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Will do everything necessary to protect our independence: President

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that he is prepared to do everything necessary to protect the independence and sovereignty of the Maldives.

The president said while delivering the presidential address at the parliament amidst protests today, that the foreign policy of the Maldives will always be defending the country’s independence, sovereignty and Islamic values.

Referring to foreign groups that try to influence the actions taken by Maldives during times of political upheaval, the president said that several groups are interested in influencing and interfering with the political independence of the Maldives.

The president noted that the government will address the issues and concerns raised by the international community.

Several countries expressed concern over the recent political unrest in the Maldives. The Maldives’ close neighbour India held long discussions with the Maldivians government as part of their efforts to resolve the problems.

The president said that foreign countries’ concerns will be acknowledged by the Maldives, but their interference in internal politics of the country and calls to hold elections before a certain date, will not be accepted.

“The government will not accept small justice because we are a small state,” he said.

Referring to such pressure by the international community being welcomed by some groups of Maldivians, the president said that such pressure are not aimed at the government, but would affect the country’s independence.

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