Discussions under way between government and JP

A meeting is under way between officials of the government and Jumhooree Party (JP) at the President’s Office.

President’s Office Spokesperson Ibrahim Muaz Ali said that the meeting began at 3:00 p.m.

The government representatives attending the meeting are Minister of Tourism Ahmed Adeeb, Minister at the President’s Office Mohamed Hussain Shareef, and Minister of Environment Thorig Ibrahim.

JP representatives are Hussain Mohamed, Ilham Ahmed, Faisal Naseem, and Abdulla Riyaz.

Yesterday, President Abdulla Yameen said that JP is the only party willing to engage in discussions with the government without setting prior conditions.

He said that the meeting was planned some time ago but has been delayed due to JP’s Ameen Ibrahim being out of the country.

Main opposition party Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), meanwhile, has refused to engage in discussions with the government unless former President Mohamed Nasheed is allowed to attend the meetings.

Similarly, Adhaalath Party (AP) has demanded to include Sheikh Imran Abdulla in the talks.

MDP’s and AP’s requests have been rejected by the government.

Nasheed is serving a 13-year prison sentence, and Imran is in police custody awaiting trial.