Many civil and Islamic societies, opposition and members of general public protested in fury when the Economic Development Ministry announced for a second time a regulation allowing sale of alcohol in inhabited island from 1 March. The announcement came amid strong objections by the Islamic Affairs Ministry, Islamic societies and large number of general public to allow sale of alcohol in inhabited islands. The Economic Development Ministry also published the same regulation last year when the Islamic Ministry protested strongly to discontinue the regulation. President Nasheed instructed the Economic Ministry to withdraw the regulation immediately, Islamic Ministry and huge number of others who were shocked and angered by the move of the Economic Ministry to publish the same regulation have warned they will continue to protest against the issue until the Government completely withdraws the regulation. The Adalath Party which is in MDP colition have sent a strong letter to President Mohamed Nasheed appealing him to withdraw the permission.
The large group have also announced they will hold a mass protest after Juma prayers on Friday to express their total condemnation and opposition to the issue.
There was a protest outside the residence of Economic Development Minister Mohamed Rasheed yesterday calling him to resign. Protesters warned they will not stay quiet until and unless the Government nullify the permission. Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Abdul Majeed Bari and his State Minister Mohamed Shaheem are disappointed that a Ministry of the Government has acted so irresponsibly disregarding the repeated appeals and objection of the Islamic Affairs Ministry which is responsible to protect and promote Islam in the Maldives. The Ministry has received compliments for the good outcome of their work in the new Government, but critics have blamed the two Ministers in the Islamic Ministry for their lack of action over the words they have spoken earlier.
The Presidents Office yesterday issued a statement that the regulation will not become effective before publishing it in the Government gazette. The Office also mentioned that a bill submitted to the Mjlis on the issue was rejected by the Majlis and the regulation on sale of alcohol was returned when the same was submitted to the Majlis.
According to reports many top level MDP members and even Ministers are very disappointed that the regulation was published again fuelling anger and objection of Islamic scholars and general public. There are some reports that Islamic Minister and State Minister will resign if the Government go ahead with the regulation without respecting the fundamental of Islamic principles. However there is a strong lobby from hotels and tourist businesses to get the regulation implemented. Some critics are surprised why Economic Ministry decided to allow the sale of alcohol while President Nasheed ordered to withdraw the regulation when it was published last year. They say such action is tantamount to the lack of authority of the Government when it deals with very important and sensitive state matters.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Maldives Asks India’s Help In Climate Change Battle
Maldives on Saturday sought the cooperation of India in accessing new technologies and data-gathering to tackle climate change, which threatens to submerge the tiny island.
Citing Maldivian vice president Mohammaed Waheed Hassan, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported that Asian countries should take a lead on seeking innovative and pragmatic solution to complement the implementation of UNFCCC processes in dealing with challenges related to climate change.
“Our President Mohamed Nasheed and his counterpart from Timor-Leste Jose Ramos-Horta had last week met and urged Asian countries to take a lead in tackling climate change.
“They also proposed that the Asian countries should pool in their resources and create a fund on their own without having to wait for developed countries to help us,” he said, delivering a talk on ‘From Dictatorship to Democracy: A Transition to Justice’ here.
Lauding India for cooperating with Maldives on climate change and other issues, Hassan said the island needs India’s help in accessing new technologies and data-gathering to tackle climate change.
“We also need their cooperation in renewable and new energy resources,” he said and listed out the measures being taken by the government of Maldives to tackle global warming.
He also acknowledged that Copenhagen Accord is an important step forward to address the challenges of climate change and said Asian countries should speed up their efforts to tackle the problem.
Appreciating the people of Maldives for ushering in democracy after decades of “autocratic rule”, Dr. Waheed said the government was planning to set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission like the one established in South Africa after the abolition of apartheid.
“We are planning to set up a TRC. Lots of people were abused politically, emotionally and physically during the previous rule. They should get justice,” Dr. Waheed said.
The TRC in South Africa was a quasi-judicial body. Witnesses who were identified as victims of gross human rights violations were invited to give statements about their experiences, and some were selected for public hearings.
Citing Maldivian vice president Mohammaed Waheed Hassan, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported that Asian countries should take a lead on seeking innovative and pragmatic solution to complement the implementation of UNFCCC processes in dealing with challenges related to climate change.
“Our President Mohamed Nasheed and his counterpart from Timor-Leste Jose Ramos-Horta had last week met and urged Asian countries to take a lead in tackling climate change.
“They also proposed that the Asian countries should pool in their resources and create a fund on their own without having to wait for developed countries to help us,” he said, delivering a talk on ‘From Dictatorship to Democracy: A Transition to Justice’ here.
Lauding India for cooperating with Maldives on climate change and other issues, Hassan said the island needs India’s help in accessing new technologies and data-gathering to tackle climate change.
“We also need their cooperation in renewable and new energy resources,” he said and listed out the measures being taken by the government of Maldives to tackle global warming.
He also acknowledged that Copenhagen Accord is an important step forward to address the challenges of climate change and said Asian countries should speed up their efforts to tackle the problem.
Appreciating the people of Maldives for ushering in democracy after decades of “autocratic rule”, Dr. Waheed said the government was planning to set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission like the one established in South Africa after the abolition of apartheid.
“We are planning to set up a TRC. Lots of people were abused politically, emotionally and physically during the previous rule. They should get justice,” Dr. Waheed said.
The TRC in South Africa was a quasi-judicial body. Witnesses who were identified as victims of gross human rights violations were invited to give statements about their experiences, and some were selected for public hearings.
Maldivians are kind and caring people – Abdul Kalaam
India’s former President has said that Maldivians are caring and kind people, speaking at an event organized by the India Club at Dharubaaruge last night.
“I am saying this on personal experience. My brother visited Maldives along with his great grand father in a boat. As they arrived Maldives on Eid Day, after eid prayers they had nowhere to go. Locals spotted them and invited them to their houses as they knew they were foreigners. When they went back to India, they had many gifts from Maldives, such as Maldive fish” he said.
Basic message of his address was that regardless of one’s location we shall keep doing our job faithfully and sincerely and keep on performing our family and religious duties.
He also said that all religions call on mutual respect between the religions and said that human beings shall live in the way that they are supposed to live.
He also said that it is a good idea to participate in festivals of other religions as it would increase understanding between the religions.
“I am saying this on personal experience. My brother visited Maldives along with his great grand father in a boat. As they arrived Maldives on Eid Day, after eid prayers they had nowhere to go. Locals spotted them and invited them to their houses as they knew they were foreigners. When they went back to India, they had many gifts from Maldives, such as Maldive fish” he said.
Basic message of his address was that regardless of one’s location we shall keep doing our job faithfully and sincerely and keep on performing our family and religious duties.
He also said that all religions call on mutual respect between the religions and said that human beings shall live in the way that they are supposed to live.
He also said that it is a good idea to participate in festivals of other religions as it would increase understanding between the religions.
Maldives Calls for Re-establishment of Democracy in Fiji
The Maldives has called for the reinstatement of full participatory democracy and human rights in the Pacific Island nation of Fiji during a debate on the country’s human rights record at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The elected Government of Fiji was removed by the military in a 2006 coup. Since then, the human rights situation in the county has been severely criticised and Fiji has been suspended from the Commonwealth.
Speaking during consideration of Fiji’s report under the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) procedure, the Maldives Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, H.E. Ms. Iruthisham Adam, compared Fiji’s current difficulties with the Maldives recent past:
“As a Small Island States which has recently undergone profound political change, the Maldives understands the challenges and difficulties faced by Fiji and would like to strongly encourage the country to implement, speedily and fully, the reforms that it itself has admitted are necessary.
