The Government of Maldives has underscored that it has never rejected any proposal for dialogue to be facilitated through the auspices of the United Nations in connection with the ongoing political developments in the Maldives, contrary to media reports.
Noting that it was President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom who in June 2015 requested the United Nations Secretary General to assist with all-party talks, a statement issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that several rounds of negotiations took place with the assistance of the Secretary General's Envoy in 2015 and 2016.
The statement added the talks did not yield progress due to the lack of cooperation and commitment from the opposition parties adding that the Government of Maldives still has remained committed to all-party talks and has kept the United Nations fully engaged, with the hope of resuming the talks at an early opportunity.
On February 8, 2018, the Government decided to reconvene all-party talks, and has issued invitations to engage in dialogue with the Government. On February 11, 2018, the Government further renewed its invitation for dialogue, calling all political parties for constructive dialogue in view of the current political situation in the country.