Friday 31 March 2006

UK Parliamentary Questions: Maldives
A genuine commitment to democracy requires all stakeholders to live up to the spirit as well as the letter of reform - UK Government
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of recent democratic reforms in the Maldives pursuant to the road maps announced by President Gayoom; and if he will make a statement. more

Press Release
MDP calls for the immediate release of peaceful demonstrators
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) condemns the Government of Maldives for the arrest of several women and men in connection with the peaceful protest organised by women, in Male’ on 30th March 2006, to call for the protection of the rights of women and children. Most of these arrests took place after the demonstration ended peacefully without incident. more

Column

Women of the Maldives fight for their rights

Maldivian history proves that the women of Maldives have long taken their destinies into their own hands. From Rehendi Khadeeja to the Maldivian women who participated in the famous "Davy baalan dhiun" event, the women of Maldives have been willing, able and determined to fight for their rights.  As such, it is rather inspiring to see the protest organised by the women of MDP Male' dhaaira against the violation of the rights of women and children, and even more heart-warming to see the support it received. It goes to confirm that once more Maldivian women are no longer willing to be silent spectators of abuse, oppression and exploitation. more

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DO Exclusive

"Don't treat us like dirt" - Maria

Maria Didi was inspirational in organizing the Women's Rights Demonstration. Hon. Maria is MP for Kaafu Atoll, and Shadow Minister for Justice and Law of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). Despite a very hectic day, she was able to give us a quick response to some of the questions raised by our readers, regarding the demonstration. more

Photo News

There were only 40 women says Golharists

According to Golhaabo's supporters (Golharists), there were only 40 women taking part in yesterday's historic demonstration, which has obviously made its mark in the modern history of Maldives. In this hi-tech age, Golhaabo and his supporters are still trying to hide things from the public and the international media. Yesterday's demonstration was a complete success, and in the words of Maria, Golhaabo should not treat Maldivian women like dirt, he should be more careful. A picture is more than a thousand words. view more photos

Times of India

India to offer military package to Maldives
NEW DELHI: As part of the overall strategy to provide military aid to Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries, and prevent China from further spreading its influence in the region, India will hand over a small warship and other supplies to Maldives next month. more


BBC World News
Taylor trial 'may move to Hague'
Sierra Leone's war crimes tribunal has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to host the trial of ex-Liberian leader Charles Taylor. The ICC said Sierra Leone's request to use The Hague as a venue was being considered, but stressed the African tribunal would still control the case. more


The Independent - Bangladesh
Maldives down the passage of history
Maldives is an isolated nation and is among the smallest and poorest countries in the world. In olden times, the islands provided the main source of cowrie shells, then used as currency throughout Asia and parts of the East African coast. Moreover, historically Maldives has had a strategic importance because of its location on the major marine routes of the Indian Ocean. Maldives' nearest neighbors are Sri Lanka and India, both of which have had cultural and economic ties with Maldives for centuries. Although under nominal Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences after the sixteenth century, Maldivians were left to govern themselves under a long line of sultans and occasionally sultanas. more

Thursday 30 March 2006

Breaking News

Dozens of people arrested in the aftermath of Women's Rights Demonstration today
Male' - Sources in Male' have confirmed that despite the fact that today's demonstration was completely peaceful and full of joy, more than a dozen reformists have been arrested unlawfully by Golhaabo. Most were arrested after the demonstration was over. Sources within MDP grassroots are saying that unless every single detainee is released within the next 24 hours, Golhaabo will have to face another larger demonstration. more

Breaking News ( LIVE UPDATES)
Women's Rights Demonstration begins with an arrest
Male' - 18:10 - The demonstration has ended as planned, after a speech from MDP President Ibra. However, the crowd are not satisfied with the sudden call for the demonstration to end.

Male' - 18:04 - MDP leaders are now addressing the crowd. MDP President Ibrahim Ismail has now arrived at the scence.

Male' - 17:57 - Demonstrators have now reached Artificial Beach in Male'. Some rally speeches are now expected according to organizers.

