§ Mr. GaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has received concerning the first sitting on 19 July of the special Majlis in the Republic of Maldives; and if he will make a statement. [185800]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe welcome the start of the Special Majlis and the opportunity this provides for the people of the Maldives and their elected representatives to consider constitutional reform. We welcome the proposals made in President Gayoom's speech of 9 June and his commitment to a free and transparent debate. The opening session was temporarily suspended after disagreement on the voting procedure for a speaker. We look to all concerned to resolve this matter as soon as possible to allow the session to begin. We will continue to follow events in the Maldives closely.
§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in the Maldives. [185827]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe welcomed President Gayoom's speech of 9 June, which proposed wide ranging constitutional reforms to develop and strengthen democracy in the Maldives, including the right to establish political parties, the full separation of powers, establishing the office of Prime Minister and limiting the terms of President. We welcome President Gayoom's commitment to free and open debate, and look to the Maldivian authorities to ensure this. The Special Majlis on constitutional reform will be key. We will continue to follow events in the Maldives closely.