26 January 2012 | Thursday                 

Statement by the EU Heads of Mission in Colombo and accredited to the Maldives regarding recent developments in the country
PRESS RELEASE STATEMENT BY EU HEADS OF MISSION IN COLOMBO
European Union Heads of Mission based in Colombo and accredited to the Maldives view with concern recent developments in that country, including the arrest of a criminal court judge by members of the security forces. EU Heads of Mission reiterate their support for the process of democratic transition in the Maldives and note the importance of the principles underlying that transition, including respect for the constitution, due process, independence of the judiciary, the rule of law and freedom of expression are central to this process. EU Heads of Mission call on all parties in the Maldives to act in accordance with these principles and to refrain from inflammatory language or other action which could incite hatred. The Royal Norwegian Ambassador in Colombo, accredited to the Maldives associates herself with this statement by EU Heads of Mission

Maldives arrests dozens of anti-government activists
Dozens of anti-government activists were arrested in the Maldivian capital Male, the opposition said on Saturday as the government accused them of whipping up religious extremism. Opposition parties said police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of activists on Friday night and that dozens were detained, raising to 82 the number of arrests in the past four days. "The police detain people and release them after a few hours," opposition spokesman Mohamed Shareef said adding that a total of 82 had been arrested during the past four days. Maldivian authorities said the protesters had attacked government facilities, including two police vehicles and vandalised the home of a government minister during the protests.

FJ concerned over hostility against media in Maldives
MALE: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has expressed concern over the recent escalation of hostile rhetoric towards media in the Maldives. IFJ joined its affiliate, the Maldives Journalists' Association (MJA), in expressing concern over the recent escalation of hostile rhetoric towards the media in the Republic of Maldives, the IFJ stated on its website asiapacific.ifj.org. "The IFJ calls on President (Mohammed) Nasheed and ministers of the Maldives government to cease the hostile rhetoric and respect the ethical and legal imperatives of media freedom," it added. On Jan 11, Mohamed Zuhair, press secretary to President Nasheed, had warned of criminal action against media that spread allegedly "baseless and demonstrably false" claims about government actions. Following Zuhair's statement, the Maldives Minister for Transport and Communication, Adhil Saleem, publicly declared Jan 20 that broadcast stations suspected of "misleading the public" could have their licences revoked. Contesting the allegations, the Maldives Journalists' Association argued that the media were at liberty to report statements made by responsible opposition politicians, even when time constraints did not permit detailed fact-checking. Under the Maldives law, the grant and renewal of broadcast licences is within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Maldives Broadcasting Commission, an autonomous and non-partisan body. Licences once granted cannot be revoked except through due process of law. IFJ Asia-Pacific works with national journalists' unions and associations to improve the working conditions of journalists and the quality of journalism through training programmes and advocacy campaigns in defence of media-related rights

Maldives vice president wants release of detained top judge, in sign of discord in government
The Maldives' vice president joined calls Friday for the release of a detained senior judge, in a sign of divisions within the government of President Mohamed Nasheed. Vice President Mohammed Waheed Hassan criticized the "extrajudicial arrest" this week of Criminal Court Chief Justice Abdulla Mohamed after he ordered the release of a detained government critic. Hassan told The Associated Press the detention sets a bad precedent for the country's new democracy.

                 20 January 2012 | Friday                 

President Rebukes Baseless Allegations that Government is Anti-Religious
In his weekly radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed has condemned baseless allegations by the opposition parties that the government is acting against religion. President’s remarks come following a smear campaign of whipping up intolerance and hatred by opposition parties on grounds of alleged anti-Islamic policies by the government. He cited Minister Dr Abdul Majeed Abdul Bari, a renowned religious scholar, to argue that accusing a person of being un-Islamic was a huge issue. The President said the government was therefore forced to clear itself of such false allegations. In his address, the President reaffirmed government’s commitment to establish an independent and a functioning judiciary. The President also spoke on government’s efforts to reduce expenditure on electricity and introduce renewable energy sources. Noting the achievements in this regard, the President said the government would be working with the Danish government to convert two power stations in Laamu atoll to renewable energy.

