Chidambaram in Pakistan for talks (Lead)
Home ministers from SAARC nations on Saturday discussed ways to strengthen police cooperation and other means to combat terrorism that has afflicted the region. The SAARC Interior Ministers' conference, attended by home minister P Chidambaram, also discussed proposals like maritime security and anti-piracy operations under the SAARC charter. The maritime security proposal has been mooted by Sri Lanka and Maldives. The conference also discussed issues related to SAARC visas in the backdrop of proposals for expanding this category of travel documents.

Kuoni Launches Indian Ocean 2010-2011 Brochure
Kuoni has revealed its new Indian Ocean brochure for September 2010 - December 2011, which includes the paradise islands and atolls that make up the Indian Ocean - Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles and Sri Lanka. Travellers can find a collection of properties that have been specially picked with the customer in mind, and a range of offers, some of which include; bonus nights, room upgrades, child savings, complimentary meals and honeymoon discounts. Highlights for 2011 include Maafushivaru which is brand new to the UK market. This small 4 1/2 star private Maldivian boutique island boasts an uninhabited sister island and is exclusive to Kuoni. Another star in the new Kuoni brochure is the Hotel Serene Pavilions in Sri Lanka. This world class boutique property offers the ultimate in luxury and relaxation in 12 chic pavilions with private pool and butler service. The luxurious Medhufushi Resort extends Kuoni's offline offerings of Maldives holidays. Previously only available through the Kuoni website, Medhufushi Resort offers alfresco dining, overwater spa and luxurious villas in true Maldivian style.

MAHB Wins Maldives' Airport Contract Via Consortium
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has won a bid to build, operate, modernise and expand Maldives' main airport, the Male International Airport, via its GMR-MAHB consortium. In a statment here today, MAHB said it has been successfully partnering with the GMR Group since 2002, a Bangalore-based global infrastructure major with interests in airports, energy, highways and urban infrastructure. The airport operator said the Male International Airport was situated on the Huhule Island on the politically stable archipelagpo, and was one of the fastest growing airports in the region. MAHB managing director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad said the win signified an important milestone for a Malaysian firm leading with its expertise in the international market. The bid was participated by two other parties, namely the Aeroport De Paris, France-TAV, Turkey consortium, and the Zurich Airport-GVK consortium. With the project, MAHB now has four overseas airports in its portfolio, including the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, and Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport in Turkey.

MAHB awarded Maldives project
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) says it has won a project to build, expand and operate the MALE International Airport (MIA) in the Maldives achipelago with its partner, the GMR Group. In a press release yesterday, MAHB did not provide the financial details involving the project, but said the airport was situated on HuHule Island and the concession period was 25 years. “With its tourism potential and exponential growth in passenger movement, the MIA is an extremely profitable airport with a high revenue model,” it said. A unique feature of the airport is that it also includes a sea-plane port. With the latest project, MAHB now has four overseas airports in its portfolio, including in Hyderabad, New Delhi and Istanbul. MAHB started its partnership with India’s GMR Group in 2002 for the project in Hyderabad, and the two companies were in the consortium that won the project to develop Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen International Airport. “This latest venture reinforced MAHB’s commitment in growing its business beyond Malaysian borders,” managing director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad said. The winning bid was one of three international submissions for the project, and the bidding process was done in “an extremely open and transparent manner” monitored by the International Finance Corp of the World Bank, he added.

SAARC conference to bring peace: Malik
Interior Ministers’ SAARC Conference would bring peace and stability in the region, said the Interior Minister Rehman Malik on the occasion of welcoming his counterparts from Sri Lanka and Maldives Friday. Matters related to security, narcotics and human trafficking will be discussed in the upcoming conference. All countries will exchange their experiences and benefit from them. The Sri Lankan and Maldivian interior ministers said that promoting mutual cooperation in the region to tackle terrorism and other issues will yield better results. The interior ministers from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives are taking part in the conference. A resolution will be passed against terrorism during the conference. Indian Home Minister P Chidambaram is expected to meet Interior Minister Rehman Malik, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. Malik will also inform Chidambaram about the latest investigations and court proceedings in regards to the Mumbai attacks. SAMAA

GMR Infrastructure gains after winning airport bid in Maldives
GMR Infrastructure rose 1.50% to Rs 57.70 at 9:42 IST after a consortium of the company with Malaysia Airports Holdings won a bid to build, operate, modernise and expand Male International airport in Maldives. The announcement was made after market hours on Thursday, 24 June 2010. Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was down 108.50 points, or 0.61%, to 17,621.74. On BSE, 5.01 lakh shares were traded in the counter as against an average daily volume of 7.89 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 60 and a low of Rs 57 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 80 on 30 June 2009 and a 52-week low of Rs 50.60 on 5 February 2010. The large-cap infrastructure company has an equity capital of Rs 389.24 crore. Face value per share is Rs 1. The GMR consortium would operate the airport for the next 25 years, it said in a statement to the stock exchanges. This is the second airport that the Bangalore-based GMR has won in Maldives, taking its total airport projects tally to five. The company did not disclose the size of the bid but media reports suggested total capital expenditure for the airport is pegged at $500 million. On a consolidated basis, GMR Infrastructure's net profit rose 37.2% to Rs 73.05 crore on 15.3% decline in net sales to Rs 1124.96 crore in Q4 March 2010 over Q4 March 2009.

                 25 June 2010 | Friday                 

Former President Maumoon to take legal action against Editor of Miadhu Daily
Former President, Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom has lodged a defamation case against the Managing-Editor of Miadhu Daily, Abdul Latheef, over reporting New York Times article over alleged corruption cases during Maumoon’s regime. According to Mohamed Waheed Ibrahim, Maumoon’s lawyer, Managing-Editor of Miadhu Daily, Abdul Latheef, is being sued for misleading the public on the former President’s presidency, in the Miadhu Daily which is being published under Latheef’s editorship.

President returns to Male’

President Nasheed has retuned to Male’ this morning after concluding an official visit to Italy. During his visit to Italy the President met with senior Italian officials and discussed bilateral relations between the two countries. He also attended a climate conference, entitled, “International Conference on Climate, Energy Environment: How to Build a New Global Deal” which took place on Wednesday. During the President’s visit, two agreements were signed: an agreement Abruzzo Region to increase assistance in health sector, and another agreement with the University of Milano-Bicocca to implement scientific and academic programs at the outpost of the University in Magoodhoo of Faafu atoll.

President says privatisation will boost revenue and modernize Malé International Airport

In his weekly radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed has said privatisation of Malé International Airport will boost revenue and expand services and facilities at the airport. On Thursday, Finance Minister Ali Hashim opened bids of the three shortlisted parties, with India’s GMR Infrastructure Limited winning the bid. GMR, which offered US$78 million in upfront, will expand, modernize and operate Malé International Airport for 25 years. The President said, “The airport requires much improvement, expansion of runway and development of the terminal.” With privatization, “government would be able to save over US$300 million in investments,” he said. The government had launched the tender process for the airport in October 2009, with the goals of upgrading and modernising the airport, and to improve efficiency, provide better services, and boost the country’s tourism potential. Speaking on the tender process, President said the International Financial Corporation, which is a member of the World Bank Group, worked with the government throughout the process. Therefore, the President added that he was “confident the tender process was transparent and ensured there was no room for corruption”. IFC has experience in attracting private investment for Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia, and national airlines such as Air Vanuatu, Kenya Airways, and Polynesian Airlines. Besides US$78 million upfront, GMR offered to pay one per cent of the total profit in the first year until 2014 and 10 per cent of the profit from 2015 to 2035. The company also offered to pay 15 percent of fuel trade revenues in the first four years and 27 percent from 2015 to 2035. The other two shortlisted parties were TAV Airports Holdings Company of Turkey and Unique (Flughafen Zurich AG)-GVK Airport Developers Limited (GVK).

Islamic Ministry express concern on some aspects of DRP’s amendment to Religious Unity Act
Ministry of Islamic Affairs has said that it welcomes the draft amendment by DRP to the Religious Unity Act, however, there are some elements to which its scholars has expressed concern. The major concern of the Ministry is that the draft amendment proposes Shafi sect be used as a basis of Islam in the country. However, it’s scholars are of the view that Islam is a convenient religion which leaves a lot of space for the Imam, to chose from the styles used in various sects, for instance in praying, Ministry noted. Neither in Quran, nor in Prophet Mohamed’s sunnah, a particular sect is encouraged, and such an issue cannot be written in a Law, and if written it is unislamic, the Ministry noted.

