik said that the people should take heed of a people who wants to make the presidency a family heritage. “What we are seeing is that after leaving presidency a person is trying to make the presidential post his family heritage,” he said.

Me or my wife has no shares in any company- Sheikh Shaheem

Minister of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has denied the allegations that his wife has shares in a foreign business venture in Maldives. Speaking to Miadhu Daily, Sheikh Shaheem said that there is no company with his or her shares in Maldives or elsewhere. He said that it is saddening that some news papers spread these rumours without validating the reports with him or Fayrooz from United Emirates who have been financially assisting the Ministry. Sheikh Shaheem said that he and his wife have not opposed or violated any laws or the constitution. He said that it is very unfortunate that some people have attacked a generous person who has been spending on the Zakat fund with thousands of dollars.

MATATO to host Maldives Travel Awards in December

Maldives Promotion House – Maldives Travel Awards of MATATO (Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators) is scheduled to take place in December 2013. Participation process will begin during early April and will close during mid May. With the initiative of MATATO in hosting the first and only travel awards of Maldives, the Grand Finale of 2012 Maldives Travel Awards was held during the week of World Tourism Day at Paradise Island Resort & Spa. Industry partners appreciated the award as a great initiative. Preparations for the Maldives Travel Awards 2013 has begun and the event manager Highrise has conducted an information session for the participating partners from the industry in February at Dharubaaruge in Male’.

                 17 March 2012 | Sunday            

EU declaration unfortunate and unacceptable- Govt

The Government of the Maldives has stated that the government considers the ‘Declaration’ issued on the Maldives by the European Union’s High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on 14 March 2012, as unfortunate and unacceptable. In a press release issued by the Foreign Ministry it was stated that the Government is committed to ensuring that the Presidential elections will be fair and inclusive of all qualified parties and individuals wishing to participate. "It must be noted that the criminal charges filed against former President Mr. Mohamed Nasheed by the independent Prosecutor General concerns the arrest and detention of a sitting judge of a superior court in the Maldives in January 2013. President Nasheed disregarded over a dozen court orders from the Civil Court, Criminal Court, High Court and the Supreme Court to produce the Judge before the court. President Nasheed also dismissed calls by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, Prosecutor General, and several international organisations, including the EU, to release the judge," the government said.

Court Schedules Timebomb: Nasheed's hearing scheduled for April 4
Trial of Moosa Ali Jaleel to be held today

The next hearing of the trial of the former President Mohamed Nasheed on the charges filed against him by the independent Prosecutor General concerning the arrest and detention of a sitting judge of a superior court in the Maldives in January 2013 has been scheduled for April 4 and the hearing of Moosa Ali Jaleel was scheduled to be held today by the Hulhumale' Magistrate Court. The court hearing of former President Nasheed is scheduled to be held at 4pm on 4th April. The hearing was scheduled after the court decided to postpone the trial for 4 weeks as requested by Nasheed. The hearing of former Chief of Defence Force Ali Jaleel is scheduled to be held today at 4pm. the court passed to postpone the trial at the request of former President Nasheed’s lawyers for a delay in the trial until Presidential polls are over in September and the Prosecutor General raised no objection. However the court refused to postpone the case till after elections and ordered only a four-week delay. According to Nasheed’s legal team the court’s decision to delay the trial by only four weeks despite the Prosecutor General’s no objection to delay the trial until the Presidential polls are over in September is against the responsibilities of the magistrates.

MNDF commences its Inter-Unit Athletics Meet-2013

MNDF has commenced its 9th Inter-Unit Athletics Meet-2013. The opening ceremony of this meet was honored by the President of the Maldives Olympic Committee, Mr. Ibrahim Ismail. The tournament was officially commenced after handing over the batten to the Chief Guest by national athlete Lance Corporal Shifaz Mohamed. 21 teams from two categories are participating in this tournament including 201 male athletes and 42 female athletes. Moreover, 3 events of officers, 4 events of MNDF families, one event for handicapped children and an open invitational event. The tournament would continue from 14th to 16th of this month. 406 athletes has previously taken part in this tournament including 151 civilian athletes.

