BREAKING NEWS

The President strongly condemns the act of detonating an explosive device in Sultan Park

Saturday, September 29, 2007

The President tonight strongly condemned the act of detonating an explosive device in Sultan Park this afternoon.

In an interview given to the Media during his visit to the foreign nationals injured in the explosion, being treated at ADK Hospital, the President said that this has been a very sad day for the Maldives and that this is the first time that the Maldives had suffered such an attack. The President also said that the people responsible for this act will be found and that they will be punished under law.

The President’s interview reads as follows:

Quote:

“I want to say that this has been a very sad day for the Maldives. This is the first time that we have suffered such a terrorist attack in the Maldives and in Male, the capital of the country. The people responsible for this act must be found. The Government with the grace of Almighty Allah will find them and they will be punished under law. I also want to say that our feelings are with the victims of the incident today. We wish them a very speedy recovery. I must also point out that some people who for political reasons have been calling for the boycott of the Maldives on the tourism front. They have been calling on tour operators to boycott the Maldives. They also had to share some responsibility for what happened today because they have been jeopardising the stability and peace of the country and our economic benefits for political gain. I think that is a very selfish and irresponsible thing to do. They have to take part of the blame for what happened today.”

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

BREAKING NEWS

Police cordon off blacksmith shop; case suspected to be linked with Sultan Park bombing

MALE, September 29, 2007 (Velidhoo Community News Service) -- Police tonight have cordoned off an area containing a blacksmith shop on Bodu Rasgefaanu Magu (street) in the capital Male.

It was immediately not clear why the police are investigating the blacksmith’s, but sources said that it might be linked to the bomb explosion at the Sultan Park in Male today in which some foreign tourists were injured.

Velidhoo Community reporters said that they witnessed police take two men into custody from the blacksmith\'s; however, the identities of those arrested are not clear yet.

The blacksmith shop is located at a house called Saraz and police have prevented even reporters from entering the area.

Velidhoo Community reporters at the scene said that they saw a police forensic team enter the blacksmith\'s with briefcases.

Eyewitnesses said that they saw police confiscate some things from the blacksmith’s and took those away in a police jeep.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

BREAKING NEWS

Police cordon off blacksmith shop; case suspected to be linked with Sultan Park bombing

MALE, September 29, 2007 (Velidhoo Coomunity News Service) -- Police tonight have cordoned off an area containing a blacksmith shop on Bodu Rasgefaanu Magu (street) in the capital Male.

It was immediately not clear why the police are investigating the blacksmith’s, but sources said that it might be linked to the bomb explosion at the Sultan Park in Male today in which some foreign tourists were injured.

Velidhoo News reporters said that they witnessed police take two men into custody from the blacksmith\'s; however, the identities of those arrested are not clear yet.

The blacksmith shop is located at a house called Saraz and police have prevented even reporters from entering the area.

Velidhoo News reporters at the scene said that they saw a police forensic team enter the blacksmith\'s with briefcases.

Eyewitnesses said that they saw police confiscate some things from the blacksmith’s and took those away in a police jeep.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

British embassy in \"close contact\" with Maldivian authorities following Sultan Park bomb explosion

MALE, September 29, 2007 (Velidhoo Community News Service) -- The British embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka, which is also designated for Maldives, today said that the British government is \"in close contact with the Maldivian authorities and monitoring the situation carefully\" following the bomb explosion in Sultan Park in Male which injured some foreign tourists.

\"You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. There was a small bomb on the capital island of Male on 29 September which injured a number of people including some British nationals and other foreigners,\" the embassy said on its website.

Two British tourists were the most seriously injured in the attack, and are being treated at the private ADK Hospital in Male for burns.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

BREAKING NEWS

29 September 2007
Report: Soodh

185 international news agencies cover Maldives\\\' terrorist attack

MALE, September 29, 2007 (VELIDHOO COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE) -- Some 185 international news agencies have covered what is now seen as the first-ever terror attack in Maldives.

BBC, Al-Jazeera, CNN, Reuters, and the Associated Press were among those which covered the news, quoting Maldives Chief Government Spokesman Mohamed Hussain Shareef as saying that this was the first ever terrorist attack in Maldives.

However, the identities of the foreign tourists injured were not identified by the news agencies.

All the 12 injured in the bomb explosion were foreign tourists; they include eight Chinese, two Japanese, and two Britons.

Many Maldivians fear that the attack may have negative consequences for the tourism industry which contributes 32 percent of the country\\\'s $700 million dollar economy.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

Climate change may sink Maldives this century

29 September 2007
Report: Soodh

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in an interview to Reuters has said that unless the world starts taking climate change seriously and cuts greenhouse emissions, Maldives could become uninhabitable this century. President Gayoom has been telling the world for 20 years that his cluster of 1,200 islands dotted across 500 miles off sea of southern India is imperiled by climate change.

"Time is running out for us," President Gayoom told Reuters in an interview. "Global warming and sea-level rise pose a clear and present danger for the Maldives and its people." United Nations climate panel has been forecasting world sea levels likely to rise by up to 59 cm (2 ft) by 2100 due to global warming.

"Three-quarters of our 1,200 islands lie no higher than four feet above mean sea-level. The projected rise in sea-levels by the end of this century could mean that our islands may become uninhabitable at that time." says the President.

He says the international community can help prevent his nation sinking into a watery grave if it shakes off inaction and self-interest and builds the political will to tackle climate change.

The 1997-1998 El Nino led to the bleaching of our surface corals in Maldives. The unprecedented tidal surges that were experienced simultaneously on nearly 80 islands earlier this year were a stark reminder that weather patterns were becoming both unpredictable and unsavory.

"All these effects compound our concern as our narrow-based economy is dependent on fisheries and tourism. Both sectors face a real danger of collapse if current trends continue during the coming decades." says President Gayoom. Tourism is the lynchpin of the Maldives' economy.

The island chain is renowned for its luxury resorts, accommodation in pavilions on stilts over turquoise lagoons can run to well over $1,000 a night. The playground for Hollywood stars such as Tom Cruise and Billionaire Sir Phillip Green, is also famed for its white sand beaches and world-class snorkeling and scuba diving.

Only 195 of the Maldives' islands are inhabited, but 93 of those are suffering from erosion. And the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami exposed just how vulnerable all the islands are. While geography helped save the Maldives from the death and destruction that devastated countries such as neighboring Sri Lanka, authorities had to evacuate 13 islands completely.

"If climate change continues unchecked, local mitigation measures will not be sufficient to safeguard my people," Gayoom said. "Our very survival depends on the discussions being held on the global stage."

President Gayoom added "The science of climate change has advanced in leaps and bounds. Yet, we have so far failed to agree on effective cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, the problem, in my view, is a lack of commitment."

President notes that it is unfair to expect the world's industrialized nations, such as the United States, to shoulder the burden of climate change alone, “developing countries Brazil, India and China are also big greenhouse gas emitters.”

December's climate change meeting in Bali will be crunch time.

"At Bali, the world must agree on more substantial emissions reductions," he added. "It must also serve as an opportunity to bring aboard those currently outside the Kyoto process."

President Gayoom is organizing a climate change summit in the Maldives on November 13-14, and has a simple message.

"I call on all my fellow world leaders to take heed of scientific warnings, and show greater commitment in our search for a concrete solution to climate change, the 300,000 people of the Maldives are putting their faith in your judgment. Their survival is in your hands.”

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

Dr Saeed and Uz. Jameel not suspended-DRP

29 September 2007
Report: Soodh


Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party, DRP, has issued a Press Release responding to comments made to Haveeru daily, by the party’s Vice President Dr. Hassan Saeed and party’s council member Uz.Mohamed Jameel, regarding their recent suspension from party activities.

Former Attorney General Dr.Saeed and Former Justice Minister Jameel have said in an interview to Haveeru that their suspension was illegal. Press Release states that what Dr.Saeed and Uz.Jameel said was not based on facts and that the Council has not made any ruling to suspend them and that the Party did not send any notice to either of them to that effect.

Chief Spokesperson of DRP, last Thursday in an interview given to Haveeru daily said that decision to suspend Dr.Saeed and Uz.Jameel was taken by the Council since the Council were in the process of debating on actions that may taken against members who violate Party policies and as their presence in the Council would hinder such a debate.

Dr.Saeed and Uz.Jameel also made a statement to Haveeru saying they were not informed by the Party of any such action.

Press Release states that last meeting of the Council discussed the issue of the news conference of Dr.Saeed and Uz Jameel gave where they stated that Reform Agenda had failed and their act of resignation, from Cabinet at a time when the Party was promoting presidential system of governance, had a negative impact on the Party during last public referendum on the system on governance. As such it was decided by the council to forward their issue as well other issues concerning other party members to Committee concerning members as stated in the Party Regulations. After due deliberations by the Committee the matter will be processed according the rules and regulations and until such time the matter is finalized it was decided not invite Dr.Saeed and Uz Jameel to further sessions of the Council. The Release also states that this was norm of the Party .

Press Release also states that the comments made against the Party Leader by both Dr.Saeed and Uz.Jameel is not true as Council’s decision was unanimous.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

President Gayoom calls for increased participation of women in Tourism

28 September 2007
Report: Soodh

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom yesterday called on the tourism sector to help increase the number of women involved in the industry. President Gayoom made this statement in his message on the occasion of World Tourism Day which was marked yesterday.

In his message, President stressed the importance of creating and increasing employment opportunities for Maldivians in the tourism sector and stated that the small percentage of women working in the industry currently highlights the need for increasing the participation of women in tourism.

Speaking on the theme “Tourism opens doors for women”, President Gayoom highlighted the relevance of this theme to the Maldives and called on the tourism industry to eliminate existing barriers that prevent women from joining the industry. He also noted that the elimination of such barriers was one of the objectives of the Third Tourism Master Plan.

Pointing out that Maldives would be celebrating 35 years of tourism on the 3rd of October this year, President stated that Maldives is currently one of the most popular tourist destinations, proved by the international awards and successes achieved by Maldivian resorts. President Gayoom stated that this was an opportune moment to strengthen our resolve to sustain the current popularity of Maldives as a desired tourist destination.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

Jazeera office burgralised

28 September 2007
Report: Soodh

Office of the Jazeera newspaper was burglarized late yesterday night. The burglars stole goods worth Mrf.90, 000.00.

Fayaz Faisal, editor of Jazeera newspaper told Velidhoo Community that 2 computer systems and 2 cameras were stolen. In addition items like camera lenses, pen drives and recorders were also stolen. The burglars broke in to the office through a window by breaking the lock between 3.30 and 7.30 in the morning. So far there are no suspects.

Media Officer of Maldives Police Services reports that the burglary is under investigations and so far they not arrested any one in connection to the burglary.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

Dr. H. Saeed’s resignation and suspension may affect presidential elections- DRP

28 September 2007
Report: Soodh

Ibrahim Rasheed Vice President / Seenu Hithadhoo Branch of Dhivehi Rayithunge Party, DRP, have stated that in the forthcoming Presidential Elections, DRP will face some losses and difficulties because of former Attorney General Dr.Hassan Saeed’s resignation and suspension. Vice President Ibrahim Rasheed made the statement while speaking to Velidhoo Community news.

Vice President of Hithadhoo Branch of DRP said Dr.Hassan Saeed is from Addu Atoll and his resignation from Cabinet post and his suspension from party activities will have an effect. If Dr. Hassan Saeed joins another party then it likely that his followers, his family members, and well wishers might join him.

Vice President Rasheed further said “I joined DRP not because Dr. Hassan Saeed was a party member but because I felt that reform work can only carried out by joining DRP”.

When asked the question by VELIDHOO Community whether the party will faces any losses in the forthcoming Presidential election, without Dr. Hassan Saeed’s support, Vice President Rasheed answered “ as Saeed is from Addu Atoll, some losses is to be expected”. However he said those members who are working with the spirit of DRP will remain loyal and steadfast.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

11 Member Committee to submit Report on Sunday

28 September 2007
Report: Soodh

The Eleven Member Committee formed by People’s Special Majlis to oversee and coordinate the public referendum on the system of governance held on the 18 of last August will submit their report to the President of the Special Majlis Qasim Ibrahim next Sunday. This was revealed by Lubna Mohamed Zahir, Member of the 11 Member Committee and Member of the Special Majlis for Shaviani Atoll.

