Dr. Shaugy ridicules Addu people

Dr. Mahmoud Shaugy, Minister of Tourism speaking at official inaugural ceremony of Herathera Resort has responded to the comments of some adduans who kept saying that Herathera was just another dream resort similar to that of Villingili of that atoll. He said he was reminded of that night of 20 October 2005, when at a meeting held in Hithadhoo to discuss the introduction of tourism to Addu Atoll, the attendees, cried out “that is not possible, this government will never introduce tourism to Addu”.

“Many people of the this atoll attended that meeting held in Hithadhoo on the 20 October 2005, they insisted that such a thing was simply not possible, they said this government will never allow tourism to come to this atoll, many other government ministers have already shown us that dream, you are here to complete just another link in that chain, toward the end of that meeting I thought Addu people will never believe however much I tried” said Dr. Shaugy speaking at the official inaugural ceremony held in the mirror bar.

Tourism Minister Dr. Shaugy further that he told the attendees of the meeting at Hithadhoo, he fully appreciated how much the people wanted tourism to be introduced to Addu and that they would believe him when they saw it happening right before their very eyes.

Herethere Resort was officially inaugurated by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom yesterday.

Peaceful coexistence depends on judicial system – Justice Minister

Minister of Justice Muiz Adnan has said that peace and harmony existent in a society is dependent on the judicial system in place in that society. He made the statement speaking at the ceremony held to inaugurate the Hulhumale’ Court.

Justice Minister Muiz said that the judicial system must be system which has the support of the people and one which the people can readily identify and trust. He said in such a system the court’s decision will be respected by the people. He also said that the purpose of opening a court in Hulhumale’ was to solve the difficulties faced by Hulhumale’ residents in attending the courts in Male’.

“In order to obtain the trust and the support of the people, decisions of the judicial system must be ones which the people can accept, it is hoped this court would solve the difficulties faced by Hulhumale’ residents in attending Male’ courts” said Justice Minister.

Justice Minister further revealed that the court would handle family cases and minor civil cases. He although no criminal cases are handled at present, the service would soon be introduced.

Before concluding his talks at the ceremony, Minister thanked President Gayoom’s effort to strengthen and improve the judicial system of the country.

The ceremony which was commenced by the recitation of Holy Quran was introduced by Khalid Gasim Director of Judicial Affairs at the Ministry of Justice. The ceremony in addition to the Minister of Justice was attended by senior judges of courts in Male’ as well as by senior officials of the Justice Ministry.

Chairperson of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) has said that people of South Maldives prefers a transitional arrangement in or

Hulhumale’ Development Corporation (HDC) has revealed the corporation was planning to give land for housing purposes this year.

According to Deputy Director of HDC Nuhaa Mohamed, no land or flat were given from Hulhumale’ last year as the roads project was not completed. Although the Deputy Director said land will be given did not specify any specific date when flats and land would be given or what procedures will be used.

HDC revealed that the project to construct additional 500 flats is underway and that the project would be completed by the end of the year.

“Currently the project to construct 500 flats is going on, the flats will be completed by the end of the year, however we exactly give a completion date as yet” said Nuhaa.

Hulhumale’ Development Corporation revealed that currently a population of nearly 5000 people resides in Hulhumale’. Many believe that due to development of Hulhumale’ the problems arising in Male’ due to unavailability of land would be solved.

Huge support for transitional govt- Anni

Chairperson of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) has said that people of South Maldives prefers a transitional arrangement in order to have elections under the new constitution. Anni said this was clearly demonstrated by the tremendous support given by the people of the south to the expedition of Dhekunu Arumaz.

Speaking to Miadhu Anni said the support received for the transitional cause surpassed expectations. “We went from door to door, we met and held discussions with Island Development Committees of 26 islands, and we knew from their talks that people gave a lot of support to establish a transitional arrangement” Anni said.

Although people were a little hesitant to attend seminar meetings, door to door activities proved very successful and it really revealed the extent of their support said Anni. Anni also said on two occasions police were a little hostile but soon amended their ways after a little persuasion.

Regarding the talks that some people were intimidated by Island Chiefs, Anni said that he believed that it was a government decision. Anni also said Shereen Deputy Minister for Atolls Development made calls to some islands and that her actions were childish.

Although the expedition faced some minor problems, the expedition was a huge success said Anni in reponse to a question posed by Miadhu. Some people from Gahdhoo and Villingili called Miadhu and complained that they faced some difficulties in attending the sessions of Dhekunu Arumaz held in those islands. It is widely believed that efforts of the political parties to promote political awareness of the general public will not be hampered by the government as long as the parties remain within the legal boundaries.

Population of Addu is 18,026 – Planning Ministry

The results of national census 2006 shows population of Addu Atoll is 18,026 people revealed Ministry of Planning and National Development. Ministry indicates that the population comprises of 8,401 males and 9,625 females. Ministry further revealed that this was 6.03 percent of total population of Maldives.

The census 2006 indicated that most adduans take up jobs in police services or administrative jobs. Second choice of adduans as a means to earn their livelihoods is in the area of manufacturing or producing items. Favorite job area for Addu men are in the area of manufacture or producing items while the jobs in the educational sector is second choice.

72 percent of men and 50 percent of women are active economically in Addu Atoll. Highest number of women who are economically active in Addu is from Hulhdhoo and they form 59 percent of Hulhudhoo women. Highest number of men who are economically active in Addu is from Meedhoo and Hulhudhoo and they form 78 percent of men in those islands.

According to census 2006, 29percent of the people of Addu Atoll were unemployed. Unemployment according to census survey 2006 of the atoll is highest in Hulhudhoo. They are 16 percent men and 43 percent women.

Most people of Addu Atoll live in Hithadhoo of that atoll. 53 percent of Addu population lives Hithadhoo while 15 percent live in Feydhoo. The census indicates that women form the majority group of the population of Addu. For every 100 women there are just 87 men. In Meedhoo of that atoll for every 100 women there are only 78 men.

In contrast to other atolls, many adduans live in Male’. During the period of the census survey a total of 6,888 adduans were living in Male’. Out of the 6,888, highest number was from Hithadhoo and they were 2,500. Only 302 from Maradhoo Feydhoo were found to be living in Male’ during this period.

Looking at the literacy rates, 97 percent of adduans are literate, especially Meedhoo and Hulhudhoo where literacy rate is 98 percent. Educational standard of the population above 6 years age is grade 7. Census 2006 also indicated that number of women who achieved O level standard is higher than that of men.

In Addu Atoll according to the national census 2006, men get married at the age of 22 while women at 18. Couples normally have 2 children while most women give birth between 19 to 25 years of age.

Families usually drink rain water although well water is also used. The census indicates 88 percent use rain water for consumption. Cooking gas is becoming increasingly popular although kerosene and fire wood is still used.

Census also indicates 83 percent of adduans have septic tanks in their compound.

Indian Commerce Minister meets FM Shahid

Indian Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jairam Ramesh has paid a courtesy call to Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid yesterday.

During the meeting Maldives Foreign Minister Shahid thanked the Indian government for the assistance and support the Indian government has always rendered to the development of Maldives. He also highlighted the close brotherly relations between the 2 nations and discussed ways on improving the relations even further.

Speaking during the meeting State Minister Ramesh expressed hope that a meeting of the Joint Commission formed between the 2 countries will be held soon. He also talked about increasing investments from both sides.

The meeting held at Foreign Ministry was attended by Maldives Ambassador designated to India Anbaree Abdul Sattar, Indian High Commissioner designated to Maldives, A. K. Pandey, Ambassador at Large, Abdul Azeez Yoosuf and Director at Foreign Ministry Fathimath Inaya.

Wataniya inaugurates Maldives first 3G network

Wataniya Maldives has revealed that the company has inaugurated the first ever 3G network in Maldives, which according to the company would form the basis of the foundation of future mobile communications in the Maldives. Wataniya revealed that this was a major step for Maldives as the country continues to grow with modern world of telecommunications.

Wataniya revealed that the company now has a fully functional 3G High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) network in Male’ and Hulhumale’ with limited coverage to Male’ International Airport. Wataniya informs that the coverage to the airport as well as to other parts of Maldives will be expanded.

The inauguration ceremony was held at Dharubaaruge yesterday in two stages. A special media presentation was delivered in the morning for press and invitees and a very special VIP ceremony in the evening.

At the ceremony a demonstration of the 3G services was made to the invitees and the members of the press. These included Wataniya Vedio Calls, Wataniya Vedio Surveillance, Wataniya Mobile Broadband and Wataniya Mobile TV.

According to Wataniya the company is currently testing these services. Wataniya said that the company hoped to introduce these services by first quarter of 2008.
Speaking at the ceremony yesterday Wataniya’s CEO Abraham Smith said “Wataniya 3G/HSDPA mobile high speed data network is termed as 3G in technical terms. This is an advance version of 3G technology and this is also the most advanced mobile technology ever to be introduced to Maldives as this is actually a 3.5G network. In just over 2 years, Wataniya has led ventures that delivered the most advanced technology, most unique services and the most innovative products. Wataniya came for the people of Maldives and we are making sure that the people get the best services available anywhere in the World today”.

The inauguration of the network placed Maldives in the very short list of countries that have 3G/HSDPA technology in the Asia Pacific region revealed Wataniya. According to Wataniya these countries are Australia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore South Korea, Sri Lanka and Taiwan.

Second girls school will be opened in 2009- Ministry

Ministry of Education has revealed that construction of the second all girls secondary school will be completed and inaugurated some time next year.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily, Director of the Ministry of Education Mohamed Yousuf said that school which will be constructed with grant aid from the Japanese government will be opened some time next year. He said that he is unable to provide an exact date as to when the construction work would commence but said that the work previously scheduled to commence last December.

Director Yousuf revealed that the school has a design capacity of 1500 students and includes 25 class rooms and other facilities required for a school.

Education Ministry revealed that the school is 4 storey building and would be constructed on land where former Tajuhdheen School was located. Education also revealed that the school is being constructed to provide a relief to ever increasing girl student population of Aminiyya School, the only all girl school providing secondary education in Male’.

According to sources the Japanese government is providing 774 Million Yen as grant aid for the construction of the school.

President briefed on “Addu Atoll Development Vision 2015”

Addu Atoll Committee briefed President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on the “Addu Atoll Development Vision 2015”, yesterday night.

The members of the committee gave President Gayoom information on the main categories of the project.

The Atoll Office, Chiefs of the islands, Atoll Development Committee, non-governmental associations and societies, officials of Government offices and the people of the atoll contributed numerous ideas for the compilation of the project.

During the meeting, the members of the committee presented President Gayoom with a copy of the vision.

President Gayoom thanked the committee members for taking the initiative to carry out such an important project and said that such projects are vital for the progress of the atoll. He further said that the Government had launched the “Vision 2020” so that Maldives could reach new heights of development. He also noted that the “Addu Atoll Development Vision 2015” was designed for the development of the entire atoll, and that it accentuated the “Vision 2020”.

Herathera will contribute to development of Addu- President

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom yesterday said that the inauguration of Herathera Island Resort marked the beginning of the South’s tourism zone and that the resort would make a valuable contribution to the economy and progress of Addu Atoll.

President Gayoom and the First Lady Nasreena Ibrahim were greeted upon their arrival at the Inauguration Ceremony of the resort by the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahmood Shaugee, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Maldives Tourism Promotion Board, Hussain Afeef, Managing Director of Maldives Tourism Development Corporation, Mr. Mohamed Solih, members of the Board of Directors, distinguished guests attending the ceremony and the General Manager of the resort.

Speaking at the ceremony, President said that the opening of Herathera Island Resort was a remarkable achievement for MTDC and noted that the whole resort had been successfully completed within 16 months. He further said that work to open two more resorts in Addu Atoll is underway, and that the people of the atoll would benefit greatly from these projects.

The people of Addu Atoll presented President Gayoom with a plaque to commemorate his contributions towards the commencement of international flights and the promotion of tourism in Addu. Mohamed Abdulla presented the plaque to the President on behalf of the Addu Atoll Committee.

Certificates were presented to those who had contributed to the successful inauguration of Herathera Island Resort. The recipients of these certificates were Dr. Mahmood Shaugee, Champa Hussain Afeef, Mohamed Solih, Ibrahim Nooradeen, Maldives Tourism Development Corporation, and Late Mohamed Saeed of Addu Atoll Hithadhoo Moonlight Villa.

MTDC presented the people of Addu Atoll with an honorary plaque for their efforts in developing the resort. Tour operators, Thomas Cook and Hotelplan also received plaques for their contribution and faith in Herathera Island Resort. The plaques and certificates were presented by President Gayoom.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahmood Shaugee said that the arrival of tourists directly to Addu Atoll through this international gateway has long been a dream of all the residents of the atoll. He noted that the inauguration of the resort could not have been possible without the full cooperation and support of several key figures of the tourism sector.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Maldives Tourism Development Corporation, Hussain Afeef said that it was a significant day for the people of Maldives, particularly to the people of Addu Atoll. He highlighted various difficulties faced during the development of the resort and noted that all the work in building the resort had been done by Maldivians.

