China believes the Maldives will make the "correct choice" to continue with a bilateral free trade deal, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Tuesday, after a Maldives politician said the tiny nation would pull out of the pact.

Mohamed Nasheed, the chief of the Maldivian Democratic Party, which leads the ruling federal alliance, told Reuters this week that it was a mistake to strike such a deal with the world's second biggest economy.

The Maldives parliament would not pass the law changes required for the zero tariffs agreement to come into force, he said.

His comments followed a warning from the new President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who took office on Saturday, that the Maldives was in financial difficulty after racking up debt with Chinese lenders.

In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a regular news briefing that the trade deal had undergone friendly and equal consultations, and that it is "mutually beneficial".

"Its early implementation will lead to early benefits for both sides. We believe the Maldives government will make the correct choice," Geng said, without elaborating.

Best-known for its luxury resorts on palm-fringed coral islands, the Maldives is among a number of small countries where China has invested billions of dollars building highways and housing as part of its Belt and Road Initiative.

The initiative aims to boost China's trade and investment flows with much of Asia and parts of the rest of the world. However, projects are facing opposition in some countries amid concerns about a debt trap that China has rejected.

Former Maldives President Abdullah Yameen, who lost the election in September, signed the trade deal during a December visit to Beijing. The Maldives parliament ratified the treaty despite opposition protests that he had rushed through the 1,000-page document in less than an hour without any debate.

Nasheed, a former president and now an adviser to Solih, has called the agreement a "one-way treaty" that favours China.

Critics in the Maldives say a China-led infrastructure boom has left the country of a little more than 400,000 people debt-ridden, and a free trade pact would only make the situation worse given the lopsided nature of the relationship.

Between January to August this year, the Maldives' imports from China were $342 million, while its exports to China were just $265,270, according to Maldives customs data.

China believes the Maldives will make the "correct choice" to continue with a bilateral free trade deal, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Tuesday, after a Maldives politician said the tiny nation would pull out of the pact.

China believes the Maldives will make the "correct choice" to continue with a bilateral free trade deal, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Tuesday, after a Maldives politician said the tiny nation would pull out of the pact. Mohamed Nasheed, the chief of the Maldivian Democratic Party, which leads the ruling federal alliance, told Reuters this week that it was a mistake to strike such a deal with the world's second biggest economy. The Maldives parliament would not pass the law changes required for the zero tariffs agreement to come into force, he said. His comments followed a warning from the new President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who took office on Saturday, that the Maldives was in financial difficulty after racking up debt with Chinese lenders. In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a regular news briefing that the trade deal had undergone friendly and equal consultations, and that it is "mutually beneficial". "Its early implementation will lead to early benefits for both sides. We believe the Maldives government will make the correct choice," Geng said, without elaborating. Best-known for its luxury resorts on palm-fringed coral islands, the Maldives is among a number of small countries where China has invested billions of dollars building highways and housing as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. The initiative aims to boost China's trade and investment flows with much of Asia and parts of the rest of the world. However, projects are facing opposition in some countries amid concerns about a debt trap that China has rejected. Former Maldives President Abdullah Yameen, who lost the election in September, signed the trade deal during a December visit to Beijing. The Maldives parliament ratified the treaty despite opposition protests that he had rushed through the 1,000-page document in less than an hour without any debate. Nasheed, a former president and now an adviser to Solih, has called the agreement a "one-way treaty" that favours China. Critics in the Maldives say a China-led infrastructure boom has left the country of a little more than 400,000 people debt-ridden, and a free trade pact would only make the situation worse given the lopsided nature of the relationship. Between January to August this year, the Maldives' imports from China were $342 million, while its exports to China were just $265,270, according to Maldives customs data.

China believes Maldives will make 'correct choice' to continue with free trade deal

Watch: WION Gravitas, 19th November, 2018

WION Gravitas: Resetting India-Maldives ties; Maldives won't return Indian choppers

Watch: WION Fineprint, 19th November, 2018

Watch: WION Dispatch, 19th November, 2018

WION Dispatch: Maldives to pull out of China deal

24 hours after Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was sworn in as&nbsp;President of Maldives,&nbsp;new Defence Minister Mariya Didi told WION that Male won't be returning two Indian helicopters which New Delhi had gifted.&nbsp;

Maldives, under Yameen, had asked New Delhi to take back the helicopters.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION Didi said, "It’s not in our culture to ask neighbours to take back what they give."&nbsp;

One chopper is deployed in the Indian Ocean nation's southernmost&nbsp;island of Addu and the other in the strategically-located Lammu, he said.&nbsp;

The helicopters which were gifted in 2013 following a request from Maldives.

"The helicopters can be put to good use such as evacuations and search and rescue," he said.&nbsp;

It's for the first time the new Maldivian defence minister spoke to any Indian media after taking charge.

"They were very useful in the past but with the development of adequate infrastructure, facilities and resources, we are in a position to handle medical evacuations on our own" former Maldives ambassador in India Ahmed Mohamed had told news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

Yameen had junked pro India "India first policy" and increasingly aligned with China.

Former President Nasheed had indicated that China was responsible for the development and told WION a few months ago that Yameen was under pressure from "external forces to remove these helicopters".

Indian PM Modi was present at the oath-taking the ceremony of the new president on Saturday. The new President, in his first address after being sworn in had said, "We will endeavour to fortify existing ties with India. Maldives will hereupon bolster its shared role to retain enduring peace &amp; harmony of the Indian Ocean."

24 hours after Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was sworn in as President of Maldives, new Defence Minister Mariya Didi told WION that Male won't be returning two Indian helicopters which New Delhi had gifted.

24 hours after Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was sworn in as President of Maldives, new Defence Minister Mariya Didi told WION that Male won't be returning two Indian helicopters which New Delhi had gifted. Maldives, under Yameen, had asked New Delhi to take back the helicopters. Speaking to WION Didi said, "It’s not in our culture to ask neighbours to take back what they give." One chopper is deployed in the Indian Ocean nation's southernmost island of Addu and the other in the strategically-located Lammu, he said. The helicopters which were gifted in 2013 following a request from Maldives. "The helicopters can be put to good use such as evacuations and search and rescue," he said. It's for the first time the new Maldivian defence minister spoke to any Indian media after taking charge. "They were very useful in the past but with the development of adequate infrastructure, facilities and resources, we are in a position to handle medical evacuations on our own" former Maldives ambassador in India Ahmed Mohamed had told news agency Reuters. Yameen had junked pro India "India first policy" and increasingly aligned with China. Former President Nasheed had indicated that China was responsible for the development and told WION a few months ago that Yameen was under pressure from "external forces to remove these helicopters". Indian PM Modi was present at the oath-taking the ceremony of the new president on Saturday. The new President, in his first address after being sworn in had said, "We will endeavour to fortify existing ties with India. Maldives will hereupon bolster its shared role to retain enduring peace & harmony of the Indian Ocean."

Maldives won't return helicopters India had gifted, says new Defence Minister 

The Maldives’ new government will pull out of a free trade agreement (FTA) with China because it was a mistake for the tiny nation to strike such a pact with the world’s second biggest economy, the head of the largest party in the ruling alliance said.

It is the latest sign of a backlash against China in the Maldives, best-known for its luxury resorts on palm-fringed coral islands.

“The trade imbalance between China and the Maldives is so huge that nobody would think of an FTA between such parties,” said Mohamed Nasheed, the chief of the Maldivian Democratic Party, which leads the ruling federal alliance. “China is not buying anything from us. It is a one-way treaty.”

On Saturday, as he took office, the new President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih declared the state coffers have been “looted” and warned that the country was in financial difficulty after racking up debt with Chinese lenders.

Former President Abdullah Yameen, who lost the election in September, signed the FTA during a visit to Beijing in December, and the same month his parliament ratified the treaty despite opposition protests that he had rushed through the 1,000-page document in less than an hour without any debate.

Nasheed, a former president and now an advisor to Solih, said parliament would not pass the law changes required for the zero tariffs agreement to come into force.

“It was ratified by parliament, but fortunately it calls for different sets of legislation. We are not going to have this further legislation. We can’t go with that,” Nasheed told Reuters in an interview in the capital Male.

China’s embassy in Male did not respond to a request for a comment on the trade pact.

But China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Culture and Tourism Minister Luo Shugang, President Xi Jinping’s special envoy to the inauguration, told Solih that China paid great attention to developing relations with the Maldives.

The Maldives is among a number of small countries where China has invested billions of dollars building highways and housing as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. Through that initiative, Beijing hopes to improve trade and investment flows with much of Asia and parts of the rest of the world.

China was willing to work with the Maldives to consolidate their traditional friendship, plan their practical cooperation and promote Belt and Road to inject “new impetus” into their future relationship, the foreign ministry cited Luo as saying during Sunday’s meeting with Maldivian president.

The statement cited Solih as expressing appreciation for China’s long-term support of the Maldives and that he was willing to further deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road framework.

Striking deals

Critics in the Maldives say a China-led infrastructure boom has left the tiny country of a little more than 400,000 people debt-ridden, and a free trade pact would only make the situation worse given the lopsided nature of the relationship.

Between January to August this year, the Maldives’ imports from China were $342 million, while its exports to China were just $265,270, according to Maldives customs data. The island nation bought meat, agricultural produce, flowers, plants, electronics and toys from China among many other items.

It imported US $194 million worth of goods from India, its traditional partner, during the same period, while exporting $1.8 million of products including scrap metal such as copper, aluminum and steel.

The Yameen administration said at the time that the FTA with China would help diversify the US $3.9 billion economy and boost fisheries exports from the Maldives, crucial since the European Union declined in 2014 to renew a tax concession on them.

The two countries would open up services such as finance, healthcare and tourism, China said at the time. The Maldives has no free trade pacts with any other country.

If the Maldives turns away, it would be the latest setback for China, which is facing opposition for its projects in countries stretching from Malaysia to Nepal, and even from its all-weather ally Pakistan.

A proposed free trade agreement has been held up in Sri Lanka over Colombo’s demand that it have the option to leave after 10 years.

A member of Solih’s transition team also said the administration was thinking of cancelling the pact.

“It makes no business sense,” the official said, requesting anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. “This is not something we are going to pursue, we expect the cabinet to meet and take a formal decision on this.”

The new administration plans an audit of the deals signed by the Yameen administration, but it said it had no plans to suspend or cancel any of the projects, such as airport expansion and housing contracts, given to Chinese firms.

The Maldives’ new government will pull out of a free trade agreement (FTA) with China because it was a mistake for the tiny nation to strike such a pact with the world’s second biggest economy, the head of the largest party in the ruling alliance said.