In an interview granted to Velidhoo Community, Lubna said that the Report has been compiled within the 10day period granted by President of the Special Majlis and that the Report was compiled with the consensus of majority of the members.

However Committee Member and Member of the Special Majlis for Thaa Atoll Riyaz Rasheed stated that the 11Member Committee did not discharge their responsibilities and that Committee cannot compile the Report. He further said most of work mentioned in the Report was not carried out by the Committee and that He has not signed the Report.

President of Special Majlis Qasim Ibrahim stated on the 18th of this month that, Chair of the 11Member Committee and Member of the Special Majlis for Vaavu Atoll, Moosa Nizar, signed the Report by Commissioner of Election without the consensus of the Committee and thus violated the Rules and Regulations governing the Committee. President Qasim granted additional 10 days for the 11 Member Committee to submit the required Report as the Committee failed to produce the Report within the specified time period. The Report is a pre requisite to make a final ruling on the validity of the result of the Public Referendum held on the 18th of last August.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

It’s not a new constitution – Special Majlis Members

27 September 2007
Report: Soodh

Some members of the Citizen Special Majlis have stated that the Drafting Committee of the Special Majlis is revising or amending the present constitution and is not drafting a brand new constitution.

They said this in response to questions asked by Velidhoo News regarding the statement made by Acting Attorney General and Information Minister Mohamed Nasheed in his personal internet blog. Nasheed in his blog has stated that the constitution under revision is a new constitution. He further states that persons who be not be eligible to compete for the Presidency would be those who has completed two terms in office as President under the constitution that is being revised.

Member of the Special Majlis for Alif Dhaal Atoll says Drafting Committee is revising the constitution and according some political expert opinion any change or revision to the constitution would mean that the constitution is a new one. He also says that considering the past experiences there is no reason why what has happened in the past cannot be considered under the amended constitution. Member Ilyas further said in 1998 after the enactment of terrorism laws, He himself was charged by the state under the terrorism law for something that happened before the law came in to effect and even that time in order to prevent these types of thing happening, he had pointed out that even under divine laws people were not charged for things they had done before the law was revealed.

Member of the Special Majlis for Haa Alif Atoll Ahmed Sameer says that in 2004 President wrote to Special Majlis asking them to revise or amend the present constitution in force and that he had not asked Special Majlis to draft a new constitution. He further said that the statement of Naheed in his blog does not carry any weight and that the statement only reflects the government’s wishes.

Member of the Special Majlis for Thaa Atoll Riyaz Rasheed says that this present constitution is being revised and that under the amended constitution President Maumoon and President Nasir should have the right to compete for the presidency.

Nasheeed in his internet blog states that, even though the drafting committee has amended the chapter concerning the presidency to the effect that any body who has completed two terms in office as president would not be eligible to compete for presidency, he is of the opinion that Maumoon and Nasir who has had two five year terms in office as president, would be eligible compete for presidency under the amended or revised constitution. Nasheed writes that revised constitution will be a new constitution that is drafted to reflect the principles of democratic form of governance, creates separation of powers, facilitates multi party elections, envisages a fully elected and more representative parliament and creates an independent judiciary and that this constitution would come into force once the constitution is promogulated and as such he see no reason Nasir and Maumoon cannot compete for presidency.
Husnu Al Suood, famous lawyer, says that opinion expressed by Nasheed is not wrong. However he points out that there have instances in the past where the law has applied on past activities.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

Biggest challenge is ensuring safe and satisfying environment - President

27 September 2007
Report: Soodh

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom yesterday said that the biggest challenge faced by Maldives is ensuring a safe and satisfying environment while enjoying the modern development and good living standards. The President made this statement in his message on the occasion of World Maritime Day.

Outlining the theme for this year’s World Maritime Day, “IMO’s response to current environmental challenges”, the President highlighted that human activity has led to increasing depletion of natural resources.

In his message the President also noted that the Maldives is geographically located on a route used for transportation of liquid fuel, and called on the people to be vigilant about the potential devastating results of accidents faced by vessels transporting liquid fuel through our seas.

President also stressed the importance of our national responsibility to strengthen the safety and security of our seas.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

DRP suspends Dr. Hassan Saeed and Uz. Mohamed Jameel

27 September 2007
News: Soodh


Chief Spokesperson of Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party, Ibrahim Shafiu has revealed that party has suspended former Atorney General Dr.Hassan Saeed and former Justice Minister Mohamed Jameel from engaging in part activities. The decision was reached at a meeting of the Party Council held yesterday evening. Dr.Hassan Saeed and Uz. Mohamed Jameel who resigned from the cabinet on 5th of August was under fire from party members for violating party policy, criticizing the Party Leader and the Reform Agenda put forward by the President.

Chief Spokesperson Shafiu also said the resignation of Dr. Saeed from from the post of Atorney General momentarily weakened the party. Answering a question from Velidhoo News on the suspension Dr.Hassan Saeed and Uz.Mohamed Jameel Chief Spokesperson Shafiu said Dr.Saeed’s resignation, his criticism of the government caused dismay and doubt in the minds of campaigners from Seenu Atoll during the recent public referendum on the system of government. He also stated their resignation from the cabinet was timed to weaken the party during the referendum.

Uz. Mohamed Jameel, who is a Council Member of DRP did not offer any response to the suspension while Dr.Saeed was not available for comment.

After the resignation from their cabinet posts, Dr.Saeed and Uz.Jameel had criticized the government and President’s reform agenda.

In response to Dr. Saeed’s criticism of the reform agenda President Gayoom has stated that that reform had not failed and that the work pertaining to the reform agenda is speedily gaining ground.

Political analysts believe that the suspension of Uz. Jameel and Dr. Saeed may not be the best decision, however, if they are working to create an anti government feeling then this decision may be justified.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

EIA not required – Municipality Official

27 September 2007
Report: Soodh

A high ranking official of Male’ Municipality has stated that Building Code currently in practice does not require an Environment Impact Assessment report, EIA, for every building that is to be constructed in Male’.

Official from Male’ Municipality made the statement while answering a question from Velidhoo News, regarding the construction of 15 storey Holiday Inn at Henveiru Athireege. Velidhoo News has received information that neighbors of Athireege have filed complaints with government authorities as the sheet piling work is causing the nearby building to viberate. He noted that various people have made several complaints regarding the matter but the regulations governing the construction of such buildings does not specify to access the impact of such happenings. He further noted that this regulation was made in consultation with Ministry of Public Works and Ministry of Urban Development.

Ahmed Rasheed owner Athireeveli, neighbor of Athireege said that due sheet piling work, his house as well other house nearby experience vibrations. He further said that according to information he has received sheet piling work will continue for three more months and he expressed his concern on the condition his house would be on the completion of the Holiday Inn. He also said walls of his house have cracks and that he has filed complaints with the concerned government authority and so far he has not received any response.

Velidhoo News Team visited Athireeveli and found that this house which is not more than 2 years old already have cracks on the walls. The Team also visited Dharumavantha School. An official from the school said that when the construction work is in progress they are very afraid as whole building shakes and looks as if it might collapse on their heads. He also noted during that they are unable to use any computers as well. He further said that he has made complaints to Education Ministry regarding the issue.

Speaking to Velidhoo News, Ahmed Najeeb ,Manager of Male’ Hotel Association Private Limited who is contractor of Holiday Inn, said that even though an EIA report is not required before commencement of the work, he would continue the constructions as per instructions he receives from concerned authorities.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

HRCM gains membership of APF

26 September 2007
Report: Soodh

Human Rights Commission of Maldives, HRCM, has become a member of the Asia Pacific Forum of the National Human Rights Institutions, APF according to News Release issued by HRCM yesterday. HRCM gained membership at the 12th Annual Meeting of the APF being held in Sidney, Australia from 24th to 27th September 2007.

The Meeting is hosted by Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.
Asia Pacific Forum is the leading regional human rights organization in Asia Pacific. The APF advances human rights in Asia Pacific through its member organizations. They facilitate the formation of and growth of national human rights organizations by providing training, networking and resource sharing. HRCM has been participating in the activities of APF since 2004. APF has also assisted HRCM in conducting various training workshops in Maldives.

APF members represent a diverse range of countries across the Asia Pacific. According to the News Release HRCM is the 17th member of APF.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

MDP declines Invitation

26 September 2007
Report: Soodh

Maldivian Democratic Party, MDP, has declined the invitation of all party coordinator. MDP announced their decision at a news conference held yesterday.

Speaking at the news conference the President of MDP, Dr.Munnawar , stated the reason for the decline being due to all party coordinator, Mohamed Zahir,being a member of a certain party and that Dr. Munnawar does not see any involvement of the coordinator in amending the constitution. He further stated the all party coordinator Mohamed Zahir is a member of Dhivehi Rayithunge Party.

Co-ordinator for all-party consultations sent invitations to all parties to submit names of representatives for all-party talks in a bid to expedite the reform process on September 23. Parties have to submit the names of the representatives on or before September 27.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

Co-ordinator invites for all-party talks

25 September 2007
Report: Soodh


Co-ordinator for all-party consultations among delegations from each of the registered political parties in the country has sent invitations to all parties to submit names of representatives for all-party talks in a bid to expedite the reform process.

Invitations have been sent to all parties on September 23. Parties have to submit the names of the representatives on or before September 27.

Reports say that the invitations have been sent since the public referendum was concluded on August 18 and also the deadline to complete drafting of the Constitution is set for November 30.

It is hoped that consultations would increase ownership of the reform process by stakeholders from across the political spectrum and would build confidence and to generate consensus on the reform process.

This is another step towards working all parties together to achieve the ongoing reforms in the political atmosphere.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

Shahid calls for joint action to combat climate change

25 September 2007
Report: Soodh


Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Shahid has called upon the international community for joint actions in a timely manner to combat the threat of climate change. Speaking at the UN Secretary General’s High Level Event at New York, Minister Shahid said that with the publication of the fourth IPCC Assessment there is now no doubt that climate change is unequivocal, accelerating, and human induced.

Moreover, he said that it is becoming increasingly clear that climate change is not just an environmental issue nor is it a scientific thesis; it is first and foremost a human issue. It is already adversely impacting individuals around the planet, due to alterations in ecosystems, and increased incidence of natural disasters. These impacts have been observed to be intensifying in frequency and magnitude.

He said that although the impact of climate change is going to be felt first in vulnerable countries such as the Maldives and other low-lying states, it does not end with us. The immediate and far-reaching threats reach into every nation, every community, and every neighbourhood on the planet. Hence, all of us are equally in peril, but if this peril is understood, if our leadership is true, and if we can take joint action in a timely manner, there is hope that we may collectively avert it, said Mr. Shahid.

Further he said that our collective action must involve an integrated and comprehensive approach to the four pillars of climate change policy – mitigation, adaptation, technology transfer and funding.

Continuing his speech, Minister Shahid said that in 1987 President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom brought the testimony of ordinary people threatened by climate change before world leaders for the very first time.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

Zia Abbas sentenced for 10 years

25 September 2007
Report: Soodh

Zia Abbas was sentenced for 10 years on Sunday in absentia, for his alleged terror activities on 10th September 2003.

Court hearings were concluded in August, however, he was sentenced for ten years based on the evidences the court have and on his acceptance to the charges.

Five people in total, including Jenifer Latheef and Zia, were charged with terrorism in relation to the unrest in Male' 4 years ago. Maldivian Democratic Party has called on authorities to withdraw the charges filed against Zia.

After living in UK for three years, Zia returned to the country late last year. Zia has denied the charges saying that he signed since there was no option.

Jenifer Latheef was freed by a Presidential pardon less than ten months into her 10 year sentence.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

Maldives to have Honorary Consulate in Bangalore

25 September 2007
Report: Soodh

Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that discussions are presently underway to open an honorary consulate in Bangalore.

