EU calls all parties to engage in dialogue to hold early elections

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

The European Union has called on all political parties to immediately engage in dialogue, to commit themselves to early presidential elections and to determine the legislative and constitutional measures required to ensure that these are free and fair.
In a statement of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, regarding the recent events in Maldives noted that she has been following recent events in the Maldives closely and EU Heads of Mission have visited Male for discussions with major political actors.
In the statement, the EU called on all parties to refrain from violence, inflammatory rhetoric and any provocative actions which could threaten the future of democracy in the Maldives.
“The police and army should exercise maximum restraint in the execution of their duties which must remain strictly within their constitutional mandate,” Catherine Ashton said.
She said that the EU is of the view that the legitimacy and legality of the transfer of presidential power in the Maldives should be determined by an impartial, independent investigation as agreed by all parties in the Maldives.
The EU is ready to offer further assistance in the field of governance, including in the justice sector, in conjunction with existing actions financed by Member States.
The EU will support engagement by relevant international organisations in the interim.

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