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Maldives: Politics and Government

Volume 459: debated on Friday 20 April 2007

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports she has received on the recent police beatings of the chairman of the Maldivian Democratic Party and the political situation in the Maldives; and if she will make a statement. (132964)

Our high commission in Colombo, also accredited to Maldives, has been in regular contact with the Maldivian Government and with officials of Maldivian Democratic Party about the arrest and treatment of Mohammed Nasheed. Mr. Nasheed has now been released. We have made clear to the Government that any allegations against the police should be investigated fully and transparently. Law enforcement agencies should abide by the rule of law and any measures to maintain law and order should be proportionate.

The recent collapse of the inter-party talks in Maldives was a setback for the reform agenda. Our high commissioner in Colombo has urged the parties to resume formal talks as soon as possible and to work together constructively to accelerate the implementation of the Roadmap for Reform Agenda.