All-party talks hangs by a thread, as Coordinator travels abroad

All-party talks aimed at finding a sustainable solution to the political turmoil paralyzing the Maldives has been temporarily terminated as major parties pull out, and Coordinator travels abroad.

Discussions among political parties has been temporarily put on hold, after Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM), Divehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) and Adhaalath Party have said that they would not participate in it if the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) continues its stubborn policy of non-cooperation with the Government. These parties took the stand after MDP obstructed President Dr. Waheed from delivering the State of the Nation Adress at the Majlis on the 1st of this month.

Reportedly under instructions from MDP leader, and former President Mohamed Nasheed, MDP parliamentarians refused the Opening Session of the Parliament to go ahead on Thursday, in which the President is constitutionally required to deliver his State of the Nation Address.

A Statement issued by the Political Party Talks Moderators’ Secretariat today said that the talks have been temporarily put on hold as Coordinator Ahmed Mujtaba had to go abroad on a personal trip. The Statement also said that the trip was planned before, and that even before the Talks began, Mujtaba had informed the President about the trip.

Secretariat’s Statement also said on the authority of Coordinator Mujtaba that he hoped that the talks would progress in the future.

Five meetings were conducted in the talks, although the ordering of agenda items has been disputed still.