It is clear from the three reports that a lack of trust, both within Fiji and between Fiji and the international community, is a major barrier to progress”.
The Maldives also warned the international community that it must start from a position where it believes in and expresses support for democratic and human rights reform in Fiji. “Instead of condemning, the international community must extend assistance and work with Fijians to bring about the reforms that Fiji itself knows our necessary”, stated Ambassador Adam.
Since the election of the MDP-led Government in 2008, the Maldives has become an increasingly strong international advocate of human rights around the world. In 2010, the Maldives will stand for election to the Human Rights Council.
Speaking during consideration of Fiji’s report under the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) procedure, the Maldives Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, H.E. Ms. Iruthisham Adam, compared Fiji’s current difficulties with the Maldives recent past:
“As a Small Island States which has recently undergone profound political change, the Maldives understands the challenges and difficulties faced by Fiji and would like to strongly encourage the country to implement, speedily and fully, the reforms that it itself has admitted are necessary.
It is clear from the three reports that a lack of trust, both within Fiji and between Fiji and the international community, is a major barrier to progress”.
The Maldives also warned the international community that it must start from a position where it believes in and expresses support for democratic and human rights reform in Fiji. “Instead of condemning, the international community must extend assistance and work with Fijians to bring about the reforms that Fiji itself knows our necessary”, stated Ambassador Adam.
Since the election of the MDP-led Government in 2008, the Maldives has become an increasingly strong international advocate of human rights around the world. In 2010, the Maldives will stand for election to the Human Rights Council.
Maldivian youths waging ‘jihad’ in Pakistan – Dr. Waheed
Visiting Vice President of the Maldives today said some youths from the country are being recruited by militant outfits based in Pakistan and Afghanistan to wage ‘jihad’ and had requested India’s cooperation in preventing “any passage” for these people through the country.
Dr. Mohamed Waheed also said that an increasing number of youths from his country have started “embracing a version of Islam which is more strict than the traditional Islamic values”.
“Some of these people are going to Pakistan and Afghanistan and are waging jihad. We want these people back. We need them for our development,” Hassan told PTI.
He said Maldives wants India’s cooperation in preventing “any passage for these youngsters” through it
Dr. Mohamed Waheed also said that an increasing number of youths from his country have started “embracing a version of Islam which is more strict than the traditional Islamic values”.
“Some of these people are going to Pakistan and Afghanistan and are waging jihad. We want these people back. We need them for our development,” Hassan told PTI.
He said Maldives wants India’s cooperation in preventing “any passage for these youngsters” through it
Police apprehends a man in Kulhudhuffushi with considerable amount of drugs
Police has apprehended a man in H. Dh. Kulhudhufushi with considerable amount of drugs in a special operation against drug dealers.
According to the Police a special team from the Drug Enforcement Unit was dispatched to H. Dh. Kulhudhuffushi after receiving intelligence information that the man apprehended was a drug dealer. He was caught red-handed with 8 bullets of drugs in possession on 19 February near “Sufuraamathi restaurant” in the island.
Police said identified the man apprehended as Ali Shukoor, 37, Fares, H.Dh. Kulhudhuffushi.
Police is investigating the case further.
According to the Police a special team from the Drug Enforcement Unit was dispatched to H. Dh. Kulhudhuffushi after receiving intelligence information that the man apprehended was a drug dealer. He was caught red-handed with 8 bullets of drugs in possession on 19 February near “Sufuraamathi restaurant” in the island.
Police said identified the man apprehended as Ali Shukoor, 37, Fares, H.Dh. Kulhudhuffushi.
Police is investigating the case further.
Islamic Affairs Minister dumbfounded by Maumoon’s words
Former President Maumoon does not seem to have anything on the horizon, but counterattacks against his comments on the media during the last week. Latest rebuff comes from Dr. Abdul Majeed Abdul Baari, Minister of Islamic Affairs, who has said that he is dumbfounded by former President Maumoon’s comments that the Islamic Affairs Minister and his senior aides had criticized President Nasheed for his failure to protect the Islamic faith of the country.
Islamic Affairs Minister also said that the religious scholars under President Nasheed’s administration yields more power and authority than they had even dreamt of in Maumoon’s reign.
Speaking to Miadhu Daily, Minister implied that it is not Maumoon’s spirit of upholding Islamic faith in the country which had spared President Maumoon from his senior religious officials criticizing him, but his tight control over his scholars. Dr. Majeed also said that even when there were better scholars than Maumoon in his government, they had been not allowed to speak their minds. Dr. Majeed, who also had first-hand experience for working under previous administration, also said that Maumoon had asked to dissolve the radio/TV show itself, if any scholar had said anything which President Maumoon disapproved in those shows.
Unlike the previous administration, Dr. Majeed said that Ministers are given freedom to speak and act on their conscience and that the President Nasheed accepts the advice being offered by his ministers.
“President Nasheed does not dictate his Ministers. Now we are free to act as how we see fit. He does not ask us to do anything on a certain way, and if we find anything going wrong that’s being corrected when we ask him to do so. I think that’s quite different from how it used to be in Maumoon’s reign. Back then Maumoon used knows everything on Islam that he wouldn’t even listen to other scholars who might disagree with him. If a scholar becomes too critical he will be sidelined” he said.
Speaking further he said “Sheikh Mohamed Rasheed Ibrahim once said that the women have to cover their entire body except palm and face in a TV programme. Maumoon ordered to stop that programme because apparently Maumoon interpreted Sheikh’s comments as an insult to Maumoon’s family. The next day Sheikh Rasheed asked me if he had said anything wrong and I said he hasn’t. That’s how it used to be back then. But now President Nasheed had given a mandate and flexibility to implement it. And above all, unlike Maumoon, President Nasheed does not use Islam as a political weapon” Dr. Majeed said.
Dr. Majeed is a graduate of Medina University and a PHD holder in Quranic Sciences. He had also served as a Director at the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs and as the Rector of the Faculty of Quran, under President Maumoon’s government.
Islamic Affairs Minister also said that the religious scholars under President Nasheed’s administration yields more power and authority than they had even dreamt of in Maumoon’s reign.
Speaking to Miadhu Daily, Minister implied that it is not Maumoon’s spirit of upholding Islamic faith in the country which had spared President Maumoon from his senior religious officials criticizing him, but his tight control over his scholars. Dr. Majeed also said that even when there were better scholars than Maumoon in his government, they had been not allowed to speak their minds. Dr. Majeed, who also had first-hand experience for working under previous administration, also said that Maumoon had asked to dissolve the radio/TV show itself, if any scholar had said anything which President Maumoon disapproved in those shows.
Unlike the previous administration, Dr. Majeed said that Ministers are given freedom to speak and act on their conscience and that the President Nasheed accepts the advice being offered by his ministers.
“President Nasheed does not dictate his Ministers. Now we are free to act as how we see fit. He does not ask us to do anything on a certain way, and if we find anything going wrong that’s being corrected when we ask him to do so. I think that’s quite different from how it used to be in Maumoon’s reign. Back then Maumoon used knows everything on Islam that he wouldn’t even listen to other scholars who might disagree with him. If a scholar becomes too critical he will be sidelined” he said.
