No formal request to represent Maldives at UN: Ministry

The Foreign Ministry has denied that they had obstructed former President Mohamed Nasheed in obtaining a pass to represent and attend this year's UN General Assembly.

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.

Regarding the government's refusal to provide a pass for the assembly, the Foreign Ministry issued a statement which said that Nasheed's office had not formally requested for the pass.

The Foreign Ministry also stated that they treat former President Nasheed with the same respect as they do other former Presidents.

The ministry said that under its guidelines, the arrangements that they have to make for international travel have been arranged to this day with the ministry and the relevant nations official administrations. They also said that they would do the same for all future Presidents.

Nasheed's office's statement went on to say that it is a custom for former heads of state and former parliament officials to represent their nations in official international meetings.

"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.