The President has said that although the Copenhagen Accord was not what the Maldives had hoped for, he is pleased that all countries have come to some agreement in Copenhagen.
Speaking at a press conference in Malé after concluding his visit to Copenhagen, the President defended the accord on a number of grounds.
The President said if the world had failed to come up with any understanding in Copenhagen, the relevance and legitimacy of the United Nations itself would have been called into question.
“If we had not achieved anything, it would have destroyed many things, including the relevance and legitimacy of the United Nations itself.”
He added that no deal in Copenhagen meant the world must start the process all over again.
President Nasheed also defended the accord on its substantive aspects.
He said, “The accord has the potential to evolve into a clearly legally binding agreement within 2010.
“The accord contained important benchmarks, including keeping the global temperature rise within two degrees Celsius, a commitment by all countries to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, and creating a fund for adaptation.”
In his statement, the President also highlighted the role the Maldives played in the negotiations leading up to an agreement.
He said the Maldives tried to act as a bridge between the developed and developing countries.
President Nasheed participated in closed door negotiations with other leaders, including President Obama, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd of Australia, and Danish Prime Minister Rasmussen, in the crucial hours leading up to the plenary to adopt an agreement.
He also had sideline meetings with several other leaders and pushed for an agreement.
