India calls on parties in Maldives to solve political impasse

NEW DELHI: Concerned over the "political instability" in Maldives, India today called upon all parties there to continue to work towards facilitating an early and commonly-acceptable internal solution to the political impasse in that country.

Responding to a query on the situation in Maldives, which had recently witnessed the murder of a senior lawmaker MP Afrasheem Ali, official spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Syed Akbaruddin said India has been closely following the developments in Maldives.

"As a close and friendly neighbour, we are concerned at the continuing political instability in the country. In our engagements with the government and political parties in Maldives, we have consistently emphasised that peace and stability are necessary prerequisites to the firm implantation of democracy as well as for the economic growth and prosperity of the people of Maldives," he said.

"We also call upon the government of Maldives to ensure a propitious climate for foreign investments which have a direct bearing on the economic growth and development of Maldives," the spokesperson added.

Underlining the need for all parties there to work towards facilitating an early and commonly acceptable internal solution to the political impasse in the country, he said "in this context, India urges the government of Maldives and all political parties to adhere strictly to democratic principles and the rule of law, thus paving the way for the holding of free, fair and credible elections. Violence should find no place in democracies."

The murder of Ali has assumed a political colour in Maldives with the police arresting two "front-line activists" of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), party of former President Mohamed Nasheed who accused the authorities of trying to frame his party.

Ali was stabbed to death early this week near his home and the police have arrested four people in this connection.