New Maldives Prez assures rule of law will be upheld

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

New Delhi, Feb 8, IRNA -- New Maldives President Dr Mohamed Waheed has assured that rule of law will be maintained in the country.

In an address to the public after taking the oath of office following the resignation of Mohamed Nasheed, Waheed gave assurance to the public that no unlawful order would be issued to the Police, the Maldives National Defence Forces, or to any individual.

Former President Nasheed announced his resignation Tuesday, after weeks of public protests over his order to arrest a senior judge, who had ordered release of a government critic, and handed over the power to his Vice President Mohammed Waheed Hassan.

Waheed stated that it was today the sovereignty of the Constitution was upheld and rule of law in its true sense was restored. He added it was today that people got the assurance of rule of law and the protection of law, said a release issued from President’s office.

“The nation witnessed difficult times in the recent past, but today the Maldivian people have made a momentous decision.

“Following that decision…at any cost, the rule of law must be upheld,” said the President.

He said differences among political parties and the public must be set aside for the sake of national unity. He urged everyone to join hands for the public interest.

Speaking on transitional justice, the President said no law must be violated in any revenge against the past political leaders.

He appealed for advancing national peace and security.

Dr Mohamed Waheed has sworn in as the 5th President of the Republic of Maldives. The President took his oath of office at the ceremony held at the People’s Majlis Tuesday afternoon.

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Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 30807103