MNDF concludes its first international standard diving course

The conclusion ceremony of the course that was conducted from 15th January to 14th March was held at the Coast Guard Building. The ceremony was honored by the Minister of Education Dr. Asim Ahmed. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Asim Ahmed said that conducting such a course with the participation of the candidates from foreign countries depicts the progress achieved by the Maldivian military. He also said that due to this course, it would assist to share the foreign military tradition, enhance interoperability and strengthen the mutual relationship with other countries. Highlighting the course module, the Minister said that this course has been conducted to a very broad level and we would enjoy a more secure nation as a result of such courses. He also said that he would foresee many such courses in future and it is a hope that the mutual relationship between the friendly militaries would be further reinforced as a result of such courses. Minister expressed his appreciation to those foreign military personnel from Nepal, Sri Lanka and India for their partaking. He also expressed his gratitude to all those who have contributed their effort to make this course successful.

Biological tooth replacement getting closer

Scientists have developed a new method of replacing missing teeth with a bioengineered material generated from a person's own gum cells. Current implant-based methods of whole tooth replacement fail to reproduce a natural root structure and as a consequence of the friction from eating and other jaw movement, loss of jaw bone can occur around the implant. The research is led by Professor Paul Sharpe, an expert in craniofacial development and stem cell biology at King's College London and published in the Journal of Dental Research.

                 14 March 2012 | Thursday            

China tops list of tourist arrivals to Maldives

The Maldivian government said Thursday that China had topped the list of tourist arrivals to the island nation after the market had seen a rapid growth since 2009, local press reported. Maldivian Tourism Minister Ahmed Adeeb Gafoor was quoted by local media as saying that with the increasing numbers, more Chinese staff were now being recruited to work at the resorts in Maldives and Chinese restaurants were being set up to cater for the guests. Gafoor further called on the Sri Lankan government to join together with the island nation and promote joint packages to the Chinese as Sri Lanka has more to offer than beaches.

SAARC Secretary General Calls on the President

Secretary General of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Mr Ahmed Saleem has paid a courtesy call on President Dr Mohamed Waheed. At the Meeting held in President’s Office this morning, the President and the Secretary General discussed the on-going activities of SAARC and the preparations underway for the upcoming 18th SAARC Summit to be held in Nepal. Secretary General briefed the President on the status of implementation of the decisions made during the Seventeenth SAARC Summit held in the Maldives. He updated the President on the efforts made by the Maldives as the Chair of SAARC to strengthen the SAARC Secretariat. He also informed the President on the Council of Ministers Meeting to be held in Maldives this year. President assured of the government’s cooperation to SAARC activities.

President Ratifies Political Party Bill and Bill on People’s Majlis Privileges and Powers

President Dr Mohamed Waheed has today ratified the Political Party Bill and People’s Majlis Privileges and Powers Bill. The two bills were passed by the People’s Majlis on March 5, 2013. Following ratification, the two bills have been published in the Government Gazette. The Political Party Act deals with formation, registration and operation of political parties, membership and representation in elections, principles governing operation of political parties, fundraising, expenditure, dissolution of parties and principles of political parties.

No parties were dissolved, only removed from registry- EC

The Elections Commission has stated that no parties were dissolved with the implementation of the Political Parties Act but parties with less than 10000 members were removed from the commission's party registry. Speaking to Miadhu Daily, President of the Elections Commission Fuwad Thaufeeg said that parties with less than 10,000 members were removed from the registry because the Political Party Act did not detail on what should be done with those parties.

Nasheed was requested to allocate 60 million for prison expansion – Gasim

Jumhooree Party Leader, Gasim Ibrahim has said that he requested former President Mohamed Nasheed to allocate 60 million for prison expansion works during his regime when Gasim was in the Home Ministry. Gasim said that he made this request after seeing the appalling condition of the prisons. He said that he made this request several times and also told Nasheed that he would spend himself on land reclamation necessary for the project. "I wanted to establish a state of the art prison. I wanted to establish a rehabilitation centre next to the prison," he said.