Chief of Protocol and Deputy Education Minister Appointed

President Mohamed Nasheed has appointed Mr Ali Faiz as Chief of Protocol and Ms Aminath Ali as Deputy Minister of Education. Mr Faiz previously served as Managing Director of Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company, and Ms Ali was previously the Deputy Minister of Human Resources, Youth and Sports.

President says sewerage systems will cover 80% of the country by 2013

resident Mohamed Nasheed today announced that proper sewerage systems will be provided to 80 per cent of the population by year 2013. He made this statement speaking at a function held today to officially start sewerage system established in Mahibadhoo. The President said when his administration took office in 2008, only 22 per cent of the people had adequate sewerage systems. This figure, he said, has now increased to about 50 per cent within just three years. He said the government believed modern sewage and liquid waste disposal systems were necessary for public health safety. The President visited Mahibadhoo this morning and will return Male later today.

Maldives Vice President Joins Calls to Free Judge
The Maldives' vice president has joined calls for the release of a detained judge, in a sign of divisions within the government of President Mohamed Nasheed. Mohammed Waheed Hassan criticized the "extrajudicial arrest" this week of criminal court judge Abdulla Mohamed after he ordered the release of a detained government critic. Hassan told The Associated Press the detention set a bad precedent. Nasheed's government has been accused of using the military and police to crack down on critics. The judge is being detained by the military despite orders by the country's Supreme Court and prosecutor general for his release.

SAARC Sec.Gen to resign amid political crisis
The Secretary General of South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has decided to resign her post after she was accused of siding with anti-government forces in the political crisis engulfing the Maldives. Maldivian media reports said Dhiyana Saeed would hand hover her resignation to Foreign Ministr Ahmed Naseem, who is also the chairman of the SAARC Council of Ministers. The Maldives, Haveeru newspaper said she had come under fire from a sernior government official, following her participation at a news conference convened by lawyers to condemn what they saw as high-handed actions of the government in dealing with political dissent. In recent weeks, the Maldivian security forces arrested the country's Chief Criminal Court Judge Abdulla Mohamed and senior opposition leaders. Dhiyana told Haveeru that she had not violated the SAARC charter.

Broadcasting Commission condemns Government for broadcasting warning
The Maldives Broadcasting Commission has condemned the Government for warning the broadcasting systems of the country regarding withholding of the frequencies allotted to them if broadcasters fail to be responsible and balanced. The Commission in a media interview stated that Communication Minister Adil Saleem met them in his Ministry yesterday and conveyed the warning. Chairman of the Commission Badru Naseer said in the interview that the Commission was very concerned about this warning and stated that the Commission is an independent institution established under the law. The Commission is not functioning under the Communication Ministry and the Ministry has no mandate to govern the work of the Commission. Badru said they have circulated their concerns to the media in the Maldives and abroad. The Ministry's warning has come in the wake of the present political upheaval in the country amid growing criticism against the handling of the investigations of Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed and Qawmy Party Deputy Dr. Mohamed Jameel. Abdulla and Jameel were arrested against Court orders. Judge Abdulla Mohamed who has been arrested by Defence Forces four days ago has not been released even after the Supreme Court has ordered his release. There is growing concern and criticism from Opposition parties,lawyers and others over the denial of the release of the Judge. The Government defended their position by saying Judge Abdulla was arrested in the interest of national security and for upholding the honour of Judiciary. Government accuses Judge Abdulla as a serious obstruction of delivering justice,.However Lawyers and opposition have vigorously condemned the Government for not obeying the order of the Supreme Court as a fundamental to ensuring the new democratic rule established in the country.

MP Mustafa accuses former AG Azima ruled Judge Abdulla
Thimarafushi MP Mohamed Mustafa has accused former Attorney General Azima Shukoor was totally controlling Senior Judge of Criminal Court Abdulla Mohamed in the decisions of the Criminal Court. The outspoken MP who has become popular for criticising his own party MDP and opposition parties in different issues said so in a party meeting in Haruge Wednesday. Mustafa was speaking to express his support for arrest of Judge Abdulla fourdays ago by the Defence forces against a Court order not to arrest the judge. Mustafa's remarks have come at a time when MDP Government has been voicing their concern about the judiciary especially about the Chief Judge of the Criminal Court. The Government has accused some judges as a threat to enforcing justice. They have said Judge Abdulla was an obstruction to carrying out proper investigation of many serious criminals and lately that of former Justice Minister and Qawmy Party Deputy Leader Dr. Mohamed Jameel and the Party's Council member Sandhaanu Ahmed Didi. The Government has accused Jameel and Ahmed Didi of spreading false information about the Government on the issue of what these two describe as Government's anti Islamic activities. The Government has said spreading such false information is a threat to national security and stability of the country. Against the accusation of Thimarafushi MP Mustafa, Azima Shkoor has denied the story and announced that she will sue MP Mustafa for defamation.

