Pro-government Member of Parliament for Gemanafushi constituency Jameel Usman has said that if the European Union (EU) adopts sanctions against the Maldives, it will negatively impact the EU as well.

Speaking to the media, Usman said that if the EU adopts sanctions against the government of Maldives on Monday, it will for their own benefit.

The MP further said that the EU wants to bring into power someone of their choosing as well as give the opportunity for religions other than Islam to be practiced in Maldives. However, the EU’s resolution does not state anything in regards to religious freedom.

Usman went on to say that the sanctions will negatively impact the European investors in Maldives and that despite any sanction from the EU, the people will be the ones making decisions for the country.

While the EU Foreign Affairs Council is to meet at around 9 am (Brussels time) on Monday, making a decision on the Maldives situation is fifth on its agenda and the Foreign Affairs Council is expected “to impose sanctions on persons and entities that violate human rights, undermine rule of law and obstruct the finding of a political solution in the country”.