With direct flights opening up more South Indian cities to the islanders, the Maldives Government is now taking the first steps to ‘formalize’ its relations with the Garden City. The Maldives Government is planning to open an Honorary Consulate in Bangalore in view of the increasing presence of its nationals there.

Maldives already has a full-fledged Consulate in Thiruvananthapuram, the South Indian city where many Maldivians goes for medical needs.

Majority of the direct flights between India and Maldives are operated from Thiruvananthapuram, but this is fast changing with other South Indian cities also demanding their share of the pie.

Bangalore is fast becoming a favoured destination for Maldivians who depend on South Indian cities for medical and other emergencies.

The Honorary Consulate in Bangalore will be the second in South India after Chennai. Maldives also has Honorary Consulates in Kolkata and Mumbai.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

Eligible voters to be announced for Island Committee elections

25 September 2007
Report: Soodh

Two committees established to monitor and administer the elections for island committees have reported that the list of eligible voters for the election will be revealed 12 days prior to the elections.

Ministry of Atolls Development has announced that the elections for Island Committees would be held on 27 October 2007.

Speaking at a press briefing, Abdul Ghafoor Ahmed Deputy Director General of the Public Complaints Bureau said that the most important work is to finalize the lists and with the help of island offices, it will be finalized soon.

Earlier, Island Development Committee elections scheduled for the 1st of June have been postponed. It was also decided to hold the elections within 30 days following the referendum to decide the type of government for the new constitution.

Ministry of Atolls Development has reported that two committees were established to look after the required administrative logistics and arrangements for the upcoming Island Committee elections.

Deputy Director Mohamed Jawad Yoosuf said that the first committee will be chaired by Abdul Ghafoor Ahmed Deputy Director General of the Public Complaints Bureau. Three members will be in this committee and will be looking after the planning and coordination of the elections.

The second committee will be chaired by the Director Corporate Affairs of Dhamaas Maldives Company Mohamed Shihab. This committee is responsible for finalizing all measures related to the election.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

VoM attempts to sue DhiFM over Siyarath broadcasting

25 September 2007
Report: Soodh

Chief Executive Officer of DhiFM radio Ibrahim Khaleel has said that he has received unofficial reports that the state-owned Voice of Maldives was trying to sue DhiFM for broadcasting Siyarath - Biography of Prophet Muhammad.

The program is popular among Maldivians during the holy month of Ramazan. Mr. Khaleel said that he heard of the news that VoM has requested the Ministry of Information to take action against DhiFM for broadcasting the program without getting the permission.

However, Voice of Maldives denied any such attempts. Director General Badhurun Naseer said that they have not filed a case against DhiFM. He said that a letter has been sent to Ministry of Information informing that Siyarath was recorded by VoM and has long been using it and remains as a property of VoM. Therefore, the letter was sent to inform about it and to make sure that VoM gets Intellectual Property Rights over the program.

Mr. Khaleel said that there are no intellectual property laws in the country that could prevent the use of the program. He also said that it was broadcasted on the request of many of the customers.

He said that DhiFM has already received Quran translation and Siyarath from one of their partnership company and that it would be in place, even if the authorities stop them broadcasting the program in the future.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

Island committee elections will not be fair – Umar

24 September 2007
Report: Soodh


Islamic Democratic Party, IDP leader Umar Naseer has said that the scheduled elections on 27 October 2007 would not be a fair and free election. He said that it would simply be another election for its sake.

Speaking to Velidhoo Community, Umar said that the reason for him to say that it would not be fair is the fact that it is being organized by the Ministry of Atolls Development and not by an independent election commission.

He also noted that the current committee elections are based on a mandate which has no basis. Therefore, he suggested that it would be influenced by senior officials.

Male’ Member for the People’s Majlis Mohamed Nasheed (Colonel) told Velidhoo Community that he hopes to see that the election goes fairly without any problems.

Former Atolls Minister Mohamed Waheed (Dean) wanted to establish island and atoll councils instead of the island development committees. However, the Ministry is implementing the previous ways with election of island committees.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY
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އަމިއްލަ ނަފްސާއެކު މަޑުކޮށްލުން ކީއްތޯއެވެ؟

ު

ނަފްސާއެކު ކިތައްމެ ކުޑަހިނދުކޮޅަކުވެސް މަޑުކުރަންވީ ކީއްކުރަން ކީއްވެގެން ހެއްޔެވެ؟ މިސުވާލުގެ ޖަވާބު އަމިއްލަ ނަފްސާމެދު ވިސްނާލުމުން ސާފުވެގެންދާނެވެ. އެހެންނޫނަސް މިފަދަ މައްސަރެއްގައި ތެދުވެރިކަމާއެކު ތިމާގެނަފްސުގެ ޙާލަތު ދެނެގަތުމަށްޓަކައި މަޑުކޮށްލުމަކީ ބަދަލުތައްގެނައުމަށް ގެނައުމުގެ ފުރަތަމަ ފިޔަވަޅެވެ

ކޮންމެ މީހަކުވެސް އެމީހެއްގެ ނަފްސާމެދު ހެޔޮބުއްދީގެ ނަޒަރަކުންބަލައި ވިސްނުމުން ނޫނީ އެނަފްސުގެ ކިބައިން ވެފައިހުރި ހެޔޮ އަދި ނުބައިކަންތައް ފާހަގަކުރެވި ނަފްސުމުރާޖަޢާނުކުރެވޭނެކަން ކަށަވަރެވެ. ނުވަތަ މުޙާސަބާ ނުކުރެވޭނެތެވެ

މުޙާސަބާކުރުމަކީ، ތިމާކޮށްފައިވާ ގޯސްކަންތައްތަކަކީ ކޮބައިތޯއާއި ރަނގަޅުކަންތަައްތަކަކީ ކޮބައިތޯ ބަލައި ނަފްސުގެ ޙާލަތު ދެނެގަތުމަށްފަހު ރަނގަޅުކަންކަމުގައި ތިމާގެ ނަފްސުސާބިތުކުރުމެވެ. މިއީ ތަވްބާގެ ފުރަތަމަ ފިޔަވަޅެވެ. މުޖްތަމަޢާއި ޤައުމުގެ ޙާލަތުބަދަލުކުރުމުގެ ފެށުމެވެ. އެހެނީ، މުޖްތަމަޢާ، ޤައުމުގެ އިޞްލާޙުވެ ހެޔޮބަދަލުތަކުން އައުންވަނީ އެމުޖްތަމަޢުއެއްގެ ނުވަތަ ޤައުމެއްގެ އަފްރާދުންގެ ނަފްސަށް ހެޔޮބަދަލުތަކެއް ގެނެސްގެންނެވެ. އަދި ﷲ ގެ ޙަޟުރަތުން ހެޔޮބަދަލަކަށް ހިންމަވައި ދެއްވައިނީވެސް ހަމަޤައުމުގެ މީހުން އެބައިމީހުންގެ އަމިއްލަފްސުގައިހުރި ނޭއްގާނީކަމާއި ފަސާދައިގެ ކުލަވަރުތައް ރަނގަޅުކޮށް އިޞްލާޙުކުރުމުންނެވެ

ނިކަން މިއަންނަ އިލާހީބަސްފުޅާމެދު ވިސްނާ ފިކުރުކުރަމާހިނގާށެވެ

ﷲވަޙީކުރައްވާފައިވެއެވެ. إِنَّ اللهَ لاَ يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّى يُغَيِّرُوْا مَا بِأَنْفُسِهِمْ މާނައީ: “ﷲ ޤައުމެއްގައިވާ ކަންތައްތައް އެޤައުމުގެ މީސްތަކުންގެ ނަފްސުތަކުގައިވާ ކަންތައްތައް ބަދަލުކޮށްފުމަށް ދާންދެން ބަދަލުނުކުރަންވާނެކަން ކަށަވަރެވެ”

އިސްލާމީ އުންމަތުގެ އެންމެބޮޑު ދުސްމަނަކީ ޙަޤީޤަތުގައި އެއުންމަތުގެ އަފްރާދުންގެ ނުބައިނަފްސެވެ. ބޭރުގެ އެހެން ޢަދާވާތްތެރިއަކު އިސްލާމީ އުންމަތުގެ މައްޗަށްވެރިވެގަނެ އުންމަތުގެ ހުރިހާކަމެއް އެފަރާތުގެ އަތްދަށަށްގޮސް ހަސްފަސްވުމަކީ އޮތްކަމެއްނޫނެވެ. އިސްލާމީވަކިވަކި ޤައުމުތަކަށާއި އިސްލާމީ އުންމަތަށް ލިބިފައިވާހާ އަދި ލިބެމުންދާހާ ނިކަމެތިކަމަކާއި ދެރައެއްގެ ސަބަބަކީ މުސްލިމުންނެވެ. އެބައިމީހުންގެ އަތްތަކުން ކުރާގޯސް ކަންތައްތަކުގެ ހިތިނަޖީ މިއަދު އިސްލާމީ ޤައުމުތަކުން މިއޮތީފެންނާށެވެ. ޝޫރާސޫރަތުގެ 30 ވަނައާޔަތުގެ މާނައިގައިވެއެވެ.”ތިޔަބައިމީހުންނަށް ދިމާވި އުދަގުލަކާއި، މުސީބާތަކީ، ފަހެތިޔަބައިމީހުންގެ އަތްތަކުން ލިބިގަތްކަމެކެވެ.ﷲ އަޅުތަކުންގެ ގިނަފާފަތައް ޢަފޫކުރައްވައެވެ”

ދިވެހިރާއްޖެއަކީވެސް ހުސްލާމީ އުންމަތުގެ ބަޔެކެވެ. ވޭތިވިދިޔަޤަރުނުގެ ފަހުކޮޅުން ފެށިގެން ހިނގަމުންމިދާޤަރުނުގައި ކުރިއަރަމުން ފަސާދައިގެ އަސްލަކީ އަހަރުމެން ދިވެހިންނެވެ. ދިވެހި މުޖްތަމައުގެ މީސްތަކުން ޞާލިޙުމުޖްތަމަޢެއް އުފެއްދުމަށްބޭނުން ނުވުމެވެ. ޞާލިޙުމުޖްތަމައެއް ބިނާކުރުމަށްޓަކައި ﷲ އަށްބިރުވެތިވެ ރަސޫލާ ޞައްލަﷲޢަލައިވަސައްލަމަގެންނެވި ހިދާޔަތަށް ތަބާވާ ޒިންމާދާރުބަޔަކު މުޖްތަމަޢު ހިންގުމުމަށް ކަނޑައަޅަންޖެހެއެވެ. މިކަމަށް އަހަރުމެއްތައްޔާރުވާނީވެސް ތިމާމެންގެ ނަފްސުއިޞްލާޙުކޮށްގެނެވެ. މިނޫންގޮތެއް މިކަމުގައި އޮތްހެނެއް ހީއެއްނުވެއެވެ

މިރޯދަމަސްނިމިގެން ދާއިރު ހުރިހާ މުސްލިމު ދިވެހިންވެސް އެބައިމީހުންގެ އަމިއްލަނަފްސު ރަނގަޅަށް މުރާޖަޢާކޮށް ކުރެވޭ މުޙާސަބައާއަށްފަހު ނޭއްގާނީ ކަމަކަށް އެބުރި ދިޔުމެއްނުވާފަދަ “އައްތައުބަތުން ނަޞޫޙާ” އަކުން ތައުބާވަމާހިނގާށެވެ. ގޯސްކަމަކަށް އެހީތެރިވުމަކީވެސް ގޯހެއްކަން ދަނެ، ހެޔޮކަންތައްތަކަށް އެއްބާރުލަމާ ހިނގާށެވެ! އޭރުން ދުނިޔެއާއި އާޚިރަތް ބާއްޖަވެރިވެގެން ދާނެކަމީ ޝައްކަތްއޮތްކަމެއްނޫނެވެ

