UN calls for probe into Maldives political crisis

[News_Editor]

UN calls for probe into Maldives political crisis

2012-02-14 16:57:04 GMT+7 (ICT)

MALE, MALDIVES (BNO NEWS) -- A senior United Nations (UN) official on Monday called for national unity and a 'credible and independent' investigation into recent events as the current political crisis in the Maldives continues.

Assistant Secretary-General Oscar Fernandez-Taranco spoke to reporters in Malé, the Maldivian capital, at the end of a five-day visit, stating that the Indian Ocean country urgently needs to reach agreement on forming an inclusive government. He pointed out, however, that "there are no external solutions" to the country's political problems.

"All must work together, constructively, for the good of the nation," Fernandez-Taranco said. "We appreciate the need for healing and reconciliation in the wake of these traumatic events. We urge all to look forward now, in a spirit of national consensus and genuine cooperation."

The Maldives has been facing several days of rough political crisis after Mohamed Nasheed resigned as president of the Maldives last week following days of protests and tensions between the Government and military and police.

Nasheed was succeeded by his former deputy Mohammed Waheed Hassan, but Nasheed, according to media reports, said his resignation was not voluntary and has since faced a warrant for his arrest. Fresh protests have also been held.

Fernandez-Taranco met with key political figures, representatives of State institutions and civil society groups during his visit, as part of his efforts to monitor recent developments. He said he stressed the need for calm throughout his discussions.

The UN official said both demonstrators and security forces must exercise "utmost restraint," adding that there is a need for sufficient space for a peaceful solution to the present crisis to take hold.

Fernandez-Taranco went on to call upon all parties to ensure that no incitements to violence and acts of violence occur.

"The Maldives cannot afford a descent into violence and protracted instability that would jeopardize the progress achieved by the country since 2008, and its economic future," the Assistant Secretary-General said, adding that while there was "considerable controversy" over recent events, everyone he spoke with agreed on the importance of preserving democratic gains, upholding the constitution, protecting human rights and strengthening the rule of law.

"There is an urgent need for all sides concerned to come to an agreement on forming a government, based on the principle of inclusiveness and national unity, and reach a consensus on the way forward," he underlined. "There needs to be a credible and independent investigation by a national mechanism into the developments of the past weeks, and the events that led up to them."

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