In his vote of thanks, the Managing Director of MTDC, Mohamed Solih noted the high priority attached by the Government and the President in particular to the development of Herathera Island Resort.

A video presentation showing the developmental work of the resort was made during the ceremony.

President met with the Board of Directors of MTDC during his visit to the resort.

President meets with the people of Hulhudhoo & Meedhoo

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom met with the people of Addu Atoll Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo yesterday
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Speaking with the people of Hulhudhoo, President Gayoom commended the people for the contribution they had made in achieving the present development. He highlighted the perils of narcotic drugs to the society and urged the people to work in partnership with the Government to rid society of the drugs menace.

Speaking at the ceremony held in Hulhudhoo School, Senior Island Chief, Mohamed Jameel said that the introduction of tourism in the region was very promising for the people of Hulhudhoo. He also noted the efforts of the President Gayoom in promoting tourism in Addu Atoll.

President Gayoom and the First Lady Nasreena Ibrahim personally met with the people after the meeting.

President Gayoom and the First Lady also visited Meedho yesterday afternoon.

Speaking with the people of Meedhoo, President Gayoom said that Gan International Airport was a very important channel between Addu Atoll and the other islands of Maldives. He said that the opening of Herathera Island Resort in Addu Atoll would greatly boost the economy of the atoll. He further said that strategic planning and careful implementation was the key to success.

Speaking at the ceremony held in Meedhoo Shamsuddin School, the Island Chief, Abdulla Rasheed said that the President’s visit was a sign of prosperity for Addu Atoll in the days to come. He then highlighted the progress Maldives has achieved under the President’s tenure.

President and the First Lady personally met with the people after the meeting.

Gan International would speed up development - President

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom yesterday said that the Gan International Airport (GIA) would make a remarkable contribution to speeding up the pace of progress in Addu Atoll.

Speaking at the ceremony held to officially inaugurate the Airport, President Gayoom said that the government attaches a very high priority to the development of Addu Atoll in particular, as it is the most populous atoll in Maldives. He noted that a number of projects had been launched for the progress of Addu Atoll over the past few years, and that the opening of the International Airport was a notable achievement in the field of aviation.

Urging the employees of all the airports in Maldives to provide the best services for their customers, President Gayoom said that Airports were the face-front representatives of the country.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Transport and Communication, Mohamed Saeed noted the historic significance of the Addu Atoll Airport. He further said that Maldives had achieved significant progress in the field of aviation due to the collaborative efforts of the Government and the people.

In his speech, Addu Atoll Chief, Saud Abdulla urged the people of the atoll to work cooperatively to ensure that high standards are maintained in the airport. He expressed confidence that this airport would add to the development of the people of Addu atoll as well as those of neighboring atolls.

President Gayoom and First Lady Nasreena Ibrahim were greeted upon their arrival at the ceremony by Minister of Transport and Communication, Mohamed Saeed, Senior officials of the Ministry, the regional airport and Maldives Airports Company ltd.

President and the First Lady arrived in Addu Atoll at 11 am yesterday morning. They were greeted at the Gan Airport by the Atoll Chief, Saud Abdulla, Minister of Transport and Communication, Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Tourism and Civil aviation, Mahmood Shaugee, and other officials attending the ceremony.

The students of Feydhoo School welcomed the President and the First Lady with a welcome song at the airport.

President meets Feydhoo people yesterday afternoon

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom met with the people of Addu Atoll Feydhoo yesterday afternoon.

President Gayoom and the First Lady Nasreena Ibrahim were greeted upon their arrival at the Feydhoo School by the officials of the island and the school.

Speaking with the people of Feydhoo, President said that the Government attaches a high priority to the development of Addu Atoll in particular, as it is the most heavily populated atoll in Maldives. He noted that a number of projects had been launched for the progress of Feydhoo over the past few years and briefed the people on the progress of such on-going projects.

President Gayoom further said that the plans for the development of our country could only be fulfilled by the cooperative effort of all the people. He also highlighted on the roles played by individuals, non-governmental committees and associations towards national development.

Speaking at the ceremony held in the Feydhoo School, Senior Island Chief Hassan Latheef spoke of the difficult period they had undergone when the English left the island decades ago. He also noted the progress Addu Atoll and Feydhoo had achieved since President Gayoom came into Office.

President and First Lady personally met with the people after the meeting.

Foreign workers rose by 30 % in 2007

Ministry of Higher Education, Employment and Social Security has revealed that in year 2007 number of foreign workers in the country rose by 30% when compared to year2006.

In a written response given to Miadhu Daily, Ministry of Higher Education Employment and Social Security revealed that last year the number of foreign workers in the country rose by 30 % and by the end of last year 70075 foreigners were employed in the country.
Ministry revealed that most of the foreign workers are employed in the construction industry and that Bangladeshis form the majority group.

Ministry’s statistics reveal that by the end of the year 2006 a total of 53,901 foreigners were engaged in various jobs in the country and that since 2002 there has been an increase of 3000 to 4000 every year. However statistics reveal that in 2006 that number jumped by 9056 when compared to 2005. The number of foreigners working in the country in 2005 was 44,845. In this regard in 2006 the number rose by 20.19 %.

Department of Immigration has revealed that by the end of October 2007 a total 315 foreigners were found missing and are believed to be working illegally in the country.

Global prices of food items on the rise- Ministry

Ministry of Trade and Economic Development has revealed that prices of food item are on the rise in world markets. Director General of Ministry of Trade Usman Shakir speaking to Miadhu said the main reason for the global increase in consumer goods is due to the high cost of fuel and the devalued dollar. He said this has led to a reduction in the production and has resulted in reduced opportunities to increase agricultural produce. He said due to diminished opportunities for the best use of the modern facilities, production of goods and amount of agricultural produce has drastically reduced.

He said food items are mainly imported to Maldives from countries like India, Thailand, Dubai, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. He noted that if the agricultural production is not increased to meet the demands of the increasing population, it will lead to high costs as well.

Usman revealed that not enough goods are being imported due to problems faced with warehousing. He noted that as some food items cannot be stored for longer periods it also complicates the issue.

Director General Usman revealed that high global prices of food items are of major concern to country like Maldives. He revealed that prices in the market are on the rise and that the prices may not come down in the near future

Renovation of Hinnavaru harbor to commence

Hinnavaru Island Office has revealed that renovation work of the tsunami affected harbor is due to commence next week.

Hinnavaru office further revealed that as the harbor used by the islanders prior to tsunami of 2004 is highly inconvenient the harbor is now being constructed at a different location.

The construction of the harbor according to Hinnavaru office includes construction of a 100 meter seawall and a 100 meter retaining wall. Equipment and necessary vehicles to used during the construction period is already positioned and once the approval from Construction Ministry is obtained construction would commence says Hinnavaru office. The team from the Construction to provide the necessary approval is due to arrive in Hinnavaru on the 31 of this month.

According to Hinnavaru office one of the major issues faced with harbor construction is the problem of extending the sewerage lines of the island. Approximately Rf50, 000 is needed to carryout the extension work says the office.

Island Chief of Hinnavaru Ibrahim Ali revealed that will be located adjacent to the harbor that is to be constructed. He revealed that the official harbor would be constructed under the Kuwait Fund.

Palm Beach expresses interest to promote local handicraft

Palm Beach Resort and Spa has expressed intentions of engaging expert handicraft craftspeople to showcase their skills to the resort guests reports UNDP. According to UNDP website the resort has further committed to promoting and selling locally made souvenirs including innovative products and crafts of the more traditional variety.

The resort collaborates with Lhaviyani Handicrafts training centers in Naifaru and Kurendhoo. The training centers have been set up with the assistance of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) with the main aim of promoting partnerships between small businesses and the more established ventures such as those within the tourism industry.

Independent organizations such as the Creative Arts and Crafts Training Centre (CACTC), Women’s Entrepreneurial Council (WEC), in collaboration with several island and atoll based groups, have already begun program in order to maximize the potential of the dwindling local cottage industries reports UNDP.

According to the ‘Handicrafts in Maldives’ report compiled by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade in 2007, the sale of souvenir items in the Maldives is expected to bring in more than US 50 million within the next five years reports UNDP website.

Ongoing efforts to promote local handicrafts are underway with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in the Maldives with assistance from the European Union through the Maldives Tsunami Recovery Program. Expertise of the Creative Arts and Crafts Training Centre (CACTC) and cooperation from the Women’s Entrepreneurial Council (WEC), the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, several island-based non-governmental organizations as well as the commitment from the Palm Beach Resort & Spa contributes to the success of this important initiative.

Report by Male’ Hotel cannot be accepted – Muiz Adhnan

Adnan Muiz, attorney representing Athireehuraa has said that he would not accept the analytic report submitted by Male’ Hotels. He made the statement at the court hearing held yesterday. Further he asked the presiding Judge Aishath Shujoon for a court order to stop the construction work of the 15 storey building at Ameeneege until an accurate report on the damages received to Athireehuraa has been made and adequate compensation has been provided to his client for the damages.

Speaking at the court hearing yesterday attorney Adnan Muiz said due to pile driving for the construction of the 15 storey building, it is believed that his client’s home, Athireehuraa has tilted a side and received considerable damage.

Mohamed Ibrahim attorney representing Male’ Hotel who is carrying out construction of the 15 storey building said that his client has received complaints from various parties on such damages and that a detailed survey is being underway to access the full extent of such damages. He asked the Judge to delay the hearing till he receives the report which according to him would be completed on Sunday next week.

Speaking on the issue Judge Shujoon ordered both parties to submit names of qualified parties to carry out the survey. She said the court will decide who shall carry out the survey after due deliberations. She further revealed that a separate case has to be filed to obtain compensations.

Construction of the 15 storey building at Henveiru Ameeneege has been temporarily suspended due to complaints from neighbors regarding damages to their homes.

Commissioner rejects application to register New Maldives

Office of the Commissioner of Elections has revealed that they have informed the applicant who submitted application for the registration of a political party under the name New Maldives, that application has been rejected as it does not conform to pertinent regulations.

Mohamed Abdulla of Henveiru Wood Pecker has submitted necessary application along with 52 signatures to the Commissioner of Elections office for registration of political party under the name of New Maldives. This was confirmed to Miadhu on 29 of January by the Commissioner’s office.

According to Assistant Director General of the Office of the Elections Commissioner, Mohamed Tholaal, the decision to reject the application was due to the fact that other party members were included in the original 25 signatures submitted as well as due to problems related national identity cards.

Dr. Shaheed has previously said they have no intention of registering the movement operated by them. He said the New Maldives Movement had the support of the people and was linked to their future aspirations. According to an article carried in the center page of daily newspaper Hamaroalhi New Maldives was the brainchild of President Gayoom and that Dr. Shaheed and his allies had stolen it.

Dr. Hassan Saeed will not join any party

Many believe that Dr. Hassan Saeed, former Attorney General, who resigned from the government citing government obstruction to his reform work, may not join any political party. Dr. Hassan Saeed resigned from the government in August last year saying that Reform Agenda of President Gayoom has failed.

With his resignation from the President Gayoom’s cabinet many thought Dr. Hassan Saeed may join the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). However to this day he has not joined any of the political party in operation in Maldives, preferring to pursue his political ambitions under the umbrella of the New Maldives Movement of which he is a founder member.

Many are puzzled as to why New Maldives Movement operated by former Ministers, Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, Mohamed Jameel and Dr. Hassan Saeed is not being changed to a political party. Many wonder under which party Dr. Hassan would compete in the elections or whether he would compete as an independent candidate. Miadhu has obtained the answer to these questions from a very reliable source.

According to the source Dr. Hassan Saeed is not inclined to join any party. It is believed that he would compete as an independent candidate and win the elections. Many believe that he may succeed in achieving his target provided he puts enough effort in to it.

There are many reasons for him not joining any political party, which includes loosing support of his supporters in the Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party (DRP) if he join with Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and that the belief that he may get support from all the parties if he come out as an independent candidate.

It may be possible for Dr. Hassan to get support form parties especially DRP but political analysts believe that he can only reach the top of the ladder by operating under a political party.

“Perhaps he may be thinking, as an independent candidate he can get the support of the opposition parties, but I don’t believe that MDP votes will be divided as opposed to Adhaalath or DRP” said an independent middle aged man.

“It would be best if Dr. Hassan joins MDP, but according to my information he intends to run as an independent candidate” said a young man from Feydhoo.