Male' - 17:01 - Crowd has diverted through Lily Magu and have just passed Mulee-Aage. Crowd are chanting "Stop Abusing Women" and "Release Jenny and Shiuna" and also singing the famous "Maumoom is an animal, he is an animal" song.

Male' - 16:43 - The crowd has grown  to over 5000 according to eyewitness and are now gaining in strength. They are now passing Lily Magu adjacent to Ameeniyaa School and are calling for Gayyoom's resignation. view pictures

Male' - 16:39 - Golhaa Force has blocked all entrance to Republican Square, more than a 1000 women and men converged on the location. The crowd has now moved pass Chaandhanee Magu and are on their way to Majeedhee Magu, since they could not enter the Square.

Male' - 16:07 - The demonstrators are now heading towards Republican Square, led by Maria Didi.

Male' - 16:00 - Sources have confirmed that Golhaa Force is in full gear all over Male' and they have already arrested MDP Council Members, Ziyattey and Shuaib. They were arrested near Minivan Park, which has been cordoned off by Golhaa Force since last night.

Press Release
MDP denounces the banning of a peaceful demonstration organized by women for women and children
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is utterly disgusted by President Gayyoom's continuing efforts to deny Maldivians their constitutional rights, as demonstrated by the recent banning of a peaceful demonstration scheduled for the afternoon of 30 March 2006. more

Local News
Gayyoom shows off his muscle ahead of today's protest
Male' - Sources from the capital say that the Minivan Park in Majeedhee Magu, where people have been gathering to prepare for today's Women's Rights Demonstration have been completely blocked off by Golhaa Force and more than 50 fully geared Golhaa Force have been on the scene since last night.
There were also some reported incidents last night organised by Gayyoom's thugs. A bunch of drug addict youths were paid by Gayyoom to disrupt the gathering last night. They threw diesel oil and urine at the people there whilst they were enjoying the traditional Bondibaiy (Rice Pudding) and fish feast. According to some who were there last night, this act by the drug addict youths shows what kind of a low life this Golhaabo is. "This has done nothing to weaken our resolve to stand up and fight for our rights, said Aminath. "We know he will get up to a lot of things to stop us but he can't, just wait and see," she added.
Demonstration is schedule to begin this afternoon, around 4:00pm at the Republican Square.

News
MDP delegation touring Europe
London - Founder of MDP Mohamed Latheef arrived in London yesterday evening to attend meetings with UK MPs, MEPs, and NGO's such as Amnesty International as well as the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. MDP Vice President and Shadow Foreign Minister Hon. Zaki was scheduled to participate in the tour which began on 26th of this month but due to medical reasons, Hon. Zaki was unable to join the delegation this time.

Mr. Latheef, accompanied by Mohamed Naseem, are due to visit several European capitals including Brussels to meet with EU officials.

A delegation of MDP headed by Ahmed Mausoom, Council Member, also met with MPs and Foreign Office official in the UK during the week. According to MDP, all parties so far have acknowledged the work of MDP and have committed to support the party and provide necessary assistance in the future and they remain concerned about the human rights issues in the Maldives. Further UK parliamentary questions are expected following these meetings. more

Minivan News
Government Attempts to Barricade 'Minivan Park' Ahead of Protest
Government workmen were prevented from barricading 'Minivan Park' on Wednesday by a group of angry women, who plan to use the park as a rallying point for their protest on Thursday. more

Wednesday 29 March 2006

Press Release
MALDIVES: CPJ urges fair, transparent trial for journalist
New York, March 28, 2006 - The Committee to Protect Journalists is concerned about Maldivian authorities' criminal prosecution of Abdullah Saeed, a reporter with the opposition Minivan Daily newspaper. The journalist, also known as Fahala, was sentenced on Sunday to two months in jail for refusing a urine test when he was arrested last October.
more