DRP in Opposition Grabs Parliament Barring MDP Ruled Government Attempts
The opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party failed the Maldivian Democratic Party at the parliament briefly suspending the idea of running the administration in 7 provinces. The DRP deliberation at the parliament threw a proposed amendment to the decentralization bill that was forced into the law after several controversies with opposition and public protests. The heated debates on the decentralization DRP vowed to fail every attempt by the MDP led government now seems to have changed the government system culling government authorities while grabbing powers to the parliament where they coalitioned with sister political party People’s Alliance belonging to former President’s Gayyoom’s half brother Abdulla Yaameen. MDP believes the proposed amendments are to pave way for their pledged provisional provincial government but failed to win the vote at the parliament. They said the bill is aimed to levy more powers to the people and administer the country in the closer proximity of the people. MDP accused the DRP deliberate failing their attempts but felt short to comment on parliament grab.

GMR wins deal to build, run new Maldives airport
Hyderabad: Infrastructure major GMR has won a bid to construct up a new terminal and manage the Male International Airport in Maldives, beating two other contenders - a consortium of Aeroport De Paris, France and TAV of Turkey; a Zurich Airport-GVK Airport Developers consortium and the GMR - MAHB consortium GMR will take control of the airport in the first quarter of 2011 and will get 3 years to complete the project. The new terminal will replace the existing one.

India rejects visa exemption proposal
A technical committee of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation member countries has decided to put the proposal of establishing ‘Saarc police’ and ‘Saarc Institute of Criminology’ on the agenda of the upcoming Saarc foreign ministers conference, as India rejected a proposal in support of issuing 10,000 stickers for visa exemptions on Thursday. Four technical sessions were held on Thursday, day-two of the third meeting of the Saarc countries’ ministers of interior. The meetings here at the Serena hotel were attended by top officials from the foreign affairs, interior and police departments of Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the Maldives and Bangladesh

                 22 June 2010 | Tuesday                 

MDP Seeking another Coalition as Ruling in Jeopardy

The leading ruling coalition partner in the current government Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is seeking for a new coalition as the local council election looms. The party in a campaign to win the local election said that the party has opened its campaign to join anyone seeking party ticket to challenge in the local council election. The party Secretary General Hassan Shah during a press conference said the party welcomes to those who wish to join the party for local council ticket from the party. He also said that the party is willing to accept others to coalition with them suggesting the party working to win the local council elections through other parties although the ruling partners with the MDP coalition finding criticism. Few conditions are applied to join the party coalition for the local election including those who violated the party agreement.

Presidential Envoy Leaves to Join World Classical Tamil Conference

Special Envoy of the President, Mr. Ibrahim Hussain Zaki has left for Coimbatore, India to attend the World Classical Tamil Conference on behalf of President Mohamed Nasheed. The conference had been criticized by an Indian politician AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa on Saturday saying it was ridiculous to hold it when Sri Lankan Tamils were in distress. In a statement she made, she said she wanted implementation of 18 charters of demands of the Sri Lankan Tamils before the conference. The demands included rehabilitation of one lakh Tamils in camps in the north, relief for those resettled, rehabilitation of agricultural lands and water bodies, counseling for women and permission for journalists to meet the Tamils. World Classical Tamil Conference which will be held from 23 – 27 June is being organized to commemorate the deceleration of Tamil as a classical language and to provide opportunity to researchers and scholars to present research papers relating to Tamil culture, language and literature. “Maldivians have strong traditional links with Tamil culture and language. Our participation in this conference, I believe, would strengthen this link,” said Mr. Zaki.

Special Envoy of the President, Mr. Ibrahim Hussain Zaki has left for Coimbatore, India to attend the World Classical Tamil Conference on behalf of President Mohamed Nasheed.
The conference had been criticized by an Indian politician AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa on Saturday saying it was ridiculous to hold it when Sri Lankan Tamils were in distress. In a statement she made, she said she wanted implementation of 18 charters of demands of the Sri Lankan Tamils before the conference. The demands included rehabilitation of one lakh Tamils in camps in the north, relief for those resettled, rehabilitation of agricultural lands and water bodies, counseling for women and permission for journalists to meet the Tamils. World Classical Tamil Conference which will be held from 23 – 27 June is being organized to commemorate the deceleration of Tamil as a classical language and to provide opportunity to researchers and scholars to present research papers relating to Tamil culture, language and literature. “Maldivians have strong traditional links with Tamil culture and language. Our participation in this conference, I believe, would strengthen this link,” said Mr. Zaki.

Dubai seizes 7kg of cocaine off flight from Lagos
The woman was flying in from Lagos to Dubai on a business trip where customs officials seized the drugs that were concealed in secret compartments in her luggage. Dubai: A Nigerian woman has been arrested at Dubai International Airport while allegedly trying to smuggle 7kg of cocaine in her luggage, Dubai Customs said in a statement on Monday. The woman was flying in from Lagos to Dubai on a business trip where customs officials seized the drugs that were concealed in secret compartments in her luggage. The statement did not provide a street value for the seized cocaine haul. The arrest comes a day after Dubai Police announced that an African man was arrested at the same airport for possessing more than 5kg of cocaine in his luggage. The General Department for Combating Narcotics at Dubai Police has urged the public to cooperate with the police with any information regarding narcotics on their toll-free number 800 400 400.

Soldier charged with raping British woman in Dubai
Dubai prosecutors have charged the defendant, S.K., with raping 20-year-old L.E. and consuming liquor and referred him to the Dubai Court of First Instance, Gulf News has learnt. Dubai: A soldier has been charged with raping a British secretary twice — once in his car and again at her Palm Jumeirah home. The 20-year-old British woman told police that the 30-year-old Emirati soldier, whom she met in a bar, had offered to drop her home, he raped her twice, once on the front seat of his car and once on her bed after he followed her into her home. Dubai prosecutors have charged the defendant, S.K., with raping 20-year-old L.E. and consuming liquor and referred him to the Dubai Court of First Instance, "Following nearly six months of ongoing investigations.

                 21 June 2010 | Monday                 

Saudi Arabia to Help Country’s Crippled Health Sector
Minister of Health Aminath Jameel has said the Saudi government promised to help the government of Maldives health sector in many ways. She said the government of Saudi Arabia and other institutions are willing to help improve the sector in the country. She made the statement after she met with the Saudi Health Minister Dr. Abdulla bin Abdul Aziz during her visit to Saudi Arabia. Minister made her trip to the Saudi Kingdom on a request by the Health Minister of Saudi Arabia and she held meetings with Saudi minister during her visit from June 14 to 19. Minister said that Saudi authorities have given very encouraging friendship with the government of Maldives and the Saudi Red Crescent will assist the Maldivian Red Crescent. She also said the Saudi authorities will help the Thalassaemia association of Maldives by bringing closer ties with Saudi organizations.

Adhaalathu wishes to improvements in education policy
Sheikh Hussain Rasheed Ahmed, President of Adhaalathu Party has said that his party wishes to see improvements in education policy and not deciding who should or who should not be the Education Minister. He also noted that Adhaalathu Party certainly wishes to make Islam and Dhivehi compulsory in all grades in the Maldives. Speaking to Miadhu Daily, Sheikh Hussain Rasheed also said that Ministers are lead implementers of government policy and therefore the incumbent Minister in office is pretty much irrelevant. He also said that the important thing is education policy to be sound and solid. He also said that Adhaalathu Party is neither concerned nor unconcerned on the no confidence. He also said that there should be improvements in the way we teach Islam and Dhivehi in all grades of Maldives academic system and that Adhaalathu would not support making them optional in grade 11 ands 12. Adhaalathu also said that it will do anything possible to make them compulsory in grade 11 and 12. “We do not wish to intimidate those who implement the policy, but to work for public betterment. Adhaalathu will not personally chase such men and will certainly not target a person” Sheikh Hussain Rasheed said.

Gan Airport privatized
Government of Maldives has signed an agreement with UAE’s Supreme Fuel Trading FZE on managing the Male’ International Airport for 30 years. Mahmood Raazee, Chairman of the Privatization Committee also said that the company would begin managing the airport within 90 days and Supreme is expected to present its management plan within 180 days of signing the contract. Also according to the Minister, the airport would now be a “public-private partnership” project. According to Finance Ministry the new company would be in charge of “rehabilitation, expansion, modernization, operation and maintenance” of the airport and that Supreme would also pay 15% of the income from the airport. Mahmood Raazee also confirmed that the charges would not be raised at the airport and also no employee of the airport would be sacked from the job. Two resorts are in operation in Southern Maldives while more resorts are in development. Hoteliers have cited lack of airport capacity as one reason which has not brought adequate tourists to Southern Maldives.

