President Waheed and Sir Don McKinnon Secure Breakthrough on CNI Deadlock

MALE, Maldives, May 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Following a fact finding mission in Maldives, Commonwealth Special Envoy Sir Don McKinnon has endorsed the Committee of National Inquiry (CNI) as "impartial, credible and broadly acceptable".  The CNI was established by President Waheed to investigate the transition of leadership in the Maldives that took place in February 2012.

At the invitation of President Waheed, Sir Don visited Maldives between the 10^th and 15^th of May, with the purpose of helping to strengthen the CNI and facilitate constructive dialogue between Government and opposition stakeholders.

On 15 May 2012, the Government of Maldives reached an agreement with Sir Don to better focus the scope of the CNI, to strengthen the powers of the inquiry and to expand the CNI membership in accordance with a series of agreed criteria.

During discussions with Sir Don, President Waheed reiterated his Government's commitment to the Commonwealth and highlighted the important role that the CNI would play in facilitating democratic progress in Maldives.

The Maldives Government has worked closely with the Commonwealth since the resignation of former President Nasheed.  

Following discussions with Sir Don, President Waheed said:

"We welcome Sir Don McKinnon's support for the Committee of National Inquiry and are delighted that all the concerns expressed by the Commonwealth will be resolved. The Government remains committed to playing a full and active role in the Commonwealth and we look forward to working constructively with our Commonwealth partners as we move forward."

SOURCE The Republic of Maldives