Statement of the Embassy of Germany to Sri Lanka and the Maldives

Westerwelle statement Enlarge image Westerwelle (© dpa/pa) German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle remains deeply concerned about recent developments in the Maldives, particularly the violent attacks against elected officials and supporters of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

It is in the best interest of the new government to consolidate their national and international legitimacy through an independent inquiry into the events of this week.

Germany has taken note of President Waheed’s intention to form a government of "national unity". The participation of all major parties represented in Parliament will be a decisive precondition to its political authority.

Foreign Minister Westerwelle calls upon the new leadership of the country to uphold the principles and norms of democracy and the rule of law and guarantee the right to peaceful demonstrations.