9th March 2012; The Maldives delegation to the UN Human Rights Council last week participated in an interactive dialogue with the international Commission of Inquiry on Libya and used the occasion to express the Maldives support for the new Libya and to call on the international community to redouble its efforts to support the country's democratic transition.

8th March 2012, Male'; The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdul Samad Abdullah, today reaffirmed the Government's commitment to respect freedom of assembly, but also made clear that this freedom must be exercised within the boundaries of the law.

8th March 2012, Male'; Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said that the late Fathulla Jameel shaped the modern-day foreign policy of the Maldives. In his message signed in the Condolence Book placed in honour and respect of the former Foreign Minister of Maldives, President Gayoom stated that Minister Jameel was instrumental in putting the Maldives on the world map and built the country's image globally. As Minister Jameel had served as Foreign Minister for twenty seven years during the administration of President Gayoom, the Former President expressed that it had been an honour to work with him for such a long time and recalled the efforts jointly carried out in promoting Maldives abroad.

7th August 2011, Male'; The Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the United States of America Ms. Valerie Fowler today called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdul Samad Abdullah.

7th March 2012, Geneva; The UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons today delivered a report on the human rights of IDPs in the Maldives, especially in the context of the Asian Tsunmai and climate change. In response, the Permanent Representative of the Maldives in Geneva, H.E. Ms. Iruthisham Adam, welcomed the report and updated the Council on steps taken to improve disaster preparedness and disaster management in the Maldives.

05 March 2012, Male'; The President of the Republic of Maldives Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has today appointed Dr Abdul Samad Abdulla as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The appointment ceremony was held this afternoon at the President's Office.

The minister took his oath of Office before the Supreme Court Judge Abdulla Areef.

ENDS.

5 March 2012, Male';The Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Dr. Abdul Samad Abdullah today assumed his duties as the new Minister in charge of the Maldives' foreign relations.

3 March 2012, Male';State Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ms. Dunya Maumoon, has warmly welcomed the statement attributable to the spokesperson of the Secretary-General in which he expressed his concern at yesterday's actions by the MDP to impede the opening of the People's Majlis.

3 March 2012, Geneva; The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Ms. Dunya Maumoon today concluded her visit to Geneva to participate in the High Level Segment of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

3 March 2012, Male'; President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan today signed the Book of Condolence placed in honour of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Mr. Fathulla Jameel who passed away on 1st march.

01 March 2012, Geneva;The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ms. Dunya Maumoon, today spoke at the High-level Segment of the UN Human Rights Council and used the occasion to express the Government's determination to ensure that the successes and achievements of the Maldives' democratic transition would not be lost. "It is our commitment to you today that we are determined to go forward, not backwards" she said. The State Minister also provided information on events which lead to the resignation of former President Nasheed and and appointment of President Waheed, and outlined the new Government's key priorities in the field of human rights.

01 March 2012, Male';Following the passing away of State Dignitary, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Uz. Fathulla Jameel, President Dr Mohamed Waheed has declared that the National Flag be flown at half-mast, from 2 March 2012 till the end of 4 March 2012.

Uz. Fathulla Jameel, who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for longer than 27 years, passed away this evening in Singapore.

ENDS.

29 February 2012, Male';Foreign Secretary of India Shri Ranjan Mathai has met with the Foreign Secretary of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Naseer.

29 February 2012, Male';Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H. E. Ms. Dunya Maumoon has departed to Geneva, Switzerland to participate in the 19th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.

28th February 2012, Geneva;The Maldives today signed a new UN child protection treaty designed to allow children suffering abuse or mistreatment, or their representatives, to communicate with the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child to seek protection. The treaty was signed for the Maldives by H.E. Ms. Iruthisham Adam, Permanent Representative in Geneva.

28th February 2012, Geneva;The UN Human Rights Council has begun its 19th regular session at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The Human Rights Council is the world's foremost human rights protection body. The Maldives has been one of the Council's 47 voting members since September 2010.

23 February 2012, Male';TheMinister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Maldives today committed the Government to work closely with the Commonwealth to implement the recommendations made by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group. President Waheed has already welcomed the recommendations and the Government is now in the process of implementing the proposed steps including gaining broad political support to the steps.

22 February 2012, Male';Senior Researcher of Amnesty International Mr. Abbas Faiz called on the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Asim Ahmed yesterday.

22 February 2012, Male';President Waheed speaking in Male' tonight responded to the findings of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG):

19th February 2012, Male'; The President Dr Mohamed Waheed has today appointed Ms Dhunya Maumoon as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.