ނުބައިކަމުގެ އަޞްލު

އަސަނުލްބަޞަރީ ވިދާޅުވެފައިވެއެވެ. ނުބައިކަމުގެ އަޞްލަކީ ތިންކަމެކެވެ. އެއީ ބޮޑާކަމާއި، ޙަސަދަވެރިކަމާއި، ދަހިވެތިކަމާއެދުންވެރިކަމެވެ. އިބިލީސް ﷲގެ ބަހަށް ނުކިޔަމަންތެރިވެ، އާދަމުގެ ފާނަށް ސަޖިދަނުޖެހީ ބޮޑާކަމުގެ ސަބަބުންނެވެ. އަދި އާދަމުގެ ފާނު ސުވަރުގެއިން ބޭރުވީ ދަހިވެތިކަމުގެ ސަބަބުންނެވެ. ހަމައެހެންމެ އާދަމުގެ ފާނުގެ އެއްދަރިކަލަކު އަނެއްދަރިކަލަކު ކަތިލީ ހަސަދަވެރިކަމުގެ ސަބަބުންނެވެ

ރައީސް މައުމޫނާއި އޭނާގެ ސަރުކާރު ވެރިކަމުން ދުރުކުރުމީ އަޅުގަނޑުމެންގެ މައްޗަށް އޮތް ދީނީ ވާޖިބެއް: އިބްރާ

އަބްދުﷲ ފާއިގް ު

ރައީސް މައުމޫނާއި އެނާގެ ސަރުކާރު ވެރިކަމުން ދުރުކުރުމީ އަޅުގަނޑުމެންގެ މައްޗަށް އޮތް ދިނީ ވާޖިބެއް ކަމަށް ސޯޝަލް ލިބަރަލް ޕާޓީގެ ލީޑަރު އަދި ރައްޔިތުން މަޖިލީހުގެ މާލޭ މެންބަރު އިބްރާހިމް އިސްމާއިލް (އިބްރާ) ވިދާޅުވެއްޖެ އެވެ

އިބްރާ މިހެން ވިދާލުވި ސޯޝަލް ލިބަރަލް ޕާޓީ އުފެއްދުމަށް ރޭ ދަރުބާރުގޭ ގައި ބޭއްވި ޖަލްސާގައި އެޕާޓީގެ މެންބަރުންނާ މުހާތަބުކޮށް ވާހަކަދައްކަވަމުންނެވެ

" ދީނުގެކަންތައް އަޅުގަނޑަށް އެނގޭމިންވަރުން އަޅުގަނޑު ދަންނަވާ ފާނަށް ރައީސް މައުމޫނާއި އެނާގެ ސަރުކާރު ފޭލިކޮށް މިޤައުމުގެ ވެރިކަމުން ދުރުކުރުން އެއީ މިހާރު އަޅުގަނޑުމެންގެ މައްޗަށް އޮތް ދިނީ ވާޖިބެއް ” އިބްރާ ވިދާޅުވިއެވެ

އިބްރާ ވިދާޅުވީ ދީނީ ވާޖިބެއް އަދާކުރުމުގެ ތެރޭގައި ދީނާ ހިލާފު އެއްވެސް އަމަލެއް އަޅުގަނޑުމެން ކޮށްގެން ނުވާނެކަމަށެވެ. އަދި މައުމޫނު ވެރިކަމުން ދުރުކުރެވެން އޮތީ އެންމެ ގޮތެއްކަމަށާއި އެއީ ވީހާވެސް އަވަހަކަށް އިންތިހާބެއް ބާއްވައި ވޯޓުލައިގެން އަބަދުގެ އަބަދަށް ރައީސް މައުމޫނު ވެރިކަމުން ދުރުކުރުންކަމަށެވެ. ” އެހެންނަމަވެސް ރާއްޖޭގައި އޮތް ބޮޑެތި ސިޔާސީ ޕާޓީތައްކަމަށް ދައުވާކުރާ އެއްވެސް ޕާޓީއަކުން ރައީސް މައުމޫނާއި ވާދަކުރުމަށް ނިކުންނާނަމޭ ބުނާނެ މީހަކުވެސް އަދި ނެތް. ވީއިރު ރައީސް މައުމޫނާއި ވާދަނުކޮށް, ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލީހުގައި ރައީސް މައުމޫނުގެ އިތުބާރު ނެތްކަމުގެ ވޯޓެއް ނުނަގާ ދެން މައުމޫނު ވެރިކަމުން ދުރުކުރާނީ ކިހިނެއްތޯ“ އިބްރާ ސުވާލުކުރެއްވިއެވެ

" ރައީސް މައުމޫނު ވެރިކަމުން ދުރުކުރުވަން އަޅުގަނޑުމެންނަށް ކުރެވޭނީ ކޮންކަމެއްތޯ އެކަން ތައްތައް އަޅުގަނޑުމެން ކުރަމުންތޯ, ދެއިރު ދެދަޅައަށް މަގު މައްޗަށް ނިކުމެ ރައީސް މައުމޫނު އިސްތިއުފާ ގޮވީއޭ ކިޔާފައި ސަރުކާރު ހިންގުމަށް ތިބޭ އިސްވެރިންނާއި ދިމާލަށް ހަޑިހުތު އެއްޗިހި ކިޔަކަސް އެބޭފުޅު އިސްތިއުފާއެއް ނުދެއްވާނެ, އެބޭފުޅު އެތިބީ ކޮންމެ ހާލެއްގައި އެތާގައި ތިއްބަވާން ކަމަށް " އިބްރާ ވިދާޅުވިއެވެ

މީގެ އިތުރުން އިބްރާ ވިދާޅުވީ ރައީސް މައުމޫނު ވެރިކަމުން ދުރުވާ ދުވަހެއް ވަންދެން އަޅުގަނޑުމެން ތިބެން ނުޖެހޭކަމަށާއި ކޮންމެ ސަރުކާރެއް އޮތްކަމުގައި ވީނަމަވެސް ރައްޔިތުންނަށް ހޯދަންޖެހޭ ކަންތައްތަކެއް ހޯދޭނެ ގޮތަކަށް ސިޔާސަތުތަކެއް ބައްޓަށް ކުރެވެން ޖެހޭނެކަމަށެވެ. އަދި 30 އަހަރަށް ވުރެއް ދިގު މުންދަތެއްގައި ވެރިކަން ކުރައްވާފައިވާ ވެރިޔަކަށް ދެން އަލުން އާކަމަކަށް ކުރެވޭނީ ކޮންކަމެއްތޯ ސުވާލުކުރެއްވި އެވެ. އަދި މިފަދަ ވެރިކަމަކުން އަޅުގަނޑުމެންނަށް ދުރަށް ދެވޭނީ ބުއްދިއާއި ސިކުޑިއާއި ކެތްތެރިކަން ބޭނުންކޮށްގެންކަމަށް ވިދާޅުވިއެވެ

" މިއަދު ފެށިގެން އަޅުގަނޑުމެން ޤަބޫލު ކުރަމާ ހިނގާ ކިބިގަސްދޮށުގެ މައުމޫނު އަބްދުލް ޤައްޔޫމްއަކީ މިހާރު ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ސިޔާސީ މަސްރަހުގައި އެއްވެސް ބުރަދަނެއް ހުރިމީހެއް ނޫންކަމަށް, އަޅުގަނޑުމެންގެ ކުރިމަތީގައި އޮތީ އަޅުގަނޑުމެންގެ ޤައުމު މިހާރު މިއޮތް ނުރައްކާތެރި ހާލަތުން ރަގަލު އަމާން ދިމާލަކަށް ގެންދިއުން" އިބްރާ ވިދާޅުވިއެވެ. އިބްރާ އިތުރަށް ވިދާޅުވީ ޒުވާނުގެ ތިންބައިކޮޅުގެ އެބައި ތިބީ މަސްތުވާ ތަކެތީގެ ވަބާއިގާ ޖެހިފައިކަމަށާއި ޤައުމުގެ އިޤުތިސޯދު އަހަރަކަށް ވުރެއް އަހަރެއް ދަށަށްދާކަމަށެވެ. އަދި ރައްޔިތުންނަށް އާންމުންދަނީ ލިބޭނެ ގޮތެއް ނެތްކަމަށެވެ

ރޭގެ ޖަލްސާގައި ވާހަކަ ދައްކަވަމުން އިބުރާ ވިދާޅުވީ ލިބަރަލް ޕާޓީގެ އަސާސީ ތަނބަކީ ދިވެހިރައްޔިތުންގެ މެދުގައި އަމަންއަމާންކަމާއި, އަދުލު އިންސާފު ގާއިމް ކުރުންކަމުގައެވެ. މިދެކަންތައް ރައްޔިތުންނަށް ލިބިއްޖެނަމަ ގައުމުގެ ތަރައްގީގެ ހުރިހާކަމެއް ރައްޔިތުންކުރާނެކަމަށާއި, ދުނިޔޭގެ ތަރައްޤީވެފައިވާ ގައުމުތަކުގައިކަން ހިނގާ އުސޫލުގެ މަތިން, ސަރުކާރުގެ މަސްއޫލިއްޔަތަކަށްވާން ޖެހޭނީ ރައްޔިތުންގެ މިނިވަން ޚިޔާލާއި ވިސްނުމާއި އެއްގޮތްވާ ގޮތުގެ މަތިން އެކަންކަމަށް މަގުފަހިކޮށްދިނުން ކަމުގައި އޭނާ ވިދާޅުވިއެވެ

" ރައްޔިތުންނަށް ދަތިވެފައިވާކަންކަމުގައި އެހީ ހޯދުމުގައި އެކަމަށް ކުރަންހުރިން ކޮންމެ މަސައްކަތެއް ވެސް މިޕާޓީން އިރާދަކުރެއްވިޔާ އަޅުގަނޑުމެން ކުރާނަށް ' އިބްރާ ވިދާޅުވިއެވެ

ސޯޝަލް ލިބަރަލް ޕާޓީން ރޭ ބޭއްވި ޖަލްސާގައި އެޕާޓީގެ އިންތިހާބު ކުރިޔަށް ގެންދިޔުމަށް 6 މެންބަރުގެ ވަގުތީ ކޮމެޓީއެއް ވަނީ އައްޔަނު ކޮށްފައެވެ. މިކޮމެޓީގައި ހިމެނެނީ ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލީހުގެ މާލޭ މެންބަރު އިބްރާހިމް އިސްމާއިލް , ރައްޔިތުންގެ ހާއްސަ މަޖިލީހުގެ މާލޭ މެންބަރު މުހައްމަދު ނަސީދު, އަލްއުޝްތާދު އަހުމަދު އަބުދުﷲ އަފީފު , އަލްއުޝްތާދު އަބްދުﷲ މުއިޒު , މުހައްމަދު އާމިރު ( ފަރެސް ), އަލްއުޝްތާދު އަދުނާނު ރަޝީދު އެވެ

We never had freedom even before Gayoom – Ibraa

23 September 2007
Report: Soodh

Parliament member for Male’ constituency Ibrahim Ismail (Ibraa) currently working to form Social Liberal Party, who was also former MDP leader has said that we never had most of the rights and freedom even before President Gayoom’s time.

Speaking at the meeting held to establish the Social Liberal Party at Dharubaaruge Dhoshimeynaa Maalan, Ibraa said that the history speaks it all. He said that during the time of former President Ibrahim Nasir as well as during the time of former President Mohamed Amin and the subsequent time of monarchy under Mohamed Fareed, the Maldivians never had much of the freedom they wanted.

He said that the first Constitution of the country was drafted and formulated with assistance of the British under Mohamed Shamsudhdheen and the present reforms and the revision of the Constitution was due to the external pressure on government to do so.

He also said that it could have started even before and when 30 years has passed. He criticized the government for the delays in bringing about the reforms and said that the main two pillars that would drive his party would be peace and justice.

Ibraa noted that there is no need to use vulgar words and anger the cabinet members and the President, but called upon the members of the party to unite and work together for the benefit of the country, no matter which party is in power.

He said that the party would work to alleviate the problems that many Maldivians are facing and that it would strive to provide better and conducive environment for the people to live.

