A team from the United Nations (UN) brought in to observe the political crisis have now left the Maldives after stressing to all parties involved the need to halt further violence.
Speaking to reporters on Monday evening at the UN headquarters in Male’, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Oscar Fernandez-Taranco said that he was officially concluding his brief visit to the Maldives and was satisfied that both the former and current administrations will now co-operate on solving the political crisis triggered when President Mohamed Nasheed was deposed on February 7 amidst violent scenes.
Fernandez-Taranco and the UN team were dispatched to the Maldives on February 9 in the aftermath of what the international media is now calling a “coup” and the UN team has been negotiating with all parties involved, “both publicly and privately”, to prevent further violence and end the political deadlock. The team’s work has also addressed the question of holding elections, and whether the Maldives will launch an investigation into allegations of recent human rights abuses.
“The UN has been involved throughout the whole crisis in advising how to solve some of these matters,” said Fernandez-Taranco.
“We have been engaged with President Mohamed Waheed and the former President Mohamed Nasheed and speaking to all other political leaders since very early on in the crisis,” he explained.
Fernandez-Taranco admitted that the UN was “alarmed” to hear reports of violence and allegations of human rights violations in the Maldives during the past week.
“We will be following the events and will be watching to see how the different leaders exert their opinions, in order to ensure that all differences of opinions will be demonstrated peacefully,” he said. “We condemn any acts of violence.”
However, Fernandez-Taranco stopped short of committing the UN to investigating the allegations of violence and human rights abuses, saying that his mandate on this occasion was simply to observe the situation and report back to the Secretary-General.
Instead, he advised that “There needs to be a credible and independent investigation by a national mechanism into the developments of the past week, and the events that led up to them. As I have emphasised throughout, only the people of the Maldives can find the way forward.
“We have not been given a mandate for an investigation into the traumatic recent events or to investigate alleged human rights abuses. I believe that an investigation that is credible, independent, impartial and that addresses the concerns of the Maldivians is important to the future of the country, and we can support the Maldives with whatever mechanisms it needs so that a national investigation can be formed.
“We did not come here on a fact-finding mission. I came here to inform myself as to the situation here in the Maldives, and what I have seen here I will use to inform the Secretary-General. He has been very keen to hear from us about the extent of our influence in our efforts to help provide national stability.”
Regarding former President Nasheed’s call for a prompt election, Fernandez-Taranco said that the UN respects the constitution of the Maldives and the issue should be decided by Maldivians; emphasising that all sides have assured the UN they respect the constitution of the Maldives and its directives on elections.
“The next election is scheduled for 2013,” he said. “The date of the next elections is something that the Maldives’ people must determine for themselves. We do not have any opinion as to when they should be held. The constitution of the Maldives regulates as to when and how the elections must be held. The UN has supported the Maldives previously in both local and national elections, on request, and can do so again.
“We are committed to the belief that the constitution of the Maldives needs to be respected, and that any government that is inclusive of all sides will be the best possible government for the Maldives,” he said, reinforcing the UN’s support of the Maldives in achieving this outcome. “All must work together, constructively, for the good of the nation,” he summarised.
Fernandez-Taranco stessed the need for all parties to restrain from committing violent acts and from encouraging others to do so.
“The Maldives cannot afford a descent into violence and protracted instability that would jeopardise the progress achieved by the country since 2008, and its economic future. While considerable controversy persists about the events of recent days, all actors I spoke with agreed on the importance of preserving the democratic gains that have been made. All said they were committed to the constitution, which is widely held up as a model of reform. There is also a broad consensus on the need to protect human rights and strengthen the rule of law throughout the Maldives, including the performance of the judiciary,” he added.
A divided public
The Maldivian public’s opinion on the UN’s involvement in their domestic affairs appears divided.
One man in his 40s who requested anonymity said, “The UN can come and can go, their reports and findings can be released, but they can’t actually give us a real solution to our problems unless they pass sanctions which would affect the economy.
“We don’t know if the Maldives now is going to become more fundamentalist now, and if so, these guys could do anything to our resorts, banning alcohol for example. The Maldives could turn into a very strict Islamic state, and I don’t think the UN can do anything about it.
