Ambassador of Maldives to Sri Lanka Mohamed Hussain Shareef has stated the attempted coup by the opposition was defeated by the strategic approach of the administration of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
Speaking on Maldives Today TV programme, aired on PSM News, Ambassador Mohamed Hussain Shareef said a coup was attempted by the opposition and individuals within the judiciary backing them. The Ambassador said the State of Emergency declared by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on February 5 does not restrict any individual from living their daily routine. Ambassador Hussain Shareef cited that all places of work, businesses, schools, government and social services, travel, including all domestic and international airports, and leisure facilities all remaining fully open and operational.
The Maldivian Ambassador applauded the strategic approach of the administration of President Yameen to defuse the attempt to topple the government. The Ambassador cited that the coup was attempted by the backing of judicial sector and witnessed the involvement of two former presidents and powerful and influential individuals.
Shedding light on the effects foreign influence on the nation, Ambassador Mohamed Hussain Shareef highlighted the foreign policy adapted by President Yameen is embraced internationally, but the kind of influence former President Nasheed is inviting to Maldives is harmful to the nation's safety and security.
In this regard, the Ambassador cited that former President Nasheed would do anything to come to power and stated that the judgment by the Supreme Court on February 1 demanded the release of a president who tried to control the three powers of Maldives. The Ambassador said that the ruling party being a responsible political party would never call for increasing international interference in such sensitive situations. The Ambassador concluded by calling the opposition to compete in a free and fair election with President Yameen rather than carrying out acts which defames the country.
Mohamed Hussain Shareef was appointed as the ambassador of Maldives to Sri Lanka in 2017. He had previously served as the Ambassador of Maldives to Japan and the Minister of Youth and Sports in the current administration.