Maldivian President Waheed assures Indian PM of early elections

NEW DELHI: On his first visit abroad as Maldivian President, Mohammed Waheed on Saturday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and briefed him about the situation in his country expressing “strong commitment” to democracy and early elections. President Waheed, whose visit follows that of his predecessor Mohammed Nasheed, also explained to the PM the issues related to the Commission of National Inquiry.

The Commission was set up by Maldivian government to look into what had transpired on February 7, when Waheed took charge following Nasheed’s resignation. Nasheed later claimed he was forced to resign leading to widespread protests in the island nation.

“Waheed reiterated commitment to long-standing friendship with India and also emphasized continued adherence to all agreements. While reviewing bilateral relations with Prime Minister, he said Maldives looked to the experience and example of India in learning of democratic governance,” said sources.

Singh is said to have expressed hope that all shades of political opinion in the Maldives will get together to find a way forward even as he assured continued, strong Indian support for development. Waheed will also meet businessmen in New Delhi and Mumbai to seek Indian investment. Foreign minister S M Krishna called upon Waheed, and discussed aspects of bilateral relations.



“My government is a continuation of the previous one under president Nasheed and hence there should be no doubt on this score,” Waheed said.