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British Parliament shows concern

"We have concerns about the protection of human rights in the Maldives, including the right of freedom of expression. We will continue to raise these concerns with the Government of the Maldives." says British Government

British Parliament Member, Rt Hon Mr. Laxton asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, UK, if he will make a statement on the arrests of members of the Maldivian Democratic Party on 13 February by the Maldivian authorities; and on the extent to which human rights are protected in the Maldives." [Picture right shows Bob Laxton with Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Tony Blair].

The UK government Minister for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs, Rt. Hon. Mike O'Brien replied "We are aware that the Maldivian authorities arrested an unconfirmed number of people in the capital Male' on 13 February in advance of a demonstration planned for 14 February by those sympathetic to the Maldivian Democratic Party. We look to the Government of the Maldives to charge those arrested promptly, in accordance with local law, or to release them. We have concerns about the protection of human rights in the Maldives, including the right of freedom of expression. We will continue to raise these concerns with the Government of the Maldives." [Picture right Rt. Hon. Mike O'Brien]

News coming from Maldives that some members of MDP are now under house arrest, which include Ahmed Nazim, Abdulla Saeed and Ahmed Falah. It is evidence that the international pressure is producing the desired results.

Rt. Hon. Robert Key also asked the Foreign Secretary a number of questions after MDP made representations of the case of democracy, human rights abuse and lack of regard for the rule of law. [UK Parliament Raising the Maldives Issues]

British Government will not turn a blind eye to the issues in Maldives. It is in their interest to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law as expressed in a speech by Parliamentary Under Secretary, Bill Rammell, in a speech on 25 November 2003.

'There is no such thing any more as a quarrel in a faraway country which is indifferent to our interests...States where human rights are gravely violated, because the rule of law has broken down or because only repression and violence can sustain a ruling clique in power, are the main source of risk to our and our allies' security...So promoting democracy, human rights and the rule of law is right at the heart of working for our interests.'

More about Human Rights

Source : Commons Written Answers (11 Mar 2004)
Mr. Mike O'Brien: We are aware that the Maldivian authorities arrested an unconfirmed number of people in the capital Male on 13-February in advance of a demonstration planned for 14-February by those .....

updated: 15/03/2004 matching: maldiv

Mike O'Brien, Minister at Foriegn & Commonwealth Office, UK

[ www.robertkey.com ] [ www.boblaxton.org.uk ]