MALE, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Tuesday urged all political parties in the Maldives to act responsibly and work together.
A statement by the EU delegation office based in Sri Lanka and accredited to the Maldives said that the EU delegation met with the Maldives president, ministers of Foreign Affairs, Economic Development and Finance and Treasury as well as other government officials, the Elections Commission, political parties and civil society last week.
The EU said it extended strong support to the democratic transition and stressed the importance of peaceful, credible, transparent, and inclusive presidential elections.
"The EU encourages all parties to act responsibly and to work together. It is essential to ensure that the outcome of these elections fully reflects the wishes of the Maldivian people, in order to safeguard the Maldives' democratic institutions and to enable its next government to confront the serious political, institutional, economic, social and environmental challenges in the country. The EU has extended its full support in helping Maldives to achieve these aims," the EU statement said.
The Maldives President's Office meanwhile said that at the meeting with the EU delegation the current political situation of the country and the preparations for the presidential elections to be held in the Maldives this year were discussed.
President Mohamed Waheed highlighted the steps being taken by the government for democracy consolidation, and to protect and promote human rights in the Maldives.
"The president reiterated the government's commitment to working together with the partners in Europe in this endeavor. The president briefed the delegation on the measures undertaken by the government to maintain peace and stability in the country. He further underlined the efforts being put in by the government to overcome the economic challenges faced in the Maldives," the Maldives government said.
University doors open for its security guards
Feedback
RSS
