Government condemns ‘blatantly false’ comments by Naseem

The comments by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Naseem in his interview to ‘The Tribunal’ regarding Maldives and the relationship it has with its bilateral partners are blatantly false, says Ministry of Home Affairs.

In an interview to Indian newspaper, ‘The Tribunal’, Naseem said the current Maldivian administration has destroyed the age-old bilateral ties Maldives has enjoyed with neighboring India.

Naseem also said that China has taken 16 Maldivian islands which at any point can be converted into Chinese military bases, and appealed to the Indian government to intervene and protect the democracy in Maldives.

The Ministry of Home Affairs of Maldives issued a statement regarding the comments this Sunday afternoon, in which the ministry accused Naseem of attempting to endanger the relationship Maldives has with its bilateral partners, create hatred towards Maldives within the hearts of citizens of Maldives’ bilateral partners, and create fear within the hearts of the Maldivian people.

The ministry said the comments by Naseem in his interview were blatantly false, and condemned the comments.

“We take this opportunity to assure the people of Maldives that the current administration will not take any action which may endanger the people, and that the current administration will not take any action which may endanger neighboring countries or any other country by the hands of Maldives or the people of Maldives, or take any action which may lead the path to endangering neighboring countries or any other country by the hands of Maldives or the people of Maldives,” said the ministry in its statement.

The ministry also called for an immediate stop to spread of false rumors which may harm the peace and security of Maldives.

He said those who make such comments are being investigated by Maldivian authorities.

‘Sun’ has been informed Chinese companies are currently developing seven islands in Maldives as resorts. Indian companies are also developing several resorts in Maldives.