SAARC Secretary General Diyana Saeed resigns after criticising Maldives Government
SAARC Secretary General Diyana Saeed has resigned from her post just three months after her appointment. She resigned after the Government of Maldives accused her of violating SAARC Charter following her criticism of the Government's refusal to obey the order of the Supreme Court to immediately release a senior judge of the Criminal Court who was arrested by the Maldivian Defence Forces four days ago. Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed was arrested and taken to a Military Training Centre in Girifushi island against an order of the High Court not to arrest him.

                 17 January 2012 | Tuesday                 

Government rejects orders of JSC, High Court, PG and Chief Justice to release him

Chief Judge of the Criminal Court, Abdullah Mohamed was arrested by the military last evening. In a joint operation of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Maldives Police Service, Judge Abdullah was arrested while he was at his residence with a group of judges.

Chief Justice urges the govt to immediately release Judge Abdullah

Chief Justice Ahmed Faiz has issued an order for the immediate release of Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdullah Mohamed who was arrested by the state military.  In the statement issued by the Chief Justice last evening stated that the arrest of the Chief Judge of the Criminal Court was conducted unlawfully. He stated that it is a crime punishable by law to cause any undue influence to the judges by way of intimidation or other means. Faiz said that the military and the government violated the rights of the Judges and breached the Judges Act by their arrest of Judge Abdullah. Faiz said that the protection of the rights of the Judges and the courts of law is an obligation upon every authority of the state. He said that all parties of the government should consider this responsibility and give the judges their due rights and respect. The Chief Judge also said that a judge can be arrested on the charges of any felony with a court order of a higher court. He said that this is the procedure followed by all democratic countries in the detainment of judges. “The breach of these regulations will be the instant when the nation will be brought to the brinks of darkness. The obstruction of the judiciary by any person of the society will be the destruction of the very foundation that which the society is established upon,” he said. Moreover, the Chief Justice also expressed concern over the actions of the government to arrest the Chief Judge of the Criminal Court. Meanwhile, the government and the military have so far rejected the calls of the Chief Justice, the Prosecutor General and other authorities for the release of Judge Abdullah.

Condemning the breach of the Consitution and Rule of Law by the Government of Mohamed Nasheed

The Supreme Court of the Maldives has today ordered (with Order Ref: 2012/SC-SJ01) the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to immediately release Justice Abdulla Mohamed, the Chief Judge of the Criminal Court of the Maldives, whom the MNDF illegally arrested last night, whilst peacefully residing at his residence in Male’, in front of his children and ill parents. However, the Government of Maldives has defied this order and are continuing to imprison him at an undisclosed location, thought to be a military base away from Male’, the capital city of Maldives. The Supreme Court’s Order was issued after the Government defied orders from the Criminal Court and the Prosecutor General last night, to release the Judge.

Judge Abdullah was arrested to uphold law: Zuhair

President’s Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair has said that the military arrested Chief Judge of the Criminal Court Abdullah Mohamed to uphold the law. Speaking to Miadhu Daily, Press Secretary Zuhair claimed that Judge Abdullah is charged with ethical misconduct. He said that he was arrested because the Judicial Service Commission has been procrastinating the investigation regarding these charges and has failed to take action against him.Zuhair claimed that upholding the constitution is a responsibility of the President and the armed forces. “In this regard the armed forces last evening decided to detain Judge Abdullah to conduct an investigation,” he said.

Official campaign of Feb 24 mass symposium to be launched soon
23 December Coalition has announced that the official campaign of the 24 February mass symposium will be launched on 24th of this month. Spokesperson of the 23 December coalition, Abdullah Mohamed informed the media that “the coalition decided to kick start the campaign on 24 th of this month because the day being the national day of the country holds great significance since this symposium will be more of a national struggle against oppression of all forms.”

Democracy Hijacked: Real Face of President Nasheed
As I write this article former amnesty prisoner of conscience and journalist Sandhaanu Ahmed Didi is lying on a hospital bed recovering from injuries inflicted by thugs from Maldives Democratic Party (MDP), President Nasheed's political party. MDP thugs including MDP Male' city councillor Afrah assaulted the frail Ahmed Didi severely beating him on the face and burning his neck with cigarettes. The night started with the illegal detention of deputy leader of Dhivehi Qaumee party and former Communications minister in President Nasheed's government Dr. Jameel. Dr. Jameel had also been arrested last night without any clear charges and the criminal court had ruled that such arrests violated the Constitution of the Maldives.

                 16 January 2012 | Monday                 

Court orders Dr. Jameel’s release from Dhoonidhoo detention center

The Criminal Court ordered the release of the Deputy Leader of opposition Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP), Dr. Mohamed Jameel after being arrested and kept in the notorious Dhoonidhoo detention center on the claims of disseminating unauthenticated and spurious information regarding the government to the media. Criminal Court Judge Abdullah Ghazi said that Dr. Jameel was arrested unlawfully. During the hearing, the representative from the Police said that Dr. Jameel was arrested to safe guard the society from his unfounded and deliberate false allegations against the government. The Police Officer said to the Judge that Dr. Jameel was arrested at the order of senior Police Official, Riyaz.  Dr. Jameel who was summoned to Maldives Police Service for the third time consecutively was arrested and taken to Dhoonidhoo detention center last evening at 20:30. Dr. Jameel was brought to Court at 10:50 at the appeal of the President of DQP, Dr. Hassan Saeed to court. During his arrest, Dr. Jameel told the public gathered near Police Head Quarters that this is the beginning of the end of the Presidency of President Mohamed Nasheed. He said that the government will witness this in the near future.

Opposition fails to prove their allegations against Government: Afeef
Home Minister Hassan Afeef has said that the opposition Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP) Deputy President Dr. Mohamed Jamel and Sandhaanu Ahmed Didi failed to prove their allegations against the government and President Mohamed Nasheed that the government was working with Jews and Christians to weaken the Islamic Unity of Maldives. At a press briefing held yesterday at Maldives Police Headquarters, Minister Afeef said that former Justice Minister Dr. Jameel confessed to the Police that his allegations were merely based on rumours and that he could not substantiate these allegations.

Those who cannot bear criticism should stay at home: Sheikh Imran

President of the opposition Adhaalath Party (Justice Party), Sheikh Imran Abdullah has said that those officials in the government who cannot bear objective criticism and freedom of speech should resign and stay in their homes.

World Bank publishes the report on higher education study in the Maldives
A research was done on Maldives higher education by the World Bank, and the report was published at a ceremony held on January 9, 2011, Monday, at Traders Hotel, at 12:00 p.m. The chief guest of the ceremony, Minister of Finance and Treasury Mohamed Shihaab did the honor of releasing the report to the public. This project was started in 2010, and the report was put together by a team of consultants from the World Bank. The major indications of the report are the development of the community in line of modern democracy, the hard work from the government of Maldives to expand a rapid economic growth, and the increment from 6% to 21% of the number of candidates who participated in higher education during the past 10 years.

Take a walk on the wild side of the Maldives
The Maldives: a honeymoon paradise where people take sunset strolls and spell out proposals of marriage in shells on powdery white beaches; where time slows down and life swims at the pace of the giant green turtles trawling the reefs. But there is another side to paradise – a side where the world’s top surfers gather to cut through gigantic curling waves; where catamarans slice through the crystal clear seas and scuba-divers explore the depths of submerged reefs. Last autumn, six former world champion surfers descended on the islands for its inaugural surfing competition. While the Maldives doesn’t quite measure up to Australia’s Gold Coast of South Africa’s Jeffrey’s Bay, waves averaging three to eight feet, and reaching well over 12 feet on a good day, are more than enough for most would-be surfers.

President Congratulates New Guatemala President
President Mohamed Nasheed has congratulated the new President of Guatemala Otto Perez Molina on his success in Guatemala’s election. President Nasheed’s message to President Molina reads as follows: “As you assume office as the President of Guatemala, the government and the people of the Maldives join me in conveying our heartfelt congratulations. Guatemala and the Maldives have enjoyed friendly relations through the years, and I look forward to further strengthening these ties in the years ahead. Please accept my best wishes for your good health and well-being, as well as for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Guatemala.”

