Haven

Minister of Transport Dr Ahmed Shamheed has refuted claims that he made deals with GMR, the group managing Ibrahim Nasir International Airport.

Shamheed responded to rumours that he accepted large amounts of money from GMR following his meeting with senior officials of GMR during his recent visit to India, and said that the purpose of such rumours is to ruin his reputation.

“Why would I do something like that? One of the first issues I raised after I assumed the post of Minister, was that I was not happy with GMR. My views are still the same. There is no reason for me to make any deals, I would not benefit from doing that. These are lies resulting from political rivalry,” Shamheed said.

Shamheed visited India last week with Economic Minister Ahmed Mohamed, to seek a solution to the problems faced by Maldivian vessels entering Indian harbours, due to recent changes made to Indian regulations. Discussions were also held with India’s Civil Aviation Minister on the issue of GMR.

Shamheed said that all details pertaining to the discussions can be obtained from the Maldivian High Commission in India.

Emails circulating since yesterday state that Shamheed accepted $2 million from GMR, and that his sibling Waseem visited the GMR Office to partake in these discussions.

Shamheed said that he does not have any sibling or even a relative called Waseem.

“I deny all these claims, they are all lies,” he said.