Former President Maumoon lodges a defamation case Finance Minister
Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has lodged a defamation case against Finance Minister Ali Hashim, for contributing a New York Times article which according to Maumoon has insulted his character. NY Times article has said that government is working reclaiming USD 400 million stolen from public coffins during Maumoon’s administration. The case lodged also claimed that Maumoon be compensated for Ali Hashim’s contribution to NY times article. Maumoon also said that there is no case pending against him at any court and nothing has been proven as of yet and the accusations by Ali Hashim aimed at defaming his character. Mohamed Waheed, lawyer for Maumoon also noted that NY times article was a cheap political shot by the current administration to hide its failure and was done on purpose to defame Maumoon. “I believe that such a report was spread through media on a purpose. I would like to say that this shows the inability of the government to uphold laws. Otherwise government should not have defamed former President Maumoon, as by law Maldives government is mandated to prevent all those activities” he noted. Waheed also added that another case would be lodged against Miadhu Daily, particularly its CEO Ahmed Abdulla and its Managing Editor Abdul Latheef. DRP has wowed protect the “character” of Maumoon, the party is also scheduling a public meeting to strike against the NY times article.

No legal barrier against bringing Gitmo detainees to Maldives
Attorney-General Husnu-al-Suoodh has said that there are no unsolvable legal barriers in bringing detainees from Guantanamo Bay detention facility to the Maldives. AG also confirmed that government is still working to bring them to the Maldives. AG also noted that there are some detainees in the facility who are world renowned terrorists, but also there are innocent victims of Bush Administration’s war on terror. Opposition DRP has raised the issue at National Security Committee of the Parliament and the Parliament is reviewing government efforts to bring detainees to Maldives. AG also noted that there are some more information and clarifications that have to be received from the US and once that information is received legal framework to bring detainees would be formulated. According to AG the pending information from the US includes how they will be practically looked after in the Maldives. AG also noted that the confusion over guantanamo bay issue raised when Parliament opened an investigation on the issue while it was on its earliest stages. President Nasheed has said that Maldives should help in US efforts to close notorious facility for the sake of helping humanity alone, not to mention that as Muslims Maldives should support innocent Muslim detainees in the camp. US Ambassador to Maldives has visited Maldives during the heat of the crisis and has met the MPs in an effort to explain them the joint efforts by US and Maldives. Opposition parties has criticized the government heavily for its decision to bring two detainees to Maldives citing that this could hurt Maldives tourism and has called on the government to stop its plans to bring them to Maldives.

Track-II meet in Lanka to set Indo-Pak agenda
A five-star Indian beach resort at Bentota, 65 km south of Colombo, promises an intimate experience to its guests. So, the eminent opinion-makers from India and Pakistan — including former ISI and RAW chiefs — who got together there for a track-II dialogue between June 7 and 9 couldn’t have asked for more. Organised by a New Delhi-based strategic studies institute, it focused on three specific issues: Effective management of the Indus river waters, combating terrorism and working for a secure Afghanistan.

Bollywood super star Salman Khan's 'Ready' to be shot in Sri Lanka may face boycott in South India
Jun 20, Colombo: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's next movie, Ready, which is to be shot in Sri Lanka in the next three months would face a boycott called by the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce (SIFCC), the Indian media reported. SIFCC has reportedly vowed not to allow films shot in Sri Lanka to be screened in theatres in South India, as a mark of protest against the alleged atrocities by the Sri Lankan government against Tamil civilians in the country.

Japan backs UN war crimes probe into Sri Lanka war

A visiting Japanese envoy said Sunday his country backed efforts by the United Nations to investigate alleged war crimes committed in Sri Lanka during the final months of its ethnic conflict. Yasushi Akashi, whose country is a major donor to Sri Lanka, ended a five-day visit saying he detected a "lack of flexibility and openness" in the government's attempts to promote reconciliation on the island. His remarks followed an announcement by the UN that a panel would be named this week to advise Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on accountability in Sri Lanka. The panel is seen as a precursor to a full war crimes probe into the last months of the conflict, when government troops finally defeated the Tamil Tiger separatist rebels in May 2009 after decades of bloodshed. The UN has said that at least 7,000 civilians were killed in the first four months of fighting last year. The war ended when the military killed the leadership of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which had been fighting for independence since 1972. Akashi said he had pressed Colombo to allow the UN to get involved in Sri Lanka's reconciliation process. "The government listened to what I said. (But) I feel there is a lack of flexibility and openness," Akashi told reporters. He said Ban's upcoming panel "would be useful", although Colombo has opposed an international probe on its conduct in the war and has resisted any calls for an independent investigation. "It (the UN) could provide experiences and insights. The purpose of it is not to interfere with Sri Lanka's own panel, but to offer ideas and suggestions if needed," Akashi said, referring to a separate commission appointed by Colombo. Sri Lanka has said its own commission would address the underlying causes of the conflict as part of the island's healing process, but it has no mandate to probe war crimes. Akashi said Japan still has a role to play as Sri Lanka goes through a "sensitive period to achieve genuine peace." He urged Colombo to make use of minority Tamil political parties to address the grievances of the Tamils, who are pushing for greater political power.

India's Reliance Broadcast signs TV deal with CBS

India's Reliance Broadcast Network, part of the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani group, has signed a deal with the US-based CBS network to launch TV channels across south Asia, the company said Sunday. The two companies will first launch English-language entertainment channels and at a later stage explore channels in Hindi and other regional languages, it said in a press statement. "As currently proposed, the joint venture would include certain programming rights across the countries of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Maldives and Pakistan for now," it said. RBN and CBS will have equal 50 percent equity interest in the joint venture, but no other figures were available on the deal. "The agreement is subject to customary diligence, negotiation and execution of a definitive documentation, which are presently under way," it said, adding it planned to complete the process in a month.

                 20 June 2010 | Sunday                 

HRCM Suspends Meeting with Government and Political Parties Indefinitely
The Human Rights Committee has cancelled a meeting with government and political parties indefinitely after less than 24 hours it announced to hold discussion with concerned parties. The meeting was aimed to discuss on strengthening and development on human rights in the country the HCRM said. The commission said the decision to halt the meeting is allow all concerned parties to participate as it said they took interest in discussing the issue wider. The president of the Human Rights Commission Ahmed Saleem said the senior officials of the government and the leaders of the political parties has showed interest and is cooperating to hold the meeting that commission plans to announce a new date to hold the meeting. He said the discussion and the issue is a national component in building the nation that the commission intends to hold the discussion on feasible and possible time for everyone.

Controversial Gitmo Detainee Issue Deliberated
The Parliament’s National Security Council has begun discussing on the issue of the transfer of detainees from the Guantanamo Bay detainee centre. The Council mainly discussed security implications and the ability of the authorities to ensure national security associated with any such transfer. The issue had been a confusing speculation with oppositions criticizing government, while the so called ruling coalition partner with the lion’s share MDP defensive against the opposition criticism. According to Article 13(a) of the Armed Forces Act, National Security Council should provide advice and consultation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on all matters of national security.

Sri Lanka lags behind in education – Maldives businessman
Though Sri Lanka is the Maldives’ closest neighbour and there is a lot of business here, Sri Lankans lag behind particularly in education. Ismail Asif, 1st Vice President, Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) told the Business Times this week.

Sri Lankan management consultants for Maldives Electricity Board
Colombo-based Business Resource Management Services (BRMS) is serving as consultants in the restructuring of the Maldivian government-owned State Electrical Company Ltd (STELCO), through its counterpart Charterhouse Pvt Ltd. BRMS, a consultancy firm in Sri Lanka, said in a press release that it is jointly engaged with Charterhouse in an indepth study of the present organizational structure of STELCO and recommending strategies to enhance its efficiency with respect to the conversion of STELCO to a Public Limited Liability Company in compliance with the Corporate Governance Code of the Maldives published by the Capital Market Development Authority.

Loaded with luxury
Guests are god in today's big-ticket weddings.Flown around in chartered flights,entertainment for them is customised with meticulate planning done months ahead ... A natural beach at an altitude of 625 meters above sea level,silver sands with azure waters,reefs with rainbow coloured fish,water bungalows and historical palaces are some of the dream destinations India's noveau riche are opting for,to organise wedding vows and wows in.

