Inquiry into agreements with India stuck at 241 Committee!

Jul 10, 2024, 4:46 AM
A meeting of the 241 committee.

A meeting of the 241 committee.

The issue of agreements signed by the previous government with India has been stuck at the Parliament's Security Services Committee (241 Committee) for the past month.

The matter was submitted by Hithadhoo Medhu MP Ahmed Azaan on June 9. He requested to form a sub-committee and conduct an inquiry into three agreements with India.

He proposed inquiries into the Hydrography Agreement between India and Maldives, Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) Agreement process and the Dornier aircraft agreement.

A four-member committee was formed. The committee consists of;

  • Hithadhoo Medhu MP Ahmed Azaan Marzooq
  • Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim
  • Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa
  • Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannaan Abubakuru

The sub-committee did not hold any meetings, according to the Parliament website.

Some MPs told Adhadhu that the matter would not go forward and has been parked on the orders of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

"The issue has been stalled at the direct order of the President because it may make it difficult to strengthen relations with India. The President was angry when the issue was raised without discussion," an MP said.

At the second meeting of the 241 Committee, Azaan said the people of Maldives had voted for President Muizzu in the presidential election to ensure the independence and sovereignty of the country.

"One of the biggest responsibilities of this committee should be to investigate what we accused then, the things we claimed to come to power," Azaan said.

"We know that some things have occurred in way that affect the independence and sovereignty of the country. Therefore, this committee, we have to use the powers given to this committee by the Constitution to conduct an inquiry."

Comments

Read More

Latest News

MDP to stage protests if referendum is not held on Rasmale' deal

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has passed a resolution to launch mass protests if the government does not hold a public referendum regarding the Rasmalé project. The opposition demands a halt to the project, citing concerns over secret financing and the potential sale of the site to a foreign businessman.

Nasheed announces full support for Rasmale' project

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has declared his full support for the government's plan to sell part of the Rasmalé project to a UAE businessman. Despite opposition within the MDP calling for a public referendum, Nasheed argues the investment will yield long-term benefits for the Maldives. He remains the sole party member against the move.

Chinese Ambassador applauds Muizzu's successful Pakistan trip

Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua praised President Muizzu’s successful state visit to Pakistan, where 20 agreements were signed to boost bilateral trade. The meeting between Chinese and Pakistani officials highlights strengthening ties, which India is monitoring closely given the regional dynamics and its own financial support to the Maldives.

Defence Minister visits the UAE embassy

Defence Minister Hassan Rasheed met with UAE Chargé d'Affaires Heba Al Jneibi to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. The visit follows controversy over a deal to sell 500 hectares of the Rasmalé reclamation project to UAE-based Eagle Hills. This move contradicts President Muizzu’s earlier pledge to keep the land under local ownership.

Commission formed to investigate the alleged sale of territory

President Muizzu has formed a commission to investigate the alleged sale of Maldivian maritime territory during a boundary dispute with the Chagos Archipelago. The inquiry will examine potential legal negligence by the previous administration and recommend actions against those responsible to prevent future occurrences.

Boating Association demands probe over diver altercation

The National Boating Association of Maldives has called for a formal probe into a viral video showing an underwater physical struggle between two diving teams. The NBAM condemned the incident and urged authorities to investigate the ownership and regulatory compliance of the vessels involved to protect the industry's reputation.

Five injured after gas cylinder explosion at Hulhumale’ cafe

Five people were injured, with four hospitalized, after a gas cylinder exploded at a cafe in Hulhumale' Phase 1. Emergency teams responded to the resulting fire near the Ruhgandu 1 area. Police are currently investigating the cause of the blast.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox