Those who love the country will not create disharmony and strife: President President Dr Mohamed Waheedhas said that those who love the Maldives will not promote disharmony and strife among the people. He made this statement on Friday while addressing a rally organised by coalition political parties backing the government. Addressing a large number of people gathered at the Artificial Beach, the President said their presence showed their love for the country. He added that the people were gathered there to defend and protect Islam, the Maldivian culture and nationhood, and to bring an end to the disharmony that existed in the country. He condemned the work of enemies of the country who spread lies to tarnish the image of the Maldives. Such people, he added, were the true traitors of the country. The President said people working to destroy the country’s economy and its industries were the true enemies. He once again reiterated the change of government in the Maldives was by the grace of God. The President assured his government would be kind to all people, bring justice, uphold the Constitution, respect the rule of law, and maintain the separation of powers as enshrined in the Constitution. The President thanked the people from the islands who attended Friday’s rally to show their support for the government, defend Islam and the Constitution. It is wrong for a rebel President to inaugurate the forthcoming session of the Majlis: Nasheed Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that it is wrong for a rebel President to inaugurate the sessions of the Peoples’ Majlis. Addressing the MDP ‘occupy protest’ continuing in Male’, former President Nasheed said tonight, “It is wrong for a President who is instated Addressing the rally organised by coalition political parties backing the national unity government in an audio telelink. Diyana said so yesterday at the joint parties rally held in Male' to .unconstitutionally to inaugurate the forthcoming session of the Peoples’ Majlis. He added that it is something that will smudge the constitution. We have to protect the Parliament from that. The former President Gayoom assured that PPM will cooperate with the national unity government and will steadfastly work to retain peace and stability in the country. No organisation or state can influence how Maldives should be run: Diyana Saeed Prominent lawyer and former SAARC Secretary General Diyana Saeed has said the no organisation or state can influence the Maldives how it should be run. Nasheed said that anything that will diminish the constitutional status of the parliament should not be done.” Gayoom underscored the importance of upholding the Islamic unity and restoring democratic rule and constitutional rights. We call upon MDP to join all parties n work for national unity. “God willing 24 hour protests will start in all the corners of our Country.” he said. He said that this can only be achieved by creating a peaceful political atmosphere through mutual consultation and peaceful discussions. national interest. We have to prepare ourselves for such a prospect. We call upon MDP to join all parties and work for national unity Gayoom Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has called upon the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to join the national unity government and work for national interests. the interim leader of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Gayoom said. “PPM will support National Unity Govt. she pointed out. They have also expressed concern over the arrest warrant issued against former President Nasheed. she said these violations must be investigated and charges must be filed. Explaining the issue. Mohamed Waheed. Waheed as the new President on 7 February after 22 days of protests against Nasheed. Diyana mentioned that the Maldives has adopted a system which ensures the legislature. Mohamed Waheed and the resignation of former President Mohamed Nasheed. The former President Nasheed has accused in less than 24 hours that he was forced to resign in a coup. but former President's MDP party has refused to join . Nasheed and his supporters are calling on the new President to step down to hold early elections. In her talk at the rally.express support for the new President Dr. organisation or state can influence how the country should be run. President Waheed has last week appointed a three member Commission to carry out an investigation of the circumstances which led to the resignation of former President Nasheed and swearing in of Dr. When such a system is in place.The report urged President Waheed and former President Nasheed to commence dialogue to agree a date for early elections to take place this calendar year. judiciary and executive power are kept separate and independent. Diyana pointed to the arrest of opposition leaders and Judge Abdulla Mohamed and mentioned that the worst crime committed by former President Nasheed was disobeying a direct order of the Supreme Court. she called on the Attorney General Azima Shukoor to file a case in the court to determine the legitimacy of the new Government. Diyana resigned from post of SAARC Secretary General last month after criticising former President Mohamed Nasheed's Government for arresting Chief Judge of the Criminal Court Abdulla Mohamed without a warrant and violating the Constitution by not obeying the order of the Supreme Court to immediately release the judge. No one can dictate who the country chooses to arrest. no person. Waheed has also initiated an all party dialogue to deliberate on a road map in a bid to settle the crisis. They have vowed their protests will continue until the Government agrees to hold an early election. Speaking to the huge crowd the popular diplomat-cum politician stated that there is no grounds to question the legitimacy of the Government of President Dr. Referring to the violations of the constitution committed by former President Nasheed. