CNI can recommence work next week: President

The President’s Office has said that the Commission of National Inquiry (CNI), formed by President Waheed to investigate the change of government, can recommence next week.

CNI had temporarily halted its work following discussions between the government and the Commonwealth, to appoint a representative of former President Nasheed and a foreign retired Judge to the Commission, in addition to its three existing members.

President Waheed told reporters yesterday before departing to the UK, that the government had accepted the latest nomination by Nasheed to CNI.

He said that there were certain concerns surrounding the new person nominated by Nasheed; however, the government had accepted and hoped to progress with the new nominee.

Even though the government has not officially made the announcement, it has been confirmed that Nasheed’s nominee is Gaha Saeed, who has served in the education sector for many years.

A statement released by the Commonwealth today says that they are happy that the two parties have come to an agreement on this issue.

As agreed between the Commonwealth and the government on 15 May, a senior retired judge from Singapore will act as the co-chair of the Commission, and the United Nations will provide experts to support the work of the CNI.

Spokesperson of the President’s Office Abbas Adil Riza said that the retired judge from Singapore will arrive in Maldives this week, but he did not disclose his identity.

Referring to Nasheed’s claims that the Chairperson of CNI Ismail Shafeeu will resign from his post, President Waheed said that Shafeeu is a capable person and will not be removed from the CNI.