Speaking further he said “Sheikh Mohamed Rasheed Ibrahim once said that the women have to cover their entire body except palm and face in a TV programme. Maumoon ordered to stop that programme because apparently Maumoon interpreted Sheikh’s comments as an insult to Maumoon’s family. The next day Sheikh Rasheed asked me if he had said anything wrong and I said he hasn’t. That’s how it used to be back then. But now President Nasheed had given a mandate and flexibility to implement it. And above all, unlike Maumoon, President Nasheed does not use Islam as a political weapon” Dr. Majeed said.
Dr. Majeed is a graduate of Medina University and a PHD holder in Quranic Sciences. He had also served as a Director at the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs and as the Rector of the Faculty of Quran, under President Maumoon’s government.
Police busts a drug network
The police busts a high profile drug network in the capital Male’, and arrested seven suspects on Wednesday.
Addressing the press in Kaafu atoll Dhoonidhoo Island on Thursday, Superintendent Mohamed Jinah said the networked was believed to deal drugs at a wider scale adding surveillance camera was installed at the main headquarters of the network.
“They use modern techniques to pack drugs and monitor the actions of police by surveillance camera,” he said.
When arrested, packets suspected to be hash oil was found, he said.
Police did not reveal the identities of the suspects and their headquarters.
Jinah said the police is looking for more suspects.
Addressing the press in Kaafu atoll Dhoonidhoo Island on Thursday, Superintendent Mohamed Jinah said the networked was believed to deal drugs at a wider scale adding surveillance camera was installed at the main headquarters of the network.
“They use modern techniques to pack drugs and monitor the actions of police by surveillance camera,” he said.
When arrested, packets suspected to be hash oil was found, he said.
Police did not reveal the identities of the suspects and their headquarters.
Jinah said the police is looking for more suspects.
A historical glimpse on the Dhivehi language
As we mark the International Mother Language Day, it is quite important to delve into the origin and history of our mother language, Dhivehi, and look at the threats faced by it.
Since its origin, Dhivehi, like any other language, has seen a tremendous amount of change. While some of them may be, in fact, vital for its survival, some indeed contribute to the gradual extinction of our small, yet rich language. The need to preserve our language is much more than any time before.
Since its origin, Dhivehi, like any other language, has seen a tremendous amount of change. While some of them may be, in fact, vital for its survival, some indeed contribute to the gradual extinction of our small, yet rich language. The need to preserve our language is much more than any time before.
Justice to torture is the most difficult issue, says Vice President
Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said seeking justice to past human rights violations and torture is the most difficult issue faced by the government.
In a lecture given at the Observer Research Foundation of India, he said many Maldivians suffered in the past because of the torture of the previous regime.
Speaking on the theme ‘from dictatorship to democracy: A transmission in justice’, Dr Waheed said the number of people calling for justice to the past actions have increased, as Maldives embraced democracy.
He noted the call for justice should be responded to, adding that leaving past actions without seeking justice may lead to such actions repeating in the future. But he said seeking justice should not affect the future of the country.
Dr Waheed also highlighted the importance of preserving the infant democracy in the Maldives, noting that a full-fledged democracy is the solution for the past torture.
In a lecture given at the Observer Research Foundation of India, he said many Maldivians suffered in the past because of the torture of the previous regime.
Speaking on the theme ‘from dictatorship to democracy: A transmission in justice’, Dr Waheed said the number of people calling for justice to the past actions have increased, as Maldives embraced democracy.
He noted the call for justice should be responded to, adding that leaving past actions without seeking justice may lead to such actions repeating in the future. But he said seeking justice should not affect the future of the country.
Dr Waheed also highlighted the importance of preserving the infant democracy in the Maldives, noting that a full-fledged democracy is the solution for the past torture.
Maldivian woman confesses to drug use in Sri Lankan court
The Maldivian woman and her Sri Lankan husband, arrested for allegedly using illegal drugs, have confessed in court.
According to a Sri Lankan's Daily Mirror, the suspects confessed in the court hearing, as the Police presented evidence against them. The court, however, decided to extend the period of police custody, as the case is still not over.
The newspaper’s website claimed that Haasha Sethunga, Chief Magistrate of Mount Lavenia, issued a court order to extend the police custody until March 5.
The police has also refused to release a motorcycle belonging to the couple.
Daily Mirror quoted the Colombo Narcotics Bureau as saying that the police arrested Manike 53, and Mohamed Nishamuddeen 30, from Alenmavaththa of Dehiwala, on January 19.
Speaking to Haveeru earlier, Maldivian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Ali Hussein Didi said the police have officially informed the High Commission about the woman's arrest.
According to a Sri Lankan's Daily Mirror, the suspects confessed in the court hearing, as the Police presented evidence against them. The court, however, decided to extend the period of police custody, as the case is still not over.
The newspaper’s website claimed that Haasha Sethunga, Chief Magistrate of Mount Lavenia, issued a court order to extend the police custody until March 5.
The police has also refused to release a motorcycle belonging to the couple.
Daily Mirror quoted the Colombo Narcotics Bureau as saying that the police arrested Manike 53, and Mohamed Nishamuddeen 30, from Alenmavaththa of Dehiwala, on January 19.
Speaking to Haveeru earlier, Maldivian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Ali Hussein Didi said the police have officially informed the High Commission about the woman's arrest.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Maldives submits national report under ICCPR
The Maldives today submitted its Initial Report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR – for the period January 2007-January 2010). The ICCPR is the major international instrument stipulating the civil and political rights and freedoms, such as the right to vote and be elected, the right to freedom of speech and the right to freedom of assembly that States must guarantee vis-à-vis their citizens. The Maldives acceded to the ICCPR and its First Optional Protocol (under which individual people can communicate directly to UN-level protection mechanisms when they feel their rights are being infringed, on 19 September 2006. The ICCPR and its First Optional Protocol came into force for Maldives on 19 December 2006.
State Parties to the ICCPR are obliged, on a periodic basis, to submit information of the UN human rights system on what steps have been taken to fulfil the rights protected by the ICCPR. These reports are scrutinised by an independent body of experts know as the Human Rights Committee, which sits in Geneva. States are then required to appear before the Committee to answer questions and receive recommendations for improvement and action.
In order to streamline reporting under the ICCPR and the other core international human rights conventions to which the Maldives is Party, the country is one pioneering States to elaborate a Common Core Document – a single report covering all human rights, which is then combined with a treaty specific section to highlight those rights relevant to a particular convention. Using the Common Core Document, the Maldives has also, over recent months, tabled its Report under the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD). The Maldives has also, over the past few years, submitted its regular Reports under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The Government is now working on its Reports under the Convention against Torture (CAT) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). When completed the Maldives will be completely up-to-date with its human rights reporting obligations.
Speaking today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, said: “The Government takes its international human rights obligations extremely seriously, and by submitting our Report under this crucial international covenant, we are demonstrating our determination to uphold and be held accountable for the very highest human rights standards.
The Maldives has made remarkable progress in the area of civil and political rights since we acceded to the Covenant and this, together with our transition to a functioning liberal democracy, is captured in the Report”.
source:miadhunews
State Parties to the ICCPR are obliged, on a periodic basis, to submit information of the UN human rights system on what steps have been taken to fulfil the rights protected by the ICCPR. These reports are scrutinised by an independent body of experts know as the Human Rights Committee, which sits in Geneva. States are then required to appear before the Committee to answer questions and receive recommendations for improvement and action.
