C'wealth Membership
Maldives' fate to be decided
Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMEG) will hold discussions next week on whether the Maldives can retain its membership following allegations that the “ousting” of former president Mohamed Nasheed was a breach of the Commonwealth values and principles.
A three-member Commonwealth Ministerial Mission completed investigation in the Maldives on Sunday and will report to CMEG.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Communications of Trinidad and Tobago, Surujrattan Rambachan, led the mission comprising Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dipu Moni and Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia, Dennis Richardson.
Speaking at a press conference, Rambachan said they held detailed discussions with a wide range of stakeholders including the new President Mohammed Waheed Hassan and Nasheed.
“Our observations and recommendations will be presented to the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, which will meet in London in the coming week.
Nasheed, the Maldives first democratically-chosen leader, resigned on February 7 and was replaced by his vice president, Waheed, after the police and army clashed in the streets of the island nation amid protests over the arrest of a top judge.
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