Ibraa also said that 30-years under President Gayoom would be the history of Maldives no matter what and therefore, we should look forward.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY
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ވިކްޓަރީގެ އުއްމީދުތައް ކަފުންކޮށް ނިއު ތަށި އުފުލާލައިފި

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ޕްރެޒިޑެންޓްސްކަޕް ފުޓްބޯޅަ މުބާރާތުގެ ތަށި 3 ވަނަ ފަހަރަށް މިލުކު ކުރަން ނުކުތް ވިކްޓަރީ އަތުން މާބޮޑު އުނދަގުލެއްބެތި މޮޅުވެގެން ނިއުރޭޑިއަންޓް ޗެމްޕިއަންކަން ހޯދައިފި އެވެ

މިސީޒަންގައި އެންމެ ފޯރިގަދަ ކުރިމަތިލުންތަކެއް ހިނގާފައިވާ ދެ ޓީމުގެ ކުޅުން ފަށައިގެން ފެންނަމުން ދިޔައީ ނިއުރޭޑިއަންޓްގެ ހަމަލާތައް ވަރުގަދަވަމުން ދިޔަ ތަނެވެ. ނުރައްކާތެރި ފޯވަޑް އަލީ އަޝްފާގު(ދަގަނޑޭ) ނެތްތައް ފޫބެއްދުމަށްޓަކާ ޔޫގެންޑާގެ އިދުރީސް އާއި ހުސެން ޝިމާޒު(ކޮކީ) ގުޅިގެން ނުރައްކާތެރި ހަމަލާތަކެއް އުފައްދަމުން ދިޔައެވެ. ފުރަތަމަ ފުރުސަތު 7 ވަނަ މިނެޓްގައި ގެއްލިގެން ދިޔައީ ޝަމްވީލު ގާސިމް(ބޮންޑާ)ގެ އަތުންނެވެ

އޭގެ ކުޑައިރުކޮޅެއް ފަހުން ވިކްޓަރީން އުފެއްދި ހަމަލާ ނާކާމިޔާބުވީ އިބްރާހީމް ޝިޔާމް(ދޮނާ) ވަރަށް ހުސްކޮށް ހުރި ލޫސިއާނޯއަށް ޕާސް ނުކުރެވުމުގެ ސަބަބުންނެވެ

މެޗު ނިއުގެ ކޮޅަށް އަނބުރާލުމަށްޓަކާ ފުރަތަމަ ލަނޑު ވިކްޓަރީގެ 3 ދަނޑިން އެތެރެވެގެން ދިޔައީ 22 ވަނަ މިނެޓްގައެވެ. ކެޕްޓަން އައްސަދު އަބްދުލް ޤަނީ ނަގާދިން ހުރަސް އޭނާގެ ކޮއްކޮ އަކްރަމް އަބްދުލް ޤަނީ ބޮލުން ޖަހަން އަރާފައިވަނިކޮށް ކީޕަރު މުޙައްމަދު ފައިސަލުގެ އަތުގައި ޖެހިފައި ހީނުކުރާ ކަހަލަ ގޮތަކަށް ވަދެގެން ދިޔައީ ގޯލުގެ ތެރެއަށެވެ

ނިއުއަށް ލިބުނު ލީޑް ނައްތާލަން އޭގެ ފަހުން ވިކްޓަރީއަށް ފުލުފުލުގައި ދެ ފުރުސަތު ލިބިގެން ދިޔައެވެ. 28 ވަނަ މިނެޓްގައި ދޮނާގެ ހުރަހަކުން ލޫސިއާނޯއަށް ލިބުނު ފުރުސަތު ދިޔައީ ދަނޑި ކައިރިން ބޭރަށެވެ. ޖެހިގެން އައި މިނެޓްގައި ދޮނާ ފޮނުވާލި ހޫނު ހަމަލާ ނުކުތީ ގޯލުގެ އަރިމަތީ ދަނޑީގައި ޖެހިފައެވެ. 36 ވަނަ މިނެޓްގައި ނިއުއިން އެމީހުންގެ ލީޑް ފުޅާކުރީވެސް ކީޕަރު ފައިސަލަށް ހެދުނު ބޮޑު ގޯހަކުންނެވެ. ޓީމު ފައިނަލަށް ގެންގޮސްދިނުމުގައި ވީބީގެ އާދަޔާ ޚިލާފު ހަމަލާތަކެއް ދިފާއުކުރި ކީޕަރުގެ އަތުގައި ޖެހިފައި މިފަހަރުވެސް ވަނީ ގޯލަށެވެ. ކޮކީ ފޮނުވާލި ހަމަލާ ގޯލަށް ވަނީ ވަރަށް މަޑުމަޑުން ގޮހެވެ

ފައިސަލަށް ހެދުނު ދެ ގޯހުން ދެ ލަނޑު ވަނުމުން ވިކްޓަރީގެ ބަދަލު ކީޕަރު ޔަޒީދު ޕްރެކްޓިސް ކުރަން ނުކުތްތަންވެސް ފެނިގެން ދިޔައެވެ. އެހެން ނަމަވެސް މެޗު ނިމުނުއިރުވެސް އޭނާ ބަދަލެއް ނުކުރެއެވެ

ވިކްޓަރީގެ ހުރިހާ އުއްމީދެއް ފުނޑުފުނޑުވެ އަތް ނުފޯރާ ހިސާބަށް ނިއުގެ ލީޑް ގެންގޮސްދިނީ ބޮންޑާ އެވެ. އިދުރީސް ފޮނުވާލި ބޯޅަ ދަނޑީގައި ޖެހިފައި ނުކުތުމުން ދާގަނޑުގައި ތައްކޮށްލީ ބޮންޑާ އެވެ

ފަހުހާފު ފެށިގެން ވިކްޓަރީން ކުޅުން ވަރުގަދަ ކުރިއެވެ. ނިއުގެ ހާފުގެ ތެރޭގައި ހާފުގެ ބޮޑުބައި ކުޅުނު ނަމަވެސް ނިއުގެ ދިފާއީ ކުޅުންތެރިންނާއި ކީޕަރު ސަދުންގެ ހުޝިޔާރުކަން އެންމެ ވަގުތުކޮޅަކަށްވެސް ކުޑަވެގެން ނުދެއެވެ. ވިކްޓަރީގެ ހަމައެކަނި ލަނޑު އެއްވެފައިވާ ކުޅުންތެރިންތަކުގެ ތެރެއިން 65 ވަނަ މިނެޓްގައި ޖެހީ ރޮޑްރިގޭޒެވެ

ނިއުއަށް 4 ވަނަ ލަނޑެއްވެސް ޖަހަން ހުސް ފުރުސަތެއް ލިބުނެވެ. 61 ވަނަ މިނެޓްގައި އިދުރީސް އޭރިޔާ ތެރެއަށް ވަދެ ކީޕަރުވެސް ކަޓުވާލުމަށްފަހު ފޮނުވާލި ބޯޅަ ދިޔައީ ބޭރަށެވެ. 78 ވަނަ މިނެޓްގައި ވިކްޓަރީއަށް އިތުރު ލަނޑެއް ޖަހަން ރަނުގެ ފުރުސަތެއް ލިބުނެވެ. އާދަމް ލަރީފު(ރޮނާލްޑޯ) ފޮނުވާލި ބޯޅަ ކީޕަރު ސަދުންގެ އަތުގައި ޖެހިފައި ވަންނަން ދަނިކޮށް ރޮނގު މަތިން ކަހަލަ ގޮތަކަށް ދިފާއުކުރީ އައްސަދެވެ

މެޗު ނިމިގެން ނިއުރޭޑިއަންޓްގެ ސަޕޯޓަރުން ދަނޑަށް އެރުމުން ވިކްޓަރީގެ ކުޅުންތެރިންނާއި ދެމެދު ހަމަނުޖެހުންވެސް ކޮންމެވެސް ވަރަކަށް ހިނގިއެވެ. ނަމަވެސް ދެ ޓީމުގެ ކުޅުންތެރިންނާއި އޮފިޝަލުންގެ އެހީއާއެކު ތަޅާފޮޅުމަކަށް ނުގޮސް އެކަންތައް ވަނީ ނިމިފައެވެ. އެހެން ނަމަވެސް ދެ ޓީމުގެ އޮފިޝަލުންނާއި ބައެއް އިސް ސަޕޯޓަރުން ބަހުގެ ހޫނު ހަމަލާތަކެއް ރައްދު ކުރިތަން ފެނިގެން ދިޔައެވެ

މެޗުގެ މޮޅު ކުޅުންތެރިޔާ އަށާއި މުބާރާތުގެ އެންމެ މޮޅު ކުޅުންތެރިޔާގެ މަޤާމަށް ހޮވުނީ ނިއުގެ ބޮންޑާ އެވެ. އެންމެ މޮޅު ކީޕަރަށް ނިއުގެ ސަދުން ހޮވުނުއިރު ފެއާރޕުލޭ ކުޅުންތެރިއަކީ ވީބީގެ އިސްމާއީލް މުޙައްމަދެވެ. ފެއާރޕުލޭ ޓީމަކީ ވިކްޓަރީ އެވެ

ނިއުގެ ޖަރުމަނު ކޯޗު ގާޑް ޒެއިސް ބުނީ ފުރަތަމަ ހާފުގައި ބޮޑު ލީޑެއް ލިބޭނެ ކަމަށް އުއްމީދު ނުކުރާ ކަމަށާއި ނަމަވެސް ލީޑް ލިބުމުން އެ ލީޑް ދަމަހައްޓަން ދެގުނަ މަސައްކަތް ކުރަން އިރުޝާދު ދިން ކަމަށެވެ. ”ދިވެހިލީގު ވިކްޓަރީ ހޯދުމުން މިތަށީގެ މުހިއްމުކަން އަހަރެމެންނަށް އޮތީ ވަރަށް ބޮޑުވެފަ.“ ގާޑް ބުންޏެވެ. 3 ވަނަ ފަހަރަށް ތަށި މިލުކު ކުރަން ވިކްޓަރީއަށް ލިބުނު ފުރުސަތު ގެއްލިގެން ދިޔުމުގެ އެންމެ ބޮޑު ސަބަބެއްގެ ގޮތުގައި ގިނަބަޔަކު ފާހަގަ ކުރަނީ މުބާރާތަށް ޚާއްސަކޮށްގެން ގެނައި އިސްކޮޅުން ދިގު ފޯވަޑް އެންތޯނިއޯގެ ފެންވަރެއް ނެތުމެވެ. ރޭގެ މެޗުގައިވެސް ފުރަތަމަ ހާފަށްފަހު އޭނާ ވަނީ ބަދަލުކޮށްފައެވެ

Political parties welcome Commonwealth offer

23 September 2007
Report: Soodh

Political parties have welcomed the offer of the Commonwealth to facilitate a conference between the main political parties and the Government to reach consensus on key issues to meet the deadline of 30 November 2007 for completion of the new constitution.

Speaking to Velidhoo Community, Islamic Democratic Party president Umar Naseer said that his party would welcome such a move provided that Commonwealth facilitates and acts as an observer in the process. However, he said that the party would oppose any involvement or interference of Commonwealth in the reform process.

Asadhullah Shaafee of Adhaalath Party said that if the government has welcomed the Commonwealth initiative for such a conference for a better outcome of the process, then the party is willing to provide all supports to meet the deadline. He also said that Adhaalath wants to finish the constitution as early as possible. Asadhullah also said that there is a lack of cooperation among Majlis members, which hinders the pace of the reform process and the constitution.

Male’ MP Mohamed Nasheed (Colonel) had a different view in which he said that all parties should not be involved in the process. He said that parties representing Special Majlis members must be invited.

Maldivian Social Democratic Party leader Reeko Ibrahim Manik said that his party is fully supportive of the reform process and would support to complete the constitution. If the government has taken initiative, we would support, said Reeko.

Maldivian Democratic Party Spokeswoman Maariya Ahmed Didi said that MDP will be fully supportive of the Commonwealth initiative and that the party would do everything possible to finalize the constitution. However, she said that government and DRP is not giving enough support to complete the task.

