1 March, 2005 High Commissioner presents his Letters of Credence to Her Majesty the Queen His Excellency Mr. Hassan Sobir was received in audience by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on 22 February 2005, at the Buckingham Palace and presented his Letters of Credence as High Commissioner for the Republic of Maldives to the United Kingdom in London. High Commissioner Sobir also conveyed to Her Majesty, the gratitude of the People and the Government of Maldives for the valuable and timely assistance, and solidarity shown by the British public and the Government of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Videos Two very special Raffles will be drawn at the Maldives Evening. Lucky winners will be awarded a one-week vacation for two in a luxury resort in the Maldives. The vacation package will also include return airfare. 23 February 2005, Brussels: His Excellency Mr. Hassan Sobir was received by His Excellency Mr. Jose' Manuel Barosso, President of the European Commission at the European Commission on 23 February 2005 and presented his Letters of Credence as Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives to the European Communities. As of today the High Commission of Maldives Tsunami Relief Fund has collected (£80,969.70) Sterling Pounds Eighty Thousand Nine Hundred and Sixty Nine and Seventy Pence which is about (Rf. 1,998,708.76) One Million Nine Hundred and Ninety Eight Thousand Seven Hundred and Eight Maldivian Rufiyaa and Seventy Six Laari The President has noted that the Maldives, being a small island state, benefited from the Commonwealth's commitment to give small island states a voice on the international stage, and to help the country strengthen its resilience in a fast moving global environment. He made the statement in a message on the occasion of Commonwealth Day, which is being commemorated in the Maldives today. London, 14 March 2005: One of the largest annual commonwealth day cerebrations is the multi-faith Commonwealth Day Observance marked every year in Westminster Abbey, London in attendance of Her Majesty The Queen. 16 March 2005: His Excellency Mr. Hassan Sobir presented his Letters of Credence as Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives to the European Communities, to Acting President of the Council of the European Union, His Excellency Mr. Jean Asselborn, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration of Luxemburg on 16 March 2005. Reception after presentation of Credentials to EU: The former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato’ Musa Hitam, called on the President today. He is visiting the Maldives as a special envoy of the Commonwealth Secretary General, Mr. Don McKinnon, to identify areas where the Commonwealth could provide further support and assistance towards the democratic reform agenda initiated by the President. A visiting delegation of the European Parliament called on the President today. The meeting was held at the Hiriyaa Lounge of Male’ International Airport, a short while before the President’s departure on an official visit to India. March 29, 2005: High Commissioner's LIVE interview to BBC Two March 29, 2005: High Commissioner's LIVE interview to BBC Two
Her Majesty the Queen conveyed her sympathy and condolences to the families and the people of the Maldives for their losses in the onslaught of Tsunami disaster on 26 December 2004. Her Majesty while inquiring on the situation of the Maldives expressed her well wishes to the People of the Republic of Maldives and to His Excellency President, Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
Her Majesty while speaking to the High Commissioner Sobir on the close and cordial relations between the Maldives and the United Kingdom recalled the fond memories of her visit to the Maldives on 13 March 1972. Her Majesty said she recalls very clearly from her visit to Maldives and greeting the people of the Maldives and of speaking to some fishermen in Addu Atoll.
On this occasion, Her Majesty the Queen recognised the efforts undertaken by the Government of the Republic of Maldives to push forward the reform agenda to embrace modern democracy in the country.
High Commissioner Sobir conveyed the greetings and best wishes from His Excellency the President of the Republic of Maldives. High Commissioner assured Her Majesty that he will try his utmost to maintain and further strengthen the close relations that exist between the Maldives and the United Kingdom. 
At this Ceremony, High Commissioner Sobir introduced his Spouse, Mrs. Aminath Nasheeda and the diplomatic officials of the High Commission to Her Majesty.
On this occasion, High Commissioner Sobir and Mrs. Aminath Nasheeda hosted a Vin de' Honeur at the Carlton Tower Hotel in London the same day. Marshal and Vice Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, members of the Diplomatic Community and Maldivians living in the United Kingdom attended the Vin de' Honeur.
Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Maldives and the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland was established on 26 July 1965.
The Maldives opened a High Commission in London on 27 October 1995 and His Excellency Late Mr. Ahmed Zaki was the first Maldivian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He presented his Letters of Credence to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 20 March 1996.
High Commissioner H.E. Hassan Sobir with Chief Executive of DEC, Mr. Brendan Gormley
High Commissioner Sobir provided Mr. Brendan Gormely with a detailed account of the urgent needs of the Maldives and the manner in which the disaster recovery efforts are being handled by the Maldives in the aftermath of the Tsunami disaster. High Commissioner Sobir also delivered the report prepared by the Government of Maldives on its plans for reconstruction of the islands and livelihood destroyed by the Tsunami disaster.
High Commissioner Sobir congratulated Mr. Gormely for the tremendous response received from the British public by the DEC’s successful fund raising efforts. He also thanked Mr. Gormely for the £1,000, 000 allocated for the Maldives. He further stated that more needs to be done for faster recovery.
Mr. Brendan Gormely thanked High Commissioner Sobir for the opportunity to meet him and for providing valuable information on the Maldives. Mr. Gormely said he will convey the discussions of this meeting to the charity members of the DEC. Mr. Gormely said he will also urge the charity organisations of the DEC on the need to deliver the expectations of the Maldives. Mr. Gormely will be attending the Manila conference for the Tsunami Assistance on 18 March 2005.
Mr. Brendan Gormely said the DEC has committed One Million Pounds to the Maldives for this year. These funds will be distributed to the vulnerable sectors needing assistance in the Maldives by the Action Aid and British Red Cross movement who are currently doing some projects in the Maldives.
First Secretary, Ms. Iruthisham Adam of the High Commission of Maldives also attended the meeting.
3 March, 2005 Minister of Finance and Treasury visiting the European countries
Minister Mohamed Jaleel
London, 2 March 2005. Minister of Finance and Treasury, Mr. Mohamed Jaleel arrives in London on 2 March 2005 to meet with key officials in the Government’s in European Capitals in preparation for the Manila Conference on Tsunami Aid scheduled for 18 March 2005.
Mr. Jaleel’s visit will aim at sensitizing the aid officials from European Governments. The total damages from the Tsunami in Maldives are estimated at US $ 470 million which is 62 % of the Gross Domestic Product of Maldives. This does not include the costs of damage to the environment, soil erosion and associated costs arising there of for which additional funding will be needed.
Mr. Jaleel will visit Berlin, Amsterdam, Brussels, Luxembourg and Paris before returning to Male’ on 10 March. Mr. Jaleel is accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Ministry of Planning and National Development and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The present Resident Representative of UNDP in Male’ will also participate in these meetings.
50 % of the needed funds remain without commitment so far for Maldives.
3 March, 2005
Maldives Evening – A charity event for
Maldives Tsunami recovery
This Charity Event will be held in London on 26 March 2005 at Martin Junior and Infant School, East Finchley, London N2 9JP .
This is a very rare and special occasion in which you could enjoy the taste of the Maldivian food. The Evening will have the rhythms of live music by a leading Maldivian pop singer, Bodu Beru (a cultural musical act), cultural dances, and a number of other performances by Maldivian students as well as sale of souvenirs from the Maldives. 
Tickets are priced at £15 for adults, £10 for students and £5 for children under 16. Proceeds from the event are to be donated to the Maldives Tsunami Fund. But since this is a charity event, those who wish to donate more than the ticket price may do so either when buying the ticket or at the event itself.
To buy tickets for the event in advance, you may contact the High Commission at: 0207 224 2135 or contact the Maldives Students Association on treasurer@msa-uk.org.
7 March, 2005
High Commissioner departs for Brussels High Commissioner departs for Brussels
High Commissioner, H.E. Mr. Hassan Sobir
High Commissioner Sobir is undertaking this visit, as part of the Maldives delegation headed by Mr. Mohamed Jaleel, Minister of Finance and Treasury to meet the key officials in the Government’s in the European Capitals in preparation for the Manila Conference on Tsunami Aid scheduled for 18 March 2005.
