US will not 'directly' participate in any investigations by Maldivian authorities: US SCA's Deputy Assistant Secretary

United States of America will not directly participate in any investigations by Maldivian authorities, says Deputy Assistant Secretary at the United States Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, David J. Ranz.

Meeting with journalists and social media activists in capital Malé City on Tuesday, the Deputy Assistant Secretary stated that the US will not get “directly” involved in any investigations by the Maldivian government, but that it will help in providing “capacity building and technical assistance.”

He emphasized that this is so that the Maldivian government will be able to conduct the investigations “on its own”.

While President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has established two commissions- on “murders and enforced disappearances” and “corruption and asset recovery”- there have been reports that the United States is prepared to help the current administration in tracing the millions missing from the state fund.

While the president has stated that foreign assistance is needed to address certain issues, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA)’s governor recently said that they are seeking foreign help in conducting investigations.

The Deputy Assistant Secretary arrived on a two-day official visit on Monday, along with a high level delegation comprising of officials from US agency for international development, department of justice and State Department’s Bureau for International Narcotics Law Enforcement.

The delegation met with Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, Youth Minister Ahmed Mahloof, Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer, Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath and Minister at the President’s Office Ahmed Naseem. They also met with members of the civil society and independent lawyers.

The Deputy Assistant Secretary revealed that they had discussed the objectives and challenges that the government face as they “try a new path” for the country, as well as ways for the United States to support the government’s efforts to “strengthen democracy, improve governance, enhance security and promote economic development.”

Furthermore, speaking on President Solih’s win in September’s presidential election, the Deputy Assistant Secretary stated that Solih’s election and subsequent peaceful transition of power “was a major democratic movement,” adding that it was “profoundly significant” for the broader region.

“The Maldivian people should be proud of this democratic achievement,” he added.

The high-level delegation departed from the Maldives on Tuesday evening.