We were not able get any views from DRP. However, DRP leader President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has called upon all parties as well as DRP members in the parliament to complete the amendment of the constitution, at various meetings.

Ahmed Saleem, President of the Human Rights Commission of Maldives has also welcomed the involvement of the Commonwealth in the reform process, and voiced support for the Commonwealth offer to facilitate a conference between the main political parties and the Government.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY
velidhoocommunity@gmail.com

ރިޔާޒުގެ ނިންމުމުގައި އެންމެން ޒިންމާވާން ޖެހޭނެ އެއްވެސް ގޮތެއް ނޯންނާނެ: އަމީޒު

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ދިރާގު ދިވެހިލީގުގެ އެންމެ ފަހު މެޗުގައި ވިކްޓަރީއަށް ދިން ޕެނަލްޓީ ރެފްރީ ރިޔާޒު ރަޝީދު ކެންސަލްކުރުމުގައި އޭނާއަށް އެހެން އޮފިޝަލުންގެ އެހީތެރިކަން ނުލިބުނުކަމަށް ނިންމާ ޖޫރިމަނާ ކުރުމަކީ ދުނިޔޭގެ އެއްވެސް ތަނެއްގައި މިހާތަނަށް ކަންކޮށްފައިވާ އުސޫލެއް ނޫން ކަމަށް ފީފާގެ އެސިސްޓެންޓް ރެފްރީ އަހްމަދު އަމީޒު ބުނެފި އެވެ

މިމަހުގެ 10 ވަނަ ދުވަހުގެރޭ ނިއުއާއި ދެކޮޅަށް ކުޅުނު މެޗުގައި ވިކްޓަރީއަށް ލިބުނު ޕެނަލްޓީ ލޫސިއާނޯ ވައްދާލުމުން ރެފްރީ ރިޔާޒު ނިންމީ ޕެނަލްޓ ޖެހުމުގެ ތެރޭގައި ވިކްޓަރީގެ އާދަމް ލަރީފު(ރޮނާލްޑޯ) އޭރިޔާ ތެރެއަށް ވަން ކަމަށާއި އެހެންކަމުން ޕެނަލްޓީ ކެންސަލްކޮށްލުމަށްފަހު ނިއުއަށް ހިލޭ ޖެހުމެއް ދިނުމަށެވެ. ނަމަވެސް މިއީ ޤަވާއިދުގެ 14 ވަނަ މާއްދާ އާއި ޚިލާފަށް ރިޔާޒު ނިންމި ނިންމުމެއް ކަމަށްވާތީ ރެފްރީޒް ކޮމެޓީން ވަނީ އޭނާ 1500 ރުފިޔާއިން ޖޫރިމަނާކޮށްފައެވެ. އަދި އެސިސްޓެންޓް ރެފްރީން 1000 ރުފިޔާއިން އަދި ބަދަލު ރެފްރީ 500 ރުފިޔާއިން ޖޫރިމަނާކޮށްފައެވެ. އެހެން އޮފިޝަލުން ސަސްޕެންޑްކުރީ ރެފްރީ ޤަވާއިދާ ޚިލާފަށް ނިންމިއިރު އެކަން ރަނގަޅު ކުރަން މަސައްކަތްކޮށްފައިނުވާ ކަމަށް ބުނެއެވެ

މިކަމާ ގުޅޭ ގޮތުން ރިޔާޒު ބުނެފައިވަނީ އޭނާގެ އެހީތެރިންނަށް ކަމެއް ގޯސްކޮށް ދަންޏާ ރަނގަޅު ކުރުމުގެ ޒިންމާ ހަވާލުކޮށްފައި އޮންނާނެ ކަމަށާއި ނަމަވެސް އެރޭ އެހެން އޮފިޝަލުންނަށްވެސް ޤަވާއިދުގައި އެކަން އޮންނަ ގޮތް ނޭނގުނީ ކަމަށެވެ. ”އެމީހުންނަށްވެސް ވިސްނިފައި އޮތީ އަހަރެންނަށްވެސް ވިސްނިފައި އޮތް ގޮތަށް“ ރިޔާޒު ކުޅިފަސް ޕްރޮގްރާމަށް ދިން އިންޓަވިއުއެއްގައި ބުންޏެވެ

ނަމަވެސް އަމީޒު ބުނީ އޭނާއަށް އެކަން އޮންނަ ގޮތް ރަނގަޅަށް އެނގޭ ކަމަށާއި އެކަމުގެ ތެރެއަށް އޭނާ ވަންނަން ނުޖެހޭނެ ކަމަށެވެ. ”ހަގީގަތުގައި ރެފްރީ ނިންމާ ނިންމުމެއްގެ ޒިންމާ އެންމެން ނަގާކަށް ނުޖެހޭނެ. އެއީ އަބަދުވެސް ކޮންމެވެސް ހިސާބެއްގައި ރެފްރީއާއި ކައިރި ލައިންސްމަނެއް ނުވަތަ ބަދަލު ރެފްރީ ހުންނާނެ. ރެފްރީގެ އިތުރުން އެކަމަކާ ސީދާ ހުޅުންހުރި މީހާ މި ޒިންމާވާން ޖެހެނީ. ދުނިޔޭގެ އެހެން ތަންތަނުގައިވެސް ނިންމުންތައް ނިންމާފައިހުރީ އެހެން“ ރާއްޖޭން ބޭރުގެ ގިނަ މުބާރާތްތަކެއްގައި ރޮނގު ބަލަހައްޓާފައިވާ އަމީޒު ބުންޏެވެ. ޕެނަލްޓީ ޖެހިއިރު އެފަރާތުން ރޮނގު ބަލަހައްޓަން ހުރީ އިބްރާހީމް ތައުފީޤު(ޑޯނާ) އެވެ

އަމީޒު ބުނީ އެއީ އޭނާ ކުރަން ނުޖެހޭ ކަމެއް ނަމަވެސް އެކަށީގެންވާ ވަގުތު ލިބުނު ނަމަ އެކަމަށް މަސައްކަތް ކުރެވުނީސް ކަމަށެވެ. ”ހަމަ ރަނގަޅަށް އަހަރެން ނުދެކެން ޕެނަލްޓީ ޖެހިއިރު މީހަކު އޭރިޔާ ތެރެއަށް ވަން ކަމެއްވެސް. ދެން އަނެއްކޮޅުން ވަރަށް އަވަހަށް ކުޅުންވެސް ފަށައިފި. އެހެންވެ އަހަރެންނަކަށްވެސް ނެތް ފުރުސަތެއް ކިހިނެތް ނިންމި ނިންމުމެއްތޯ ރެފްރީގެ ކައިރީގައި ސުވާލުކޮށްލާކަށްވެސް“ އަމީޒު ބުންޏެވެ

މީގެ ދެއަހަރުކުރިން ވޯލްޑްކަޕް ކޮލިފައިންގައި އުޒުބަކިސްތާނާއި ބަހުރޭން ބައްދަލުކުރި މެޗެއްގައި ޖަޕާންގެ ރެފްރީ ޔޮސީދާ ރެފްރީ ރިޔާޒު ނިންމިފަދަ ނިންމުމެއް ނިންމައިގެން މުޅި އުމުރަށް ފީފާއިން ވަނީ ސަސްޕެންޑްކޮށްފައެވެ. ޔޮސީދާއާއެކު ޕެނަލްޓީ ޖެހިފަރާތުގައި ރޮނގު ބަލަހައްޓަން ހުރި އެސިސްޓެންޓް ރެފްރީވެސް ވަނީ މުޅި އުމުރަށް ސަސްޕެންޑްކޮށްފައެވެ. އެއީ ރެފްރީގެ ނިންމުން ރަނގަޅު ނުކޮށްދިނުމުގެ ސަބަބުންނެވެ. ޔޮސީދާއަކީ އަމީޒާއެކު ބައިނަލް އަގްވާމީ މެޗުތަކުގައި ވަރަށް ގިނައިން ރެފްރީކަން ކޮށްފައިވާ މީހެކެވެ

މީގެ އިތުރުން ނިމިގެން ދިޔަ އޭޝިއަންކަޕްގެ މެޗެއްގައި އެސިސްޓެންޓް ރެފްރީގެ ގައިގައި ބޯޅައިން ޖެހި ކުޅުންތެރިޔާއަށް ރީނދޫކާޑެއް ދެއްކުމުގެ ސަބަބުން އިރާންގެ ރެފްރީ އާއި އެސިސްޓެންޓް ރެފްރީ ވަނީ 6 މަހަށް ސަސްޕެންޑްކޮށްފައެވެ. އެސިސްޓެންޓް ރެފްރީ ސަސްޕެންޑް ކުރީ ރެފްރީ ކައިރީގައި އެއީ ރަތްކާޑު ދައްކަން ޖެހޭނެ ފައުލެއް ކަމަށް ނުބުނުމުންނެވެ. އެފަހަރުވެސް ބަދަލު ރެފްރީއާއި އަނެއް ފަރާތުގައި ހުރި އެސިސްޓެންޓް ރެފްރީ އާއި ދެކޮޅަށް ފިޔަވަޅެއް ނާޅައެވެ

ނަމަވެސް އަމީޒު ބުނީ ރެފްރީޒް ކޮމިޓީގެ ނިންމުމަށް އޭނާ އިހްތިރާމް ކުރާ ކަމަށެވެ

Atoll Chiefs to be elected in six-months, if MDP wins election

23 September 2007
Report: Jaxlee

Maldivian Democratic Party, MDP President Dr. Mohamed Munawwar has said that Atoll Chiefs and Island Chiefs will be elected within six months provided that the party wins next year’s presidential election.

Speaking at the General Meeting of the party, Dr. Munawwar said that it is realistic and would definitely implement since it is vital for the development of a democratic process in atolls.

He said that he sees no reason why the government is electing island development committees without electing island chiefs and atoll chiefs. He said that island and atoll chiefs are responsible for doing most of the work, while those committees are symbolic.

Dr. Munawwar also noted that these committees do not possess any legal support and no guiding frameworks are in place.

Earlier, in an interview to DhiFM, Dr. Munawwar has said that he has the capability to lead the country if elected as president of Maldives. He also said that he has the experience and ability to lead the country, provided that the people elect him as the president.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY
velidhoocommunity@gmail.com

މާލޭ މަގެއްގެ މަތިން ބަނގުރާފުޅިތަކެއް ފެނިއްޖެ

އަބްދުﷲ ފާއިގްު

މާލޭ މަގެއްގެ މަތިން ހުސް ބަނގުރާ ހުސްފުޅިތަކެއް ފެނިއްޖެއެވެ

އާންމުގެ މީހަކު ރޭ ޖަޒީރާއަށް ދިން މައުލޫމާތަކާއި ގުޅިގެން ޖަޒީރާގެ ދެނޫސްވެރިޔަކު ގޮސް ބެލިބެލުމުން މިބަނގުރާ ފުޅިތައް ފެނިފައިވަނީ ރޭ 09:55 ހާއިރު މ. ކާޅުގުއިރޭ މަގުގައި ހުންނަ ޕޭޓޮއިލެޓްގެ ކުރިމަތިން އެއްފަރާތުގައި ބަހައްޓާފައި ހުއްޓައެވެ

މ. ކާޅުގުއިރޭ މަގުގެ އެއްފަރާތުގައި ބަހައްޓާފައި ހުއްޓާ ފެނިފައިވަނީ ބަނގުރަލުގެ ބާވަތެއް ކަމަށްވާ ޖިން އެވެ. މިތަކެތި ހުއްޓާފެނިފައިވަނީ އޭގެ އަސްލު ޕެކްކޮށްފައިވާ ފޮށްޓާއިއެކުގަ އެވެ

އެސަރަހައްދުގައި މިފުޅިތައް ހުރިކަމުގެ މައުލޫމާތު މޯލްޑިވްސް ފޮލިސް ސަރވިސް އަށް ރޭ ލިބުމާއި އެކު އެތަނުގައި ހުރި ހަތްފުޅިވަނީ ފުލުހުން ގެންގޮސްފައެވެ. މީގެ އިތުރުން އެސަރަހައްދުގައި މަސައްކަތްކުރާ ދިވެއްސެއް ޖަޒީރާއަށް މައުލޫމާތު ދެމުންބުނީ އެފުޅިތައް އެތަނުގައި ހުންނަތާ ފަސްވަރަކަށް ދުވަސް ވެދާނެކަމަށެވެ

" ކިތަމެއް ދުވަހެއް މިހާރު ތިފުޅިތަކެއް ތިތަނުގައި ހުންނަތާ, ފަސްވަރަކަށް ދުވަސްވެދާނެ, " އޭނާ ބުންޏެވެ

މިސަރަހައްދަކީ ގިނައަދަދެއްގެ ގެސްޓު ފިހާރަތަކެއް ހުރި ހިސާބެއްގެ އިތުރުން މިބަނގުރާ ހުސްފުޅިތައް ފެނުނު ހިސާބުގައި ބިދޭސީންތަކެއް އުޅެމުންދާ ކަން ފާހަގަކުރެވެއެވެ

Momentum behind reform is irreversible – Shahid

22 September 2007
Report: Soodh


Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid in his inaugural foreign policy speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva has re-assert the Government’s commitment to completing the Reform Agenda on time, and outlined his views on the role of foreign policy, and hail the increasingly close cooperative relationship between the Maldives and international human rights mechanisms.

