Maldives looking to renew relations with Israel – President

Saturday, September 26th, 2009

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UNpre4400speak President Mohamed Nasheed has said the Maldives was looking to renew relations with Israel and use that relationship to reiterate its support for an independent and sovereign Palestinian homeland.

The President made the statement in his first address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday. Noting that this was his first address to UN general assembly, President Nasheed said that this was the first statement to the General Assembly from a democratically-elected President of the Maldives.

President Nasheed highlighting the new foreign policy of Maldives said Maldives was in support of an independent and sovereign Palestine state in the Middle East and that Maldives was seeking to maintain good relations with all UN member countries.

He said being open and transparent should exist between friendly countries and that dialogue and constructive engagement serve the cause of peace better than ostracism and isolation.

Noting that when past UN general assemblies’ convened, he was held in solitary confinement in Jail, the President thanked international community for their invaluable support in securing democratic transition in the Maldives and expressed hope that the international community would continue to play a role in making sure democracy becomes a permanent feature.

In this regard, he outlined three key areas in which the Maldives needed international assistance:

- assistance in democratic consolidation

- meeting the enormous economic challenge facing the country

- taking urgent and effective action to tackle global climate change

He said because of reduced tourism revenue and the expansionary fiscal policies of the previous administration, the Maldives was facing an enormous economic challenge which it cannot meet without international support.

He said, the scale of the problems we face mean we cannot succeed on our own. “We therefore look to you, our friends in the international community, to help us get back onto our feet” he said.
In his address, the President also called on for the immediate and unconditional release of Burmese opposition leader Aung Sang Suu Kyi. He said, “Standing at this podium, I must admit how, as a prisoner, I was inspired by the courage and vision of Aung Sang Suu Kyi of Burma.”

“Today, I would like to echo the call of the Secretary-General for her immediate and unconditional release along with all other political prisoners.”

The President concluded his address by once again calling on the world community to seal an effective agreement in Copenhagen climate summit to be held in December.

“If we want to save the world, saving the Maldives I suggest is a very good starting point”, said the President.

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