The Hindu : International : Maldives expresses `desire' to lift emergency

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Thursday, Sep 09, 2004

International

International

Maldives expresses `desire' to lift emergency

By V.S. Sambandan

COLOMBO, SEPT. 8. The Maldivian Government today said its "desire" was to "lift the emergency" in the atoll nation's capital, Male, and nearby islands "as soon as it was possible."

In its response to the call by the European Union (E.U.) on Tuesday that the emergency imposed last month be lifted at the earliest, the Maldivian Government said its President, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, had "personally briefed" the Dutch Ambassador to the Maldives, Susan Blankhart — whose nation currently holds the E.U. Presidency — last night, during which he "welcomed the importance that the E.U. attached to his efforts to usher in full democracy to the Maldives."

On the emergency, which was imposed after two days of public protests in Male, Mr. Gayoom said "all relevant circumstances and developments were under continuous review, with a mind to lift the emergency as soon as possible."

On the E.U. team, which concluded its visit on Tuesday, having been denied access to the detained MPs, the Government said an earlier fact-finding mission from the E.U. "had visited those who were detained."

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