On this visit, the Maldives delegation aims to sensitizing the aid officials from European Governments. The total damages from the Tsunami in Maldives are estimated at US $ 470 million which is 62 % of the Gross Domestic Product of Maldives. This does not include the costs of damage to the environment, soil erosion and associated costs arising there of for which additional funding will be needed.
Mr. Jaleel and the accompanying delegation will meet the key officials of European Commission, Development and Finance agencies in Brussels today and will visit key officials in Luxembourg and Paris before returning to London on 9 March 2005.
Mr. Jaleel is accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Ministry of Planning and National Development and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The present Resident Representative of UNDP in Male’ will also participate in these meetings.
50 % of the needed funds remain without commitment so far for Maldives.
7 March, 2005
High Commissioner presents his Credentials to the European Commission 
President of the European Commission expressed his deep condolences to the victims of the Tsunami disaster in the Maldives on 26 December 2004. President Barosso while extending his support to the recovery programmes undertaken by the Government of the Maldives stated that European Union is identifying areas for extending assistance to the reconstruction of the devastated islands.
Ambassador Sobir conveyed best wishes from His Excellency the President of the Republic of Maldives to His Excellency Mr. Barosso. Ambassador Sobir assured His Excellency Mr. Barosso that he will work towards maintaining and further strengthening the relations that exist between the Maldives and the European Communities.
President Barosso inquired on the constitutional developments of the Maldives. He stated that the reform agenda undertaken by the Government of Maldives is a significant and necessary development to embrace modern democracy in the country.
President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
Pointing out that the nation had been deeply traumatized by the catastrophe and that people were today looking to rebuild their lives, the President said that women had a crucial role in this national endeavour. He said that the International Women’s Day was an auspicious occasion to reaffirm that resolve. Noting that many lives and families had been disrupted by the tragedy, the President added that it was paramount for the people to pay tribute to the important role played by women in establishing happy families.
The President said that it was also an opportune time to reassert oneself to family unity and to work together for the betterment of every member of the family, in a spirit of abiding love and respect.
The President noted that women’s participation rate in the workforce was increasing, as was their contribution to family income. He added that this reflected the industriousness and dynamism of Maldivian women.
The President said that the number of girls and women attaining distinction in academic and professional fields in the Maldives was increasing. He added that the educational system in the country was free of any gender bias, and stressed the importance of parents and teachers paying due attention to the provision of equal opportunities to both girls and boys.
Source: The President's Office of the Republic of Maldives
8 March, 2005 The Human Rights Commission Bill Tabled at Majlis TodayThe Human Rights Commission Bill was tabled on 7 March 2005 at the People’s Majlis. The Bill was tabled earlier on 15 April 2004 as well. However, the Majlis, together with all its unfinished business, was dissolved and a new Majlis was sworn in on 27 February 2005. Hence, the Government decided to re-send the Human Rights Commission Bill to the current Majlis.
Six Members spoke today during the Bill’s committee stage. And by the close of the sitting, some 7 Members were in queue to speak.
Before the Human Rights Commission Bill was tabled, a few other matters were also decided by the Majlis this morning. They include the adoption of the membership of the four Standing Committees; the creation of a Select Committee to draft the Standing Orders of the Majlis; and assigning the task of drafting the Rules of the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Maldives Chapter to the Standing Committee on Administrative Affairs.
Today’s sitting, attended by 45 Members, was the second sitting of this year’s first session. It was chaired by the Speaker of the People’s Majlis Ahmed Zahir.
The Majlis will meet again this Thursday, 10 March 2005 at 9 am.
Source: Peoples Majlis, Republic of Maldives. This News Release is issued by the Secretary General of the Peoples Majlis.
Additional Information may be requested from the Majlis Secretariat via email: office@majlis.gov.mv or via fax: ++ 960 – 32 4104.
8 March, 2005
Special Majlis Debates Again the Manner of Electing its President The eleventh meeting of the People’s Special Majlis was convened on 28 February 2005 with the sole business to elect a Member of the Majlis to the Chair of its President, which fell vacant on 27 February 2005.
