Nasheed's request to represent Maldives at UN denied

Former President Mohamed Nasheed's office has said that their attempts to arrange for the former President to obtain a pass to attend the United Nations (UN) General Assembly this year have been obstructed by the Foreign Ministry.

Nasheed's office released a statement last night, which said that even if the Maldivian government didn't approve, there are no obstacles for him to enter and participate in the yearly UN General Assembly in an official capacity.

Arrangements regarding protocol and the pass have been made, Nasheed's office. He has also attended some of the assemblies in the past.

"However, as the former President of Maldives, Speaker of Parliament, Central Mahchangolhi MP, Male' MP, Galolhu District Secretary, he has always had the desire to represent the Maldives with the flag and emblem upon his diplomatic credentials," the statement said.

Nasheed's office said that Maldives will only see benefits if Maldives is represented in such assemblies.

The statement went on to say that it is a custom for former heads of state and former parliamentary officers to represent their nations in official international meetings.

The Foreign Ministry has made no comment regarding the statement published by Nasheed's office.