One of only six resorts in the Maldives to be part of this prestigious collection

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa has announced that it has been accepted into the exclusive and prestigious Virtuoso portfolio – placing the resort amongst some of the finest worldwide. Virtuoso, the leading luxury by-invitation-only travel provider, offers the premium collection of hotels and resorts throughout the world. Following a visit to Hadahaa in 2012, whereby the Virtuoso agents were extremely impressed by the discreet service, outstanding facilities, authentic hospitality and attention to detail displayed by the Hadahaa team, the resort was accepted into the prestigious Virtuoso program.

Maldives broadband base nearing 19,000
The Maldives ended January with 567,039 mobile users, up from 560,547 mobile users in December last year. Of the total, 71,600 are postpaid subscribers and 495,439 are prepaid mobile users, according to figures from the Communications Authority of Maldives. Meanwhile, the number of fixed telephone lines (including payphones) went up to 24,161 from 24,153 a month earlier but the fixed-line teledensity fell to 7.31 from 7.43. Furthermore, there were 18,960 fixed-line broadband subscribers in the Maldives, up from 18,059 in December, and 79,267 mobile internet users, compared with 69,641 mobile internet users recorded a month earlier.

Jennifer Buhr Appointed As General Manager At W Maldives

W Maldives has appointed English-born Mrs. Jennifer Buhr as the retreat’s General Manager. With over 40 years of experience with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Jennifer will oversee the operation of the brand’s flagship retreat, W Retreat & Spa Maldives. Prior to her appointment in the Maldives, Mrs. Buhr was the General Manager of Le Royal Meridien Chennai, India. Mrs. Buhr began her Starwood journey in 1972 at Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel, Germany as a Reservations Agent; Jennifer has grown with the Sheraton brand working in various operations positions and reached her goal of being one of the first female General Managers in 1991 at Sheraton Grand Edinburgh, Scotland.

Sri Lanka: 'Ethnicity' cannot be the sole policy-marker for India
N Sathiya Moorthy
It has been heartening to see the eternally divided Indian polity standing as one in both Houses of Parliament on any issue -thrice in the past year. Yet, their election-driven agendas could not be hidden when the 'UNHRC vote issue' spilled over to the streets of the national Capital this time. Existing alliances and election calculations dictated their participation, if at all, presence (in terms of minutes spent) and position on the 'TESO seminar'. What mattered was not necessary the plight of the Sri Lankan Tamils as the nation was made to believe inside Parliament. Instead, the role and prestige of Tamil Nadu's DMK partner in the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre, as the fulcrum of the revived TESO from the Eighties made the difference.

                 11 March 2012 | Monday            

Muslim World League endorses Quran memorization training program

Muslim World League has endorsed the Quran memorization training program carried out under the leadership of Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed to recruit 500 Quran memorisers. Speaking to Miadhu Daily, Minister Sheikh Shaheem confirmed this and said that the program was endorsed by the Quran memorization section of the Muslim World League. He said that the Ministry has received the official letter of endorsement recently. "They have agreed to cover all the costs of this program. All praise and thanks are due to Allah," the Minister said.

President Appoints High Commissioner to India

President Dr Mohamed Waheed has appointed Mr Mohamed Naseer as the High Commissioner of Maldives to India. The presentation of letter of appointment to Mr Naseer was held this afternoon at the President’s Office. Speaking at the function, President Waheed congratulated the new High Commissioner. The President also expressed confidence that High Commissioner Naseer would protect and promote the interest of the people of Maldives, and work to enhance cooperation between the Maldives and India.

Indian and Maldivian Elections Commissions agree upon a roadmap for future cooperation

The Elections Commission of India and the Elections Commission of the Maldives have agreed upon a roadmap for future cooperation. A team of senior officers of Election Commission of India comprising of Dr. Alok Shukla, Deputy Election Commissioner of India and Umesh Sinha, Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh (India), arrived in the Maldives at the request of Elections Commission of the Maldives on 4thMarch 2013 to study the functioning of Elections Commission of the Maldives.

