Government invites parties for unconditional talks

The Government of Maldives has invited political parties for unconditional all-party talks.

News of the invitation was broken by the government’s chief negotiator for all-party talks, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Dr. Mohamed Shainee during a press conference at President’s Office this Wednesday morning.

Shainee said the opposition was calling for reform, and the government therefore extended the invitation to sit down for open discussions once more.

He said the leading opposition politician, former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has also been invited to join the talks.

Shainee said the government had made numerous attempts to start an open dialogue with the opposition, each attempt failing to come to fruition due to conditions set by the opposition.

“We see opposition political leaders championing reform. Now we believe that this time, no one will set any conditions,” said Shainee.

He said that where once the opposition made demands, it was now talking about areas which needed reform.

“The invitation we have extended this time is for unconditional all-party talks as we believe they have suggestions to address major national issues, without talking about one specific individual or the other. Let us know within seven days or so,” said Shainee.

He said the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) coalition will formulate a response to suggestions made by the opposition after discussions.