Making reference to the suggestion that the Commonwealth expel the Maldives, he benignly said, “So what? These guys [in power] will continue to do whatever they want. They can’t really be bothered with the Commonwealth and the UN, whatever they have to say.”
A 24-year-old Maldivian woman who also requested anonymity said she hoped a UN investigation will be conducted in order to shed light on the week’s past events.
“Everyone’s so ethnocentric with their political parties right now. I hope the UN conducts an independent investigation on how the power was transferred,” she said.
A man in his twenties, who wished to only be identified as “Moon”, called for the UN to have more involvement in the political situation in the Maldives.
“All I know [of the UN] is they like to make reports, file them in boxes and give speeches on podiums using international mediums,” he said.
“As for the international community approving this taking of power, it doesn’t surprise me because it’s going to be easy for President Waheed to do a report and convince them it’s legitimate using his friends and experience through the UN. If only everyone would act independent, and not as puppets. My message to President Waheed is ‘control the politics’, to Nasheed ii is ‘play it smart this time, learn from your mistakes, and to Ban Ki-moon [UN Secretary-General], ‘please be more productive and progressive.’”
MDP has said it will continue to demonstrate until elections are held.
“Protesting and demonstrating is not for me,” said Moon. “Violence will not solve anything, just make things worse, like what happened with the MDP. That’s why I believe we should all act smart and get along with this present president’s cabinet.
“Politics is never fair anywhere in the world, and in the Maldives it’s always ‘propaganda’ as we are new to democracy. Most people are all about power in their own favour, as in human nature.”
(0)Dislikes
(0)Related Posts
Police fired gun in takeover of MNBC, video reveals
International community welcomes end of democratic uncertainty, notes high voter turnout
“Potential for trouble”: UN Security Council briefed on Maldives
Political bias limiting right to information: panel
Palestinian refugee family to remain in Maldives while authorities assist with resettlement
UN expresses concern about local groups claiming affiliation for political polling
made up comments from made up people by a propagendist.
How can Maldives seek peaceful Resolution when the ex President Nasheed is roaring or crying like a MAD MAN!! He sometime look as a drug addict. HIGH!! He speaks lies and spread hatred for the Defence force and Police which if HE by rare chance comes to power will be to protect him and the state! President Nasheed has distoryed the party (MDP) for his dear drinking friends like Mariya, Sarangu Adam Manik, and Rekko Moosa. President Nasheed lost the power becoz he lost the power base due to the disconnect with the ordinary citizens by the shadows casted by Mariya and Rekko. While there is a party elected leader Dr.Didi, Nasheed doesn't give a dame about him and makes decisions just by consulting his street thugs like Hoora Ibbe'. MDP currently lacks any democractic system. Its corrupt at the top. President Nasheed started the corruption by buying opposition MP's like Ali Waheed, Alhan, and Abdul Raheem from DRP. President Nasheed used state machinary to balck mail key politicians for his corrupt purposes. President Nasheed is histroy and if MDP doesn't clean itself, MDP will loose the elections.
Dear Sarah Harvey,
Think about this.
yes, there are some very serious unswered questions on the happenings of Feb7th. The manner in which the change of Govt was brought about is not right.
This small country is deeply divided with wounds that would take years to heal. You are not helping even a teeny weeny bit with the plight of the people of this fragile country with your reports. If you really care about the people of this poor small nation help us to heal our wounds by talking about reconciliation and peace.
Thank you,
An average maldivian man strugling with 3 kids and wife to make ends meet
UN team says after much thought, that the Maldivian people are the only ones that can sort out these troubles,,well why don't the people of Addu start by going it alone..Male seems to be the boiler-room for all the unrest,so why bother with the place??
@Rasge Fern on Wed, 15th Feb 2012 8:24 PM
"If you really care about the people of this poor small nation help us to heal our wounds by talking about reconciliation and peace."
And I am a very average Maldivian too and I salute people like Sarah Harvey who bring out these reports. The most important lesson that Maldivians should learn at this time is to respect each others views.
Maldivians need to learn to "agree to disagree" which is a fundamental principle of democracy. Even if I don't agree with "Rasge Fern", I don't take that at a personal level and neither should you. We all need to engage in mature debate.
This country can only go forward by dealing with its problems head on. The events that lead to the resignation of President Mohammed Nasheed has to be investigated by an unbiased international body. Reconciliation has to happen, but that doesn't mean everyone towing the line of whoever is in power.
