Thursday, Mar 31, 2005
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By Amit Baruah
NEW DELHI, MARCH 30. The Maldives today announced that it would extend ``full support'' to India's entry into the United Nations' Security Council as a permanent member. ``I have accordingly assured the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, of our full support to India in this matter,'' the Maldivian President, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, said at a press conference. With this public announcement, four South Asian nations — Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and now the Maldives — have come out in support of India's entry into the Security Council as a permanent member. Mr. Gayoom said the Maldives joined India in welcoming the reform proposals put forward by the U.N. Secretary-General, Kofi Annan. ``We believe the Security Council must reflect the realities of our times to strengthen its effectiveness and relevance.''
Strategic partner
India was a crucial ``development and strategic'' partner for the Maldives. ``In addition to being a major player in the region, India is also an influential nation on the world stage. We share common views on a range of international issues of mutual interest such as international peace, the protection of the environment ... the fight against terrorism and the reform of the United Nations.'' Mr. Gayoom said that India had played a crucial role in the post-tsunami relief efforts of his country. ``Although the number of deaths in the Maldives was comparatively low, the tsunami created a nationwide disaster, wiping out about 62 per cent of GDP.''
``Response substantial''
``The Indian Government's response to the emergency was timely and substantial, and we thank the Government and the people of India for that help. We also thank other donors who have joined us in the relief and recovery efforts.'' Asked about the status of the still-to-be-held South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, Mr. Gayoom said both the Maldives and India were ready to attend the twice-postponed summit. The President, who imposed a state of emergency last year and cracked down on Opposition activists, denied there were any ``political prisoners'' in his country. He maintained that last year's events were a result of ``mob violence.'' Asked about the ``vague nature'' of some of his reform proposals which left open the possibility of executive abuse, Mr. Gayoom said these were just proposals, and would have to be discussed by the special Majlis (Assembly). On whether he would allow the Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party to set up an office in Male, Mr. Gayoom said the present Constitution did not allow this, though he was in favour of multi-party democracy. ``There should be space for a multi-party Constitution,'' Mr. Gayoom said but refused to give any timeframe by when these democratic reforms could be put in place by the special assembly. According to him, the Maldives had prospered due to ``political stability.'' He felt ``violence'' would prevent visitors from coming to his country.
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