Visiting Maldivian President Abdullah Yameen has thanked India for “protecting” his country from possible punitive actions from the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), which had been asking Maldives to move towards genuine democracy.
“I am in India today to show my appreciation for the very steadfast way India has protected the Maldives from the CMAG. We hope India will continue to support Maldives from any unfair punitive action from the CMAG. It is indeed very sad that smaller countries like the Maldives are punished in similar international organisations,” said Mr. Yameen in a speech at the Hyderabad House. The CMAG held an extraordinary meeting in February 24, 2016 and asked Maldives to create an “inclusive” country.
Mr.Yameen said his government was trying to achieve the same goal based on universal human rights and democratic principles, which were essential if his country had to provide employment to youngsters prone to radicalisation.
Criticism Mr.Yameen drew international criticism in November, 2015 after he declared national emergency ahead of a big wave of protests against his political opponents. The Emergency was withdrawn later.
Maldives has undergone a wave of crackdowns since September 28, 2015, when a bomb targeting Mr. Yameen went off in the Presidential yacht, injuring his wife.