Sri Lanka stands by its dud commission, UN interested in its progress
When United Nation's Under Secretary General for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe announced Thursday the imminent appointment of advisory panel to advise Ban Ki Moon on the alleged war crimes committed in Sri Lanka during the last stages of the war, Colombo toned down its rhetoric with Media Minister pontificating, "it is best to allow the locally appointed commission to do its work prior to involving international actors or taking further unwarranted actions." Pascoe, while asserting that Sri Lanka's President has assured him that the local "reconciliation panel" will be "credible and accountable," said "[w]e will be interested in its progress."

Why Do Muslims Break Their Fast with Dates?
Why is it considered healthy to break the Ramadan fast with dates, and why are Muslims recommended to pray before iftar? – S.H. Breaking the fast with dates is a Ramadan tradition, as most of its benefits are unique to this particular fast. Breaking one's fast with dates, as well as praying before iftar, are both mentioned in the Hadith literature: "The Messenger of Allah would break his fast with ripe dates before he would pray. If those were not available, he would eat dried dates. If those were not available, he would drink some water."

Sri Lanka ‘A; flop besides Sachitra heroics
Sri Lanka failed against the left arm orthodox spin of John O'Keefe (7 for 35)as they slumped a poor 103 all out in reply to Australia ‘A’ first innings total of 208 on the second day of their four day game at the Allan Border Field, Brisbane, yesterday. After medium pacer Sachitra Senanayake had restricted the home team to a tentative 208 in their first innings with impressive figures of 8 for 70, the Lankans could not cope with the spin of Steve O’Keefe with only four batsmen entering double figures.

Lanka’s Chinese link a threat: Jaya
AIADMK leader J. Jayalalithaa on Friday asked the Centre to “talk tough” to Sri Lanka as a “grave danger” stalked India’s “hitherto safe southern flanks” due to the infiltration of Chinese spies in the 25,000-plus convict-labourers from China now engaged in contract works relating to highways and railways in Sri Lanka. India had sanctioned Rs 1,000 crore towards reconstruction of the war-ravaged Tamil areas of Lanka and most of these works had gone to the Chinese which meant that the Indian tax-payers’ money is “ending up in China’s kitty”, she said in a statement. Alleging that Chinese labour force in Sri Lanka has been “infiltrated with Chinese spies and intelligence personnel, with a specific mandate to commence anti-Indian surveillance and espionage operations from India’s hitherto safe sourthern flanks”, she said it would detrimental to the country’s security. She raised apprehensions that it could immediately affect Tamil Nadu, as “Sri Lanka is hardly 20 km away from the southern coast of Tamil Nadu.” The Indian Government should act before it is too late. It has to talk to Sri Lanka and talk tough,” she said.

                 5 June 2010 | Saturday                 

U N I T E D N A T I O N S | N A T I O N S U N I E S
MESSAGE ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

Biodiversity, the incredible variety of life on Earth that sustains us, is in peril. Species are becoming extinct at the fastest rate ever recorded. Most of these extinctions are tied to human activities that are polluting and depleting water resources, changing and degrading habitats and altering the global climate. From frogs to gorillas, from huge plants to tiny insects, thousands of species are in jeopardy.

Message by the UN Resident Coordinator in the Maldives, Mr. Andrew Cox,
on the occasion of World Environment Day, 05 June 2010
On World Environment Day, we remember the fundamental connection that all species on this planet have with each other. At a time of rapid change in our climate, and as we think about how to address these changes, it is important to remember that all species of flora and fauna are connected with each other. 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity, which gives us a chance to stress the importance of biodiversity for human well-being, reflect on our achievements to safeguard it and encourage a redoubling of our efforts to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss. The theme for today, World Environment Day 2010, is “Many Species. One Planet. One Future.” It echoes the urgent call to conserve the diversity of life on our planet.

Pacific islands defy apocalyptic climate change scenarios
The President of the Maldives can sell his snorkel: he’ll be waving not drowning. The New Scientist carries a fascinating article, examining the research of Paul Kench of the University of Auckland and Arthur Webb of the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission. Using aerial photographs and high-resolution satellite images, Kench and Webb have found that 23 out of 27 low-lying Pacific islands, deemed to be vulnerable to rising sea levels, have grown by up to 10 percent in 40 years. Local sea levels have risen by 120 millimetres over the period. Coral is defying the apocalyptic flooding scenarios. Reef coral surrounding the islands is eroded and deposited to form atolls or coastal spurs. Because coral is a live organism it is inexhaustible and continues to grow in its new environment. It is unclear if these new spurs of land will be habitable, but it suggests that low-lying coral islands can withstand rising sea levels.

Atoll Travel & Trip Concept take you there
A chain of picture perfect coral atolls in the tropical Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a remote, exotic destination offering exciting surf and top quality facilities. Deluxe, resort-based surf holidays and live-aboard boat surfaris make the Maldives easily accessible.

WHO keeps swine flu pandemic alert
World Health Organisation chief Margaret Chan on Thursday decided to maintain a pandemic alert nearly a year after she placed the world on maximum readiness for the new swine flu virus.The WHO said following advice from a panel of scientists that although the outbreak had declined, cases of A(H1N1) influenza were expected to continue in the coming weeks mainly during the southern hemisphere's flu season. "Committee members stressed that it remains critical for countries to continue to maintain vigilance concerning the pandemic," the agency said in a statement. The announcement followed a teleconference on Tuesday of the committee, which comprises 15 scientists headed by Australian infectious diseases expert John Mackenzie and advises Chan.

Mini-twister smashes through Australian town

A freak mini-tornado hit an Australian coastal town "like a bomb" on Thursday, witnesses said, destroying 12 homes, uprooting trees and cutting power to thousands of residents.The twister tore in from the sea shortly before 7:30 am (2130 GMT), hammering the eastern town of Lennox Head with strong winds which ripped roofs from houses and tossed caravans through the air, leaving six people injured. "It looks like a bomb has gone off in parts of Lennox Head. It's really quite shocking," one resident told ABC radio. The storm levelled 12 homes and damaged another 30, emergency officials said, with twisting winds carving out a 300 metre-wide path of destruction, injuring six people and leaving thousands without power.
"It's quite a miracle nobody was seriously injured or killed," said NSW Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan. Surfer Dick Terrill said two spouts of water came rushing up the beach as the storm hit, and one "just went through the middle of Lennox". "We could literally hear the roofs getting ripped off the buildings and smashing into... trees and that sort of thing. Pretty crazy," Terrill said. Witness Andy Brown said the storm sounded "like a jet was coming in to land on our house," with sheets of roof metal spinning through the air, while another resident of the town likened it to a "big steam train". "It took all the roofs off houses, boats off trailers, knocked down fences, sheds," explained Robert Hatcher. "Iron and that was just flying as high as you could see in the sky." The weather bureau said the low pressure system which whipped up the twister had moved offshore and was heading towards Sydney, 10 hours south, lashing the east coast with flooding rains.

Death toll from China floods and landslides rises to 38
The death toll from flooding and landslides in southern China climbed to 38 on Thursday, state media reported, as torrential rains moved further west in the country.Rain storm-triggered landslides struck five counties in Guangxi region on Wednesday, leaving 38 dead and another 14 people missing, the official Xinhua news agency reported. Heavy rainstorms started pounding the region on Monday, triggering the deadly landslides and forcing the evacuation of nearly 80,000 people, it quoted the local government as saying. According to a previous notice on the Ministry of Civil Affairs website, more than 2.1 million people in Guangxi were affected by the disaster and more than 4,200 homes had been damaged. But China's national meteorological centre said Thursday that heavy rainfall over the region was gradually coming to an end and was moving further west. Summer rain storms annually deluge the region, often with devastating results leading to hundreds of fatalities.

EU sues six nations to court for failure to adopt green laws
The European Commission announced Thursday it is taking six member states to court for failing to transpose EU environmental rules into national law. "EU environmental law is there to protect EU citizens and the environment. I urge those member states that have not done so to put the laws in question on to their national statute books as soon as possible," said the EU's Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik.

                 4 June 2010 | Friday                 

President attends state dinner hosted by Australian Governor-General

President Mohamed Nasheed has on Thursday evening attended a state dinner hosted for him by Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce. Among the invitees to the dinner were The Honourable Tony Burke MP, Honourable Bronwyn Bishop MP and other senior officials as well as some diplomats. Speaking at the dinner, the President highlighted the close relations between the Maldives and Australia and thanked the government and the people of Australia for all the assistance to the Maldives. The Governor-General said “Australia gives its greatest support and encouragement” to President Nasheed’s nation-building endeavours and commended him for his “profound and enduring commitment to “the protection of human rights and environment”. Earlier today, the President visited the National Arboretum in Canberra and planted a tree there.

