- Discussions to resume soon
- Open invitation to all parties
- Envoy will not interfere in the process
Lead negotiator and Fisheries Minister Dr. Mohamed Shainee says the Government was still willing to engage in discussions with the opposition figures without any stipulations.
Speaking to "Avas" on the statement released by Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) on the talks, Dr. Shainee said the Government was willing to restart the stalled talks and invited the opposition to participate in it.
Adding that the Government had no stipulations entering the talks Dr. Shainee said that President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom still believes that discussion will resolve the existing issues. With the recommendation by CMAG to restart the talks, Dr. Shainee said the Government will begin the procedures to begin the talks.
"We last said doors for communication were still open. We do not have stipulations. That we want to engage in discussions without any agendas. Our position has not changed. With the CMAG decision we've begun work to restart the talks. Previously we gave leniency to the opposition to participate in the talks. We'll do that again," he said.
"We're extending an open invitation to participate in these talks. Even today we're telling them to participate in the talks. Complete your goals through these talks," he said.
Opposition MDP had also welcomed CMAG decision and stated that they were ready to participate in the talks.
Minister Shainee said the CMAG decision had shown that it was more beneficial to the nation to engage in discussions rather than carrying out damaging actions abroad. Shainee further added that those individuals offering excuses not to participate in discussions did so at the expense of public gain. He accused that these individuals had only goal in mind - to come to power at whatever cost to the nation.
"They say that the public will be disadvantaged by foreign influence. They're the ones who are trying to bring in the influence. CMAG is also emphasizing that a solution must be sought from the Maldivians. Instead of that opposition figures are trying to pressure Maldives. They'd worked all this time without trying for a solution, we can clearly see their intention," Shainee said.