Reuters
First Maldives multi-party elections due in 2008
COLOMBO (Reuters) - The Maldives said on Tuesday it had extended until late 2008 a self-imposed deadline to implement widespread democratic reforms in the Indian Ocean island chain, when it will hold its first multi-party elections. more



Pravda Online
Maldives to hold its first multiparty parliamentary elections in 2008 
The Indian Ocean archipelago of Maldives plans to revise its constitution and hold its first multiparty parliamentary elections in 2008, the government said Tuesday. more


Minivan News
Gayoom Launches Roadmap with Commitment to Multi-Party Election in 2008
The government published its much-anticipated roadmap for democratic reform on Monday but the opposition was quick to dismiss it as a trick to buy further time in office for President Gayoom. more

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Tuesday 28 March 2006

Special News Update

Hilton Maldives trying hard to hide the evidence of their environmental crimes

Could this be the wind of change? It was observed on (27th March) Monday afternoon that the Hilton and its local sponsor were rather busy at destroying the evidence that could put them into deep trouble for destruction of Mandhoo Thun'di. Huge piles of dead coconut palms were cut in small chunks by jack-saw and some were buried in huge wells long dug to get top soil. A huge proportion of it were burned on the beach area resulting further destruction of more and more mangrove trees that got burned along with the torched palm-tree chunks. Sources among the Mandhoo Thun'di workforce confirms that the remaining would be dumped in the ocean in the late hours of the night. more

Special Report

Protest needed to force the dictator Maumoon Gayyoom and his NSS to respect the women of Maldives

Serious assaults by Gayyoom's National Security Service on old and young women in Maldives are the focus of a protest meeting to be held in Male' this week.

Gayyoom established his first women's ministry in 1979, and it has been renamed several times during his twenty-eight year dictatorship. The ministries have done little to help women in Maldives and their main function has been to act as taxpayer-funded public relations units and advertising agencies for the Gayyoom regime. more

Maldivian Detainees Update
Actions taken by families of detainees
Fathimath Shiuna's mother of reported the police arrested the detainee on 19 February 2006 for allegedly participating a gathering on the main road of Male'. Mother of detainee reported she has not yet received a reply to the letter she wrote to the police during the third week of March 2006 requesting access to the detainee. Mother of detainee reported the police refused to provide her with a reply when she visited the police headquarters on 23 March 2006. more

Minivan News
Mariya Confident of Successful Women's Protest
Opposition politician Mariya Ahmed Didi said on Monday she was confident that a protest organized for Thursday would be successful despite the lingering fear of police intimidation. more

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Monday 27 March 2006

Review

Is Gayyoom a fascist?
Gayyoom symbolises all characteristics of a tyrant ruler. The text below taken from Wikepedia online, defines clearly what fascism is. It is interesting to note that these definition holds good grounds to call Gayyoom a fascist. more

Opinion

Commissioner of Police Adam Zahir  should be removed and charged for his crimes

Let me first clear, that this article is by no means written in anger or dissent, nor is it because of the 8 million Ruffia loan, but as an absolute and sincere call for justice. Adam, as most people know him, has been the head of the police operations since the early 80's. Until Sept of 2004, the police was under the Ministry of Defense and National Security Services, although he wore the same military clothes as that of the NSS, he was never a real military officer. more

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Sunday 26 March 2006

Breaking News Update
Senior MDP leaders in Thinadhoo meets Golhaa Force to inquire about the planned arrest - No arrests ordered confirms officer-in-charge
Thinadhoo - 02:05 am - President of the Provincial Council for Gaafu Dhaalu, Mr. Mohamed Saleem Ali and Vice President Mohamed Gasim went to Golhaa Force Office in Thinadhanoo a while ago to inquire about the planned arrest of key members of MDP. They were accompanied by dozens of strong MDP activists, in case they are detained whilst they meet the officer-in-charge. However, the officer in charge Sergeant Wajeeh assured the leaders that no such orders have been communicated to them as yet.
"We are now going to have 'Bondibaiy', if we hear of anyone of us being arrested, we will re-assemble if that happens and free our people. We have an agent in the Golha Force and he is saying that they will try and arrest at least 3-6 people tonight, so this is not over yet," said an MDP member from Thinadhoo.

