President briefs UNSG on the country’s political situation

In a telephone conversation this evening, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has briefed the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon on the current political situation in the Maldives.

During the telephone call, the President highlighted the all-party talks initiated by the Government, and assured the UNSG that the Maldivian Democratic Party too was invited to partake in discussions without conditions. The President also said that there weren’t any political prisoners in the Maldives, and that however there were some political figures among those convicted of criminal offences.

Discussions were also held on the trial of former President Mohamed Nasheed. President Yameen underscored the request from former President Nasheed and his legal team for clemency, and pointed out that the former President’s team need to follow due process in the matter.

UNSG Ban Ki-Moon welcomed President Yameen’s request for a team from the UN to visit the Maldives to aid in the Government’s efforts to establish a harmonious political environment in the country.