The EU Council of Foreign Ministers has issued a conclusion on Maldives stating that if Maldives fails to uphold rule of law and return to the principles of democracy they might consider targeted sanctions.
The conclusion highlighted 7 main points. It stated that the political detainees should be freed and that the state of emergency should be brought to an end. In addition they called the security services to act with restraint.
Furthermore, the statement says that EU notes the decision made by the full bench of the Supreme Court which called for the retrial of the 9 political detainees. In addition, they also called to allow the 12 MPs to be reinstated and to allowed them to enter the parliament.
The statement also urged the government not to influence the judiciary and to allow the courts to function properly. Furthermore the statement also called to revoke the state of emergency and restore the liberties given by the constitution. The statement also called to free everyone who were detained during the state of emergency and that they are concerned about the possible impact the state of emergency will have on Maldivians and tourists alike.
The EU Council stated that they might consider targeted measures if the situation does not improve.
Speaking about the statement the Maldivian Ambassador to EU Ahmed Shian said that the EU called the political parties to hold talks with the government. Shian said that he does not know that the government decided not to include UN as a mediator in the talks and right now the problem is that the opposition did not submit names of representatives to the government.
Shian said that the government of Maldives is working with EU and that the government is working with EU to strengthen the judiciary of Maldives as well.
May consider targeted sanctions : EU Council statement on Maldives
