MRM says against govt's stand, but won't join Chagos alliance

Ruling coalition partner Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) opposes the government's stand on the delimitation of the territorial waters between the Maldives and Chagos, but has no intention of joining hands with the 'anti-delimitation alliance' formed by politicians to oppose it, the party said Tuesday.

The main opposition party, PPM, MDP president Mohamed Nasheed's faction, MNP and several other politicians have formed an alliance to carry out anti-government activities over the Chagos case.

Ahead of the formal formation of the alliance, MRM vice president Fathimath Nadira attended a press conference. 

However, no MRM official was present at the press conference held at Hotel Jen on Sunday to formally announce the alliance. 

MRM Secretary General Abdulla Aleem told Atoll Times on Tuesday that Nadira attended the first press conference to express concern over the issue after the party received an invitation from the organisers. He, however, said the MRM was not part of the existing alliance.

"In the past and now, MRM has no intention of joining hands with the coalition," Aleem said.

Earlier, MRM's executive committee had decided not to support the government's stand on the delimitation issue. Aleem said the stand has not changed even if it does not join the opposition alliance.

In February, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had invited MRM to form an alliance with him for a second term. The two sides also held meetings in this regard. The MRM is also in talks with the Jumhooree Party on the presidential elections.

"We are yet to take a decision on the presidential elections. It is expected that a decision will be taken this month," Aleem said.