New Delhi, Feb 22 (UNI) Reacting to India’s assertion that the extension of the state of emergency by the people’s Majlis in Maldives was unconstitutional, Maldives on Thursday termed India’s assertion as a ``clear distortion of facts’’ which ignore the Constitution and Laws of the Maldives.
``Government of Maldives takes note of public statements issued by the Government of India that ignore the facts and ground realities with regard to the ongoing political developments in the Maldives,’’ Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives Mohamed Asim said in a tweet.
His reaction came within hours of India’s External Affairs Ministry saying that India desires to see democracy in Maldives is restored and situation returns to normal. India also expressed its dismay over the Maldives government extending emergency for a further period of 30 days.
India said there was not “any valid reason” for extension of emergency. ``We continue to watch the situation and continue to urge the government of Maldives to release political prisoners,release Chief Justice, implement Supreme Court orders and restore normal functioning of institutions of democracy,’’ official spokesperson of MEA Ravessh Kumar said at his weekly media briefing here on Thursday.
UNI VT/ DEVN 1858