In his first address to the General Debate of United Nations General Assembly, President Nasheed has urged the international community to assist the Maldives.
Thanking the international community for their invaluable support in securing democratic transition in the Maldives, President Nasheed expressed his hope that the international community would continue to play a role in making sure democracy becomes a permanent feature.
In this regard, he outlined three key areas in which the Maldives needed international assistance:
- assistance in democratic consolidation
- meeting the enormous economic challenge facing the country
- taking urgent and effective action to tackle global climate change
He said because of reduced tourism revenue and the expansionary fiscal policies of the previous administration, the Maldives was facing an enormous economic challenge which it cannot meet without international support.
He said, ‘[because of] the scale of the problems we face mean we cannot succeed on our own.
“We therefore look to you, our friends in the international community, to help us get back onto our feet.”
In his address, he also highlighted on the new foreign policy of the Maldives. The President said that the Maldives was seeking relations with all UN member countries. Speaking in this regard he said the Maldives was looking to renew relations with Israel and use that relationship to reiterate its support for an independent and sovereign Palestinian homeland.
Underscoring the rationale behind Maldives’ foreign policy, the President said: “We believe dialogue and constructive engagement serve the cause of peace better than ostracism and isolation.”
In his speech, President Nasheed said he abhors terrorism in all its forms and said the Maldives “is determined to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all countries in facing down this menace”.
President Nasheed also stated that the Maldives was seeking election to the United Nations Human Rights Council during the current session of the General Assembly.
“We are doing so because we firmly believe in the universality of human rights and its critical importance to achieving the noble goals of the UN Charter”, he said.
He also used the address to call for the immediate and unconditional release of Burmese opposition leader Aung Sang Suu Kyi.He said, “Standing at this podium, I must admit how, as a prisoner, I was inspired by the courage and vision of Aung Sang Suu Kyi of Burma.”
“Today, I would like to echo the call of the Secretary-General for her immediate and unconditional release along with all other political prisoners.”
The President concluded his address by once again calling on the world community to seal an effective agreement in Copenhagen climate summit to be held in December.
“If we want to save the world, saving the Maldives I suggest is a very good starting point”, said the President.
