Maldives president assures democracy

President of the Maldives Mohammed Waheed Hassan on Sunday assured his people and international partners that his government will do the utmost to promote democracy in the country. A statement by the Maldives President's Office quoted the president as saying that he believes it is in the national interest of the Maldives to hold a free, fair and inclusive election this year in which all political parties are allowed to participate, including smaller political parties. "In this respect I am pleased that the independent Maldives Election Commission has announced Sep. 7, 2013 as the date for the next presidential election. Prior to the announcement I have invited friendly governments and international organizations to assist in preparations for the election and to provide international observers. I promise to the people of Maldives and our international partners that my government will do the utmost to promote democracy in the country," he said. Fresh tensions erupted in the Maldives last week after former President Mohamed Nasheed sought protection at the Indian High Commission in the Maldives saying his life was under threat amidst moves to arrest him. However President Waheed in the statement on Sunday said he was dismayed that Nasheed sought refuge in the Indian High Commission. "The court order which required the police to arrest Nasheed and have him appear before the court was due to his refusal to attend court hearing. It had expired at 16:00 on Feb. 13, 2013, and there is no reason for him to remain in the High Commission and to instigate street violence. The court order has nothing to do with my government," Waheed said. The president also said that he has not interfered in the work of the judiciary, the police, or the independent commissions.