Maldives
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

Karen Lumley (Redditch, Conservative)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to help ensure the safety of the former President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed and the Maldivian Democratic Party.

Alistair Burt (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Afghanistan/South Asia, counter terrorism/proliferation, North America, Middle East and North Africa), Foreign and Commonwealth Office; North East Bedfordshire, Conservative)

As the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), said to the House on 9 February we are concerned about events in Maldives, in particular reports of attacks on members and supporters of the Maldivian Democratic Party.

I have spoken to former President Nasheed on a number of occasions, most recently on 10 February when he confirmed he was safe. I have also spoken a number of times to President Waheed, most recently on 9 February. I have called for calm and restraint from both sides and expressed concern to President Waheed about ensuring the safety and security of Nasheed and his supporters. Our high commissioner has also raised the matter with the Police Commissioner and Maldivian Defence Ministry.