In order to streamline reporting under the ICCPR and the other core international human rights conventions to which the Maldives is Party, the country is one pioneering States to elaborate a Common Core Document – a single report covering all human rights, which is then combined with a treaty specific section to highlight those rights relevant to a particular convention. Using the Common Core Document, the Maldives has also, over recent months, tabled its Report under the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD). The Maldives has also, over the past few years, submitted its regular Reports under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The Government is now working on its Reports under the Convention against Torture (CAT) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). When completed the Maldives will be completely up-to-date with its human rights reporting obligations.
Speaking today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, said: “The Government takes its international human rights obligations extremely seriously, and by submitting our Report under this crucial international covenant, we are demonstrating our determination to uphold and be held accountable for the very highest human rights standards.
The Maldives has made remarkable progress in the area of civil and political rights since we acceded to the Covenant and this, together with our transition to a functioning liberal democracy, is captured in the Report”.
source:miadhunews
Indian Nuclear Scientist President Visits Maldives
Former Indian President and the world’s largest Democracy’s nuclear scientist Dr. A.P.J Abdel Kalaam arrived to Maldives on an invitation by president of the Republic of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed.
The Indian former president was given a red carpet welcome at Male’ International Airport today in the afternoon by Vice-President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Maniku and the Special Envoy of the President Ibrahim Hussain Zaki.
He was given a very warm welcome on his arrival. The Maldivian Delegation to meet Dr. Kalaam at the airport was also accompanied by the foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed.
He was greeted on arrival at Malé International Airport by Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed, Special Envoy of the President Ibrahim Hussain Zaki and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Ahmed Shaheed.
Dr Abdul Kalaam was given an honor guard at the Malé International Airport by the Maldives National Defence Force.
President Nasheed was scheduled to meet Dr Abdul Kalaam in the afternoon.
The Indian former president was given a red carpet welcome at Male’ International Airport today in the afternoon by Vice-President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Maniku and the Special Envoy of the President Ibrahim Hussain Zaki.
He was given a very warm welcome on his arrival. The Maldivian Delegation to meet Dr. Kalaam at the airport was also accompanied by the foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed.
He was greeted on arrival at Malé International Airport by Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed, Special Envoy of the President Ibrahim Hussain Zaki and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Ahmed Shaheed.
Dr Abdul Kalaam was given an honor guard at the Malé International Airport by the Maldives National Defence Force.
President Nasheed was scheduled to meet Dr Abdul Kalaam in the afternoon.
Timor President Receives Ceremonial Reception on Arrival
Maldives with its warm traditional hospitality welcomes the visiting President of Timor-Leste, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta. He was given a colorful ceremonial reception at the Malé Official Jetty. President Ramos-Horta was greeted by President Nasheed on his arrival at the Jetty in the capital city Male’ this morning,
A bugle call was given on President Ramos-Horta’s arrival, and president Mohamed Nasheed accompanied the visiting President to the saluting dais. The national anthems Maldives and Timor-Leste were played.
The visiting President was then given a 7-Gun Salute. President Ramos-Horta then proceeded to inspect a guard of honor.
After the official welcoming ceremony, the two Presidents have walked to the President’s Office.
The two countries have a similarity though both countries have been geologically far apart, president has said. He said that Maldives is willing to cooperate to strengthen bilateral relation between the two countries.
Noble laureate Ramos-Horta was accompanied at the president’s office by senior government officials including vice president.
source:hamadaily
A bugle call was given on President Ramos-Horta’s arrival, and president Mohamed Nasheed accompanied the visiting President to the saluting dais. The national anthems Maldives and Timor-Leste were played.
The visiting President was then given a 7-Gun Salute. President Ramos-Horta then proceeded to inspect a guard of honor.
After the official welcoming ceremony, the two Presidents have walked to the President’s Office.
The two countries have a similarity though both countries have been geologically far apart, president has said. He said that Maldives is willing to cooperate to strengthen bilateral relation between the two countries.
Noble laureate Ramos-Horta was accompanied at the president’s office by senior government officials including vice president.
source:hamadaily
Agreements of Undeveloped Islands for Tourism to be Cancelled
the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in its efforts to sustainable development in tourism is finding several issues that makes it difficult for the ministry cooperating the island bidders, the Minister Ahmed Ali Sawad has said that some leased islands agreements will be cancelled. He said from the 64 islands the ministry did not find any development in 12 islands that the ministry will be forced to cancel their agreements. He said the agreements of these 12 islands will b e cancelled in the next two weeks.
Sawad said the ministry is now working on preparing termination agreements as the developers had not shown any interest in developing the islands for the given purpose. He said soon the termination agreements will be sent to the bidders and the lease agreements will be cancelled.
Ministry not seeking to terminate any lease but is forced to cancel the agreements as several bidders were anticipated for the next government announcement for bidding islands for tourism and other productivity in the country. Sawad said the agreements are now due with former leasing parties and individuals with lack of development in the islands for the industry.
source:haamadaily
Sawad said the ministry is now working on preparing termination agreements as the developers had not shown any interest in developing the islands for the given purpose. He said soon the termination agreements will be sent to the bidders and the lease agreements will be cancelled.
Ministry not seeking to terminate any lease but is forced to cancel the agreements as several bidders were anticipated for the next government announcement for bidding islands for tourism and other productivity in the country. Sawad said the agreements are now due with former leasing parties and individuals with lack of development in the islands for the industry.
source:haamadaily
Islamic Affairs to Brainstorm Himandhoo Prisoners in Maafushi Jail
The minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Abdel Majeed Abdel Bari has said that the ministry is obliged with responsibilities from president to rehabilitate the prisoners of Himandhoo in Maafushi Jail. He said they were given the responsibility by president under special amnesty to the prisoners by the president.
Speaking to Voice of Maldives Dr. Majeed said under the clemency by president to the prisoners from Himandhoo who held up police with radicalism, the ministry is seeking ways to rehabilitate them with preaches and to remove any confusion fabricated on them on religion. He said a meeting with them was held in jail. But did not give any detail of the meeting.
President announced clemency to Himandhoo prisoners in Maafushi Jail on February 4 and offered amnesty to help them become useful citizens through the special envoy of the president who was lost from media after president took office in 2008 and the former parliamentarian Hassan Afeef who is now the political advisor to the president. Afeef said that the prisoners will embrace the clemency beginning this week.
source:haamadaily
Speaking to Voice of Maldives Dr. Majeed said under the clemency by president to the prisoners from Himandhoo who held up police with radicalism, the ministry is seeking ways to rehabilitate them with preaches and to remove any confusion fabricated on them on religion. He said a meeting with them was held in jail. But did not give any detail of the meeting.
President announced clemency to Himandhoo prisoners in Maafushi Jail on February 4 and offered amnesty to help them become useful citizens through the special envoy of the president who was lost from media after president took office in 2008 and the former parliamentarian Hassan Afeef who is now the political advisor to the president. Afeef said that the prisoners will embrace the clemency beginning this week.
source:haamadaily
Sunday, February 14, 2010
MAJOR CRIMINAL CASES ARE DELAYED BY LACK OF GOVERNMENT COOPERATION – COURT
Abdulla Mohamed, Senior Judge at the Criminal Court has said that the major criminal cases are delayed by the lack of cooperation from the government, in a press conference held last night. He also said that Government is not concerned if such cases are defeated and that government institutions has to shoulder a great share of the responsibility in failing those cases.
He also said that there is no adequate environment for the state witnesses and that the state witnesses are threatened and bought-off at times and as a result such criminal cases are defeated. He also said that the Judiciary had brought the dire situation of witness protection to the attention of the government without any success.
