22 January 2012, Male';The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives has taken note of the Statement made by EU Heads of Mission in Colombo.
Noting the key role played by the EU in the Maldives' transition from autocracy to democracy, the Government welcomes the EU's continued engagement with the Maldives.
Since assuming office, the Government has constantly raised concerns over the lack of independence and competence of the Maldivian judiciary and requested its international partners to assist in its efforts to modernize the judiciary. Nevertheless, progress in this regard has been minimal.
Further, the Government wishes to reiterate that it has repeatedly objected to the use of hate speech by opposition political figures and has expressed its concern on the alarming increase of extremist rhetoric and hate speech by the opposition. The Government has conveyed this position to its international partners on numerous occasions.
The Government looks forward to continued cooperation and engagement with the European Union.
ENDS