Breaking News Update
Two youths released after people started gathering near their house
Male' - (01:55) - The two youths, Jimah Siddik (17) and Afras Ismail (16) have been released after mounting pressure from the public sources in Male' have confirmed. However, a crowd is still outside their home Lux Garden, calling for Golhabo's resignation and condemning the arrest of two minors. The parents asked the Golhaa Force why they were not being arrested and they replied "we will take whoever we want!" according to sources from the family.
Gayyoom might attempt to spin this saying MDP is using minors to promote it's agenda, but these boys were pasting posters outside their own home, it was a family affair. Their father Siddik is a strong MDP activist.

Breaking News
Residents in Thinadhoo gathering near MDP office to resist Golhaa Force
Thinadhoo - 01:15 - More than 200 people have gathered near MDP office in Thinadhoo and are vowing to resist any attempt by Golhaa Force, who are reportedly authorised to arrest over 20 leading MDP members in the island.
The crowd is growing in numbers and reformists are addressing the crowd with megaphones, saying that "we have suffered long and hard under this tyrant and we will no longer submit to their unlawful demands. We will not obey their orders and any attempt to arrest our leaders will be met with fierce resistance. We are ready to fight till death for our nation," said the speaker.

Breaking News
Two youths arrested whilst pasting Women's Rights campaign posters
Male' - 01:10 am - Jimah Siddik (17) and Afras Ismail (16) have just been arrested and detaind by Golhaa Force, whilst they were posting pictures of Women's Rights campaign posters on the wall of their own house. There parents as well as other relatives were also there when Golhaa Force arrived and took the youth away.
Reports say that they are being detained in Vilifulus-3 and family are there making enquries and demanding to know the reason for their detention.

Nashid Column

Making a bad situation worse
Last week the parliament started debating the amendments to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives Act of 2005. This farcical process clearly indicates how little importance Gayoom gives to improving the human rights situation of the Maldives. It also shows Gayoom's disregard of the parliament. more

Local News
Golhaa Force authorised by the Dictator to arrest up to 20 MDP members from Thinadhoo

Male' - Sources within Golhaa Force operations have confirmed that the team currently in Thinadhoo have been given instructions to arrest as many as 20 people from the island, in connection with their demonstrations yesterday and the day before. Sources in Thinadhoo say that Golhaa Force cannot remove anyone from the island without a bloody fight. "We are ready for this, we will fight to the end. We have had enough of this oppression and fear. Time has now come for us to defend our nation," said a reformist, whose name is expected to be on top of the list of arrestees.

The attempt to arrest the men is expect to commence in the early hours of the morning, as they did in Addu and other places recently. The Golhaa Force walks into homes with weapons and kidnap reformists without giving any reason, to create fear amongst the people.

BBC News
Nigeria to give up Charles Taylor
Nigeria is to hand over to Liberia its exiled former leader and war crimes suspect, Charles Taylor. Nigeria's president said Liberia's new government, which had formally sought Mr Taylor's extradition, was free to take him into custody. more

 

Bangkok Post
Belarus police attack crowd, opposition leader arrested
Minsk (dpa) - Belarusian police using gas grenades and clubs broke up a crowd of anti-government protestors on Saturday and arrested opposition leader Aleksandr Milinkevich, eyewitnesses said. more 

Review

Are we just going to forget about Anni?