He also said that the court is also experiencing lack of office space and said that it had contributed to the delay in cases as well.
source:miadhu.com.mv
He also said that there is no adequate environment for the state witnesses and that the state witnesses are threatened and bought-off at times and as a result such criminal cases are defeated. He also said that the Judiciary had brought the dire situation of witness protection to the attention of the government without any success.
He also said that the court is also experiencing lack of office space and said that it had contributed to the delay in cases as well.
source:miadhu.com.mv
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
KHALIFA FOUNDATION TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR TELEMEDICINE
Government of Maldives will be receiving funds from Khalifa Foundation promised by the Khalifa Ben Zaid on president’s tour Dubai, authorities has said. It said that the kingdom will be providing a USD 5.8 Million Dollar fund to help improve telemedicine in the country.
Under the project to improve and assisting healthcare in the country the funds will be used to provide healthcare to islands minimizing islanders to travel to the capital island for treatment using a communication technology.
The fund will provide specialist doctors, nurses, training of biomedical engineers and technicians, the authorities has said. They say the Khalifa Foundation also will provide necessary equipment to establish kiosks and its maintenance including communication equipment through information technology.
The service establishment also will help reduce spending from patients and will provide necessary healthcare available through telemedicine.
SOURCE:HAAMA DAILY
Under the project to improve and assisting healthcare in the country the funds will be used to provide healthcare to islands minimizing islanders to travel to the capital island for treatment using a communication technology.
The fund will provide specialist doctors, nurses, training of biomedical engineers and technicians, the authorities has said. They say the Khalifa Foundation also will provide necessary equipment to establish kiosks and its maintenance including communication equipment through information technology.
The service establishment also will help reduce spending from patients and will provide necessary healthcare available through telemedicine.
SOURCE:HAAMA DAILY
POLICE REMANDS SUSPECTED STOLEN GOODS ALONG WITH FREE ROAMING PRISONER
Maldives Police in a crackdown collected suspected stolen goods including weapons may have used for violence along with a free roaming jailed criminal. In a rare showdown police displayed the remanded weapons and goods to reporters today.
Police confirmed the displayed goods were collected on February 5 after police raided to a house in Henveiru ward on a tip by locals. The equipments were found in Masodige.
Police cracking down on illegal drug abusers and trouble makers conducted a special operation on 5th of February said that the equipments they recovered from the house include number of knives, sharpened iron bars, swords or daggers and sleepers used in fighting here in the country.
Some of the materials recovered from the scene include spare parts of motor bikes and tools used to dismantle things, police say were kept hidden inside a room in the house.
Six people were arrested in connection to the case and one of the suspects arrested include a verdict sentenced for a jail term and a man sentenced for house arrest.
Law enforcers finding difficult to bring criminals to justice as some people among us protecting criminals and helping criminals escape appeals the public to help stop the havoc in the island and the country. Police requires public support and cooperation to bring down the criminals and prevail justice in the country.
SOURCE:HAAMADAILY
Police confirmed the displayed goods were collected on February 5 after police raided to a house in Henveiru ward on a tip by locals. The equipments were found in Masodige.
Police cracking down on illegal drug abusers and trouble makers conducted a special operation on 5th of February said that the equipments they recovered from the house include number of knives, sharpened iron bars, swords or daggers and sleepers used in fighting here in the country.
Some of the materials recovered from the scene include spare parts of motor bikes and tools used to dismantle things, police say were kept hidden inside a room in the house.
Six people were arrested in connection to the case and one of the suspects arrested include a verdict sentenced for a jail term and a man sentenced for house arrest.
Law enforcers finding difficult to bring criminals to justice as some people among us protecting criminals and helping criminals escape appeals the public to help stop the havoc in the island and the country. Police requires public support and cooperation to bring down the criminals and prevail justice in the country.
SOURCE:HAAMADAILY
RESORT'S RESTAURANT AND DIVING SCHOOL BURNS
Dhaalu atoll Vilu Reef Beach and Spa resort’s main restaurant and diving school was burned on Sunday evening.
A resort official who wants to remain anonymous said the fire broke in the room of the dicing school’s general manager, which later spread to the diving school and the restaurant.
During the incident, no one was inside the diving school and the restaurant, the official said.
The incident has made a huge financial loss, the official said adding the cause of the fire was not known.
The fire was controlled after an hour of the incident. Police is investigating the case.
SOURCE:HAVEERU
A resort official who wants to remain anonymous said the fire broke in the room of the dicing school’s general manager, which later spread to the diving school and the restaurant.
During the incident, no one was inside the diving school and the restaurant, the official said.
The incident has made a huge financial loss, the official said adding the cause of the fire was not known.
The fire was controlled after an hour of the incident. Police is investigating the case.
SOURCE:HAVEERU
41 YEARS OLD MAN ATTACKED AND ROBBED
In midnight, a 41 year old man was attacked with a sharp object and robbed off his money. This incident happened in Janavaree Magu. The man is now being treated at IGMH for his stab wounds.
Maldives Police Services is investigating the case.
The man who works at a wholesale store was carrying MRF 600,000 (USD 46,693) at the time of the attack and attackers seized the cash which was hidden under the motorbike’s seat. Reports also say that the four attackers had never asked any question from the man.
source:miadhu news
Maldives Police Services is investigating the case.
The man who works at a wholesale store was carrying MRF 600,000 (USD 46,693) at the time of the attack and attackers seized the cash which was hidden under the motorbike’s seat. Reports also say that the four attackers had never asked any question from the man.
source:miadhu news
Monday, February 8, 2010
3 FOREIGNERS ARRESTED WITH A LARGE AMOUNT OF ALCOHOL
3 foreigners have been arrested with a large amount of alcohol. In an operation to find out people who illegally sold alcohol in the Maldives, 41 bottles of alcohol including cash possibly from alcohol sale were retrieved from the possession of these 3 individual who are from India.
The Maldives Police Services is investigating the case.
source:miadhu.com.mv
The Maldives Police Services is investigating the case.
source:miadhu.com.mv
Saturday, February 6, 2010
DAD SON SLICE SPREADS FEAR AS LACK OF COOPERATION FROM EYE WITNESS LEAVES CRIMINALS FREE
Maldives Police has said that Crime Prevention is bound and gagged as lack of cooperation among witness. They said that it has becoming more difficult to bring criminals to justice due to lack of evidence as witness refuse to testify.
Police made the statement after they arrested a suspect who may have linked to the stabbing of father and son in Hulhumale’ as they left the mosque from I’shaa prayer Thursday night. Police say they find it impossible to punish the bigger criminals because witness denying to cooperate.
Police appeals the public to help them prevent crime as they requested to provide information the son dad slicing who were in critical condition in Intensive Care Unit at the central health facility. Police assured to provide total protection to witnesses and those who attribute information to police regarding the case.
A media official from the police said several eye witness in different criminal scenes back legs but it is a responsibility to help prevent these activities that spread fear in the public by providing information. They said those who cooperate and their statements will be registered discreetly securing their identity.
Police with their new public and locally friendly appearance is not helping them to stop criminal activities should now beef up their muscle accordingly. They said action will be taken against criminals and their supporters.
SOURCE:HAAMADAILY.COM
Police made the statement after they arrested a suspect who may have linked to the stabbing of father and son in Hulhumale’ as they left the mosque from I’shaa prayer Thursday night. Police say they find it impossible to punish the bigger criminals because witness denying to cooperate.
Police appeals the public to help them prevent crime as they requested to provide information the son dad slicing who were in critical condition in Intensive Care Unit at the central health facility. Police assured to provide total protection to witnesses and those who attribute information to police regarding the case.
