India’s remark on extension of emergency a ‘distortion of facts’, says Maldives

Male: Reacting to concerns raised by India over the extension of the State of Emergency in the Maldives, the countrys Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said the assertion by India about the extension is a clear distortion of facts.
"The government of Maldives takes note of the 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," the MoFA said in a statement.
"The assertion by the government of India that the extension of the state of emergency by the Peoples Majlis was unconstitutional is a clear distortion of facts, which ignore the Constitution and laws of the Maldives,” the statement added.
Maldives emphasised that the country is going through a difficult period and urge the friends, allies and the international community to refrain from making such statements.
“There is no doubt that the Maldives is experiencing one of the most difficult periods in the history of the nation. It is therefore important that friends and partners in the international community, including India, refrain from any actions that could hinder resolving the situation facing the country,” the MoFA said.
“The government of Maldives reiterates its firm commitment to work closely with the international community, including India, to address the concerns they might have,” it added.
Earlier in the day, Indias Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Ravish Kumar said that India did not see "any valid reason" for the extension of emergency in the Maldives.
"We continue to watch the situation and continue to urge the government of Maldives to release political prisoners, release chief justice, implementation Supreme Court orders and restore normal functioning of institutions of democracy," he added.
Kumar further said that it is Indias sincere desire to see democracy in Maldives is restored and situation returns to normal.
“This we feel is also the desire of the people of Maldives. We are dismayed the Maldives government has extended emergency for a further period of 30 days,” he said.