Former President Nasheed speaking during a MDP protest: Government has called on Nasheed to cease street protests in order to facilitate diaolgue. PHOTO/ IBRAHIM FAID
Government today called on former President Mohamed Nasheed to cease street protests in order to facilitate a sit-down of the leaders of the political parties.
President’s office Spokesperson Abbas Adil Riza noted that a time the government has repeatedly called on Nasheed to portray sincerity; the former President had issued an apology to his predecessor Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
Nasheed had apologized to Gayoom after the latter had refused partake in any discussions with Nasheed following his earlier claims that Gayoom had masterminded the “coup” which allegedly overthrew his government on February 7. In the statement apologizing to Gayoom, Nasheed had expressed desire to put the best interest of the nation first.
Abbas claimed that when the foremost objective of the proposed leaders’ sit-down is to resolve the escalating tension in the country, MDP has continued to incite violence and unrest through demonstrations often headed by Nasheed himself.
He further alleged that prominent officials of Nasheed’s administration had portrayed acts of intimidation and violence against members of the security forces.
Spokesperson also revealed that political parties had put forth concerns when such violence had been instigated with Nasheed at the helm.
“The other political parties have raised serious concerns. How can we agree to sit-down for discussions when such street protests are ongoing? Hence this concern has been raised. Government calls on Nasheed to cease these street protests and establish a peaceful atmosphere conducive for dialogue,” he claimed.
Abbas stressed that even if the proposed sit-down does take place, any negotiations on criminal charges against Nasheed cannot be entailed in the agenda for the discussions.
“Under no circumstances will criminal charges be included in the discussions. I have received word that the Prosecutor General will forward the case of Chief Criminal Judge’s (Abdulla Mohamed) detention sometime this week. This will not be included in the peace talks,” Abbas said.
“Hence the government wants to assure the people that such compromises would not be made in the peace talks.”
Government Spokesperson urged Nasheed to facilitate a peaceful atmosphere as an act to mirror his words if his apology to Gayoom had indeed been sincere.
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