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Questions Asked about Maldives in UK Parliament

Dave Cordery 28/07/04 - www.friendsofmaldives.co.uk

Mike Obrien

Questions concerning the current state of political affairs in the Maldives, tabled by two British MPs, have been given answers. Roger Gale, MP for North Thanet, and Robert Key, MP for Salisbury, both submitted questions to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. Mike O’Brien, Foreign Office Minister replied that the British FCO was looking to the Maldivian government to guarantee ‘free and transparent’ political debate in Maldives and would ‘continue to follow events in the Maldives closely.’ The Secretary also welcomed the government’s proposals to develop a more democratic system by allowing political parties and limiting the power of the President.

When considering the disruption witnessed at the opening session of the Special Majlis on 19 th July, where 26 Majlis Members walked out in protest at the Chairman’s attempts to deny them a secret ballot to elect a Speaker, Mr. O’Brien called on those involved to ‘resolve the matter as soon as possible to allow the session to begin.’

The questions are further indication that international pressure is beginning to build to ensure that President Gayoom’s proposals for reform are carried through. The issue is attracting cross-party support in the UK, with representatives of all three main political parties co-operating to raise awareness of Maldives politics. An Early Day Motion, proposed by Mark Oaten MP, the Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, is currently being considered by MPs from all sides.

Mr. Key commented ‘the attention of the [UK] Government is now focused on the Maldives in a way they have not been for some years.’

Questions and Replies in full (Hansard, 22 nd July 2004)

Weblink: www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmhansrd/cm040722/index/40722-x.htm

22 Jul 2004 : Column 546W

Maldives

Mr. Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has received concerning the first sitting on 19 July of the special Majlis in the Republic of Maldives; and if he will make a statement. [185800]

Mr. Mike O'Brien: We welcome the start of the Special Majlis and the opportunity this provides for the people of the Maldives and their elected representatives to consider constitutional reform. We welcome the proposals made in President Gayoom's speech of 9 June and his commitment to a free and transparent debate. The opening session was temporarily suspended after disagreement on the voting procedure for a speaker. We look to all concerned to resolve this matter as soon as possible to allow the session to begin. We will continue to follow events in the Maldives closely.

Mr. Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in the Maldives. [185827]

Mr. Mike O'Brien: We welcomed President Gayoom's speech of 9 June, which proposed wide ranging constitutional reforms to develop and strengthen democracy in the Maldives, including the right to establish political parties, the full separation of powers, establishing the office of Prime Minister and limiting the terms of President. We welcome President Gayoom's commitment to free and open debate, and look to the Maldivian authorities to ensure this. The Special Majlis on constitutional reform will be key. We will continue to follow events in the Maldives closely.