4 July, 2005 Special Majlis Holds its 31st Meeting

3 July 2005, Male': The People’s Special Majlis began its thirty-first meeting today by continuing its debate on Section 51, tabled for debate at the previous meeting held on 28th of last month. The Section outlines the process to follow if the President of the Special Majlis acts in violation of the Standing Orders.

An amendment was proposed to the Section. However, neither the vote on that amendment, nor the subsequent vote on the Section as originally in the draft, was successful. Section 51 is now transmitted for further review by the Rules Committee.

Majlis then proceed to debate on Section 52, which specifies the procedure by which Majlis can take a vote of no confidence on the President of the Special Majlis. Debate continued today till conclusion of today’s meeting without any decision.

The Special Majlis President Abbas Ibrahim chaired today’s meeting. The meeting was attended by 78 Members. A detailed account of today’s meeting can be viewed in Dhivehi language at Majlis website www.majlis.gov.mv

Majlis will meet again next Tuesday, 5 July 2005 to continue the current exercise of adopting its Standing Orders.

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

4 July, 2005 Majlis Continues its Debate on Immigration Bill

Majlis continued for the second day, today, its debate on the Immigration Bill this morning. The Bill was tabled for debate, at the ninth sitting of the second session of the Majlis held on 30th of last month. 15 Members spoke on the bill that day and 16 Members spoke during today’s debate.

Even though, a proposal was made during first day of debate to send the Bill to the Legal Matters Committee for further review, a further proposal was made today to send the Bill to the Social Matters Committee. And the debate continued today till conclusion of today’s sitting without any decision.

Minister of Defense and National Security Ismail Shafeeu was present in Parliament today to answer Members’ questions and clarifications on the Bill.

Today’s sitting, attended by 34 Members, was chaired by the Speaker of the People’s Majlis Ahmed Zahir.

Majlis will meet again next Thursday, 7 July 2005. A detailed account of today’s sitting can be viewed in Dhivehi language at Majlis website www.majlis.gov.mv.

High Commissioner H.E. Hassan Sobir with Mr. Tim Mackintosh-Smith

London, 1 July 2005: High Commissioner His Excellency Mr. Hassan Sobir today met with Tim Mackintosh-Smith, author of “Travels with a Tangerine: A journey in the footnotes of Ibn Battutah - a historian of Islamic travel and geography, and an Honorary Research Fellow of the Centre for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies in the University of Durham.

At this meeting, Mr. Mackintosh-Smith informed High Commissioner that he is the author of series of books on great fourteenth-century Moroccan traveller Ibn Battutah. He recalled that Ibn Battutah spent a period as chief justice of the Maldives and left a fascinating account of the islands and their people. Mr. Mackintosh-Smith said the description is one of the high-points of the book. He is intending to visit the Maldives – both Male’ and the outlying atolls mentioned by Ibn Battutah.

High Commissioner Sobir thanked Mr. Mackintosh-smith for his keen interest in the Maldivian history and culture.

Tim Mackintosh-Smith is the Winner of the Thomas cook/ Daily Telegraph Travel Book Award. Travels with a Tangerine explores a parallel landscape: the contemporary Muslim world, filled with fresh wonders and marvels but resonant with echoes of Ibn Battutah’s own Travels. Mr. Mackintosh-Smith’s series of books also seeks to present to the reader something of the richness of Islamic culture both in fourteenth century and today.

5 July, 2005 Malta High Commissioner, H.E. Dr. Michael Refalo
calls on High Commissioner Sobir

4 July 2005, London: Malta High Commissioner, His Excellency Dr. Michael Refalo today called on High Commissioner Sobir.

His Excellency Dr. Michael Refalo met with High Commissioner and delivered a letter of invitation from the Prime Minister of Malta, His Excellency Mr. Lawrence Gonzi addressed to His Excellency Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in Malta in November 2005.

During this meeting, H.E. Dr. Michael Refalo briefed the High Commissioner on the schedule of the advance party and the administrative arrangements made by the Malta Government for the CHOGM. He further highlighted the importance of member countries’ participation at the Commonwealth Business Forum to be held in Malta, in conjunction with the CHOGM. The Forum is a major international business meeting which brings together over 500 business leaders from throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.

High Commissioner Sobir thanked H.E. Dr. Michael Refalo for calling on him. He said he will convey the letter to the Maldivian Government and the information provided on the CHOGM.

