COLOMBO: The European Union on Sept 7 urged the Maldivian Government to "immediately repeal the emergency," which was imposed on the atoll-nation's capital, Male, and neighbouring islands last month and "restore all fundamental rights" to the detainees.

In a statement after a visit by a delegation sent by the heads of missions accredited to the Maldives, the E.U. team expressed concern over "the continuing detention without charge" of the members of the Special Majlis (Constituent Assembly).

The repeal of the emergency, the E.U. said, "would encourage an early return to normality for all Maldivians." The E.U. team said that despite its request, it was "denied access" the members of the Special Majlis, who were arrested last month.

Reaffirming its support for the reforms announced by the President, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the E.U. urged the Maldivian Government "to continue with the process, including setting an early date for the resumption of the Special Majlis for an early finalisation and implementation of the reforms."

The team, headed by the Netherlands Ambassador, Susan Blankhart, said the "emergency and the subsequent mass arrests seem to be a disproportionate reaction" by the authorities, "to what was a largely peaceful demonstration."

These events, she said, "have the potential to derail the reform process, which is at a crucial stage." The E.U., which said it "will be paying close attention to developments," expressed hope that the Government "will press ahead with an open, inclusive, and thorough reform process, which will be the best way to ensure continued stability in the Maldives."

Welcoming the steps by the Maldivian Government to enter into an agreement with the International Committee of the Red Cross on prison monitoring, the E.U. team said it "looked forward to the early conclusion of such an agreement."

Courtesy The Hindu