Jumhooree Party Leader Qasim Ibrahim has said that there will always be things to rectify in a nation and therefore, national reform is an ongoing and inevitable process.
Speaking to press after the first round of all-party talks, Qasim Ibrahim said that he believed that the President had initiated that talks as he had seen many issues that faced the nation that needed to be rectified. He welcomed the President for his initiative to resume the talks.
“Even if the country is running on a clockwork, there will still be thing that need to be addressed,” he said
Qasim once more reiterated that he will always prioritize on national interest, adding that national interest can only be achieved by reconciliation discussions between all core stakeholders. He said that he had taken part in the discussions purely on this principle.
“Only when we come to discussions we can talk and set an agenda. That’s why I came with no prerequisites,” Qasim said.
He stressed that discussions were essential for the resolution of the issues facing former President Mohamed Nasheed and Sheikh Imran, both serving jail sentences. He added that responding positively to calls for national reconciliation talks was the proper thing to do. Qasim said that refusal to take part only shows a willingness to engage in confrontation which is detrimental to current state.
“When the President calls for discussions, engage in them. Not being able to reach a solution is a different issue, first engage in discussions,” he added.
Qasim expressly stated that he found it deeply concerning that the leaders of two main parties are currently in jail and said that he had hoped that this issue will be key on the discussion agenda.
“However, I was not given the opportunity to negotiate on this,” he said.
National reform is an ongoing inevitable process in every nation: Qasim