5 July, 2005 Special Majlis Holds its 32nd Meeting

The People’s Special Majlis began its thirty-second meeting today by continuing its debate on Section 52, tabled for debate at the previous meeting held on 3rd of this month. The Section specifies the procedure by which Majlis can take a vote of no confidence on the President of the Special Majlis

Since no amendment was proposed to Section 52, it was put to vote as found in the draft. However having failed to secure the majority of the Majlis, Section 52 is now tabled for discussion again.

After the second round of debate on it, Section 52 will be transmitted to the Rules Committee for redrafting.

The Special Majlis President Abbas Ibrahim chaired today’s meeting. The meeting was attended by 80 Members. A detailed account of today’s meeting can be viewed in Dhivehi language at Majlis website www.majlis.gov.mv

Majlis will meet again next Sunday, 10 July 2005 to continue the current exercise of adopting its Standing Orders.

Crops showing salinity stress (Pic -www.fao.org)

A project to assist the recovery of the agricultural sector of the Maldives following the Tsunami disaster is underway.

This is one of the projects for which assistance is provided by foreign associations and groups. According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources, the project, “Saving the Tsunami affected trees in the Maldives” with the assistance of IDB is currently in progress. Under the project, tress affected by salination caused by the disaster would be rehabilitated. Experiments are now underway to test the fresh water lenses of islands, to check if the water is suitable for plant growth. Training programmes would soon commence to train farmers in modern agricultural practices.

For this project, two employees of the ministry are now being trained at Los Baanus University in Philippines. 2 more projects are also to be carried out with the assistance of ADB, along with 3 projects with the assistance of FAO. Information sessions for farmers of South Nilandhe Atoll Kudahuvadhoo and South Ari Atoll Maamigili are also underway. The Ministry has also provided fruit-bearing trees to North Huvadhu Atoll Villingili, to replace those that died in the Tsunami disaster.

Source: Ministry of Information, Arts & Culture, Republic of Maldives

7 July, 2005 CONGRATULATIONS LONDON FOR WINNING THE
2012 OLYMPIC GAMES BID

London: International Olympic Committee in Singapore announced yesterday that 'The city which will host the 2012 games is the city… of London'.

London won a two-way fight with Paris by 54 votes to 50 at the IOC meeting in Singapore, after the elimination of Moscow, New York and Madrid from the original shortlist of five cities.

We take this opportunity to send congratulations to the Government and the people of the United Kingdom for its successful achievement of the 2012 Olympic Games bid.

7 July, 2005 Majlis Send the Immigration Bill to its Committee on Social Matters

After 3 days of extensive debate, Majlis sent the Immigration Bill to one of its Standing Committees today. With the unanimous vote of the 36 Members present and voting at the time, the Bill was sent to the Standing Committee on Social Matters. During the three day debate, a total of 31 Members spoke on the Bill.

After the Immigration Bill was sent to the Social Matters Committee, the Depositories Bill was tabled at today’s sitting. The Bill, sponsored by the Government, is aimed at regulating the acquisition and preservation of books and the like by the National Library. Under the Bill, books, periodicals, pamphlets, magazines, newspapers, musical scores, maps, plans, posters, microforms, phone records, audio and video recordings, and other recorded material, whether in writing or in some other form, may be acquired by the Library.

14 Members spoke on the Bill during its committee stage today. The Minister of Information, Arts and Culture Ahmed Abdulla answered Members’ queries and clarifications on the Bill.

Today’s 11th sitting of the current session of the Majlis was chaired by the Speaker of the People’s Majlis Ahmed Zahir and was attended by 36 Members.

Majlis will next meet on Monday, 11 July 2005. A detailed account of today’s sitting can be viewed in Dhivehi language at Majlis website www.majlis.gov.mv.

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

7 July, 2005 The President appoints non-resident envoys to Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Pakistan

The President today appointed non-resident envoys to Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan.

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Anbaree Abdul Sattar, who resides in New Delhi as the Maldivian High Commissioner to India, was appointed as the concurrent non-resident High Commissioner to Bhutan and Nepal.

Dr. Mohamed Asim, who resides in Colombo as the Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, was appointed as the concurrent non-resident High Commissioner to Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The President presented their Letters of Appointment at a joint ceremony held at the President’s Office this afternoon.