President meets with Deputy Premier of New South Wales

President Mohamed Nasheed has today met with Deputy Premier of New South Wales, Australia Carmel Tebbutt. At the meeting held this morning, President Nasheed and Deputy Premier Tebbutt discussed the potential areas of cooperation between the Maldives and New South Wales. President Nasheed informed the Deputy Premier on the challenges faced by the Maldives due to climate change and obstacles to the development of the Maldives as a result. Speaking in this regard, both the President and Deputy Premier highlighted the importance of a legislative framework to address climate change. Deputy Premier Tebbutt conveyed the greetings of Premier Kristina Keneally to the President. After the meeting, Deputy Premier Tebbutt hosted a luncheon for President Nasheed. The President arrived in Sydney this morning.

President meets with Governor of New South Wales
President Mohamed Nasheed has today met with Governor of New South Wales, Australia Professor Marie Bashir. President Nasheed and the Governor discussed climate change and development challenges posed by climate change. President also briefed the Governor on the social issues in the Maldives and measures the government was taking to address those issues. Governor Bashir also agreed that climate change was an issue that needed urgent global action. She also said New South Wales would assist the Maldives in every way possible in addressing social and environmental issues.

National Alliance Senior Officials Sought Slavery to “Enemy of Good Governance”

The Maldivian Democratic Party has accused another of its coalition partner in office of mulling slavery to good governance after they flayed coalition with MDP. The comments by the MDP representing state minister Aslam Shakir came during a live national TV program Q&A. Aslam said the National Alliance (Qawmee Iththih’aadh) sought the enemy of the good governance are slaves of their senior officials, suggesting the enemies are oppositions. Aslam said MDP wanted to continue with the NA as agreed but the senior officials of the NA stepped back to coordinate with the MDP coalition. He said the party instead deliberated to narrow the pace with oppositions and made closer relation with the opposition. The Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, the Dental Hygienist turned politician said that MDP made coalition with NA on a tip by the current Education Minister who failed twice in the former government, now joined with MDP. He said Dr. Musth’afa Luth’ufy was the maestro in bringing the NA to political arena. MDP claims the cancellation of partnership with NA is because the second in command, the Vice-President Dr. Mohamed Waheed, the leader of the National Alliance perpetrated the government by criticizing repeatedly. They said they believed the NA was the perpetrator who disregarded the agreement.

Government Transparency Visible Says FM Despite Rhetoric in MDP Meeting

Foreign Minister Dr Ahmed Shaheed has said that the administration has decided to bring back home Maldivian Detainees in Muslim Arab nation of Syria. Speaking at the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) gathering at their headquarters, he announced the government will bring back the Maldivian detainees from Syria. Dr. Shaheed said that he will be visiting to Syria to discuss possible release of the prisoners held in a Syrian jail. He said he hopes the government of Syria will permit the release of the two detainees. Shaheed said the detainees were being held in Syria for a long time and one official from the Ministry said they were detained in drug related charges. Shaheed, speaking at the meeting has brought serious government considerable issues said United Arab Emirates (UAE) is seeking a Maldivian Embassy in the gulf although he said government was working with transparency. He was speaking at the MDP meeting.

India-Sri Lanka economic pact likely
The proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Sri Lanka, which has been pending since 2008, will be discussed during the three-day visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa beginning on June 8. At a news conference here, Minister of Mass Media and Communication Keheliya Rambukwella, however, said an agreement might be clinched only towards the end of the year. Mr. Rajapaksa's visit is the first since he was elected President for a second term in January. The political situation in the post-war island nation particularly the issues related to re-settlement of the displaced Tamil civilians and efforts of the government towards a consensus on a political solution to the ethnic conflict would be the focus of talks in New Delhi.

Polls reveal public fed up with politicians
AUSTRALIANS are pretty fed up with their political leaders at the moment.
Wherever you turn, opinion polls show they're on the nose. Both Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott continue to slide in personal popularity - their disapproval and dissatisfaction ratings far outweigh the public's approval or satisfaction. And, it'd be fair to say, who can blame voters? The recent track record of Australian politicians has done little to instil the electorate with any confidence. An audacious use of taxpayer funds to promote Labor's divisive mining tax has simply compounded the Rudd Government's run of broken promises on issues ranging from climate change to childcare to home insulation. The Prime Minister insists the $38.5 million campaign is a necessity against the deep pockets of the mining industry, which is fighting tooth and nail to block the resource super profits tax.

                 3 June 2010 | Thursday                 

Australia announces aid and assistance for the Maldives

The Australian government announced today a new package of aid and assistance for the Maldives, including money for schemes such as coastal protection and renewable energy and new scholarships for Maldivians wishing to study in Australian universities. The assistance package includes AUS 500,000 (US$ 425,000) to help the Maldives adapt to climate change and reduce carbon emissions, AUD 300,000 to support civil society groups and AUD 230,000 to support the Maldives national qualification framework.

President meets with Australian Governor-General

As part of his state visit to Australia, President Mohamed Nasheed has today met with the Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce. Discussions at the meeting were mainly focused on bilateral relations and other issues of mutual concern. Governor-General Bryce inquired about the status of women in the Maldives, stating that it was an area of great interest for her. President Nasheed said the government attached great importance to gender equality and noted that there were many challenges in this field. President also noted Australian assistance to the Maldives over the past many years and thanked the government and people for the support and cooperation.

President meets with the Deputy Leader of the Australian Opposition

President Mohamed Nasheed has this morning met with Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party of Australia Hon. Julie Bishop. At the meeting held at the Parliament House, President Nasheed and Hon Julie Bishop discussed the close relations that exist between the Maldives and Australia. Discussing climate change with the Hon Bishop, President Nasheed highlighted the challenges faced by low-lying islands nations such as the Maldives due to climate change. He also noted the role of parliaments in making necessary legislations to address the issue of climate change. Julie Bishop said the Maldives has always maintained close and friendly relations with Australia and expressed confidence that the President’s visit would further enhance the relations.

President meets with Australian government officials

As part of his state visit to Australia at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, President Mohamed Nasheed has today met with Australian Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water Penny Wong; Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith; and, Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor. During three separate meetings held this morning, the President and the ministers discussed the bilateral relations between the Maldives and Australia, and other issues of mutual concern including climate change. The President also sought Australian assistance in strengthening police service and prison system in the Maldives. Ministers assured the President of the continued support and assistance of Australia to the Maldives.

Applications for the membership of the Civil Service Commission and the Human Rights Commission open today
The President’s Office has today opened applications for the membership of the Civil Service Commission, in accordance with Article 180(b) and Article 297(a) of the Constitution, and the Maldivian Civil Service Act (Act number 5/2007). In accordance with Article 190(b) and Article 297(a) of the Constitution, and the Human Rights Commission Act (Act number 6/2006), the President’s Office also today opened applications for the membership of Human Rights Commission. The President’s Office today published both announcements calling for the applications of both commissions in the government gazette. Application forms and declaration are available at the President’s Office reception. Application forms and declaration can also be downloaded from the President’s Office website. The website address is www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv. The opportunity to submit membership applications for both commissions will be open until Wednesday, 16 June 2010.

Rudd hints at revived emissions scheme
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has hinted at a whole new approach to climate change - a greener ETS, passed sooner than planned. The federal government has officially delayed its ETS until at least 2013 after failing to convince the Liberals to pass it. But Mr Rudd changed tack during a media conference with a well-known advocate for action on climate change on Thursday.

To View Photos of President’s visit to Australia

Please click here

Australian aid not so reliant on expensive advisors
Australia's international development assistance agency, AusAID, says it has wound back its heavy reliance on technical assistance, particularly highly paid advisors, to the lowest levels in a decade. The head of the agency, Peter Baxter, has also welcomed a government inquiry into the use of advisors. Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has at the same time been distributing more of Australia's aid largesse .. offering new help to the Maldives, on the occasion of a visit to Canberra by the Indian Ocean island state's President.

Direct Action on Climate Change: Successful Tactic or Green Nostalgia?
At the weekend, Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed called for increased direct action campaigning to encourage governments to act on climate change. "What we really need is a huge social 60s-style catalystic, dynamic street action," said Nasheed inthe Guardian. If the people in the US wish to change, it can happen. In the 60s and 70s, they've done that. President Nasheed emerged from the last year's Copenhagen Climate Conference with considerable clout among climate change campaigners, and rightly so. In the process of drawing attention to the plight of his homeland, the Maldives, a chain of small islands threatened by rising sea levels and storm surges, Nasheed became a leading voice for the vulnerable and poor in the international negotiations. Nasheed has since received several awards for his commendable efforts.

