Foreign Secretary Mathai visits Maldives to take political process forward

New Delhi, Feb 29 (ANI): Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai returned here today after a three-day visit to Maldives to take forward the political process and continue India's engagement with all parties concerned.

Mathai had extensive consultations with all parties, individually and collectively. All parties expressed the view that India had played a very useful role in taking the process forward as a facilitator and friend of the Maldivian people.

There was a broad measure of agreement in talks with all parties and some important principles were underlined.

Continued dialogue on the way forward, including possible amendment to the Constitution and enactment of legislation for institutional reforms.

All parties recognized the need to undertake the necessary amendments and legislation within a quick timeframe in the People's Majlis.

A broad agreement was reached on the need for early elections. For this purpose, the All Party Consultative Committee (APCC) and further consultations among all major parties would continue.

Maldivian president Mohammed Waheed Hassan, while reiterating appreciation for India's assistance and support to the reconciliation process, conveyed in a concluding meeting with the foreign secretary, that considerable progress had been achieved, and that there was optimism on the further potential outcome.

It was agreed in the meeting that India would continue its role of facilitator, as needed. (ANI)