We want to support an impartial Inquiry Commission: Commonwealth

Sir Donald McKinnon, the Commonwealth Special Envoy to the Maldives appointed by the Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma, has said that the Commonwealth wants to support an independent and impartial Inquiry Commission.

“The Commonwealth wants to support an independent and impartial Inquiry Commission that helps the people of Maldives address the events of 7 February 2012 in a manner that moves the country forward in its democratic journey,” reads Sir Don McKinnon’s departure statement.

He expressed hope that former President Nasheed would confirm a suitable candidate to join the Commission by the time it begins its work on 1 June 2012.

The statement also says that during his visit to Maldives from 10 to 15 May, Sir Don McKinnon engaged with key stakeholders to facilitate the strengthening of the Inquiry Commission so as to make it more impartial, credible and broadly acceptable, and that this had been accomplished on 15 May (yesterday).

The government agreed yesterday to Commonwealth’s requests to include an international co-chair in the commission, as well as to allow former President Mohamed Nasheed to have a representative in the commission.

However, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has expressed dissatisfaction following the government setting up certain criteria to be met by Nasheed’s member.

Today is the last day of the four-week deadline given by Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) to review the composition of the Inquiry Commission. The period for the commission to complete its tasks has been extended until the end of July.

The government’s compliance with Commonwealth’s demands comes at a time when some parties in the coalition government have criticised Commonwealth, and even submitted a bill to the Parliament to withdraw Maldives from Commonwealth.