The Chair felt vacant because the erstwhile President was a Member of the Special Majlis by reason of being a Member of the People’s Majlis, and by law, the term of the People’s Majlis is five years, and the term came to an end on 27 February, and a new Majlis was found the same day.
The Majlis was asked to nominate candidates for the Office of the President. And in the periphery of the ensuing debate, an issue that was resolved earlier on the flow of the Majlis resurfaced. That is, if the President shall be elected by secret ballet or an open vote of show of hands.
While some Members felt that the Constitution required a secret ballot to be taken, others felt no such requirement being present.
There were also some other Members who felt that an earlier decision of the Majlis that required an open vote to be taken in electing the President, was binding upon the current process and also the Chair. Others felt the need to revisit the decision.
The debate that started in the periphery of the issue, became the core of the matter and consumed the three hour debate of today’s meeting.
At the end of today’s meeting, about 40 Members expressed their views on the floor of the Majlis. However, they were not able to reach a decision on the matter.
102 Members attended this 11th meeting of the People’s Special Majlis. The Vice President of the Special Majlis Shaheen Hameed was presiding.
Source: Peoples Majlis, Republic of Maldives. This News Release is issued by the Secretary General of the Peoples Majlis.
Additional Information may be requested from the Majlis Secretariat via email: office@majlis.gov.mv or via fax: ++ 960 – 32 4104.
8 March, 2005 High Commissioner expresses his gratitude to all contributors of the High Commission of Maldives Tsunami Relief Fund 
Help and assistance are still required for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the people of the Maldives who are affected by the Tsunami.
High Commissioner Sobir thanked the British people, Charity and Religious Organisations in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland for their generous support to the victims of Tsunami disaster in the Maldives.
The remaining funds collected in the High Commission Tsunami Relief Account since the last announcement in 8 February 2005, has been transferred to Maldives today.
High Commissioner said the tremendous support and relief assistance provided by the People and the Government of the United Kingdom will never be forgotten by the People of the Maldives.
9 March, 2005
Special Majlis Spends Another Day in its Debate Over Article 133 of the Constitution The People’s Special Majlis met this morning to continue its debate over the applicability of Article 133 of the Maldives Constitution on the election of a chair for the Majlis.
While a substantial number of Members expressed their view that the infamous Article mandated a secret ballot in electing the President of the Majlis, an equally strong number of Members felt that the Article made no such mandatory requirement in relation to the process.
An appeal was also made by some Members to institute a series of informal get-togethers for Members to thrash out differences and find a common platform or a compromise way forward.
Some other Members who took the floor this morning, felt that the House should be bound by the current ruling of the House on the issue. Earlier on 14 October 2004, the Majlis had decided by a 69 Member majority that the President of the Majlis shall be elected by an open vote.
Twenty three Members spoke today. At the conclusion of today’s meeting, some twenty five Members were still registered to speak. Vice-President Shaaheen Hameed presided over today’s meeting attended by 94 Members. Today’s meeting was the twelfth meeting of the Special Majlis.
Source: People's Majlis, Republic of Maldives
This News Release is issued by the Secretary General of the Peoples Majlis. Additional Information may be requested from the Majlis Secretariat via email: office@majlis.gov.mv or via fax: ++ 960 – 32 4104 303 1 3 1
91 2 suja 1110450832 3 2005 Majlis Discusses the Human Rights Commission Bill Majlis Discusses the
Human Rights Commission Bill Majlis continued its debate today over the Human Rights Commission Bill, tabled during its last sitting on Monday, 7 March 2005. Six Members spoke during Monday’s sitting, and a total of 15 Members further spoke on the Bill today.
Today’s discussions mainly focused on the fundamental principles upon which the Bill was drafted. Members expressed the need to have specific powers given to the Majlis to retain an oversight function over the Commission. They also expressed their concern over the relationship the Commission is currently envisaged to have with the judiciary.
Some Members also spoke about the need to have a more concise definition of human rights. Others also pointed out the need to have explicit procedures as regards presidential consultations with the Majlis on the appointment and termination of Commission Members.
