We are aware of reports that a number of members and supporters of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have been detained prior to and following 10 November, the date of a political rally they planned but then cancelled. We have and continue to receive such reports directly from Maldives and through our high commission in Colombo, also accredited to Maldives. We remain concerned about the Government’s approach toward the opposition. We strongly support democratic reforms in Maldives and freedom of association and expression are essential to an inclusive reform process.
Our British high commissioner in Colombo has been in direct contact with the Maldivian Government and senior MDP leaders and has urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint and has emphasised to each their joint responsibility to not endanger the democracy agenda. We continue to underline directly to them the need for open discussions among all political parties on the implementation of the democratisation process and on the promotion of democracy in Maldives. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials did so most recently with Dr. Shaheed, Maldivian Foreign Minister on 1 December. As did our high commissioner during his visit to Malé on 3 December when he raised our concerns with President Gayoom and addressed the National Council of the MDP.