The Government of Maldives categorically has rejected the non-binding resolution on the Maldives adopted by the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
The resolution is highly motivated by one-sided political rhetoric and contains inaccuracies, contradictions, misrepresentations and baseless allegations, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives. A resolution is further aimed at undermining the Constitution of the Maldives, it said. It is unfortunate that the European Parliament has adopted such a resolution with complete disregard to the considerable gains made by the Government of Maldives in terms of socio-economic development, consolidating democracy and upholding the rule of law, over the past few years, it added.
It is also difficult to comprehend the motive and the timing of such a resolution at a time when the Government of Maldives is preparing to welcome a European Parliament delegation, where they could have had the opportunity to assess the situation on the ground and adopt a fair and balanced resolution, the Ministry noted. The Government of Maldives revealed that it will continue to work closely with the European Union, especially with the European Commission. Statement given by the European External Action Service (EEAS) at the European Parliament, and concurs with the view that the way forward is positive engagement on issues of mutual concern, according to the Maldivian government. Furthermore, the Government said that it remains committed to work with all international partners who wish to engage in a collaborative and constructive manner in the consolidation of democracy in the Maldives.
The Government of Maldives further added that it wishes to take this opportunity to reiterate its call for all political parties to engage with the Government through constructive dialogue with a view to ensure the hopes and aspirations of the Maldivian people for a better future. In this regard, the Government called on the European Union to encourage all political parties and stakeholders in the Maldives to enter into dialogue with the Government.