Author: Minivan News

Cabinet ratifies accession of Afghanistan to SAFTA

The Cabinet decided yesterday to ratify the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) protocol of accession of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA).

The protocol was originally signed by all member states of SAARC in August 2008 in Colombo to enable the accession of Afghanistan to the SAFTA agreement.

Afghanistan joined the SAARC in April 2007, during the 14th SAARC summit held in New Dehli.

Cabinet members also discussed their December 2009 decision on the measures to be taken on islands leased for resort development, which are behind schedule. Members decided to defer the implementation of these measures until the passage of bills concerning the issue, which are currently being considered by the People’s Majlis.

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President Nasheed meets with UNDP regional Director

President Mohamed Nasheed met with UNDP Regional Director at the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific Ligia Elizondo yesterday morning at the President’s Office.

President Nasheed and Elizondo discussed the UNDP projects in the Maldives. The president said that due to issues with project management, completion of a number of development projects had been delayed.

President Nasheed noted the importance of having a central project management office and sought technical assistance from UNDP to strengthen project management, project monitoring and ensuring projects would be to the greatest benefit to the people of the Maldives.

Elizondo assured the president that the UNDP would continue their assistance to the government of the Maldives and offered further assistance and advise to the government on development projects and their implementation.

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Laptops stolen from house

Three laptops and other electronic items were stolen from a residence occupied by foreigners in S Maradhoo last night.

A 17 year old man was taken into police custody over the incident, but has since been released.

Officers from Gan police found the stolen items among trees on the beach side of the island, police reported.

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New ambassador of Slovak Republic meets President Nasheed

The new ambassador of Slovak Republic to the Maldives, Marián Tomášik, has presented his credentials to President Mohamed Nasheed at a ceremony held at the President’s Office yesterday afternoon.

The president and new ambassador discussed bilateral relations and the strengthening of ties between the two countries. Enhancing tourism cooperation between the two nations was a priority.

President Nasheed also mentioned the Maldives seeking membership of the UN Human Rights Council, and sought support of the Slovak Republic in achieving candidature. The president said human rights was the main agenda of the democratic reforms in the Maldives.

Ambassador Tomášik assured the president of his “full commitment” for further strengthening relations between both countries.

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President tells IMF economic reforms will continue

President Mohamed Nasheed has informed the IMF that the government will continue its program to reduce public sector expenditure.

He met with the IMF’s Deputy Director for the Asia Pacific Region, Dr Kalpana Kochhar, at the President’s Office yesterday.

President Nasheed noted that the government has an agreement with the Civil Service Commission to reduce salaries due to the “extraordinary economic circumstances facing the country.”

The president also discussed the proposed taxation reforms which is being considered by the People’s Majlis.

Dr Kochhar assured the president of the IMF’s support for the government’s manifesto program.

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Maldivians ready to open up the economy, says president

Maldivians are starting to see the benefits of opening up the economy for private investments, said President Mohamed Nasheed, speaking at the Regional Export Awards presentation ceremony of Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) of India, held at Kurumba Maldives yesterday evening.

President Nasheed said until recently the Maldivian economy has been very centralised and heavily regulated, and this had “prevented growth, repelled investment and thwarted people’s aspirations.”

The president mentioned the reforms in the Indian economy, which he said were strengthening the country’s economy and lifting millions out of poverty.

Highlighting the importance of foreign investment, he mentioned the benefits of the agreement with Apollo Hospitals of India, which are investing US$125 million to reform Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

He said the government has successfully attracted foreign investors to invest in housing, electricity and energy programmes, and how private investors are at the forefront of the new transport system that will connect all inhabited islands with ferry services.

The Maldives Partnership Forum IV, a conference giving international investors the chance to visit the country and invest in its development, will be held in March.

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Maldivian woman confesses to drug use in Sri Lankan court

A Maldivian woman and her Sri Lankan husband have confessed in a Sri Lankan court to using illegal drugs, reports Haveeru.

The couple confessed when presented with evidence against them by police.

A Mount Lavinia court has issued an order to extend the police custody until 5 March. The couple were arrested on 19 January.

Drug crimes in Sri Lanka attract heavy sentences, including life imprisonment and the death penalty.

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Police arrest man with eight packets of suspected drugs

Police have arrested a man discovered with eight large packets of suspected narcotics.

The 37 year old man, Ali Shukoor from Kulhudhufushi in Haa Dhaalu atoll, was arrested during an operation conducted by police to arrest drug dealers in the atolls.

The Maldives Police Service is currently investigating the case.

Police also seized 17 packets of alleged drugs in Sinamale’ during a special operation by Galolhu police station.

Police reported they have found suspected narcotics in Sinamale’ three times recently.

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Minor jailed for punching his mother

The Juvenile Court has sentenced a 17 year old to eight months in prison for attacking his mother at a court hearing, reports Haveeru.

At the court hearing regarding a robbery, the minor punched his mother in the face for denying that he was at home during the robbery, the court official said.

The mother fainted and was taken to hospital immediately.

The minor was sentenced under Article 88(b) of the Penal Code, but the sentence is only partial due to the offender’s age.

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