A media official from the police said several eye witness in different criminal scenes back legs but it is a responsibility to help prevent these activities that spread fear in the public by providing information. They said those who cooperate and their statements will be registered discreetly securing their identity.
Police with their new public and locally friendly appearance is not helping them to stop criminal activities should now beef up their muscle accordingly. They said action will be taken against criminals and their supporters.
SOURCE:HAAMADAILY.COM
Friday, February 5, 2010
ISLAMIC MINISTRY REVIEWS RELIGIOUS FACTS ON HEALTH INSURANCE
The Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Abdel Majeed Abdul Bari has said that the religion does not ban participating on health insurance scheme as it’s a social programme designed for serving the people by the government. He made the comment in retaliation after an Islamic group in the country contradicted the scheme saying to avoid such schemes.
The Minister said the government run social health scheme “Madhana” is a social service that allows helping medical assistance to the poor and the people of Maldives and Islam allows running such programs that help benefit for the people. He said these government designed programmes that do not conflict or that do not forbid by Islam is allowed and Islamic Fatwa agrees on such programmes.
The Ministry in a statement said that the scheme was not designed to use public funds or public money by unethical or forbidden methods. He said the insurance scheme is in order with Islamic Shariah that protects the health care for the people. It also said that the scheme is aimed to stop any mischief as several mishaps had abused people’s money by some groups or individuals.
Haama Daily
The Minister said the government run social health scheme “Madhana” is a social service that allows helping medical assistance to the poor and the people of Maldives and Islam allows running such programs that help benefit for the people. He said these government designed programmes that do not conflict or that do not forbid by Islam is allowed and Islamic Fatwa agrees on such programmes.
The Ministry in a statement said that the scheme was not designed to use public funds or public money by unethical or forbidden methods. He said the insurance scheme is in order with Islamic Shariah that protects the health care for the people. It also said that the scheme is aimed to stop any mischief as several mishaps had abused people’s money by some groups or individuals.
Haama Daily
27 YEARS OLD FOREIGHN PROSTITUTE ON TOURIST VISA FOUND POSITIVE TO HIV
A foreigner here in the country working for sex found positive for HIV, Maldives Police Services has said. Police said the woman had been working in sex trade in the country during her stay.
Speaking at a news conference at the police headquarters Superintendent Ahmed Saudhee said that police caught the woman in trade but did not identify the woman’s nationality. He did not give other details of the woman as he said investigation is continuing.
Police arrested the woman and with preliminary investigations she admitted her being a sex trader selling her body, according to Maldives Police. Police cracked down the scandal and said that medical checkups on the woman showed that she was infected with HIV. Saudhee said the woman was arrested on January 17 at a house in Henveiru. Police said she was from a neighboring country but did not say who her customers were.
Police raided the woman’s residing home on a tip by locals caught the woman in action with accessories and other things used in sex trade. They said she admitted her money she raised from her sale and sent to home during the 13 day period she stayed here in the country.
Police were looking for Maldivians who had been in contact with the woman or who may have committed intimacy but so far no suspect were found. Police said the woman will cooperate the investigation.
SOURCE:Haama Daily
Speaking at a news conference at the police headquarters Superintendent Ahmed Saudhee said that police caught the woman in trade but did not identify the woman’s nationality. He did not give other details of the woman as he said investigation is continuing.
Police arrested the woman and with preliminary investigations she admitted her being a sex trader selling her body, according to Maldives Police. Police cracked down the scandal and said that medical checkups on the woman showed that she was infected with HIV. Saudhee said the woman was arrested on January 17 at a house in Henveiru. Police said she was from a neighboring country but did not say who her customers were.
Police raided the woman’s residing home on a tip by locals caught the woman in action with accessories and other things used in sex trade. They said she admitted her money she raised from her sale and sent to home during the 13 day period she stayed here in the country.
Police were looking for Maldivians who had been in contact with the woman or who may have committed intimacy but so far no suspect were found. Police said the woman will cooperate the investigation.
SOURCE:Haama Daily
TOURIST ARRIVALS DROP BY FOUR PERCENT
The department of immigration and emigration statists revealed the tourist arrival percent has dropped by four percent in 2009, comparing the figures of 2008.
A report compiled by the Ministry of tourism based on the statists given by the department said 655,852 tourists arrived in 2009 while 683,012 tourists visited in 2008.
The ministry said, they had estimated earlier the tourist arrivals percent would drop by 5.9 percent considering the global economic crisis.
The European market shared 70.5 percent of the total market, but the tourist arrival from Europe has dropped by 7.1 percent comparing the year before, the report said.
The total arrival of tourists from Europe in 2009 was 462,192 while the figure was 491,560 in 2008.
Although the tourist arrival dropped in the European market, the number of tourists visited from Asia has rise by 6.9 percent in 2009.
The ten countries with the highest arrivals in 2009 were UK, Italy, Germany, China, France, Russia, Japan, Switzerland, Korea and India.
A report compiled by the Ministry of tourism based on the statists given by the department said 655,852 tourists arrived in 2009 while 683,012 tourists visited in 2008.
The ministry said, they had estimated earlier the tourist arrivals percent would drop by 5.9 percent considering the global economic crisis.
The European market shared 70.5 percent of the total market, but the tourist arrival from Europe has dropped by 7.1 percent comparing the year before, the report said.
The total arrival of tourists from Europe in 2009 was 462,192 while the figure was 491,560 in 2008.
Although the tourist arrival dropped in the European market, the number of tourists visited from Asia has rise by 6.9 percent in 2009.
The ten countries with the highest arrivals in 2009 were UK, Italy, Germany, China, France, Russia, Japan, Switzerland, Korea and India.
MALDIVES NOT ALLOW SOIL FOR TEROR ACTIVITIES AGAINST INDIA
COLOMBO: Maldives today vowed not to allow its territory to be used for terrorist activities against its neighbours as reports surfaced that Pakistan-based LeT is eyeing isolated islands in the archipelago to be used as bases.
"The Maldives will not allow terrorists to operate in the country. We will not allow terrorists to put the Maldives' and our neighbours' peace and security at risk," presidential Spokesman Mohamed Zuhair told PTI from Male.
The assurance came a day after Maldives' minister of home affairs Mohamed Shihab held a nearly an hour-long meeting with his Indian counterpart P Chidambaram during which the two decided to upgrade their cooperation on security matters.
India will soon ink an agreement with its southern neighbour to combat terror threats jointly. A Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation on anti-terror measures and information sharing will be signed by the two countries by April, according to officials.
The move by India and Maldives to address threats emanating from terror groups like LeT bears significance in view of reports that Lashkar-e-Taiba, that was responsible for the Mumbai terror attack, has been trying to make Maldives a hub to take advantage of its geographical location and isolated and sparsely populated islands.
Indian government is also reportedly worried about the efforts of Pakistan-based terror groups to recruit jehadis from Maldives.
India is already helping Maldives by regularly patrolling its territorial waters and there is also a plan underway to set up a network of ground radars in all its atolls.
Defence minister AK Antony had visited Maldives in August last year. During his visit, Antony had expressed confidence that the defence forces of the two countries would continue to work closely together to ensure a peaceful maritime environment in the seas.
