27th September 2012, Male'; The President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Waheed today delivered his address to the Sixty-seventh session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In his address, the President called on the international community to cooperate with the Maldives as it steers through the tumultuous times, and reiterated the Government's willingness to work together with all partners, to address effectively the political, social and economic challenges currently facing by the country.
The President said that the past eight months has been extremely difficult for the Maldives and ordinary Maldivians following the transfer of power in February. Following the widely-accepted conclusions from the Commission of National Inquiry, the Maldives is moving forward in its quest for greater democratic consolidation, in promoting the principles and values of democracy, tolerance and mutual understanding. The president said that the "road to liberal democracy has to be navigated by a political leadership with an unshakeable commitment to the principles and values of democracy."
The Maldives would always remain committed to the rule of law at the national and international levels, respect for fundamental liberties and democratic norms. It would work towards strengthening domestic capacities and technical expertise, especially in independent state bodies. President Waheed stated that the Maldives is well on course to hold free and fair elections in 2013.
On international cooperation, the President called for new ideas and modalities for that would help, and not hinder a country's march towards a better and more democratic society. He further stressed that international cooperation should not be used as a tool to undermine national capacities and interfere in internal affairs of states.
Furthermore, the President spoke of the ongoing efforts to nurture democratic values in the Maldives to create an environment that would guarantor individual rights for all Maldivians.
ENDS