                 2 June 2010 | Wednesday                 

President begins a state visit to Australia
President Mohamed Nasheed has this evening departed on a state visit to Australia at an invitation of Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. During the visit, President Nasheed will meet Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, and Governor-General Quentin Bryce. The President is also scheduled to hold talks with senior officials of Australian government including Foreign Minister Stephen Smith, and Minister of Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water Penny Wong. He will also meet with Maldivian students in Canberra. Australian government will pay for all expenses incurred once the President and his delegation reach Australia.

Two sessions of the Cabinet to be held every Tuesday

The President has decided that meetings of the Cabinet will be held over two sessions every Tuesday. Following the decision, the Cabinet held its first two-session meeting today. It was decided that the morning session of each week’s meeting will be reserved for discussions about the matters that require inter-ministerial cooperation, while papers and issues proposed for the approval and consultation of the Cabinet will be scheduled for the afternoon session.

India to discuss security ties with Seychelles
India will discuss greater security and economic cooperation with Seychelles during discussions with its President James Alex Michel who arrived here on Tuesday. India has been implementing a more intimate security grid with island nations such as the Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles as they have been feeling vulnerable in the absence of maritime domain awareness and adequate firepower.

Global Climate Change Alliance Regional Conference for Asia Held
Representatives of the EU, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar and Nepal participated in Asia’s regional conference of the Global Climate Change Alliance on 30-31 May 2010, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The regional conference took stock of challenges posed by climate change in Asia, focusing on vulnerable countries’ specific problems, strategies and response actions, existing financial mechanisms and prospects for reaching an effective global agreement on climate change.

Oberoi urges film world not to skip Bollywood Oscars
Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi on Tuesday urged the Indian film fraternity to attend the annual awards festival in Sri Lanka despite protests from pro-Tamil rebel lobbies. "Come to Colombo. I don't believe in boycotting the awards. Bollywood films are about building bridges, not putting up walls against people," Oberoi told reporters in Colombo during an event to promote the "Bollywood Oscars". His comments came amidst official reports that Bollywood's leading stars may skip the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards this week, to avoid upsetting Tamils in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. IIFA's brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan, his actor son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai -- Bollywood's leading couple -- have not yet confirmed their participation. Media reports suggested that megastar Shah Rukh Khan may also opt out, citing a busy work schedule. Two people were killed when a Khan concert in Colombo was bombed in 2004, and he vowed then never to visit Sri Lanka again. Sri Lanka's junior economic development minister, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene said most top stars have confirmed their attendance for the three-day showpiece event that starts on June 3. "Amitabh Bachchan and his family have not confirmed yet. But we are hopeful and the awards will go ahead as planned, despite the Tamil Nadu protests," Yapa said. Tamils in Tamil Nadu share close cultural and religious links with Sri Lanka's minority ethnic Tamils. Tamil Nadu was once a safe haven for Tamil rebels who staged attacks in Sri Lanka. Tamil Nadu politicians have also been highly critical of Sri Lanka's military campaign that saw the Tamil Tiger rebels crushed in May last year, ending a 37-year-old separatist conflict. The pro-Tiger lobby argues that staging the IIFA awards in Sri Lanka endorses President Mahinda Rajapakse's stand on the war. Oberoi said Bollywood presence in Colombo will help to boost Sri Lanka's post-war economy and attract funds to rebuild infrastructure and livelihoods in formerly war-torn areas in the island's north. "I don't know much about the Sri Lankan conflict. But I've read about it a bit. Its roots were planted before I was born. But we must help Tamil people now to rebuild their lives, to give them some hope for tomorrow," Oberoi said. Oberoi, who is scouting for locations to shoot a movie in Sri Lanka, is also reviving his charity, Project Hope, to rebuild schools, houses and community centres in the island's north.

Sri Lanka cruises to cricket win over Zimbabwe in shortened tri-nations match
Sri Lanka brought Zimbabwe back to earth with a dominant nine-wicket win in the third tri-nations cricket series one-day international on Tuesday. Sri Lanka's bowlers laid the foundation with a disciplined bowling performance in a match reduced to 26 overs per side due to a rain-delayed start at Queens Sports Club. They bowled out the Zimbabweans for 118 in the 25th over before easing to 119-1. Captain Tillakaratne Dilshan guided Sri Lanka home comfortably with an unbeaten 60, supported by opener Upul Tharanga with 40. Tharanga was run out by Prosper Utseya's throw in the 11th over. "Definitely we were under pressure after losing to India (by seven wickets on Sunday) but our bowlers did their job well," Dilshan said. The result left all three teams with one win each. The final is on June 9. Earlier, offspinner Suraj Randiv was the chief tormentor for Zimbabwe, claiming 3-23 from his five overs. He removed Charles Coventry (11), Andy Blignaut (11) and Graeme Cremer (2) in the span of eight balls. Randiv bowled with nagging accuracy and got the ball to turn sharply away from the out-of-sorts Zimbabwe batsmen. Opener Hamilton Masakadza was the topscorer for Zimbabwe with 62 from 69 balls, batting in the gloom as wickets fell cheaply at the other end. He exited in the 25th over after chipping to Nuwan Kulasekara in the deep from Dilhara Fernando's bowling. Pace bowler Fernando and spinners Ajantha Mendis and Jeevan Mendis grabbed two wickets each. Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura said his team lost too many wickets. "Its disappointing that we are still doing the same thing we've been doing; losing group wickets," he said. "But we still have a chance in the series. It's just a matter of winning the next two games."

IMF: 14.4 Metric Tons of Gold Sold in April
he International Monetary Fund sold about 14.4 metric tons of gold in April, according to the fund’s monthly report on gold holdings. The IMF has been gradually selling some of its holdings onto the market in recent months, coordinating the effort with regularly scheduled sales by European central banks in order to avoid market disruptions. The sales are part of the IMF’s plan to offload 403.3 metric tons of gold to create a more stable income model and boost support for low-income countries.

                 1 June 2010 | Tuesday                 

President condemns violent attacks in Male’
President Mohamed Nasheed condemned today the recent string of violent attacks in the capital. The President said he was “shocked and appalled” by the incidents and has asked Minister of Home Affairs Mohamed Shihab to afford the matter a high priority. Commenting on the issue, Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair thanked the Maldives Police Service for the ongoing measures they are taking to uphold law and order, after the recent spate of stabbings in Male’. Zuhair urged members of the Peoples’ Majlis to expedite the passage of pending criminal justice bills "so the police can effectively tackle the scourge of street violence in our country." The government has sent a number of bills relating to violence and crime to the People’s Majlis including: a Bill Against Gang Related Crimes; a Bill Against Anti-Social Behaviour; and an Evidence Bill; as well as a Bill on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

President meets with UNFPA Regional Director

President Mohamed Nasheed has today met with United Nations Population Fund’s Regional Director, Asia and Pacific Ms Nobuko Horibe. The meeting was held this afternoon at the President’s Office. Discussions at the meeting were focused on ways of improving reproductive health and family planning. Speaking at the meeting, Ms Horibe congratulated the Maldives on the “progress made in the health area”, noting that this was one of the most difficult Millennium Development Goals. The President assured government’s commitment to cooperate with UN agencies in implementing its programmes. The meeting was also attended by Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed, Special Envoy of the President Ibrahim Hussain Zaki and Advisor on Political Affairs Hassan Afeef.

President attends a Bangladeshi cultural evening

President Mohamed Nasheed has attended a Bangladeshi cultural evening held at Dharubaaruge Monday evening. Traditional Bangladeshi songs, dance and drama were performed at the event organised by the High Commission of Bangladesh in the Maldives. Such kinds of cultural events are expected to help enhance friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Bangladesh. Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed and other senior government officials as well as foreign diplomats in the Maldives attended the function.

President to make state visit to Australia

President Mohamed Nasheed will depart Tuesday evening on an historic State Visit to Australia. The President is making the visit at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. During the visit, the President will be given a ceremonial welcome in the Australian capital, Canberra, with a full military guard of honour. President Nasheed will meet with Prime Minister Rudd and Australia’s Governor General Quentin Bryce. He is scheduled to hold talks with other key Australian officials and will also meet with Maldivian students in Canberra.

