31st May 2012, Male'; The State Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ms.Dunya Maumoon, today underlined the importance of the strengthened Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI) restarting and completing its work. She was speaking as the deadline approached for a nominee of former President Nasheed to fill the last spot on the Commission. "The Government has always emphasised the importance of the Commission as the main national mechanism to establish truth, accountability and reconciliation for the events of January and early February this year. We are therefore pleased that through discussions with the Commonwealth, we have been able to strengthen its mandate and composition. We now look forward to all its members, including the new co-chair and Mr. Nasheed's nominee, resuming the Commission's work and presenting their findings and recommendations as soon as possible".
The CoNI was established by President Waheed soon after he assumed Office. Its main goal is to ascertain and clarify the series of events which led to the resignation of former President Nasheed. Following calls from the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) to strengthen the independence and impartiality of the CoNI, the Government agreed with the Commonwealth Special Envoy, Sir Don McKinnon, to reform its composition and modify its rules of procedure. Agreed changes include the appointment of a senior international judge as co-chair, the addition of a new member to be nominated by former President Nasheed, and the securing of UN and Commonwealth expert support for the Commission.
"With these changes, there can no longer be any doubts about the independence or impartiality of the Commission", said the State Minister. "What is important now is that the Commission completes its crucial work as thoroughly and as expeditiously as possible".
ENDS