Maldives Prez: A foreign power tried to create ‘breakaway republic’

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen has accused an unnamed foreign power of trying to create a “breakaway republic” in his country comprising three <g data-gr-id="36">southern-most</g> atolls.

He alleged that a few Maldivians were involved in this “plot” of which he gave no details, either about the foreign power allegedly involved or when the attempt was made.

“Undoubtedly, the biggest challenge to our national unity in our contemporary history was the failed attempt, encouraged by a foreign power, to create a breakaway republic comprising of the three <g data-gr-id="28">southern-most</g> atolls in the country. It was not surprising that a few Maldivians were, yet again, involved in this plot,” he said in an address to mark the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence on Sunday. 

Yameen also slammed foreign interference in the country’s domestic affairs, describing it as the biggest challenge to <g data-gr-id="25">national</g> unity, amid international pressure over the controversial conviction of his predecessor Mohammed Nasheed.

“It is regrettable that every occasion that we were subjugated by foreign powers was instigated, aided and abetted by a handful of treacherous Maldivians,” he said at a function which was attended by several foreign dignitaries, including Sri Lankan President Maithripala <g data-gr-id="26">Srisena</g>.

PM Narendra Modi had also greeted Maldives on its foundation day on Sunday and said that India’s ties with it were built on a very strong foundation.

Yameen asked his countrymen to be mindful not to invite foreign intervention in so-called attempts at domestic dispute resolution and mediation, as “the consequences have been less than desirable from previous experiences.” The Maldivian leader said that threats from outside are far more dangerous than those from within, and the countrymen <g data-gr-id="29">be</g> vigilant and watchful against such threats.

“Attempts by developed and technologically more advanced countries to interfere and intervene in domestic affairs of small and less developed countries, under the guise of ideology and cultural norms, is a reality that we must comprehend, counter and condemn, as such attempts that erode a country’s sovereign rights clearly contravene international norms and global compacts,” he said.