UNDPA delegation held 'a series of productive engagements' during three-day visit to Maldives

The delegation from United Nations Department of Political Affairs (UNDPA) held "a series of productive engagements" during a three-day official visit to the Maldives.

The team arrived in the Maldives last Tuesday and departed on Thursday.

In a tweet sent out after the visit, the official twitter account of the United Nations System in the Maldives, @UNMaldives tweeted on Thursday that the team has returned to New York "following a series of productive engagements with national political and civil society interlocutors".

The UNDPA team was in Maldives "to engage with the Government, political parties and civil society representatives".

A delegation of the United Nations Department of Political Affairs visited the Maldives back in March as well, following the turmoil in the country due to the controversial ruling by the Supreme Court on February 1. The government had refused to implement the top court ruling, with President Abdulla Yameen declaring a 15-day state of emergency across the country, which was later extended by 30 days.

The international community, including the United Nations, had called on the Maldivian 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.

However, citing UN spokesperson Farhan Haq, Hindustan Times had reported that Maldivian authorities had turned down the UN’s offer for mediation. This was refuted by Fisheries Minister and chair of the government’s initiative for inclusive dialogue, Dr. Mohamed Shainee.

He said that “UN participation is a request by the President himself,” and accused the opposition of "blocking” the talks.

While a UNDPA team is in the Maldives for the second time in less than six months, the department plays a central role in the efforts to prevent and resolve conflict around the world.