The people have proved by their actions that they want the leadership of President- Abbas
Majlis members and councilors of other parties join GIP

Spokesperson of the Gaumee Ittihad Party, Abbas Adil Riza has said that the people of Maldives have proved by their actions that they want the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Waheed. Speaking to Miadhu Daily, Abbas Adil Riza said that the Gaumee Ittihad Party was looked at as a smaller party because of the lack of actions taken by the party previously to gain membership for the party. He said that President Dr. Mohamed Waheed gave importance to expanding the country rather than expanding the party.

Plans to perpetrate serious crimes were foiled by the Police- CP Riyaz

Commissioner of Police Abdullah Riyaz has said that the Police have received intelligence that there was a plan to perpetrate serious crimes when the former President Mohamed Nasheed was arrested under a court order to produce him for the hearing held at court. In a video statement, CP Riyaz said that the plans were foiled by the actions taken by the Police. He said that even the main scheme was rendered unsuccessful some damages were inflicted on some people and goods.

Work on Waqf building project is still pending due to City Council- Sheikh Shaheem

Minister of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said that the work on the 10 storey Waqf building for the management of mosques is still pending because of the delay of the City Council in passing the architectural drawing of the building. In reply to a question raised by a journalist, Sheikh Shaheem said that there is enough fund to lay the foundation of the building and start the project. He said that the Ministry has been receiving many funds for the project.

Quran memorisation is virtuous and important- Dr. Rashid Zahrani

The visiting professor from the Saudi King University Dr. Rashid Zahrani has said that the memorisation of the Quran is a virtuous deed and is important in preserving the identity of the Muslim ummah. Speaking at the ceremony held at the Masjid Thakurufaanu Mohamed Audham to inaugurate the Quran memorisation classes, Dr. Zahrani said that the efforts made to foster the knowledge of the Quran and the memorisation of Quran has been reaping its benefits in the Maldives.

Korean Air begins scheduled flights to the Maldives

Maldives Promotion House - Korean Air has started scheduled flights from Korea to the Maldives. First Turkish Airlines flight to Maldives KE473 arrived on Sunday morning with the rising sun. Aircraft was welcomed with traditional water cannon salute by fire tenders and arriving passengers were greeted by officials from Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC) and travel industry. South Korean flag carrier will fly, 3-day-a-week service on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from Seoul’s Incheon International Airport to the Malé’s Ibrahim Nasir International Airport via Colombo.

                 10 March 2012 | Sunday            

Nasheed’s trial postponed by four weeks
Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court has postponed the trial of former President Mohamed Nasheed by four weeks. In today’s hearing of the case the court passed to postpone the trial at the request of former President Nasheed’s lawyers for a delay in the trial until Presidential polls are over in September and the Prosecutor General raised no objection. However the court refused to postpone the case till after elections and ordered only a four-week delay. According to Nasheed’s legal team the court’s decision to delay the trial by only four weeks despite the Prosecutor General’s no objection to delay the trial until the Presidential polls are over in September is against the responsibilities of the magistrates. Nasheed was brought under Police custody yesterday afternoon, following a court order issued by the Hulhumale Magistrate Court, that instructed the Maldives Police Service to produce the former President to court today. Nasheed released after attending the hearing of his trial today.

Indian High Commissioner pays farewell call on the President

High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, Mr. Dnyaneshwar Mulay has paid his farewell call on President Dr Mohamed Waheed today. At the meeting held at the President’s Office, President Waheed expressed his gratitude for the enormous contribution made, and the support received towards the strengthening of bilateral relations between the Maldives and India. The President expressed his confidence that the close ties will remain strong in the future. The High Commissioner said that it was a great pleasure to serve the Maldives.

Gasim calls to bring all criminals to justice

Jumhooree Party leader Gasim Ibrahim has called to bring all criminals who damage public properties should be brought to justice. Speaking to Miadhu Daily from Singapore, Gasim urged all to keep calm and not to cause unrest. He called all to refrain from violence and damaging properties. Gasim reminded that it is constitutional obligation of the Police to implement court orders and no one should hinder the police from fulfilling this obligation. He condemned the attacks on Police, media and public properties yesterday by protestors of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party, MDP. Gasim called all responsible authorities to immediately apprehend all who are causing unrest on the streets. He said that destructive protestors should be brought in front of justice.

