The Heads of Mission of the European Union (EU) based in Colombo and accredited to the
Maldives sent a fact-finding mission to the Maldives from 24-26 August to evaluate the
civil disturbances of 12-14 August 2005, the arrests of demonstrators, including the
Chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), and the implications for the
reform process. The mission spoke to several Cabinet Ministers, the Commissioner of
Police, members of the Human Rights Commission, the National Security Service (NSS),
the acting UN Resident Representative, the Chief Government Spokesperson, members of
the MDP, and some of those detained following the unrest.

The EU expresses its concern at the recent disturbances, coming as they do a full year after
previous disturbances in Male’. The latest events underline the continuing and urgent need
for the Government of the Maldives, the opposition and all stakeholders in the Maldives to
show genuine commitment to dialogue, democratic freedoms and proportionality in their actions.

Having taken account of the mission’s findings and without pre-empting planned court
action, the EU takes note of the fact that only a few months after political parties were
allowed to register for the first time, a number of opposition activists are now facing very
serious charges. The credibility of the trial process and the evidence will come under close
scrutiny. It is essential that the fundamental rights of all detainees are upheld. The EU calls
on the Maldivian authorities to ensure that due process is observed. This includes adequate
notice of court hearings to allow legal representatives sufficient time to prepare, and
adherence to correct procedures. In relation to this the EU welcomes the permission
granted by the government to allow the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) to
observe trial proceedings. The EU will be paying close attention to the conduct and
progress of the court cases.

Given that those arrested have made allegations of human rights violations it is essential
that the Human Rights Commission be able to conduct investigations into any complaints
submitted. The EU encourages the Members of the People’s Majlis to ensure that the
Human Rights Commission Bill presented to the Majlis for its consideration is fully
aligned with international standards, guarantees autonomy for the Commission and
provides sufficient resources and investigative powers.

The EU welcomes the fact that the government has now begun work on a draft paper to
identify reform process milestones to be achieved within two years. This needs to be
undertaken in a genuinely consultative manner involving all stakeholders and the wider
public of the Maldives in order to raise awareness of and confidence in, the reform process.
The EU urges the government to move forward with this without delay.

Measures to allow the registration of political parties for the first time was an important
democratic step forward. It is essential that the government of the Maldives continues to
allow political parties to meet freely and to carry out peaceful political activities. An
effective political party system requires all parties to work within agreed parameters. The
EU urges the government of the Maldives and all political parties to engage in a
constructive dialogue to make clear what these parameters are. In this regard the EU
commends the good offices of the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Special Envoy.

The EU reaffirms its support for further democratic reform in the Maldives and urges the
Government and opposition to take steps to facilitate this and to avoid actions which will
make it more difficult. Genuine commitment to democracy requires living up to the spirit
as well as the letter of reform.

A representative from the Canadian High Commission participated in the fact-finding
mission and the Government of Canada wishes to be associated with this statement.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Country Croatia*, the
Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and
Montenegro, EFTA countries Iceland and Liechtenstein, members of the European
Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with
this declaration.

* Croatia continues to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

Réf:11905/05 (Presse 219)