Parliament to question foreign minister reg. plans to restore ties with Qatar

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid will be questioned at Wednesday’s parliament, regarding re-establishing diplomatic ties with Qatar.

Former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration decided to sever diplomatic ties with the Middle Eastern nation, but maintain economic ties, in June 2017.

While the announcement came hours after Saudi Arabia and several other Arab nations severed ties with Qatar, the Yameen government said that the decision was made because of Maldives’ “firm opposition to activities that encourage terrorism and extremism.”

Kaashidhoo constituency MP Abdulla Jabir had proposed to summon and question the foreign minister over this, at a sitting held on June 2.

While the minister was sent the required 14-day notice, he was unable to attend the first scheduled sitting as he was out of the country on official business.

It was later rescheduled to July 31.

MP Jabir proposed to question the foreign minister on whether there is any work being done to restore ties with Qatar and if ongoing, the progress of the work. If there is no work being done, MP Jabir proposes to inquire on why and whether it is not included in the government’s foreign policy and why.

A number of cabinet ministers have been questioned since the 19th parliament commenced in June, including Gender Minister Shidhath Shareef, Housing Minister Athifa Shakoor and Planning Minister Mohamed Aslam.