Those who love the country will not create disharmony and strife: President President Dr Mohamed Waheed

has 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 countrys 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 Fridays 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

unconstitutionally to inaugurate the forthcoming session of the Peoples Majlis. We have to protect the Parliament from that. We have to prepare ourselves for such a prospect. Nasheed said that anything that will diminish the constitutional status of the parliament should not be done. He added that it is something that will smudge the constitution. God willing 24 hour protests will start in all the corners of our Country, he said.

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. Addressing the rally organised by coalition political parties backing the national unity government in an audio telelink, the interim leader of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Gayoom said, PPM will support National Unity Govt. We call upon MDP to join all parties n work for national unity, national interest. Gayoom underscored the importance of upholding the Islamic unity and restoring democratic rule and constitutional rights. He said that this can only be achieved by creating a peaceful political atmosphere through mutual consultation and peaceful discussions. 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. Diyana said so yesterday at the joint parties rally held in Male' to

express support for the new President Dr. Mohamed Waheed. 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. In her talk at the rally, 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. Referring to the violations of the constitution committed by former President Nasheed, she said these violations must be investigated and charges must be filed. 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. Mohamed Waheed and the resignation of former President Mohamed Nasheed. While this position is clear, she called on the Attorney General Azima Shukoor to file a case in the court to determine the legitimacy of the new Government. The former President Nasheed has accused in less than 24 hours that he was forced to resign in a coup. Nasheed and his supporters are calling on the new President to step down to hold early elections. They have vowed their protests will continue until the Government agrees to hold an early election. 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. They have also expressed concern over the arrest warrant issued against former President Nasheed.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. Explaining the issue, Diyana mentioned that the Maldives has adopted a system which ensures the legislature, judiciary and executive power are kept separate and independent. When such a system is in place, no person, organisation or state can influence how the country should be run. No one can dictate who the country chooses to arrest, she pointed out. 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. Waheed as the new President on 7 February after 22 days of protests against Nasheed. Waheed has also initiated an all party dialogue to deliberate on a road map in a bid to settle the crisis, but former President's MDP party has refused to join

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.

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. The MPS said they still hold 5 people from Laamu Atoll and 28 persons from Addu City islands in custody. The unrest followed former President Nasheeds claim that he was ousted in a coup dtat a day after he resigned formally from Office. In what seem like an orchestrated chain reaction, Nasheeds MDP supporters came out on the streets torching government vehicles and state owned property. 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$ 11.7 million).

Amnesty International Calls on Acting Foreign Minister Senior Researcher of Amnesty International Mr. Abbas Faiz called on the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Asim Ahmed yesterday. During the meeting held at the Ministry, Mr. Abbas briefed the Minister on Amnestys work in promoting human rights and the NGOs work in the Maldives. Minister Asim praised the good work of Amnesty International in the field of human rights and welcomed the Associations continued engagement with the Government of Maldives. 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.

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, a steering committee was elected to oversee the partys ongoing street activities aimed at coercing MDPs political opposition to agree to an early Presidential election. The move was proposed by former Minister of Home Affairs Hassan Afeef. The three-member Steering Committee comprise of Ameen Faisal - Defense Advisor to former President and MDP leader Nasheed, Tholhath Ibrahim Ameena Faisals successor as Defense Minister and Mohamed Ziyad (aka Ziyattay). Their appointments come at time when MDPs grassroot membership is divided on their opinion about Afeefs, Faisals and Ibrahims failure to manage the Security Services for Mr. Nasheed. At the extra ordinary meeting of the National Council, Party President Dr. Ibrahim Didi said that in addition to being in charge MDPs planned Countrywide civil disobedience movement the Steering Committee will also be in charge of party activities to obstruct President Waheeds attendance the opening session of the People's Majlis (parliament) in early March to deliver the Presidential address.

Govt didnt inform any foreign state or agency on a definite decision for early polls- Presidents Spokesperson President Waheeds spokesperson, Abaas Adil Riza has said that the government had not informed any foreign government or international agency on a definite decision for early elections. He was refuting a claim by opposition leader Nasheed that President Waheeds government had informed the Indian government by letter that they (the government) were working towards early elections. It is a categorical lie. The Maldivian government has not given any guarantees of early polls to anyone. We are continuously maintaining that a

date for election will be decided by all the political parties. The Presidents road map of national unity highlights the issue as a last point. If all the political parties reach a joint decision to hold early elections, then, we will go ahead with it., Riza said. He continued on to say that the governments position in the talks with Indian Foreign Secretary Mathai also was that if all political parties agree to an early election, the government will go ahead with it. Therefore we are continuing with the deliberations. Outside of the discussions, we have not made any decision, Riza said. He also said that President Waheed will welcome any joint decision of all political parties on the issue. 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.