Maldives enacts law to abolish parties less than 10,000 members
In a historic move the People’s Majlis passed for a second time a bill on political parties which restrict registration of political parties which do not have minimum 10,000 members. The bill which was passed by the Majlis earlier was sent to the President for ratification, but the President refused to ratify the bill and returned it to the Majlis suggesting it needed to be further studied by the Majlis because of its deprivation of some rights the Constitution guarantees on the people.

PIC authenticate allegations of police brutality on female protester as false
Police Integrity Commission (PIC) of Maldives disproves the use of excessive force by police officers while apprehending a 30 year old female named Zeenath Zaki, from the unrest that took place on the night of 13th February 2013. PIC initiated the investigation as a result of some local media reports and social network disseminating allegations of police officers having used unnecessary force in apprehending her. In a press statement published on the PIC website, it was stated that there was no sufficient evidence to support the accusations of police using disproportionate force while taking charge of her. With reference to the video footages and testimonies gathered by PIC, it was concluded that there were no inhumane actions from the police side. It was further stated that she willingly laid herself down on the ground and only female police officers carried her away by hand. According to the PIC’s press release, her medico legal report did not mention of any serious injuries but some minor bruises on her body which was justifiable in a situation such as a riot.

Maldives: Political scene hots up again
N Sathiya Moorthy

After a week of relative lull on the political front, Maldivian politics revved up on Tuesday, March 5, after the police detained former President Mohammed Nasheed, for production before the suburban Hulhumale' court in connection with the 'Judge Abdulla abduction case'. The arrest, possibly delayed pending President Mohammed Waheed Hassan Manik's customary annual address to Parliament a day earlier, came less than 10 days after Nasheed had ended his 11-day sit-in at the Indian High Commission in Male, claiming that New Delhi had brokered a 'deal' for his contesting the presidential polls in September - but denied by both Governments.

                 5 March 2012 | Tuesday            

Police: Smarter than Nasheed this time
Arrest former President Nasheed for Court trial
From : Miadhu.com

The police has acted smarter than Former President Moahamed Nasheed , arrested him and taken him to Dhoonidhoo detention camp as ordered by the Hulhumale Court where he will be presented tomorrow for his impending trial in connection with the illegal arrest of Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed last year. The former President was taken to Dhoonidhoo this afternoon and there were no prior news about it. His lawyers said the former president was arrested from his family residence against law without any information or court order.

U.S. Increasingly Concerned About Events in Malé
United States Enbassy in Colombo has said The United States is increasingly concerned about ongoing events in Malé. “We understand that both the Police Integrity Commission and the Human Rights Commission are monitoring the situation, and that the Human Rights Commission has requested access to Former President Nasheed. We urge all sides to remain calm, reject the use of violence, and avoid rhetoric that could increase tensions. Former President Nasheed must be accorded due process under the law regarding his pending court cases. We urge that the Presidential elections scheduled for September 7, 2013 be free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive. The integrity of a public confidence in the Maldivian electoral process must be maintained. Accordingly, we note that all parties participating in these elections should be able to put forward the candidate of their choice. We also call upon the Government of the Maldives to implement all the recommendations of the Commission of National Inquiry (CONI) report, including the recommendations related to judicial and governmental reforms. We continue to urge all parties to chart a way forward that strengthens Maldivian democratic institutions, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms. “ says the U.S Embassy Statement

President Waheed announces plans to award a President’s Medal for highest achievers in the world, in different subjects of O’Level and A’Level exams

President Dr Mohamed Waheed has announced plans to introduce a special medal, which would be awarded as the President’s Medal, for students who achieve world’s first place in different subjects of the O’Level and A’Level exams. The President made this announcement yesterday, in his Presidential Address at this year’s first sitting of the first session of the People’s Majlis. The President noted that measures taken to improve the country’s education sector have resulted in the highest achievement in the O’Level exams being obtained last year. He said that the number of students who attain world’s first place was also increasing.

