Director for Asia in the European Commission, James Moran, met with President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and various cabinet ministers yesterday in Male’ to review relations between the country and the European Union.Speaking on the preparations for elections and the road map, Moran stated that he was impressed by the progress made in the last two years but recognized that there was great pressure on the government and opposition parties to finish on time.
“With so much achieved and a clear momentum under way, it would be a great blow to the country to fall at the last hurdle” said Moran.
Two immediate challenges discussed were the need to finalize the Constitution at the next Special Majlis sitting so as to have time to establish the independent Commissions, especially for elections, police and judiciary, which will be crucial in assuring free and fair elections over the summer.
Moran also took the opportunity to announce an expansion in the EU’s support for elections’ preparations. In addition, 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.
EC agreed with President Gayoom’s new initiatives to deepen the strategic ties and cooperation between the EU and Maldives. Building on the current successful political cooperation between the EU and Maldives to combat global climate change, Moran announced that aid fund will be provided to help this fragile island state build further “Safe Island”. In addition, the EC announced support to help combat drug abuse in Maldives and Europe alike and which both are keen to cooperate on.
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