President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stated last night that he is the only leader in the Maldives to have publicly opposed Zionism.
In relation to the proposed Eagle Hills' project in Rasmale', several opposition parties have strongly criticized the incumbent government, describing the project as a means of facilitating opportunities for Zionists in the Maldives.
President Muizzu responded to these accusations by stating that no other president before him has ever spoken publicly about Israel's genocide against the people of Palestine or advocated openly against Zionism.
"From the very first day... it was during the transition period that I first announced Maldives' stance on this issue and posted a tweet. I continue to show it through my actions. Is there anyone else who dared to ban entry to Maldives on Israeli passports?"
"All we have seen until now are people who took the easy way out," he said.
The President revealed that the government's decision to ban entry on Israeli passports met with strong resistance from many actors in the tourism sector, as well as from within the ruling party, People's National Congress (PNC). However, the President decided to proceed with the ban for the sake of national interest, he said, asserting that it would cause no loss to the country.
"Wasn't I the only one from Maldives who dared to announce at the UN that Israel is committing genocide? No president has done that before," President Muizzu stated.
The President assured that he would continue to work in line with public sentiment to promote the rights of the Palestinian people. He asserted that he would not do anything to in any way allow Israelis to settle in the Maldives.
President Muizzu went on to state that citizens need not worry at all about the Rasmale' project, assuring that it only brings benefits to the country. He said that although the project offers residency to foreigners, the development would not sell pork or alcohol, nor would casinos be allowed to operate there. Instead, the sound of the Adhan will be heard there five times a day, and it will feature several mosques as well, the president explained.
"It is being developed on a residential land. I will absolutely not allow for any negative activities to be conducted there. So this will be clearly laid out in the agreement and in the law," he stated.
President Muizzu went on to say that in a large part, interest in purchasing properties at the Rasmale' development are being shown by muslims from Arab, Islamic countries. Based on this, he expressed confidence that Rasmale' will be populated by Maldivians and muslims from other countries.
"There are many muslims who want experience the pleasantness of a place such as this. So this place will be how I just described it. There is no cause for worry," the president assured.
President Muizzu reasserted that the maximum land ownership for each nationality would be capped at 25 percent. Additionally, it will be strictly prohibited to sell or rent any property to Israeli citizens, he added, asserting that an Israeli national cannot go to Rasmale' for even a single day.
