President Waheed speaking in Male’ today said:
'The adoption of the 'Roadmap- a Possible Way Forward' by all political parties yesterday has given us the opportunity to nurture national consensus and continue to build a Maldives for all its people.
We know that the success or failure of the Roadmap will depend on all politicians putting aside partisan differences and putting the Nation first. This will require self discipline and compromise. It can't be 'business as usual' for politics in the Maldives-we need to move forward.
That is why I was disappointed with two actions of Mr Nasheed today:
His decision to go ahead with his demonstration in Male’ today despite assurances and promises that were given to the Indian Foreign Secretary H.E. Mr. Mathai yesterday that it would be cancelled and a smaller meeting will be held in its place.
The press release by the MDP of a completely untrue and irresponsible suggestion that I have "not respect(ed) the agreements reached in the negotiations held between the political parties in the past week mediated by H.E. Mr. Mathai"
I can understand whilst it is easy to march your forces to the top of the hill, it is much harder to march them down again. I also understand that at this critical juncture in our country's history that showing strong leadership can be challenge. But I’m hopeful that Mr Nasheed can show the good judgement in the future that will be necessary to make the Road Map a reality. It's the very least that the people of the Maldives deserve.”