The Maldives’ new government will pull out of a free trade agreement (FTA) with China because it was a mistake for the tiny nation to strike such a pact with the world’s second biggest economy, the head of the largest party in the ruling alliance said. It is the latest sign of a backlash against China in the Maldives, best-known for its luxury resorts on palm-fringed coral islands. “The trade imbalance between China and the Maldives is so huge that nobody would think of an FTA between such parties,” said Mohamed Nasheed, the chief of the Maldivian Democratic Party, which leads the ruling federal alliance. “China is not buying anything from us. It is a one-way treaty.” On Saturday, as he took office, the new President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih declared the state coffers have been “looted” and warned that the country was in financial difficulty after racking up debt with Chinese lenders. Former President Abdullah Yameen, who lost the election in September, signed the FTA during a visit to Beijing in December, and the same month his parliament ratified the treaty despite opposition protests that he had rushed through the 1,000-page document in less than an hour without any debate. Nasheed, a former president and now an advisor to Solih, said parliament would not pass the law changes required for the zero tariffs agreement to come into force. “It was ratified by parliament, but fortunately it calls for different sets of legislation. We are not going to have this further legislation. We can’t go with that,” Nasheed told Reuters in an interview in the capital Male. China’s embassy in Male did not respond to a request for a comment on the trade pact. But China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Culture and Tourism Minister Luo Shugang, President Xi Jinping’s special envoy to the inauguration, told Solih that China paid great attention to developing relations with the Maldives. The Maldives is among a number of small countries where China has invested billions of dollars building highways and housing as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. Through that initiative, Beijing hopes to improve trade and investment flows with much of Asia and parts of the rest of the world. China was willing to work with the Maldives to consolidate their traditional friendship, plan their practical cooperation and promote Belt and Road to inject “new impetus” into their future relationship, the foreign ministry cited Luo as saying during Sunday’s meeting with Maldivian president. The statement cited Solih as expressing appreciation for China’s long-term support of the Maldives and that he was willing to further deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road framework. Striking deals Critics in the Maldives say a China-led infrastructure boom has left the tiny country of a little more than 400,000 people debt-ridden, and a free trade pact would only make the situation worse given the lopsided nature of the relationship. Between January to August this year, the Maldives’ imports from China were $342 million, while its exports to China were just $265,270, according to Maldives customs data. The island nation bought meat, agricultural produce, flowers, plants, electronics and toys from China among many other items. It imported US $194 million worth of goods from India, its traditional partner, during the same period, while exporting $1.8 million of products including scrap metal such as copper, aluminum and steel. The Yameen administration said at the time that the FTA with China would help diversify the US $3.9 billion economy and boost fisheries exports from the Maldives, crucial since the European Union declined in 2014 to renew a tax concession on them. The two countries would open up services such as finance, healthcare and tourism, China said at the time. The Maldives has no free trade pacts with any other country. If the Maldives turns away, it would be the latest setback for China, which is facing opposition for its projects in countries stretching from Malaysia to Nepal, and even from its all-weather ally Pakistan. A proposed free trade agreement has been held up in Sri Lanka over Colombo’s demand that it have the option to leave after 10 years. A member of Solih’s transition team also said the administration was thinking of cancelling the pact. “It makes no business sense,” the official said, requesting anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. “This is not something we are going to pursue, we expect the cabinet to meet and take a formal decision on this.” The new administration plans an audit of the deals signed by the Yameen administration, but it said it had no plans to suspend or cancel any of the projects, such as airport expansion and housing contracts, given to Chinese firms.

Maldives set to pull out of China free trade deal, says senior lawmaker

In his first comments on China, Maldives new president President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih "underscored the contributions made by China to the development of Maldives over the years." According to a release&nbsp;issued by the Maldivian President's office, Solih noted that "the Maldives values the historical and brotherly relations with China."

This came after his meeting with the special envoy of the Chinese President Xi Jinping and Minister of Culture and Tourism Luo Shugang who paid a courtesy call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at the President’s Office. He represented Bejing during Solih's swearing-in ceremony Saturday.&nbsp;

The Maldivian President "further expressed his confidence for continued cooperation between the two countries in the future,"&nbsp;the release said.

At the meeting, the special envoy of the Chinese President assured President Solih of China’s "commitment to further strengthening the close bilateral relations."

Under former President Yameen, Maldivian ties with China had enhanced but at the same time, Yameen had junked India first policy. The number of Chinese infrastructure projects in the Indian ocean island country had increased and Yameen had signed a free-trade agreement or FTA with China.&nbsp;

The Chinese government has also constructed China Maldives friendship dam that connects the islands of Male and Hulhule and was the 1st inter-island bridge in the country. &nbsp;Built at an estimated cost of $210 million, $126 million was given by the Chinese government as a grant in aid.&nbsp;

But it is being feared that the Maldives might be saddled with debt during the China-led infrastructure development. During Modi-Solih meet on Saturday after swearing in ceremony, President Solih had briefed Prime Minister Modi on the dire economic situation in his country as he takes office. The two leaders discussed ways in which India can continue development partnership, particularly to help the new government in meeting its pledges to the people of the Maldives. 
&nbsp;

In his first comments on China, Maldives new president President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih "underscored the contributions made by China to the development of Maldives over the years.

In his first comments on China, Maldives new president President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih "underscored the contributions made by China to the development of Maldives over the years." According to a release issued by the Maldivian President's office, Solih noted that "the Maldives values the historical and brotherly relations with China." This came after his meeting with the special envoy of the Chinese President Xi Jinping and Minister of Culture and Tourism Luo Shugang who paid a courtesy call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at the President’s Office. He represented Bejing during Solih's swearing-in ceremony Saturday. The Maldivian President "further expressed his confidence for continued cooperation between the two countries in the future," the release said. At the meeting, the special envoy of the Chinese President assured President Solih of China’s "commitment to further strengthening the close bilateral relations." Under former President Yameen, Maldivian ties with China had enhanced but at the same time, Yameen had junked India first policy. The number of Chinese infrastructure projects in the Indian ocean island country had increased and Yameen had signed a free-trade agreement or FTA with China. The Chinese government has also constructed China Maldives friendship dam that connects the islands of Male and Hulhule and was the 1st inter-island bridge in the country. Built at an estimated cost of $210 million, $126 million was given by the Chinese government as a grant in aid. But it is being feared that the Maldives might be saddled with debt during the China-led infrastructure development. During Modi-Solih meet on Saturday after swearing in ceremony, President Solih had briefed Prime Minister Modi on the dire economic situation in his country as he takes office. The two leaders discussed ways in which India can continue development partnership, particularly to help the new government in meeting its pledges to the people of the Maldives.

Solih meets Xi's special envoy; underscores contributions made by China to development of Maldives

The new president of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will take oath today in Male in a ceremony that will take place at the national stadium. &nbsp;

Nearly 46 countries will send representatives to attend the inauguration ceremony with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visiting the country to take part in the ceremony. 17 foreign dignitaries will be present during the ceremony in which Indian PM's presence will be the highest level presence by any country.

This will be the first visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Maldives. Maldives is the only SAARC country PM Modi did not visit after taking charge in the year 2014.

Announcing the visit, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had last week said, " Prime Minister has accepted the invitation with pleasure. In keeping with her Neighborhood First policy, India looks forward to closely working with the Maldives in further deepening our partnership. PM will return to New Delhi on the same night" .

Maldivian news organisation Raajje has reported that the inauguration stage "resembles the Maldives parliament."

Other countries which will be present at the ceremony will be China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, US, UAE, Palestine, Morocco, Seychelles, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Serbia. SAARC will be represented by the secretary general of the grouping Amjad Hussain Sial.&nbsp;

Former president of Sri Lanka Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga will be also present at the oath-taking ceremony. Sri Lanka is also sending Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Sarath Amunugama and Minister of Provincial Councils, Local Government and Sports Faiszer Mustapha.

Asian heavyweights China and Japan are also sending their envoys. Bejing is sending Luo Shugang Minister of Culture and Tourism as Special Envoy of President Xi Jinping while from Tokyo, Wataru Takeshita, Member of House of Representatives of Japan as Special Envoy of the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be in attendance.

After the ceremony, a reception will take place at Kurumba Maldives. Indian PM will meet president Solih there.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, former president Yameen has decided to boycott the oath taking ceremony with the spokesperson at the President’s Office Ibrahim Muaz Ali tweeting it, saying that the outgoing president believes that an important right of the people of Maldives has been seized and justice has not been served.

The new president of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will take oath today in Male in a ceremony that will take place at the national stadium. Nearly 46 countries will send representatives to attend the inauguration ceremony with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visiting the country to take part in the ceremony.

The new president of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will take oath today in Male in a ceremony that will take place at the national stadium. Nearly 46 countries will send representatives to attend the inauguration ceremony with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visiting the country to take part in the ceremony. 17 foreign dignitaries will be present during the ceremony in which Indian PM's presence will be the highest level presence by any country. This will be the first visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Maldives. Maldives is the only SAARC country PM Modi did not visit after taking charge in the year 2014. Announcing the visit, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had last week said, " Prime Minister has accepted the invitation with pleasure. In keeping with her Neighborhood First policy, India looks forward to closely working with the Maldives in further deepening our partnership. PM will return to New Delhi on the same night" . Maldivian news organisation Raajje has reported that the inauguration stage "resembles the Maldives parliament." Other countries which will be present at the ceremony will be China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, US, UAE, Palestine, Morocco, Seychelles, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Serbia. SAARC will be represented by the secretary general of the grouping Amjad Hussain Sial. Former president of Sri Lanka Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga will be also present at the oath-taking ceremony. Sri Lanka is also sending Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Sarath Amunugama and Minister of Provincial Councils, Local Government and Sports Faiszer Mustapha. Asian heavyweights China and Japan are also sending their envoys. Bejing is sending Luo Shugang Minister of Culture and Tourism as Special Envoy of President Xi Jinping while from Tokyo, Wataru Takeshita, Member of House of Representatives of Japan as Special Envoy of the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be in attendance. After the ceremony, a reception will take place at Kurumba Maldives. Indian PM will meet president Solih there. Meanwhile, former president Yameen has decided to boycott the oath taking ceremony with the spokesperson at the President’s Office Ibrahim Muaz Ali tweeting it, saying that the outgoing president believes that an important right of the people of Maldives has been seized and justice has not been served.

Solih takes oath today as Maldivian President; PM Modi to attend inauguration ceremony in Male

Ibrahim Solih sworn-in as the 6th president of Maldives

A tussle for dominance has ended in Maldives, at least for the time being.&nbsp;Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/solih-sworn-in-as-maldives-president-replacing-pro-china-leader-177868"> inaugurated on Saturday</a> as the new president of the country after the opposition unity dislodged the&nbsp;pro-China strongman Abdulla Yameen in September elections.

