European Union has expressed its deep worries over the delay in completing the constitutional reform in the Maldives. This was stated in a press release issued at the end of the recent visit to Maldives of EU's Director for Asia James Moran. Moran who met with President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and various ministers has said "it will be a great blow to the country to fall at the last hurdle, with so much achieved and a clear momentum underway".
During his discussions two major challenges included the need to finalize the Constitution at the next Special Majlis so as to have time to establish the independent commissions, especially for election, police and judiciary, which will be so crucial in assuring free and fair elections, the statement said. On preparations for elections and the reform road map, Mr. Moran stated that he was impressed by the progress made in the last two years.
But he recognized that there was great pressure on the government and opposition parties to finish on time. Moran took the opportunity to announce an expansion immediately in the EU's support for elections' preparation. He outlined there will be a team sent over the actual period of the elections to assess the electoral process as well as plans to mobilize parliamentarians, diplomats and others to assist in observation of the election day. The EC agreed with President Gayoom and his ministers new initiatives to deepen the strategic ties and cooperation between the EU and Maldives. Building on the current successful political cooperation between EU and Maldives to combat global climate change, Mr. Moran announced that aid funds will be provided to help this fragile island state build further "safe islands".
EC also announced to extend support to Maldives to help combat drugs abuse in the country, a social menace that threatens both Maldives and Europe alike and which both are keen to cooperate on. Mr. Moran visited Maldives from 19 to 29 March.
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