Maldives Brief (6&7/15)

Nasheed’s Sentence Appealed in HC:

1. The State has appealed the 13-year prison sentence against former president Mohamed Nasheed in High Court. Meanwhile Nasheed is under house arrest, following President Abdulla Yameen’s decision to allow him to serve the remaining part of his sentence under house arrest.

Sheikh Imran Again Moved to Prison:

2. Adhaalath Party leader Sheikh Imran Abdhulla, who has been accused by state of terrorism and imprisoned, was moved from house arrest to the prison until the end of his trial., following an order issued by the Criminal Court.

President Yameen Writes to Indian PM:

3. President Abdulla Yamin Abdul Gayoom has sent a letter to the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. The Maldivian Foreign Secretary, Dr. Ali Naseer, on a visit to India on August 07 handed over the President’s letter to the Indian Foreign Minister, Sushma Swaraj.
India is most important partner in the development of Maldives- MDP:

4. A statement issued by opposition party MDP on the occasion of the Indian Independence Day says that long lasting relationship between India and the Maldives is something highly valued by MDP and the people of the Maldives. The MDP statement said that the party wishes that the relationship between the two countries to remain without being detached.

Indian Foreign secretary arrives in Maldives:

5. Indian Foreign Secretary arrived in the Maldives on August 03 as part of his visits to the countries of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) under ‘SAARC Yatra’. He said that India would always help and support Maldives.

Indian Ambassador to Maldives Moved to Denmark:

6. A statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that Mr. Shahare, the Indian Ambassador to Maldives, has been appointed as the Indian Ambassador to Denmark.

VP Adeeb Visits Egypt, Malta:

7. Newly appointed Vice President Adeeb paid an official visit to Egypt and Malta on were his first and second official visits since assuming office. His visit to Malta. His visit to Egypt was to attend the opening ceremony for the new Suez Canal.

Agreement Signed with UN for Development Projects:

8. The government and the United Nations in the Maldives have signed an agreement for a five-year $53 million development programme. The United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) will cover four strategic priority areas: Youth and Children, Gender, Governance, Environment and Climate Change.The project will commence in 2016.