Press Statement from President Mohamed Nasheed
Office of President Mohamed Nasheed
G. Canaryge
Male’, Maldives
15 July 2012
Press Statement
Following the coup d’état staged on the 7th of February 2012 that overthrew the legitimate and democratically elected government of this country, I had stated that former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom was behind the said coup. This statement on my part were due to the fact that upon his most recent departure from the Maldives prior to the instigation of the coup, President Gayyoom stated that it was time to bring an end to the government entrusted upon me in my capacity as President of Maldives, and that the instigation of the enterprise was already overdue.
The reasons for this statement are also due to the fact that Umar Naseer, Vice President, of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), stated on many occasions that he personally staged and directed the coup from “the command centre,” and to the fact that subsequent to my resignation under duress on the 7thof February, Ilham Ahmed, the Honourable Member for the Gemenafushi Constituency and Vice President of the PPM, and Riyaz Rasheed, the Honourable Member for the Vilufushi Constituency, stated in an interview on the day of the coup that all thanks for the accomplishment of “this enterprise,” referring to the staging of the coup and overthrow of the government, were owed to President Gayyoom and his family. These individuals also attested that President Gayyoom’s son, Farish Maumoon, was instrumental, throughout that entire night,to the operation which accomplished “the enterprise,” referring to the staging of the coup and overthrow of the government.
In addition, President Gayyoom’s daughter and family members are part and parcel to the current coup government, having attained high offices within it.
Further reason proceeds from the fact that that PPM Vice President Umar Naseer stated to the media that the coup was staged under his watch. Mr.Naseer also met with my Vice President, Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, prior to the coup, along with all parties affiliated with the 23rd December coalition, and implored Dr. Waheedto take over the post of the President of the Republic, on the sole condition that having usurped the presidency, that he would refuse to resign from his post. President Gayyom has never denied that he committed these actions on behalf of the political party to which he belonged, nor has he condemned any of the aforementioned actions.
Nevertheless, in a predicament such as we are, and whilst the people of Maldives are overtly distressed by what has transpired after the coup, I have come to know that President Gayyoom has said that he would sit with me for dialogue in the event I apologise for stating that it was he who instigated this coup.
Given that I have always firmly believed that all powers of the Maldivian government are vested with its people and shall remain as such, and given that not for a single moment would I wish for someone unelected by the people of Maldives to entertain himself as leader to them, I believe now is the time for all parties to come forth in support of the best interest of the nation and its citizens, and as such, if President Gayyom indeed was not party to the coup, I have decided to apologise to President Gayyoom for the fact that I said he was behind this coup.
In this occasion I would like to thank, Sayyid Ahmed Mujuthaba, for all the efforts exerted by him as coordinator of all party talks.
Mohamed Nasheed
NO no no. maumoon was behind the scene. he’s the coup leader. i will never ever forgive him. nor will ask apology.
Comment by Neyaxe — Sunday, July 15, 2012 @ 12:59 pm
“If President Gayyoom indeed was not party to the coup”…? Highly unlikely. The man is a menace to Maldives.
Comment by aliwaleed — Sunday, July 15, 2012 @ 1:12 pm
Thank you Dear President Nasheed for what you are doing for the benefit of the country & it’s people. We need democracy. Please keep it up. Maldivian are with you. May Allah bless you. May Allah give us success
Comment by Farouq — Sunday, July 15, 2012 @ 1:33 pm
you really are the president of the people of Maldives and always works for the best interest of this nation and its people. Thankyou
Comment by ali shareef — Sunday, July 15, 2012 @ 1:49 pm
You may not be the president of the country but you sure are of the people. A noble man you are.
Comment by Mariyam — Sunday, July 15, 2012 @ 2:26 pm
you really are the president you are our legend we proud for you Mr.Nasheed
Comment by Afrasym saeed — Sunday, July 15, 2012 @ 2:44 pm
Mr. President, even though you apologize for what you have said, we the people still believe that this coup would not have happened without the knowledge of Ex-President Maumoon.
We the people need democracy to this country and hence will except and follow the foot step of you in bringing democracy to the country.
May All bless you and the work you are doing in bringing democracy to the country and its people.
Thank you.
Comment by Riza — Sunday, July 15, 2012 @ 2:54 pm
Thank you as always to your honorable effort to empower the Maldivians. We can all see and witness that it is a very difficult and dangerous journey but you have always made us proud. We are with you Mr President and today again you have been the energy behind the people’s aspirations. Your humbleness, positive energy and honesty is admirable and we appreciate all what you are doing to the people with the bottom of our heart. We see you as an example of true man kind, what God want all human beings to be. Modest moderate and down to earth, kind humble and forgiving .
Comment by Ash — Sunday, July 15, 2012 @ 3:50 pm
It’s clear that there will come a day for all of us to look back and recall what we’ve done right or wrong. I am absolutely certain that those who perfectly involved in the coup will stand no chance to be proud of what they did; instead they’ll have to moan by then if they’re living, or will receive “applicable reward” hereafter but, you’ll always be a Hero on the face of the earth. May Allah (s.w.a) bless you and your continues and restless effort due to your love for the citizen of this country to see a day of peace once more on this once “The Heaven on Earth.” (Love you Mr. President)
Comment by Hashim — Sunday, July 15, 2012 @ 11:30 pm
Nasheed, the statement and the action, by themselves are praiseworthy. One would not expect such an action by anyone except a democratic leader. People will misinterpret you I’m sure. You give too many reasons for it too. But people who really think will recognise the card you just played. However, be warned. If Maumoon does end up being in the middle of this, or even a party to it, don’t ever make the mistake of forgiving him on behalf of the country. You don’t have that much right. Peace.
Comment by Aisha — Monday, July 16, 2012 @ 12:40 am
i salute you Mr. President :) i really like the way u asked for an appology
Comment by magey galam — Monday, July 16, 2012 @ 7:38 am