The Maldives has signed an MOU with the UN, agreeing to actively contribute to peacekeeping operations as observers and infantry.
The agreement, signed in New York by the Maldives ambassador to the UN Ahmed Sareer last week, is the first of its kind to be signed by the country.
“This agreement marks a new era in relations between the Maldives and the UN,” said Sareer upon signing the agreement with UN Under Secretary-General Hervé Ladsous.
“With the maturation of the Maldivian State, we look forward to taking up the mantle of leadership in all of our international endeavors. No matter how small the nation, all have an obligation to maintaining and sustaining the security of populations across the globe.”
A small contingent of military observers and infantry personnel will be deployed over the next two years, explained a press release from the Foreign Ministry.
An Maldives National Defence Force statement added that the participation of the Maldives’ troops would decided upon by the government.
Under Secretary-General Hervé Ladsous commented that the Maldives assistance would be invaluable to the UN’s work.
“Maldives’ experience in protecting its incredibly porous border provides invaluable expertise in addressing modern threats, including the prevention of; piracy, trafficking and maritime conflict,” said Lasdous.
Shortly after assuming office last November, the government of President Abdulla Yameen revealed that the country’s foreign policy would involve promoting Islamic characteristics internationally, and increasing South Asian regional cooperation.
The initial parliamentary approval for Maldivian participation in UN peacekeeping missions was granted in October 2011 although there was some opposition at the time from those who argued that Maldivians ought not to be involved in foreign conflicts.
As well as 11 dissenting MPs, religious NGO Jamiyyathul Salaf expressed concerns that Maldivians would be forced to fight against fellow-Muslims.
“Taking part in the UN peacekeeping operations will force Maldivian forces to fight against Muslims which is unacceptable,” said a statement from Jamiyyathul Salaf at the time.
“Disregarding our own society and getting involved in these matters for the sake of earning respect from powerful countries shows how much the future of this nation is being disregarded,” said Salaf.
After approval by the cabinet in early 2011, the President’s Office expressed hope that the arrangement would enhance understanding of the international security environment as well as consolidating the country’s credibility internationally.
The ensuing two years since the approval of peacekeeping involvement has seen a series of damning UN reports – notably on the Maldives’ judiciary and human rights record – often resulting in terse responses from the government.
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“Maldives’ experience in protecting its incredibly porous border provides invaluable expertise in addressing modern threats, ..."
Oh boy, where do we start! This "experience" is so vast and invaluable that drug traffickers large and small have found the most porous border in the world to use as a staging post for narcotics trafficking.
The last "modern" threat faced by the Maldives was thwarted off by the Indian military. Even today, the porous border of Maldives is largely under the watch of that nation.
In summary, this is a case of Maldives trying to punch way, way above its league. First, it needs to ensure its own people are protected from corrupt and incompetent politicians, judges, thieves, murderers and drug traffickers. After that, they can look at helping others.
I pray this works unify the nation as a whole..amen
maldivian soldiers in the african bushlands or somalian desert,the moment some rpgs and grenades,or a hail of bullets are thrown at them ,they scamp to find the earliest dhoni to male
Typical minivan news article..relating with some negative views of some maldivians linking with islam. what about the positive views linking with islam. what about the help, a maldivian muslim peacekeeping soldier could give to a fellow muslim or a humanbeing. isnt there in the history of the world contributions of muslims in protecting other people. those who say negative things may be heard by the media. some maldivians may actually be concerned of the safety rather than linking with fighting or not fighting with muslims. for what i know my great grant father was one of the few maldivian who were sent abroad to contribute to the british army that time in the second world war (i assume he was stationed in sri lanka to help with british army in some things). in this article if there is anything positive, it was relating with the statement of Lasdous. Ask Maldivians what they think. Ask different age groups and check what they really think. Some times the views of Maldivians may be based on what they see on TV,or they may not be aware of what UN peace keeping forces really do in contrast to forces like US Army that invade other countries (sometimes without any link with UN's plans)
*great grand father