We brought that to an end 3 years ago in the hope that we can all voice our opinions without fear and intimidation!
At the very beginning of the arrest of Judge Abdullah, the UN has asked to either relase of charge him. Un knows that his detention was ulawful. So all events that followed this unlawful act are consequences of it. These include the change of government. Why would the UN be sypathetic to people who turned a deaf ear when they called to terminate an unlawful act?
Truth must prevail at any Cost.
can you imagibe if this happened in London, Washington or Delhi? There would be World War 3.
Waheed is calling in a few favours from his UN days to mask this hideous act of the coup.
MESSAGE TO THE WORLD = WAKE UP!
Well said Aru!
MESSAGE TO ARU = SORT OUT YOUR OWN MESS YOURSELVES!!!
I cant imagine this happening in London,Washington or delhi...Because, atleast in washington(with all our problems) we have a contsitution, a public deeply aware of what it says (inlcuding some armed militia guys). we have a legal frame work, and we have a mechanism to sort out shit like this!!.So NO...you cant possibly imgaine this happening coz there is NO ROOM for this to happen.
Please..stop blaming your sorry state..and start sorting your own problems yourself, b4 u become a problem for everybody else on this planet (like afghanistan or pakistan), we DONT CARE how you rule your own goddamn country!!! Your own people are ready to kill each other on their own!!!
@veteran:
" we DONT CARE how you rule your own goddamn country!!!"
Do not understand why you visit this page and comment when you don't care. May we please request to take your opinions and comments else where and allow us to deal with this the way we see suitable. Suggest you concern youself with pressing issues at your own nation.
Is it the purpose of the UN to advise people to submit to illegitimate governments and encourage future opposition rivals to stage coups to bring popular governments down with the help of the military and police exhausted by weeks of protests as was the case just last week.
This was not what was expected of the UN body, the big democracies such as India and the US.
@nix nix
If you dont understand why foreigners are visiting these pages and commenting, take a look at the articles condemning the "international community" for its "inaction". If you want to "request" to take my opinions "elsewhere", then STOP SENDING MALDIVIANS TO MY COUNTRY and start petitioning to various parties, to use the tax payers money for supporting your so called "democratic movements"!!!
And yes..the whole point I AM trying to make is that the international community desperately wants to.... "allow us to deal with this the way we see suitable."
It's your supporters who are pestering us to try and intervene inorder to support everything you people do, expecting us to do so willingly without any DUE DILLIGENCE!!!
And yeah...sorry to be a pain but...WE REALLY DONT CARE how your people want to rule your own country.It's your affairs.
MESSAGE TO VET.= SORRY THAT YOU HAVE NO ROOM, WE LIKE A SMIDGE OF REAL FREEDOM SOMETIMES. Don't take it so hard they were only rubber bullets, not foolish enough to buy your arms to kill themselves off yet. They are not eating the crap you are forced to eat and not inhaling all those toxins that make you so stupid.
I meant to say : "Stop sending maldivians who are petitioning to various parties , who uses the tax payers money inorder to fund your"democratic activties"!!! , if you dont want the likes of me commenting on your pages!!!
MESSAGE TO YOO HOO ,
You do buy arms from us, just from different channels.We have provided some special equipment to your former president nasheed when they requested it for bilateral security ineterests, but alas they were used by your champion of democracy against his political opponents.as for the "crap we eat"....thats funny...from a nation that imports 90% of all of its consumer goods including food products.As for our stupidity...yeah...according to you we are stupid and you..you guys are so evidently smart!!!
Once again I appeal to more calmer and intelligent MDP individuals to rescue yourselves from this situation!!!
TO Vet.
you mean this don't you? http://minivannewsarchive.com/society/comment-international-communitys-inaction-may-lead-to-carnage-32189
Like your last lie
PS. Enjoy the re-read!
To Yoo Hoo,
Who needs enemies, when you have "friends" who keep telling you what you like to hear.......
No need to re-read it.I now have a deeper understanding of why activists should never be entrusted with responibilities / public office.
P.S. Enjoy the slow descend into madness in Maldives.....
@veteran : you still continue to read, you still continue to visit and voice your opinion when you DON'T CARE ! Lol ....have lot of time on you don't you?