Maldives opposition seeks UN-mediated talks

In an open letter Friday, the allied parties asked President Abdulla Yameen to clear up the government’s stance on UN mediation, “a fundamental element of the talks”. 

“There are times when your government outright rejects UN-mediated talks but on other occasions, your ministers have spoken of welcoming UN involvement,” they said, referring to reports that Yameen had declined a mediation offer from Secretary-General António Guterres despite government assertions to the contrary.

“The [resumption of talks] getting prolonged, stalled and unclear could lead to a possible situation where economic sanctions will have to be imposed against the Maldives…Investments and especially tourism will be weakened as a result.”