Toned, tanned and tattooed: Bikini babe Tamara Ecclestone puts her body art on show during beach holiday
She's rumoured to be in talks to star in a second series of her reality show Billion $$ Girl. And Tamara Ecclestone appears to doing her very best to live up to that name. In newly-released pictures from her recent holiday in the Maldives, the 27-year-old heiress is seen enjoying her the sun and sea at her luxury resort.

Maldives magic: Sharks and spas (one more elusive than the other) in holiday heaven
The 'screamer' was my girlfriend, Isabelle, and we were in a group of eight people signed up for an open-water snorkelling excursion, two miles off the small island of Moofushi where we were staying. Constance Moofushi resort's dhoni had dropped us along a steep-sided, mile-long reef, widely considered to be one of the best diving and snorkelling spots in the world. Marine life is guaranteed but the big prize sightings – giant turtles, manta ray and sharks – are elusive. For 20 minutes we followed the current along the reef, marvelling at the coral cliff and endless schools of fish that darted about, changing direction and shade with the exotic grace and unison of perfectly choreographed dancers.

President visits Gulhi Falhu
President Mohamed Nasheed has yesterday afternoon visited Gulhi Fallhu. Gulhi Falhu is a reclaimed land being developed into an industrial and residential area by Global Projects Development Company. During the visit, the President observed the progress of the residential flats, the mosque and pre-school to be built in Gulhi Falhu. He also met with the local media, and answered questions posed to him regarding the Gulhi Falhu development project.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives At Kuda Huraa Reviewed
Diamonds thrown across sculpted folds of azure velvet, the Maldives, off India’s southwest coast, have enchanted visitors since the days of Sinbad. A delicate chain of 1,190 coral atolls fringed with dazzlingly white sand, time passes by tide and swell here. It is a fool’s game to choose the best or the brightest of them all, but Kuda Huraa – site of one of the most exclusive Four Seasons resorts on the planet – is a safe bet.

                 14 January 2012 | Saturday                 

Government is Obliged to Defend Itself against Allegations of Trying to Introduce Other Faiths into the Country – President Nasheed
Government to Cover Treatment of All Thalassaemic Patients within New Universal Health Insurance Programme “Aa Sandha”.

Speaking in his weekly radio address President Mohamed Nasheed has reaffirmed the government’s stance on those who make false and baseless allegations against the government and impressed upon the public, that measures would be reciprocated against them.

PNB identifies five countries for possible foray
Banking major Punjab National Bank (PNB) is looking to further expand its overseas presence and has identified at least five countries for possible entry in the coming days. Maldives, Singapore, Brazil, South Africa and Bangladesh are the five countries that the bank has identified for overseas foray, Mr K. R. Kamath, Chairman and Managing Director, PNB, told Business Line here. “Our board has cleared the bank's entry into Maldives. We are also looking at Singapore and Bangladesh. Surveys have also been done for countries like South Africa and Brazil,” Mr Kamath said. He also said that the bank would be interested in converting its representative office in Sydney into a branch or a subsidiary. PNB had in September last opened a representative office in Sydney, which was the tenth overseas destination for the bank. PNB has already received regulatory approval from the Reserve Bank of India for opening a subsidiary in Canada. It is still awaiting the nod of Canadian regulatory authorities for opening a subsidiary in that country. The bank has subsidiaries in London and Bhutan, besides many branches in Dubai, Hong Kong and Kabul. It also has a joint venture in Nepal

Lanka cracks down on porn, anti-govt websites
Following a Supreme Court order to register all websites in Sri Lanka, the government banned 30 websites and registered 45 of the total websites that sought approval. The controversial website registration and banning issue erupted late last year with media movements, the main opposition United National Party (UNP) and the United States condemning the move. However, the government has defended its stance in banning all pornographic sites and sites that carry inflammatory anti-government sentiments. Websites without a clear “contact details” espousing anti government sentiments are especially suspect, said sources.

