CMAG asks that opposition participate in talks ‘unconditionally’

Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) has called for Maldivian opposition parties to participate in the government initiated all-party talks, unconditionally.

Discussions were held regarding the political situation of Maldives during the 49th CMAG general assembly, in the sidelines of United Nations general assembly which is being held in New York, United States.

The meeting on Friday ended with CMAG making the decision to include Maldives in their official agenda.

CMAG has called out for the resumption of the all-party talks, which is currently at a standstill, with opposition demanding the freedom of opposition political leaders.

Largest opposition party – Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) stated that they would not participate in any talk unless their leader, former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, was allowed to participate.

Nasheed, who is currently living in United Kingdom as a political refugee had been serving a 13-year prison sentence when the talks first began.

Meanwhile, Adhaalath Party has also stated that they would not participate in the talks unless their imprisoned leader, Sheikh Imran Abdulla is allowed to participate.

Maldivian government had initially rejected the conditions, saying that the government had ‘nothing to discuss with any convicted criminal’.

They had eventually bowed down to international pressure, conceding that they will allow Nasheed and Imran to participate in the talks.

The opposition had rejected the concession, demanding that all political prisoners be freed.

CMAG has called out for all opposition parties to hold an open dialogue with the government, unconditionally.

MDP released a press statement on Friday night, after CMAG’s warning of decisive action against the country, calling out for the government to resume talks.

Senior Advisor of UN Political Affairs Department, Tamarat Samuel has made repeated trips to Maldives to mitigate talks between the government and the opposition – but has met with no success.