Source: The President's Office of the Republic of Maldives

7 July, 2005 The President inquires about the well-being of Maldivians in London in the aftermath of explosions in Central London

The President today inquired about the well-being of Maldivians in London in the aftermath of explosions in Central London today. He telephoned the High Commissioner Hassan Sabir, this afternoon to obtain information about the situation of Maldivians following the series of explosions. He told the High Commissioner that he heard the news with shock and horror.

The High Commissioner told the President that he was contacting Maldivian students and families in London and that there had been no report of any Maldivian casualties. He thanked the President for his thoughtfulness in telephoning him at this hour.

The President today sent a message to Prime Minister Tony Blair, condemning the acts of terror in the strongest terms and conveyed his sympathy to the Prime Minister and the British Government and people, specially to the bereaved families.

Source: The President's Office of the Republic of Maldives

11 July, 2005 Special Majlis Holds its 33rd Meeting

10 July 2005: The People’s Special Majlis began its 33rd meeting today by continuing its debate on Section 52, re-opened for debate at the previous meeting held on 5th of this month. The debate on Section 52 was re-opened because it failed to pass as found in the draft. The Section specifies the procedure by which Majlis can take a vote of no confidence on the President of the Special Majlis. The Section is now transmitted to the Rules Committee for redrafting.

Majlis then proceeded to debate on Section 53, which states that the Majlis can take a vote of no confidence on the Deputy President of the Special Majlis in the same manner as a vote of no confidence can be taken on the President of the Special Majlis. Since no amendment was proposed to it, the Section was put to vote as submitted. However, it also failed to pass. Now the Section is opened for debate again.

Today’s Meeting was chaired by the President Abbas Ibrahim and was attended by 75 Members. A detailed account of today’s meeting can be viewed in Dhivehi language at Majlis website www.majlis.gov.mv

Majlis will meet again next Tuesday, 12 July 2005.

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

11 July, 2005 Majlis still unable to decide on the manner in which to deal with the Bill to amend the Loan Act

Majlis was not able even today to decide on the manner in which to deal with the Bill to amend the current Loan Act.

The debate on the substance of the Bill to amend the current Loan Act concluded on 27 June during the eighth sitting of the Majlis for this session. When a vote was taken to send the Bill to the Economic Matters Committee of the Majlis, it failed to pass, and the question arose as to the action to be taken on the Bill.

The discussion continued on that question during the larger part of today’s sitting. At the end of the deliberations, a decision was still not reached on the matter. However, a proposal was made and seconded during today’s sitting, and is now ready to be put to vote. The proposal indicates that the Bill be sent to the Economic Matters Committee, and that the main issues of the Bill be addressed and incorporated into the Public Finance Bill being currently reviewed and revised by that Committee.

Earlier, before the debate on the Bill was opened, Attorney General Dr Hassan Saeed and the Minister of Education Dr Mahmood Shauqee were questioned by Male’ Atoll Member Ismail Abdul Hameed and North Thiladhunmathee Member Jaufar Easa Adam respectively.

The Attorney General was asked which laws were needed in establishing the legal framework relating to freedom of press, and when those bills will be submitted to the Majlis. He was also asked what changes were needed to be brought due to the introduction of a multiparty system in the Maldives, pending the current revision of the Constitution; and when those changes would come into effect.

The Education Minister was asked if there were currently any temporary employees in the Ministry, and if so, whether there were any employees who had been in temporary employment for more than 3 months; and whether he abides by the government employee rules relating to permanent recruitment of temporary employees.

Today’s sitting, attended by 39 Members, was chaired by the Speaker of the People’s Majlis Ahmed Zahir.

Majlis will meet again next Thursday, 14 July 2005.

A detailed account of today’s sitting can be viewed in Dhivehi language at Majlis website www.majlis.gov.mv.

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

11 July, 2005 “Universal Declaration of Human Rights honours Islamic values and principles,” says the Maldives Government

Male': The Government today stated its support for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and pointed out that the protection and promotion of human rights was at the heart of the democratic reform agenda that the President outlined last June.

Commenting on the statement issued by the Supreme Council on Islamic Affairs on Tuesday, 5 July 2005, that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was inconsistent with the Constitution of the country, Chief Government Spokesman, Dr. Ahmed Shaheed said that the Supreme Council on Islamic Affairs was not mandated with interpreting the Constitution.

He further pointed out that the Supreme Council had not invoked Clause 4(a) of Law number 4/75 which provided the legal authority to ban specified items, and therefore, there was no legal effect to the announcement on the Universal Declaration made by the Supreme Council.

