India on Thursday welcomed the Maldives’ decision to lift the state of emergency.
A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs urged Male to bring about a genuine political process that would meet the aspirations of the people. “We welcome the revocation of the state of emergency in the Maldives. While this is one step towards addressing the issues related to the prevailing political situation, a number of concerns expressed by the international community remains to be addressed,” it said.
The statement came hours after Male lifted the state of emergency, which was declared on February 5 after the supreme court ordered the government of President Abdullah Yameen to free political prisoners and rivals.
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India urged all institutions of the Maldives to work smoothly within the constitutional parameters, saying: “It is important for the government of the Maldives to ensure credible restoration of the political process, as well as the rule of law, before the elections are announced this year.”
India had opposed the declaration of emergency amid talks of a military intervention by New Delhi to restore democracy. However, it struck a conciliatory note on Thursday. “As a neighbour whose security is closely intertwined with that of the Maldives, India wishes to see a stable, peaceful and prosperous Maldives that meets the aspiration of its citizens,” it said.