The Maldivian government called on the opposition to come together for discussions after the European Union (EU) warned of potential targeted measures against the island nation if the current political situation does not improve.
Fisheries Minister Mohamed Shainee, who will be leading the discussions on behalf of the government, told Mihaaru that the resolution passed by the European Union stressed the importance of holding peaceful discussions.
Shainee called on the opposition to attend the all-party talks without any prior set conditions. This comment came after the opposition conditioned the government to release detained political leaders and to end the state of emergency before the talks are held. He also noted that the government had extended the invitations for discussions to the parties thrice, but could not make progress as opposition parties persisted with conditions each time.
The ruling coalition, which comprises the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives, Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) and Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), had sent letters confirming their attendance for the discussions.
While the government states that President Abdulla Yameen had requested the EU's assistance for the discussions, rumors have been circulating that he had refused to allow the union to mediate the talks.
The statement issued by EU stated that “The Council calls upon Maldivian authorities to respect the rule of law, and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of expression and the right to fair trial.”
“The severity and breadth of the abuses committed by top government officials in Yameen’s administration, coupled with their interference in democratic institutions, reaffirm the need for the EU to take swift, concrete action," warned EU in their statement.
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