Councils banned from meeting foreign diplomats
The Local Government Authority noted all powers relating to foreign policy were vested in the presidency by the constitution and ordered councillors to seek written permission before meeting foreign diplomats and officials from international organisations.
11 Dec 2017, 9:00 AM
Local councils have been banned from meeting foreign diplomats without written permission from authorities including the home affairs ministry, with the British ambassador calling it the “latest unfortunate step” in the Maldives.
The Local Government Authority, in a circular sent out Monday evening, said it had seen an increase in councillors meeting foreign diplomats and officials from international organizations.
The circular noted all powers relating to foreign policy were vested in the presidency by the constitution and ordered councillors to seek written permission for such meetings from the home ministry through the LGA.
On Monday the British Ambassador to the Maldives James Dauris visited Thinadhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu atoll, while his Indian counterpart Akhilesh Mishra toured the islands of Gaafu Alifu atoll.
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