Government invites opposition for all-party talks

Maldivian government has invited the opposition for open dialogue with the government.

The invitation was issued by representative of Maldivian government for all-party talks, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. Mohamed Shainee, during a press conference held at President’s Office this Thursday afternoon.

“We respectfully inform the opposition again that President Yameen has been working promoting a democratic system and democratic principles in running institution and other agencies. And that the doors are open to all political parties and the opposition for democratic dialogue with the government on matters of conflict,” said Shainee.

Shainee said the government wasn’t afraid of opening a dialogue with the opposition and that the opposition had a standing invitation to join the government for discussions.

He said that conflicts can only be resolved through an open dialogue, and that opting for other options conflicted with the principles of democracy.

“Trying to destroy the unity of the nation by doing things away from the round table, and trying to achieve this through democratic institutions such as the People’s Majlis will not be successful. So make use of the principles of democracy and talk with the government to resolve issues of conflict, if they exist,” said Shainee.

He said that it was the wish of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom that conflicts be resolved through all-party talks if the opposition “had the courage” to do so.

Shainee said the all-party talks will take place in Maldives, and that former President Mohamed Nasheed could send a proxy if he wished, or the talks could even be held in prison if necessary.

He said the issues discussed during all-party talks should be regarding local political or another internal matter.

He also said the demands made should be legally valid, free of self-interest and something government had the authority to fulfill.