With <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-modi-meets-maldives-president-ibrahim-mohamed-solih-in-male-177884">PM Modi</a> as the highest ranking visitor at the inauguration ceremony of the new president Mohd Solih in the Maldives - and with the defeat of Abdulla Yameen -- India is hoping to regain lost ground.

Solih has promised an 'India first policy' and his team is reviewing millions of dollars worth of investment from China - as well as debt and how to restructure it to reduce its dependence on the Chinese.

But while he plans to tighten his grip, he also hopes to get at least 200 to 300 million from friendly nations - like India, Saudi Arabia, and the US to pay back China it's whopping US 1.5 billion of debt - which is more than a quarter of the country's gross domestic product.

How will the Maldives pay back the debt? And until its paid, are the Chinese very much the stakeholder?

This year alone - the Chinese have completed a mile-long China-Maldives friendship bridge Which connects the airport on one island to the capital on another.

The Chinese are also expanding the airport itself. The airport development is an especially sore point with India after the Maldivian government canceled a US $511 million deal with India's GMR Infrastructure and later gave the contract to Beijing.&nbsp;

The Chinese also own many lagoons and islands with the Maldives archipelago

It could take months to rid the Maldives of the Chinese influence and many of these deals are enveloped in secrecy.

But India is willing to help and has in the past provided a US $75 million credit line of which a third had been utilised before the diplomatic chill set in with the previous administration.

There is also currency swap agreement between the two nations and defence deals which have seen several recent setbacks under the Yameen administration who withdrew from agreements and sent back Indian military helicopters as well.

So India will hope to get back some of those defense agreements and access to key ports and islands which are strategically important to India.

But China remains a big player. Which means the relationship is unlikely to completely unravel anytime soon.

A tussle for dominance has ended in Maldives, at least for the time being. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was inaugurated on Saturday as the new president of the country after the opposition unity dislodged the pro-China strongman Abdulla Yameen in September elections.

A tussle for dominance has ended in Maldives, at least for the time being. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was inaugurated on Saturday as the new president of the country after the opposition unity dislodged the pro-China strongman Abdulla Yameen in September elections. With PM Modi as the highest ranking visitor at the inauguration ceremony of the new president Mohd Solih in the Maldives - and with the defeat of Abdulla Yameen -- India is hoping to regain lost ground. Solih has promised an 'India first policy' and his team is reviewing millions of dollars worth of investment from China - as well as debt and how to restructure it to reduce its dependence on the Chinese. But while he plans to tighten his grip, he also hopes to get at least 200 to 300 million from friendly nations - like India, Saudi Arabia, and the US to pay back China it's whopping US 1.5 billion of debt - which is more than a quarter of the country's gross domestic product. How will the Maldives pay back the debt? And until its paid, are the Chinese very much the stakeholder? This year alone - the Chinese have completed a mile-long China-Maldives friendship bridge Which connects the airport on one island to the capital on another. The Chinese are also expanding the airport itself. The airport development is an especially sore point with India after the Maldivian government canceled a US $511 million deal with India's GMR Infrastructure and later gave the contract to Beijing. The Chinese also own many lagoons and islands with the Maldives archipelago It could take months to rid the Maldives of the Chinese influence and many of these deals are enveloped in secrecy. But India is willing to help and has in the past provided a US $75 million credit line of which a third had been utilised before the diplomatic chill set in with the previous administration. There is also currency swap agreement between the two nations and defence deals which have seen several recent setbacks under the Yameen administration who withdrew from agreements and sent back Indian military helicopters as well. So India will hope to get back some of those defense agreements and access to key ports and islands which are strategically important to India. But China remains a big player. Which means the relationship is unlikely to completely unravel anytime soon.

The Maldives win: What it means for India

Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was inaugurated Saturday as the new president of the Maldives after the opposition united to dislodge pro-China strongman leader Abdulla Yameen in September elections.

Solih, 54, emerged as common opposition candidate as all key dissidents were either jailed or forced into exile by Yameen who took power following a controversial run-off in 2013.

At a special session of parliament held at the National Football Stadium in the capital Male, Solih was sworn in with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi among those in attendance.

The Maldives foreign ministry said China's culture minister Luo Shugang was also an invitee.

The United States and the European Union had threatened sanctions if the vote had not been free and fair.

Both neighbouring India and Western nations watched with concern as Yameen moved closer to Beijing which loaned the strategically placed archipelago millions of dollars for infrastructure.

"I am confident that my visit will herald a new era of even closer exchanges and cooperation between our two countries," Modi said on Facebook, especially in "infrastructure, health care, connectivity and human resource development."

Solih's Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has pledged to end what it called "China's colonialism" and to resist a "land grab" in the country which straddles key East-West shipping routes.

MDP leader and former president Mohamed Nasheed has vowed his party would reduce reliance on China and renegotiate millions of dollars in loans taken from Beijing.

Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was inaugurated Saturday as the new president of the Maldives after the opposition united to dislodge pro-China strongman leader Abdulla Yameen in September elections.

Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was inaugurated Saturday as the new president of the Maldives after the opposition united to dislodge pro-China strongman leader Abdulla Yameen in September elections. Solih, 54, emerged as common opposition candidate as all key dissidents were either jailed or forced into exile by Yameen who took power following a controversial run-off in 2013. At a special session of parliament held at the National Football Stadium in the capital Male, Solih was sworn in with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi among those in attendance. The Maldives foreign ministry said China's culture minister Luo Shugang was also an invitee. The United States and the European Union had threatened sanctions if the vote had not been free and fair. Both neighbouring India and Western nations watched with concern as Yameen moved closer to Beijing which loaned the strategically placed archipelago millions of dollars for infrastructure. "I am confident that my visit will herald a new era of even closer exchanges and cooperation between our two countries," Modi said on Facebook, especially in "infrastructure, health care, connectivity and human resource development." Solih's Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has pledged to end what it called "China's colonialism" and to resist a "land grab" in the country which straddles key East-West shipping routes. MDP leader and former president Mohamed Nasheed has vowed his party would reduce reliance on China and renegotiate millions of dollars in loans taken from Beijing.

Solih sworn in as Maldives president, replacing pro-China leader

PM Modi meets Maldivian president after swearing-in ceremony

PM Modi's first official visit to Maldives; Solih sworn in as 6th president of Maldives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Male on Saturday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Maldives President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who surprisingly defeated strongman Abdulla Yameen in September.&nbsp;

This is Modi's first visit to the Maldives as prime minister. The last visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Indian Ocean island nation was by Manmohan Singh in 2011.&nbsp;

"I will convey to the new Maldivian Government of Mr Solih the desire of the Indian Government to work closely for realisation of their developmental priorities, especially in areas of infrastructure, health care, connectivity &amp; human resource development," Modi said in a series of tweets ahead of the visit.

He said the recent elections in the Maldives represent the collective aspirations of the people for democracy, rule of law and a prosperous future.&nbsp;

"We in India strongly desire to see a stable, democratic, prosperous and peaceful Republic of Maldives," the prime minister said.

Modi also congratulated Solih on his victory in the recent elections and wished him "the very best for his tenure".&nbsp;

"India and the Maldives share a strong partnership rooted in history, strong bonds between our peoples, and their shared aspiration for peace and prosperity. My Government's vision of inclusive development "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas' extends to all our neighbours too," he said.&nbsp;

Modi also said he will convey to Solih his wish to work with the new Maldives government in different areas to boost bilateral ties.&nbsp; 
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Solih, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate who surprisingly emerged victorious over incumbent president Yameen in the election held on September 23, had extended the invitation during a phone call by Modi.

The Maldives is the only South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation SAARC country that Modi has not visited. His visit to the Maldives, a strategically vital island and a popular tourist destination, was cancelled in March 2015 due to the volatile political situation then.

India-Maldives ties came under strain under Yameen who was perceived to be close to China. Some decisions by Yameen including imposition of restrictions on work visas for Indians and signing of a new Free Trade Agreement with Beijing also did not go down well with New Delhi.&nbsp;

Relations between India and the Maldives deteriorated further after Yameen imposed emergency on February 5 this year. India had criticised his decision and asked his government to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by releasing political prisoners. The emergency lasted for 45 days.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Male on Saturday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Maldives President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who surprisingly defeated strongman Abdulla Yameen in September.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Male on Saturday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Maldives President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who surprisingly defeated strongman Abdulla Yameen in September. This is Modi's first visit to the Maldives as prime minister. The last visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Indian Ocean island nation was by Manmohan Singh in 2011. "I will convey to the new Maldivian Government of Mr Solih the desire of the Indian Government to work closely for realisation of their developmental priorities, especially in areas of infrastructure, health care, connectivity & human resource development," Modi said in a series of tweets ahead of the visit. He said the recent elections in the Maldives represent the collective aspirations of the people for democracy, rule of law and a prosperous future. "We in India strongly desire to see a stable, democratic, prosperous and peaceful Republic of Maldives," the prime minister said. Modi also congratulated Solih on his victory in the recent elections and wished him "the very best for his tenure". "India and the Maldives share a strong partnership rooted in history, strong bonds between our peoples, and their shared aspiration for peace and prosperity. My Government's vision of inclusive development "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas' extends to all our neighbours too," he said. Modi also said he will convey to Solih his wish to work with the new Maldives government in different areas to boost bilateral ties. Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi arrives in Malé. PM Modi is on a visit to Maldives to attend the inauguration ceremony of the President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in Malé. pic.twitter.com/IQPUZ4dVAI — ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2018 × Solih, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate who surprisingly emerged victorious over incumbent president Yameen in the election held on September 23, had extended the invitation during a phone call by Modi. The Maldives is the only South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation SAARC country that Modi has not visited. His visit to the Maldives, a strategically vital island and a popular tourist destination, was cancelled in March 2015 due to the volatile political situation then. India-Maldives ties came under strain under Yameen who was perceived to be close to China. Some decisions by Yameen including imposition of restrictions on work visas for Indians and signing of a new Free Trade Agreement with Beijing also did not go down well with New Delhi. Relations between India and the Maldives deteriorated further after Yameen imposed emergency on February 5 this year. India had criticised his decision and asked his government to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by releasing political prisoners. The emergency lasted for 45 days.