Mr. Shahid’s Statement to the Human Rights Council was his first foreign policy speech as Minister. He informed delegates that this reflects the priority that both he and the Government place on strengthening human rights in the Maldives.

He said that the government believes that socio-economic progress must be supported by a substantial governance framework that respects and protects individual rights and liberties. He said that Human Rights must not only exist, but they must be felt and enjoyed by individuals if society is to evolve in a peaceful and sustainable manner.

Continuing his speech, Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the successful completion of the Reform Agenda, embarked upon by the Government in 2004. He said that the momentum behind reform is now unstoppable and irreversible.

Mr. Shahid also informed the international community of the government’s decision to sign the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the United Nations in October.

In response the President of the Council, Ambassador Doru Costea of Romania, welcomed the many positive developments taking place in the Maldives.

Earlier, the Minister met privately with the Council President and with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Louise Arbour, to update them on the Reform Agenda and the country’s recent referendum, to discuss progress in strengthening human rights protection in the Maldives and to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation.

Finally, Minister Shahid also met yesterday with the Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Anders. B. Johnsson. During the meeting, Mr. Johnsson took the opportunity to brief the Minister on the IPU’s plans to launch a technical assistance programme in the Maldives, in partnership with the People’s Majlis.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY
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Candidates confident of winning presidential race

22 September 2007
Report: Soodh

Three candidates have so far confirmed their intention to run for next year’s presidential election. Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party, DRP leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Islamic Democratic Party leader Umar Naseer and Member of Parliament for Male’ constituency and former MDP leader currently working to form Social Liberal Party, Ibrahim Ismail (Ibraa) have confirmed that they would be competing in the presidential election.

Speaking to Velidhoo Community, DRP spokesman Ibrahim Shafiu said that the main reason why the party has appointed Gayoom was the fact that he would receive an overwhelming majority in the elections. He said that the party is very confident that President Gayoom will win an unprecedented seventh-term of office, the first multi-party elections to be held in the country.

He also said that if the party members are not that confident of winning the election under Gayoom’s leadership, then they would not have been following his leadership.

Ibraa also said that he is very confident of winning presidential race. He said there is no real challenge for him and said that he can beat both Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Umar Naseer.

However, Ibraa is aware of the fact that it would change the situation by the time elections comes to a close. He said there would be more candidates running for office and that might bring about a challenge for him. Therefore, he said that only when all candidates are finalized he could say a final world, but is in buoyant mood.

Islamic Democratic Party leader Umar Naseer said that he will not say that surely he will win the election, but remains optimistic that he can win the election. He said that it would be a lie if he did not win after so confidently saying that he would win. However, he said that he is running for office since he has high hopes for winning the election.

Maldivian Democratic Party, MDP has also said that they are very confident of winning presidential election since the party received more than 30% of the votes during the referendum in which only MDP supported for a parliamentary system in oppose to the rest of the parties.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY
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Munawwar says capable of leading the country, if elected

22 September 2007
Report: Jaxlee


Maldivian Democratic Party President Dr Mohamed Munawwar has said that he has the capability to lead the country if elected as president of Maldives. He also said that he has the experience and ability to lead the country, provided that the people elect him as the president.

In an interview given to DhiFM, Dr Munawwar said that his aim is to serve the nation and for the people. He said that he is not going to become the president for the sake of becoming the president.

He also denied any rumors that there are confrontations within party senior members and his leadership. He said that since his election as president of MDP, he was also busy with other members and that has somewhat slowed down some of the party activities. He said there are no problems within the party.

In response to IDP President Umar Naseer’s claim that MDP leadership are substance abusers, Dr. Munawwar strongly rejected any such claims and said it was simply a tactics using to hinder the overwhelming support that MDP is gaining.

He said that it was something they suspect and therefore sees no reason to bother such claims.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY
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Maariya accuses police not doing duty, involve in politics

22 September 2007
Report: Jaxlee


Maldivian Democratic Party spokeswoman Maariya Ahmed Didi has accused police for not performing the duties and for involve in politics. Following a question from Velidhoo News, regarding the accusations by people that MDP activists are involved in the increase in robbery cases, Ms Didi said those accusations are coming towards party activists since police blame them.

However, she said that they should perform national duty to reduce the increasing crimes. She said police are failing to control or take any measures, so they have to find someone to blame.

She said that during her time at Attorney General’s office, they don’t look at the party identity when a case is submitted. They check on the names, addresses and so on. So, she questioned how exactly they come up with such a hypothesis.

Maariya also said that since MDP was registered, all such allegations are towards the party since others want to simply blame MDP for no reason.

MDP office was also robbed two days ago as number of crimes related to theft and robbery increased during Ramazan.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY
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Inter-house Quran recitation held in Lhaviyani School

22 September 2007
Report: Mary

Lhaviyani Atoll School has reported that inter-house Quran recitation competition of the school was organized by the Islamic Club of the school.

This activity was organized in commencement of the holy month of Ramazan. More than 45 students have competed in the competition.

Green house won the competition while blue house came second and red house claimed third. The competition was judged by the Imam’s of the three mosques in Kurendhoo. The competition was considered a success and reports say that similar activities will be conducted in the future.

Special religious lecture programs are presently underway in the atoll and large gatherings are seen in mosques and lecture halls attending the lectures.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY
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Media Association seeks to have elections

21 September 2007
Report: Soodh

Maldives Media Association may have had two unsuccessful attempts to have election of the executive committee, but the chief spokesman Ali Siraj says that pipeline works are underway to have the elections within the next two months.

Two separate ceremonies will be held to open the candidates to compete in the elections and for allowing the candidates to campaign for the elections. These arrangements are expected to be completed before the end of Ramazan.

Elections dates are not confirmed yet, however, it is planned to conduct after Eid holidays. More than 489 membership applications have so far been submitted, and some applications are in the process of verification.

All members registered before the 27 of this month will be eligible to vote in the elections. The Association has also welcomed any valuable ideas from all members in order to make it a successful one.

Siraj also noted that the association would be organizing some activities during the upcoming days in order to raise funds.

Earlier, Ministry of Information and Arts has expressed its concerns about the progress of the Media Association. In a news release issued, the Ministry has indicated that though it is not directly responsible for the Media Association, it has an interest to see that the Association succeeds and elections are conducted smoothly for the Executive Committee.

In this respect the Ministry has noted that since the inception of the Association on the 2nd of October 2006, the Ministry has been following the work towards the elections, and helping to overcome hurdles. Disagreements have arisen about the procedure for electing members for the Media Association posts in the past two attempts.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY
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Higher buildings experiences water pressure problem

21 September 2007
Report: Faishaan

Maldives Water and Sewerage Company, MWSC has reported that a technical problem with the pumping of the distribution caused some higher buildings in Male’ to experience water pressure problems in the water supply.

Technical Manager of the company, Mohamed Rasheed told Velidhoo community that the technical problem persisted for the past two days, but assured that the problem has been dealt with. He said that water supply is now normal for the higher buildings that faced the problem.

He also noted that during the month of Ramazan, at certain times of the day, there is an increase in usage which causes the system to bear heavy loads. Hence, he cautioned that it could be experienced during times.

MWSC was established on the 1st of April 1995, with a mandate to design, develop and manage an efficient and cost-effective public water supply and sewerage system in the capital island Male’.

Today the company not only operate the services in the capital Male’ but also have extended it to outer islands. Presently the company is also operating in the islands of Villingili, Hulhumale and Maafushi. Additional islands in the North and South Atolls are being surveyed for expansion of the service.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY
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HRC welcomes involvement of Commonwealth in reform process

21 September 2007
Report: Jaxlee


President of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, Ahmed Saleem, has responded to a letter sent to him by the Secretary General of Commonwealth Don McKinnon.

In his letter, the Commonwealth Secretary-General had shared with the President of the Commission the findings and recommendations of the Commonwealth expert team that visited the Maldives to observe the 18 August 2007 referendum on the preferred system of government.

Secretary-General had highlighted that the Commonwealth was encouraged by the high voter turnout and the active participation in the referendum of women and young people. He also renewed the offer of the Commonwealth to facilitate a conference between the main political parties and the Government to reach consensus on key issues, and further urged all sides concerned to strive to meet the deadline of 30 November 2007 for completion of the new constitution.

In his reply to the Secretary-General, the President of the Commission welcomed the involvement of the Commonwealth in the reform process of the Maldives, and voiced support for the Commonwealth offer to facilitate a conference between the main political parties and the Government.

Mr Saleem noted the similarities between the reports of the Commission and the Commonwealth on the conduct of the referendum. In particular the reports shared recommendations on the establishment of an independent elections commission in order to facilitate the conduct of more efficient and transparent elections in the future.

The Commission President further supported the recommendation of the Commonwealth team for the Government to urgently adopt legislation allowing for the freedoms of expression and assembly, and to repeal the existing regulations which fall far below the standards set by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY
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Island Committee elections set for next month

21 September 2007
Report: Soodh

Ministry of Atolls Development has announced that the elections for Island Committees would be held on 27 October 2007.

Earlier, Island Development Committee elections scheduled for the 1st of June have been postponed indefinitely. This postponement was to give more time for preparations following amendments to Clause 7 of the regulations of the Island Development Committees. It was also decided to hold the elections within 30 days following the referendum to decide the type of government for the new constitution.

Ministry of Atolls Development has reported that two committees have been established to look after the required administrative logistics and arrangements for the upcoming Island Committee elections.

Deputy Director Mohamed Jawad Yoosuf said that the first committee will be chaired by Deputy Director General of the Public Complaints Bureau. Three members will be in this committee and will be looking after the planning and coordination of the elections.

The second committee will be chaired by the Director Corporate Affairs of Dhamaas Maldives Company Mohamed Shihab. This committee is responsible for finalizing all measures related to the election.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY
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Importing, selling Black Opium Energy Drink banned

21 September 2007
Report: Soodh


National Narcotics Control Bureau, NNCB has yesterday banned the import and selling of Black Opium Energy Drink in the country. Speaking to N. Velidhoo Community, Deputy Minister of Gender and Family who is also the in-charge of NNCB Dr. Abdullah Waheed said that other non-alcoholic energy drinks were not banned since they are working under 17/77 of the Maldivian law, which does not cover such drinks.

NNCB statement says although there were no traces of any narcotic drugs in the drink, the Board believed that the name of the brand and phrases used in its promotions and advertisement encouraged people to abuse its namesake drug.

Under Maldivian law, encouraging and promoting the use of any forms of narcotic drugs in writing or drawing, and publishing or keeping such items in view of the public, is a criminal offence.

