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.
24 Feb 2016, 9:00 AM
The opposition denounced today 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.
Ministers Dr Mohamed Shainee and Azima Shakoor told the press at noon that they welcomed the opposition’s acceptance of talks. The pair said the government would not dictate the agenda and remains open to discussing the opposition’s demands.
However, senior officials of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party and the Adhaalath Party maintained that they would not agree to talks until their leaders are freed.
The parties accused ministers of attempting to deflect attention ahead of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group’s meeting in London, where action against the Maldives over human rights abuses is being discussed.
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