PM Modi arrives in Maldives to attend President-elect Solih's inauguration

PM Modi will be visiting the Maldives on Saturday to take part in the oath-taking ceremony of new president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He will be leaving Delhi around noon time. The oath-taking ceremony will be taking place at 5 pm local time. Among the foreign leaders present in the oath ceremony, India's representation is amongst the highest level.&nbsp;

Announcing the visit MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had last week said, "Prime Minister has accepted the invitation with pleasure. In keeping with her Neighborhood First policy, India looks forward to closely working with the Maldives in further deepening our partnership. PM will return to New Delhi on the same night"&nbsp;

Welcoming Indian PM's participation, Mariya Didi, Spokesperson of President-elect Solih had tweeted - "Delighted to hear that the Indian PM @narendramodi @PMOIndia has accepted President-Elect @ibusolih’s invitation and will attend the Presidential inauguration. We look forward to a new era of friendship and co-operation with India in the years ahead @PresElectMv @AkhileshIFS"

PM Modi had called Solih after his election victory and congratulated him on his victory in the Presidential elections. Prime Minister Modi also conveyed his "good wishes for the strengthening of democracy, peace and prosperity in the Maldives" under the leadership of Solih.&nbsp;

Experts believe visit by India PM to the Maldives sends a message. A message that India fully backs in new government in the Maldives. Interestingly, Maldives is the only SAARC country that Modi has not visited since taking over in 2014. The 2nd Quad meeting that took place in Singapore this year also discussed the Maldives with statements from Washington, Canberra and Tokyo all calling to support the new govt in the Maldives.&nbsp;

Sigh of relief for Delhi

Since the change in Maldives due to the elections, its a sigh of relief in Delhi because India-Maldives relations under President Yameen had suffered. President Yameen junked "India First" policy and was pro-China. Yameen allowed a number of Chinese Infrastructure projects in the country and gave a go-ahead to Maldives China Free trade agreement.&nbsp;

Under Yameen, people to people ties also suffered from visas and work permit being denied to Indians. Former President Nasheed speaking to WION had slammed Yameen's informal ban on Indians and said, "that will have a negative impact on the Maldives as most of the skilled force come from India". &nbsp;

Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000. Of the country’s approximately 400 doctors, over 125 are Indians. Similarly, around 25 per cent of teachers in the Maldives are Indians

Recently Dunya Maumoon, daughter of Abdul Gayoom who was the longest-serving president of Maldives and architect of democracy in the country visited New Delhi.

She met India's external affairs minister during the visit. Speaking to WION during her Delhi visit, she lambasted Yameen and said, "While he brought some development, mostly a lot of people lived in fear and in an environment of a lot of political persecution. Using the court he was able to lock up and convict a lot of innocent people under various charges this included my father who at his age and given his health, it was a difficult time for him personally. My mother, my family. My brother, my brother in law were imprisoned. And many many other political figures with whom he was threatened were put in jail."

China, Japan to send representatives&nbsp;

Both China &amp; Japan are also sending representatives. China will be sending President Xi Jinping's Special Envoy and Minister of Culture and Tourism Luo Shugang who is already in the country.

Japan will be sending the member of the House of Representatives and President of the Japan-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship League, Wataru Takeshita. He is going to Male as Special Envoy of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

PM Modi will be visiting the Maldives on Saturday to take part in the oath-taking ceremony of new president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He will be leaving Delhi around noon time.

PM Modi will be visiting the Maldives on Saturday to take part in the oath-taking ceremony of new president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He will be leaving Delhi around noon time. The oath-taking ceremony will be taking place at 5 pm local time. Among the foreign leaders present in the oath ceremony, India's representation is amongst the highest level. Announcing the visit MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had last week said, "Prime Minister has accepted the invitation with pleasure. In keeping with her Neighborhood First policy, India looks forward to closely working with the Maldives in further deepening our partnership. PM will return to New Delhi on the same night" Welcoming Indian PM's participation, Mariya Didi, Spokesperson of President-elect Solih had tweeted - "Delighted to hear that the Indian PM @narendramodi @PMOIndia has accepted President-Elect @ibusolih’s invitation and will attend the Presidential inauguration. We look forward to a new era of friendship and co-operation with India in the years ahead @PresElectMv @AkhileshIFS" PM Modi had called Solih after his election victory and congratulated him on his victory in the Presidential elections. Prime Minister Modi also conveyed his "good wishes for the strengthening of democracy, peace and prosperity in the Maldives" under the leadership of Solih. Experts believe visit by India PM to the Maldives sends a message. A message that India fully backs in new government in the Maldives. Interestingly, Maldives is the only SAARC country that Modi has not visited since taking over in 2014. The 2nd Quad meeting that took place in Singapore this year also discussed the Maldives with statements from Washington, Canberra and Tokyo all calling to support the new govt in the Maldives. Sigh of relief for Delhi Since the change in Maldives due to the elections, its a sigh of relief in Delhi because India-Maldives relations under President Yameen had suffered. President Yameen junked "India First" policy and was pro-China. Yameen allowed a number of Chinese Infrastructure projects in the country and gave a go-ahead to Maldives China Free trade agreement. Under Yameen, people to people ties also suffered from visas and work permit being denied to Indians. Former President Nasheed speaking to WION had slammed Yameen's informal ban on Indians and said, "that will have a negative impact on the Maldives as most of the skilled force come from India". Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000. Of the country’s approximately 400 doctors, over 125 are Indians. Similarly, around 25 per cent of teachers in the Maldives are Indians Recently Dunya Maumoon, daughter of Abdul Gayoom who was the longest-serving president of Maldives and architect of democracy in the country visited New Delhi. She met India's external affairs minister during the visit. Speaking to WION during her Delhi visit, she lambasted Yameen and said, "While he brought some development, mostly a lot of people lived in fear and in an environment of a lot of political persecution. Using the court he was able to lock up and convict a lot of innocent people under various charges this included my father who at his age and given his health, it was a difficult time for him personally. My mother, my family. My brother, my brother in law were imprisoned. And many many other political figures with whom he was threatened were put in jail." China, Japan to send representatives Both China & Japan are also sending representatives. China will be sending President Xi Jinping's Special Envoy and Minister of Culture and Tourism Luo Shugang who is already in the country. Japan will be sending the member of the House of Representatives and President of the Japan-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship League, Wataru Takeshita. He is going to Male as Special Envoy of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

In PM Modi's presence at Solih's oath taking ceremony Delhi sends a message

Maldives top court suspends Nasheed's arrest warrant

The Maldives opposition moved closer Wednesday to impeach the speaker of parliament, a staunch loyalist of outgoing strongman President Abdulla Yameen who was defeated in last month's election.&nbsp;

An alliance of opposition parties has collected signatures from 55 MPs, or roughly two-thirds of sitting lawmakers, for a petition to oust Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed.

The speaker has survived a number of impeachment motions since taking office in 2014 under Yameen, who ruled the Maldives with an iron-fist before losing to an opposition candidate on September 23.

Mohamed was one of Yameen's few remaining loyalists.&nbsp;

Parliamentary officials said the impeachment motion would be put to a vote on November 8, nine days before Yameen's term ends.

Yameen declared a state of emergency, suspended the constitution and ordered troops to storm parliament when Mohamed faced impeachment in February.

The president rounded up his opponents and jailed dissidents before lifting the emergency declaration 45 days later.

Yameen had challenged the election results in court, claiming the poll was rigged against him despite a threat of sanctions from abroad if he refused the will of the people.

But the Supreme Court rejected his petition at the weekend, upholding his landslide defeat to Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Yameen was elevated to power in a controversial run-off election in November 2013. He has crushed dissent and jailed or exiled virtually all his opposition.

The US and its allies have been concerned by growing Chinese influence in the strategically positioned Indian Ocean archipelago, especially under Yameen's authoritarian rule.'

The Maldives opposition moved closer Wednesday to impeach the speaker of parliament, a staunch loyalist of outgoing strongman President Abdulla Yameen who was defeated in last month's election.

The Maldives opposition moved closer Wednesday to impeach the speaker of parliament, a staunch loyalist of outgoing strongman President Abdulla Yameen who was defeated in last month's election. An alliance of opposition parties has collected signatures from 55 MPs, or roughly two-thirds of sitting lawmakers, for a petition to oust Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed. The speaker has survived a number of impeachment motions since taking office in 2014 under Yameen, who ruled the Maldives with an iron-fist before losing to an opposition candidate on September 23. Mohamed was one of Yameen's few remaining loyalists. Parliamentary officials said the impeachment motion would be put to a vote on November 8, nine days before Yameen's term ends. Yameen declared a state of emergency, suspended the constitution and ordered troops to storm parliament when Mohamed faced impeachment in February. The president rounded up his opponents and jailed dissidents before lifting the emergency declaration 45 days later. Yameen had challenged the election results in court, claiming the poll was rigged against him despite a threat of sanctions from abroad if he refused the will of the people. But the Supreme Court rejected his petition at the weekend, upholding his landslide defeat to Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Yameen was elevated to power in a controversial run-off election in November 2013. He has crushed dissent and jailed or exiled virtually all his opposition. The US and its allies have been concerned by growing Chinese influence in the strategically positioned Indian Ocean archipelago, especially under Yameen's authoritarian rule.'

Maldives opposition moves closer to impeaching speaker

The president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, said on Wednesday he had no complaints or reservations about any of his decisions while in office, and that he was preparing to step down, despite having challenged his election defeat in court.

In a surprise result, Yameen lost his re-election bid last month and initially conceded defeat. Last week, however, his lawyers went to the Supreme Court, saying his supporters had complained about rigging of votes and fraudulent ballot papers.

In a televised speech on Wednesday, Yameen said all his decisions when in power were made in the interest of the people.

"Even today, as I prepare to take leave from official duties, I would like to say that I have no complaints or reservations about my decisions," he said.

Yameen is due to hand over power next month, but the opposition has flagged concerns that he could prolong the transition in the Indian Ocean island that has been in upheaval since February, when he imposed a state of emergency.

On Sunday, hundreds of Maldivians demanded Yameen's arrest as the Supreme Court began hearing his election challenge. It has yet to deliver a verdict.

"I did everything I had to do on behalf of the majority of Maldivians or in the interests of the nation. So, even today, I won't say I regret it," Yameen added.

The president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, said on Wednesday he had no complaints or reservations about any of his decisions while in office, and that he was preparing to step down, despite having challenged his election defeat in court.

The president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, said on Wednesday he had no complaints or reservations about any of his decisions while in office, and that he was preparing to step down, despite having challenged his election defeat in court. In a surprise result, Yameen lost his re-election bid last month and initially conceded defeat. Last week, however, his lawyers went to the Supreme Court, saying his supporters had complained about rigging of votes and fraudulent ballot papers. In a televised speech on Wednesday, Yameen said all his decisions when in power were made in the interest of the people. "Even today, as I prepare to take leave from official duties, I would like to say that I have no complaints or reservations about my decisions," he said. Yameen is due to hand over power next month, but the opposition has flagged concerns that he could prolong the transition in the Indian Ocean island that has been in upheaval since February, when he imposed a state of emergency. On Sunday, hundreds of Maldivians demanded Yameen's arrest as the Supreme Court began hearing his election challenge. It has yet to deliver a verdict. "I did everything I had to do on behalf of the majority of Maldivians or in the interests of the nation. So, even today, I won't say I regret it," Yameen added.

