Interim Vice President of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Umar Naseer has said that the party council has decided not to talk about early elections and that even the interim President of PPM, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is forbidden to bring up the subject.
In response to a question by Haveeru regarding the statement by the moderator of the All Party Roadmap Talks initiated by President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik to resolve the ongoing political strife in the Maldives, Ahmed Mujthaba, that all parties agree on principle to the need for high-level discussions, Umar said that the PPM council has agreed that “early elections will not be held” in Maldives.
“Hence, even if (former) President Gayoom and (former) President Nasheed held discussions, Gayoom will not be allowed to talk about early elections. Gayoom cannot do that. Unless we, the PPM council decide otherwise, this will remain as it is,” Umar said.
He said that if Gayoom is to meet Nasheed to hold dialogue, there must first be an agenda. Umar highlighted the fact that even while there is an agenda in the all party talks, a mutual agreement could not be reached on the first item on the agenda.
“That is to cease the acts of terrorism by MDP. To stop attacks on individuals and their property. But so far these conditions have not been met,” Umar said.
Umar said that even though Nasheed apologized about his earlier claims that Gayoom was the mastermind behind the “coup” on February 7, “Anni’s (Nasheed) apology is void.”
“After putting much effort to convince people that Gayoom is the mastermind behind the coup, he apologizes saying that he is sorry if Gayoom played no role in it (coup). It would only be considered a complete apology if he admits that what he (Nasheed) did was wrong and to apologize. Anni doesn’t accept what he did was wrong,” Umar said.
Umar said that President Waheed is pivotal for the high-level sit-down and stressed that without him, the talks will not be complete.
More
1 comment
1 Comments
To have full access to the interactive features available in Haveeru Online please register or .