US calls on political parties to cooperate with Inquiry Commission

The US has called on all political parties to cooperate with the National Inquiry Commission in their efforts to investigate the change of government and the events leading up to it from 14 January to 7 February 2012.

The Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy accredited to Sri Lanka and Maldives Chargé d’Affaires Valerie Fowler said at a press conference held at the American Centre in Sri Lanka that she is informed that Commonwealth has proposed their views on the appointment of members to the Commission, and that all parties are in support of their views.

She expressed hope that All Party Talks will resume shortly, and said that the discussions will be beneficial if all parties participate in them with open minds.

Fowler noted that Maldives is known in the international community as a good example of a developing country with a young democracy. She warned that continued internal conflicts may destroy the country’s image and tourism industry.

She also noted the work of foreign groups in resolving the political conflicts of Maldives.

When asked why the US stresses that improvement is necessary in some areas before the next presidential election - when successful presidential, parliamentary and local council elections have been held in the country since 2008 - Fowler said that this is because politicians in Maldives believe that these adjustments are necessary.

She added that the events of late January and early February reveal that improvements are necessary in several areas.

Fowler said that the US will monitor the by-elections to be held on 14 April, and because these are the first elections since the change of government, she stressed the importance of holding transparent and acceptable elections.