Maldives President says preparing to step down with no regrets on any decisions

The Maldives' top court rejected on Tuesday three "secret" witnesses offered by President Abdulla Yameen in his petition to have his September election defeat annulled, in what is likely a major blow to his case.

The refusal came as the Supreme Court concluded its hearings, which also saw Yameen allege disappearing ink was used on ballot papers, and said it would deliver its verdict at an unspecified later date.

Lawyers for Yameen, who was beaten in the election despite all his main rivals being in prison or in exile, had said the three unnamed witnesses would reveal how the vote was rigged.

The country's independent Elections Commission (EC) through its lawyers argued Yameen's petition was based on false allegations and should be dismissed.

Local media also reported four of the five election commissioners have fled the country and sought refuge in neighbouring Sri Lanka following death threats after Yameen lost the election.

Despite Yameen's main competitors being out of the way and the media in his pocket, he was beaten by Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the joint candidate of the beleaguered opposition.

Under pressure from abroad, Yameen initially conceded defeat and said he would stand down on November 17, but then last week filed his petition -- and despite the threat of sanctions.

Yameen's lawyer Mohamed Saleem told the court that the printer of ballot papers of coating them with an unnamed substance that made votes marked in Yameen's box disappear.

Saleem said a "special pen with disappearing ink" was also given to people who were going to vote for his client.&nbsp;

Counting officials also allegedly carried secret pens, in the form of rings on their fingers, which they used to mark ballots for the opposition.

Opposition lawyer Hisan Hussain said the entire challenge was based on "pure conspiracy theories".

"Pen rings and disappearing ink are fanciful. The only thing missing from the case are magic carpets," she told reporters after the hearing concluded.

She insisted that Yameen had not presented any "real evidence" to back his claims of vote rigging and fraud.

Ahead of the court hearing in the capital Male, the United States had warned "appropriat measures" would be taken if the will of the Maldivian people was undermined.

Europe and India have also issued similar warnings in the past.

The US and its allies have been concerned by growing Chinese influence in the strategically positioned Indian Ocean archipelago, especially under Yameen's authoritarian rule.

The Maldives' top court rejected on Tuesday three "secret" witnesses offered by President Abdulla Yameen in his petition to have his September election defeat annulled, in what is likely a major blow to his case.

The Maldives' top court rejected on Tuesday three "secret" witnesses offered by President Abdulla Yameen in his petition to have his September election defeat annulled, in what is likely a major blow to his case. The refusal came as the Supreme Court concluded its hearings, which also saw Yameen allege disappearing ink was used on ballot papers, and said it would deliver its verdict at an unspecified later date. Lawyers for Yameen, who was beaten in the election despite all his main rivals being in prison or in exile, had said the three unnamed witnesses would reveal how the vote was rigged. The country's independent Elections Commission (EC) through its lawyers argued Yameen's petition was based on false allegations and should be dismissed. Local media also reported four of the five election commissioners have fled the country and sought refuge in neighbouring Sri Lanka following death threats after Yameen lost the election. Despite Yameen's main competitors being out of the way and the media in his pocket, he was beaten by Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the joint candidate of the beleaguered opposition. Under pressure from abroad, Yameen initially conceded defeat and said he would stand down on November 17, but then last week filed his petition -- and despite the threat of sanctions. Yameen's lawyer Mohamed Saleem told the court that the printer of ballot papers of coating them with an unnamed substance that made votes marked in Yameen's box disappear. Saleem said a "special pen with disappearing ink" was also given to people who were going to vote for his client. Counting officials also allegedly carried secret pens, in the form of rings on their fingers, which they used to mark ballots for the opposition. Opposition lawyer Hisan Hussain said the entire challenge was based on "pure conspiracy theories". "Pen rings and disappearing ink are fanciful. The only thing missing from the case are magic carpets," she told reporters after the hearing concluded. She insisted that Yameen had not presented any "real evidence" to back his claims of vote rigging and fraud. Ahead of the court hearing in the capital Male, the United States had warned "appropriat measures" would be taken if the will of the Maldivian people was undermined. Europe and India have also issued similar warnings in the past. The US and its allies have been concerned by growing Chinese influence in the strategically positioned Indian Ocean archipelago, especially under Yameen's authoritarian rule.

Maldives court rejects Yameen's secret witnesses

Hundreds of Maldivians protested on Sunday demanding the arrest of defeated President Abdulla Yameen as its top court began to hear a petition challenging the outcome of last's month election in the island nation.

The tourist archipelago has been in political turmoil since February, when a state of emergency was imposed by Yameen, whose critics have accused him of running Maldives with an iron fist, jailing political opponents and Supreme Court judges.

"This is our right. They can't change it. They can't play around with the votes," Abidha Afeef, a 55-year old protester told Reuters. "Yameen has to go."

Yameen initially conceded defeat last month after an official count showed joint opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had won the election by a margin of 16.8 per cent in a surprise result.

The Maldives Election Commission said the vote was free and fair, with turnout of 89.2 per cent. And the opposition has been trying to secure a smooth transition of power, due on November 17.

Last week, however, Yameen's lawyers approached the Supreme Court, saying supporters had complained about rigging of votes and fraudulent ballot papers.

Four members of the Election Commission have fled the island nation, due to alleged intimidation and threats, Reuters reported on Saturday. Yameen's party has dismissed the allegations.

The allegations from Commission officials follow some domestic media reports of a complaint to police by the company that printed the ballots. The complaint alleged Yameen's party attempted to bribe its workers to give false statements backing Yameen's challenge.

Yameen's party called the complaint "ludicrous", saying it was a tactic to divert attention from the court case.

The country of some 400,000 people is popular with tourists, and being located near key shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean it has become important as China and India compete for influence in the region.

China is engaged in building up the islands' infrastructure as part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to boost trade and transport links across Asia.

Hundreds of Maldivians protested on Sunday demanding the arrest of defeated President Abdulla Yameen as its top court began to hear a petition challenging the outcome of last's month election in the island nation.

Hundreds of Maldivians protested on Sunday demanding the arrest of defeated President Abdulla Yameen as its top court began to hear a petition challenging the outcome of last's month election in the island nation. The tourist archipelago has been in political turmoil since February, when a state of emergency was imposed by Yameen, whose critics have accused him of running Maldives with an iron fist, jailing political opponents and Supreme Court judges. "This is our right. They can't change it. They can't play around with the votes," Abidha Afeef, a 55-year old protester told Reuters. "Yameen has to go." Yameen initially conceded defeat last month after an official count showed joint opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had won the election by a margin of 16.8 per cent in a surprise result. The Maldives Election Commission said the vote was free and fair, with turnout of 89.2 per cent. And the opposition has been trying to secure a smooth transition of power, due on November 17. Last week, however, Yameen's lawyers approached the Supreme Court, saying supporters had complained about rigging of votes and fraudulent ballot papers. Four members of the Election Commission have fled the island nation, due to alleged intimidation and threats, Reuters reported on Saturday. Yameen's party has dismissed the allegations. The allegations from Commission officials follow some domestic media reports of a complaint to police by the company that printed the ballots. The complaint alleged Yameen's party attempted to bribe its workers to give false statements backing Yameen's challenge. Yameen's party called the complaint "ludicrous", saying it was a tactic to divert attention from the court case. The country of some 400,000 people is popular with tourists, and being located near key shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean it has become important as China and India compete for influence in the region. China is engaged in building up the islands' infrastructure as part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to boost trade and transport links across Asia.

Maldives opposition supporters protest as court reviews election challenge

Maldives judges on Sunday heard a petition by strongman president Abdulla Yameen to have his recent election defeat annulled, potentially triggering US sanctions and plunging the archipelago into fresh turmoil.

Yameen lost heavily in the September 23 election to a little-known unity opposition candidate, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, despite his main rivals being in jail or in exile and the media in his pocket.

Under pressure from the US, Europe and India, which is seeking to counter growing Chinese influence in the strategically positioned 1,200-island honeymoon paradise, Yameen quickly conceded defeat and said he would leave office on November 17.

But even as Western countries breathed a sigh of relief, prisoners were released and opposition figures began returning from exile, Yameen last week filed a request for the Supreme Court to annul the result and call fresh elections.&nbsp;

A statement on Saturday by his Progressive Party (PPM) said the vote was the "most farcical election in living memory" with the organisation "abysmal", vote-rigging "rampant" and many people unable to cast ballots.

The United States -- which like the European Union threatened sanctions if the elections were not free and fair -- on Saturday warned it would react if Yameen, 59, does not go quietly.

"The US is concerned by troubling actions by outgoing president Yameen that threaten to undermine the will of the Maldivian people," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said on Twitter.

He added that Washington "will consider appropriate measures against anyone who undermines a peaceful transfer of power in #Maldives".

The situation is not dissimilar to 2013 when Yameen, estranged half-brother of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who ruled the Maldives with an iron fist for 30 years until 2008, first became president.

Yameen's rival at the time Mohamed Nasheed, the country's first democratically elected president who is now in exile, beat him in the first round of elections but Yameen persuaded the Supreme Court to nullify the result.

A subsequent vote was then twice delayed, allowing Yameen time to forge alliances that helped him narrowly win a contested run-off.

'Blatantly unsubstantiated'

Dozens of people queued up outside the Supreme Court on Sunday to get inside several hours before the hearing began. It started with the court allowing all opposition parties to have their say.

Hamid Abdul Ghafoor, Colombo-based spokesman for the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), said the legal challenge was an attempt by Yameen to create turmoil.

The country's Joint Opposition, which includes the MDP, has asked Yameen to withdraw the "blatantly unsubstantiated case, and to step aside and to facilitate a peaceful, and smooth transition."

The opposition has also urged state institutions, including the courts and the security forces, to uphold the will of the people.

"Maldivians used the ballot to defeat the dictatorial regime. Yameen must not be allowed to perverse the hard-won opportunity for all Maldivians to attain meaningful democracy and stability," the Joint Opposition said in a statement at the weekend.

Apart from his political foes, in February Yameen jailed the chief justice and another Supreme Court judge after accusing them of trying to topple him.

Yameen had initially suspended the court, parliament and the constitution and declared a state of emergency when parliament was about to impeach him in February.

Three of the remaining Supreme Court justices have been restored, but the opposition has said they had no faith in the judiciary to deliver justice while Yameen remains in power.

However, several high profile political prisoners, including Gayoom have been released on bail since the election results were officially announced a week after the vote.