We will defend Islam and National Sovereignty: President Waheed "We will defend our nation, its culture and Islam with the last drop of our blood." pledged President Mohamed Waheed, amidst rousing cheers by the thousands gathered in support of his National Unity Government. In a rude wake up call for Mohamed Nasheed and fallen government, thousands thronged to Male's Artificial Beach today to stand in unity with President Waheed's government. Organizers of the event estimate over 50,000 supporters at the rally, with over 15,000 having already arrived from the islands. President Waheed was backed by the leaders of 8 political parties and 150 civic associations. 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. The most support for Nasheed was received on the 17th itself, with an estimated 7,000 hard core MDP members attending from Male' and the islands combined. Since then, Nasheed's rallies have at the most amassed 2,000 at any given time. A competing Women's March held by Nasheed's supporters this afternoon gathered an estimated 1,000, another glaring failure to dredge public support for the failed regime. Days of biased reporting by international press, anti Maldives tourism campaigns by foreign friends of Nasheed, and strongly worded statements

by the Commonwealth calling for foreign participation in the national inquiry, plus heavy handed interference by neighbourhood bully India in the past weeks had raised Maldivian hackles against foreign interference. 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. I took oath of Office to uphold the religion of Islam and the constitution.", he said. Speaking to the masses at his rally, President Waheed, in no uncertain terms, condemned Nasheed's Maldives Democratic Party as terrorists, saying, "No one who loves our nation will instigate violence and torch public places. They (MDP) are the rebels in reality. They are the enemies of this great nation." The President further went on to warn that, "There is no place for people who destroy our economy. Speaking to tumultuous support, Dr. Waheed said that his Government would fulfill citizens' needs, that they would implement social programs such as affordable housing, medical insurance, social safety nets. Calling upon the Maldivian people to be patient as the Unity Government addressed the current crises, Dr. Waheed said, "This change happened because it is Allaah's will. Our Government will fulfill every wish of the Maldivian people. We will not back down an inch. Be patient." 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. However, Nasheed and his supporters continue to be defiant, contending that the National Unity Government was unconstitutional and calling for snap elections. (rnb)

Nasheed Vs. Waheed, a clash of Male'/Addu Vs. 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, but perhaps a victory that may be very temporary. Backed by an impressive display of people power over 50,000 strong, President Waheed condemned Nasheed's Maldives Democratic Party as terrorists, as enemies of the state. Alluding to the massive economic losses under Nasheed,

Waheed warned that "There is no place for people who destroy our economy." Clearly, public support was behind Waheed. The MDP Women's Protest staged yesterday afternoon to balance the scale was vastly outnumbered, mustering about a 1,000+ to the National Unity's 50,000. The maximum Nasheed had been able to gather at his rallies was just over 7,000, even including his supporters arriving from the islands. However, what is most evident from the past two months of protests and rallies by all political parties, is that Nasheed holds the majority support in the capital, Male'. He is also the clear winner in the second largest urban centre, Addu Atoll. However, the rest of the country is largely opposed to Nasheed, witness the undeniable evidence of yesterday's National Unity Rally over 50% of which represented the islands. A further undeniable fact is that international support, both at government level and in the private business sector, is behind Nasheed. 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. It also shows that Male'/Addu is more aligned with foreign interests and values instead of the general populace. 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. Stereotyping this populist political philosophy as Islamic extremism and xenophobia does the educated Maldivian public great injustice. Such stereotyping also serves to radicalize those at one end of the spectrum, providing opportunity for some to gain more supporters for hard-line policies under the guise of defending Islam. This bitter experience has been experienced in many Islamic societies in recent years, 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. The coming week is crucial for both sides in the conflict. The Nasheed administration left the Maldives in nearly $1.5 billion in debt. International debts were at the point of default. Foreign investments entangled in the courts. Lucrative tourist deals were struck illegally. With not enough liquidity to even run his government, President Waheed will need foreign goodwill, public and private. Even his political allies would find it difficult to sustain the Government while financing a drawn out election campaign. The hard

economic reality facing the National Unity Government is that an early election is an absolute necessity, a compromise position they must accept without losing their public support. Nasheed, in contrast, has the golden opportunity to backtrack away from his death wish of an early election. The longer he waits, the greater the opportunities for the National Unity Government to fail in governance and within itself. Nasheed can easily bog down the Government in Parliament where he has a significant share. While President Waheed struggles to rescue the economy, to implement the social programs begun by Nasheed, to pass through required legislation, Nasheed and MDP can run riot in Male' and the islands gathering popular support. Nasheed has clearly seen the immense possibilities in such a strategy, as seen by his statements last night. Beaten at the clash of the public rallies, he immediately moved the venue of conflict to the Parliament. Addressing his die-hard followers in Male' last night, 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. He called for protests to start throughout the country, a strategy MDP can implement very effectively as seen by the sweep of vandalism and arson through MDP strongholds on February 8th. Holding up the Presidential State of the Nation address serves the dual purpose of delaying debate on a date for early elections. The thousands representing the islands at yesterday's National Unity Rally serve notice to Nasheed that every additional day is critical for him, in order to drum up support. His bid, two days back, to secure absolute supremacy in Addu Atoll through pledging the Vice President's post to an Adduan was highly successful. Over 800 Adduans joined MDP en masse yesterday. The Male' and Addu votes sounded the death knoll for Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in 2008, and look likely to do the same for the National Unity coalition. With limited options open to him, 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. Namely, to swiftly wipe out Nasheed's candidacy by prosecuting him for all manner of crimes and illegalities. However, such a move by President Waheed may alienate all foreign goodwill for all time. Hence, more likely may be a tried and true strategy, undertake such prosecutions by a private party, as successfully done in the recent case against Thimarafushi MP Mohamed Musthafa. With such high stakes, time is of the essence for both sides. At this moment in time, Nasheed is showing greater political agility and foreign support than the lethargic Waheed government. However, as seen by yesterday's stunning display, the National Unity coalition presently hold the ultimate weapon, people power, in a fight that has only one decisive battle ground, the presidential elections. (rnb)