29 July 2010 | Thursday                 

President Ratifies Local Council Election Bill

President Mohamed Nasheed has ratified the Local Council bill which was passed by the People’s Majlis on 12 July 2010. Following ratification, the bill has been published in the Government Gazette. The Act specifies the election of members to Atoll Councils, City Councils and Island Councils. The bill was originally returned to parliament by the President, because the bill could potentially deny many citizens the right to vote. However, the Act now allows all eligible Maldivians to vote in locals elections from anywhere in the country and also from outside the country.

President to launch development projects in Kulhudhuffushi
President Mohamed Nasheed has this afternoon begun a visit to Kulhudhuffushi. During his visit, the President will launch water supply project, road construction project and the housing project in Kulhudhuffushi. The launching of the three projects will be held at a special function this evening. President Nasheed is scheduled to speak at the function.

President sends sympathy to Pakistani President
President Mohamed Nasheed has sent a message of sympathy to President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan following the plane crash near Margalla hills. The President’s message reads as follows:
Quote:
I was deeply shocked and grieved to learn about the crash of an Airblue plane near Margalla hills, leaving all passengers and crew dead. As Pakistan mourn this tragedy, the Government and people of the Maldives and I convey our heartfelt sympathy to Your Excellency, the Government and the people of Pakistan. Our hearts go out to all the families who have lost their loved ones.
Unquote

President Optimistic of Talks Progress
President Nasheed has welcomed the ongoing all party talks which aim to break the political deadlock in the country. The ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has met with opposition parties on two occasions since the President called for talks last week. The talks commenced on Sunday 25 July. Parties also met on Tuesday 27 July. “I very much welcome the ongoing discussions and I am optimistic that the parties will reach a productive outcome,” the President said. “There are people in all parties who are rational, reasonable and respectable and who would like this country to succeed.” “I believe it is time for the voices of reason and compromise to step forward and leave behind those who hanker for a return to the authoritarian past,” the President added. The main opposition party, the Dhivehi Raiyyitunge Party (DRP), which is led by Thasmeen Ali, met with the ruling MDP. Smaller opposition parties, including the People’s Alliance, which is led by Abdulla Yameen, the Jumhooree Party, led by Gasim Ibrahim, and the DQP, led by Hassan Saeed, were also represented at the talks as coalition partners of the DRP.

Whether Glaciers Float May Affect Sea-Level Rise
Glaciers that detach from the seafloor and begin floating create larger icebergs than glaciers that stay on the sea floor, researchers have found. Floating glaciers also produce icebergs more erratically. These new observations may help researchers better understand and predict iceberg production from glaciers and ice sheets, improving estimates of sea-level rise due to climate change.

UN declares access to clean water a human right
“The Good Part is UN is Totally Blind When isreal closes Water for Palestinian for as many days as Jewish wish.” The UN General Assembly on Wednesday recognized access to clean water and sanitation as a human right, a move hailed by water advocates as a momentous step toward a future treaty. After more than 15 years of contentious debate on the issue, 122 countries voted in favor of a compromise Bolivian resolution enshrining the right, while the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia and 37 other nations abstained.

Gulf beach closures up 10-fold since spill: report
Oil from the Gulf of Mexico spill has forced authorities to close or post water quality warnings at one in five beaches in the 100 days since the crisis began, a report said Wednesday. Forty-nine of 253 stretches of beach in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida have had to close or post warnings for swimmers as a result of the spill, the report by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) said.

                 28 July 2010 | Wednesday                 

VP Praises Law Enforcers, Secures Confidence

Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed inaugurating the new Police compound at Iskandharu Building praised Maldives Police services. He said ensuring rule of law and protecting the rights of the people were the primary duties of police. He said while the key to people’s happiness and society’s strength was their confidence in rule of law and justice, it was a responsibility of police to ensure rule of law in the country. VP underlined the importance of police integrity and people’s perception of police service said police integrity could only be maintained by impartially discharging their duties in protecting the rule of law and promoting justice. The 9 storey building at Iskandharu Koshi is another police post in Male’ with several other posts in different areas are for easy access to protect law and order in the capital city.
The Commissioner of Police Ahmed Faseeh said the building would ease the difficulties faced by lack of space and thus help improve the quality of services to the people. Iskandharu Building is facilitated and equipped with modern technologies for forensic investigation of crimes.