Once the committee stage is concluded, the Bill is to be transmitted to the Standing Committee on Legal Affairs for further review.
The bill is aimed at providing a legal framework to the current Human Rights Commission, based upon internationally recognized best principles.
Today’s sitting, attended by 41 Members, was chaired by the Speaker of the People’s Majlis Ahmed Zahir. Today’s sitting was the third sitting of the Majlis.
Majlis will meet again next Monday, on 14 March 2005 at 9 am.
Source: People's Majlis, Republic of Maldives
This News Release is issued by the Secretary General of the Peoples Majlis. Additional Information may be requested from the Majlis Secretariat via email: office@majlis.gov.mv or via fax: ++ 960 – 32 4104
13 March, 2005
H.E. Sobir was awarded a Lifetime Contribution in Tourism 
High Commissioner Sobir
H.E. Sobir was given the lifetime award in recognition for his valuable contribution to the promotion and development of tourism sector in the Maldives while serving as the Minister of Tourism. This award was presented to H.E. Sobir by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism.
At this event, H.E. Sobir gave a speech on “Tsunami- its impact on Global Tourism”. H.E. Sobir said considering that the global tourism suffered 3 % loss due to Tsunami, since the tourism industry in the Maldives contributes an estimated 70 % to the GDP, the impact from the Tsunami for the Maldives economy is proportionally significant.
HE. Sobir said the tourism industry in the Maldives is slowly getting back on its feet. He also said writers have done a remarkable job in producing responsible articles and good publicity for the Maldives.
14 March, 2005
The President says that the Maldives benefits from the Commonwealth\'s commitment to give small island states a voice on the international stage 
President with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, during his visit to Maldives
The President pointed out that Commonwealth Day was a celebration of member nations' shared values, the commitment to peace, democracy and human rights, and the determination to cooperate in a spirit of solidarity.
He said that the Maldives felt stronger in the knowledge that, through the Commonwealth, the country shared certain fundamental values, similar institutions and a joint commitment to build peace and deliver prosperity, with 52 other nations.
He added that the Maldives had greatly benefited from being part of the Commonwealth network over the years, and that the country felt stronger knowing that it would continue to do so in the future.
In the message, the President highlighted that this year's Commonwealth Day was dedicated to the recognition of the crucial role played by education in building strong communities, generating growth and creating opportunities for all Commonwealth people.
He urged member nations to rededicate themselves to the Commonwealth association and to the values and goals that it represented.
Source: The President's Office, Republic of Maldives
14 March, 2005 Majlis Completes 3 Days of Debate on
the Human Rights Commission Bill
As no further Members had requested to speak, the Majlis is expected to reach a decision on the Bill at its next sitting. Earlier, a motion was proposed and seconded that the Bill be transmitted to the Standing Committee on Legal Matters for further review.
The Human Rights Commission Bill was sent by the Government to provide a legal framework to the currently functional Human Rights Commission.
Today’s sitting, attended by 41 Members, was chaired by the Speaker of the Majlis Ahmed Zahir. Today’s sitting was the fourth sitting of the Majlis’s first session.
Majlis will meet again next Thursday, 17 March 2005 at 9 am.
Source: Peoples Majlis, Republic of Maldives. This News Release is issued by the Secretary General of the Peoples Majlis. Additional Information may be requested from the Majlis Secretariat via email: office@majlis.gov.mv or via fax: ++ 960 – 32 4104.
14 March, 2005 High Commissioner attends the Commonwealth Day Celebrations - 2005 
Westminster Abbey
High Commissioner of Maldives to the United Kingdom, H.E. Mr. Hassan Sobir and his Spouse Mrs. Aminath Nasheeda participated at this year's Commonwealth Day Observance which was held on Monday, 14 March 2005 at the Westminster Abbey.
A pre-recorded Commonwealth Day message by Her Majesty was shown at the ceremony. 'Education - creating opportunity, realising potential' is the theme for this year.
The ceremony was marked colourfully by the Procession of Flags of all the member countries of the Commonwealth. Mr. Ali Haidar Ahmad, a PhD student in London represented the Maldives as the flag bearer at the Commonwealth Observance this year.
