August 31, 2012 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:
“Canada notes the release of the report of the Commission of National Inquiry in Maldives, which examined the circumstances surrounding the transfer of power in Maldives in February 2012.
“It is imperative that all parties exercise restraint to ensure an atmosphere of calm. This is in the interest of all Maldivians.
“Canada believes that the only way to lend legitimacy to the current government is to ensure that the principles of democracy are upheld and respected. Therefore, Canada calls on the Government of Maldives to work expeditiously toward ensuring free and fair elections.
“I look forward to speaking with my colleagues in the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group about this issue. Canada will continue to be outspoken in pressing for all Commonwealth members to respect the organization’s values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”
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