It has now been more than 7 months since MDP Chairman Anni was arrested by Golhaabo for staging a peaceful protest to mark the 1st anniversary of Black Friday 2004. He has since being charged with treason, terrorism and crimes against the state. The international community said they will be monitoring the case and there was a lot of hype during the very first few weeks of his arrest but it appears that we have all accepted it and are not doing enough to free him. more

Opinion

Dancing Veils: It doesn't make sense

The veil or Burugaa as we call, them has become quite popular in Maldives over the last few years, and in particular we can see that the number has increased quite rapidly in the last few months. The best way to assess this perhaps is to just look back at your friends and family, and yourself if you are women, and think how many people you know have recently chosen to wear the veil over the last few months or years. I don't think there will be many who can deny not knowing anyone who had not opted for that. more

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Saturday 25 March 2006

Local News
Women's Rights Demonstration posters being removed by Golhaa's militiamen in Henveiru Ward
Male' - Confirmed reports say that Golhaabo has paid several disgruntled youth and mobilised his Golhaa Force sections to remove Women's Rights demonstration campaign posters from Henveiru ward of Male'.
It appears that Golhaa is using cheap tricks as usual to ensure that people are not aware of the demonstration this Thursday.
MDP members in Henveiru are ready to react to this according to sources as this was predicted earlier.

News Update

Women's Rights campaign workers released without charge

Male' - 02:20 am - All three MDP members [Buyameen, Umar and Hassan] who were arrested yesterday evening whilst pasting posters of the Women's Rights campaign have been released without charge. However, Golhaabo did confiscate the posters they had in their possession. The campaign group is reportedly delighted to have their members back in the camp and more posters are set to be pasted all over Male' tomorrow.

News Update

As usual, no news about Bunyameen, Umar and Hassanu who were unlawfully arrested by Golhaabo yesterday

Families and friends of the 3 MDP members as well as the organisers of the upcoming Women's Rights Demonstration are concerned about the welfare and fate of Bunyameen, Umar and Hassan who were arrested yesterday whilst pasting the posters of the campaign.

"All three have been assigned lawyers by the party" said an MDP official. "This is extremely detrimental to the work all of us are. Gayyoom does not know how to play the game without resorting to his usual brutal tactics," added the source.

It looks like Golhaabo will have to face another demonstration before he will release these three along with the other detained without any charges.

Review

Thousands expected to take part in the Women's Rights demonstration this Thursday

There are strong indications that several thousand women residing in Male' are going to participate in the planned demonstration for this Thursday, 30th March, calling for an end to gender discrimination and stop brutalising women. As the campaign for the demonstration began gaining momentum, Golhaa Force arrested three members of the Maldivian Democratic Party yesterday whilst they were pasting posters of the campaign in Maafannu ward of Male'. more

Detainees Network Update
Actions taken by detainees in Maldives
Moosa Khaleel reported the police arrested him on 20 February 2006 from the administrative office for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for allegedly participating in a peaceful demonstration. Detainee reported the police released him without charge on 12 March 2006. more

Minivan News
Opposition Accuses Education Ministry of Negligence over Teacher Shortage
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have accused the Education Ministry of negligence over teacher shortages that are eroding the quality of education in the country. more  

Friday 24 March 2006

Local News
Three MDP members arrested in Male' today
Male'- Confirmed reports say that three MDP members who were pasting posters of the Women's Demonstration set for coming Thursday, 30th March, we apprehended by Golha's militiamen and they have been detained as usual. The members, Adam Bunyameen, Ibrahim Umar Manik (Jinsay) and Ahmed Hassanu, were arrested near Amnety Brach of MDP in Koarukendi Magu.

Breaking News 

More than a 100 Golhaa Force on their way to Thinadhoo
Male' - According to sources in Male' International Airport, more than 100 Golhaa Force are on their way to Thinadhoo in order to control the uprising their, staged by MDP members and supporters in Thinadhoo.
This is typical reaction of Golhaa in situations like this and there is increasing speculation that some arrests will occur.
On learning about this new development, a senior activists from Thinadhoo said "This is Havaruthinadhoo, Golhaabo should think twice before doing anything to us".

Golhaa is definitely the Boa....