India-Sri Lanka trade set to touch $4 b
Indo-Sri Lanka bi-lateral trade is likely to cross $4 billion in 2011, up from $ 3 billion in 2010, according to Mr Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka. Addressing a networking session on the last day of the three-day CII Partnership Summit 2012 on Friday, he said there were lot of opportunities for the two countries to partner for economic growth. “The Indo-Lanka Free Trade agreement had helped Sri Lanka to diversify its portfolio of exports to India,” he pointed out. He said Sri Lanka has come out with a string of incentives to overseas investors in strategic sector such as a 25-year tax holiday. He pointed out that this incentive was extended to NTPC, which is setting up a 500 mw power unit in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's import-export ratio is at present at 8:1. “But there is lot of untapped potential to reduce this mismatch,” the Minister said

Island magic
The Maldives are magical below the water – where you can swim with fish on coral reefs – and above it, writes GARY QUINN. I’M DROPPING HOOKS deep into the Indian Ocean, pulling fish out by hand. No rod or reel. They don’t even need bait: just the silver glint of the hook is enough to trap them. The smell of a newly caught fish is universal, the scales that cling to your hand a scattering of magic. Suddenly that magic pushes me through time and space and I’m a boy again on a riverbank in Donegal and my uncle is by my side, teaching me how to hold a fish firmly in my hand as I slip the hook from its lip and crack its skull with the back of a knife. I learned patience on that river bank and a 100 other lessons that have cast me up tonight on a yacht in the Maldives. My colleagues shout my name and suddenly my uncle is gone and I’m back floating under the stars, with champagne and warm night air the only distraction.

                 13 January 2012 | Friday                 

Supreme Court rejects AG’s request for the court’s opinion over the trade of alcohol

The Supreme Court has yesterday rejected the request of Attorney General’s Office for the opinion of the Supreme Court over the legality of importing alcohol and pork and selling them to tourists in the luxury resorts of Maldives. In yesterday’s hearing, Chief Justice Usthaz Ahmed Faiz Hussein said that the seven judges of the Supreme Court bench unanimously decided to reject the case filed by the Attorney General on the grounds that the case does not need a verdict at the Supreme Court. Chief Justice noted that alcohol and pork are imported to Maldives legally under a regulation that exempts it from the list of products that are illegal to be imported to Maldives. Faiz said that so far there is no law that annuls this provision of the Contraband Act. Representative of the Attorney General’s Office said that many investors have been expressing their concern over the controversy raised in the country regarding the legality of the trade of alcohol and pork and also the legality of spas in the resorts. Meanwhile, the Attorney General Muizz earlier said that the recent unrest caused by fringe groups calling to implement strict measures and banning some vital services of the tourism industry is driving away the many foreign investors. With the current clash of different ideologies, it is imperative that the Supreme Court settles the differences by ruling on the legality of alcohol and pork trade, said Muizz.

We welcome the admission that the previous regime was an immature one by the Gayoom's Spokesman: Zuhair

Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair has said that he welcomes the admission that the previous regime was an immature one by Mohamed Hussein Shareef (Mundhu), the translator of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Zuhair said that it took some years for the light of Islam to conquer the darkness of the age of Jaahiliyyah. He said that it might be that history is repeating itself. “Today people are learning to accept the importance of the role of the media. Even those people who kept the media in chains have now realized this. This is the change we wanted. This is the change we worked for,” he said. “Last evening Mohamed Hussein Shareef said that only immature governments will not accept others to criticize their faults and mistakes. This shows that he has accepted the fact that Gayoom’s regime was immature. Gayoom suppressed the media by arresting and punishing anyone that even speaks a single word against his government. This is well know,” he said. Zuhair said that it is not possible for anyone to deny this reality. He added that he commends this statement of the translator of the Former President.

Government intimidating media is a setback for democracy: DRP
Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has questioned the Government's honesty about controlling dissemination of clearly unauthenticated and spurious information' as justification to obstruct the freedom of speech and urges the government to stop its intimidation against the media. The DRP in a press release said the recent warning of Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhar to the media is simply an attempt to silence media. DRP said that the attempts by the government to interfere in the broadcasting and publication of information on the opposition criticism of the government raise serious concerns regarding freedom of the media. The main opposition party said that the government have failed to fulfill their own vows to the people and should expect the criticism from the opposition. DRP said that the current regime deserves all the criticism raised by the opposition. DRP noted that the government has been challenging the Islamic unity of Maldives and the constitution up until the day they came to power.