First Maldivian Flying School Opens

The very first flying school in the country inaugurated yesterday in Gan, Addu Atoll as the country celebrated its 45th independence day. The school was inaugurated by the reinstated Minister of Defence and National Security Ameen Faisal. The new school opens new opportunities for the most lucrative transport sector in the country providing jobs and new markets. Speaking at the function the minister said an agreement was made to help serve the country’s armed forces apart from training pilots. He did not mention any terms with the school but training will be provided with from the Asian Academy of Aero Nautics Institute. The institute is running courses in Europe and Colombo. The Chairman of the institute Ali Akbar Jivanji said the Addu flying school could not have been established without support from other groups and individuals. He also said the school has already received several applications for training that range the course fee from Mrf. 95, 000 to half Million. With placement for Maldivians a quarter of its capacity the school says will be giving a 10% discount to Maldivian students studying in the school.

Salman Khan donates blood in Maldives

Salman Khan inaugurated the blood donation camp at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Maldives and even donated blood. His initiative was part of the annual India-Maldives friendship festival 2010. President Mohamed Nasheed, the First Lady Laila Ali Abdulla, a few ministers and senior officials of the government attended the blood donation ceremony. After the camp, Sallu judged a children's painting exhibition at the Iskandhar School. He requested the media to remain outside so he could enjoy his time with the kids. Apart from selecting the best paintings, he discussed painting with the kids. And on their request, he even sang a few songs and danced with them. This isn't the first time the actor has been part of a charity programme in Maldives. In the past, he participated in the Medical Assistance Programme at Villingili Children's Home.

Indian pilot kidnapped in Congo
India is in touch with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and is trying to ascertain details about an Indian pilot who was kidnapped by Congolese rebels recently. India is in touch with the central African nation's government over the safety of the pilot, said official sources. Congolese rebels took the Indian, who was working as a co-pilot, hostage when they attacked an aircraft on a remote airstrip in a tin mining area of Walikale in the country's North Kivu province.

Indian Ocean Island Nations Plan Joint Naval Force to Fight Somali Piracy
Four Indian Ocean island nations and the French territory of Reunion plan to form a joint naval force to help combat pirates from Somalia, and they want the European Union to finance it, the foreign minister of Comoros said. Comoros, Mauritius, Madagascar, the Seychelles and France’s Reunion territory are negotiating the formation of the force, Fahmi Said Ibrahim El Maceli said late yesterday in an interview in the Ugandan capital, Kampala. They have already approached EU officials about possible funding, he said, declining to mention how much money they are seeking or the initial EU response to their request.

                 27 July 2010 | Tuesday                 

President reaffirms commitment to democratic consolidation

President Mohamed Nasheed has said he will fulfill the mandate given by the people to consolidate democracy and create foundations of good governance in the Maldives. Addressing the nation at a special flag-raising ceremony at the Jumhooree Maidhan on Monday morning to start off Independence Day celebrations, President Nasheed said the government would remain resolute in freeing the country from the “bondage of corruption”. “As the flag of independence flies high, it is a greater national duty to free the country from suspicions in the hearts of the people that bribery and corruption have taken root in the legislature and the judiciary,” he said.

State Dignitary Ibrahim Rasheed inaugurates Velaanaage

State Dignitary Ibrahim Rasheed has inaugurated Velaanaage, the office complex built on the housing compound of the residence of the Velaanaage family who had rendered invaluable services to the Maldives. Summuwwul Ameer Ibrahim Nasir, the first President of the Second Republic of the Maldives, lived in Velaanaage.

