Malé, Maldives – The Foreign Ministry on Friday, released a statement requesting local media to carryout their work such that it does not affect the nation’s relationship with other countries.
The Indian High Commission on Thursday, sent a letter to the Foreign Ministry of Maldives, requesting for action to be taken against those attacking the dignity of the Indian High Commission, employees and delegates.
The commission stated that such repeated attacks on the dignity of the High Commission, the Head of the Mission and members of the diplomatic staff can affect the efficient performance of the functions of the High Commission and can damage the time-tested and mutually beneficial bilateral relations between India and the Maldives.
The Indian High Commission in their letter to the Foreign Ministry, requested to ensure enhanced protection of the premises of the Mission, residence of High Commissioner and residences of other diplomats, and prevent any attack on his/their person, freedom and dignity, and prevent any disturbances to the peace of the Mission or impairment of its dignity in accordance with relevant articles of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961).
Following the requests from the Indian High Commission, the Foreign Ministry of Maldives released the statement, saying that they have been noticing frequent posts from local medias attacking foreign diplomats, envoys and members of the foreign missions.
The ministry stated that such posts may affect the long lasting friendships between Maldives and other countries and that it may incite hatred within the citizens against these countries. The ministry noted that such posts also become an obstacle for the government in ensuring the security and safety of the foreign diplomats.
The Ministry requested local medias, to keep their actions such that it does not violate international agreements such as the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
The parliament has also requested Maldives Media Council to take action against to take against medias spreading such malicious information again foreign diplomats.
