30th August 2012, Male'; The Government of Maldives has expressed its disappointment at the decision of former President Mohamed Nasheed's representative on the Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI), Mr Ahmed Saeed to resign from the Commission. Furthermore, the Government of Maldives noted with regret that Mr Saeed's resignation the day before the Commission is due to submit its final report, is to undermine the successful conclusion of the CoNI process.
Mr Saeed's resignation comes three days after his sudden walk-out on CoNI deliberations on Sunday 26 August, and subsequent public statement and releasing information pertaining to the inquiry, whichis against the agreement and rules of procedure of CoNI. Following his walk-out, Mr Saeed was seen embracing cheering MDP supporters, while Mr Nasheed and his party the MDP, declared that they would not accept the Commission's findings and questioned the impartiality of CoNI.
Both Mr Saeed and Justice Selvam were appointed to the CoNI in June 2012 as part of series of measures designed to strengthen CoNI by changing its composition, its terms of reference and its working procedures. These measures originated from efforts by the Government to meet requests made by former President Nasheed and SirDonald McKinnon, Special Envoy of the Commonwealth Secretary-General. In June, the reconstituted CoNI received public support for its credibility and impartiality from both former President Nasheed and the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) and other international stake-holders.
Referring to Mr Saaed's resignation on VTV last night, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ms Dunya Maumoon emphasized, "Despite his close affiliation with the MDP, Mr Saaed was accepted to the CoNI in the spirit of compromise. This good faith has been repaid with the violation ofCoNI's operating procedures, and the failure to maintain the confidentiality of the CoNI deliberations before the public release of the final report."
"His resignation so close to the submission of the final report is irresponsible, and is again an effort by MDP to undermine democratic processes. It's a desperate effort to undo much of the Government and Commonwealth's hard work to establish facts surrounding the transfer of power of 7 February".
State Minister Dunya Maumoon called upon former President Nasheed, Mr Saaed and the MDP to "stop their intimidation", and "allow the CoNI process to come to its successful conclusion for the sake of our young democracy."
The Commission of National Inquiry was established by President Dr Mohammed Waheed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the transfer of power following the resignation of President Nasheed on 7 February 2012. The Commission is due to submit its report on 30th August 2012.
ENDS