5 January 2012, Male';The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, H.E. Mr. Ahmed Naseem, today said that the Government's decision to reopen the spas operating in the country, as announced by H. E. President Mohamed Nasheed yesterday, reflect the emerging national consensus that the Maldives should continue to follow the moderate and tolerant religious path it has pursued ever since the introduction of Islam 800 years ago. In a press conference held in Kurumba Maldives, President Nasheed ordered the authorities to lift the ban on spas with immediate effect, while the country awaits the Supreme Court's verdict on whether spas being legal under the Maldives Constitution.
Speaking after the press conference by the President, Minister Naseem expressed hope for a positive ruling from the Supreme Court on the matter.
"The Supreme Court ruling, once and for all, would settle the question of whether the Maldives wants to remain a modern, tolerant Muslim country, founded upon democratic values and human rights or would it chose to become otherwise".
Minister Naseem reassured investors with business interests in the Maldives and foreign tourists visiting the country that Government would remain steadfast in ensuring economic security and stability while upholding the fundamental values of democracy.
Recent weeks have seen a divergence of views on such fundamental values between some Islamic scholars presenting politicized extremist rhetoric with the backing of opposition political parties and the Government presenting the views of the masses; the latter calling for moderation.Reacting to very public demands of such rhetoric, the Government imposed a temporary ban on spas and stated that it would consider banning the sale of alcohol and pork in the country and referred the case to the judiciary for a ruling. However, with the continued delay of the judiciary to make a decision, and as the public support towards the moderate and tolerant Islam as have been practiced in the Maldives rose over the extremist rhetoric, the Government decided to remove the temporary ban.
Minister Naseem stressed that the Government's decision was backed by a clear majority of Maldivians who wished to continue to follow the path of moderation.
ENDS