Operating without registration is an offense –Ministry

Ministry of Home Affairs has revealed that use of the name of New Maldives without proper registration is against the regulations that govern civil societies and associations. Home Ministry revealed this in a press release issued yesterday. Home Ministry in the press release stated that the release was issued due to articles being carried in daily newspapers regarding the recent registration of a society under the name New Maldives. The press release stated that the articles were written in such a way that may confuse the general public and the Home Ministry’s intention in issuing the press release was to clarify the situation to the general public.

The press release noted that a civil society was registered under the name of New Maldives Movement under article 5 of the Regulations on Associations and Societies. According to the press release, article 5 of states “when an application to register a society or an association is made in accordance with clause 3 of this article, then such a society or an association in accordance with the Associations and Societies Act and in accordance with this Regulations shall be duly registered and the Certificates of Registration shall be released to the concerned parties”.

The news release also stated the Ministry believes that it is not advisable to reserve the name of New Maldives to a group of people who has been using the name without proper registration, especially when another party wants to register a society using the same name.

“And if any person or group has been using that name without registration, the Ministry believes that it is a violation of the Act on Associations and Societies. Article 2 of this Act states that any association or society shall only be operated after being registered in accordance with this Act” revealed the press release.

Miadhu contacted Dr. Shaheed one of the founder member of the unregistered New Maldives Movement to obtain his views on the Home Ministry’s press release. Dr. Shaheed told Miadhu that press release indicates that government is very concerned with New Maldives.

“It shows how much the government is worried” said Dr. Shaheed. Government is worried because they know we will change the government in the forthcoming elections said Dr. Shaheed.

According to Dr. Shaheed the Registrar is given authority to check whether the name submitted is suitable to be registered and whether to accept the name or not.

“If any there is person in Home Ministry who reads the daily newspapers, listens to TV and Radio and listens to government announcements, then he surely will know that there is group of people who are referred to New Maldives and New Maldives Movement” said Dr. Shaheed.

Dr. Shaheed described the labeling of New Maldives to a specific group by the government as an act of theft.

“This government has taught the people to steal what ever they can, when they can, wherever they can and however they can” said Dr. Saheed.

“According to international standards you do not register movements, we called it New Maldives Movement in order to join the Alliance, movement is a motion, it is not an association or a society, our movement does not have an office, or members, we don’t have a budget or an account, this our brand, our political vision, if the government want to give it some other person, then they can do it without giving excuses” said Dr. Shaheed explaining how they use the name of New Maldives.

Shaheed said he is very satisfied that government has issued a press release. According to Dr. Shaheed it shows how much the government is worried. Dr. Shaheed said even though the name is now registered to different group, the people of Maldives would always know who the real New Maldives refers to.

“This is intended to obstruct our activities; this is the second attempt of Abdulla Kamaaluhdheen to create block Dr. Hassan Saeed’s presidential campaign, the first was to sign, on orders of President Gayoom, that person married to foreigner may not become the President of Maldives, we are assuring the people of Maldives, that we will ensure that “Theemuge” Presidential Palace is empty by 10 of November, we will ensure that it belongs to the people” said Dr. Shaheed.

Dhekunu Arumaz completes tour

Expedition of Dhekunu Arumaz has returned to Male’ after completing its tour of South Maldives. The expedition returned to Male’ yesterday at around 1700 hours after visiting 11 islands. The expedition was made with the objective of gaining support for a transitional government in order to hold the presidential elections under the new constitution.

According to Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) the expedition to South of Maldives was a huge success. MDP revealed that the expedition which commenced with 115 members from the different parties forming the National Unity Alliance had established strong links with the people of the southern islands.

MDP also reveals that meeting held in Gdh Thinadhoo was attended by a large crowd amounting to 1000 people. MDP reveal the meeting was addressed by all the top leaders of the Alliance. The leaders who addressed the Thinadhoo meeting were President of Adhaalath Party Sheikh Hussain Rasheed Hassan, founder member of New Maldives Movement Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, President of Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) Umar Naseer, President of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Dr. Munnawar, Vice President of MDP Ibrahim Hussain Zaki, Founder of MDP Mohamed Latheef and Parliamentary Group of MDP.

MDP also said that meeting in Fuvahmulak also received tremendous support. MDP revealed that Zikura School hall, where the meeting was held, was full and the people who went to hear the speeches had to wait in the courtyard of the school as well as on the adjoining street. They also revealed that approximately 2000 Fuvahmulak people attended the meeting.

Muli of Meemu Atoll gave a warm welcome to the Dhekunu Arumaz expedition says MDP. MDP also revealed that Muli beach was decorated with national flags and around 100 residents had come out to greet the expedition members. Further delegations from other nearby islands also were present to greet the expedition said MDP.

MDP revealed that depending on the population of the island visited, they had either held a meeting or a seminar and teams of the expedition visited houses in order to provide information on a transitional arrangement.

Application submitted to register party as New Maldives

Mohamed Abdulla of Henveiru Wood Pecker has submitted necessary application along with 52 signatures to the Commissioner of Elections office for registration of political party under the name of New Maldives. This was confirmed to Miadhu last night by Office of the Commissioner.

Providing information to Miadhu, Mohamed Thalaal Assistant Director General at the Commissioner’s Office said as the regulations concerning such registration stipulates that political parties may be registered within 3 days of the application, and as such the registration process was underway. He said that Commissioner would provide a reply to the concerned parties within 3 days. He noted that response is due to given sometime tomorrow.

Application to register a political party under the name New Maldives was submitted last Sunday immediately after Home Ministry allowed registration of a society under the name New Maldives Movement.

Asked if Office of the Commissioner would allow a political party to be registered under New Maldives in view of the fact that former Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, former Justice Minister Mohamed Jameel and former Attorney General Dr. Hassan Saeed are referred to as New Maldives Movement both by government agencies as well as international organizations and also in view of the fact that a civil society was recently registered under New Maldives Movement, Tholal replied that necessary deliberations will take place before giving permit to form a political party under that name. He further it was a decision that would be made by the Commissioner.

Miadhu contacted the founder members of the newly registered New Maldives Movement to find out whether if they were linked to the political party to be registered under New Maldives. The founder members of the New Maldives Movement replied that they were in no way connected to the New Maldives political party to be registered.

Dr. Shaheed has previously said they have no intention of registering the movement operated by them. He said the New Maldives Movement had the support of the people and was linked to their future aspirations. According to an article carried in the center page of daily newspaper Hamaroalhi New Maldives was the brainchild of President Gayoom and that Dr. Shaheed and his allies had stolen it.

Indian Foreign Secretary meets Shahid

Indian Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon who is currently in Maldives has paid a courtesy call to Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. The call took place at the Foreign Ministry yesterday.

During the talks at the meeting between the 2 leaders, discussions were held on ways to improve the close brotherly ties between the 2 nations.

Minister Shahid at the meeting noted the many contributions India has made to the development of Maldives and thanked Indian government for the close cooperation it has afforded to Maldives at all times. In this regard Minister Shahid made special note of the assistance rendered in the field of security. Minister Shahid said that Maldives and India had similar foreign policies.

Speaking at the meeting Indian Foreign Secretary Menon noted the developments Maldives has achieved during the past years and said that it very apparent that the aid and assistance received towards the economic and social development of Maldives was being used very wisely by the government. He said the he was proud of the success Maldives has achieved in its effort to introduce a modern democracy to the country.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Dhunya Maumoon, Maldivian Ambassador designated to India Anbaree Abdul Sattar, Indian High Commissioner to Maldives, A. K. Pandey, Maldives Ambassador at Large, Abdul Azeez Yoosuf, Executive Director of Department of External Resources Dr Hussain Niyaz and Fathimath Inayaa Director at Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

މުޒާހަރާކުރުމަށް ހުއްދަ ނަގަން ނުޖެހޭގޮތަށް ފާސްކޮށްފި

މުޒާހަރާކުރުމުގެ ކުރިން ސަރުކާރުން ހުއްދަ ނަގަން ނުޖެހޭގޮތަށް އިސްލާހް ކުރެވޭ ގާނޫން އަސާސީގައި ލިޔުމަށް ރައްޔިތުންގެ ޚާއްސަ މަޖިލީހުން ފާސްކޮށްފި އެވެ

މިއަދު އޮތް ރައްޔިތުންގެ ޚާއްޞަ މަޖިލީހުގެ 249 ވަނަ ޖަލްސާއިން ފާސްކުރި ރައްޔިތުންގެ އަސާސީ ހައްގުތަކާއި މިނިވަންކަމުގެ ބާބުގެ 12 ވަނަ މާއްދާގެ (ޅ) ޑްރާފްޓްގައިވާގޮތަށް ފާސްވީ އެވަގުތު ވަޑައިގެން ތިއްބެވި 77 މެންބަރުންގެތެރެއިން 69 މެންބަރަކު އެކަމަށް ތާއީދުކުރައްވާ ވޯޓު ދެއްވައިގެންނެވެ. ފެނިވަޑައި ނުގަންނަވާކަމަށް ވޯޓް ދެއްވި އެއްވެސް މެންބަރަކު ނެތްނަމަވެސް ވަކިކޮޅަކަށް ވޯޓު ނުދެއްވާ 5 މެންބަރަކު ތިއްބެވި އެވެ. މިމައްދާގައި ބުނެފައިވަނީ ” ދައުލަތުގެ ހުއްދަ ކުރިން ހޯދުމަކާ ނުލައި ސުލްހަވެރިކަމާއެކު މީސްތަކުން އެއްވެ އުޅުމުގެ މިނިވަންކަން“ ލިބިދޭ ކަމަށެވެ

މިއަދުގެ ޖަލްސާގައި 12 ވަނަ މައްދާގެ (ކ) ވެސް ޑްރާފްޓްގައިވާގޮތަށް ވަނީ ފާސްވެފައެވެ. އެއީ ” އެމީހެއްގެ ނަމާއި އަބުރު ރައްކާތެރިކުރެވިފައި އޮތުމުގެ ހައްގު“ ލިބިދޭ ކަމަށެވެ

މި ދެ އަކުރަށްވެސް ވޯޓަކަށް އެހުމުގެ ކުރިން މެންބަރުން ފޮނުވާފައިވާ އިސްލާހްތަކަށް ވޯޓަށް އަހައިގެން ވަނީ ފާސްނުވެފަ އެވެ

މިމާއްދާގެ (ޅ) އަށް ތ އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ ރިޔާޟް ރަޝީދު ހުށަހަޅުއްވައި ރ އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ އަލީވަހީދު ތާއީދުކުރައްވާފައިވާ އިސްލާހުގައި ވަނީ ” ދައުލަތުގެ ހުއްދަ ކުރިން ހޯދުމަކާ ނުލައި ދެކޮޅުވެރިކަމެއް ނެތި މީސްތަކުން އެއްވެ އުޅުމުގެ މިނިވަންކަން“ ލިބިދޭ ކަމަށެވެ

މިއަކުރަށް ބ އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ ޢަލީފާއިޒް ހުށަހަޅުއްވައި ގއ އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ އަދުނާން ހަލީމް ތާއީދުކުރައްވާފައިވާ އިސްލާހުގައި ވަނީ ” ދައުލަތުގެ ހުއްދަ ކުރިން ހޯދުމަކާ ނުލައި ސުލްހަވެރިކަމާއެކުމީސްތަކުން އެއްވެ, އެބައިމީހުންގެ ބޭނުންތައް ހާމަކުރުމުގެ މިނިވަންކަން“ ލިބިދޭ ކަމަށެވެ

މިމާއްދާގެ (ކ)އަށްވެސް އިސްލާހެއް ހުށަހަޅުއްވާފައިވެއެވެ. ބ އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ ޢަލީފާއިޒް ހުށަހަޅުއްވައި ގއ އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ އަދުނާން ހަލީމް ތާއީދުކުރައްވާފައިވާ އިސްލާހުގައި ވަނީ ”އެމީހެއްގެ ނަމާއި އަބުރު ރައްކާތެރިކުރެވިފައި އޮތުމުގެ ހައްގުގެ ޔަގީންކަން. ފަހެ ސަރުކާރުގެ ފަރާތަކުން ވިޔަސް, އަދި އަމިއްލަ ފަރާތަކުން ވިޔަސް އެމީހެއްގެ މައްޗަށް އަދްލު އިންސާފްގެ މަގުން ޝަރީއަތަށް ސާބިތުނުވާ ކަމަކާމެދު ދޮގުމައުލޫމާތެއް ހާމަކޮށްގެން ނުވާނެއެވެ“

