Dr. Shaheed welcomes govt. decision to hold dialogue

15 December 2007
Report: Ayya


Former Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed has welcomed the government decision to hold dialogue with united opposition front. Dr. Shaheed made the comment to Miadhu when asked about the Legal Minister’s comment stating that government would hold dialogue with the united opposition front on all issues expect on dissolving the powers of the President and dissolving the cabinet.

Speaking to Miadhu, Dr. Shaheed said although he welcomed the government decision a final decision will be made after consultation with key members of the opposition front.

Dr. Shaheed said transitional arrangements can only take place once Special Majlis endorses it. However he noted that it would require the support of DRP Members. Dr. Shaheed further noted that the united opposition front would always support addressing issues in a peaceful manner and that united opposition front would always support democratic principles.

Dr. Shaheed further informed that the united opposition front is engaged in holding discussions locally as well as in international forums.

“We are hoping to meet the delegation from European Union, we have received information that the delegation would accept invitation by the Open Society” told Dr. Shaheed.

Dr. Shaheed said “support of the international community is important to the cause of the united opposition front, support of countries like India, Sri Lanka, US is important, at our recent conference held in Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan government and Japanese Government attended, we will hold discussions with neighboring counties, western countries, European countries and other countries which provide assistance to Maldives, we have shared our concerns to many international agencies”.

Minister of Legal Reform Mohamed Nasheed, speaking at a news conference held last Thursday said the government would not support any transitional government which dissolves the power of the President and dissolve the cabinet. He indicated that government was ready to hold dialogue on all other issues.