Maldives Opposition to boycott talks with govt.

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Adhaalath Party (AP) on Wednesday said they would not take part in the talks with the government [likely to take place on March 2] until their leaders were released.

A statement issued by international spokesperson of the MDP, Hamid Abdul Ghafoor, stated that the recent invitation for an all-party talks with the government would be under the “same conditions as the talks that failed [previously] as a result of the Government’s impositions”. President of the Maldives should establish “more conducive environment” ahead of the talks.

While pointing out that the two parties “always welcome sincere invitation for talks by the government”, they were of the view that “political leaders who have been unlawfully arrested, subjected to politically motivated trials and sentenced with long-term imprisonment must be released.

Ibrahim Hussain Shihab, international spokesperson at the office of the President, responded that the “opposition parties have not officially communicated any such conditions that they may have to the administration”. Quoting Mohamed Shainee, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture [who will represent the government in the proposed talks], the spokesperson said the parties “are free to submit any and all issues that they may see fit for discussion. ”

Mr. Shihab said the government “has been and continues to be sincere and open” in its approach towards the talks.

Meanwhile, a release issued by the High Commission of the Maldives in Sri Lanka said former president Mohamed Nasheed had been given more time to complete his application for the extension of medical leave, as required under the government regulations.