The Government today has revealed that they intended to carry out the all-party talks in a fruitful manner, with targets and timelines. The all-party talks are scheduled to begin tomorrow, as the UN’s special envoy had already arrived in the country.
The three representatives of the Government, Fisheries Minister Dr. Mohamed Shainee, Home Minister Ahmed Zuhoor and Defense Minister Adam Shareef Umar today held a press conference regarding the talks. Dr. Shainee said all the work carried out so far had not been the most effective as the opposition figures had constantly changed the terms of the negotiations.
Dr. Shainee said the opposition had not submitted their demands or objectives to the discussion table. He said so far all that had been submitted were regarding sole individuals. He stressed that the Government will engage in discussions with parties alone, though meetings can be held as a group or single collective.
“We are not aware that the opposition had founded and registered a party. If they had we will be discussing the details with them,”
Dr. Shainee assured that the President was in full control of the nation, stressing that President Yameen and his Government had and always act within the means in the law. “The Government is strong; do not have to sway to what an individual or party says,”
He added that while the opposition had claimed they had not been able to engage in full discussions; they were the party who had publicly said the talks were going on. He stressed that the discussions were launched in the name of national interest, adding that future talks will focus on this.
Responding to the statements that Maldives was not a conducive environment to negotiations, Dr. Shainee said that neither he nor the Government was capable of creating such an environment in UK but that Maldives already had a positive environment.
Dr. Shainee said representatives from PPM will also attend the discussions, adding that it was a wholly different matter on consulting former President Maumoon.
“If there are issues within the Party then the Party has to address the issues. Political parties will be participating in the discussions,” he said.
Govt. wants to engage in talks that brings results: Govt.