Indian investigators in US to interrogate David Headley
A team of Indian investigators arrived in the US on Tuesday to interrogate for the first time David Coleman Headley, accused of helping Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists carry out the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The team comprises officers of the National Investigation Agency and a law officer. This will be for the first time that 49-year-old Pakistani-American Headley will be facing direct questions from Indian investigators since his arrest in October last year. Besides the Indian team, those expected to be present during the questioning would be Headley's lawyer and an officer of the FBI. The questioning of Headley, currently being held in the federal lock-up Metropolitan Correctional Centre here, is going to revolve around the places he had visited after the Mumbai terror attacks and the people he had remained in touch with during his stay in India. Sources in India said the four-member team has prepared questions about his stay in the country especially during March 2009, his last visit to India. The travel details of Headley, the globe-trotting prized asset of the LeT, are being sought mainly as investigators believe that this visit may have been to finalise the synchronised terror strikes on Jewish houses located in five cities, the sources said. They said the government has kept 'backup staff' in readiness if the team needed any assistance. The statement of Headley would be recorded by the Special Law Officer of India after which the NIA, which has registered a case against Headley and Pakistani-Canadian national Tahawwur Rana for waging war against the country and Unlawful Activities Prevention (Act), may file a chargesheet against him.

Huge civilian toll in Lanka war: Indian doc
One year after the end of the Sri Lankan civil war, one of the Indian doctors who treated Tamil refugees during the last months of the conflict says there were "massive casualties" among the civilian population. The Sri Lankan government has denied any targeted killing of civilians and contested figures by the United Nations that 7,000 civilians died in the final phase of the conflict. "We were not prepared (for what we saw) when we reached the camp… the extent of injuries… long lines of people," the doctor told HT over phone from India, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We were overwhelmed by what we saw. It was clear the people (the internally displaced) had been battered." This is probably the only eyewitness account from the battle zone.

Death toll from northwest China quake reaches nearly 2,700

The death toll from an earthquake that rocked a remote part of China in April has risen to nearly 2,700, with 270 people still listed as missing, state media reported Monday. The 6.9-magnitude quake struck on April 14, flattening thousands of homes in the ethnically Tibetan region of Yushu in Qinghai province, in the country's northwest. The death toll of 2,698 was up sharply from the just over 2,200 reported dead in late April.

Palestinians, Arabs demand probe of Israeli raid on Gaza aid flotilla
New boats headed to Gaza to challenge blockade as the UN Security Council calls for an impartial probe of a deadly Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound aid convoy. ubai: Hours after the UN Security Council called for an impartial investigation of Israel's deadly raid on Gaza aid ships, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday that Iran has information that Israel plans to launch a "massive attack" on the territory. "We have precise information it has planned a massive attack against Gaza to make up for its past defeats," Ahmadinejad said in a public speech in the western Iranian city of Ilam, which was broadcast live by state television. "I warn you that if this time you commit a crime against any place, against Gaza, the storm of regional nations' fury will uproot you," the Iranian president said.

                 31 May 2010 | Monday                 

Leaked Gitmo Document Confusion Raise Tension-MDP-MP

The Maldivian Parliamentary Group Leader Moosa Maniku (Ricoh) has said the stolen documents on classified Gitmo Detainees spreading confusion has grown to raise tension in relationship with United States and the Maldive. He said the opposition stance on the issue is concerned matter. Speaking at MDP press conference after agreeing to work together at the parliament with Labor Party, Moosa said the world seeking friendly ties with nations especially with world powers, the steps taken by opposition may harm the country and MDP is concerned the future relations with other nations. Moosa said such agreements do not disclose every detail but without considering the nature of the agreement and the classified clauses it is not wise to provide details or information to any party. He was referring to the agreement with labor party and discussing the controversial Gitmo issue with US ambassador. Moosa said this should be considered first from the political ethics.

Police chief, MNDF chief and Solicitor-General summoned to Gitmo resettlement inquiry
The parliament’s National Security Committee has summoned Commissioner of Police Ahmed Faseeh, Chief of Defence Force Moosa Ali Jaleel, and Solicitor General at Attorney General’s Office Abdulla Muizzu yesterday for questioning in the inquiry into the government’s Guantanamo Bay resettlement plans. Details of the closed-door session were not revealed to the media. Foreign Minister Dr Ahmed Shaheed, Additional Secretary Aishath Liusha Faiz, State Minister Ahmed Naseem and Controller of Immigration Ilyas Hussein attended a similar session on Thursday. According to parliament secretariat a sixth meeting of the committee is set for Monday.

Police begins investigating guantanamo bay detainee document leak case
Police has begun investigating a case lodged by MP for Thoddoo, Ali Waheed, on the leaking of government documents relating resettlement of detainees. Miadhu Daily also understands that Ali Waheed was also summoned for questioning yesterday. However, Ali Waheed refused to speak to media and said that as he is a member of the Parliament’s National Security Committee, which is investigating the issue. He also said that he will brief the media later through his lawyer. Azima Shakoor, Ali Waheed’s lawyer said he was summoned to gets ome information on the issue and said all information he had and said that she will not comment further on the issue as Ali Waheed is an MP. MDP has said that it will lodge a case to investigate how government documents fell into the hands of opposition MPs. Moosa Maniku, MP for Hulhuhenveiru also said that MP Ali Waheed should be made accountable for his behavior on the issue, including on the question of documents. The case is also lodged at the Police by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well.

Major corruption case pending at Prosecutor-General’s Office for 10 months
Anti-Corruption Commission has said that a case against Ibrahim Shafiu, former Customs chief for allegedly helping to import two speedboats without paying taxes is pending at Prosecutor-General’s Office for 10 months. Miadhu Daily also understands that Shafiu is being charged under article 12 of the anti corruption law and that the matter was sent to Prosecutor General’s Office on 24 August 2009. According to the ACC. Shafiu has prevented delivering justice to those who were responsible and therefore a legal case against him as well could be developed. Shafiu now lives in Canada,

Isreal Attacks aid ship

Activists sailing an aid convoy to Gaza said that 12 people have been killed and about 30 wounded after Israeli forces boarded a Turkish ship that was part of a flotilla Israel had vowed to stop. Israeli officials said overnight the navy told the activists by radio to turn back toward Cyprus or head for the Israeli port of Ashdod to unload the 10,000 tonnes of aid. The convoy set off in international waters off Cyprus on Sunday in defiance of an Israeli-led blockade of Gaza. The flotilla was organized by pro-Palestinian groups and a Turkish human rights organization. Turkey had urged Israel to allow it safe passage and said the 10,000 tonnes of aid was humanitarian

Arab League calls for urgent meeting

Arab League chief Amr Moussa called on Monday for an emergency meeting to discuss Israel's "terrorist act" against a Gaza-bound international aid ships. The Arab League's Secretary General has called for an urgent meeting at the level of representatives to look into this heinous crime committed by Israeli forces against unarmed civilians that left scores of dead and wounded

March to combat global hunger
Thousands of people around the world are preparing to join the United Nation World Food Programme (WFP) and its major corporate partners in a march to combat global hunger next Saturday. The WFP representative in Amman Faten Al-Hindi said that Jordan will be a key part of this process where the countries of the world will join in organizing a mass rally in Jordan for this purpose. Thousands of senior figures and their families will take to the streets on Saturday to a 24-hour by the time zone of each region to raise awareness and money to feed hungry school children in some of the poorest countries in the world . Hunger and malnutrition are the biggest threats to global health worldwide - every six seconds a child dies because of hunger and related causes, according to the WFP statistics. WFP and its partners in Jordan are passionate to take action on this important issue and believe that everyone can help by joining Walk the World in Jordan to take the first step towards ending hunger. WFP in collaboration with the Jordanian Alliance Against Hunger, TNT ,Jordanian Olympics, Motorola and Pepsi co. , Amal Dabbas WFP Ambassador for fighting hunger in Jordan will organize the march in the city of Jerash next Saturday, the returns will be allocated to support projects to combat hunger and promote food security in the Kingdom. Al-Hindi noted that the program used to organize such march several years ago on this day in Jordan under the same title, estimated number of participants in the march of about eight thousand people each year.

                 30 May 2010 | Sunday                 

Government outlines polices to protect vulnerable members of society

The government announced today a raft of social protection measures aimed at safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society. At a special function held this morning in Dharubaaruge’, the government outlined policies to support people on low incomes, the disabled, elderly people and single parents. Chairman of National Social Protection Agency Mr Ibrahim Waheed and Deputy Minister of Health and Family Mariya Ali provided a detailed account of the government’s main welfare benefits. This benefits include old age pensions, the Madhana health insurance scheme, benefits for single parents, benefits for foster parents, electricity subsidies, emergency healthcare assistance, benefits for the poor, housing benefits and hep for the visually impaired.