Today we carry upon our shoulders, an onus more important than that our ancestors sustained: President Waheed

President Dr Mohamed Waheed has said that today we carry upon our shoulders, an onus more important than that our ancestors sustained. He made this statement while delivering his Presidential Address yesterday at this year’s first sitting of the first session of the People’s Majlis. The President said that the numerous privileges our children enjoy today, such as the gift of education and comfortable living standards, were the result of our forefathers having safeguarded the assets of the country, under the shelter of independence and territorial dignity.

                 2 March 2012 | Saturday            

Entire Maldives Nation Becoming Biosphere Reserve
An article from news.dicovery.com

The entire Maldives nation has pledged to become a United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve. The Maldives, an archipelago southwest of India, plans to implement the reserve plan on more than half of its islands by 2017. To become an official UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Maldives must follow guidelines set forth by the UN’s Man and the Biosphere Program and the UN’s Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Biosphere Reserve’s strategy must integrate management of natural resources with conservation and sustainable use. The plan also must seek to ensure equitable distribution of natural resource wealth. Currently, there are 610 biosphere reserves in 117 countries.

If India intervene to stop Nasheed’s case
The Biggest Democracy goes Dictator
If India intervene and try to stop case against former President Mohamed Nasheed, then India will never get the “Biggest Cemocracy but will fall fall into the ditch of Dictatorship” says Mr. Ahmed waheed, a senior lawyer. Commenting to Mr Nasheed’s interview to NDTV “Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed, who had taken diplomatic sanctuary at the Indian High Commission in Male last month, has told NDTV, "If I face arrest again, I hope India and the international community will intervene more robustly and make sure things remain on track." Mr. Ahmed said there is no “room” to stop any criminal case, whether it is agaist any human even though he may be the richest, most powerful. “I am commenting as such because there is no releigion or democracy which discrimantes human value . “Even Queen of England or American president makes a crime he or she will have to face the law. Law is not made only for the poor or powerless people. It is made for every one including the rulers.”

Sri Lanka at UNHRC: It's not a one-off affair for India
N Sathiya Moorthy
Not giving into sentiments from across the country entirely, the Centre has done the right thing by treading cautiously on the Sri Lankan issue. The US sponsor of last year's UNHRC resolution has once again expressed its intention to come up with another one at the on-going session in Geneva. And, significantly, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid broadly hinted at the possibilities and the probability that New Delhi may have to vote for the resolution as it had done last year.

Maldives' former longtime ruler opts out of presidential running
COLOMBO, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- Former longtime ruler of the Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom said in a statement Tuesday that he will not contest the upcoming presidential elections ending months of speculation. The 75-year-old Gayoom releasing the statement expressed belief that Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has people capable of leading the party to the presidential election. He also pledged his support for the candidate who wins the party's presidential primary. He assured that he would work to strengthen the party and thanked everyone who had requested him to contest in the primary, according to local media reports.

Maldives never sentence rape victims
Even though many international spreading news about Maldivian court has sentenced a rape victim to flog 100 times, no Maldivian court has ever sentenced any rape victim to get lashed neither to any punishment. A 15-year-old rape victim in the Maldives is facing a flogging of 100 lashes after being convicted of engaging in pre-marital sex. The government and groups such as Amnesty International are criticising the court's decision, which was not directly related to the rape. Behind the Maldives' image as a honeymoon paradise of coral islands lies a society whose people are often subjected to harsh laws. Women are overwhelmingly more likely than men to be sentenced to public flogging for fornication, the BBC reports. The girl in the north of the country was raped last year by her step-father, who was also convicted of murdering the baby born as a result. But during investigation, the 15-year-old was accused of having pre-marital sex with another man. She is now being sentenced to eight months of house arrest and to 100 lashes. The Islamic Sharia punishment is to take place when she turns 18, but can happen earlier if she requests it. A presidential spokesperson said the government saw the underage girl as a victim deserving of protection, not punishment. He said there would be discussions with the Islamic Affairs Ministry to review this case and the law. Human rights group Amnesty International and the United Nations' human rights chief have both denounced the Maldives' use of flogging, which they describe as inhumane and degrading. Yet severe forms of punishment, said to be Sharia inspired, remain in place in the tiny country.