މިމައްދާއަށް އަކުރެއް އިތުރުކުރުމަށް ހުށަހެޅި ހުށަހެޅުން ވަނީ ފާސްނުވެފަ އެވެ. ގއ.އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ އަދުނާން ހަލީމްހުށަހަޅުއްވައި ބ.އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ އަލީ ފާއިޒް ތާއީދުކުރައްވާފައިވާ މިހުށަހެޅުމުގައިވަނީ ”ސަރުކާރުން ނުވަތަ އެހެންފަރާތަކުން ވިޔަސް ދެމުންދާ ޚިދުމަތަކާމެދު ނުވަތަ ކުރަމުންދާ ކަމަކާމެދު ހިތްހަމަ ނުޖެހިގެން ދެކޮޅު ހެދުމުގެ ގޮތުން, އެއްބާރުލުން ދިނުމުގެ ގޮތުންނާއި, އުފާވެރިކަން ފާޅުކުރުމުގެ ގޮތުން ސުލްހަވެރިކަމާއެކު މުޒާހަރާކުރުމާއި ހިންގާލުން ބެއްވުމާއި މިފަދަ ހަރަކާތްތަކުގައި ބައިވެރިވުމާއި ނުވުމުގެ ހައްގު“ ލިބިދޭ ކަމަށެވެ. މިއަކުރު އިތުރުކުރާކަށް ފާހެއް ނުވިއެވެ

އިސްތިއުފާދެއްވި ތިން ވަޒީރުން ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސް މޫމަންޓްގެ ނަމުގައި ހަރަކާތްތެރިވަނިކޮށް އެހެން ބަޔަކު އެނަމުގައި ޖަމްއިއްޔާއެއް ރަޖިސްޓްރީ ކޮށްފި

ސަރުކާރުގެ އިސްލާހީ އެޖެންޑާ ފެއިލްވެފައިވާ ކަމަށް ވިދާޅުވެ މިދިޔަ އަހަރު އިސްތިއުފާދެއްވި ތިން ވަޒީރުން ހިންގަވަމުން ގެންދެވި ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސް މޫމަންޓްގެ ނަމުގައި އެހެން ބަޔަކު ޖަމްއިއްޔާއެއް ރަޖިސްޓްރީ ކޮށްފި އެވެ

ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސްގެ ނަމުގައި ހޯމް މިނިސްޓްރީގައި ރަޖިސްޓްރީކޮށްފައި ޖަމިއްޔާގެ މަސްއޫލުވެރިންނަކީ ގ.ކޮއްދިއްޕަރު ހަސަން ހަބީބާއި ހއ. ކެލާ ދިލްހުސީ އިބްރާހިމް ސާއިދެވެ. އެ ޖަމްއިއްޔާގެ އެއް މުއައްސިސު އިބުރާހިމް ސާއިދު ވިދާޅުވީ އެޖަމްއިއްޔާއަކީ އެހެން ޖަމްއިއްޔާތައް ފަދައިން އިޖްތިމާއި ޖަމްއިއްޔާއެއް ކަމަށެވެ

” އަޅުގަނޑުމެންގެ މަގުސަދަކީ އިޖްތިމާއީ ކުރިއެރުމަށް މަސައްކަތް ކުރުން. އެގޮތުން ސިޔާސީ ގޮތުން ރައްޔިތުން ހޭލުންތެރިކުރުމަށްވެސް މަސައްކަތް ކުރެވޭނެ“ ސާއިދު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ. އިސްތިއުފާދެއްވި ތިންވަޒީރުން ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސްގެ ނަމުގައި ހިންގަވަމުންގެންދަވާ ޖަމްއިއްޔާއިން ބުނީ މިއީ ސަރުކާރުން ކުރި ތާކުންތާކު ނުޖެހޭ ހަނޑި އަމަލެއް ކަމަށެވެ. އަދި މިއީ ޑރ.ހަސަން ސައީދު ރައީސް ކަމަށް ކުރިމަތި ލައްވާނެތީ އެކަމަށް ހުރަސް އެޅުމަށް ކުރިކަމެއް ކަމަށްވެސް ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

” މިއީ މިސަރުކާރުގެ ތާކުންތާކު ނުޖެހޭ ކުޑަކުދިންގެ އަމަލެއް. މިއީ ޑީއާރުޕީގެ ރޭވުމަކުން ކުރިކަމެއް. އަދި އެފަރާތުން ބޭނުންވަނީ ޑރ.ހަސަން ސައީދު ރައީސް ކަމަށް ކުރިމަތިލިޔަ ނުދިނުމަށް. އެކަމަކު މިއަމަލުގެ ސަބަބުން އެކަމަށް ހުރަހެއް ނޭނޅޭނެ“ ކުރީގެ ހާރިޖީ ވަޒީރު ޑރ.އަހުމަދު ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

Interruptions not due to Drafting Committee - Ibra

MP for Male’ as well as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) has said that the sessions of the Majlis were interrupted yesterday not because of the Drafting Committee. Ibra made the statement in response to Speaker Qasim’s remarks that Special Majlis sessions were being interrupted due to lack of work.

According to Ibra, after the Majlis recess facilitated illegally by Speaker Qasim followed by commencement of work on the 13 of this month, Drafting Committee was only able to meet last Wednesday.

“When Speaker Qasim make such statements people will not be aware of the situation, after the commencement of work on the 13 of January, 2 sessions were scheduled daily, as such work of the Drafting Committee could not be carried out, then after Wednesday morning’s session, Speaker freed time for the Drafting Committee to meet in the afternoon, after the meeting on Wednesday afternoon we had completed re drafts of articles of 3 chapters which were submitted to the Majlis on Thursday” said Ibra.

Ibra says that it is the responsibility of the Speaker to send the articles drafted or re drafted by the Drafting Committee to the Members. Ibra said if the re drafts completed by the Drafting Committee on Wednesday were sent to the Majlis Members on Thursday, then there would be sufficient work for members following the completion of scheduled agenda items.

“If those articles were sent to the Members that day(Thursday), the period to submit amendments would expire today(Sunday), following the completion of agenda today, those articles could have been tabled, however it was not sent to the members” said Ibra.
Ibra further revealed that even after yesterday’s meeting work of the Drafting Committee continued. In this regard he said work of redrafting those articles of the President’s Chapter continued. Ibra also said that Drafting Panel was also engaged in drafting of the Transitional Chapter.

“The Drafting Panel has commenced work on the Transitional Chapter, it will also take time, when the Drafting Panel finishes their work then the Drafting Committee will start looking at it, the reason why this is happening is because Members were given leave, even then I told the Speaker that such actions would delay the work” said Ibra.

At yesterday’s session Speaker Qasim said that work of the Special Majlis was interrupted due failure to submit the articles to the Majlis floor following completion of work by the Drafting Committee. Qasim also said 3 articles were forwarded to the Members so that they may submit amendment if any. Speaker Qasim also said even though the time period specified for submitting amendments to those articles will be over today, he will not schedule a Majlis session before 7 of February.

Asked to comment on when the constitution reform would be completed, Ibra replied in light of the present circumstances he is unable to provide to provide a definitive answer.

Society registered as New Maldives Movement

A civil society has been registered under New Maldives Movement. Ministry of Home Affairs has given confirmation of registration of a society under New Maldives Movement yesterday. According to the ministry the 2 founder members of the newly registered New Maldives Movement are Hassan Habeeb of Kodhihparu / Galholu and Ibrahim Saidh of Dhilhusheege /Ha. Kelaa.

Speaking to Miadhu on the objectives of the society, founder member Ibrahim Saidh said the society would be engaged in activities that are beneficial to the community. He said the memorandum of the articles of the society state that developing young people as pillars of the community and establishing a peaceful and harmonious environment are the key objectives.

Asked whether the society would be engaged in any political activities, Ibrahim replied increasing awareness of young people was one of the key objectives and as such increasing political awareness would be given priority.

The society was registered at a time when former Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, Former Attorney General Dr. Hassan Saeed and Former Justice Minister Mohamed Jameel was operating a civil movement under the name of New Maldives Movement both abroad and at home. The ex ministers started operating under the name New Maldives when they were serving the government. Consequently the ex ministers were referred to by the media as well as by government officials and institutions as the New Maldives.

As such Maidhu asked Dr. Abdulla Washeed, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs why a society was allowed to be registered in the same name when another group of people were very openly and widely using the same name. Dr. Waheed replied, as long as the people who want a society to be registered are not in violation of the regulation that governs the registration of such societies then it is the responsibility of the government to register it.

Dr. Ahmed Shaheed one of the founder members of the original New Maldives Movement speaking to Miadhu on the registration issue said that their New Maldives was a movement and as such need not be registered. He said New Maldives Movement was functioning with the support of the people and is linked to people’s vision of the future.

“We are within the constitutional boundary, New Maldives Movement is functioning with support of the people and is linked to their vision of the future, we are like waves beaching on to the shores, even in Thinadhoo I have said that how can we register it, it is like cool breeze that caress your face” said Dr. Shaheed.

When asked to comment on the civil society that was registered as New Maldives Movement, Dr Shaheed replied that it was an act of the leader of Dhivehi Rayithunge Party (DRP). When reminded of his comment at Thinadhoo that the Home Minister would never allow such a thing to happen, Dr. Shaheed replied that he was not surprised. Dr. Shaheed replied that he is not too concerned about the new society being registered but that it was an attempt to confuse the public.

Dr. Shaheed said the reform work would not be affected and that they would still continue reform work under New Maldives.

A famous lawyer on the issue told Miadhu that if a flag and a logo are used then it contradicts the regulations on associations and societies. He said movements are usually recognized and referred to by the name given by the people who support and accept their work. In this regard he noted that Mahatma Gandhi and National Mandela Movement were named by their supporters.

Dr. Shaheed when asked to comment on the lawyers remarks replied, the New Maldives was formed on the same basis.

“We were named New Maldives by the media, an AFP reporter called us the New Maldives in an article he wrote, and then Minivan News, we are a movement working for reform” said Dr. Shaheed.

Concerning the logo and flag Dr. Shaheed replied that such things are symbolic and are subject to changes. He further said each and every group of people needs their own identity.

Dr Shaheed further said New Maldives was not registered because they were being recognized by the government and the media as well as by other international organizations. He said the movement would in future operate as a free movement.

Maldives supports human rights protection in Palestine

Abdul Gafoor Mohamed, Permanent Representative to UN Headquarters in Geneva, has said that Maldives would render all necessary assistance and support for the protection of human rights in Palestine. He made the statement speaking at a special meeting held by the UN Human Rights Council.

Gafoor said that it was in the interest of Maldives to see the peoples of Palestine get access to a peaceful, harmonious and free environment to live. He said the dreams of the Palestine people to establish an independent state in Palestine can only become a reality with the full support of the international community.

He called on for immediate end to the tortures and cruel and degrading acts that are being inflicted on the people of Palestine and urged all necessary parties to abide by the international conventions that protect human rights.

The resolution passed at the meting called on the international community to work to bring an end to the inhuman acts being committed against the people of Palestine.

Preparation nears completion - Municipality

Male’ Municipality has revealed that preparations to introduce bus service to Male’ are nearing completion. In this regard Municipality revealed that necessary regulations have been formulated and bus stops have been established. Municipality also revealed that the issue of a land where the buses can be parked has been solved. Further Municipality informed that they should be able to opening the bidding process by the 10 of February 2008.

“Preparations to commence the service are almost complete, in this regard regulations have been finalized, and bus stops established, a suitable parking space has been obtained, we should be able to commence the bidding the by 10 of February “revealed Director General (ADG) of Male Municipality Abdul Hameed Ali.

Male’ Municipality last December revealed that a public transport system is a necessity in Male’ despite many obstacles to establishing such a system.

“Actually providing bus service in Male’ is a difficult task, however with increased taxi fares due to high fuel prices have prompted the government to introduce bus service to ease the difficulties faced with the public” ADG Hameed had said speaking to Maidhu last December.

ADG Hameed of Male’ Municipality speaking to in December of 2007 had said that any one can compete in the bid process.

“Any one can compete in the bidding process, it can be private party or a private company, it can even be MTCC” said Hameed.

ADG Hameed then told Miadhu that regulations concerning bus service have been formulated and bus routes have been finalized too.

“Regarding bus routes we have given priority to stopping at places like Villigili Ferry Terminal and Hulhumale’ Ferry Terminal and near schools” informed Hameed.

Hameed said the busses used will have a capacity of 24 persons and that Municipality is working hard to open the bidding process this year.

Speaking on the difficulties that will be faced with the operation of the buses, ADG Hameed said that the main difficulties are issues related to one way or two way roads. He noted the narrowness of the roads and the road blocks erected due to construction activities as issues as well.

Hameed had highlighted the issues of the one way or two way lanes and had pointed out the present system was not formulated in the best manner.

Many in Male’ believe the introduction of bus service will ease the traffic on the roads and would provide an alternative to the high cost taxi trips.