High Commissioner of Maldives to the United Kingdom, H.E. Mr. Hassan Sobir and his Spouse Mrs. Aminath Nasheeda also attended the Evening Reception hosted by the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Clare de Lore McKinnon on the occasion of the Commonwealth Day at the Marlborough House, London.
MALDIVES / COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS
16 March, 2005
Cambridge University hosts High Commissioner for a Tsunami Fundraising Event
Emmanuel College, Cambridge University
At this gathering, H.E. Sobir gave a speech on the Impacts of Tsunami on the Maldivian economy. H.E. Sobir said the Tsunami disaster struck the Maldives 6 days after the Maldives had graduated from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
H.E. Sobir said the Tsunami caused severe damages to the physical infrastructure of several islands in Maldives and has set back the high levels of economic growth and social development achieved in recent years. Tourism is the main industry in the Maldives. Total receipts from the industry are estimated at about $ 415 million in 2004. Direct damage to the tourism infrastructure and other related businesses is estimated at over US $ 100 million. In his speech, H.E. Sobir said, Government of Maldives is concentrating its efforts on recovery programmes such as rehabilitating people on safe islands; large islands which are environmentally protected.
H.E. Sobir while thanking Mr. Paul Simmonds, President of the Students Union of Emmanuel College said he was very honoured to be present at this Event.
Following H.E. Sobir’s speech, it was announced that all funds raised at this Event will be directed to the Tsunami Relief Fund at the High Commission of Maldives.
As of 8 March 2005, the High Commission’s Tsunami Relief Fund had collected £80,969.70 which is nearly Two Million Maldivian Rufiyyaa. The collection has already been transferred to the Maldives.
17 March, 2005
Bill on Raising Questions to Ministers
Tabled at Majlis Today Bill on Raising Questions to Ministers was tabled today at the People’s Majlis. The Bill was first tabled last year, during the previous Majlis. However, before the Bill could be adopted, the life of the then existing Malis expired, and the current Majlis was formed on 27 February this year. Due to the importance of the Bill, the Government decided to re-send the Bill to the current Majlis.
The Bill aims at enhancing accountability of Government Ministers and Government transparency.
During the Bill’s committee stage this morning, a total of 11 Members spoke on the Bill. In their discussions, Members focused on the fundamental principles upon which the Bill has been drafted. They also made several queries to the Minister responsible for the Bill.
Earlier, the Human Rights Commission Bill was sent by the Majlis to the Standing Committee on Legal Matters. After four days of debate, the Bill was sent this morning to the Legal Matters Committee by the unanimous vote of the 41 Members present at the time.
During the four days of deliberations on the Bill, a total of 31 Members spoke on the Bill, out of which 4 of them spoke more than once.
Today’s sitting, was the fifth sitting of the first session of the Majlis for this year. It was chaired by the Speaker of the Majlis Ahmed Zahir. 42 Members attended today’s sitting.
Majlis will meet again Monday, 17 March 2005 at 9 am.
Source: People's Majlis, Republic of Maldives
This News Release is issued by the Secretary General of the Peoples Majlis. Additional Information may be requested from the Majlis Secretariat via email: office@majlis.gov.mv or via fax: ++ 960 – 32 4104
18 March, 2005
High Commissioner presents his Credentials to the Council of the European Union
Ambassador Sobir conveyed best wishes from His Excellency the President of the Republic of Maldives to Acting President of the Council of the European Union. Ambassador Sobir assured His Excellency Mr. Jean Asselborn that he will work towards maintaining and further strengthening the relations that exist between the Maldives and the European Communities.
His Excellency Mr. Jean Asselborn conveyed his condolences and sympathy for the victims of the Tsunami disaster in the Maldives on 26 December 2004. His Excellency Mr. Jean Asselborn spoke at length on the situation of the people of the Maldives in the aftermath of the Tsunami disaster. His Excellency Mr. Jean Asselborn expressed his support to the recovery projects undertaken by the Government of the Maldives and informed the Ambassador that the European Union is helping the Maldives and will continue to assist the Maldives in its recovery.
