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A top UN official met with the current and former presidents of the Maldives on Friday, trying to end the political stalemate that has gripped this Indian Ocean nation, even as the US on Friday sought clarification on the circumstances surrounding the transfer of power in the country, and said it would work with the new government.
The current president, Mohammed Waheed Hassan, insists Mohamed Nasheed stepped down voluntarily. His government has made no move to arrest Nasheed, who is living openly in his home in Male, the capital.
Nasheed is now calling for early elections, insisting his party would emerge victorious. He criticised the United States on Friday for recognising the Indian Ocean nation’s new government, which he says came to power in a coup. “It’s unfortunate that the American government has decided to work with the regime,” Nasheed said.
While the two politicians remain at odds, there has been no sign of violence in the country since Wednesday.
On Friday, the first day of the country’s weekend, there was little extra security to be seen in Male, though a few dozen policemen in riot gear were posted outside Nasheed’s house.
UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Oscar Fernandez-Taranco met with Hassan and Nasheed on Friday, hoping to ease the political situation.
Fernandez-Taranco declined to make any comments after his meeting. “In this atmosphere it is very difficult for any meaningful and national form of discussion. I, therefore, request all political actors to remain calm and prevent any type of violence,” Fernandez-Taranco told reporters after his arrival on Thursday.
The current president, Mohammed Waheed Hassan, insists Mohamed Nasheed stepped down voluntarily. His government has made no move to arrest Nasheed, who is living openly in his home in Male, the capital.
Nasheed is now calling for early elections, insisting his party would emerge victorious. He criticised the United States on Friday for recognising the Indian Ocean nation’s new government, which he says came to power in a coup. “It’s unfortunate that the American government has decided to work with the regime,” Nasheed said.
While the two politicians remain at odds, there has been no sign of violence in the country since Wednesday.
On Friday, the first day of the country’s weekend, there was little extra security to be seen in Male, though a few dozen policemen in riot gear were posted outside Nasheed’s house.
UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Oscar Fernandez-Taranco met with Hassan and Nasheed on Friday, hoping to ease the political situation.
Fernandez-Taranco declined to make any comments after his meeting. “In this atmosphere it is very difficult for any meaningful and national form of discussion. I, therefore, request all political actors to remain calm and prevent any type of violence,” Fernandez-Taranco told reporters after his arrival on Thursday.
