Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) had issued a statement congratulating Vice President Ahmed Adeeb’s interview to the Hindu.
In his interview, Vice President Adeeb stressed that the second amendment to the Constitution, which allows foreigners to own land in the Maldives on a free hold basis, was purely an economic decision. He stated that the Government will never carry out a project that endangered the future of the nation and the Indian Ocean.
As such, he added that the Amendment does not allow any nation to establish a military presence in the country. Vice President Adeeb added that President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Qayyoom had previously refused the American SOFA agreement proposal for a military base and stated that this was sufficient proof that no military bases will be built in the Maldives.
Vice President Adeeb added that China was a key partner in the development of the nation’s economy. He stated that China had always expressed interest in economic projects, noting their interest in airport development.
It has to be noted that the same statements were expressed in the press conference held after the ratification of the Constitutional amendment. The amendment allows land ownership by foreign entities on a free hold basis, provided that they reclaim 70 percent of the land and invest over US$ 1 billion.
President Yameen had continuously assured that no project carried out by his Government will impact on the independence of the nation and that of the region.
Many have noted that Vice President Adeeb’s interview shed no additional details to the planned projects of the Government.
MDP welcomes VP Adeeb’s interview to the Hindhu
