Former Presidents Nasheed (R) and Gayoom: Nasheed has apologized to Gayoom to facilitate the possibility of a sitdown to resolve the ongoing political strife. FILE PHOTO
Former President Mohamed Nasheed today apologized to his predecessor Maumoon Abdul Gayoom for earlier claims that Gayoom had masterminded the alleged "coup d etat" that overthrew his government on February 7.
A personal statement by the former President, detailed his knowledge of Gayoom’s refusal to partake in a sit-down with his successor. But he admitted in the statement that given the crisis facing the nation at present, both the ex-presidents must keep personal grievances aside for the best interest of the country.
“… in a predicament such as we are, and whilst the people of Maldives are overtly distressed by what has transpired after the coup, I have come to know that
President Gayoom has said that he would sit with me for dialogue in the event I apologize for stating that it was he who instigated this coup,” the statement read.
“Given that I have always firmly believed that all powers of the Maldivian government are vested with its people and shall remain as such, and given that not for a single moment would I wish for someone unelected by the people of Maldives to entertain himself as leader to them, I believe now is the time for all parties to come forth in support of the best interest of the nation and its citizens, and as such, if President Gayoom indeed was not party to the coup, I have decided to apologize to President Gayoom for the fact that I said he was behind this coup.”
In addition, Nasheed in his detail has pointed out the reasons behind his claims that Gayoom had played an integral role in the “coup.”
As the first point, Nasheed claimed that Gayoom prior to February 7, had stated that “it was time to bring an end to Nasheed’s government.” The former President also noted Gayoom’s Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) interim Vice President Umar Naseer’s public pronouncements that he personally staged and directed the coup from “the command centre.”
The statement also highlighted that Gemenafushi constituency MP Ilham Mohamed and Vice President of PPM and Vilufushi constituency MP Riyaz Rasheed, had stated that all thanks for the regime change were owed to President Gayoom and his family. Both MPs had further paid tribute to Gayoom’s son, Farish Maumoon claiming that he was instrumental “throughout the entire night” referring to the staging of the coup and overthrow of the government, statement further read.
“In addition, President Gayoom’s daughter and family members are part and parcel to the current coup government, having attained high offices within it. Further reason proceeds from the fact that that PPM Vice President Umar Naseer stated to the media that the coup was staged under his watch. Mr. Naseer also met with my Vice
President, Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, prior to the coup, along with all parties affiliated with the 23rd December coalition, and implored Dr. Waheed to take over the post of the President, on the sole condition that having usurped the presidency, that he would refuse to resign from his post. President Gayoom has never denied that he committed these actions on behalf of the political party to which he belonged, nor has he condemned any of the aforementioned actions."
In conclusion, Nasheed had thanked the moderator of the All Party Roadmap Talks Ahmed Mujuthaba, for all the efforts exerted to coordinate the discussions.
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