Reference No: 112/11/2012
10 November 2012

MDP condemns the irresponsible, undiplomatic, vulgar public statements made on behalf of the President, addressing a high-ranking diplomat appointed to Maldives from a neighboring nation

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) condemns in the strongest possible terms the statements made at a public gathering by Mr. Abbas Adil Riza, spokesperson for Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, the President of Maldives. The statements addressed towards the Indian High Commissioner to Maldives, His Excellency Mr. Dnyaneshwar Mulay, include allegations of accepting bribes and insulting statements regarding his authority and personal integrity.

The members of MDP are deeply concerned that such unsubstantiated criminal allegations made against a High Commissioner to Maldives from a neighboring nation were initiated by the spokesperson of the highest authority of this nation. These statements were made at a public gathering that was held amongst Parties of the National Unity Government on November 9th, 2012.

This issue raises further serious concern due to the fact that these undiplomatic, irresponsible, vulgar statements made towards a high-ranking diplomat of a neighboring nation were initiated by the President’s spokesperson at a public gathering that was televised nationwide. MDP further condemns in the strongest terms, the similar public statements made by the president of a political party and by other political leaders at the gathering.

MDP expresses deep discontent and concern as there is cause to believe that the actions of the president’s spokesperson with regard to an official appointed by the President of India, were carried out under the orders of the President, Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik.

Maldives and India have long had a close relationship, and India has continuously assisted Maldives in all areas. Thus, the MDP further calls out to stop political leaders from violating the dignity of the Indian nation by addressing India and its responsible leaders using profane language, whereby putting shame on all Maldivians and our nation’s integrity in a bid to protect their personal interests.

ENDS

Hamid Abdul Ghafoor
Spokesperson, International Affairs
Mobile:+9607778285, Tel:+9603340044