Parliament of the Maldives has decided not to debate over the suspension of diplomatic ties with Qatar. MP for Mathiveri constituency Hussein Muhamamd proposed to debate on the issue however it was rejected by the parliament.
In today’s parliament session, 22 members voted for the motion proposed by MP Hussein while 40 voted against it. While presenting the motion to the parliament floor, MP Hussain said that he proposed it because Qatar is an Islamic country and because Qatar has always assisted Maldives. He said that he believes severing ties with Qatar will impact the country negatively.
He further said that while there has been no diplomatic tensions between Maldives and Qatar, cutting off ties for no reason would tarnish the image of Maldives internationally.
Earlier this week Maldives severed diplomatic ties with Qatar saying that it was done under the counter terrorism policy of the government. However, government said that this decision will not affect economic relations between Maldives and Qatar. Government has faced criticism for severing off ties with Qatar.
Parliament decides not to debate over the suspension of diplomatic ties with Qatar.