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Thinadhoo - 05:00 pm - Confirmed reports from that DRP members headed by Ilyas Ibrahim, are attempting to hold a DRP meeting in Thinadhoo tonight. Thousands are near the jetty and are continuously calling for the resignation of DRP members, including Golhaabo and Ilyas.  Last night Mr. Latheef, MP for Special Majlis for South Huvadhu Atoll was thrown into the sea apparently because he hit someone who called for his resignation. It is widely believed that Ilyas sent them first to gauge the tension in the island.

Islamic Research Foundation International
Is Killing An Apostate in the Islamic Law?
Due lack of education and critical thinking several myths have taken root in the Muslim world over the ages, and there have not been any efforts in the past to clear these doubts. On the contrary, there has been a sort of effort to strengthen these myths and misconceptions. These misinterpretations of Islamic teachings have taken their toll on the Muslim world and have strengthened a misplaced perception that Islam is a symbol of obscurantism, a religion of intolerance and answers everything with the sword. more

WHO/UNICEF Joint Press Release
Improved Formula for Oral Rehydration Salts to Save Children's Lives; Improved formula means better treatment for life-threatening diarrhoeal dehydration
NEW YORK/GENEVA, 23 March 2006 — The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF today announced a new formula for the manufacture of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS). The new formula will better combat acute diarrhoeal disease and advance the Millennium Development Goal of reducing child mortality by two-thirds before 2015. more

Media Release
UNICEF launches vital national infant and child feeding survey
Now is the time to clean out gutters and tanks MALE – MALDIVES – 21 March 2006: As the rainy season is about to descend on the Maldives, the United Nations is reminding islanders to clean out gutters and prepare tanks for collecting drinking water.
"The northwest monsoons are about to bring us water in earnest, but this rainy season will be different for many people in the Maldives," says Dan Martin from the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF. more

Thursday 23March 2006

UPDATES

Thinadhoo - 11:34 pm - Reports of an MDP member being seriously injured as he was hit in the head by a DRP member with a megaphone. Yameen is now in hospital getting treatment and his condition is reported to be stable.

It now appears that Ilyas and Zahir Adam did not after all go to Thinadhoo but sent the other two members of the special Majlis Latheef and Mohamed Waheed. Unconfirmed reports say that they were pushed into or fell into the sea as reformists advanced toward them calling for their resignation. Eyewitness allege that MP Latheef even hit an MDP member with his foot. Latheef is the brother of Deputy Commissioner of Golhaa Force and hence operates above the law.

Thinadhoo - 11:00 pm - Reports are coming that there are clashes between reformists in Thinadhoo and the DRP member as large crowd had gathered to boo the DRP Health Minister and MP for GDH. Zahir Adam who were scheduled to arrive at 10:00pm tonight on a campaign trip to promote Golhaabo's party and his dictatorship.

Reformist groups led by MDP have been preparing for the past few days to protest on his arrival.

DO Business Forum
Dhivehi Observer launches a news Maldives Business Forum

Local Business Reviews There isn't an active forum that discusses local business in the Maldives. I think we can take this opportunity to review some of the local businesses, based on our own dealings and interaction. For example, what is your favourite restaurant, bookshop and so on and what? Have you tried to buy something and did not find what you were looking for? We could take our minds of politics for a while and discuss social issues like this. please visit and join the forum

Minivan News
Maldives Culture Editors Speak of their Struggle for Free Speech in the Darkest Days of Gayoom
Minivan News spends 15 Minutes with Michael O'Shea, who co-edits of maldivesculture.com with his wife, Fareesha. Maldives Culture was one of the first websites ever to criticise Gayoom's government. Micheal, who lives in Australia, tells us of the persecution he and his wife have suffered for speaking out against the regime. more

 

Minivan News
TV Maldives "Directed from President's Office" Say Staff
Staff working for TV Maldives (TVM) alleged on Tuesday that the editorial control of the state-run television station effectively lies in the President’s Office. In a letter leaked to Minivan, a number of junior staff point the finger at senior and middle-ranking officials in TVM, who they say, edit and censor news to present the government in the best possible light, while excluding the opposition's point of view. more