ހަތް އަހަރަށް ފަހު ރާއްޖޭގެ އަމިއްލަ ފްލައިޓެއް ޓްރިވެންޑްރަމަށް ދަތުރުތައް ފަށައިފި

ހަތް އަހަރަށް ފަހު ރާއްޖޭގެ އަމިއްލަ ފްލައިޓެއްގައި އިއްޔެ އިންޑިޔާގެ ޑްރިވެންޑްރަމަށް ދަތުރުތައް ފަށައިފި އެވެ

އެއަރ މޯލްޑިވްސް ބަނގުރޫޓް ވުމާއެކު އުފެއްދި ދެ ވަނަ އެއަރލައިން އައިލެންޑް އޭވިއޭޝަން ސާވިސް (އައިއޭއެސް) އިން އިންޑިޔާއަށް ފެށި ދަތުރުތަކުގައި ބޭނުން ކުރަމުންދަނީ 150 މިލިޔަން ރުފިޔާއަށް ގަނެފައިވާ 50 ގޮނޑީގެ ޑޭޝް 8ގެ ފުލައިޓެކެވެ

ފުރަތަމަ ފްލައިޓުން ޑްރިވެންޑްރަމަށް އަންނަ މީހުންނަށް މާލޭ އެއަރޕޯޓްގެ ފިނިފެންމާ ލޯންޗްގައި މަރުހަބާ ކިއުމަށްފަހު ބޯޓް ފުރާފައި ވަނީ މެންދުރު ފަހު 3:30 ހާއިރުގަ އެވެ. އެއްގަޑި ފަންސަވީސް މިނިޓްގެ ދަތުރަކަށްފަހު ޑްރިވެންޑްރަމުގެ ބައިނަލްއަގްވާމީ ވައިގެ ބަނދަރުގައި ބޯޓް ޖައްސާފައި ވަނީ މިތަނުގެ ގަޑިން 5:30 ހާއިރު އެވެ

ދިވެހިންގެ އަވަށެއްގެ ގޮތުގައި ދިވެހިންގެ ބައެއް މީހުން ސިފަކުރާ ޑްރިވެންޑްރަމުގެ އެއަރޕޯޓުން ފުރަތަމަ ފްލައިޓްގެ ބައިވެރިންނަށް ފިނިފެންމަލުގެ މަރުހަބާއެއް ކިޔާފައި ވަނީ އައިލެންޑް އޭވިއޭޝަނުގެ މުވައްޒަފުން ނެވެ. އަދި އެއަރޕޯޓުން ނުކުތުމުން މިތަނުގައި ދިރިއުޅެމުންދާ ބައެއް ދިވެހިން ވެސް ވަނީ ފުރަތަމަ ފްލައިޓްގެ ބައިވެރިންނަށް މަރުހަބާ ކިއުމުގެ ގޮތުން ފިނިފެންމާ ހަދިޔާ ކޮށްފަ އެވެ

ފުރަތަމަ ފްލައިޓުން އިންޑިޔާއަށް ދަތުރުކުރި މީހުން ރާއްޖޭގެ ފްލައިޓެއް އަނެއްކާ ވެސް ޑްރިވެންޑްރަމަށް ދަތުރުތައް ފެށުމުން އެކަމާ ވަރަށް އުފާކޮށް އެއީ ވަރަށް ބޮޑު ކާމިޔާބީއެއް ކަމުގައި ބުންޏެވެ. އެގޮތުން ފުރަތަމަ ދަތުރުގެ ބައިވެރިއެއް ކަމަށްވާ އަބުދުﷲ ސައީދު ވިދާޅުވީ މިއީ ރާއްޖެއަށް ލިބުނު ވަރަށް ބޮޑު ކުރިއެރުމެއް ކަމަށާއި އެއަރ މޯލްޑިވްސްއަށް ޖެހުނު ހާލު ނުޖެހި މިކުންފުނި ކުރިއަށް ދިއުމަށް އެނދޭ ކަމަށެވެ

” ފަންސާސް މީހުންގެ ޖާގައިގެ ފްލައިޓެއްގައި ފެއްޓިއަސް އެއްވެސް ޝަކުވާއެއް ނެތް. މިގޮތައް ކުރިއަށް ދިއުމަށް ވިސްނަންވީ. މިއީ ގިނަ ދިވެހިން އިންތިޒާރު ކޮންގެން ތިބި ދުވަހެއް“ ފުޅާ ދާއިރާއެއްގައި މާލޭގައި ވަޑާމުގެ ވިޔަފާރި ކުރައްވަމުންދާ ސައީދު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

އިއްޔެ ފެށި ދަތުރުތައް އިތުރަށް ފުޅާކޮށް އިތުބާރާއެކު ދަތުރުތައް ކުރުމަށް, އަންނަ އޮކްޓޯބަރ މަހުގެ ތެރޭގައި އިތުރު ފްލައިޓެއް ގެނައުމަށް އައިލެންޑް އޭވިއޭޝަނުން ވަނީ ނިންމާފަ އެވެ. އަދި އޭގެ ފަހުން ބޮޑު ފްލައިޓެއް ގެނައުމަށް ވިސްނާފައިވާ ކަމަށް ވެސް އެކުންފުނިން ބުނެ އެވެ

ފްލައިޓްގެ ދަތުރުތައް ފެށިއިރު ވެސް ޑްރިވެންޑްރަމުގައި ވަނީ ރިޒަވޭޝަން އޮފީހަކާއި ކާގޯ އޮފީހެއް ހުޅުވައި ހިދުމަތްދޭން ފަށާފަ އެވެ

އިއްޔެ ޑްރިވެންޑްރަމަށް ކުރި ދަތުރަށް ލިބިފައިވާ ފައިސާއާ އަދި ބައެއް މީހުން ހަދިޔާކޮށްފައިވާ ފައިސާތައް އައިލެންޑް އޭވިއެޝަނުން ވަނީ ވިލިގިލީގައި ހުންނަ ކުޑަކުދިންގެ ހިޔާއަށް ހަދިޔާ ކޮށްފަ އެވެ. އައިލެންޑް އޭވިއެޝަނުން ހަދިޔާކުރި ރަމްޒީ ޗެކްގެ ޖުމްލައަކީ 315،777 ރުފިޔާ އެވެ

ޕީއޭ އުވާލަން ކުރީގެ ބަނޑާރަނައިބަށް ތިން ފަހަރެއްގެ މަތިން އަންގާފައި ވޭ : ޑރ.ޝަހީދު

ޕީޕަލްސް އެސޯސީއޭޝަން (ޕީއޭ) އުވާލަން ކުރީގެ ބަންޑާރަނައިބަށް ތިން ފަހަރެއްގެ މަތިން އަންގަވާފައިވާ ކަމަށް ކުރީގެ ފޮރިން މިނިސްޓަރު ޑރ އަހުމަދު ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވެއްޖެ އެވެ

ގައުމީ އެއްބައިވަންތަކަމުގެ ގުޅުމުން ގދ ތިނަދޫގައި ބުރާސްފަތި ދުވަހުގެ ރޭ ބޭއްވި ޖަލްސާގައި ޑރ ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވީ ޕީއޭ އުވާލަން ކުރީގެ ބަންޑާރަނައިބު ޑރ ހަސަން ސައީދަށް ތިން ފަހަރެއްގެ މަތިން ސަރުކާރުން އެންގިކަމަށް އެމަނިކުފާނަށް އެގިވަޑައިގެންފައިވާ ކަމަށެވެ

ޑރ ޝަހީދު މިހެން ވިދާޅުވީ, ލީގަލް ރިޕޯމް މިނިސްޓަރު މުހައްމަދު ނަޝީދު ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސް މޫމަންޓަކީ އައިރު ގާނޫނީ ޖަމާއަތެއްކަމަށް ވިދާޅުވުމާ ގުޅިގެން ނެވެ

ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވީ ޕީއޭ އުވާލަން ސަރުކާރުން އަންގަވަމުން ގެންދެވީ ޖަމިއްޔާތަކަށް ސިޔާސީ ކަންތަކުގައި ހަރަކާތްތެރި ނުކުރެވޭނެ ކަމަށް ވިދާޅުވެ ކަމަށެވެ

” ޕީއޭ އުވާލަން އަންގަވާފައި ވަނީ ޖަމިއްޔާތަކަށް ސިޔާސީ ކަންކަމުގައި ހަރަކާތްތެރި ނުވެވޭނެ ކަމަށް ވިދާޅުވެ. އަދި ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސް މޯވްމަންޓްގެ ވާހަކަތައް ވެސް ނުދެއްކުމަށް އަޅުގަނޑުމެންނަށް އަންގަވާފައި އޮތީ“ ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

ހުސްވި އަހަރުގެ ތެރޭގައި ސަރުކާރުން ވަކިވެ ވަޑައިގެންނެވި ތިން ވަޒީރުން ހިންގަމުން ގެންދާ ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސް އާއި ބެހޭ ގޮތުން ޑރ ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވީ ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސް މޫވްމަންޓަކީ އަކީ އިސްލާހަށް ލޯބިކުރާ އިސްލާހަށް މަސައްކަތްކުރާ ބައެއްގެ ވިސްނުމެއް ކަމަށެވެ. އަދި އެވިސްނުން ހުންނަ ކޮންމެ މީހަކީ ވެސް ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސް މޫމެއްޓްގެ ބައިވެރިއެއް ކަމަށެވެ. ބައެއްގެ ވިސްނުން ރަޖިސްޓްރީ ކުރެވިދާނެކަމަށް ގަބޫލު ނުކުރާކަމަށާއި އަދި ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސް ރަޖިސްޓްރީ ކުރަން އެއްވެސް އިރެއްގައި ވިސްނަވާފައިނުވާ ކަމަށް އޭނާ ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

” އެހެން ބަޔަކު މިނަމުގައި ރަޖިސްޓްރީ ކުރިޔަސް އަޅުގަނޑުމެން މިނަމުގައި ކުރިއަށް ގެންދާނަން. ހޯމް މިނިސްޓަރަށްވެސް އެނގެން ޖެހޭނެ މުވްމަންޓް ތަކަކީ ރަޖިސްޓްރީ ކުރަންޖެހޭ އެއްޗެއް ނޫންކަން. އަދި ސަރުކާރުގެ އިސްބޭފުޅުންނާއި ވަޒީރުން އެބަހުރި ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސްއިން ބުނާ ވާހަކަތަކަށް ރައްދުދީފައި. އަދި ޑީއާރުޕީން ނެރޭ ނޫހުގައިވެސް އޮވޭ ނިއުމޯލްޑިވްސްގެ ވާހަކަތައް. އެހެންވީމަ އަޅުގަނޑު ގަބޫލެއް ނުކުރަން ހޯމް މިނިސްޓަރ އެނަމުގައި އެހެން ފަރާތަކަށް ހުައްދަދެއްވަފާނެ ކަމަށް“ ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

މީގެ އިތުރުން މިފަދަ މޫމަންޓްތައް ހަދައިގެން ދުނިޔޭގެ އެކިތައްތަނުގައި ވެސް މިފަދަ ހާލެއް ތަކުގައި މަސައްކަތް ކުރަމުންދާ ކަމަށާއި އެއިން އެއްވެސް މޫމަންޓެއް ރަޖިސްޓުރީ ކޮންގެން ހިންގަމުން ނުދާ ކަމަށެވެ. އަދި ސަރުކާރު މިހާރު މަސައްކަތްކުރައްވަމުން އެގެންދަވަނީ ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސްގެ ރައިޓް އެހެން ބަޔަކަށް ދިނުމަށް ކަމަށާއި އެކަމާ ކަންބޮޑު ނުވާކަމަށް ވެސް ޑރ ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

ރައީސް މައުމޫނަށް ވަޅިން ހަމަލާދޭން އުޅުނު މައްސަލާގައި ހައްޔަރުކުރި މީހުންނަށް ގާނޫނީ ވަކީލެއް ބޭނުންކުރުމުގެ ފުރުސަތު ނުދިން މައްސަލަ ހިއުމަން ރައިޓްސްއަށް ހުށަހަޅައިފި

ރައީސުލް ޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާ އަލްއުސްތާޛު މައުމޫން ޢަބްދުލް ޤައްޔޫމް ހއ. ހޯރަފުއްޓަށް ވަޑައިގަތުމުން އެމަނިކުފާނަށް ވަޅިން ހަމަލަދޭން އުޅުނު މައްސަލައިގައި ހައްޔަރު ކޮށްފައިވާ ތިން މީހަކަށް ޤާނޫނީ ވަކީލުން ބޭނުން ކުރުމުގެ ފުރުސަތު ދީފައި ނުވާތީ އެ މައްސަލަ ހިއުމަންރައިޓްސް ކޮމިޝަނަށް ހުށަހަޅައިފި އެވެ

ޤާނޫނީ ވަކީލުންގެ ފުރުސަތު ނުދީގެން ހިއުމަންރައިޓްސް ކޮމިޝަނަށް ހުށަހަޅާފައިވަނީ ރައީސް މައުމޫނަށް ވަޅިން ހަމަލަ ދިނުމަށް މަސައްކަތް ކުރި ހޯރަފުށީ ކިނާރާ މުހައްމަދު މުރުޝިދު(20އ) ގެ ބައްޕަ ޢަބްދުލް މުހްސިން ޢަބްދުﷲ އެވެ