Ensuring rule of law and protecting the rights of the people are the primary duties of police – Vice President

Speaking after inaugurating the Maldives Police Service’s Iskandharu Building, Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed said ensuring rule of law and protecting the rights of the people were the primary duties of police. He said while the key to people’s happiness and society’s strength was their confidence in rule of law and justice, it was a responsibility of police to ensure rule of law in the country. Further, the Vice President underscored the importance of police integrity and people’s perception of police service. He said police integrity could only be maintained by impartially discharging their duties in protecting the rule of law and promoting justice. In his remarks at the ceremony held at Iskandharu Koshi, to inaugurate the building, Commissioner of Police Ahmed Faseeh said the building would ease the difficulties faced by lack of space and thus help improve the quality of services to the people. Iskandharu Building houses modern technologies for forensic investigation of crimes.

Giving Power to the People is Pivotal to national sovereignty – Vice President
In his message on the occasion of the country’s 45th Independence Day, Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has said the most important purpose of maintaining national sovereignty was to give power to the people. Emphasising the importance of defending the country’s independence, the Vice President said we must be vigilant against potential threats that we might face, both externally and internally. Referring to the current political impasse, Dr Waheed highlighted the importance of dialogue to resolve the issue. He added that compromises have to be made to resolve political disputes. The Vice President also called on all parties to put forward national interest.

President Nasheed inaugurates new National Museum

President Mohamed Nasheed has today inaugurated the new National Museum. The inauguration ceremony was held this morning as part of the Independence Day celebrations. Speaking at the function, the President noted that the Maldives has a long history and that the Maldives has a written history of more than 1,000 years. He added the Maldives has a recorded history that is rich and colourful. The President said the lessons from history teach us to respect and uphold human rights. He said that Maldivians, today, will not tolerate any form of abuse or torture. The President, in his speech, also thanked everyone involved in the Museum project. “I would especially like to thank Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao, the government and the people of China,” said the President. The new museum complex was built with the assistance of the Chinese government. First Lady Madam Laila Ali, Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed and his wife Madam Ilham Hussain also attended the function.

First Lady inaugurates Correctional Training Centre for Children in Feydhoofinolhu

First Lady Madam Laila Ali has today officially opened the Correctional Training Centre for Children in Feydhoofinolhu. During her visit to the centre, Madam Laila inspected paintings and handicraft work done by the children in the centre. She also met with some of the children at the centre and inquired about their well-being.

President meets with visiting diplomats
President Mohamed Nasheed has today met with some Ambassadors visiting the Maldives to participate in the 45th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives. He met with the South Korean Ambassador Mr Choi Ki-Chui, Turkish Ambassador Mr. Levent Bilman, US Ambassador Ms Patricia A. Butenis and the EU Ambassador Mr Bernard Savage, who was also accompanied by the French Ambassador and the German Ambassador. The four separate meetings were held this afternoon at the Official Residence of the President, Mulee-aage. Discussions at the meeting were focused on developmental efforts by the Maldives and the current political impasse. President Nasheed reaffirmed his commitment to consolidate democracy and protect human rights. The ambassadors assured the President of their willingness to assist the Maldives in everyway possible. The ambassadors also conveyed Independence Day greetings to the government and the people of Maldives on behalf of their respective governments and on their own behalf.

                 25 July 2010 | Sunday                 

President Nasheed hosts a luncheon in honour of Salman Khan

President Mohamed Nasheed has today hosted a luncheon in honour of visiting Indian actor Mr Salman Khan. Number of local artists from the Maldivian film industry also attended the luncheon held at Taj Exotica Resort Spa, this afternoon. Mr Khan is visiting the Maldives to participate in the India-Maldives Friendship Festival 2010 which began last evening.

