New Delhi:
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a press statement soon after Maldives' former President Mohamed Nasheed left the premises of the embassy office. The former president has been in refuge in the Indian High Commission in Male since February 13.
Read statement belowPRESS STATEMENT ON THE SITUATION IN MALDIVES
Former President Nasheed leaves the Indian High Commission
Mr. Mohamed Nasheed, former President of Maldives, left the premises of the High Commission of India, Male at 1615 hrs (IST) today. It will be recalled that the former President had entered the Indian Mission in Male on 13 February 2013 on his own volition and had similarly decided to leave on his own. It is hoped that with this development the former President will again resume his social and political life.
The visiting Indian delegation led by Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs and the High Commissioner of India to Maldives had held a series of meeting with the officials of the Government of Maldives and other stake holders in this context. The Government of India wishes to thank all those who have cooperated in these efforts.
India has been working closely with the Government and other relevant stakeholders in Maldives to strengthen the democratic framework of the country. India has maintained broad based contacts with all political parties and democratic institutions in Maldives without interfering in its internal affairs. The Government of India urges all parties to maintain peace and calm and hopes to continue its positive engagement in the spirit of the close and friendly relations between the two countries.
The Minister of External Affairs Shri Salman Khurshid has conveyed to his Maldivian counterpart that India has traditional and age old ties of friendship and cooperation with Maldives. India would be happy to support all efforts to create favourable conditions for free, fair, credible and inclusive Presidential elections in September 2013 that can contribute to durable peace, stability and prosperity in Maldives and the region.