EU delegation meets with the joint opposition

A delegation of the European Parliament arrived in the Maldives on Sunday, on a two-day official visit.

Their visit comes less than a month after the European Parliament passed a resolution against Maldives, with some MEPs calling to impose targeted sanctions on senior government officials.

The delegation met with members of the joint opposition on Sunday night. Officials from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Jumhooree Party (JP), Adhaalath Party (AP) and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's faction of the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM).

According to JP's deputy leader Abdulla Riyaz, they shared details on the current political situation in the Maldives, including parliament proceedings, as well as intimidation and prosecution of politicians. They also held discussions on the upcoming presidential election, which is to be held next year.

The EU delegation is to meet with Foreign Minister Dr. Mohamed Asim, Attorney General Mohamed Anil, Prosecutor General Aishath Bisham and Parliament Speaker Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed as well as members of the civil society and media, on Monday. They will also call on President Abdulla Yameen.

After the meetings, the three-member delegation is to head off to Addu City, and will leave from there to Colombo, Sri Lanka on Tuesday.