This will be achieved through joint mechanisms to effectively challenge the common scourge of terrorism, drug trafficking and piracy, it was agreed. Maldives, a favourite tourist destination, is endowed with has a chain of 1192 coral and white sand islands.
www.dnaindia.com
"The Maldives will not allow terrorists to operate in the country. We will not allow terrorists to put the Maldives' and our neighbours' peace and security at risk," presidential Spokesman Mohamed Zuhair told PTI from Male.
The assurance came a day after Maldives' minister of home affairs Mohamed Shihab held a nearly an hour-long meeting with his Indian counterpart P Chidambaram during which the two decided to upgrade their cooperation on security matters.
India will soon ink an agreement with its southern neighbour to combat terror threats jointly. A Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation on anti-terror measures and information sharing will be signed by the two countries by April, according to officials.
The move by India and Maldives to address threats emanating from terror groups like LeT bears significance in view of reports that Lashkar-e-Taiba, that was responsible for the Mumbai terror attack, has been trying to make Maldives a hub to take advantage of its geographical location and isolated and sparsely populated islands.
Indian government is also reportedly worried about the efforts of Pakistan-based terror groups to recruit jehadis from Maldives.
India is already helping Maldives by regularly patrolling its territorial waters and there is also a plan underway to set up a network of ground radars in all its atolls.
Defence minister AK Antony had visited Maldives in August last year. During his visit, Antony had expressed confidence that the defence forces of the two countries would continue to work closely together to ensure a peaceful maritime environment in the seas.
This will be achieved through joint mechanisms to effectively challenge the common scourge of terrorism, drug trafficking and piracy, it was agreed. Maldives, a favourite tourist destination, is endowed with has a chain of 1192 coral and white sand islands.
www.dnaindia.com
MALIDVES : TERRORISTS THREATEN TOURIST PARADISE
by News.com.au
A RISE in Islamic militancy poses an unprecedented threat to the Maldives' status as South Asia's most upmarket holiday destination, but the government is determined to beat the extremists.
The first concrete sign of trouble in the archipelago traditionally seen as the holiday-maker's paradise came last month, when 12 foreign tourists including a honeymooning British couple were wounded in a bomb attack.
President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, an Islamic scholar, responded quickly, ordering a major crackdown in the moderate Sunni Muslim nation of 330,000.
While well-heeled tourists are welcome, Gayoom has made it clear Muslim clerics eager to bring Taliban-style extremism to the turquoise blue lagoons and secluded tiny coral islands are not.
Gayoom decreed foreign clerics should not be allowed entry without special permission, barred women from covering themselves from head to toe, and ordered that educational qualifications from foreign madrassas, or Islamic seminaries, will not be recognised.
Former education minister Mohamed Zahir Hussain said a minority of people believed that tourism was against Islam and were keen to disrupt the mainstay of the economy.
Extremist elements oppose revenues from tourism, including the sale of liquor, which is prohibited by Islam.
"I am sure we can manage," Hussain said.
"People are shocked, but we can deal with the problem because of the geography of the Maldives."
Only 200 of the 1,192 islands are inhabited, and tourist resorts are kept separate, with foreigners not allowed to spend the night on any inhabited island except the capital Male.
Maldivians are employed in resorts, but cannot work as bar tenders.
Tourism Minister Mahamood Shougee said he believed extremism would simply fizzle out.
"There is no popular support for them and the extremists had reached the maximum level they could," Shougee told AFP, adding the problem could also be tackled without undermining growth in tourism, the mainstay of the islands' economy.
The Maldives hopes to welcome 650,000 holiday-makers this year, around 10 percent up on 2006, he said, adding that the industry earned the country about 200 to 300 million dollars annually.
However, the September 29 bombing at the Sultan Park in Male, a popular stop for tourists visiting this highly congested, one-square-mile capital, has tarnished the country's image as a peaceful destination.
Former attorney general Hassan Saeed warned the problem could escalate unless the government took immediate action to address the underlying economic and social problems.
"If the situation is left unattended, there will be more serious trouble," Saeed said. "It can be stopped. The good thing is that Maldivians are traditionally moderate."
Earlier this month, the government raided the epicentre of radical extremism on an island some 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of Male and detained over 50 people who clashed with police and security forces.
Saeed said Maldivian extremists may be inspired by events in Afghanistan and Iraq, but the troubles in the atoll nation were essentially due to underlying domestic issues.
"I believe it is home grown," said Saeed, who quit as attorney general in August saying the government was not taking adequate measures to deal with the problem.
Asian diplomats believe the government may even be trying to play up religious extremism to allow it to crack down on dissent in a country that recognised political parties only two years ago.
A RISE in Islamic militancy poses an unprecedented threat to the Maldives' status as South Asia's most upmarket holiday destination, but the government is determined to beat the extremists.
The first concrete sign of trouble in the archipelago traditionally seen as the holiday-maker's paradise came last month, when 12 foreign tourists including a honeymooning British couple were wounded in a bomb attack.
President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, an Islamic scholar, responded quickly, ordering a major crackdown in the moderate Sunni Muslim nation of 330,000.
While well-heeled tourists are welcome, Gayoom has made it clear Muslim clerics eager to bring Taliban-style extremism to the turquoise blue lagoons and secluded tiny coral islands are not.
Gayoom decreed foreign clerics should not be allowed entry without special permission, barred women from covering themselves from head to toe, and ordered that educational qualifications from foreign madrassas, or Islamic seminaries, will not be recognised.
Former education minister Mohamed Zahir Hussain said a minority of people believed that tourism was against Islam and were keen to disrupt the mainstay of the economy.
Extremist elements oppose revenues from tourism, including the sale of liquor, which is prohibited by Islam.
"I am sure we can manage," Hussain said.
"People are shocked, but we can deal with the problem because of the geography of the Maldives."
Only 200 of the 1,192 islands are inhabited, and tourist resorts are kept separate, with foreigners not allowed to spend the night on any inhabited island except the capital Male.
Maldivians are employed in resorts, but cannot work as bar tenders.
Tourism Minister Mahamood Shougee said he believed extremism would simply fizzle out.
"There is no popular support for them and the extremists had reached the maximum level they could," Shougee told AFP, adding the problem could also be tackled without undermining growth in tourism, the mainstay of the islands' economy.
The Maldives hopes to welcome 650,000 holiday-makers this year, around 10 percent up on 2006, he said, adding that the industry earned the country about 200 to 300 million dollars annually.
However, the September 29 bombing at the Sultan Park in Male, a popular stop for tourists visiting this highly congested, one-square-mile capital, has tarnished the country's image as a peaceful destination.
Former attorney general Hassan Saeed warned the problem could escalate unless the government took immediate action to address the underlying economic and social problems.
"If the situation is left unattended, there will be more serious trouble," Saeed said. "It can be stopped. The good thing is that Maldivians are traditionally moderate."
Earlier this month, the government raided the epicentre of radical extremism on an island some 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of Male and detained over 50 people who clashed with police and security forces.
Saeed said Maldivian extremists may be inspired by events in Afghanistan and Iraq, but the troubles in the atoll nation were essentially due to underlying domestic issues.
"I believe it is home grown," said Saeed, who quit as attorney general in August saying the government was not taking adequate measures to deal with the problem.
Asian diplomats believe the government may even be trying to play up religious extremism to allow it to crack down on dissent in a country that recognised political parties only two years ago.
30 YEAR OLD MALDIVIAN FEMALE KILLED
Police had identified the dead body found in a construction site day before yesterday as Mariyam Sheereen, 30, Laamu Atoll Gamu Thundi ward. Head Inspector of the Serious and Organized Crime Unit of the Police, Hamdhoon Rasheed said that one individual had been taken into custody but Police refused to name the suspect. However Police confirmed the suspect as a man and that Police is questioning him.
