Category: News in Brief

Minister of Finance and Treasury to finalise loans with ADB

The Minister of Finance and Treasury Ali Hashim, has been appointed to represent the Maldivian government, with full power and authority to finalise and execute two loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The two technical assistance loan agreements have been negotiated to help the Maldives’ economic recovery programme.

The first special drawing rights loan is of MRF21,912,000 (US$35 million) which is proposed to finance capacity development for the economic recovery programme.

The second loan is of MRF 939,000 (equivalent to US$1.5 million) which will finance the economic development programme.

The ADB will also provide a grant aid of US$3 million in addition to the two loans.

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Man injured and motorbike destroyed

A 17 year old man was seriously injured when he lost control of his motorbike and hit a wall on Addoo Link road on Friday night, reports Miadhu.

Police said the man suffered serious injuries and the motorbike was completely destroyed.

The man did not have a driving license, they said.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Dubai hotel group Jumeirah will open Maldives resort

Luxury hotel group Jumeirah, owned by the ruler of Dubai, has signed an agreement with Xanadu Holdings to manage a new five star resort on Meradhoo in south Male atoll.

The 36-villa resort will include 16 water villas separate from the island by a kilometre of reef. It will also feature three restaurants, a dive centre and a Talise spa.

Jumeirah said it was committed to global expansion despite the downturn, and hoped to have 60 properties either in operation or under development by 2012.

The group is currently managing 42 properties worldwide.

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HRCM delegation obstructed by Fuah Mulah residents

A four-person HRCM delegation sent to Fuah Mulah to consult with locals regarding the UN’s Universal Periodic Review has been delayed at the harbour by local residents, Miadhu reports.

President of HRCM Ahmed Saleem said the locals were under the misconception that the delegation were attempting to free suspects in a gang attack, currently in custody.

“People tend to believe that what HRCM does is to help releasing prisoners but that is not true,” Saleem told Miadhu.

The delay had meant that feedback from the island could not be included in the report, Saleem said.

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Indian army chief to visit Maldives

The Indian Army’s Chief of Staff General Deepak Kapoor will visit the Maldives for four days to meet with senior government ministers.

He will discuss the recent defense agreements the Maldives has signed with India and the training of MNDF personnel.

General Kapoor will also visit the new Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) headquarters in the south, and pay respects at the Indian soldier’s memorial on Gan.

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