Coco Palm Bodu Hithi is paradise in the Maldives
Coco Palm Bodu Hithi is situated on the private island of Bodu Hithi in the North Male’ Atoll, approximately 40 minutes luxury speedboat ride from Male’ International Airport. One of the many atoll islands dispersed in the Indian Ocean, the island is rich in vegetation with naturally designed sandy walkways and coconut trees, edged with white sandy beaches, turquoise seas and isolated sand banks. The ambience of the island is enchanting for even the most discerning of guests.

REFILE-Indian shares post highest weekly close in five weeks
Banks were among the gainers, with the country's top lender State Bank of India and rival ICICI Bank rising 0.66 percent and 1.03 percent respectively, on expectations of an easing interest rate cycle. The banking index rose 0.5 percent. The main 30-share BSE index ended up 0.73 percent, or 117.11 points, at 16,154.62, with 20 of its components in the green. The benchmark was one of the world's worst performers in 2011, falling almost a quarter.

Maldives Winters Specials from World Surfaris USA
With winter in full swing and cold water at most beaches, now is the time to plan your next trip to tropical warm water perfection. We are pleased to announce our Maldives Winter Specials on all our Maldives resort and charter packages. Whether you are looking for un-crowded charters in the Outer Atolls and Central Atolls, or one of our charters or resorts in the Male area, we have the right options to fit your group and waves you are looking for. As an added bonus, we are also offering two trips in the Outer Atolls on the Handhu Fahli with a professional photographer onboard (see below details).

Six die in Indian Kashmir freeze

Six people have died during a cold snap in Indian Kashmir, including a pregnant woman who was unable to reach hospital after heavy snowfall blocked local roads, officials said Wednesday. Snow and freezing temperatures have severed road links, downed electricity and telephone lines, and led to widespread power cuts and water shortages in the restive region of more than 10 million people. Police said a total of six people had perished in the weather, the coldest in the past two decades according to the local weather office. Khati Begam, a pregnant woman in the southern village of Narastan, developed abdominal pains on Monday but relatives were unable to take her to hospital because the local roads were all closed. Her husband, Bashir Gujjar, told AFP he and others eventually carried her on a bed to a neighbouring town eight kilometres (five miles) away but she died before they reached the hospital on Tuesday. After heavy snowfall on Saturday, local officials say electricity has been restored in most parts of the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley and the main highway connecting the region with the rest of India has been re-opened.

                 12 January 2012 | Thursday                 

Zuhair calls on the media to refrain from dissemination of false news in breach of journalism ethics

The Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair has called on national mass media to strictly refrain from the broadcasting and dissemination of clearly unauthenticated and spurious information in breach of journalism ethics.  Zuhair made this statement while speaking at a press conference held yesterday at the President’s Office. The Press Secretary also added that the propagation of unauthenticated information amounts to impermissible religious innovation and maybe considered as a criminal offence in many instances. Zuhair warned the media that necessary steps will be taken against all media outlets that spread false information regarding the government. He said that to make false claims against the government to instigate the masses against the government is a criminal offence. In addition to this, Zuhair denied the accusations of the government being run by the influence of foreign Christian missionaries. He said dismissed the claims as a shameless lie which was reiterated by the opposition since the Presidential Elections of 2008.

Nasheed is a threat to investors: Zuhair
Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair has accused Kulhudhufushi MP Mohamed Nasheed of being a threat and a danger to foreign investors. Speaking to the media in a press conference held at the President’s Office yesterday, Press Secretary Zuhair said that MP Nasheed has caused a loss of more than 400 million US dollars. He said that Nasheed does not consider this great loss to that state and he disregards the many expenses of the government for the development of Kulhudhufushi constituency. Zuhair made this remark in view of MP Nasheed’s recent contest of the government’s decision to deduct the revenue of US$25 million from GMR’s concession fee claiming that the government is circumventing the Civil Court’s ruling against a US$25 Airport Development Charge (ADC). MP Nasheed debated that no agreement between the government and GMR can undo the Civil Court’s ruling against the ADC. He said that the verdict of the Civil Court cannot be overturned since it was not nullified by any Superior Court so far.

