Embattled Maldives President Abdulla Yameen has despatched special envoys to the “friendly nations” of China, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to lobby for support even as his efforts to reach out to India were snubbed by New Delhi on the grounds that he is yet to address the world community’s concerns. The Maldives had ignored these concerns and failed to address the undermining of the country’s democratic institutions and the judiciary, they said. Economic development minister Mohamed Saeed was sent to China while foreign minister Asim left for Pakistan on Wednesday evening. Agriculture minister Mohamed Shainee was scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia on Thursday. Since the crisis erupted last week, Maldivian opposition leaders have urged India to intervene.

Source: Hindustan Times February 08, 2018 10:52 UTC