President makes senior government appointments

President Mohamed Nasheed has appointed Mr Ahmed Naseer as the Minister of State for Tourism, Arts and Culture. Mr Naseer previously served as the President of the Maldives Centre for Linguistic and Historical Research. President Nasheed also appointed Mr Adam Naseer as the Deputy State Minister, Controller of Immigration and Emigration. He was previously at the post of Deputy Minister of State for Upper North Province. In addition, the President also appointed Mr Ali Naseer as the Councillor of Upper North Province Office, and Mr Abdulla Jameel as the Councillor of South Province Office.

President calls for ‘60s style direct action’ over climate change

President Mohamed Nasheed has told an audience at a British literary festival that “grassroots, 1960s style, street action” is needed to force progress on tackling climate change, particularly in the United States. The President made the comments, via a live video link from Muleeage on Saturday evening, during an event at the Hay Festival, Britain’s premiere cultural festival. The event, entitled: Maldives – Dispatches from the Climate Change Frontline, was a conversation between the President and Ed Miliband, the former British Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, in front of a packed out festival audience.

Foreign Minister appears before the Parliamentary National Security Committee

27 May 2010, Male’; The Minister of Foreign Affairs and other senior officials appeared before the People’s Majlis National Security Committee today, regarding the ongoing inquiry by Parliament into the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the Maldives. The Minister briefed the Committee Members on the status of the negotiations between the Maldives and the United States Government, and the Ministry shared documents requested by the Committee with the Members. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Naseem and the Deputy Additional Secretary Aishath Liusha Zahir also appeared before the Committee regarding the same matter.

                 29 May 2010 | Saturday                 

Bangladesh Festival in Maldives
A festival of Bangladesh is being held in Maldives as part of the cultural exchange programme between the two countries from May 25 to June 7. Culture is the best possible way of learning about each other. Paintings as a form of art enables people to appreciate culture, variety, diversity, artistic creativity of a nation to foster greater understanding. The current exhibition of contemporary art of Bangladesh is on display at the National Art Gallery of Maldives organised by the Maldives government and the High Commission of Bangladesh in collaboration with Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts.

To the rhythm of life
Life along the rim of the Indian Ocean skipped a beat in December 2004. The tsunami wreaked devastation at a scale not known in living memory — tens of thousands died and millions of homes were flattened. But out of this rare calamity was born a thing of rare beauty — the Laya Project. It started out as a mission to record some traditional and contemporary music from habitations dotting the ocean’s rim. After six months of research and two years of recording in India, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, the project resulted in a brilliant 68-minute film.

Major earthquake hits South Pacific: USGS
A shallow 7.2 earthquake struck off Vanuatu Friday, seismologists said, sparking a tsunami warning which was later cancelled. The quake at 04:14 am (1714 GMT Thursday) hit at a depth of 36 kilometres (22 miles), 214 kilometres northwest of Luganville, or 2,070 kilometres northeast of Brisbane, Australia, according to the US Geological Survey. The United States issued a tsunami warning for areas of the South Pacific including the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Such warnings mean coastlines near the epicentre can be subject to tidal waves within minutes. But the alert was later cancelled. An 5.7-magnitude aftershock hit ten minutes later 35 kilometres under the seabed, 190 kilometres northwest of Luganville, Vanuatu's second-largest city. "Sea level readings do not show any tsunami signals," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said. "If a tsunami was generated it does not pose a threat to any areas outside the epicentral region. The tsunami warning is now cancelled for all areas covered by this centre." The centre had earlier called for authorities across the region to precautionary meansures, saying: "An earthquake of this size has the potential to generate a destructive tsunami that can strike coastlines in the region near the epicentre within minutes to hours."

Beijing looks to revitalise bicycle culture

Pedalling around Beijing is a daily struggle for retiree Dai Haiping, with more than four million cars clogging the streets of the Chinese capital, but she remains faithful to her two-wheeler.
Dai is a member of Friends of Nature, a non-governmental organisation which advocates clean public transport, especially over short distances. For Dai, pedal power is the perfect solution for Beijing, but drivers do not agree.

                 28 May 2010 | Friday                 

President urges Judicial Service Commission to reconsider criteria to determine qualifications of judges. President expresses satisfaction over VP’s performance.

In his fiftieth weekly radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed discussed the criteria to determine qualifications of judges drawn up by the Judicial Service Commission, MDP’s decision to dissolve its pre-election agreement with Gaumee Iththihaadh Party (GIP), government’s housing project and Guantanamo Bay issue.

New Italian Ambassador presents credentials to President

The new Italian Ambassador accredited to the Maldives Mr Rubens Anna Fedele has presented his credentials to President Mohamed Nasheed today at the President’s Office. The President and the Ambassador then discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to further strengthen these relations. The President thanked the government and the people of Italy for all the assistance and support during the democratic reform process of the Maldives. Ambassador Rubens Anna Fedele also discussed an invitation by Italy’s Centre for Sustainable Future to President Nasheed to participate in a climate conference to discuss a way forward to ensure that a climate deal is sealed in Mexico, and meet Italian authorities, including President Giorgio Napolitano. Later, Italian Ambassador held a press conference at the President’s Office to brief the media on his mission and the proposed climate conference. The Ambassador stressed a visit by the President will also further enhance the relationship between Italy and the Maldives.

President meets with the Manager of Blackburn Rovers

President Mohamed Nasheed this afternoon met with Manager of English Premier League club Blackburn Rovers, Mr Sam Allardyce. During the meeting, Mr Allardyce said Blackburn Rovers were intending to give two Maldivian football players the opportunity to train with the club. Speaking at the meeting, President Nasheed said football was the most popular sport in the Maldives. He also thanked Mr Allardyce and Blackburn Rovers for their initiative and said this would go a long way in further developing the sport in the Maldives. Mr Allardyce was also accompanied by Commercial Manager of Blackburn Rovers, Mr Ken Beamish. Special Envoy of the President Ibrahim Hussain Zaki and the President’s Political Affairs Advisor Hassan Afeef also attended the meeting.

National Honours Committee to open nominations for national awards

National Honours Committee will open nominations for this year’s national awards on 1 June 2010. At a press conference at the President’s Office this morning, Chairman of the Committee Mr Mahmood Razee and the members of the Committee provided the details of the awards. The government confers two categories of national awards each year – Awards of Honour and Awards of Recognition. Government authorities and statutory bodies can make nominations for national awards. Individuals, private companies, non-government organisations can also nominate others or themselves for national awards. The nominations forms are to be submitted to the President’s Office before 3 pm on 1 August. Nomination forms are available from the President’s Office during office hours, and can also be downloaded from the President’s Office website, www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv.

Scottish parliament under pressure over emissions manifesto pledge
Scottish government told to draft tougher targets after MPs vote down mandatory annual targets. Alex Salmond's government has been told to draft tougher climate change targets after the Scottish parliament decided that his ministers were failing to cut CO2 emissions quickly enough. Opposition MPs narrowly threw out the Scottish government's plans to make modest immediate cuts in CO2 emissions, in an embarrassing rebuttal of Salmond's repeated claims that Scotland has "world leading" climate change targets.

Blast hits passenger train in eastern India, at least 65 dead
Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee said 13 passenger cars on a train out of Calcutta were derailed by the explosion in a rural area early Friday. A bomb apparently planted by Maoist rebels derailed an overnight passenger train that was then hit by a cargo train in eastern India on Friday, killing at least 65 people and injuring an additional 200, officials said. The passenger train was traveling from Calcutta to the Mumbai suburb of Kurla when 13 cars derailed in a rural part of West Bengal state near the small town of Sardiha, about 150 kilometres west of Calcutta. A cargo train then slammed into three of the cars from the other direction, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee said

U.S. State Dept lifts travel warning on Sri Lanka
The State Department announced Wednesday it had canceled a travel warning for Sri Lanka, in a boost for the Indian Ocean island state that ended a long war last year and hopes to draw more tourists. The end of the travel warning comes just over a year after Sri Lanka declared victory over the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) following 27 years of civil war. The LTTE had not staged any attacks in the capital Colombo or elsewhere in Sri Lanka since then, the State Department said in a statement.

2010 hurricane season may be worst on record

The 2010 Atlantic hurricane season may be one of the worst on record, US officials warned Thursday, amid fears it could deepen an oil crisis in the Gulf of Mexico and bring new misery to Haiti. An "active to extremely active" hurricane season which starts on June 1 is expected for the Atlantic Basin this year, US officials said. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) said it was predicting 14 to 23 named storms, including eight to 14 hurricanes, three to seven of which were likely to be "major" storms, with winds of at least 111 mph.