President Nasheed inaugurates India-Maldives Friendship Festival 2010

President Mohamed Nasheed has last evening, inaugurated India-Maldives Friendship Festival 2010 being organized by the High Commission of India in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the India Club of the Maldives. The inauguration function was held at Dharubaaruge. In addition to President Nasheed and Madam Laila Ali, the Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed and his wife Madam Ilham Hussain, senior government officials, the Indian High Commissioner as well as a number of Indian nationals in the Maldives attended the function. Famous Indian film actor Salman Khan was a special guest at the function. Speaking at the function, President Nasheed thanked Indian High Commission, the GMR infrastructure and the India Club of Maldives for organizing such an event. He also thanked Mr Khan for visiting the Maldives and commended him for all his humanitarian efforts. At Saturday evening’s function, GMR announced 10 scholarships for higher education to the Maldivian students.

Indian Bank Q1 net profit up by 11%
State sector lender Indian Bank today reported a growth of 11 per cent at Rs 368.15 crore in net profit for the first quarter, ended June 30. It had a net profit of Rs 331.66 crore during the corresponding quarter of the last fiscal, Indian bank said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange. The bank also reported a 11.07 per cent increase in its total income for the first quarter at Rs 2,477.25 crore, as against Rs 2,230.39 crore, it added.

Has Peace Brought Happiness To Sri Lanka?
Since the bloody 30 year war ended in a shoot-out in a remote mangrove in the North, in Colombo we have all been enjoying a semblance of peace. Of course there are yet no strong institutions which would boost Sri Lanka’s democracy. Good discipline is sadly lacking at all levels for peace to grow. The bottom line is this. Discipline should be part and parcel set down in the laws of the country. Unfortunately, we have a situation where laws in this country are still arbitrarily invoked and applied by individuals or authorities

One killed, 12 hurt in Indian MiG crash
A farmer died and at least 12 other people were injured on Saturday when a Soviet-era MiG-27 Indian war plane crashed into a village in eastern India, police said. The pilot ejected before the crash in Moinagudi village, some 600km north of the West Bengal state capital Kolkata, Indian Air Force spokesman Rajib Sahoo told AFP. "The MiG-27 was on a routine sortie when it crashed into the village killing one person and injuring 12 others on the ground," the official said.

Great chance for Lanka to become No 1: Sanga
That Sri Lanka are sitting on the cusp and are one win away from becoming the number one Test team is the world is no longer a secret. Should Kumar Sangakkara’s men win the ongoing series against India by a margin of 2-0 or better, they will dislodge India from the summit and occupy top-dog status. In the event of that transpiring, it will inevitably trigger further discussions about the rankings system that allows a team to reach the number one status without ever winning a Test series in the three countries ranked immediately below it. Only on Thursday, the Sri Lankan skipper had casually queried India’s position at the helm. Faced with the prospect of his own team ascending the throne despite not winning Test series in India, Australia and South Africa, Sangakkara had this to say, “It’s great opportunity for us. It’ll be good if we can covert it. Hopefully, it’ll be an added motivation for us.”

                 24 July 2010 | Saturday                 

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa re-opens with 20 Ocean Villas
The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has been re-launched with the addition of 20 new Ocean Villas located on the eastern side of the island. The new 20 Ocean Villas, designed by P49 from Thailand, round off the resort’s inventory for a total of 176 rooms. The design is highlighted by spacious outdoor living space, including plunge pool, dining area, hammock, outdoor shower and a large garden seating area. Interiors include the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed, a large bathroom with stand alone tub and walk-in closet. According to a report in www.hoteldesigns.co.uk, in addition to the 20 new Ocean Villas, Sheraton Maldives has introduced the following new features to the resort in the last six months: Sheraton has completed an eight million pound renovation on all its 156 rooms. All upgrades, also designed by P49, include a total soft refurbishment, enhanced lighting and fixtures, re-worked floors and bathroom enhancements. It has the new signature restaurant Sea Salt; Anchorage Bar, which boasts day beds and lounges and Shine Spa, which has six treatment rooms.