މުރުޝިދުގެ ބައްޕަ ހިއުމަންރައިޓްސްކޮމިޝަނަށް މިމަހުގެ 24 ވަނަ ދުވަހު ފޮނުވި ސިޓީގައި ބުނެފައި ވަނީ މުރުޝިދުހައްޔަރުކުރި ފަހުން އޭނާއާ ބައްދަލުކުރުމަށް ކުރިމަސައްކަތް ކާމިޔާބު ވެފައި ނުވާ ކަމަށާއި މައްސަލައިގެ ބާވަތުން ދަރިފުޅާ ބައްދަލު ނުކުރެވޭނެ ކަމަށް ކަމާބެހޭ ފަރާތްތަކުން އަންގާފައިވާ ކަމަށެވެ

މީގެ އިތުރުން މުރުޝިދަކީ ބޮލަށް ލިބިފައިވާ ގެއްލުމެއްގެ ސަބަބުން ޤާނޫނީ ކަންކަމުގައި ފުރިހަމައަށް ޖަވާބުދާރީ ވެވޭނެ ކުއްޖެއް ނޫންކަން ޔަޤީން ކުރެވޭތީ ޤާނޫނީ ވަކީލެއް ބޭނުން ކުރުމުގެ ފުރުސަތަށް އެދުމުން ތަހުގީގް ކުރާ ފަރާތްތަކުން އެފުރުސަތު ދީފައި ނުވާ ކަމަށެވެ

މުރުޝިދުގެ ބައްޕަ ހިއުމަންރައިޓްސް ކޮމިޝަނުގައި އެދިފައި ވަނީ ޤާނޫނީ ވަކީލަކާ ނުލައި މުރުޝިދުގެ ތަހުގީގް ކުރިއަށް ގެންދާ ގެންދިއުން ބަލައި ދިނުމަށެވެ

މިމަައްސަލާގައި ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައިވާ ދެބޭންކަމަށްވާ ހޯރަފުށީ މާވިނަ އަހުމަދު ހަފީޒާއި އެރަށު އަންދަލީބުގޭ އިބްރާހީމް ހަފީޒްގެ އާއިލާގެ ފަރާތުން ވެސް ވަނީ އެ ދެބެއިންނަށް ޤާނޫނީ ވަކީލެއް ބޭނުންކުރުމުގެ ފުރުސަތު ނުދިން މައްސަލަ ހިއުމަންރައިޓްސް ކޮމިޝަނަށް ހުށަހަލާފަ އެވެ

މިދެމީހުންގެ ބޭބެ އަހުމަދު ފާއިޒް ހިއުމަންރައިޓްސް ކޮމިޝަނަށް ފޮނުވި ސިޓީގައި ބުނެފައި ވަނީ އޭނާގެ ދައްތަގެ ދެ ދަރިން ހައްޔަރުކުރި ފަހުން ބައްދަލުކުރުމަށް ކުރިމަސައްކަތް ކާމިޔާބު ވެފައި ނުވާ ކަމަށެވެ. އަދި އެ ދެ މީހުންގެ ތަހުގީގު ޤާނޫނީ ވަކީލެއް މެދުވެރިކޮށް ކުރިއަށް ގެންދިއުމަށް ވެސް ކަމާބެހޭ ފަރާތްތަކުން ފުރުސަތު ދެއްވާފައި ނުވާ ކަމަށެވެ

އަހުމަދު ފާއިޒްވެސް ހިއުމަންރައިޓްސް ކޮމިޝަނުގެ ރައީސް އަހުމަދު ސަލީމްގެ އަރިއަހުން އެދިފައި ވަނީ ވަކީލަކާ ނުލައި އެ ދެމީހުންގެ ތަހުގީގް ކުރިއަށް ގެންދާ ގެންދިއުން ބަލައި ދިނުމަށެވެ

ފުލުހުން ބުނީ އެމައްސަލައިގައި ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައި ތިބި މީހުންނަށް ޤާނޫނީގޮތުން ކޮށްދޭން ޖެހޭ ހުރިހާ ކަމެއް ކޮށްދީފައި ވާނޭ ކަމަށެވެ

Biggest change is President being elected by the people

President of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Dr. Mohamed Munnawar has said that the biggest change the revised constitution introduces is that the country’s President will elected by a direct vote of the people. Dr. Munnawar made the statement speaking at the meeting of the Dhekunu Arumaz held in Fuvahmulak last Friday night.

Speaking at the ceremony Dr. Munnawar said that the Alliance is talking about this forthcoming election unlike the previous presidential elections held in the country.

“We are now talking about electing the person in charge of the country, in charge of our affairs, that person has to come to us to get elected, they have to face the people before they can get elected, presidential candidates will have to come to the people and tell them how they will manage the country, what they will do for the people, how they will shape the future, and after listening to all of them, the people will vote for their candidate, that is what we are talking about” said Dr. Munnawar speaking at the meeting in Fuvahmulak held to gain support for an interim arrangement.

According to Dr. Munnawar there has never been an election held in the country to elect its Leader. He said people vote to say yes or no to a candidate chosen by the People’s Majlis. He revealed that parliamentary elections were not held when the constitutional government was established in the country for the first time. He said that time Majlis was appointed was said in the constitution.

“Things were pretty much the same through 1950s to 1960s, after being changed to a republic, elections were held, but people could not vote for the person they wanted, there were no opportunity to get elected, drastic actions were taken against those who dared to contest” said Munnawar.

Dr. Munnawar said President Maumoon has been talking about reform since he came to power. He said President Maumoon in Presidential address given every year talks about reforms implemented.

“However the fact is that Maumoon Abdul Gayoom for the last 30 years has not brought any change to the system of government in the country, no change to the way the government is run, when Ibrahim Nasir was the President, he established certain procedures on the functioning of the government and till today the government is functioning according to those principles, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has not made any change to those principles during his 30 years in office” said Dr.Munnawar.

Dr. Munnawar further said although the country was transformed to a republic with promises of establishing a people’s government, it has not materialized. He said the Alliance was committed to establishing a people’s government.

“They do not understand what a government by the people means , they have no idea what a republic is, while we have established political parties to shape our government in a specific manner, we cannot achieve our goals if we allow them to be in charge of the presidential election this year” said Dr. Munnawar.

Providing the reasons for establishing a transitional government MDP President Dr. Munnawar said, the transitional government would manage the country until Presidential and Parliamentary elections are held and that officials of the transitional government should be affiliated to any party. He noted under such circumstances no party can exert influence over government employees, police or defense officers or even teachers.

Speaking at the meeting MP for Fuvahmulak said Alliance was talking about a government that has been in power for 30 years which has not done anything for the people.

Speaking at meeting member of Social Liberal Party as well as MP of the Special Majlis for Male’ Mohamed Nasheed (Colonel) said in some islands small groups of people were trying to obstruct the work of the Alliance and that these groups were being assisted by police officers. Colonel called on the people not to be intimidated and fully use their right of expression within the legal boundaries.

Members of Islamic Democratic Party (IDP), Adhaalath Party and New Maldives Movement also spoke at the meeting.

Huge success in spite of intimidation

Expedition of Dhekunu Arumaz traveling to the islands of South Maldives in order to gain support for an interim arrangement has revealed that although people were in fear, the expedition received a huge support.

A participant of Dhekunu Arumaz speaking to Miadhu via telephone while the meeting at Villingili was going on said the people were in fear. According to him when they visited the houses in order to provide information on transitional government the people had informed them that they were very afraid of the government. According to the informant only 300 people attended the meeting.

The expedition of Dhekunu Arumaz of the National Unity Alliance which commenced on the 21 of this month is joined by senior members of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Adhaalth Party, Islamic Democratic Party (IDP), Social Liberal Party (SLP) and New Maldives Movement.

At the meeting held at Gahdhoo, Dr. Shaheed, Dr. Munnawar, Umar Naseer and many members of the MDP Parliamentary Group spoke. According to information received Dr. Shaheed went to Gahdhoo on a special request from the people of Gahdhoo.

Miadhu’s attempts to contact Chairperson of MDP Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) were unsuccessful. Anni is reportedly on Dhekunu Arumaz.

According to the person from the expedition who provided information to Miadhu, they faced some difficulties in Fuvahmulak, Gahdhoo and Villingili. Some committees had allegedly paid Rf50, 000 to people not to welcome the expedition. But some people, had accepted the money and still came out to greet the expedition, while others claim that they did not accept any money but said they too were offered said a member of the expedition speaking from Fuvahmulak.

The person who provided information to Miadhu said that the Island Chief Fuvahmulk was not very supportive. According to him, the Island Chief had the people under intimidation. Miadhu was unable to obtain a comment from the Island Chief.

According to Siddeeq who provided information via telephone the Island Chief had threatened to take away their farm lands. However Siddeeq claimed that many people informed him that they “needed a change”.

Dhekunu Arumaz will travel to Mulak of Vaavu Atoll and from there it will return to Male’. According to information a total of 130 people are onboard.

Kuoni chooses Maldives as favorite destination

Kuoni, one of the biggest tour operators in the world has chosen Maldives for a third time, as their favorite destination. According to a report published by Kuoni, they chose Maldives out of 10 contenders. The report also notes that Maldives was likely to be their favorite destination in year 2008 as well.

Maldives Tourism Promotion Board revealed that Maldives obtained the position not only because of its natural beauty but because of the quality of the services available at the resorts through out the country.

Executive Director of the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) Abdulla Mausoom said this was the result of the efforts of the industry sources as well as the efforts of the government to develop and promote the industry. He noted that last year Maldives received many such awards.

Minister of Tourism Dr. Mahmoud Shaugy said that he believed that this was because of the polices employed by the government to promote the industry as well as due to efforts made by Industry stakeholders to promote Maldives tourism.

Maldives in receiving this award competed against countries like Dhubai, Thailand, America, and Egypt.

Last year Maldives was chosen as Most Romantic Destination, Best Spa Resort, World Leading Diving Destination and the Most Famous Indian Ocean Destination.

Consideration underway on fuel subsidy- Hilmy

Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture Hussain Hilmy has said that considerations are underway on how best to utilize the Rf.100 Million allocated in the government budget to provide a fuel subsidy for those who operate fishing vessels.

The Rf 100 Million proposed by Addu Atoll Member Mohamed Aslam, passed with overwhelming majority of the Majlis is an added incentive for those engaged in the fishing industry and as such they are looking forward to the relief that the package would provide.

When asked by Miadhu how long would the fishermen would have to wait in anticipation of receiving the aid package, Fisheries Minister Hussain Hilmy replied that his ministry is already in the process of making studies and evaluations on how to provide the aid to all fishermen in an equal manner. He said that the much awaited aid packages would be given soon.

“We are studying how to distribute the funds in an equal manner, we have a lot to consider as this is given as a fuel subsidy to fishermen, we have formulate some guidelines, we have to establish these procedures and guidelines in such a manner that we will not get complaints” said Hilmy.

As the fishing is poor these days and as the cost of fuel is especially high, many believe that aid packages will be a source of satisfaction for the fisher folks.

EU accepts invitation to monitor election

Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed that European Commissioner for External Relations, Benito Ferrero Waldner, has accepted an invitation from Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shaid to provide electoral support for the planned elections later this year. The decision to send an election monitoring expert team followed a meeting between the Commissioner and the Foreign Minister and a subsequent formal invitation in November 2007 said a press release issued by the Foreign Ministry.

Commenting on the European Commission’s acceptance of the invitation to send election monitoring experts, Foreign Minister Shahid referred the decision as a “clear demonstration of the positive work government and the people of Maldives are doing with regards to the democratization of the political system”. The Minister also noted that the decision related to “a clear commitment from the government side to host free and fair elections”.

The Commissioner referred in the acceptance letter to the meeting she had with Minister Shahid in September 2007 when the issue of election monitoring support had been raised noted the press release. In addition Commissioner Ferrero Waldner was keen to point out that the elections constituted an “important landmark” in the reform process and chose to further reiterate European Union’s support which she felt would contribute to the “transparency and credibility of the process” said the press release.

The process of deciding which countries receive EU monitoring support is led by the European Commission, in consultation with EU Member States. The exact make up of the team of observers has yet to be defined but details are expected shortly said the press release.

Certificates of origin to be submitted

Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) have urged all importers of meat to specify the country and district in the relevant documents when importing meat in to the country.

MFDA has revealed that effective from the 23 of this month, the authority requires product origin certificate stating state and district, in addition to Veterinary certificate.

MFDA informs that the step was taken as precautionary measure against bird flue which is now being reported in some South Asian countries. MFDA also stated that the authority also require certificate of origin stating district and state for eggs and similar food items.

