Friday, February 17, 2012

Commonwealth ministerial mission arrives in Male

Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) ministerial mission arrived in the Maldives capital, Male on Firday evening to assess the recent power transfer from former President Mohamed Nasheed to his vice president under controversial circumstances.

The mission's visit followed an extraordinary meeting of the CMAG last Sunday and during the three-day stay, the delegation is to talk with key interlocutors on circumstances surrounding the resignation of President Mohamed Nasheed on Feb. 7.

At the meeting, the Group had agreed to constitute a ministerial mission to visit Maldives "urgently to ascertain the facts surrounding the transfer of power, and to promote adherence to Commonwealth values and principles".

"This is a political mission, designed to enable ministers to gain a better understanding of the situation in Maldives. The Commonwealth's response must be informed by a proper understanding of the facts," after arriving in Male, the delegation in a statement said.

Over the next couple of days, we will be meeting a range of stakeholders which will enable us to brief CMAG on all relevant aspects of the situation," it stated.

This mission is seen in the context of the Commonwealth's long- standing engagement with Maldives and we hope that we can contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the country," the mission led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Communications of Trinidad and Tobago, Surujrattan Rambachan said. He is accompanied by Dr. Dipu Moni, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, and Dennis Richardson AO, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia.

Source: http://www.shanghaidaily.com

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