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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Commonwealth welcomes lifting of state of emergency in the Maldives

11 October 2004

"I welcome President Gayoom's decision to lift the state of emergency and to restore the fundamental freedoms of the people affected by this Order. Those who have been detained should now have full access to the due process of law," the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Don McKinnon said today.

Mr McKinnon was welcoming the decision by the President of the Maldives to lift a state of emergency, which was imposed on 13 August 2004 following demonstrations in the capital city, Malé. The Commonwealth Secretariat has been working with the Government of the Maldives since the announcement by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom of proposals for constitutional reforms in the country.

"The Commonwealth is a strong supporter of the democratic reforms announced by President Gayoom in June. I value my renewed contacts with the leaders of the Maldives and look forward to visiting the country later this month. The Secretariat stands ready to assist the Government of the Maldives in taking its political and constitutional reforms forward," said the Secretary-General.

The Commonwealth Secretariat has also responded positively to provide technical assistance in the judicial and electoral sectors. Two experts are to be dispatched to the Maldives on short term assignments.


Note to Editors:

On 9 June 2004, President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom announced a number of proposals for constitutional reforms in the Maldives. These included greater separation of powers including the creation of the office of Prime Minister, removing the gender bar in running for the presidency and providing for the establishment and functioning of political parties. Recently, the President sent to members of the Cabinet for comments a draft Constitution which had been formulated on his 9 June reform proposals. After obtaining comments of the Cabinet, the draft Constitution would be presented to the People's Special Majlis (Constituent Assembly) for consideration.

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ISSUED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION
Commonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House Pall Mall London SW1Y 5HX United Kingdom
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