Maldives could face civil war: minister

Expressing ‘’concern’’ over Commonwealth seeking early polls, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dhunya Maumoon, yesterday said Maldives could face civil war. Dhunya, daughter of former dictator Maumoon Gayoom, said a number of steps have to be taken before an early election date can be announced and it includes conclusion of all-party talks that the present government has initiated. She welcomed the latest statement by Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) but said it’s a concern that early election is mentioned. CMAG had this week expressed “disappointment” and “deep concern” at the “lack of progress achieved so far through the all-party talks process to arrive at a political settlement in Maldives that would enable the holding of early elections in the current calendar year, as expected by the Group.” However Dhunya in a press conference said that without reaching an agreement through the talks, the nation could face a “civil war which may escalate and a nation like ours going for a civil war means a lot to the infrastructure and economy of the country”. Arguing that the current regime headed by President Mohammed Waheed was “legitimate”, Dhunya stressed on the need for all-party talks. She said foreign countries too believe that the present government is legitimate and if there is any doubt about its legitimacy, the government has formed a National Inquiry Commission and they are working with the assistance from international bodies such as UN. Dhunya said without the co-operation of all parties, there is no way for an early election as the environment has worsened politically. She said even the government shares CMAG’s concern about the talks. She said ousted president Mohammed Nasheed’s party - Maldivian Democratic Party - is still blocking the way for the talks as well as the parliament session. Agencies Source: http://www.gulf-times.com/