Washington, Welcoming efforts of "all sides" to find a peaceful way forward in Maldives, US has said it was working closely with India in resolving the political impasse in the island nation. "We welcome the efforts that all sides appear to be making to find a peaceful way forward," State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters at her daily news conference. "We also welcome the ongoing dialogue among Maldivians regarding the role of a unity government in addressing these issues and possibly creating the conditions for early elections. We're continuing to urge all parties to work together to find a way through this," she said. Nuland said US has been closely coordinating with India, which has "traditionally played a strong role". "Our understanding is that we are pretty well in lockstep with India in terms of calling for unity and calling for a democratic, peaceful path forward," she said. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Robert Blake and his Indian counterpart were working very closely together on these issues, she said. ...
Read Full Story

MALE, The Maldives government has agreed to conduct "early" elections to resolve the political impasse following the dramatic regime change in the country, Indian foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai said on Thursday. Mathai who was on a visit to the Maldives held talks with key political leaders, including ousted president Mohammed Nasheed and new president Mohammed Waheed Hassan. "In the interests of national reconciliation and to encourage harmony between citizens, the government will hold discussions with all relevant parties to conduct elections by an early date," Mathai said. He added president Hassan had agreed to work on holding polls "as early as considered feasible by all concerned. This is to be discussed by the parties." "The government will work towards the conditions that will permit such elections to take place including any necessary constitutional amendments," said Mathai, who was scheduled to return home Thursday but had extended his ...
Read Full Story

Colombo, Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed quit Tuesday, saying: "I resign because I am not a person who wishes to rule with the use of power". Nasheed said on state TV: "I resign because I am not a person who wishes to rule with the use of power. I believe that if the government were to remain in power it would require the use of force which would harm many citizens. "I resign because I believe that if the government continues to stay in power, it is very likely that we may face foreign influences," minivannews.com quoted the 44-year-old president as saying. "I have always wished the citizens of this country well, now and into the future. I have made this decision and I wish for your prosperity in this life and the life after." Nasheed, elected only four years ago, resigned Tuesday following overnight protests, authorities and media reports said. Vice President Mohammad Waheed was now the acting president. The dramatic development followed overnight protests, sparked by the arrest on Nasheed's order of a judge over allegations of ...
Read Full Story

Colombo, Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, elected only four years ago, resigned Tuesday following overnight protests, authorities and media reports said. The Maldives High Commission here said Vice President Mohammad Waheed was now the acting president. The dramatic development followed overnight protests, sparked by the arrest on Nasheed's order of a judge over allegations of corruption. The opposition Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP) told Sri Lanka's Sunday Leader online edition that a majority of police and army were backing the president's removal. DQP spokesperson Mohamad Malech Jamal said there were now celebrations in Male following Nasheed's exit. He said the Male airport and the state broadcaster were under the control of the police and army. Maldivian journalists told Indian TV channels over telephone from Male that there had been no coup and that the president had submitted his resignation. He was apparently brought to his office in a car from army barracks. Violence broke out Monday night as the army and police were deployed to break up protesters, opposition figures said. "About 800 police officers gathered at the Republic Square. Several of ...
Read Full Story