No change in Sri Lanka's stance on UN panel
A senior government minister said Sri Lankan government has not changed its stance on the Panel of Experts appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General and stressed that it will not be changed. The Government Spokesman and the Minister of Mass Media and Information Keheliya Rambukwella addressing the media said the government has communicated its strong protest about the appointment of this Panel and it is waiting for the response from the UN Secretary-General. Rambukwella said that many friendly nations of Sri Lanka have expressed their objection to the illegal Panel. "The UN Secretary-General rather than acting on his own wish should have come through the UN General Council or the Security Council with the approval of the members States when handling the issues like this," the Minister said. Sri Lanka has vehemently protested the appointment of the three-member Panel which according to the UN Chief Ban Ki-moon is advisory in its function and not investigatory.

LTTE diaries may prove foreign link
According to the defence ministry, the diaries and the documents have so far yielded vital information about the LTTE's alleged involvement in human trafficking, arms smuggling and financial dealings in east Asia, western Europe, Canada and Africa. The documents have also revealed information about LTTE investments around the world and transactions connected to the group's shipping operations. The defence ministry claimed that Lankan intelligence agencies were on the verge of arresting an LTTE cadre Narendran, a Tamilian married to a Russian, operating from a country in Europe.

Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant floats cheaper way to cool down, save fish
The owner of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant is angling for another chance to save Hudson River fish. The utility company Entergy has been under the gun since the state charged it violated water quality standards by flushing heated water into the river, killing a billion fish a year. The Department of Environmental Conservation has mandated that Entergy install a new cooling system or shut down in 2015.

                 23 July 2010 | Friday                 

U.S. Diplomat Tries to Mediate Dispute in Islamic Nation of 315,000 People
Hoping to help resolve the constitutional crisis unfolding on the tiny Islamic island nation, the U.S. government dispatched Robert Blake, assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, to the Maldives. The country of little more than 300,000 people has endured violent street protests, prompting travel advisories from the American and British governments since trouble erupted between the president and parliament. Blake had served as ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives from 2006 to 2009. President Mohamed Nasheed, who became the country’s first popularly-elected leader in October 2008, has claimed opposition leaders in parliament are stonewalling his reform plans. The stalemate led to a mass resignation of Nasheed’s cabinet, leaving the government in limbo.

Maldives welcome foreign mediation
The Indian Ocean island of Maldives said it welcomed help from international community to resolve an internal political deadlock stemming from a battle between the president and parliament. "We are extremely grateful to our friends and partners in the international communities (sic), who are trying to help us resolve the political impasse," a statement from the office of Maldives President Nasheed said. On Thursday, the US Assistant Secretary of State MrRobert Blake visited the Maldives. "Earlier this month, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the Maldives and played an important role in helping to foster dialogue between opposition parties and the government," the statement said.

Maldives Market Tapped by CableNET, Harmonic
Harmonic (News - Alert) has announced that its digital video processing and delivery products have been deployed by CableNET, a cable TV provider in the Republic of Maldives, for the first high definition and near video-on-demand network in the Maldives. CableNET serves 100,000 customers through its cable service in the capital city of Male and surrounding islands, and via a multichannel multipoint distribution service throughout the rest of the country. Harmonic officials say they provide "the digital infrastructure to run simultaneous cable and MMDS services to the entire country with a single bandwidth-efficient MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) headend," making it possible, as they say, for CableNET to be "the first operator in the Maldives to provide MPEG-4 SD and HD, nVOD and digital channel mosaic services."

