Urgent political reconciliation and agreement on elections are important: EU

The European Union (EU) has said that they remain concerned over the political turmoil in the Maldives, and that it is important that a process that will lead to political reconciliation and democratic elections is agreed urgently.

A declaration released today by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton says that the EU is ready to support Maldives in these efforts.

The statement says, “I believe it is of utmost importance that political parties and authorities abstain from taking any action that could further complicate matters. Moreover, the security of the leaders of political parties has to be guaranteed.”

Ashton extended her fullest support to Special Envoy of the Commonwealth, Sir Don McKinnon, who has arrived in the Maldives to engage in a dialogue with all parties concerned.

She further said that the agreement on holding early elections, on the independent investigation of the transfer of power on 7 February and on the reestablishment of the functioning of government and parliament are more important now than ever before.

Also, the EU will monitor the events in the Maldives closely in cooperation with international partners including the United Nations and Commonwealth.