Political parties unite to reclaim airport

Seven of the government coalition parties and the Civil Society Coalition have commenced united efforts to transfer control of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport from GMR to the Maldivian government.

This collaboration has been entitled, “Maldivians’ airport back to Maldivians”.

The ongoing press conference at Nasandhura Palace Hotel, initiated by Adhaalath Party, is not participated by Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP).

President of Adhaalath Party Sheikh Imran Abdullah said that today marks the commencement of efforts to reclaim the airport.

Leader of Jumhooree Party (JP) Gasim Ibrahim said that efforts are under way, as stipulated in article 6 of the agreement signed by then-opposition leaders on 26 June 2010, to stop the long-term lease of the airport to a foreign group, and annul all agreements made in this regard.

Vice President of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Umar Naseer said that there are no obstructions to reclaiming the airport from GMR, and that he will not believe those who say that this cannot be done.

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik’s Gaumee Itthihad representative Aminath Ali said that Gaumee Itthihad will cooperate with the rest of the coalition parties on this issue.

Vice President of Qaumee Party (QP) Riyaz Rasheed said that the airport will be returned to Maldivians.

Attorney General Azima Shakoor said following a press statement by Supreme Court last night, that there is a good chance that the Maldivian government will win the case filed against the government and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) to the Arbitration Court of Singapore by GMR.

She expressed hope that the verdict on this case would facilitate ways to annul the agreement made between the government and GMR.