Ashton Urges Political Reconciliation In The Maldives

The European Union remains concerned over continued political unrest in the Maldives and  it is important that a process that will lead to political reconciliation and democratic elections is agreed urgently, said Tuesday the European Union’s High Representative Catherine Ashton.

Ashton added that, “The EU is ready to support such efforts.”

In that vein, the EU Special Envoy of the Commonwealth, Sir Don McKinnon, has arrived in the Maldives to engage in a dialogue with all parties concerned.

“I believe it is of utmost importance that political parties and authorities abstain from taking any action that could further complicate matters”, Ashton said. “The security of the leaders of political parties has to be guaranteed.”

According to Ashton, “Agreement on the holding of early elections, on the independent investigation of the transfer of power of 7 February and on the reestablishment of the correct functioning of government and parliament is now more important than ever.”