European Union's monthly news magazine EP Today has removed the statement made by an EU parliament member, in which he claimed that there were 41 names in the list of restrictive sanctions to be taken against the Maldives.
EP Today had initially cited the Rapporteur for the March 2018 Resolution on the Maldives, Tomas Zdechovsky, as declaring that a list has been formulated.
"We have that list. It has 41 names on it; I have seen it. We have targeted sanctions. Now it is time for strategy. The resolution is clear; the articles are clear," Tomas Zdechovsky was quoted as saying.
He had gone on to say that "the international community will not stand by and accept a false election result; they will act together against the predators - Europe is serious, its Members States are concerned and together they will work with the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and Japan to uphold democracy and the democratic process".
However, the news magazine has since omitted Zdechovsky's statements, including his remarks about the EU working with the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and Japan.
EP Today also removed the warning that the alleged list of 41 names would be globally shared. However the news magazine did not omit the statement that the EU would take necessary action should there be any fraud involved in the Presidential Election slated to be held September 23.
Following EP Today's original article, the Maldivian Ambassador to the EU, Ahmed Shiyan, on Wednesday rebutted Zdechovsky's statements, claiming they were false comments that were extended with the malicious purpose of influencing voters prior to the upcoming presidential race.
"Radical things happen every election. This is just one play of a vicious game. There will be even more. Nevertheless, I guarantee you, there is no such sanction list against the Maldives", Shiyan had said.
The EU Council had previously announced restrictive measures on Maldives, along with threats of targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for "undermining the rule or obstructing an inclusive political solution" and those who have committed "serious human rights violations". The council then proceeded to create a framework for restrictive sanctions against Maldives in July.
As per the first framework, steps will be taken against some of the political leaders and their associates. The EU is granted powers to impose travel bans on member countries and freeze assets abroad. Although they have not publicised any names so far, actions will be taken after gazetting a list of targeted individuals.
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