Weekly Radio Address: President discusses development projects on Independence Day
In his weekly radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed spoke on developmental projects to be launched on Monday, which is the Independence Day of the Maldives. The President revealed housing projects would begin in Thinadhoo and Kolamaafushi on Monday, while similar projects would be launched in four other islands including Kulhudhuffushi, Manadhoo, Naifaru and Feydhoo of Addu atoll soon. He added that the government was “extremely pleased” that housing projects could start outside the capital. Providing social housing is the remaining key pledge of the President’s government that has yet to see implementation work. Speaking on other infrastructure projects that would start on Monday, the President said road project would begin in Kulhudhuffushi, while several harbour projects would also be started. He added that road projects in Thinadhoo, Addu atoll, Fuahmulah and Laamu atoll would also start soon. On the Independence Day programme in the capital, he said the new National Museum, Velaanaage complex, a new building for the Defence Ministry and a new building for the Police would be officially opened. The President also discussed some of the historical aspects of the Independence Day. The President paid tribute to President Nasir for his efforts to secure full independence for the country. “We see, through documents and photos, the work done by Ibrahim Nasir and his officials in securing independence and revoking the protectorate treaty with the British,” said the President. “We all must be grateful to them. They rendered an outstanding national service”. The Maldives marks its Independence Day on 26 July in commemoration of its full independence from the British. The Maldives was a British protectorate from 1887 to 25 July 1965. Maldives gained full independence on 26 July 1965 under the premiership of late Ibrahim Nasir Rannabandeyri Kilegefaanu. Ibrahim Nasir later became the first President of the Second Republic from 1968 to 1978.

President nominates Uz Ahmed Faiz Hussain as Chief Justice

President Mohamed Nasheed has proposed the name of the Supreme Court Judge Uz Ahmed Faiz Hussain as Chief Justice to the People’s Majlis for its confirmation, today. The President made the nomination in accordance with Article 147 and Article 297 (a) of the Constitution. Article 147 states that there shall be a Chief Justice of the Maldives and the President shall appoint the Chief Justice after consulting with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and confirmation of the appointee by the People’s Majlis. Earlier, the President consulted with the JSC on the matter of nominating a Chief Justice. Article 297 (a) states that within two years of the commencement of the Constitution, appointments to post shall be finalized in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. Uz Ahmed Faiz Hussain has also served as a Judge at the Civil Court and the High Court. In the letter to the Speaker of the People’s Majlis proposing the name, the President urged the Speaker to expedite the process of confirming the President’s nomination as the Chief Justice of the Maldives.

Parties must choose which system of government they want - Zuhair
Press Secretary Zuhair has said that political parties must choose which system of government they want: either a presidential or a parliamentary system. “Regardless of the system of government chosen, one thing remains clear: the chosen system must be allowed to function effectively,” said Press Secretary Zuhair. Zuhair said that “technical issues” in the current constitution allowed a simple majority in parliament to effectively hold the executive to ransom. “The Majlis is designed to be a check and balance on the power of the executive and it should hold the executive to account. But the constitution currently allows a simple majority in parliament to obstruct the core functions of the executive, such as raising taxes and providing subsidies," said the Press Secretary. “This constitutional muddle is making it difficult to run the country,” added Zuhair. "If political parties want a Presidential system of government, they must allow that system to operate effectively,” he noted. "If the parties want a parliamentary system, then they must ask the people in a referendum, amend the constitution accordingly and hold fresh parliamentary elections,” said Zuhair. “The President has said if political parties opt for a parliamentary system, he is also prepared to stand in the parliamentary elections that would ensue,” added Zuhair. “MPs must not, however, try and create a parliamentary system by stealth through passing laws that grant them ever more power,” the Press Secretary said. "What is of paramount importance is that we consolidate democracy in the Maldives. That is something the government is determined to see through," he stated.

