The Government of Maldives on Thursday responded to the publication of Amnesty International's annual report by “welcoming” Amnesty’s continued interest in the Maldives' progress toward democracy.
Briefing the press on the report's contents, Chief Government Spokesman Mohamed Hussain Shareef expressed his satisfaction that the report refers to the release of Naushad Waheed and Ahmed Didi, as well as the Maldives’ accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Optional Protocol to the ICCPR and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
Shareef stressed that, whilst the report contains some elements of criticism, it also recognises that hold-ups in the pace of constitutional reform relate in part to “disruptive moves from the opposition”. He commented: “We are pleased that Amnesty has recognised the nature of the work we are doing on our Constitution and are encouraged that they are beginning to understand the complexity of the political situation.”
Shareef continued: “It is also important to understand that the report focuses solely on the calendar year to December 2006. Since then, the Government has taken concrete steps to further improve its record. The Government has passed a Civil Service Bill which establishes an independent and autonomous Civil Service Commission, demarking Government jobs from political jobs. Further, the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives is now fully operational with a full quota of members and statutory powers that are in line with the Paris Principles.”
The Chief Government Spokesman concluded with a wish to continue working with Amnesty International and other international audiences: “It is important to note that we remain in close contact with Amnesty International, both here in Male’ and through our network of diplomatic missions abroad. It is only through continued engagement with our NGO stakeholders, and through their shared commitment to Maldivian democracy and human rights, that we can bring about the radical constitutional change envisaged by President Gayoom. We are confident about our future and look forward to Amnesty’s continuing interest and support.”
Source: Haveeru
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