After meeting all stakeholders in the Maldivian crisis, United States Assistant Secretary of State, Robert O’ Blake said that the U.S. is committed to working with the new government.
Referring to the comments made by the U.S. State Department spokesperson, he said that there were some questions regarding the transfer of power. “We believe that some sort of independent Maldivian mechanism should be formed to investigate that and reach a conclusion of all Maldivians,” he said.
Mr. Blake said that in all his meetings, he expressed the U.S.’ concern over reports of violence, destruction of property by some MDP supporters. He said that he was also concerned about violence by the police in Male, Addu and Thinnadoo. “I stressed the importance of all parties exercising restraint, engaging in peaceful dialogue to resolve tensions, and respecting the Constitution,” he said.
On the current situation, he said that it was important that all parties exercise restraint and refrain from violence. “One of the political party’s leaders’ I spoke to today said that Maldives today needs breathing space. They need time to stop and reflect and get a way from all these nightly demonstrations that have been occurring and again reflect on the future and find a way forward,” he said.
He hoped that the MDP will work productively with all parties. “I assume that can in the days ahead, all parties engage in peaceful dialogue and look for ways to bridge their differences so that again a way forward can be found,” he said.
He said that one of the most commendable things that the Nasheed government did was to work to improve relations with Israel.
