European Union (EU) has affirmed that it is ready to support United Nations facilitations of genuine dialogue with leaders of the opposition. The call of the EU comes at a time the Government of Maldives has called on all political parties to engage in all-party talks.
A statement issued after the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union expressed hope that normality be restored in the Maldives. The statement called on all political parties to engage in dialogue to solve the situation, noting the Council is monitoring the current situation in the Maldives.
Moreover, the meeting of the Council was not held to decide on taking actions against Maldives, as initially reported by local media agencies, but rather as a scheduled normal meeting of the Council, Maldivian Ambassador to the European Union Ahmed Shiaan said in an exclusive interview to PSM News. Noting the Government agrees with the call of EU regarding the lifting of State of Emergency, Ambassador Shiaan mentioned the Government also wishes to lift the State of Emergency as soon as the situation is resolved.
Expressing the views of the EU regarding Maldives, the Ambassador noted that relations with EU are not only established politically, but also in several other areas such as, fisheries, environment and education. The Council conclusion would not hinder the relations between the EU and the Maldives, assured the Ambassador.