“I have consulted the Attorney-General who has advised me that there is no legal basis to the ban and therefore no legal effect,” said Dr. Shaheed.

The Government maintains that to a very large degree, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights asserts customary international law and also incorporates values and virtues that Islam had asserted as fundamental to human dignity centuries before the UN passed the declaration in 1948.

“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights honours Islamic values and principles and it is unthinkable for this Government to ban international human rights standards,” said the Chief Government Spokesman.

“Although there are certain provisions that may be inconsistent with Muslim personal law, the objective of the declaration, which is to protect and promote human rights, is fully endorsed by the Government.

“The Government advises the concerned organizations to be sensitive to these matters in the promotion of human rights in the country, but to persist in the cause of improving human rights protection in the Maldives.

“We hope that the national Human Rights Commission, too, will carry out its awareness-raising activities in a culturally-sensitive manner, and with the participation of all stakeholders such as the Supreme Council on Islamic Affairs, in order to be more effective,” said Dr. Shaheed.

Source: The President's Office of the Republic of Maldives

12 July, 2005 The President says that it is very important that the aid pledged by donor agencies is received as soon as possible

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom

The President has noted that it was very important that the aid pledged by donor agencies was received as soon as possible. He made the statement in an interview to the Arab news network, Al-Jazeera.

In the interview, the President pointed out that only 15 percent of the aid pledged to the country after the tsunami had been realised. He added that even if the financial pledges currently made for the national recovery programme were fully realised, there would still be a shortfall of US$ 113 million.

The President highlighted the extensive damage caused by the tsunami and the nationwide relief effort that followed the disaster. He also answered questions on the ongoing democratic reforms in the country, and on the progress in the implementation of his sweeping constitutional reform agenda.

Pointing out that the introduction of a multiparty system was one of the most important points in his reform agenda, the President noted that last month, a framework had been established to facilitate the functioning of political parties in the Maldives. He said that a number of other measures in his reform agenda had also been implemented over the past year. He further said that, as the mandate to amend the Constitution was vested in the People’s Special Majlis, the implementation of the remaining points of his reform agenda was possible only after the Special Majlis had concluded their work.

Source: The President's Office of the Republic of Maldives

13 July, 2005 UK visitors are leading the way in supporting Maldives tourism Message from Dr Mustafa Lutfi, Minister for Tourism

I am very pleased to report that latest figures from immigration show UK visitor numbers have almost returned to pre-tsunami levels. The dynamics of international tourism markets to the Maldives have changed, however. Since the tsunami on Boxing Day, the UK has become the Maldives’ largest and most resilient market, representing 25 per cent of all tourist arrivals, where previously it had been Italy.

Some 31,402 British tourists visited the Maldives between January 1 to the end of May 2005. Italy brought in 26,359 visitors to the Maldives, Germany 21,518 and France 8,284 in the same period. British visitors now represent a quarter of all incoming tourists to the Maldives, with 6,368 arriving in May this year. This is extremely heartening news considering that the figure for May 2004 was 7,642 and shows that the Maldives remain one of the best-loved long haul destinations for Britons.

We have all our tourism partners to thank for their support over the past months to promote the Maldives as a leading spa, diving and luxury beach destination.

The aim of the tourist board over the next 6 months will be to bring back visitors in ever-increasing numbers. We will continue to promote our local customs and people, as they, after all, make this country so popular with British visitors. Many people do not yet realise the Maldives has so much to offer the tourist, it is so much more than just a luxury spa destination. For instance, we have many visitors who come to surf in the Maldives. It is the second year that O’Neill has brought the Deep Blue Open contest to the Maldives and it seems set to become a regular fixture on the surfing calendar. Visitors can now take time off the beach and visit the bustling markets of Male, or have a consultation with a medicine man, who uses traditional methods to cure a host of ailments, without the need to resort to pharmaceutical remedies. Believe me, it works! Warm regards from the Maldives…the sunny side of life.

Source: News Bulletin from the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board

13 July, 2005 Sri Lankan airlines to increase frequency of flights from UK to the Maldives

High Commissioner Hassan Sobir with Sri Lankan Airlines Manager for UK, Ireland & Scandinavia, Mr. Johann Wijesinghe

London: High Commissioner of Maldives to the United Kingdom, H.E. Mr. Hassan Sobir today met with the Sri Lankan Airlines Manager for UK, Ireland & Scandinavia, Mr. Johann Wijesinghe.