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Wednesday 22 March 2006

DO Open Forum Poll
Do you believe Gayyoom's Road Map will bring any democratic reform to our country?
As we all know, almost 2 years since Golhaabo's sweeping reform speech... nothing has happened to date, in terms of constitutional reform. So, let us all discuss what to expect in Golhaabo's Road Map...  My guess is that it will be a survival guide for him to remain in power till 2008 and then contest for a record 7th term... he will bring small changes but in the way he wants... [posted by Hassanu]. more

MaldivesFirst
Is MATI independent? Isn't M.U.Maniku a politician?
MATI the apex lobbying organization of Maldives Tourism industry was formed in the 80's when the current government came into power. Members of the association are the owners of the resorts, hotels, travel companies, management companies who manage the resorts in Maldives. more

ABC Science Online
Old records show tsunamis were common
A study of colonial records held in the UK suggests that many more tsunamis have occurred in the Indian Ocean than once thought. Australian natural hazards expert Dr Dale Dominey-Howes, from Macquarie University in Sydney, says he has come up with the most comprehensive evidence to date that at least five major tsunamis occurred in the region since 1819. more

Minivan News
Foreign Ministry Criticises Yemen Over Arbitrary Arrest of Maldivian Citizens
The Foreign Minister Dr Shaheed has strongly criticized the Yemeni authorities, accusing them of running a "chaotic" country which has resulted in the wrongful arrest of four Maldivian nationals, according to local newspaper News Yemen. more

Tuesday 21 March 2006

Paper by Maldivian Democratic Party
First step toward democratic reform in the Maldives
Members of the parliament must be elected representatives of the people
This paper intends to highlight President Gayyoom's insincerity in implementing the reform pledges he made in his June 2004 speech. The paper discusses the importance of removing unelected members from the assembly to redraft the constitution. This assembly is also known as the 'People's Special Majlis'. more

Review

MDP creating history; Home Minister Thasmeen has to go

MDP is creating history by calling for a no confidence motion against the Home Minister Thasmeen Ali. Even though not part of the "New Maldives" in that he is not one of the gang of four who label themselves as "New Maldives", he was sworn into office as a member of the team. more

Instructions
Setting up Dhivehi font on Windows
[1] Open Control Panel
[2] Select Regional & Languages (Another Window will come up then)
[3] Select Languages Tab then
[4] Details Icon (this is in the Text Services and input languages)
[5] Select Add (Another window will come up)
[6] On Input Languages Drop Down Menu Select Divehi and then
[7] With the language Bar Icon you can select the languages to be shown on the bottom task bar
[8] Now Press OK and Ok and exit every window.

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Monday 20 March 2006

Press Release
"Stop abusing women" A peaceful demonstration organized by the women of the Maldivian Democratic Party
MDP alarmed at the way women are arrested, in particular the manner in which Fathimath Shiuna and Areesha Ali were arrested in the middle of the night by a group of policemen on 22 February 2005, without giving them the opportunity to change from their night clothes and by hand-cuffing them without them showing any resistance to the arrest. more

Sunday Times - UK
Swing a bargain: Barefoot luxury in the Maldives, without footing a huge bill? Susan d’Arcy finds six options under 1,000 pounds
Picture-perfect castaway islands with gently swishing palm trees, fringed by the silkiest of sands and surrounded by turquoise seas. The Maldives are impossibly glamorous — and prohibitively expensive, right? Wrong. There are some excellent four-stars where it's possible to stay for a week for less than  1,000 pounds— in some cases, that includes full-board and drinks. It's the same sun, the same sea, the same sand between your toes — just a very different final bill. more 

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Sunday 19 March 2006

Review

MDP welcomes the creation of the UN Human Rights Council - Zaki

Last week, the General Assembly of the United Nations voted overwhelmingly to create a new Human Rights Council to replace the discredited Human Rights Commission. 170 countries out of the 194 voted in favour of the council. more

News Clip

Bloody postcard from the Maldives: Why suddenly all these violence from the peaceful dream Island Maldives?
Hassan Evan Naseem was murdered in a Maldivian jail. The following report was published in Bildzeitung, Stuttgard, Germany.

