India, Canada share similar views

◗ The two nations ‘ deplored the degradation of judicial independence and authority, and of democratic institutions’ in Maldives

Stepping up the pressure on Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen after the Maldives extended the state of emergency, both India and Canada on Friday in a joint statement “deplored the degradation of judicial independence and authority, and of democratic institutions” in the tiny archipelago nation.

PM Narendra Modi discussed the situation in the Maldives with visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. PM Modi said there was a similarity of views with Mr Trudeau on the issue of “restoration of the independence of democratic institutions” in the Maldives. Late on Thursday night, the Maldives had sharply criticised India, saying that statements by the Indian government on the situation “ignore the facts and ground realities” and are a “clear distortion of facts”.

The joint statement released mentioned the situation in the Maldives, saying, “The two leaders ( PM Modi and PM Trudeau) expressed strong concern about recent developments in Maldives and their implications for a free society. As leaders of parliamentary systems, they deplored the degradation of judicial independence and authority and of democratic institutions, as well as respect for fundamental freedoms, including those of speech and assembly, constitutional rights and obligations under international law. The Government of Maldives was urged to ensure early resumption of the political process after revoking the state of emergency and to allow democratic institutions, including the judiciary, to function independently in a fair and transparent manner.”

The situation in the Maldives was discussed by the two Prime Ministers along with the situation in the Korean peninsula as well as Afghanistan.