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group has issued a statement last week that the Group has agreed after studying the report of the fact finding mission to the Maldives that it was not possible to determine conclusively the constitutionality of the resignation of President Nasheed. While this position is clear. All arrested in Feb 8 civic disturbances released except for 33 persons The Maldives Police Service (MPS) have said that except for 33 persons all others arrested in connection with the civil disturbances of 8 February have been released. Amnesty International Calls on Acting Foreign Minister Senior Researcher of Amnesty International Mr. In what seem like an orchestrated chain reaction. Mr. Abbas Faiz called on the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr.7 million). During the meeting held at the Ministry. Discussions at the meeting also focused on the current political situation in the Maldives and ways of promoting and protecting human rights in such an environment. Minister Asim praised the good work of Amnesty International in the field of human rights and welcomed the Association’s continued engagement with the Government of Maldives.discussions before the new Government agrees and gives a date for an early election. Meanwhile the joint alliance rally yesterday has voiced expressions against an early election. Abbas briefed the Minister on Amnesty’s work in promoting human rights and the NGO’s work in the Maldives. Nasheed’s MDP supporters came out on the streets torching government vehicles and state owned property. The unrest followed former President Nasheed’s claim that he was ousted in a coup d’état a day after he resigned formally from Office. The MPS said they still hold 5 people from Laamu Atoll and 28 persons from Addu City islands in custody. . Asim Ahmed yesterday. The losses caused to the state in a span of 6 to 9 hours of violent civil unrest in the capital and a few islands is estimated around MVR 180 million (US$ 11. Abaas Adil Riza has said that the government had not informed any foreign government or international agency on a definite decision for early elections. “It is a categorical lie. Ibrahim Didi said that in addition to being in charge MDP’s planned Countrywide civil disobedience movement the Steering Committee will also be in charge of party activities to obstruct President Waheed’s attendance the opening session of the People's Majlis (parliament) in early March to deliver the Presidential address. He was refuting a claim by opposition leader Nasheed that President Waheed’s government had informed the Indian government by letter that they (the government) were working towards early elections. The three-member Steering Committee comprise of Ameen Faisal . Nasheed. a steering committee was elected to oversee the party’s ongoing street activities aimed at coercing MDP’s political opposition to agree to an early Presidential election.President’s Spokesperson President Waheed’s spokesperson. At the extra ordinary meeting of the National Council. Faisal’s and Ibrahim’s failure to manage the Security Services for Mr. Their appointments come at time when MDP’s grassroot membership is divided on their opinion about Afeef’s. Tholhath Ibrahim – Ameena Faisal’s successor as Defense Minister and Mohamed Ziyad (aka Ziyattay). Party President Dr. We are continuously maintaining that a .Defense Advisor to former President and MDP leader Nasheed. The move was proposed by former Minister of Home Affairs Hassan Afeef. The Maldivian government has not given any guarantees of early polls to anyone.MDP elects steering committee to oversee their ongoing street activities In an extra ordinary meeting of the National Council of the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) last night. Govt didn’t inform any foreign state or agency on a definite decision for early polls. We will defend Islam and National Sovereignty: President Waheed "We will defend our nation.000 supporters at the rally. and strongly worded statements . with over 15. Days of biased reporting by international press. we have not made any decision”. the government will go ahead with it. President Waheed was backed by the leaders of 8 political parties and 150 civic associations. amidst rousing cheers by the thousands gathered in support of his National Unity Government. “Therefore we are continuing with the deliberations. Riza said. we will go ahead with it. Since then. Nasheed's rallies have at the most amassed 2.date for election will be decided by all the political parties. Outside of the discussions. This is in sharp contrast to the series of rallies being held by former President Nasheed at the South East corner of Male' since February 17th.000 having already arrived from the islands.000.000 at any given time. He continued on to say that the government’s position in the talks with Indian Foreign Secretary Mathai also was that if all political parties agree to an early election. anti Maldives tourism campaigns by foreign friends of Nasheed. A competing Women's March held by Nasheed's supporters this afternoon gathered an estimated 1. Riza said. another glaring failure to dredge public support for the failed regime. with an estimated 7. He also said that President Waheed will welcome any joint decision of all political parties on the issue. If all the political parties reach a joint decision to hold early elections. In a rude wake up call for Mohamed Nasheed and fallen government.”. then. Organizers of the event estimate over 50. thousands thronged to Male's Artificial Beach today to stand in unity with President Waheed's government.000 hard core MDP members attending from Male' and the islands combined. Riza did not bring to light any constitutional constraints or a requirement to revise the constitution as explicitly being underscored by legal experts on the issue. The President’s road map of national unity highlights the issue as a last point." pledged President Mohamed Waheed. The most support for Nasheed was received on the 17th itself. its culture and Islam with the last drop of our blood. They (MDP) are the rebels in reality. Calling upon the Maldivian people to be patient as the Unity Government addressed the current crises. condemned Nasheed's Maldives Democratic Party as terrorists.by the Commonwealth calling for foreign participation in the national inquiry. rest of the country? Yesterday's face-off between President Mohamed Waheed and his predecessor Mohamed Nasheed on the Male' streets ended with a victory for Waheed." Political party leaders speaking at the rally pledged their support for President Waheed's national unity government. and called upon the MDP to join them. President Waheed allayed many of these fears by pledging that he would uphold Islam and defend it and national sovereignty against domestic and foreign attacks. (rnb) Nasheed Vs. President Waheed condemned Nasheed's Maldives Democratic Party as terrorists. Nasheed and his supporters continue to be defiant." The President further went on to warn that. Speaking to the masses at his rally. Dr. Backed by an impressive display of people power over 50. Be patient. . that they would implement social programs such as affordable housing. medical insurance. Waheed. We will not back down an inch. Our Government will fulfill every wish of the Maldivian