Yameen has since borrowed heavily from China under Beijing's Belt and Road initative for infrastructure projects that, like elsewhere around the Indian Ocean and beyond, have rattled India and Western countries.

The opposition has said it wants to renegotiate China's loans, although the experience of Sri Lanka, which last year leased to Beijing a new deep-sea port for 99 years, suggest this may not be easy.

Maldives judges on Sunday heard a petition by strongman president Abdulla Yameen to have his recent election defeat annulled, potentially triggering US sanctions and plunging the archipelago into fresh turmoil.

Maldives judges on Sunday heard a petition by strongman president Abdulla Yameen to have his recent election defeat annulled, potentially triggering US sanctions and plunging the archipelago into fresh turmoil. Yameen lost heavily in the September 23 election to a little-known unity opposition candidate, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, despite his main rivals being in jail or in exile and the media in his pocket. Under pressure from the US, Europe and India, which is seeking to counter growing Chinese influence in the strategically positioned 1,200-island honeymoon paradise, Yameen quickly conceded defeat and said he would leave office on November 17. But even as Western countries breathed a sigh of relief, prisoners were released and opposition figures began returning from exile, Yameen last week filed a request for the Supreme Court to annul the result and call fresh elections. A statement on Saturday by his Progressive Party (PPM) said the vote was the "most farcical election in living memory" with the organisation "abysmal", vote-rigging "rampant" and many people unable to cast ballots. The United States -- which like the European Union threatened sanctions if the elections were not free and fair -- on Saturday warned it would react if Yameen, 59, does not go quietly. "The US is concerned by troubling actions by outgoing president Yameen that threaten to undermine the will of the Maldivian people," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said on Twitter. He added that Washington "will consider appropriate measures against anyone who undermines a peaceful transfer of power in #Maldives". The situation is not dissimilar to 2013 when Yameen, estranged half-brother of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who ruled the Maldives with an iron fist for 30 years until 2008, first became president. Yameen's rival at the time Mohamed Nasheed, the country's first democratically elected president who is now in exile, beat him in the first round of elections but Yameen persuaded the Supreme Court to nullify the result. A subsequent vote was then twice delayed, allowing Yameen time to forge alliances that helped him narrowly win a contested run-off. 'Blatantly unsubstantiated' Dozens of people queued up outside the Supreme Court on Sunday to get inside several hours before the hearing began. It started with the court allowing all opposition parties to have their say. Hamid Abdul Ghafoor, Colombo-based spokesman for the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), said the legal challenge was an attempt by Yameen to create turmoil. The country's Joint Opposition, which includes the MDP, has asked Yameen to withdraw the "blatantly unsubstantiated case, and to step aside and to facilitate a peaceful, and smooth transition." The opposition has also urged state institutions, including the courts and the security forces, to uphold the will of the people. "Maldivians used the ballot to defeat the dictatorial regime. Yameen must not be allowed to perverse the hard-won opportunity for all Maldivians to attain meaningful democracy and stability," the Joint Opposition said in a statement at the weekend. Apart from his political foes, in February Yameen jailed the chief justice and another Supreme Court judge after accusing them of trying to topple him. Yameen had initially suspended the court, parliament and the constitution and declared a state of emergency when parliament was about to impeach him in February. Three of the remaining Supreme Court justices have been restored, but the opposition has said they had no faith in the judiciary to deliver justice while Yameen remains in power. However, several high profile political prisoners, including Gayoom have been released on bail since the election results were officially announced a week after the vote. Yameen has since borrowed heavily from China under Beijing's Belt and Road initative for infrastructure projects that, like elsewhere around the Indian Ocean and beyond, have rattled India and Western countries. The opposition has said it wants to renegotiate China's loans, although the experience of Sri Lanka, which last year leased to Beijing a new deep-sea port for 99 years, suggest this may not be easy.

Maldives judges hear strongman Abdulla Yameen's election challenge

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-this-storm-just-before-general-elections-mj-akbar-to-take-legal-action-over-sexual-assault-allegations-171421">'Why this storm just before general elections?' MJ Akbar issues </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-this-storm-just-before-general-elections-mj-akbar-to-take-legal-action-over-sexual-assault-allegations-171421">statement,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-this-storm-just-before-general-elections-mj-akbar-to-take-legal-action-over-sexual-assault-allegations-171421"> moves for legal action</a>

Shortly after returning to India, Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar on Sunday released a detailed statement over sexual harassment allegations against him describing them as "false and fabricated." According to reports, the minister is set to take legal action against accusations made against him.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-is-loser-by-abandoning-iran-nuclear-deal-rouhani-171418">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-is-loser-by-abandoning-iran-nuclear-deal-rouhani-171418"> is </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-is-loser-by-abandoning-iran-nuclear-deal-rouhani-171418">loser</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-is-loser-by-abandoning-iran-nuclear-deal-rouhani-171418"> by abandoning Iran nuclear deal: Iranian President Rouhani</a>

Iran's president boasted Sunday that the United States has lost against the Islamic republic's "righteousness and wisdom" by walking out of the landmark nuclear deal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-dismisses-threat-of-sanctions-over-khashoggi-warn-of-retaliation-171430">Saudi dismisses </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-dismisses-threat-of-sanctions-over-khashoggi-warn-of-retaliation-171430">threat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-dismisses-threat-of-sanctions-over-khashoggi-warn-of-retaliation-171430"> of sanctions over Khashoggi, warns of retaliation</a>

Saudi Arabia on Sunday dismissed threats of sanctions over the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi adding that it will retaliate if any such action is taken against the oil-rich country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/zombie-storm-leslie-smashes-into-portugal-spain-171434">'Zombie' storm Leslie smashes into Portugal, Spain</a>

Storms packing nearly 180 kilometre-per-hour winds hit Portugal early Sunday leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power before carrying heavy rain on into Spain, authorities said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-judges-hear-strongmans-election-challenge-171447">Maldives judges hear strongman's election challenge</a>

Maldives judges on Sunday heard a petition by strongman president Abdulla Yameen to have his recent election defeat annulled, potentially triggering US sanctions and plunging the archipelago into fresh turmoil.

'Why this storm just before general elections?' MJ Akbar issues statement, moves for legal action Shortly after returning to India, Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar on Sunday released a detailed statement over sexual harassment allegations against him describing them as "false and fabricated.

'Why this storm just before general elections?' MJ Akbar issues statement, moves for legal action Shortly after returning to India, Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar on Sunday released a detailed statement over sexual harassment allegations against him describing them as "false and fabricated." According to reports, the minister is set to take legal action against accusations made against him. US is loser by abandoning Iran nuclear deal: Iranian President Rouhani Iran's president boasted Sunday that the United States has lost against the Islamic republic's "righteousness and wisdom" by walking out of the landmark nuclear deal. Saudi dismisses threat of sanctions over Khashoggi, warns of retaliation Saudi Arabia on Sunday dismissed threats of sanctions over the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi adding that it will retaliate if any such action is taken against the oil-rich country. 'Zombie' storm Leslie smashes into Portugal, Spain Storms packing nearly 180 kilometre-per-hour winds hit Portugal early Sunday leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power before carrying heavy rain on into Spain, authorities said. Maldives judges hear strongman's election challenge Maldives judges on Sunday heard a petition by strongman president Abdulla Yameen to have his recent election defeat annulled, potentially triggering US sanctions and plunging the archipelago into fresh turmoil.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Dunya Maumoon, former foreign minister of the Maldives and the daughter of former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, was in Delhi recently.&nbsp;

She was the first high-profile Maldivian politician to visit India since the recent election&nbsp;in that country. In what was thought of as a surprise, the joint opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih won the election by a large margin. He will take office in November.&nbsp;

Over her short visit, Maumoon also met India's India's External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

She spoke exclusively to Siddhant Sibal, WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent in Delhi. Here are excerpts from their conversation:&nbsp;

 
Siddhant Sibal: What is the focus of your visit? What brings you here? 
Dunya Maumoon: Pleasure to be back in New Delhi. I visited many times as foreign minister and also in past as a close friend of India. As you know my father Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the former president of Maldives was the one who was the architect of modern democracy in the Maldives. He developed the country to very high levels. He was instrumental in building a warm friendship with India that was really the basis of the relationship between these two countries. I came here representing my father in informal meetings. I had a number of meetings and in particular was pleased to able to call on her excellency External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. I know her from past and we were colleagues who worked closely on many issues. I believe with the new government coming in the Maldives, it is time to look to rebuild the trust that was there between the two countries in the past. My hope is that when president-elect takes office he will build back trust and close warmth that existed between the two countries. Close people-to-people contact. We are hearing of lot of issues including visa and other matters. I hope we can resolve it and I am confident that the new president can lead us down that path.&nbsp;

 
SS: Can you tell us about developments in your country? 
DM: Whole world has been watching very carefully. As we know, the leadership of President Yameen. While he brought some development, mostly lot of people lived in fear and in an environment of lot of political persecution. Using the court he was able to lock up and convict lot of innocent people under various charges. This included my father who, at his age and given his health, it was a difficult time for him personally. My mother, my family, by brother, my brother-in-law were &nbsp;imprisoned. And many many other political figures with whom he was threatened were put in jail. It was sad to see this kind of situation in our country. We were relieved that Maldivian people's decision is not to condone such kind of behaviour from their leaders and hold them accountable. Hence we saw the Maldivian people decisively voted for democracy, freedom and human rights. I firmly believe that this decision and the will of the people needs to be fully implemented. All our instutions have backed that and supported that. Election commission has formally announced the result. There is huge margin. No room for any discussion and debate on that. Unfortunately President Yameen is a sore and very bad loser. He is refusing to accept it. He has gone to the court. I am confident that justice will be done and will of the people will be upheld.

 
SS: What is your take on the #MeToo movement. You have done a lot of work when it comes to gender issues? 
DM: &nbsp;It's a very important global movement that we see worldwide. Glad to see women particularly victims have found courage to speak up against the discrimination. Also particularly the kind of situations they have to face. It is important we join up with this movement. In my own country, I have worked on anti-domestic violence legislations. Lot more work we do need to do. I hope Maldives will be part of the global movement to promote women's rights and address the issue of violence against women. I wish the movement every success. I'm sure lot of men are supporting women in the quest against serious issues. Important to work together as a region and globally.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Dunya Maumoon, former foreign minister of the Maldives and the daughter of former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, was in Delhi recently. She was the first high-profile Maldivian politician to visit India since the recent election in that country.

