MDP informs travel industry of demonstration on 10th November :: Maldives News :: Dhivehi Observer

Press Statement
MDP informs travel industry of demonstration on 10th November

MDP/2006/PR-122 Date: 18th October (Wednesday)

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) would like to alert the travel and tourism industry to a demonstration that will be held in Male' on 10th November 2006.

The demonstration is to urge Members of Parliament to complete the new constitution which will pave the way for multi-party elections. Between 15,000 and 20,000 people are expected to attend the event, many coming to Male' on boats from outer islands. This may cause some congestion in Male' itself and the waterways surrounding the capital.

The MDP would like to reassure the travel industry that its party members have always demonstrated peacefully and non-violently. However, we would also like to remind those responsible for the welfare of tourists that past protests have been met with heavy-handed police brutality and mass arrests by government security forces.

MDP Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed said:

"I think it's only responsible to remind the tourism industry of how the government has reacted to these kind of events in the past so that resort owners and tour operators can inform their clients accordingly.

"Security forces have a terrible record of beating protestors, while the MDP has always acted responsibly and with restraint. They've even gone after ordinary passers by. As recently as May this year the Maldivian riot police were heavily criticised by the EU.

"Nevertheless if likeminded travelers wish to lend their support, they're welcome to.

"It's also important that the travel industry appreciates the need to bring in a new constitution soon. Once a new constitution is established, it will pave the way for multi-party elections and the replacement of a deeply unpopular President. This will bring greater stability to the country, a stronger economy, and benefit the tourism industry in the long-term."
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Statement issued on behalf of the Maldivian Democratic Party by Secretary General Hamid Abdul Ghafoor. For enquiries please call +960 777 8285 or email: secretariat@mdp.org.mv