No Al Qaeda like terrorists in Maldives - Shahid

03 December 2007
Report: Soodh

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid in an interview given to Indo Asian News Service (IANS) has said that Maldives is free from the virus of terrorist brands like Al Qaeda. He said Maldives is grateful to India for sending its intelligence agencies to offer assistance in the investigation of Sultan Park explosion on the 29 of last September.
The interview given while Minister Shahid was on his first official visit to India as Foreign Minister told IANS that “the attack was a major shock to the Maldives and to the international community. We are committed to the Maldivian way of life”.

Foreign Minister Shahid speaking on the bomb blast of September 29 told IANS that “We are encouraged by the international community's response”. He said he welcomed India's statement condemning the attack.

Minister Shahid speaking on the suspected involvement of Al Qaeda told IANS that the investigations were carried out with the help of Indian and American intelligence agencies. He said that no connections with well-known terror brands have been established. He however said “we don't want to rule out the involvement of foreign elements”.

'Maldives has had a moderate Islamic philosophy. We are more vigilant now,' he said speaking on the growing religious extremism in the country.

Minister Shahid spoke about the close relationship between India and Maldives. He highlighted the intelligence and defense cooperation between the two countries. He further said whenever there was a crisis India has been a friend. Shahid also spoke about the annual defense program dhosti between the navies of both countries.

Shahid said the Maldivian government had set up a committee to probe the proliferation of extremism in South Asia and its recommendations were being implemented.

“The global village is afflicted with a virus which is spreading. Terrorists who want to intimidate civilized society will always want to find a way out. But we are ready to rebuff any such attacks” said Minister Shahid.

The Sultan Park bombing of September 29 injured 12 tourists including a British couple who were on honeymoon. The attack was given by religious extremists who say that the act was an act of jihad targeted at tourists. A number of people have been arrested in connection with bomb blast. While the trial of some of the terror suspects are going on, it is believed that 10 suspects have fled to Pakistan. According Maldivian Police Interpol has already issued red notice for their arrests.