people. Waheed said that his Government would fulfill citizens' needs. contending that the National Unity Government was unconstitutional and calling for snap elections. Dr. a clash of Male'/Addu Vs. President Waheed. Alluding to the massive economic losses under Nasheed. in no uncertain terms. “I took oath of Office to uphold the religion of Islam and the constitution. social safety nets. They are the enemies of this great nation. "There is no place for people who destroy our economy.000 strong. as enemies of the state. plus heavy handed interference by neighbourhood bully India in the past weeks had raised Maldivian hackles against foreign interference. but perhaps a victory that may be very temporary.". Speaking to tumultuous support. However. Waheed said. "No one who loves our nation will instigate violence and torch public places. saying. "This change happened because it is Allaah's will. he said. Of critical importance to the Maldives is that these facts show the great divide in socio-political philosophy and thinking between Male' and Addu as opposed to the rest of the country.000+ to the National Unity's 50. public support was behind Waheed. However. International debts were at the point of default. The Nasheed administration left the Maldives in nearly $1. Stereotyping this populist political philosophy as Islamic extremism and xenophobia does the educated Maldivian public great injustice. Addu Atoll. the rest of the country is largely opposed to Nasheed. The maximum Nasheed had been able to gather at his rallies was just over 7. Such stereotyping also serves to radicalize those at one end of the spectrum. With not enough liquidity to even run his government. providing opportunity for some to gain more supporters for hard-line policies under the guise of defending Islam. is behind Nasheed. The MDP Women's Protest staged yesterday afternoon to balance the scale was vastly outnumbered.Waheed warned that "There is no place for people who destroy our economy.000. Lucrative tourist deals were struck illegally." Clearly. mustering about a 1. This bitter experience has been experienced in many Islamic societies in recent years. Even his political allies would find it difficult to sustain the Government while financing a drawn out election campaign. He is also the clear winner in the second largest urban centre. important lessons for Maldivians using Islam as a rallying point for political ambition and for those attempting to enforce Western style democracy with foreign support. both at government level and in the private business sector. However. Foreign investments entangled in the courts. what is most evident from the past two months of protests and rallies by all political parties. public and private.5 billion in debt. A further undeniable fact is that international support. The hard . even including his supporters arriving from the islands. The coming week is crucial for both sides in the conflict. witness the undeniable evidence of yesterday's National Unity Rally over 50% of which represented the islands. It also shows that Male'/Addu is more aligned with foreign interests and values instead of the general populace.000. Male'. President Waheed will need foreign goodwill. Populist thinking through the length and breath of the Maldives (excluding Male' and Addu) is for conservative governance which respects and upholds Islam while maintaining national sovereignty and cultural values. It is vehemently against Nasheed's central right philosophy which sold national assets to foreigners and attempted to dilute the religious base of society. is that Nasheed holds the majority support in the capital. With such high stakes. to swiftly wipe out Nasheed's candidacy by prosecuting him for all manner of crimes and illegalities. Nasheed is showing greater political agility and foreign support than the lethargic Waheed government. as seen by his statements last night. Nasheed. the greater the opportunities for the National Unity Government to fail in governance and within itself. His bid. The longer he waits. the National Unity coalition presently hold the ultimate weapon. in order to drum up support. The Male' and Addu votes sounded the death knoll for Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in 2008. However. the presidential elections.economic reality facing the National Unity Government is that an early election is an absolute necessity. Namely. as successfully done in the recent case against Thimarafushi MP Mohamed Musthafa. in a fight that has only one decisive battle ground. The thousands representing the islands at yesterday's National Unity Rally serve notice to Nasheed that every additional day is critical for him. two days back. has the golden opportunity to backtrack away from his death wish of an early election. Over 800 Adduans joined MDP en masse yesterday. and look likely to do the same for the National Unity coalition. a compromise position they must accept without losing their public support. people power. (rnb) . to pass through required legislation. He called for protests to start throughout the country. in contrast. Nasheed has clearly seen the immense possibilities in such a strategy. he immediately moved the venue of conflict to the Parliament. such a move by President Waheed may alienate all foreign goodwill for all time. Addressing his die-hard followers in Male' last night. as seen by yesterday's stunning display. more likely may be a tried and true strategy. a strategy MDP can implement very effectively as seen by the sweep of vandalism and arson through MDP strongholds on February 8th. With limited options open to him. to secure absolute supremacy in Addu Atoll through pledging the Vice President's post to an Adduan was highly successful. Hence. it will be interesting to see if President Waheed will take the path opened for him by his Home Minister Jameel and Nasheed's ex-Attorney General Diyana Saeed. At this moment in time. time is of the essence for both sides. undertake such prosecutions by a private party. Nasheed can easily bog down the Government in Parliament where he has a significant share. to implement the social programs begun by Nasheed. While President Waheed struggles to rescue the economy. Nasheed and MDP can run riot in Male' and the islands gathering popular support. Beaten at the clash of the public rallies. Nasheed called upon them to engage in wide spread civil disobedience to prevent President Waheed from addressing Parliament at its opening session on March 1st. However. Holding up the Presidential State of the Nation address serves the dual purpose of delaying debate on a date for early elections.