Embassy of The Maldives, Japan.

28 June 2008: Jeddah

The Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Abdulla Shahid, signed the new Charter of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) at the General Secretariat of the OIC in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, today.

The new Charter  strives to reflect the universally accepted values of human rights, fundamental freedoms, good governance, rule of law, democracy and accountability in member states. It also brings new clauses which would help to streamline the work of the secretariat and which will oblige member states to be more involved in the finances, the costs incurred and funds generated by the Organisation for and through its activities. As per the new Charter, the procedure of voting has been improved and new terms and conditions have also been put in place for new members.

The Maldives is the 3rd country to ratify the new Charter, Malaysia and Senegal being the first two countries to do so.

Male’: Saturday, 28 June

President Gayoom received Mr. Hosei Norota, President of the Japan-Maldives Parliamentarians’ League at the Presidential Palace, Theemuge, today. At the meeting, President Gayoom expressed confidence that the Japan-Maldives Parliamentarians’ League would contribute to further strengthening of the cordial relationship between the Maldives and Japan, as would the newly opened Embassy of Maldives in Tokyo last year. He also referred to the continued Japanese assistance to the Maldives and recalled, in particular, the cooperation and assistance in the fields of education and environment.

President Gayoom noted the adoption of the Maldives new constitution by the Constitutional Assembly on Thursday, 20 June 2008, as a great success to his reform agenda and stated that he was working on ratifying the new constitution as soon as possible.

Mr. Norota acknowledged the progress achieved in the implementation of the reform agenda of President Gayoom, and congratulated him on the adoption of the new constitution as well as on the Maldives securing  of the SAAF Championship.

The meeting was attended by the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Hon. Mohamed Hussain, the Japanese Ambassador to the Maldives, H. E. Mr. Kiyoshi Araki and officials of the President’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Norota is visiting the Maldives in his capacity as the President of the Japan-Maldives Parliamentarians’ League at the invitation of Foreign Minister, H. E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid.

26 June 2008

The President of the Japan-Maldives Parliamentarians League, Mr. Hosei Norota arrived in the Maldives on 26 June 2008 on a 3-day visit at the invitation of Foreign Minister, Honourable Abdulla Shahid.

During the visit, Mr. Norota is scheduled to call on Foreign Minister, Hon. Abdulla Shahid, and the Speaker of the Peoples’ Majlis (the Parliament), Hon. Ahmed Zahir. He will also meet with the Chairperson and the members of the Maldives-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group.

The visit is expected to further strengthen the bonds between the Maldives and Japan through enhanced contacts between the parliamentary associations on both sides.

The Republic of Maldives and the Republic of Albania has established Diplomatic relations on 25 June 2008. The agreement formalizing diplomatic relations between the two countries was signed on behalf of the Government of Maldives by its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Ahmed Khaleel.  The Permanent Representative  of Albania to the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Adrian Neritani signed the agreement on behalf of the Albanian Government. The ceremony was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The Republic of Albania is the 145th  country to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives. The two nations share membership in a number of international platforms including the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference. The establishment of diplomatic relations yesterday aims at strengthening the friendly relations between the two countries, based on sovereign equality, mutual cooperation and respect.

26 June 2008, Male’

The Maldives new constitution was adopted by the Special Majlis this morning.

At today’s sitting, over 70% of those present voted in favour of the new constitution indicating broad cross-party support.  Following adoption by the Special Majlis, the new constitution is expected to be submitted for ratification by the President.  President Gayoom has, on a number of occasions, noted his commitment towards speedy ratification and execution of all interim measures in time for the upcoming presidential elections.

Welcoming the adoption of the new constitution, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid said that “the new constitution is the central column of the Reform Agenda initiated by President Gayoom.  I am pleased that the Special Majlis has adopted it.  I believe that the new constitution is a modern and forward-looking document and that its adoption heralds a new era for the Maldives.  I commend the Speaker of the Special Majlis for the way in which he has taken this work ahead towards successful completion. Today, we have taken an important step forward for ensuring the rights and freedoms of all Maldivians. With the new constitution, the Government can accelerate the work it has initiated on democratization and reform.  ”.

Commenting further, the Minister noted that “ we have a challenging period ahead in ensuring the passage of the required legislation.  I am convinced that with perseverance and patience we can ensure a smooth transition. It is the obligation of all, to ensure that the social and economic development of the country, and the peace and stability prevailing within it are not jeopardized during this period.”

The new constitution has a strong focus on the protection and promotion of human rights. It guarantees the very fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Chapter 2 on Fundamental Rights and Freedoms  includes articles enshrining, inter alia, freedom from discrimination, the right to equality before the law, the right to life, the right to work, the right to education, the right to participate in cultural life, freedom from illegal detention and arrest, and the right to fair and transparent trial.

The new constitution clearly stipulates the separation of powers among the legislature, executive and the judiciary. It also, outlines the setting up of a number of independent institutions to deepen democracy in the Maldives. These include the appointment of a Chief Justice, the establishment of a Supreme Court and an independent Elections Commission.  The Human Rights Commission and the Civil Service Commission are already in place and functioning. The new constitution also charts out the transitional arrangements and timelines for the upcoming presidential, parliamentary and local council elections.