ABC Online : Heath Matters
Bird flu myths & facts
Since the earliest reports of human deaths, a trail of myths and rumours about bird flu has spread further across the world than the virus itself. more

ABC Online : Heath Matters
Bird flu quiz - how much do you know about bird flu?
How much do you know about bird flu? Take our quiz and get the facts. You'll get a score out of 10 at the end. For more information, read our article on Bird flu myths & facts. more

Maldives First
Student's association constitution remains in secrecy as time-frame to amend it expires
Colombo - Maldivian students in Sri Lanka have criticized the secrecy surrounding their association's Constitution. "Today, the 18th of March is the date that Attorney General, Dr. Hassan Saeed's proposed time-frame for its amendment ended", Imran Zahir, a Maldivian student in Sri Lanka said. more
 

Saturday 18 March 2006

DO Forum
Dhivehi Observer Open Forum re-launched
Due to hardware failure of DO server, all data from previous forum was lost and despite attempts to retrieve, the database was not recovered. DO Forum was extremely lively and debated and discussed several issues related to Maldives. We apologize for the delay in re-launching the forum but hope that all previous members will return to the good old lively debates. Please visit DO Open Forum

BBC
UN creates new human rights body
The UN General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to create a new human rights organisation for the world body, despite United States criticism. The 47-nation UN Human Rights Council will replace the current 53-country UN Human Rights Commission. more

Human Rights Watch
U.N.: New Rights Council Offers Hope for Victims - Better Members and Procedures Needed for Effective Action
(New York, March 15, 2006) – The creation of a new Human Rights Council by the United Nations General Assembly is a major step forward for the protection of victims worldwide, Human Rights Watch said today. The group urged U.N. members to make the new body as effective as possible by electing the best candidates from all regions of the world and by establishing strong rules and procedures. more

Minivan News
Mariya to Lead Campaign for Women's Rights
MDP's Shadow Cabinet Minister for Justice, Mariya Ahmed Didi will lead a campaign for the promotion of women's rights this month, following the abusive arrest of a number of women by Maldives Police in recent weeks. more

Friends of Maldives
FOM release FAQ on their Selected Resort Boycott Campaign
"FOM have prepared a list of Frequently Asked Questions they hope will provide further details on their Selected Resort Boycott Campaign. At the same time FOM are releasing a Selected Business Boycott Campaign. more

WHO  News
WHO Widens Work on Avian and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness to Reach Displaced Populations and Local Communities
Geneva: This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) organized two technical meetings on preparedness for the impact of pandemic influenza on refugee and displaced populations, and on social mobilization to reduce the risks of avian influenza. more

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www.minivandaily.com

Friday 17 March 2006

Discovery News
Study: Tsunamis Added Height to Maldives
The low-lying Maldives island chain was right in the bulls-eye of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunamis, but the islands themselves suffered surprisingly little damage and some even grew taller as a result of the deadly waves, reports a New Zealand geologist. more

WHO  News
WHO Launches New Stop TB Strategy to Fight Global Tuberculosis Epidemic to achieve the 2015 TB-related Millennium Development Goal
The new "Stop TB Strategy" addresses the current challenges facing countries in responding to TB – how to continue scaling-up TB control activities while also addressing the spread of TB and HIV coinfection and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). Both TB/HIV, especially in Africa, and MDR-TB, particularly in eastern Europe, are seriously hampering global control efforts to reduce the 1.7 million deaths caused by TB every year. more

Maldivian Detainees Network Update
Actions taken by families of detainees in Maldives
Ibrahim Fayaz's Wife reported the police arrested the detainee from his home in Male’ on 22 February 2006 for alleged reports of participating in a peaceful gathering. Wife of detainee reported the police released detainee without charge on 11 March 2006. more

cTiawscbev eguhUn cnwvinim
www.minivandaily.com

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