New Delhi, Aug 29 (IBNS) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday said the Commission of National Inquiry (CNI), constituted to look into the events surrounding the transfer of power in the Maldives, will submit its report shortly.
“It will be recalled that on July 20, India had taken note of the decision of the Government of Maldives to constitute a Commission of National Inquiry (CNI) to look into the events surrounding the transfer of power in the Maldives in February 2012. The CNI had been reconstituted to include a retired judge from Singapore as Co-chair, and also a nominee of the former President of Maldives Mr. Mohamed Nasheed.," said an official MEA spokesperson
"It is understood that the CNI will release its report shortly. We believe it is essential for all stakeholders to demonstrate a sense of responsibility in respecting the outcome of the Commission's report, and to express views on the report of the CNI with calm and restraint," he said.
"Actions that might adversely impact on the atmosphere of peace and tranquility in the Maldives need to be avoided. India hopes that all political parties in the Maldives would take up the issues arising out of the CNI report through a peaceful political dialogue, to make a way forward for resolving the political situation in the country," said the spokesperson.
Maldives President Mohamed Waheed had visited India in early May.
"We have also held dialogue with the leaders of main political parties in that country. India remains committed to extending its fullest support and cooperation for the continued stability, peace, progress and prosperity of the Maldives,” said the spokesperson.
Earlier on Feb 9, an advisor to former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, who was ousted in an apparent military coup, said that India needed to clearly state which side it supported as political turmoil in the neighbouring island nation continued.
New Delhi had maintained a largely neutral stand, stating that the change of power in Maldives is an internal matter of the island nation in the Indian Ocean, refusing reported appeals of military intervention by the ousted administration.
According to media reports, some of Nasheed’s ministers had asked for military assistance from India when the coup was underway, but their request fell on deaf ears even though islands are home to about 30,000 Indians, and India has strategic and commercial interests in Maldives.
Sources in New Delhi claimed that there wasn’t any indication of a ‘serious proposal’ from the Malidivian government, however India has been working behind the scenes to ensure that the new government took complete responsibility of law and order during the situation.
A news release from the Indian government, however, said that following the transition of power in Maldives Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Feb 8 told the new President Mohammed Waheed Hassan that that New Delhi is committed to working with Male.
Mohamed Nasheed on Feb 7 resigned after public protests disrupted the island nation for weeks over the President's order to arrest a senior judge of the country.
He announced his resignation in a TV address to the nation.
The nation witnessed violent street protests over the order given by Nasheed to arrest the chief judge of the Criminal Court, Abdulla Mohamed.
Nasheed had ordered to arrest Mohammed after had directed to release a government critic. He had called the arrest as illegal.
