Author: Minivan News

President inaugurates Islamic Fair 2010

President Nasheed inaugurated the 2010 Islamic Fair yesterday afternoon. The fair has been organised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and is being held at the Islamic Centre in Malé.

This is the first-ever Islamic Fair held in Maldives. President Nasheed told Miadhu that such fairs would be held across the country in the future. He also said the fair shows the Islamic Ministry is fulfilling its purpose by showcasing the country’s Islamic faith.

There are different stalls which provide the public with books, CDs and information on Islam, democracy and the country. The President visited the stalls after the inauguration.

The fair will continue until 15 February.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

President Nasheed meets with Indian Chief of Army Staff

President Nasheed has met with Indian Chief of Army Staff, General Deepak Kapoor, this morning at the President’s Office.

The meeting focused mainly on security issues and the close ties India and the Maldives have had in the past. President Nasheed said relations between the two countries have been ‘at a very high level’ for the past four decades, and he wants to continue and enhance cooperation between the neighbouring countries.

President Nasheed also wished to thank the Indian government and army for their continued support and investment in assisting the Maldives, and pointed out that the country is currently facing issues of terrorism and piracy.

General Kapoor assured him his country would continue to assist the Maldives, and said he was very happy to meet the President.

This meeting follows the recent agreement between India and the Maldives to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) against terrorism, as well as the visit of Indian MP Rahul Gandhi, who met with President Nasheed last Monday to speak of security and trade issues.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

Timor-Leste President visits Maldives

Dr José Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste (East Timor) arrived in Malé International Airport last night. He was greeted by President Nasheed, Vice President Waheed and other senior members of government. Dr. Ramos-Horta and President Nasheed had a brief meeting in the VVIP lounge at Malé International Airport.

A ceremony was held this morning to welcome Dr. Ramos-Horta at the Malé Official Jetty. The national anthems of both the Maldives and East Timor were played, and President Ramos-Horta was given a seven-gun salute. After the ceremony, they proceeded to the President’s Office in Malé.

Dr. Ramos-Horta was invited by President Nasheed to come on a state visit. The 1996 Nobel Peace Prize winner and former UN representative has played a vital part in resolving conflicts and bringing independence and democracy to his home country.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

President meets with Rahul Gandhi

President Mohamed Nasheed has met with Rahul Gandhi, MP and General Secretary of the All India committee.

During the meeting Nasheed and Gandhi discussed the relationship between the Maldives and India, with the president thanking the Indian people and its government for its “close relationship” with the Maldives.

Gandhi said he pleased to meet president and thanked him the opportunity to visit. He also assured the Maldives that India would continue its aid.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

SBI opens fourth ATM at IGMH

State Bank of India (SBI) had opened the service of a fourth ATM at the Indhira Gandi Memorial Hospital IGMH, reports Miadhu.

Miadhu reported that State Minister for Health Abdul Baari was chief guest at the ceremony opening the ATM.

Senior officials of the bank attended the ceremony. reports Miadhu.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

Man burnt in gas explosion

A elderly man suffered burns to 90 per cent of his body after a gas leak ignited in Raa Maduvvari.

The incident occurred yesterday at 2:30pm when he was about to cook. He was taken to the intensive care unit Raa Ungoofaar regional hospital.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

Government pledges to investigate attack on 3 November 1988

The President’s Office has pledged to investigate the attack on 3 November 1988 and “find the real organisers” behind the attempted coup.

It is now believed that the two men convicted, Abdulla Luthfee and Ahmed Nasir, were not key figures in the attack, reports Miadhu.

The two men were placed under house arrest last year, but there have been recent reports of Nasir being seen in Malé.

President’s office Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair told Haveeru that the men are to put be under house arrest and the Ministry of Home Affairs has been notified.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

Ferry and speedboat collide near Funadhoo

A speedboat travelling to Hulhulé from Rannaalhi Resort collided with a Hulumalé ferry yesterday around noon.

ADK Hospital reported nine injuries, including three children. Five passengers were injured seriously, Miadhu reports.

An eye witness saw the speedboat being kept afloat near Funadhoo by emergency inflation devices.

The ferry was taken back to Malé ferry terminal. “There was a shattered window and the railing was broken,” said the witness.

Water regulations prohibit speedboats travelling at full speed near Malé. It is likely that these precautions were not taken into account. The regulations make it highly improbable for a serious accident like this to occur.

Likes(0)Dislikes(0)