A delegation of the United Nations Department of Political Affairs (DPA) is currently in the Maldives on a three-day official trip.

According to a tweet posted by the United Nations Office in Maldives on Sunday, a team from its political affairs department is in the Maldives for three days “to continue engagement with the government, political parties and civil society representatives”.

Following the declaration of a nation-wide state of emergency in the Maldives on 5^th February, the United Nations had called on the government to lift the state of emergency. It has also repeatedly called on the government and opposition to hold dialogue, in order to resolve the issues within the country, even offering to be a mediator in the process.

While Hindustan Times, citing UN spokesperson Farhan Haq, reported that the Maldivian authorities had turned down the UN’s offer for mediation, Fisheries Minister Dr. Mohamed Shainee refuted this, saying that President Abdulla Yameen “has not rejected UN’s role in all-party talks”.

Shainee said that “UN participation is a request by the President himself,” adding that it is the opposition that “keeps blocking” the talks.

Following the controversial Supreme Court ruling on 1^st February, the government had called to restart dialogue, but the opposition called to implement the court ruling before heading to any talks.

United Nation’s Department of Political Affairs (DPA) plays a central role in the efforts to prevent and resolve conflict around the world.