Hledat
|

Foreign Minister of Maldives thanked Tomáš Zdechovský, MEP

Tiskové zprávy   |  26.06. 2019

Brussel, June 26th: On an official visit, Tomáš Zdechovský, MEP (EPP) met today the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid who appreciated Zdechovský’s help in democratic transition of Maldives and the decisive support from Zdechovský to the opposition’s fight with the previous authoritarian regime.

“It was you and your visit which fundamentally contributed to reestablishment of democracy and freedom in our country,” said Minister Shahid to MEP Zdechovský during the meeting.

Abdulla Shahid added that less than a year since the presidential elections, Maldives has moved this far on the path towards democracy and rule of law thanks to Zdechovský’s determination and courage. During a secret visit in August 2018, at times of the escalation of political repressions, Zdechovský personally supported the opposition before upcoming elections.

Zdechovsky personally visited Maldives and met with opposition during August 2018

Upon his return to Europe, Zdechovský publicly called for sanctions on selected Maldivian politicians and regime supporters breaching human rights and attempting to overturn the election outcome. The statement received a significant acclaim in Maldives and contributed to mass anti-governmental protests in the country.

“A year ago, an independent Parliament or judiciary were non-existent at Maldives. Anyone who spoke openly against the regime was violently silenced or killed, as was the case in Communist Czechoslovakia. Fortunately, these days are over,” said Tomáš Zdechovský during the visit of Minister Shahid.

Tomáš Zdechovský also prepared a resolution of the European Parliament calling for EU sanctions against the regime of former President Abdalláh Jamín. “The European Union could not stand idly in the light of worsening human rights and political situation in this island country. I am therefore glad that the pressure of possible EU sanctions which I was seeking for, was one of factors in peaceful transfer of power to the opposition,” adds Tomáš Zdechovský.

Hana Bambasová, Jitka Fialová

See minister informing about the meeting: https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid/status/1143914163003113473?s=21