Dunya Maumoon, former foreign minister of the Maldives and the daughter of former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, was in Delhi recently. She was the first high-profile Maldivian politician to visit India since the recent election in that country. In what was thought of as a surprise, the joint opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih won the election by a large margin. He will take office in November. Over her short visit, Maumoon also met India's India's External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj. She spoke exclusively to Siddhant Sibal, WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent in Delhi. Here are excerpts from their conversation: Siddhant Sibal: What is the focus of your visit? What brings you here? Dunya Maumoon: Pleasure to be back in New Delhi. I visited many times as foreign minister and also in past as a close friend of India. As you know my father Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the former president of Maldives was the one who was the architect of modern democracy in the Maldives. He developed the country to very high levels. He was instrumental in building a warm friendship with India that was really the basis of the relationship between these two countries. I came here representing my father in informal meetings. I had a number of meetings and in particular was pleased to able to call on her excellency External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. I know her from past and we were colleagues who worked closely on many issues. I believe with the new government coming in the Maldives, it is time to look to rebuild the trust that was there between the two countries in the past. My hope is that when president-elect takes office he will build back trust and close warmth that existed between the two countries. Close people-to-people contact. We are hearing of lot of issues including visa and other matters. I hope we can resolve it and I am confident that the new president can lead us down that path. SS: Can you tell us about developments in your country? DM: Whole world has been watching very carefully. As we know, the leadership of President Yameen. While he brought some development, mostly lot of people lived in fear and in an environment of lot of political persecution. Using the court he was able to lock up and convict lot of innocent people under various charges. This included my father who, at his age and given his health, it was a difficult time for him personally. My mother, my family, by brother, my brother-in-law were imprisoned. And many many other political figures with whom he was threatened were put in jail. It was sad to see this kind of situation in our country. We were relieved that Maldivian people's decision is not to condone such kind of behaviour from their leaders and hold them accountable. Hence we saw the Maldivian people decisively voted for democracy, freedom and human rights. I firmly believe that this decision and the will of the people needs to be fully implemented. All our instutions have backed that and supported that. Election commission has formally announced the result. There is huge margin. No room for any discussion and debate on that. Unfortunately President Yameen is a sore and very bad loser. He is refusing to accept it. He has gone to the court. I am confident that justice will be done and will of the people will be upheld. SS: What is your take on the #MeToo movement. You have done a lot of work when it comes to gender issues? DM: It's a very important global movement that we see worldwide. Glad to see women particularly victims have found courage to speak up against the discrimination. Also particularly the kind of situations they have to face. It is important we join up with this movement. In my own country, I have worked on anti-domestic violence legislations. Lot more work we do need to do. I hope Maldives will be part of the global movement to promote women's rights and address the issue of violence against women. I wish the movement every success. I'm sure lot of men are supporting women in the quest against serious issues. Important to work together as a region and globally.

Time to rebuild trust between our two countries: Ex-Maldives foreign minister to WION

The US will consider undertaking "appropriate measures" against anyone who undermines a peaceful transfer of power in the Maldives, a top State Department official has said, expressing concern over the "troubling actions" taken by outgoing president Abdullah Yameen.

Pro-China incumbent Yameen was trounced by opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the parliamentary elections held in the Maldives last month. Solih is widely regarded as a pro-India leader.

Yameen's party has filed a legal petition challenging his landslide election defeat despite major international pressure for him to step down.

The important statement by America comes days after Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice Wells met President-elect Solih.

"The US is concerned by troubling actions by outgoing President Yameen that threaten to undermine the will of the Maldivian people, and will consider appropriate measures against anyone who undermines a peaceful transfer of power in the Maldives," State Department Spokesperson Robert Palladino said in a video twitter message.

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The Maldivian people turned out in record numbers during the recent elections to decisively choose Solih as their next president, Palladino said.

The election commission of the Maldives has certified the results of the presidential elections, he said.

Paladino said the US is concerned by troubling actions by outgoing President Yameen that threaten to undermine the will of the Maldivian people after he approached the

Supreme Court contesting the election results. There have been reports of serious threats against members of the election commission.

"The United States and the international community would view with great concern any attempt that undermines the democratic process including any delay in the inauguration scheduled for November 17.

"The United States will consider appropriate measures against anyone who undermines democracy, rule of law or free and fair electoral process of the Maldives," Paladino said.

During her meeting with Solih, Wells emphasised that the US is willing to extend cooperation to his government and to assist the Maldives in its return to the democratic

path.

"The United States urges all parties to respect the will of the Maldivian people and to ensure smooth and peaceful transition," Paladino added.

Yameen's shock defeat was widely reported as a blow to China, which financed his administration's flagship infrastructure projects with loans in excess of a billion dollars, drawing accusations of a debt trap from the main opposition party.

The US will consider undertaking "appropriate measures" against anyone who undermines a peaceful transfer of power in the Maldives, a top State Department official has said, expressing concern over the "troubling actions" taken by outgoing president Abdullah Yameen.

The US will consider undertaking "appropriate measures" against anyone who undermines a peaceful transfer of power in the Maldives, a top State Department official has said, expressing concern over the "troubling actions" taken by outgoing president Abdullah Yameen. Pro-China incumbent Yameen was trounced by opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the parliamentary elections held in the Maldives last month. Solih is widely regarded as a pro-India leader. Yameen's party has filed a legal petition challenging his landslide election defeat despite major international pressure for him to step down. The important statement by America comes days after Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice Wells met President-elect Solih. "The US is concerned by troubling actions by outgoing President Yameen that threaten to undermine the will of the Maldivian people, and will consider appropriate measures against anyone who undermines a peaceful transfer of power in the Maldives," State Department Spokesperson Robert Palladino said in a video twitter message. × The Maldivian people turned out in record numbers during the recent elections to decisively choose Solih as their next president, Palladino said. The election commission of the Maldives has certified the results of the presidential elections, he said. Paladino said the US is concerned by troubling actions by outgoing President Yameen that threaten to undermine the will of the Maldivian people after he approached the Supreme Court contesting the election results. There have been reports of serious threats against members of the election commission. "The United States and the international community would view with great concern any attempt that undermines the democratic process including any delay in the inauguration scheduled for November 17. "The United States will consider appropriate measures against anyone who undermines democracy, rule of law or free and fair electoral process of the Maldives," Paladino said. During her meeting with Solih, Wells emphasised that the US is willing to extend cooperation to his government and to assist the Maldives in its return to the democratic path. "The United States urges all parties to respect the will of the Maldivian people and to ensure smooth and peaceful transition," Paladino added. Yameen's shock defeat was widely reported as a blow to China, which financed his administration's flagship infrastructure projects with loans in excess of a billion dollars, drawing accusations of a debt trap from the main opposition party.

Will take 'appropriate measures' if transfer of power in Maldives is undermined: US

Intimidation and threats drove four members of an election panel in the Maldives to flee the island nation, two officials said on Saturday, a day before its top court hears defeated president Abdulla Yameen's challenge to his election loss last month.

The tourist paradise has been in political upheaval since February, when a state of emergency was imposed by Yameen, who ran the Indian Ocean islands with an iron hand, critics say, jailing political opponents and Supreme Court justices.

Since Yameen lost his bid for re-election, the opposition has been trying to secure a smooth transition of power, due on November 17.

Four members of the Maldives Elections Commission have fled and three are in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, leaving behind just one panel member, two of the Maldivian officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

"We left due to threats," said one, who asked not be identified, for fear of a risk to his life.

Yameen's party dismissed the threat accusations, saying the election officials left because of public outrage sparked by the leak of an audio recording about poll rigging.

"So they say," Mohamed Hussain Shareef, secretary general of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), told Reuters. "When in fact they left because of public outrage following a leaked audio about rigging. They are refusing to clarify."

The officials' accusations follow domestic media reports of a complaint to police by the company that printed the ballots, saying the PPM sought to bribe its employees to provide false statements that backed Yameen's challenge.

Yameen's party called the complaint "ludicrous", saying it was a tactic to divert attention from the court case.

Yameen conceded defeat in last month's election after an official count showed joint opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had polled 16.8 per cent more votes in a surprise result.

The Election Commission said the vote had been free and fair, with turnout of 89.2 per cent.

But on Wednesday, his lawyers approached the Supreme Court, saying supporters had complained about rigging of votes and fraudulent ballot papers.

With its location near key shipping lanes, the Maldives has become important as China and India compete for regional influence.

China is building up the islands' infrastructure in its Belt and Road Initiative to boost trade and transport links across Asia.

Intimidation and threats drove four members of an election panel in the Maldives to flee the island nation, two officials said on Saturday, a day before its top court hears defeated president Abdulla Yameen's challenge to his election loss last month.

Intimidation and threats drove four members of an election panel in the Maldives to flee the island nation, two officials said on Saturday, a day before its top court hears defeated president Abdulla Yameen's challenge to his election loss last month. The tourist paradise has been in political upheaval since February, when a state of emergency was imposed by Yameen, who ran the Indian Ocean islands with an iron hand, critics say, jailing political opponents and Supreme Court justices. Since Yameen lost his bid for re-election, the opposition has been trying to secure a smooth transition of power, due on November 17. Four members of the Maldives Elections Commission have fled and three are in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, leaving behind just one panel member, two of the Maldivian officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity. "We left due to threats," said one, who asked not be identified, for fear of a risk to his life. Yameen's party dismissed the threat accusations, saying the election officials left because of public outrage sparked by the leak of an audio recording about poll rigging. "So they say," Mohamed Hussain Shareef, secretary general of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), told Reuters. "When in fact they left because of public outrage following a leaked audio about rigging. They are refusing to clarify." The officials' accusations follow domestic media reports of a complaint to police by the company that printed the ballots, saying the PPM sought to bribe its employees to provide false statements that backed Yameen's challenge. Yameen's party called the complaint "ludicrous", saying it was a tactic to divert attention from the court case. Yameen conceded defeat in last month's election after an official count showed joint opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had polled 16.8 per cent more votes in a surprise result. The Election Commission said the vote had been free and fair, with turnout of 89.2 per cent. But on Wednesday, his lawyers approached the Supreme Court, saying supporters had complained about rigging of votes and fraudulent ballot papers. With its location near key shipping lanes, the Maldives has become important as China and India compete for regional influence. China is building up the islands' infrastructure in its Belt and Road Initiative to boost trade and transport links across Asia.

Four Maldives' election officials flee to Sri Lanka citing threats

A day after Maldives President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-yameens-party-challenges-election-results-in-maldives-supreme-court-170671">Abdulla Yameen's party filed a petition in the Supreme Court </a>challenging his election defeat last month, the court has decided to hear the election challenge on Sunday.

"The Supreme Court has decided to accept the constitutional dispute filed by President Yameen and it would be heard," the court said on Twitter. It later said a hearing will be held on Sunday at 1:00 pm (0800 GMT).

Yameen had earlier accepted his defeat against Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. His U-turn came after the lawyers of Yameen's Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) alleged that the vote was rigged by the independent election commission of the country.