MFDA informed that will waive all the shipments on the way from the requirement.

Donation will be used wisely – Gender Minister

Minister of Gender and Family Aishath Mohamed Didi has said that moneys donated to Kudakudhinge Hiyaa by Island Aviation shall be used wisely. She made the statement speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Island Aviation’s regional operations held at Male’ International Airport last Friday afternoon. Island Aviation on Friday commenced their regional operations to Trivandrum of India.

“I am very happy to inform you all that moneys donated will be used very wisely and each and every cent of it shall be spent in a manner that will make you proud. Further I would also like inform you that detailed information on how the money is used shall be shared with you” said Gender Minister.

Continuing with her speech she said currently Kudakudhinge Hiyaa is looking after approximately 40 children. She said that although there are children under 12 years, most of the current children in their care are less than 4 years of age.

“Currently we have about 40 children, most of the children are under 4 years although we have children under 12 as well, these are very young children, sometimes children are brought under our care when they are just 7 days old, government is spending a lot of money on looking after these children” said Aishath Mohamed Didi, Gender Minister.

She noted that although the government spends a lot of money on these children, the Fund is also very useful and convenient when it comes to spending large amounts of money. She cited an example of one child who required considerable amount of money in order to receive treatment to her kidney problem.

“One example I would like mention here is that of a child who has a kidney problem, we will make use of the fund to get medical relief for such children although government will also provide necessary assistance” said the Minister.

The symbolic cheque of the proceeds from the sale of the inaugural flight as well as donations from Island Aviation staff was handed over to the Gender Minister Aishath Mohamed Didi by the Managing Director of Island Aviation Bandhu Ibrahim Saleem.

Kudakudhinge Hiyaa is the only alternative care institution established for children below 9 years in Maldives. The home was established by Ministry of Gender and Family with the intention of providing a safe, secure and enabling environment for vulnerable children who has no other means of primary care. The home was opened on 10 May 2006 by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and First Lady Nasreena Ibrahim.

President congratulates IAS

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has sent greetings to Island Aviation Services on the commencement of their international flights yesterday. President Gayoom telephoned the Managing Director of Island Aviation, Bandh Ibrahim Saleem and congratulated him a few minutes after the Island Aviation flight took off with 50 passengers to Thiruvananthapuram yesterday afternoon.

President Gayoom also congratulated the members of the Board of Directors, the management and the staff of Island Aviation on this happy occasion. President also noted that the decision to start international flights was an important step in the future development of the company.

Observers need adequate notice – Dr. Shaheed

Dr. Ahmed Shaheed Former Foreign Minister has said that it would be difficult for observers from organizations like EU to come to Maldives to observe the forthcoming presidential elections without adequate notice. Dr. Shaheed who is also a founder member of the New Maldives Movement noted that a date has not been set for the elections.

Dr. Shaheed said although the government claims to have invited international observers they would require adequate advance notice. He said such notices are required for necessary planning and preparations.

“Its already late, government should have finalized a date and invited the observers last October, if invitations were sent out last October, it would have provided with them with adequate notice” said Dr. Shaheed.

According to Dr. Shaheed elections can be held smoothly in a fair manner. If government went ahead as set out in the Reform Agenda, then elections could have been smooth said Dr. Shaheed. Dr. Shaheed noted as stipulated under the new constitution, parliamentary elections must be held along with presidential elections. He also noted that the parliamentary elections should be under the new constitution in order to ratify the special privileges and powers granted under the new constitution to the parliament members.

Minister of Information and Legal Reform Mohamed Nasheed speaking on the issue said official invitations has been extended to international organizations to observe the elections. He also said approximate dates when such an election may be held were also given. Minister Nasheed said that he believed adequate notice has been given.

According to John Culley, Director of Political Affairs at British Embassy in Colombo last Thursday said official sources have informed him that the first multiparty elections in Maldives would be held in October this year.

Salaries to be raised after study – Solih

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Airport Company Moosa Solih has revealed that the salaries of airport staff can only be increased after making a cost minimizing study. He said that no discussions have taken place on the subject and that salaries can only be increased after due considerations. CEO Solih revealed that the executive board of the company has not met since the recent change in the company’s CEO as such no discussions been held on increasing salaries. However he did not rule out increments to the salaries.

With the recent increment in the salaries of government employees, there have been speculations among employees of government companies on a possible increment. Airport Company last revised the salaries of their staff nearly 2 years ago.

The only company which increased the salaries of their staff since increment of government employees in January this year is State Electric Company (STELCO). Bank of Maldives has recently provided a living allowance to their staff recently. State Trading Organization (STO) has said that they are not considering any increment as yet. STO last increased the salaries of their staff in the middle of last year.

All Maldives would be covered by end 2008 - Dhiraagu

Dhiraagu, the national telecom service provider has revealed that the company would be able to provide mobile telephone services to the entire Maldives. This was revealed last Wednesday at the ceremony held to inaugurate internet Wi-Fi connection to Male’ International Airport.

Speaking at the ceremony, the company’s Marketing Manger Ahmed Maumoon said that a large part of the country is already covered and expressed his confidence that the company would be able to cover entire Maldives soon.

Dhiraagu, in order to provide affordable services to its customers has been introducing a lot of promotional offers. According to a survey done by Miadhu the most popular promotional offer was the offer of “unlimited free calls’. Dhiraagu has revealed that with the introduction of the unlimited free calls offer, customers using Dhiraagu post paid services has doubled. Dhiraagu last December introduced promotional packages of its broadband service. According to the company the packages would enable the user to get broadband services at high speeds at affordable prices.

At the ceremony held last Wednesday to inaugurate internet Wi Fi connection to Male’ International Airport, Dhiraagu has revealed that introduction of the WI Fi service to the airport was a huge success. Maumoon said it just an example of the successes being achieved by the company.

IAS commences regional operations

Island Aviation Services (IAS) has commenced their international operations yesterday. Island Aviation, yesterday inaugurated its services between Male’ and Trivandrum.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony the company’s Managing Director Bandhu Ibrahim Saleem said that the services to Trivandrum was commenced after due considerations to the challenges ahead and that in order to continue operation the company would require the support and cooperation of its customers. He further thanked all those who purchased tickets on the inaugural flight as the money obtained from the sales of the tickets were to be donated to Kudakudhinge Hiyaa.

Bandhu Saleem rejected the claims made by some companies regarding the sponsorship of the tickets of the inaugural flight and said no body can make any claims over the sponsorship as tickets were not only bought some private companies but also by some private individuals.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by senior government officials as well as staff of IAS.
The handing over of the moneys received from the sales of tickets of the inaugural flight to Kudakudhinge Hiyaa was also held at the ceremony. The symbolic cheque was handed over to the Minister of Gender and Family Aishath Mohamed Didi by MD Bandu Saleem. A total of Rf. 315,000 was donated which included moneys donated by the staff of the company as well.

Many Maldivian students and business men living in Trivandrum were at Trivandrum airport to welcome the inaugural flight from Male’.

The inaugural flight operated on a Dash 8 Q700 took off from Male’ International Airport at 1530 yesterday. The flight which has a capacity of 50 seats took one hour and 10 minutes to reach Trivandrum. The flight took off from Trivandrum at 1833 and reached Male’ International at 19.25 hours. A return ticket (MLE / TRV / MLE) was sold by IAS for US$ 199.

As revealed by the company earlier connecting flights to Trivandrum from regional airports has been scheduled. In this regard GAN / TRV / GAN ticket is sold for US $ 328 and KADEHDHOO / TRV / KADEHDHOO are sold at US $ 300. A ticket on sectors KAHDHOO /TRV / KAHDHOO and HAN / TRV / HAN are sold at US $ 270.

އިންތިޚާބުތަކުގައި މައުމޫނުގެސަރުކާރުން ވޯޓު އޮޅުވާލުމަށް ފޯރުވާފައިވާ ނުފޫޒުތަކުގެ ހާދިސާތަކެއް އަދާލަތުން އިނގިރޭސި ހައިކޮމިޝަނަށް ދީފި

ރާއްޖޭގެ ރައީސުލްޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާ އަލްއުސްތާޛު މައުމޫނު އަބްދުލް ޤައްޔޫމުގެ ވެރިކަމުގައި ބާއްވަފައިވާ އިންތިޚާބު ތަކުގައި ވޯޓު އޮޅުވާލުމަށް ނުފޫޒު ފޯރުވާފައިވާކަމަށް ބުނެ, ވޯޓާ ގުޅިގެން ހިންގާފައިވާ ކަންތައްތައް އަދާލަތު ޕާޓީން އިނގިރޭސި ހައިކޮމިޝަނަށް ކިޔައިދީފި އެވެ

އަދާލަތު ޕާޓީގެ ރައީސް އައްޝައިޚު ޙުސެއިން ރަޝީދު އަޙްމަދާއި ޕާޓީގެ ނާއިބްރައީސް ޑރ. މަޢުރޫފް ހުސެއިން, ކޮލަމްބޯގައި ހުންނަވާ އިނގިރޭސި ހައިކޮމިޝަނަރު މރ. ޖޯން ކުލޭ އާ އިއްޔެ މެންދުރުފަހު ބޭއްވި މިބައްދަލުވުމުގައި މައިގަނޑު ގޮތެއްގައި ވާހަކަ ދެއްކީ ކުރިއަށް އޮތް ރިޔާސީ އިންތިޚާބާ ބެހޭ ގޮތުންނާއި, ރާއްޖޭގެ މިހާރުގެ ސިޔާސީ މަޞްރަހާ ބެހޭގޮތުންނެވެ

އަދާލަތުން ބުނީ އަންނަ ރިޔާސީ އިންތިޚާބުގައި ރައީސް މައުމޫނު ވެރިކަމުގައި ހުންނަވައިގެން މިނިވަން އަދި އިންސާފުވެރި އިލެކްޝަނެއް ބޭއްވޭނެ ކަމަށް ޢަދާލަތު ޕާޓީއަށް ޤަބޫލުކުރެވޭތޯ މރ. ކުލޭ ސުވާލުކުރެއްވި ކަމަށެވެ. އެއީ މާޒީގައި ކަންތައްތައް ހިނގާފައިވާ ގޮތަށް ބަލާއިރު މައުމޫނު ވެރިކަމުގައި ހުންނަވައިގެން އެކަން ކުރުމަކީ ނާދިރު ކަމެއް ކަމަށް އެ ޕާޓީން ދެންނެވި ކަމަށް ވެސް ޖަޒީރާއަށް އަދާލަތުން މައުލޫމާތު ދީފައި ވެ އެވެ. އެހެން ކަމުން އިދިކޮޅު ޕާޓީތައް ގުޅިގެން އުފައްދާފައިވާ އިއްތިޙާދުން ބުނަމުން ގެންދާ ވަގުތީ ސަރުކާރަކީ މިވަގުތަށް ކޮންމެހެން ބޭނުންކަމެއް ކަމަށް ވެސް އައްޝައިޚު ޙުސައިން ވަނީ ހައިކޮމިޝަނުގައި ދަންނަވާފަ އެވެ

މައުމޫނުގެ ސަރުކާރުން މީގެ ކުރިން ވޯޓް އޮޅުވާލުމަށް އިންތިޚާބުތަކުގައި ހިންގާފައިވާ ކަންތައްތަކާބެހޭ މައުލޫމާތު ވެސް މރ. ކުލޭއަށް ޢަދާލަތު ޕާޓީގެ ފަރާތުން އޮޅުންފިލުވައި ދީފައިވެ އެވެ. އެގޮތުން ރަށް ރަށުގައި ކަތީބުން ވޯޓް ކަރުދާސް ކޮޅުތަކުގައި ފާހަގަ ޖެހުމުގައި ރައްޔިތުންނަށް ބިރުދެއްކުމާއި ގަދަބާރުން އެކަން ކޮށްފައިވާގޮތާއި ވޯޓް ގުނުމުގައި މީގެ ކުރިން ސަރުކާރުން ކަންތައްތައް ކޮށްފާވާ ގޮތް ކިޔައިދީފައިވާނެ ކަމަށް އަދާލަތުން ބުނެ އެވެ

މިބައްދަލުވުމުގައި އިނގިރޭސި ހައިކޮމިޝަނާއި އެކު ޢަދާލަތު ޕާޓީން އިތުރު ބައްދަލުވުންތައް ބޭއްވުމަށް ދެ ފަރާތުން ވަނީ އެއްބަސްވެ ފަ އެވެ. އަދި ޢަދަލާތު ޕާޓީއަށް ސިޔާސީ ގޮތުން އެހީތެރިކަމާއި އެއްބާރުލެއްވުން އިނގިރޭސި ހައިކޮމިޝަނުން ދެއްވާނޭ ކަމަށްވެސް މރ. ކުލޭ ވިދާޅުވެފައިވާ ކަމަށް އެ ޕާޓީން ބުނެ އެވެ

No monitoring of future elections - Saleem

President of Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) Ahmed Saleem has revealed that the commission would cease its monitoring of future elections.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the British government funded Election Reporting Course organized by the BBC in collaboration with Maldives Media Association (MMA) President of HRCM said that even though the Commission would not monitor future elections, he would still check to see whether the right to vote is afforded to all eligible voters.

