My noble Friend the Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, the right hon. Lord Malloch-Brown, has personally emphasised to President Gayoom the need to keep the reform process on track and the importance of the elections due this year being seen as free, fair, inclusive and enjoying the support of all the people of Maldives. As I made clear to the House during a debate on Maldives on 17 October 2007, Official Report, columns 935-42, we do not underestimate the challenges Maldives faces moving from a political system based heavily on patronage and state control to multi-party liberal democracy.
Officials from our High Commission resident in Colombo visit Maldives periodically. The UK has made clear our continued support for the reform process and willingness to provide practical support if that is the wish of the political parties in Maldives. We continue to underline the need for good faith among all political parties and for all to redouble efforts to implement democratic change in Maldives.