UK ambassador ‘worried’ about Maldives

Britain’s ambassador to the Maldives has said he is worried about the erosion of freedoms in the Indian Ocean archipelago.

James Dauris, in a carefully worded New Year message, said he had become fond of the country since taking up his appointment.

He highlighted the successful collaboration between the two nations on education, women’s issues and security.

“I’ve seen things that worry me happen too,” said Dauris in the message issued Thursday. “The freedoms to speak, to write, to meet, to justice, to choose are ones that should really matter, to all of us. We are hoping that we will see these freedoms start to flourish again in the coming year.”