At this meeting, High Commissioner Sobir and Mr. Wijesinghe held discussions on increasing the flights from UK to the Maldives. Currently there are two Sri Lankan flights per week flying from UK to the Maldives. Sri Lankan Airlines Manager said that they will increase the frequency to four flights from UK to the Maldives, and hope to launch this operation from November 2005.

Since the Tsunami, UK has become the Maldives’ largest and most resilient market. 25 % of all tourist arrivals to the Maldives are from UK, where previously it had been Italy. The increase of flights from UK to the Maldives will support the Maldives tourism industry.

18 July, 2005 All Party Maldives - British Parliamentary Group – the first meeting since the General Election

At its first meeting since the general election in May, the All Party Maldives-British Parliamentary Group re-elected Lord Naseby as its Chairman, and elected Anthony Steen MP and Hywel Francis MP as Joint Vice-Chairman.

High Commissioner of Maldives to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Mr. Hassan Sobir began his statement by condemning the recent London bombings. He also commended the British Government and the various agencies involved in the emergency operations and the investigations.

Lord Naseby, Chairperson of the All Party Group with the President during his visit to Maldives in January 2005

High Commissioner Sobir congratulated the members elected for the posts of the Group, and thanked all present for their interest in the Maldives.

Speaking about the reform process of the Maldives, High Commissioner Sobir briefed the All-Party Group on the decision to introduce a multiparty system in the Maldives and the other changes which were proposed by the President last year. High Commissioner Sobir then spoke on the situation of the Maldives in the aftermath of tsunami with emphasis on the issue of shortfall of aid for the recovery of Maldives.

Following High Commissioner Sobir’s statement there was a question and answer session, where members put questions to High Commissioner on a range of subjects, including the human rights situation in the Maldives, the political complexion of the country, the development of a second international airport on Addu atoll in the south of the Maldives.

High Commissioner Sobir extended an informal invitation to the members of the All-Party Group to visit the Maldives, later this year. He said he will be following up in writing to the group, and hope that as many members as possible will be able to come and witness developments in the Maldives for themselves.

20 July, 2005 Ambassador Sobir holds trade talks with European Commission

Brussels, July 2005: Ambassador of Maldives to the European Union, His Excellency Mr. Hassan Sobir undertook his monthly visit to Brussels from 14-15 July 2005.

During this visit, Ambassador Sobir met Mr Karl Friedrich Falkenberg, Deputy Director-General for Trade, DG Trade, European Commission and Philippe Cuisson, the Commission official responsible for the GSP reform process. Also present was Ms Scully-Gomez who has overall responsibility for Maldives-related issues in the Commission’s Directorate General for External Relations. The meeting focused on the EU’s new General System of Preferences of the EU’s preferential trade agreements, and its implications for the Maldives.

Ambassador Sobir also held discussions with Mr. Richard Van Raan, Head of Unit for Rules of Origin, and Robert Light, GSP Customs Assistant, DG Taxation and Customs of the European Commission on the forthcoming changes in the Rules of Origin of the EU’s preferential trade agreements. Mr Van Raan said he welcomed having the input of the Maldives on the Commission’s Communication on the rules of origin.

While Ambassador Sobir was in Brussels, he also attended the quarterly lunch with Ms. Geraldine Scully-Gomez, Maldives Desk Officer of the DG External Relations at the European Commission. At the lunch meeting, Ambassador Sobir and Mrs Scully-Gomez discussed hindrances to Tsunami reconstruction in the Maldives.

On this visit, Ambassador Sobir also met Ms. Neena Gill, MEP and Chairperson of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with the SAARC countries. Ambassador provided an update on the political developments and the post-tsunami development in the Maldives.

21 July, 2005 Mr. Hussain Hilmy sworn-in as Minister of Youth and Sports

Mr. Hussain Hilmy today took his oath of office as the Minister of Youth and Sports, before the President.

The ceremony to administer the oath and hand over the letter of appointment was held at the President’s Office, this afternoon.

The oath was administered by the Chief Justice, Sh. Mohamed Rasheed Ibrahim.