Mauritius, Maldives ink bilateral air access deal

The nation signed a bilateral agreement concerning air access with the Republic of Maldives on Monday. The ceremony was chaired by vice prime minister and minister of Finance Xavier Luc Duval and the Maldivian minister of Defence Mohamed Nazim. The agreement will allow for the introduction of seven flights per week and was made possible following Duval’s official visit to the Republic of Maldives in January. “This is a historical agreement which is bringing us closer to a sister island. I hope this is the first step in a collaboration between the two islands in the fields of environmental and marine management as well as island development,” said Duval.

                 1 March 2012 | Friday            

President Inaugurates Villa International Airport

President Dr Mohamed Waheed today inaugurated Villa International Airport in Maamigili island of South Ari atoll. The Airport was officially opened with the unveiling of the name board of Villa International Airport by the President. Speaking at the ceremony, President Waheed said he was greatly honored to inaugurate the airport and thanked the Chairman of Villa Group, Mr Gasim Ibrahim.

Developments of the nation shouldn't be taken negatively- Gasim

Gasim Ibrahim, leader of the Jumhooree Party and the member of the Peoples' Majlis for the Maamigili constituency has stated that projects initiated for the development of the nation should not be taken negatively. Gasim Ibrahim, Chairman of Villa Group made this remark yesterday at the ceremony held to inaugurate Villa International Airport in Maamigili island of South Ari atoll. He said that development projects will always reap its benefit for the people and the nation and therefore no one should cause doubts regarding such projects.

President and First Lady open modernised Olympus Cinema

President Dr Mohamed Waheed and First Lady Madam Ilham Hussain have last evening officially reopened the Olympus cinema following its renovation. Speaking at the ceremony, the President said that true development can only be achieved in the country through the development of our children’s creative minds. The President said that the real reason behind the tall buildings and big fishing boats in the country was not only because of talented construction workers or carpenters among us, but rather it was the result of the vision, the image, the thought and the creativity in someone’s mind.

No one has the right to criticise the rulings of the Islamic Sharia- Adhaalath

Adhaalath Party has stated that no one has the right to criticise and challenge the verdicts of a court of law issued in accordance to the Islamic Sharia. Adhaalath Party made this remark in a press release issued by the party in response to the concern raised against to the Juvenile Court’s recent sentence to flog a 15 year-old girl on the charges of pre-marital sex. Adhaalath Party stressed that no Muslim is allowed to criticise the Sharia rulings and claim that such rulings are a violation of human rights. The party stated that the Muslims should not give any concern to such calls that claims that the rulings of the Islamic Sharia are primitive, harsh and against human rights.

Nasheed’s Request to Travel Abroad Denied
The Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court has declined Former President Mohamed Nasheed’s request to travel abroad on Tuesday morning. The lawyers requested for a leave of absence from the 27th of February – 5thMarch 2013. Nasheed’s request for permission to travel abroad was at the invitation of Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Secientific Research and Anasy Media Productions of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Nasheed was invited to be the guest of honor and speak at the opening of the Cultural Season 2013, which chose The Island President to be screened at the opening of this season.

Maldives Launches its Re-election Campaign in Geneva

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dunya Maumoon, has kick-started the Maldives’ campaign for re-election to the Human Rights Council, in Geneva. At the launching ceremony held at the Palais des Nations yesterday, the State Minister introduced the Maldives’ Story in which she narrated the country’s journey in the Council and the issues it had played a leading role in. She noted that the Maldives’ was the smallest country ever to sit on the Council but that it had never hesitated in taking strong positions on any issues including the controversial ones and in advocating for small states-related issues.

MALDIVES: WHERE FROM HERE FOR INDIA? BRACING
FOR EXPECTED AND UNEXPECTED…
BY N SATHIYA MOORTHY,
With the ‘sit-in’ saga by former Maldivian President Mohammed Nasheed in the Indian High Commission now behind it, New Delhi should be honing its tactics for both the expected and the unexpected as that nation prepares for presidential polls in September. What is expected is that multi-party democracy looks poised to stay in the Indian Ocean atoll nation and that the elections will be held. Among the list of ‘unexpected’ includes the results of those polls, preceded by the nature of ‘inclusivity’ of those polls and what that would mean for domestic politics in that country.