Irresponsible to call for removal of Maldives from Commonwealth: DRP

Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has indicated that the party will not support the bill to remove Maldives from Commonwealth, saying that these calls are made irresponsibly.

Speaking at a press conference held at his residence Ma. Seeraazeege today, Thasmeen said that DRP made this decision after considering the fact that removal of Maldives from Commonwealth may negatively affect the country and its people.

“It’s not responsible to talk about removing Maldives from Commonwealth. It is something that might damage the country and its people,” Thasmeen said.

He said that DRP does not support all statements released by Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG). For example, the contents of CMAG’s statement calling to make the Inquiry Commission more independent are unclear.

“We notice that CMAG’s comments regarding the Inquiry Commission are not very clear. So we have to find out what Commonwealth wants exactly - whether they would accept if foreign technical assistants were included in the Commission. Right now we are hearing different things. These things have to be clarified,” Thasmeen said.

Thasmeen emphasised that party leaders should have the capability to resolve issues by holding discussions.

“We have different opinions on CMAG’s statements. However now we should have the capability to resolve these issues through dialogue,” Thasmeen said.

A bill was submitted to Parliament last Sunday by Gaumee Party PG Leader Riyaz Rasheed and PPM PG Leader Gemanafushi MP Ilham Ahmed, to remove Maldives from Commonwealth, claiming that Commonwealth is protecting the interest of a certain group of people.