Source: The President's Office of the Republic of Maldives
21 July, 2005 Commonwealth Secretary-General's Special Envoy, Tan Sri Musa Hitam, former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia meets High Commissioner Sobir

London, July 2005: The Commonwealth Secretary-General's Special Envoy, Tan Sri Musa Hitam, former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, during his visit to London, met the High Commissioner of Maldives to the United Kingdom on 18 July 2005.

Tan Sri Musa Hitam, former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and High Commissioner Sobir discussed the developments in the democratic reform process of the Maldives.

As the Commonwealth Secretary General’s Special Envoy, Tan Sri Hitam undertook a visit to the Maldives on 23-24 June 2005. On this visit he met President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and other key figures in Maldives to extend Commonwealth support to the democratic reform process. He also met the Attorney-General, Speakers of the People's Majlis and the Special Majlis and the leadership of the political parties.


25 July, 2005 The President extends support to the British Prime Minister

The President has sent a message to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Mr. Tony Blair, following the series of explosions that occurred in London, last Thursday.

The President extended the support of the Government and the people of the Maldives, and reaffirmed the country’s resolve to stand together in the fight against terrorism. He also expressed his confidence that normalcy would be brought back to the lives of the British people in the shortest possible time.

Source: The President's Office of the Republic of Maldives

25 July, 2005 Renewal of passports for Maldivians living in the United Kingdom

On the occasion of the 40th Independence Day of the Republic of Maldives, the High Commission is pleased to announce that from 1 August 2005 onwards the High Commission would offer the service of renewing Maldivian Passports for Maldivians residing in the United Kingdom.

Arrangements for the introduction of passport service for the Maldivians living in the United Kingdom have been finalised after discussions between the High Commissioner, H.E. Mr. Hassan Sobir and the Controller of the Department of Immigration and Emigration of the Republic of Maldives, Mr. Ibrahim Shafiu.

For clarification of the procedures for renewing passport, please contact:

Mr. Zeenad Abdul Wahid
Third Secretary
High Commission of Maldives
22 Nottingham Place
London, W1U 5NJ

Tel: 020 7224 2135 (Ext.110)
Fax: 020 7224 2157
Email: maldives.high.commission@virgin.net

25 July, 2005 Observance of the Independence Day of the Maldives

London, 25 July 2005: High Commission of Maldives in the United Kingdom today held a function to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Maldives.

At this gathering, the message from the President of Maldives, His Excellency Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, addressed to all Maldivians living abroad, was delivered by the High Commissioner of Maldives, His Excellency Mr. Hassan Sobir.

As part of the austerity measures taken by the Government of Maldives to reduce public expenditures, following the enormous budgetary pressures in the wake of expenditures on the reconstruction after the damages of tsunami, the occasion of the Independence Day was also marked by the High Commission in the same spirit.

The function was also attended by Advisor to the President, Mr. Umar Zahir, who is recently visiting the United Kingdom.

An invitation was extended by the High Commission of Maldives in the United Kingdom to the Advisory Committee/ Central Committee of the Maldives Students Association (MSA-UK) on 8 July 2005, to attend the function at the High Commission to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Maldives.

Two representatives from the AC/CC of the MSA-UK, Ms. Amaal Ali and Ms. Geela Ali attended the function.

30 July, 2005 High Commissioner Sobir calls on Chief Executive of DEC, Mr. Brendan Gormely

High Commissioner H.E. Hassan Sobir with Chief Executive of DEC, Mr. Brendan Gormley

London, 29 July 2005: High Commissioner His Excellency Mr. Hassan Sobir today called on the Chief Executive of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) in the United Kingdom, Mr. Brendan Gormley.

High Commissioner Sobir thanked Mr. Gormely for the assistance and support received from DEC and its members in the post Tsunami recovery of Maldives. He said post- tsunami reconstruction has been a priority of the Government of Maldives, and explained the work carried under the recovery programme.

Highlighting the existing financing gap, High Commissioner Sobir stated that according to the Need Assessment Report on Maldives, the total cost for the reconstruction was estimated by UN as $470 million. However, from what was currently pledged by donors there was a financing gap of US $ 113 million needed, as additional assistance from donors, for the post-tsunami national recovery programme.

High Commissioner Sobir sought avenues for further assistance for the Recovery-Plus programme of the Maldives.

Mr. Brendan Gormely thanked High Commissioner Sobir for the opportunity to meet him and the briefing.

High Commissioner was joined at this meeting by First Secretary of the High Commission, Ms. Iruthisham Adam.

Back