Hamdhoon also said that Sheereen’s family had been searching for her since 31 December. Sheereen was identified by the Police by taking her fingerprint and then cross matching it with those at the Police finger-print database.
Sheereen’s body was discovered around 6:30 pm day before yesterday. Her body was under several sandbags and was discovered by a Bangladeshi worker.
SOURCE:MIADHU NEWS.
Hamdhoon also said that Sheereen’s family had been searching for her since 31 December. Sheereen was identified by the Police by taking her fingerprint and then cross matching it with those at the Police finger-print database.
Sheereen’s body was discovered around 6:30 pm day before yesterday. Her body was under several sandbags and was discovered by a Bangladeshi worker.
SOURCE:MIADHU NEWS.
FIVE MALDIVIAN JIHADISTS IN PAKISTAN BROUGHT HOME
Miadhu Daily has received reports that 5 of the 9 Maldivian jihadists detained in Pakistan was brought home.
The source, a senior official of the government revealed that the government is also working to bring the remaining four to the Maldives.
When questioned if they were detained in the Maldives, the source refused to answer saying that it is something to be decided by the relevant authorities.
The source also said that Maldivians does not join jihadists simply because they like it or endorse it, but a major problem is the propaganda by the jihadists for new recruits.
He also believed that government is of the view that all Maldivian criminals should be extradited to Maldives and government does not want a single Maldivian detained in a foreign jail.
“This government would not do such things as asking whether the Maldivian detainee at Guantanamo bay facility tried to topple the government or not” he said.
SOURCE:MIADHU NEWS.
The source, a senior official of the government revealed that the government is also working to bring the remaining four to the Maldives.
When questioned if they were detained in the Maldives, the source refused to answer saying that it is something to be decided by the relevant authorities.
The source also said that Maldivians does not join jihadists simply because they like it or endorse it, but a major problem is the propaganda by the jihadists for new recruits.
He also believed that government is of the view that all Maldivian criminals should be extradited to Maldives and government does not want a single Maldivian detained in a foreign jail.
“This government would not do such things as asking whether the Maldivian detainee at Guantanamo bay facility tried to topple the government or not” he said.
SOURCE:MIADHU NEWS.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
THE RUMOUR OF TALIBAN VISITING MALDIVES FOR PEACE TALKS
The report on Al-jazeera about members of Taliban visiting Maldives for talks with the US puppet government in Afghanistan is a ploy to cause disunity amongst the Taliban factions fighting to defend their homeland from the modern day Crusaders.
The report says talks were held in secret between a government official, members of Afghan parliament and an armed opposition group fighting 'alongside' the Taliban. It mentions that Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the leader of Hezb-e Islami sent one of his sons to the negotiations. It was agreed in the discussion that Hekmatiyar would lead a delegation to engage the most senior commanders of the Taliban to discuss reconciliation with the Afghan government. The seven men who represented Taliban in the talks had 'close links to the Taliban' and all of them were held in high respect by the Taliban leader, mullah Umar. The reason for choosing the Maldives as the place for talks was because it was the only place felt safe by the Taliban fighters. However, the Taliban leaders have never confirmed about any such talks held between any of the warring factions in Afghanistan.
One wonders why the Taliban should be in a hurry to negotiate at a time when their forces are gaining an upper hand in the fight as the recent attacks into the heart of Kabul have indicated. Why would the Taliban feel safe when they are in Maldives than any other country? Why not Saudi Arabia or United Arab Emirates, the two countries who first recognised the Taliban government when they came to power in 1996? Could it be that the current leadership of Maldives bow down to US commands too easily or perhaps it is easier to arrest Taliban representatives while they are in Maldives? There is nothing that indicates Hekmatyar who the US accuses of helping Osama bin Laden to escape from Tora Bora has been dropped from the list of most wanted terrorists.
All such reports in the media are nothing but lies fabricated by the United Nations or United States to cause division and confusion amongst the mujahedeen. Moreover, the Leadership Council of the Taliban refutes the reports in the media about negotiations between the representatives of Taliban and UN Special Envoy, Kai Eide. Amidst all such rumours, the Taliban leadership has once again emphasized the continuation of Jihad against all invaders and vowed to frustrate their conspiracies. The decisive stance of the Taliban leadership regarding the London Conference was a severe blow dealt at the US and NATO invaders. The United States has no other option but to launch a propaganda campaign to fully achieve their enslavement of Afghanistan.
Why should the Taliban leadership negotiate peace with the invaders and its stooges who have no legal authority in determining the fate of Afghan people? The earlier statements by mullah Umar and those in positions of authority have given a clear message to the invaders to withdraw unconditionally all their forces from the whole of Afghanistan.
The combined forces of US and its European allies are estimated to spend 30 billion US dollars for the year 2010. Out of this money the United States alone has to spend 12 billion dollars. So no wonder why the Crusading US is trying to bribe Taliban in return for money and jobs just for 500 million dollars.
BRO.IBRAHIM NAZIM
The report says talks were held in secret between a government official, members of Afghan parliament and an armed opposition group fighting 'alongside' the Taliban. It mentions that Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the leader of Hezb-e Islami sent one of his sons to the negotiations. It was agreed in the discussion that Hekmatiyar would lead a delegation to engage the most senior commanders of the Taliban to discuss reconciliation with the Afghan government. The seven men who represented Taliban in the talks had 'close links to the Taliban' and all of them were held in high respect by the Taliban leader, mullah Umar. The reason for choosing the Maldives as the place for talks was because it was the only place felt safe by the Taliban fighters. However, the Taliban leaders have never confirmed about any such talks held between any of the warring factions in Afghanistan.
One wonders why the Taliban should be in a hurry to negotiate at a time when their forces are gaining an upper hand in the fight as the recent attacks into the heart of Kabul have indicated. Why would the Taliban feel safe when they are in Maldives than any other country? Why not Saudi Arabia or United Arab Emirates, the two countries who first recognised the Taliban government when they came to power in 1996? Could it be that the current leadership of Maldives bow down to US commands too easily or perhaps it is easier to arrest Taliban representatives while they are in Maldives? There is nothing that indicates Hekmatyar who the US accuses of helping Osama bin Laden to escape from Tora Bora has been dropped from the list of most wanted terrorists.
All such reports in the media are nothing but lies fabricated by the United Nations or United States to cause division and confusion amongst the mujahedeen. Moreover, the Leadership Council of the Taliban refutes the reports in the media about negotiations between the representatives of Taliban and UN Special Envoy, Kai Eide. Amidst all such rumours, the Taliban leadership has once again emphasized the continuation of Jihad against all invaders and vowed to frustrate their conspiracies. The decisive stance of the Taliban leadership regarding the London Conference was a severe blow dealt at the US and NATO invaders. The United States has no other option but to launch a propaganda campaign to fully achieve their enslavement of Afghanistan.
Why should the Taliban leadership negotiate peace with the invaders and its stooges who have no legal authority in determining the fate of Afghan people? The earlier statements by mullah Umar and those in positions of authority have given a clear message to the invaders to withdraw unconditionally all their forces from the whole of Afghanistan.
The combined forces of US and its European allies are estimated to spend 30 billion US dollars for the year 2010. Out of this money the United States alone has to spend 12 billion dollars. So no wonder why the Crusading US is trying to bribe Taliban in return for money and jobs just for 500 million dollars.
BRO.IBRAHIM NAZIM
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