Cmag

Scrutiny and support: Commonwealth lays out Maldives demands

The Commonwealth pledged today to continue scrutiny over and support for the Maldives, issuing a list of demands for President Abdulla Yameen, including freedom for jailed politicians and dialogue to stem a crisis exacerbated by a continuing crackdown on dissent and allegations of corruption.

Ministers ‘lied’ on all-party talks to prevent Commonwealth action, says opposition

The opposition has denounced claims by the government that it had waived a condition for the release of jailed leaders and agreed to sit down for all-party talks, branding the move an attempt to fool the Commonwealth ahead of a crucial review of rights abuses today.

Commonwealth diplomats, EU MEPs to visit Maldives next week

The government, which has received fierce criticism in the past year over the jailing of opposition leaders including former President Mohamed Nasheed, is hoping the high-level visits would clarify misunderstandings over human rights and democracy in the Maldives, Foreign Miniter Dunya Maumoon said.

UK will consider Maldives sanctions, says Cameron

“We want to see a change in behaviour from the Maldivian government to make sure that political prisoners are set free and yes we are prepared to consider targeted action against individuals if further progress isn’t made,” Cameron told the British parliament yesterday.

Maldives singled out for scrutiny at Commonwealth summit

The Prime Ministers of UK and Malta highlighted a need for action against the Maldives, but the three-day heads of government summit ended without a public announcement. The government’s promise for reform has stalled CMAG action, sources said.

Yameen weighs in on civil liberties, terrorism and foreign influence

President Abdulla Yameen has decried what he suggested was double standards by the international community in the handling of emergencies declared earlier this month in the Maldives and France. His rare 90-minute speech weighed in on terrorism, slammed foreign interference and touched on how the Maldives can attract foreign investment.

CMAG to work with member states on judicial independence, political freedoms

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) met in New York on Friday discussed the undermining of judicial independence and the systematic denial of political space including the detention of political leaders in member states.

PPM MPs slam Commonwealth ‘bullying’ as opposition MPs warn against isolation

President Abdulla Yameen had sought parliament’s counsel on the country’s membership of the Commonwealth following lobbying efforts for an assessment of Maldives’ alleged violations of the organisation’s principles with the imprisonment of opposition politicians, including former President Mohamed Nasheed.

Quitting Commonwealth will be “a huge mistake,” says vice president

“We should never allow the heat of politics to cause long lasting damage to national interests,” vice president Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed said ahead of a parliament debate on quitting the Commonwealth today.

Cabinet reassesses Maldives’ membership in Commonwealth as UK welcomes talks

The cabinet has decided to reassess the Maldives’ membership in the Commonwealth following repeated threats to leave the inter-governmental organization. British MPs are meanwhile continuing to urge their government to monitor the situation in the Maldives.

Efforts to put Maldives on CMAG agenda unsuccessful, says foreign ministry

The Maldives is not on the agenda of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) despite “efforts made by some of the most powerful countries in the Commonwealth to place the Maldives on the group’s agenda and harm the nation,” the foreign ministry has said.

Foreign minister slams alleged attempts to place Maldives on CMAG agenda

EU warns of “appropriate measures” should November 16 election be subverted

President says he is “unconcerned” as Maldives back on CMAG formal agenda

Maldivian-Canadian spat explained by Global News

President Waheed complains to Canada over Foreign Minister’s “inappropriate remarks”, “harshly worded questions”

Maldives crisis requires international assistance: former Foreign Minister Dr Shaheed

CMAG expresses “concern at developments” in the Maldives following first round of polling

Government paid Baroness Scotland £50,000 in excess of agreed consultancy fee

Maldives resumes CMAG participation ahead of presidential elections