EU warns of ‘targetted measures’ against Maldivian officials

Colombo/Male: The EU has warned that it will consider targeted measures on Maldivian officials if the situation does not improve, prompting Maldives to reassure the 28-member bloc of its commitment to resolve the political crisis as it invited all political parties for dialogue.

The Council of the EU adopted a number of conclusions on the Maldives situation today, and called on the authorities to immediately lift the state of emergency, and restore all constitutionally guaranteed rights.

The EU said it will consider ‘targeted measures’ on Maldives officials, ‘if situation does not improve’

Maldives, in response, reassured the EU of its commitment to resolve the current situation and has invited all Political Parties for dialogue.

“Maldives appreciates the European Union for standing with the Maldives during this difficult period and calls to help facilitate the ongoing efforts to resolve the current Constitutional Crisis, and to return to normalcy,” the Maldives government said in a statement.

“Maldives will continue to work with the European Union and its member countries and appreciates the continued support and cooperation that the European Union is continuing to extend in strengthening the electoral, governance and democratic structures and framework.

The EU had also expressed concern over the security of “foreign residents and visitors, including tourists” to which the Maldives reiterated its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of foreign nationals residing in the country, as well as tourists visiting the Maldives on vacation.

There has been international condemnation of the Maldivian governments moves, including the imposition of the emergency.

Male, which has seen several political crises since the ouster of its first democratically-elected president Mohamed Nasheed in 2012, plunged into chaos last Thursday when the Supreme Court ordered the release of nine imprisoned Opposition politicians, maintaining that their trials were “politically motivated and flawed”.

Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen has refused to obey the court orders and declared a state of emergency in the country.

PTI

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