Ambassador Sobir gave an update on the constitutional work undertaken by the government of Maldives. He stated that the reform agenda undertaken by the Government of Maldives is a significant and necessary development to embrace modern democracy in the country.
During Ambassador's visit to Brussels, he also met with Ms. Neena Gill, MEP, Chair of the European Parliament's South Asia Delegation and some of the members of the European Parliament who are intending to visit the Maldives shortly.
H.E. Mr Ahmed Zaki served as the first Ambassador of the Maldives to the Commission of the European Communities (CEC) from 15 January 1983 to 15 March 1983. He was succeeded by H.E. Mr Mohamed Musthafa Hussain who held the post from 27 January 1985 to 29 April 1989.
22 March, 2005
Member of the People’s Majlis for North Ari Atoll, Mr. Hussain Mohamed, takes his oath of office before the President, as Member of the People’s Special Majlis 
At a ceremony held at the President’s Office this morning, the oath was administered by the Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sh. Mohamed Rasheed Ibrahim.
The Vice President of the Special Majlis, Mr. Shaheen Hameed, and the Secretary General of the People’s Majlis, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed, attended the ceremony.
Source: The President's Office, Republic of Maldives
22 March, 2005 Mr. Abbas Ibrahim takes his oath of office before the President after being re-elected as President of the People’s Special Majlis
The oath was administered by the Vice President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Farooq Mohamed.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by the Vice-President of the Special Majlis, Mr. Shaheen Hameed and the Secretary General at the People’s Majlis, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed.
Of the 78 Members of the Majlis who were present at the voting, 67 voted in favour of Mr. Abbas Ibrahim.
Source: The President's Office, Republic of Maldives
24 March, 2005
The former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister calls on the President
President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
The President briefed Tan Sri Musa Hitam on his 31-point constitutional reform proposals, and thanked the Commonwealth Secretary General for his continued support.
The former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia welcomed the President’s commitment to usher in greater democracy to the Maldives, and wished him success in this important endeavour.
Source: The President's Office, Republic of Maldives
27 March, 2005 A delegation of the European Parliament calls on the President 
The President with the delegation of the European Parliament for a commemorative photograph, during the latter’s call.
The European Parliamentary delegation extended their sympathy to the President, for the extensive damage caused by the tsunami. They extended the full solidarity and support of the European Parliament to ongoing national recovery efforts in the Maldives.
Complimenting the President on the strident social and economic development that the country had achieved under his leadership, the MEPs welcomed the President’s initiative to accelerate democratic reforms during his current term. They also offered their firm support for expediting the President’s historic constitutional reform proposals.
The President welcomed the MEPs to the Maldives, and thanked them for their expression of solidarity towards national recovery efforts and the democratic reform agenda. He said that, throughout his tenure, he had been advocating and pursing reform, and expressed his confidence that the People’s Special Majlis would conclude deliberations on his 31-point proposals for constitutional amendment as soon as possible.
The President said that the Government of the Maldives welcomed the European Parliament’s continued interest in the development of the Maldives, and thanked for their concern for the welfare of the Maldivian people. He also spoke on the importance of enhancing existing cordial relations between the Maldives and the European Union.
Source: The President's Office of the Republic of Maldives
28 March, 2005
Maldives Evening in London: Tsunami fundraising event 
High Commissioner Sobir conveyed to the members of MSA-UK and the Maldivian community that His Excellency Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President of the Republic of Maldives had sent his greetings and felicitations for a successful event.
The event was organised by the MSA-UK in association with the High Commission of Maldives. MSA-UK intends to send all proceeds from the event to the education sector in the Maldives as their contribution for the Tsunami recovery programmes.
The Maldivian Evening was opened with a solo song “Nation’s Prayer” by Ms. Hawwa Nasheeda. The event was colourfully marked with music by the popular “UNIK band” from the Maldives, and dances and music items by Maldivian students in London. Two raffle tickets sponsored by Kuoni Travels UK Ltd was drawn at the event. Lucky winners of the raffle ticket won a one-week vacation for two in Maldives.