NNCB further stated that it has banned the import and dealing of products, in addition to Black Opium label, that encouraged, promoted or had a similar name as that of a narcotic drug.

Black Opium Energy Drinks had been available at vending machines in Male’.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY
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NAGULUROLI - Released in Velidhoo last nite.

20 September 2007
Report: Soodh

Naguluroli News Magazine has released in Noonu Velidhoo, the 24th Issue of Naguluroli " Unknown time to Release" PLEASE CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD last night. He also said that. the news released in between Ishaa Prayer and Tharaavees Parayer. He said that the news is about the Good and Bad things which is going on Noonu Velidhoo.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY
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Umar can’t win the election – Maariya

20 September 2007
Report: Soodh


Maldivian Democratic Party spokeswoman Maariya Ahmed Didi has questioned the ability of Islamic Democratic Party leader Umar Naseer to win next year’s presidential election. She said there is no way that Umar Naseer wining the election.

Following the IDP policy that Umar has recently announced saying that if he wins the election, he would construct 4000 housing flats to alleviate housing problems in Male’, Maariya said that it would be an impossible task. She said that at a time IMF and World Bank is issuing warnings on the economic changes within the country; no political party could make such promises of popular policies.

Umar is talking like that perhaps he is so confident that he is not going to win the election, said Maariya. She also said that no one knows much about IDP and they don’t have a status as a political party. She said that IDP has not played a crucial role in the reform process and announcing that capital punishment would be given to drug traffickers and providing housing seems to be unrealistic.

She also said that all such policy announcements were made without foreseeing the consequences, as it could not be implemented unless the constitution permits.

Umar has earlier said that he would levy tax on businesses to fund the construction of flats and would be providing housing flats to other populous islands in the country, in addition to Male’.

Adhaalath Party also criticized Umar’s announcement to build flats by saying that even if IDP wins, there is no way that they could implement it, unless approved by the parliament.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY
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20 September 2007
Report: Jxlee

ފީފާއިން ގަބޫލު ނުކުރުމުން ކަލީމު ވަކިކޮށް އެގްޒެކްޓިވް ކޮމެޓީ އުވާލައިފި

ު

ރާއްޖޭގެ އެންމެ ބޮޑު ކުޅިވަރު އިދާރާ އެފް އޭ މޯލްޑިވްސްގެ ހިންގުމުގެ ދާއިރާއަށް ބޮޑު އިންގިލާބެއް އިއްޔެ ގެނެސްފި އެވެ

އިއްޔެ މެންދުރުފަހު ބޭއްވި ކުޅިވަރުގެ ޤައުމީ މަޖިލިސް އާއި އެފް އޭ އެމުގެ އެގްޒެކްޓިވް ކޮމެޓީގެ ބައްދަލުވުމުގައި ނިންމާފައިވަނީ އިއްޔެއިން ފެށިގެން އެގްޒެކްޓިވް ކޮމެޓީ އުވާލުމަށާއި އެފް އޭ އެމްގެ ޗެއާމަންގެ މަޤާމަށް މިދިޔަމަހު ހަމަޖެއްސި މުޙައްމަދު ކަލީމު މަޤާމުން ވަކި ކުރުމަށެވެ. މިގޮތަށް މިކަން ކުރަން ޖެހުނީ އެގްޒެކްޓިވް ކޮމެޓީއާއި ޗެއާމަންގެ މަޤާމަށް ކަލީމު ހޮވާފައިވާގޮތްވެސް ފީފާއިން ޤަބޫލު ނުކުރާތީ އެވެ

ބައްދަލުވުމުގައި ބައިވެރިވި އެގްޒެކްޓިވް ކޮމެޓީގެ މެމްބަރަކު ވިދާޅުވީ އެކްސްކޯ އުވާލަން ނިންމީ އިންތިޚާބަކާއި ހަމައަށްދާއިރު މަޤާމުގައި ތިބި އެއްވެސް މީހަކަށް ކުރިމަތިނުލެވޭނެކަމަށް ފީފާއިން އަންގާފައިވާތީ ކަމަށެވެ. ”ރާއްޖެއިން ފުރަތަމަ ހުށަހެޅީ އަންނަ އަހަރުގެ މާޗްގެ ނިޔަލަށް އިންތިޚާބު ބާއްވާ ނިންމުމަށް ވަގުތު ދިނުމަށް. ނަމަވެސް ފީފާއިން އަންގާފަ އޮތީ އަންނަމަހުގެ ނިޔަލަށް އަސާސީ ޤަވާއިދު އިސްލާހުކޮށް ނިންމަން ޖެހޭނެ ކަމަށް. އަދި ޑިސެމްބަރގެ ނިޔަލަށް އިންތިޚާބު ބާއްވާ ނިންމަން ޖެހޭނެ ކަމަށް. މިގޮތަށް މިކަން ކުރެވެންޏާ މިހާރު އެކްސްކޯގައި ތިބި މީހުން ތިއްބަސް މައްސަލައެއް ނެތްކަމަށް. ނަމަވެސް އެކްސްކޯގައި ތިބި އެއްވެސް މެމްބަރަކަށް ކުރިމަތިނުލެވޭނެކަމަށް އަންގާފަ އޮތީ. އެކަމުގެ ސަބަބުންނާއި އަދި ކްލަބްތަކުގެ ނުފޫޒު މިކަމުގެ ތެރެއަށް ވަނަ ނުދިނުމަށްޓަކާ އެކްސްކޯ އުވާލަން ނިންމީ“ މެމްބަރު ވިދާޅުވިއެވެ

ބައްދަލުވުމުގައި ވާހަކަ ދައްކަވަމުން ވިކްޓަރީގެ އެކްސްކޯގެ މެމްބަރު އަލީ ސުޒޭން ވިދާޅުވީ އޭނާ ކުރިމަތިލާންވެސް ބޭނުން ނުވާ ކަމަށާއި އެހެން ނަމަވެސް އިސްތިއުފާދޭން ބޭނުންވަނީ ކްލަބްތަކުގެ ނުފޫޒު ކުޑަކުރުމުގެ ގޮތުން ކަމަށެވެ

އެފް އޭ އެމުގެ ހުރިހާ ބޮޑެތި ނިންމުމެއް ނިންމަމުން އައި އެކްސްކޯގެ އެންމެ ފަހު ބައްދަލުވުން މިއަދު މެންދުރުފަހު ބާއްވާ ގޮތަށް ވަނީ ހަމަޖެހިފައެވެ. ”މިއީ އެންމެ ފަހު ބައްދަލުވުން. މި ބައްދަލުވުމަކީ އެކްސްކޯއިން ވަކި ހިސާބަކަށް ގެންގޮސްފައިވާ ބައެއް މަސައްކަތްތައް ކޮޅެއްގައި ޖައްސަން ބާއްވާ ބައްދަލުވުމެއް“ މެމްބަރު ވިދާޅުވިއެވެ

އެކްސްކޯ އުވާލުމަށްފަހު އެފް އޭ އެމުގެ ކަންތައްތައް ހިންގުމަށްޓަކާ 6 މެމްބަރުންގެ ކޮމެޓީއެއްވެސް އިއްޔެ ވަނީ ނަގާފައެވެ. މި ކޮމެޓީގައި ހިމެނެނީ އޮލިމްޕިކް ކޮމެޓީގެ ވައިސްޗެއާމަން އަދި ކުރީގެ އެފް އޭ އެމުގެ ޖެނެރަލް ސެކްރެޓަރީ އިބްރާހީމް އިސްމާއީލާއި ޤައުމީ ފުޓްބޯޅަ ޓީމުގެ ކުރީގެ މެނޭޖަރ އަހްމަދު ޝާހިރާއި ސްޕޯޓްސް މިނިސްޓްރީގެ ޑިރެކްޓަރުން ކަމަށްވާ އަބްދުއްރައްޒާޤާއި މުޙައްމަދު ހާނިމާއި އެސިސްޓެންޓް ޑިރެކްޓަރ އިބްރާހީމް ނަޒީމާއި ވެލެންސިއާގެ ކޯޗެއްގެ ގޮތުން ކުރިން ހަރަކާތްތެރިވި އަހްމަދު ނާޒިމެވެ

ބައްދަލުވުމުގައި ބައިވެރިވި އެހެން ބޭފުޅަކު ވިދާޅުވީ އެފް އޭ އެމުގައި ކުރިން އެގްޒެކްޓިވް ކޮމެޓީއަށް ލިބުނު ބާރުތައް މި ކޮމެޓީއަށްވެސް ލިބޭނެ ކަމަށެވެ. ”އިންތިޚާބާއި ހަމައަށް އެފް އޭ އެމުގެ ނިންމުންތައް ނިންމާނީ މި ކޮމެޓީން. އަސާސީ ޤަވާއިދު އިސްލާހު ކުރުމުގައި މިކޮމެޓީއަށް އެކްސްކޯގައި ކުރީގައި ތިބި މެމްބަރުންގެ އެހީތެރިކަން ލިބޭނެ. އެއީ ފަންނީ މީހުންނަކީ އެއީ ކަމަށްވާތީ“ އޭނާ ވިދާޅުވިއެވެ

އިންތިހާބު ނުކޮށް ޗެއާމަންގެ މަޤާމަށް ކަލީމު އިންތިޚާބު ކުރުމުން އެ މަޤާމު ފީފާއިން ޤަބޫލު ނުކުރުމުގެ ސަބަބުން އިއްޔެއިން ފެށިގެން އެފް އޭ އެމުގައި ޗެއާމަނެއް ނުހުންނާނެއެވެ. ނަމަވެސް ޖެނެރަލް ސެކްރެޓަރީގެ މަޤާމުގައި އަބްދުލް ހަމީދު އަބްދުލް ޤަފޫރު(އައްޑޯ) ހުންނަވާނެ އެވެ. ”އައްޑޯއަކީ އާއްމުކޮށް އިއުލާންކޮށްގެން ކުރިމަތިލި މީހުންގެ ތެރެއިން ހޮވާފަ ހުރި ބޭފުޅަކަށްވާތީ އައްޑޯ ފީފާއިން ޤަބޫލު ކުރޭ.“ މެމްބަރު ވިދާޅުވިއެވެ

އެކްޒެކްޓިވް ކޮމެޓީގެ މެމްބަރު ވިދާޅުވީ އިންތިޚާބު ނުބޭއްވުމުގެ ޒިންމާ ފަހު ވަގުތު އެޅިގެން ދިޔައީ އެކްސްކޯގެ ބޮލުގައި ކަމަށެވެ. ”އަސްލު އެކްސްކޯއިން އިންތިޚާބުގެ ކަންތައްތައް ކުރިއަށް ގެންދަން ވަރަށް ގިނަ ގޮތްގޮތް ކަނޑައަޅައިފި. ނަމަވެސް އެފް އޭ އެމުގައި އެކަން ހިންގަން ތިބި މީހުންނަށް ނުވެގެން އެކަންތައް ނުވެގެން އުޅެނީ. އެހެންވެ ފޭލްވީކީ އެކްސްކޯއެއް ނޫން. އެފް އޭ އެމުގައި އިސްކޮށް ތިބި ވެރިން“ އޭނާ ވިދާޅުވިއެވެ

މިކަމާ ގުޅޭ ގޮތުން އައްޑޯގެ ބަހެއް ހޯދާލުމަށް މިއަދު ގުޅުމުން އައްޑޯ ވިދާޅުވީ ތިކަމާ ބެހޭ މައުލޫމާތެއް ލިބިފައި ނެތް ކަމަށެވެ. ނަމަވެސް އިއްޔެގެ ބައްދަލުވުމުގައި ހުރިހާ ކަމެއް ނިންމިއިރު އައްޑޯވެސް އިންނެވިއެވެ. އައްޑޯގެ އިތުރުން މުޙައްމަދު ކަލީމުވެސް ބައްދަލުވުމުގައި ބައިވެރިވެ ވަޑައިގަތެވެ

މިއީ އެފް އޭ އެމު ހިންގުމަށް ފަހަކަށް އައިސް އައި އެންމެ ބޮޑު ބަދަލެވެ