Government Welcomes International Offers of Assistance to Resolve Political Impasse
The government has welcomed offers of assistance from friends in the international community to help resolve the current political impasse in the country. Earlier this month, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the Maldives and played an important role in helping to foster dialogue between opposition parties and the government. On Thursday, the US Assistant Secretary of State Mr. Robert Blake will visit the Maldives, after concluding a visit to Sri Lanka. Mr Blake’s arrival follows a visit by the US Ambassador for the Maldives, Patricia Butenis, in the first week of July. The government has also received offers of help and support from India, the European Union and the Commonwealth. “We are extremely grateful to our friends and partners in the international communities, who are trying to help us resolve the political crisis,” said Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair. Press Secretary Zuhair said that the government was also looking forward to assistance from the International Parliamentary Union, who are due to visit the country shortly to promote better understanding of the limits of power and the role of checks and balances in a well functioning democracy. The government has also asked the International Commission of Jurists to assist the Maldivian judiciary, the Press Secretary noted.

                 22 July 2010 | Thursday                 

Government ready for talks with opposition – President Nasheed

President Mohamed Nasheed has said that the government is ready to hold talks with opposition parties to resolve the current political impasse. Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, the President said the government is open to dialogue with the opposition to create “immediate and long-term solutions.” The President suggested, long-term, that the Constitution should be amended to rectify elements within it that led to political deadlock. “The Constitution, as it is, allows core executive functions to be obstructed by the parliament, including national development policies and the provision of basic services to the people,” he said.

The Bangladeshi High Commissioner pays farewell call on the President

The Bangladeshi High Commissioner to the Maldives, Professor Selina Mohsin, made her farewell call to President Nasheed today. In the meeting held this morning at the President’s Office, the President thanked Professor Mohsin for her efforts to further enhance bilateral ties between the Maldives and Bangladesh. President also briefed Professor Mohsin on the current political situation in the Maldives. Professor Mohsin said that it was a great pleasure to serve the Maldives as Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to the Maldives. Further, she thanked the President for the support and assistance that she had received from the Government throughout her tenure. The Bangladeshi High Commissioner also said during her time in the Maldives, she had witnessed Maldives transition “from a non-democratic government to a democratic government” and expressed confidence that the Maldives will be able to consolidate democracy. She also commended the President for his “concerted efforts” to raise the profile of climate change in the global arena. The call was also attended by Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed, Advisor on Political Affairs Hassan Afeef and Foreign Minister Dr Ahmed Shaheed. Hundreds of Bangladesh people living in Maldives has reprted raajjenews that they have lodged several complaints to their different authorities about Selina’s corruption affairs,

US official visits Maldives to break deadlock
A senior US diplomat is to visit the Maldives in an effort to end the political crisis in the Indian Ocean nation. The country has been in limbo since the mass resignation of the cabinet, who claimed the opposition-led parliament were blocking their every move. Four MPs have been arrested for alleged bribery.

UN in fresh bid to salvage international deal on climate change
Under the plans, countries could be forced to accept decisions made by a majority of members. Currently, no resolution can be passed by the group without full agreement. The UN's suggestion shows its acceptance that, after two years of deadlock, there is little chance the body will reach a global deal to reduce greenhouse emissions and tackle global warming in November in Cancun, Mexico – the next time world leaders will meet to hammer out a follow-up to the Kyoto protocol.

A desert island experience in the Maldives
Ever dreamt of being alone on a desert island, surrounded by turquoise-blue sea, powder white-sand beaches whilst basking in the warmth of the sun? For guests at Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort in the Maldives, dreams can come true with excursions to stay on uninhabited island or a private sandbank – perfect for the true romantic, honeymooners or those seeking an authentic Robinson Crusoe experience.

Desert Island Retreat
Spend a truly unforgettable day as the only guests on Faandhoo Island. Snorkel, swim, sunbathe and enjoy uninterrupted, quality time together. Refreshments and a special BBQ lobster lunch will be served by the island’s very own ‘Man Friday’ and if time out of the sun or an after lunch siesta is needed there’s accommodation to relax in by way of a thatched beach hut, complete with a bed and bathroom with open-air shower. At sunset, enjoy a glass of Champagne and delicious canapés before taking a private speedboat back to the luxuries of Vilu Reef.