Results released by the electoral commission had shown Yameen's PPM on 41.7 per cent of the vote, well behind Solih on 58.3 per cent. Nearly 90 per cent of the 262,000 electorates turned out to vote during the election.

The United States and the European Union had threatened sanctions if the vote was not free and fair and if Yameen, 59, did not accept the result.

Yameen had earlier said he would hand over power on November 17 ensuring a smooth transition. But he has been publicly urging his supporters to challenge the results.

In the last election in 2013, the Maldives Supreme Court had annulled the vote giving Yameen time to put together an alliance and win the second round of voting against former president Mohamed Nasheed.

In February Yameen had imposed a 45-day state of emergency cracking down on the Opposition and imprisoning the country's Chief Justice and Supreme Court judges. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month, the court has decided to hear the election challenge on Sunday.

A day after Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month, the court has decided to hear the election challenge on Sunday. "The Supreme Court has decided to accept the constitutional dispute filed by President Yameen and it would be heard," the court said on Twitter. It later said a hearing will be held on Sunday at 1:00 pm (0800 GMT). Yameen had earlier accepted his defeat against Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. His U-turn came after the lawyers of Yameen's Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) alleged that the vote was rigged by the independent election commission of the country. Results released by the electoral commission had shown Yameen's PPM on 41.7 per cent of the vote, well behind Solih on 58.3 per cent. Nearly 90 per cent of the 262,000 electorates turned out to vote during the election. The United States and the European Union had threatened sanctions if the vote was not free and fair and if Yameen, 59, did not accept the result. Yameen had earlier said he would hand over power on November 17 ensuring a smooth transition. But he has been publicly urging his supporters to challenge the results. In the last election in 2013, the Maldives Supreme Court had annulled the vote giving Yameen time to put together an alliance and win the second round of voting against former president Mohamed Nasheed. In February Yameen had imposed a 45-day state of emergency cracking down on the Opposition and imprisoning the country's Chief Justice and Supreme Court judges. (With inputs from agencies)

Maldives court to hear election challenge on Sunday

China's foreign ministry said today that president-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will stay committed to enhancing ties with China and will "follow existing projects with the country".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-yameens-party-challenges-election-results-in-maldives-supreme-court-170671">Also Read:&nbsp;President Yameen's party challenges election results in Maldives Supreme Court</a>

"We also noted that at different stages some people do not want to see the smooth progress of our cooperation," foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said, referring to ex-Maldives president Muhammad Nasheed who has spoken out against Chinese projects in the country.

Commenting on &nbsp;China's ambassador to the Maldives Zhang's meeting with Solih, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told the media that the newly president-elect had assured the continuation of the projects.&nbsp;

Nasheed now lives in exile in Sri Lanka after being convicted in anti-terror law, a move which was overturned by the Supreme Court. He is the senior lead of &nbsp;Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) to which the current winner of elections Solih belongs. &nbsp;The former president has been a bitter critic of China often calling for Chinese projects in the Maldives to be scrapped.&nbsp;

Nasheed had said Chinese investment in the Maldives amounted to "land grab" in the name of investment. He had accused of the Yameen government of lacking in transparency while allowing Chinese investment in the island country.

"China is buying up our lands, buying up our key infrastructure and effectively buying up our sovereignty," he had said. When Solih won the election last month, Nasheed declared that the new government would review the projects due to be set up by China.&nbsp;

Earlier, he had accused China for pressuring the Yameen government to return Indian helicopters stationed in the country which he said were used for meant for emergency evacuation.

However, the foreign ministry said China is willing to work with new government to cement the traditional friendship, deepen mutual benefit cooperation and elevate bilateral ties to a higher level while asserting that China has already signed cooperation agreements will continue to "implement the existing cooperation projects and continue to explore cooperation in more areas such as infrastructure, livelihood and tourism."

"The aim is to contribute to Maldives economic and social development and deliver benefits to the people of Maldives, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman added. 
&nbsp;

China's foreign ministry said today that president-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will stay committed to enhancing ties with China and will "follow existing projects with the country".

China's foreign ministry said today that president-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will stay committed to enhancing ties with China and will "follow existing projects with the country". Also Read: President Yameen's party challenges election results in Maldives Supreme Court "We also noted that at different stages some people do not want to see the smooth progress of our cooperation," foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said, referring to ex-Maldives president Muhammad Nasheed who has spoken out against Chinese projects in the country. Commenting on China's ambassador to the Maldives Zhang's meeting with Solih, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told the media that the newly president-elect had assured the continuation of the projects. Nasheed now lives in exile in Sri Lanka after being convicted in anti-terror law, a move which was overturned by the Supreme Court. He is the senior lead of Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) to which the current winner of elections Solih belongs. The former president has been a bitter critic of China often calling for Chinese projects in the Maldives to be scrapped. Nasheed had said Chinese investment in the Maldives amounted to "land grab" in the name of investment. He had accused of the Yameen government of lacking in transparency while allowing Chinese investment in the island country. "China is buying up our lands, buying up our key infrastructure and effectively buying up our sovereignty," he had said. When Solih won the election last month, Nasheed declared that the new government would review the projects due to be set up by China. Earlier, he had accused China for pressuring the Yameen government to return Indian helicopters stationed in the country which he said were used for meant for emergency evacuation. However, the foreign ministry said China is willing to work with new government to cement the traditional friendship, deepen mutual benefit cooperation and elevate bilateral ties to a higher level while asserting that China has already signed cooperation agreements will continue to "implement the existing cooperation projects and continue to explore cooperation in more areas such as infrastructure, livelihood and tourism." "The aim is to contribute to Maldives economic and social development and deliver benefits to the people of Maldives, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman added.

Will continue to follow existing projects in Maldives, taken note of people opposing smooth cooperation: China

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-yameens-party-challenges-election-results-in-maldives-supreme-court-170671">President Yameen's party challenges election results in Maldives Supreme Court</a>

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party today filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month. Yameen's U-turn comes after he conceded defeat to Ibrahim Mohamed Solih-led Opposition parties. Yameen had earlier said he had met Solih and congratulated him on his election victory.

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Cyclone 'Titli' over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a severe cyclonic storm Wednesday and is moving towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast, triggering rainfall in several parts of Odisha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

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Pakistan has not yet formally approached the International Monetary Fund for financial assistance, but if bailout talks get underway this week, the goal will be to help Pakistan reach its full potential, the IMF’s chief economist said on Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eight-dead-in-majorca-flash-flooding-170676">Eight dead in Spain's Majorca flash flooding</a>

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&nbsp;

President Yameen's party challenges election results in Maldives Supreme Court Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party today filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month.

President Yameen's party challenges election results in Maldives Supreme Court Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party today filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month. Yameen's U-turn comes after he conceded defeat to Ibrahim Mohamed Solih-led Opposition parties. Yameen had earlier said he had met Solih and congratulated him on his election victory. Severe cyclonic storm 'Titli' to hit Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast tomorrow at wind speed of 145 kmph Cyclone 'Titli' over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a severe cyclonic storm Wednesday and is moving towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast, triggering rainfall in several parts of Odisha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Journalist Khashoggi was killed by Saudi 'hit team' that then dismembered his body with bone saw: NYT The prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi entered the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, for some routine paperwok, on October 2 a little before 1.15 pm. His girlfriend, who was waiting for him outside, says he never came out. IMF warns Pakistan against ‘excessive loans’ from China Pakistan has not yet formally approached the International Monetary Fund for financial assistance, but if bailout talks get underway this week, the goal will be to help Pakistan reach its full potential, the IMF’s chief economist said on Tuesday. Eight dead in Spain's Majorca flash flooding At least eight people have died, including two British nationals, and several others are missing in flash floods on the Spanish holiday island of Majorca, authorities and emergency services said Wednesday.

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party today filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/i-accept-defeat-says-yameen-after-election-defeat-167400">Watch: 'I accept defeat', says Yameen after losing Maldives election</a>

Yameen's U-turn comes after he conceded defeat to Ibrahim Mohamed Solih-led Opposition parties. Yameen had earlier said he had met Solih and congratulated him on his election victory.

However, lawyers of Yameen's Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) alleged that the vote was rigged by the independent election commission of the country.

Yameen had earlier said he would hand over power on November 17th ensuring a smooth transition.

The latest development comes amid fears that Yameen wouldn't accept the results. In the last election in 2013, the Maldives Supreme Court had annulled the vote giving Yameen time to put together an alliance and win the second round of voting against former president Mohamed Nasheed.

In a televised address to the nation just after the poll results were announced, Yameen had said "I accept the defeat," adding, "I will enable a smooth transition."

Results released by the electoral commission had shown Yameen's PPM on 41.7 per cent of the vote, well behind Solih on 58.3 per cent. Nearly 90 per cent of the 262,000 electorates turned out to vote during the election.

The results were hailed by India and the US as a victory for democratic forces.

In February Yameen had imposed a 45-day state of emergency cracking down on the Opposition and imprisoning the country's Chief Justice and Supreme Court judges. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

In the run-up to the polls, Solih had pledged to investigate the disappearance of journalist Ahmed Rilwan and the death of a bogger Yameen Rasheed last year.

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party today filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month. Watch: 'I accept defeat', says Yameen after losing Maldives election Yameen's U-turn comes after he conceded defeat to Ibrahim Mohamed Solih-led Opposition parties.

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party today filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month. Watch: 'I accept defeat', says Yameen after losing Maldives election Yameen's U-turn comes after he conceded defeat to Ibrahim Mohamed Solih-led Opposition parties. Yameen had earlier said he had met Solih and congratulated him on his election victory. However, lawyers of Yameen's Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) alleged that the vote was rigged by the independent election commission of the country. Yameen had earlier said he would hand over power on November 17th ensuring a smooth transition. The latest development comes amid fears that Yameen wouldn't accept the results. In the last election in 2013, the Maldives Supreme Court had annulled the vote giving Yameen time to put together an alliance and win the second round of voting against former president Mohamed Nasheed. In a televised address to the nation just after the poll results were announced, Yameen had said "I accept the defeat," adding, "I will enable a smooth transition." Results released by the electoral commission had shown Yameen's PPM on 41.7 per cent of the vote, well behind Solih on 58.3 per cent. Nearly 90 per cent of the 262,000 electorates turned out to vote during the election. The results were hailed by India and the US as a victory for democratic forces. In February Yameen had imposed a 45-day state of emergency cracking down on the Opposition and imprisoning the country's Chief Justice and Supreme Court judges. In the run-up to the polls, Solih had pledged to investigate the disappearance of journalist Ahmed Rilwan and the death of a bogger Yameen Rasheed last year.

President Yameen's party challenges election results in Maldives Supreme Court

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