Maldives declares state of emergency
MALDIVES (AFP) — The Maldives yesterday sought to reassure tourists they would be safe as governments warned their citizens to steer clear of the troubled honeymoon islands amid a spiralling political crisis.
India and China advised their holidaymakers against visiting the tropical archipelago after a state of emergency was declared by the regime of embattled President Abdulla Yameen.
Tourism is a key earner for the Maldives, but a dramatic confrontation between Yameen and the security forces against the Supreme Court has further eroded its reputation as an idyllic atoll nation.
Government spokesman Ibrahim Hussain Shihab said no curfew had been declared and the safety of tourists in the upmarket holiday paradise was assured.
The government would “facilitate calm at a time of national difficulty,” he added.
But China — the numberone source of tourists for the Maldives — has urged its citizens against visiting the Indian Ocean nation.
The warning from China’s foreign ministry comes ahead of the “Spring Festival” — the peak period for Chinese tourists to visit the Maldives.
“Given the security situation there, we advise the Chinese tourists who are now in the Maldives to closely follow the security situation and enhance self-protection,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a regu- lar briefing.
“In the meanwhile, Chinese citizens are advised to avoid going to the Maldives until the situation on the ground is stabilized.”
India and France and other European nations also advised its citizens against non-essential travel.
The United States advised caution, warning of further protests in coming days across the capital Male “in response to emerging political developments.”
“You should avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations,” the US embassy in Colombo said in its updated travel advice yesterday.