Government hopes to begin direct talks with opposition by mid October

The government is open to discussing the release of opposition leaders and has agreed to an opposition demand for mediation by the United Nations, the fisheries minister said.

Talks are ‘an exercise in futility,’ MDP tells Commonwealth rep

Government-initiated all-party talks are an “exercise in futility” unless jailed political leaders are freed, the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party told a visiting Commonwealth representative today.

Government rejects calls for third-party mediation in talks

The President’s Office rejected today a call by MDP to seek third-party mediation in talks, saying it does not want “foreign parties to intervene in domestic affairs of the Maldives.” Talks have been stalled since mid-July.

Sheikh Imran transferred to house arrest

The President of Adhaalath Party Sheikh Imran Abdulla, indicted for terrorism and held in a high security prison, was transferred to house arrest today.

MDP undecided on continuation of talks

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) remains undecided on continuing talks with the government despite alleging President Abdulla Yameen had failed to honour a commitment to release former President Mohamed Nasheed.

MDP cries foul over government refusal to honour deal

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called on President Abdulla Yameen to honour commitments made to release former president Mohamed Nasheed and other jailed politicians.

Nasheed’s sentence was commuted to house arrest before state decision to appeal

Questioning the state’s decision to appeal a terrorism conviction against former President Mohamed Nasheed, lawyers revealed today that the opposition leader’s 13-year jail sentence was commuted to house arrest on July 19. The sudden reversal of stance on freeing Nasheed may affect ongoing talks, they said.

Freedom for ex president on the horizon, suggests MDP

Following a third meeting of talks with the government, the MDP has raised hope of freedom for convicted opposition leader and former president Mohamed Nasheed by July 26, the day Maldives marks 50 years of independence from the British.

Third meeting of talks rescheduled for Sunday

The president’s office has scheduled a third meeting in ongoing talks with the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for Sunday, July 12.

Government to begin talks with the Jumhooree Party

No obstacle for Nasheed’s involvement in talks, says MDP

HRCM welcomes talks to resolve political crisis

Talks should involve all parties, suggests British High Commissioner

MDP proposes imprisoned ex-president to represent party in talks

Opposition alliance opens meeting hall in Malé

Government alleges continued opposition “harassment”, while MDP slams “terrorism” charges

High level talks stall after senior party figures fail to appear

All Party talks to continue at Bandos May 31-June1

Roadmap talks stall as government parties contest legitimacy of MDP representatives

Sri Lankan diplomats make first Maldives visit since power transfer