Member of Parliament for Finchley and Golders Green, Dr. Rudy Vis and his spouse also attended the event.
Related News:
Maldives Evening – A charity event for Maldives Tsunami recovery
Videos:
28 March, 2005 Special Majlis Returns to its Debate
on the Adoption of its Standing OrdersAt today’s fourteenth meeting of the People’s Special Majlis, Members restarted their debate on the manner of voting on amendments proposed to draft provisions of the Special Majlis Standing Orders as drafted by the Rules Committee.
After the tenth meeting of the Majlis, the debate was postponed for three consecutive meetings for the election of its President. The debate originated during the latter part of the eighth meeting, and had continued onto the ninth and tenth meetings without Members being able to reach a decision on the issue.
At today’s meeting, two proposals were moved and seconded. One proposal specified that a Member may only vote on a single amendment, while the second one indicated that a Member shall be able to vote on each amendment that is put to a vote.
Also at today’s meeting, Members spoke about having a timeline of 45 days for completing the adoption of the Standing Orders and for sittings to be held twice a week, each sitting for a 7 hour period.
33 Members spoke during today’s three-hour meeting. At the end of the meeting, Members were unable to reach a decision on any of the issues discussed today.
Today’s sitting attended by 87 Members, was chaired by the newly re-elected Special Majlis President Abbas Ibrahim.
The Special Majlis will meet for its fifteenth meeting next Sunday, 3 April 2005.
Source: Peoples Majlis, Republic of Maldives. This News Release is issued by the Secretary General of the Peoples Majlis. Additional Information may be requested from the Majlis Secretariat via email: office@majlis.gov.mv or via fax: ++ 960 – 32 4104.
30 March, 2005 Majlis Continues its Debateon the Securities BillMajlis today held a further session of debate on the Securities Bill.
A total of 13 Members took part in the debate which originated last Thursday, at the seventh sitting of the current session of the Majlis. The Government sponsored the Bill aiming at creating a capital market development authority and the establishment of a stock exchange in the Maldives and providing for the relevant regulatory frameworks and procedures.
During the committee stage, various comments were made on the underlying principles of the Bill, its aims, its format and language, and its relationship with other existing pieces of legislation.
Minister of Finance and Treasury Mohamed Jaleel sponsored the Bill in the Majlis for and on behalf of the Government.
Today’s sitting, attended by 41Members, was presided by the Speaker of the People’s Majlis Ahmed Zahir.
Majlis will meet again next Thursday, 31 March 2005.
Source: Peoples Majlis, Republic of Maldives. This News Release is issued by the Secretary General of the Peoples Majlis. Additional Information may be requested from the Majlis Secretariat via email: office@majlis.gov.mv or via fax: ++ 960 – 32 4104.
30 March, 2005 The President says that a number of urgent steps were taken amid fears that last night’s great earthquake off Sumatra may generate tsunamis
President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
Noting that he was at the Maldivian High Commissioner’s residence in New Delhi when he received the worrying news of the earthquake, the President said that he had established and maintained close contact with officials of concerned Government authorities, including the Department of Meteorology, from that moment onwards. He added that officials had communicated with a number of international meteorological and seismological organisations, including the US Geological Survey and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, to ensure that prompt information on the event could be relayed to the general public. He added that he had personally directed the monitoring efforts, and that the staff at the Maldivian High Commission in India, and members of his delegation, had worked very hard to ensure that the people were given up-to-date information on developments.
He also noted that the senior officials and staff at the National Disaster Management Centre, as well as Voice of Maldives and Television Maldives, had also played important roles in ensuring that the general public were aware of developments, and could therefore take appropriate safety precautions in the event of a possible tsunami. He added that, with the Grace of Almighty Allah, the earthquake had not generated a tsunami, but that parts of the Maldives had recorded a brief period of increased tide-levels of a couple of centimeters.
In the interview, the President also extended warm greetings to the Minister of Information, Arts and Culture, Mr. Ahmed Abdulla, executives, producers, presenters, and all members of staff at Television Maldives, on the auspicious occasion of the 27th anniversary of the station, which falls today.
Source: The President's Office, Republic of Maldives
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