EU Critical Of Maldives Declaring State Of Emergency

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The decision to declare a State of Emergency and suspend fundamental freedoms enshrined in the constitution of the Maldives is the latest in a series of worrying developments in the country, the European Union External Action Office said in a statement Thursday.

On Wednesday, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom declared a State of Emergency in all areas of the Maldives for “30 days from 12:00 noon as of 4th of November 2015, pursuant to the powers vested in him by Article 253 of the Constitution.”

Gayoom declared the State of Emergency on recommendation of the National Security Council following the discovery of dangerous weapons and explosive devices in two locations in the Maldives, after the joint operations carried out by the Maldives Police Service and the Maldives National Defence Force, as well receiving information of plans by some individuals to use explosives and weapons that would endanger the lives of the citizens of the Maldives and threaten national security.

Speaking on behalf on the Government, the Attorney General has assured that the highest priority of the Government and its law enforcement agencies was to ensure the safety, security, independence, and peace among the people. He also said that there will be no enforcement of curfew despite the declaration of State of Emergency.

Nevertheless, the European Union External Action Office said, “It is essential that all constitutional fundamental rights and freedoms are immediately restored and that due process of law is respected. A genuine dialogue with all political parties on the future of the country needs to be established.”

The EU expects all parties to act responsibly and to exercise restraint, the European Union External Action Office said.

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