European Union holds discussions with Maldives on the reform process

The European Union held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Maldives today to discuss the current situation and relations between Maldives and the European Union. The following demarche was made.

The EU believes that there needs to be a proper investigation into recent events; including Mr. Salah’s death some weeks ago and that the use of force cannot solve political problems. At the same time, tragic though Mr. Salah’s death is, political leaders in Maldives need to raise their sights above these events and focus on how to revive the talks aimed at introducing democracy. The EU urgently calls upon the President of the Maldives to take concrete steps in this direction by creating an enabling environment for talks.

There is no alternative to the major parties in Maldives working together to introduce democracy. The absence of a formal process is likely to lead to further confrontation on the streets, that is in everyone’s interest to avoid.

The EU was encouraged by the progress achieved in the formal talks, before their breakdown, between the DRP and MDP. It therefore encourages the DRP and the MDP to find a way to resume their formal talks as soon as possible.

The EU supports also the efforts by the Commonwealth Secretariat to inject new momentum into the work on a new constitution.

EU’s head of mission in Colombo have been asked to make this demarche and to report back to the Council and their Capitals about the situation and the progress.

- Asian Tribune -