                 21 July 2010 | Wednesday                 

Robert Blake Jr. to Visit Maldives on Peace Mission
The former American Ambassador to the Maldives and Sri Lanka Robert O. Blake, Jr. is to travel Maldives as an American peace representative, the International news feed Agence France Press has said. He will be visiting to help the country simmer down the political tension that has raised British travel alert against the Maldives. During the Visit Blake Jr. will meet the government senior officials and all political parties and discuss to find ways to bring the tension down that has escalated in the capital city with violent protests and arrests of opposition political leaders. The political tension in the country rose when a parliament and the government locked horns in a power struggle with cabinet resigning on masse that followed the arrest of two political opponent leaders. America has urged the government and political parties to resolve the political crisis in the country through a middle man while Britain called government and rivals to solve the problem on their own. The UN Secretary General also raised concern over the peaceful nation running into indescribable political crisis. Blake will be visiting to Maldives on July 22 according to the American Embassy in Colombo where he will be on 21.

Cabinet approves sale of 50,000 sq ft of land from South West Harbour Area of Male’

The Cabinet has today decided to sell 50,000 sq ft of land from the South West Harbour Area of Male’.  After discussing matter of South West Harbour Area land development, the Cabinet decided to sell five plots of 2000 sq ft, three plots of 5000 sq ft, two plots of 7500 sq ft, and one plot of 10,000 sq ft to the highest bidders on tender basis. Proceeds from the sale of this land will be used to finance the development of entire harbour area, and build multi-purpose buildings to lease. At today’s meeting, the Cabinet also decided to submit the extended continental shelf of the Maldives to the United Nations. After deliberating on the matter, members decided to make a claim at UN for an extended continental shelf if the continental shelf extended more than 200 nautical miles from the archipelagic baseline of the Maldives.

President makes nominations for the membership of the Human Rights Commission
President Mohamed Nasheed has today proposed names, to the People’s Majlis, for the membership of Human Rights Commission. The President made the nominations in accordance with Article 297 (a) of the Constitution, which states that within two years of the commencement of the Constitution, institutions specified in the Constitution shall be created or established.

Names proposed for the consideration of the People’s Majlis are as follows.
1. Ahmed Saleem
2. Maryam Azra Ahmed
3. Mohamed Waheed
4. Fathimath Nahid Shakir
5. Maryam Shenin
6. Ahmed Thalal
7. Jeehan Mahmood
8. Aishath Aniya

President appoints an Ambassador to Belgium

President Mohamed Nasheed has appointed Mr Adam Hassan as the Ambassador of the Maldives to the Kingdom of Belgium. Mr Hassan is also the Ambassador and the Head of the Mission of the Maldives to the European Union.

President Ratifies Second Amendment Bill to the Civil Service Act
President Mohamed Nasheed has today ratified the Second Amendment Bill to the Civil Service Act that was passed by the People’s Majlis on the 18th sitting of the second session of 2010, on 14 July 2010. Following the ratification, the Act has been published in the Government Gazette. According the Second Amendment to the Act, People’s Majlis will open for applications from the public for the membership of the Civil Service Commission. Majlis Committee on independent institutions will deliberate on the applications, and propose names for the approval of the People’s Majlis. The President shall then appoint members approved by the Majlis to the Civil Service Commission.

Vice President Attends Aminiya School’s Annual Prize Day

Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed and his wife Madam Ilham Hussain attended the Prize Day 2010 of Aminya School. The function was held on Tuesday at Dharubaaruge’. Speaking at the function, the Vice President stressed the importance of teaching moral values to the young people. He said it is imperative that the society teach - by example - its children worthy values that can reflect what is good and kind and ethical.  At last night’s function, the Vice President presented the Best All Round Student Award to Fathimath Hulwa Khaleel. He also presented prizes to students who won Cambridge Brilliance Award. Aminiya School is a girl’s secondary school in Male’ and is one of the oldest schools in the Maldives.