Saleem noted that Human Right Commissions in other parts of the world do not engage themselves in monitoring elections. He said that the last election which the commission monitored was the referendum on the system of government. He said that a complete report was compiled on the findings of the elections.

Noting that media played an important role in any election, Saleem said he would maintain close relations with media. He revealed that discussions were underway with Information Ministry to hold a series of seminars for the members of the press.

Saleem further said that it was important for the members of the press to be united and indicated that he work to eliminate all obstacles towards a free and independent press. In this regard Saleem noted that the commission does not support banning of websites. However he noted that the commission also does not support posting of pictures and articles which defame others.

The ceremony were also participated by John Culley, Director Political Affairs of British High Commission. Speaking at the ceremony after handing over the certificates, John Culley said this year was an important year in Maldivian politics. He highlighted the importance of covering the first ever multiparty elections with out any prejudice or bias.

The Logo and the Fund of MMA were also inaugurated at the ceremony. The logo was inaugurated by the Guest of Honor Saleem.

Speaking about the fund, President of the MMA Thoyib Mohamed said the objective of the fund was accumulating funds which would be used for short courses and training programs required to upgrade the reporters. He noted that that Fund already has Rf.200, 000 donated by the Information Ministry. Thoyib thanked Minister Nasheed for the generous aid.

Election Reporting Course was held in two phases. The first phase was held from 13 to 17 of this month and was aimed at senior members of the press. The second phase of the course was held from 20 to 24 and was aimed at junior reporters. A total of 30 participants completed the training. Information at the course was mainly given by a BBC trainer Naomi Gold Smith.

A further training session funded by British government for the reporters will be held in March this year and will held for a duration of 3 days.

ވަޒީފާއާބެހޭ ކަންތައް ހަވާލުކުރުމަށް އެއްބާރުލުން ނުދޭ ކަމަށް ބުނާ މައްސަލަ: މަޖިލީހަށް ހުށަހަޅައިގެން ކުރިއަށްގެންދަން ޖެހިދާނެ ކަމަށް ބައެއް މެމްބަރުން ވިދާޅުވެއްޖެ

ސަރުކާރު މުވައްޒަފުންގެ ވަޒީފާއާ ބެހޭ ކަންތައްތައް ސިވިލް ސާވިސް ކޮމިޝަނާ ހަވާލުކުރުމަށް ސަރުކާރުން އެއްބާރުލުން ނުދޭ ކަމަށް ބުނާ މައްސަލަ ހައްލުނުވެދާ ނަމަ ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލީހަށް ހުށަހަޅައިގެން ކުރިއަށް ގެންދަން ޖެހިދާނެ ކަމަށް ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލީހުގެ ބައެއް މެމްބަރުން މިއަދު ވިދާޅުވެއްޖެ އެވެ

ފުވައްމުލަކު މެމްބަރު މުހައްމަދު އިބްރާހީމް ދިދީ (މޮޑީ) ވިދާޅުވީ ސިވިލް ސާވިސްއިން ވަޒީފާއާބެހޭ ކަންތަކާ ހަވާލުވުމަށް ކުރާ މަސައްކަތަށް ސަރުކާރުން އެއްބާރުލުން ނުދޭ މައްސަލަ ވަރަށް ބޮޑަށް ކުށްވެރިކުރައްވާ ކަމަށެވެ

” ސަބަބަކީ ސިވިލް ސާވިސް ކޮމިޝަނަކީ ކުރިން ރާއްޖޭގައި އޮންނަ ތަކެއް ނޫން. އެހެން ވީމާ ގާނޫނެއް އެކަމަށް ހަދާ ފާސްކުރުމުގެ މަގުސަދާއި ރޫހަކީ އެކަން އަވަހަށް ތަންފީޒުކުރަން ފެށުން. އެކަން ތަންފީޒު ކުރަން ސަރުކާރުން އެއްބާރުލުން ނުދޭ ކަމަށް ވަންޏާ އެއިން ދޭހަ ވަނީ ސަރުކާރުން ބޭނުންވާ ކަމެއް ނޫނޭ ސިވިލް ސާވިސް މިނިވަން މުއައްސަސާއެއްގޮތަށް ހިންގުމަކީ,“ މޮޑީ ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

މޮޑީ ވިދާޅުވީ އަންނަ މޭ މަހުގެ އެއް ވަނަ ދުވަހު ތަންފީޒުކުރަން ޖެހޭ ސިވިލް ސާވިސް ގާނޫނަށް އަމަލުކުރުމަށްޓަކައި ވާން ޖެހޭ ތައްޔާރީތައް ވުމުގެ ގޮތުން ކޮމިޝަނުން އެދޭ އެދުންތަކަށް އިޖާބަ ދޭން ޖެހޭނެ ކަމަށެވެ

” ވަގުތު ބޭނުންވާ ކަމަށް ވާ ނަމަ ދަންނަވަން އޮތީ ސަރުކާރަށް ވަގުތު ލިބިއްޖެއޭ އެކަންކަން ހަވާލުކުރަން ތައްޔާރުވާން. ގާނޫނު ފާސްވެ މެމްބަރުން އައްޔަންކުރިތާ ހަތަރު މަސް ވީ އިރު ތައްޔާރުނުވެވި އޮތް ނަމަ އެއީ އެ ބައެއްގެ މައްސަލައެއް. އަމަލުކުރަން ފެށުމަށްޓަކައި ދުރާލާ ކަންތައްތައް ކުރަން ފެށުމަކީ ރަނގަޅު ގޮތެއް. އެކަމަށް ޖެހޭނެ ސަރުކާރުން ވެސް އިހުތިރާމު ކުރަން,“ މޮޑީ ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

އޭނާ ވިދާޅުވީ އެކަންކަމަށް ތަރުހީބުނުދޭ ނަމަ އެ މައްސަލަ ހައްލުކުރަން މަޖިލިސް ތެރެއިން ކުރަން ޖެހޭ މަސައްކަތެއް ކުރުމަށް މިނިވަން ހިޔާލުގެ މެމްބަރުން ތިއްބަ ވާނީ ތައްޔާރަށް ކަމަށެވެ

ތ. އަތޮޅު މެމްބަރު މުހައްމަދު ޝަރީފު (ސެންކޯ ޝަރީފު) ވިދާޅުވީ މިހާރުގެ އެންމެ ބޮޑު އެއް ޝަކުވާއަކީ ރިޔާސީ ބޭނުމަށް ވަޒީފާތަކުގައި ތިބޭ މުވައްޒަފުންނަށް ތަފާތު ނުފޫޒުތައް ފޯރުވަމުން ދިއުމެވެ

” އެ ފަދަ ސަބަބު ތަކަށްޓަކައި ވީހާ ވެސް އަވަހަށް ސަރުކާރު މުވައްޒަފުންގެ ވަޒީފާއާބެހޭ ކަންތައް ކޮމިޝަނާ ހަވާލުކުރަން ޖެހޭނީ. އަދި އެކަމަށް ސަރުކާރުން ތަރުހީބުވެސް ދޭން ޖެހޭނެ. ނުދޭ ނަމަ އެއީ ވަރަށް ބޮޑު މައްސަލައެއް,“ ޝަރީފު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

ނ. އަތޮޅު މެމްބަރު އަލީ މުހައްމަދު ވިދާޅުވީ ވަޒީފާގެ ކަންތައްތަކާ ހަވާލުވުމަށް ކުރަމުންދާ މަސައްކަތަށް ސަރުކާރުން ތަރުހީބުދޭން ޖެހޭނެ ކަމަށާއި އެކަމަށް ހުރަސް އެޅުމަކީ ރަނގަޅު ގޮތެއް ކަމަށް ފެނިވަޑައިނުގަންނަވާ ކަމަށެވެ

” އެ ގާނޫނަށް އަމަލުކުރަން ފެށުމަށްޓަކައި ތައްޔާރުވުމަށް ކުރަންޖެހޭ މަސައްކަތަށް އެއްބާރުލުން ދޭންވާނެ,“ ސިވިލް ސާވިސް މަގާމެއްގައި މިހާރު ހުންނެވި އަލީ މުހައްމަދު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

މާލޭ މެމްބަރު މުހައްމަދު ޝަހީބު ވިދާޅުވީ ސަރުކާރު މުވައްޒަފުންގެ ވަޒީފާއާބެހޭ ކަންތައް ސިވިލް ސާވިސް ކޮމިޝަނަށް ހަވާލުކުރުމަށް ރައީސް އޮފީހުން އެއްބާރުލުން ނުދޭ ނަމަ އެއީ ވަރަށް ބޮޑު މައްސަލައެއް ކަމަށެވެ

” ގާނޫނަށް އަމަލުކުރަން ޖެހޭ ތާރީހަކީ މޭ މަހުގެ އެއް ވަނަ ދުވަސްކަމަށް ވިޔަސް އަމަލުކުރަން ފެށުމަށްޓަކައި ވާން ޖެހޭ ތައްޔާރީތައް ވުމަށް އެއްބާރުލުން ދޭން ވާނެ. އެގޮތުން ކަމަށް ފެންނަނީ ވަޒީފާގެ ކަންތަކާ ހަވާލުވާން އުޅުއްވަނީ. އެ ނޫނަސް އެއް ދުވަހުން ހުރިހާކަމެއް ނުނިމޭނެ. އެ ސަބަބަށްޓަކައި ވެސް ޖެހޭ ދުރާލާ ކަންތައްތައް ހިންގަން ފަށަން,“ ޝިހާބު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

ދިވެހި ރައްޔިތުންގެ ޕާޓީ (ޑީއާރުޕީ) އަށް ނިސްބަތްވާ އައްޑު އަތޮޅު މެމްބަރު އިބްރާހީމް ޝަރީފު ވިދާޅުވީ ވަޒީފާގެ ކަންތައް ހަވާލުކުރުމަށް ސަރުކާރުން އެއްބާރުލުން ދޭނެ ކަމަށެވެ

”ސަރުކާރުން އެއްބާރުލުން ދޭނެ. ސަރުކާރުން އެކަމަށް ހުރަސް އަޅާކަން ނޫޅޭނެ. ސަރުކާރުން ވެސް ބޭނުން ވަނީ އެކަންކުރަން,“ ކުރިން ދިވެހި ރައްޔިތުންގެ ޑިމޮކްރެޓިކް ޕާޓީ (އެމްޑީޕީ)ގައި އުޅުއްވާފައިވާ ޝަރީފު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

އޭނާ ވިދާޅުވީ އަންނަ މޭ މަހު އަމަލުކުރަން ޖެހޭ ގާނޫނު ހިންގުމަށްޓަކައި ދުރާލާ މަސައްކަތް ކުރަން ޖެހޭނެ ކަމަށް ގަބޫލުކުރައްވާ ކަމަށެވެ. އެ ފަދަ މަސައްކަތް ކުރުމަށް ސަރުކާރުން އެއްބާރުލުން ދޭން ޖެހެނެ ކަމަށާއި އެއްބާރުލުން ނުދޭ ނަމަ އެއީ މައްސަލައެއް ކަމަށް ގަބޫލުކުރައްވާ ކަމަށެވެ

” އެއްބާރުލުން ނުދޭކަމަށް ދައްކާ ވަހަކައަކީ ތެދެއް ކަމަށްވާ ނަމަ އެ މައްސަލަ މަޖިލީހުން ވެސް ބެލޭނެ. އަދި ބަލަން ވެސް ޖެހޭނެ,“ އޭނާ ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

ސަރުކާރު މުވައްޒަފުންގެ ވަޒީފާއާބެހޭ ކަންތައްތައް ހަވާލުކުރުމަށް ސަރުކާރުން އެއްބާރުލުންނުދޭ ވަހަކަ އާއި އެކަމާ ގުޅިގެން ރައީސް އޮފީހަށް ފޮނުވާފައިވާ ގިނަ އަދަދެއްގެ ސިޓީތަކަށް ޖަވާބު ނުދޭ ކަމަށް ސިވިލް ސާވިސް އިން ވަނީ ބުނެފަ އެވެ

މި މަހުގެ ދެ ވަނަ ދުވަހުން ފެށިގެން ވަޒީފާގެ ކަންތައް ހަވާލުކުރުމަށް އެކުލަވާލާފައިވާ ތާވަލަށް އަމަލުކުރަން ބޭނުންވާކަން އަންގާފައިވާ ތާވަލަށް ވެސް ރައީސް އޮފީހުން ވަނީ އެއްވެސް ޖަވާބެއް ނުދީފަ އެވެ