National Drug Control Council inaugurated
Following establishment of the “National Drug Control Council” in accordance with Law No 17/ 2011 of the Drugs Act, President Mohamed Nasheed has inaugurated the National Drugs Control Council today. The National Drug Control Council is a government body that will advise the President on the prevention of illegal drug use and drug trafficking in the Maldives, and administer the establishment of rehabilitation programmes in the country. The members of the National Drug Control Council are Vice President, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister of Education, the Minister of Health and Family, the Minister of Human Resources Youth and Sports, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, the Attorney General, the Commissioner General of Customs, the Controller of Immigration and Emigration, the Chief of Defence Force, the Commissioner of Police and the Prosecutor General. The President of the National Drug Control Council is Vice President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik. Following establishment of the National Drug Control Council, the Narcotics Control Council has been abolished.

President Mohamed Nasheed amongst the Key Spaeakers among the GMM Conference

Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy Admiral Nirmal Verma Calls on the President

Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, Admiral Nirmal Verma has paid a courtesy call on the President. The call was held yesterday morning at the President’s Office. The admiral and the President discussed the historic close friendly relations existing between the Maldives and India, and ways to enhance these relations by strengthening shared national concerns in the areas of maritime security and coordinating surveillance efforts in this area. The admiral said that it was a great pleasure to have had the opportunity to meet with the President and congratulated him for his efforts in consolidating democracy. At the meeting the President noted the importance of security for the development of the Maldives and stressed that the assistance of the Indian Navy in this regard was much appreciated. The admiral assured the Indian Navy would continue to work together to ensure enhanced maritime safety and security in the region.

Celebrate in the Maldives
Those wanting to head to a holiday hotspot for 2012, should choose the Maldives – as its celebrating 40 years of tourism this year! This string of picture-perfect private islands has gone up in the world since its barefoot simplicity in the seventies, with resorts such as Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort offering a wealth of luxurious facilities including an over-water à la carte restaurant, infinity pool, gym and a Sun Spa. Located in the South Nilandhe Atoll, this beautiful resort is surrounded by lush green vegetation, tall coconut palms and white sandy beaches, with a beautiful lagoon one side and a reef the other - ideal for snorkelling and diving

Foreign Ministry Response to Amnesty International
Foreign Ministry of the Republic of the Maldives yesterday issued the following response to recent press releases from Amnesty International regarding the arrest, detention and release of Mr. Ismail Khilath Rasheed: “Mr. Ismail Khilath Rasheed, a Maldivian national, was released from police custody on January 6th 2012. He had been held in police custody since December 14th 2011 following his arrest for his involvement in an unlawful assembly held on December 10th in the capital, Male’.

TUI reports weaker UK bookings
TUI has reported an 11% drop in bookings in the UK for summer 2012 compared to last year. In its annual report released to shareholders on Friday, the travel giant said the drop was partly down to a 9% reduction in UK capacity. It has currently sold 19% of the programme in the UK market. But TUI said average selling price is up 9%, partly reflecting cost inflation of approximately 5% and the higher proportion of differentiated products sold, which currently account for 65% of sales, up eight percentage points on last year. Meanwhile, for winter 2011/2012 UK volumes sold since TUI’s previous update are down 12%. TUI said this highlights the later booking profile compared with last year. "This slow down is being driven by the continuing issues in North Africa and a weaker consumer environment," it said. UK winter capacity has also been reduced by 9%, mostly coming out of Egypt and Tunisia. Booked load factor remains broadly in line with prior year at 48%. Looking forward, TUI’s report said: "We remain cautious about 2012, given the continued economic uncertainty in Europe, a slow recovery of demand to North African destinations and increased volatility in fuel prices and currency exchange rates," said the report. "There is, however, every reason to believe that the demand for leisure travel will continue to experience robust growth in the long term. TUI Travel has already proved resilient in a challenging market environment and, with a heritage in leisure travel and a diverse range of experiences on offer, the company is well placed."

Firms make 10 bids for huge French wind farm project: source
French and Spanish companies have put in 10 bids to build hundreds of wind turbines off France's Atlantic coast and in the English Channel, a source close to the project said on Wednesday. The bids come from consortiums put together by French energy giants EDF and GDF and Spanish utility Iberdrola, the source told AFP.