Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Al Jazeera hosts panel discussions on reform agenda

30 October 2007
Report: Soodh

The 3 party panel discussions hosted by Al Jazeera, a multi language satellite news channel, held on last Friday at Henveiru Aazaadhuge the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party, MDP and the ruling Dhivehi Rayithunge Party, DRP have expressed similar views.

The discussions held at Aazaadhuge were participated by MDP Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed, Anni, Mohamed Nasheed Information Minister on behalf of DRP and Umar Naseer President of Islamic Democratic Party IDP.

IDP President Umar Naseer given an interview to local news paper Miadhu that the discussions were mainly on the current political situation in the country and the ongoing reform age agenda.

According to Umar, the two main parties want to introduce a liberal democracy to Maldives but IDP supports a democracy based on Islamic principles.

“The panel looked at President Maumoon’s reform agenda, including the recent religious extremism that has surfaced and various political changes to our society” say Umar.

According to Umar, IDP and the other two parties, DRP and MDP differed in opinion on the form of democracy the country needs.

“DRP and MDP wants a liberal democracy what IDP want is a democracy within the boundaries of Islam” said Umar IDP president.

“When they talk about a liberal democracy, what I can picture is the type democracy you have in western countries” Umar told Miadhu.

The main opposition leader, Anni, told Miadhu that IDP’s Umar is of the opinion that most of the disturbances in our society would be solved by strict action.

“The panel discussion were based the reform agenda and the recent changes that we are facing, in a broader context” said Anni.

MDP does not agree with IDP’s views on the form of democracy they would like to set up says MDP chairperson Anni.

Miadhu was unable to reach Mohamed Nasheed for comment.

courtey: Miadhu

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