UK’s concern over Maldives is about democratic principles, not religion: Ambassador

James Dauris, the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, has said that Maldives’ identity as a Muslim nation is not something that is taken into account when considering UK’s concerns about democratic principles. In an exclusive interview with RaajjeTV on Monday, Ambassador Dauris said that the UK takes great pride in being a successful example of a multicultural and multifaith society.

However, he added that it is for the Maldivian people to decide how they want to run their nation and that a country’s faith is not a consideration for the UK.

The Ambassador said that both countries also have shared concerns such as tackling terrorism, highlighting the attacks in the UK as well as the Maldivian fighters going abroad.

He added that the UK values the cooperation of Maldives to ensure the safety of the 100,000 British nationals spending their holidays in the country.

UK has been closely observing Maldives’ political situation and was the first country to urge the government to implement the Supreme Court order on February 1, which ordered the release of political prisoners and reinstatement of opposition MPs. UK was also the first country to implement the European Union (EU)’s framework for restrictive sanctions against state institutions and individuals that undermine human rights and obstruct political freedom in Maldives.

President Abdulla Yameen and senior government officials have claimed that these countries are trying to undermine Islam in Maldives. However, none of their statements have any mention of religious freedom. While President Yameen’s administration continue to ignore the concerns of other countries, diplomats have accused him of misleading the public about their concerns.