US embassy cable - 04COLOMBO1285

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 COLOMBO 001285 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR SA, SA/INS, DRL 
 
E.O. 12958:    DECL:  08-04-14 
TAGS: PREL, PHUM, EAID, MV, Maldives 
SUBJECT:  Request for funds to support National Democratic 
Institute work in Maldives 
 
Refs:  (A) State 161361 
-      (B) USDEL 12 
-      (C) Colombo 1012, and previous 
 
(U) Classified by Ambassador Jeffrey J. Lunstead.  Reasons 
1.5 (b,d). 
 
1.  (U) This is an Action Request -- Please see Para 5. 
 
2.  (SBU) Ambassador Lunstead received a letter from 
Maldivian Attorney General Hassan Saeed requesting 
financial assistance to augment efforts toward political 
reforms in the Maldives.  The text of the letter is 
contained in Para 7.  Specifically, the AG is requesting 
USG funds to enable the National Democratic Institute (NDI) 
to undertake projects in Maldives. 
 
3.  (SBU) STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY:  In an effort initiated 
by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the Maldivian government 
is undertaking significant steps to strengthen democratic 
principles in Maldives (Ref C).  A special session of the 
Majlis (Parliament) has been convened to develop 
constitutional reforms and all Maldivian citizens were 
asked to provide suggestions.  During a July 1 refueling 
stop in Maldives, Secretary Powell spoke with Foreign 
Minister Fathulla Jameel, encouraging Maldivians to 
continue in their efforts toward democratic and political 
reform (Ref B). 
 
4.  (C) In a July 25 conversation with the Ambassador, 
Attorney General Saeed pointed out that it is almost 
certain that political parties will be legalized as a 
result of the ongoing constitutional reform process.  (At 
present, the GORM does not recognize political parties.) 
Saeed highlighted the fact that the majority of Maldivians 
-- who do not live on the capital island of Male' -- are 
completely unfamiliar with the concept of political 
parties.  Therefore, he felt that the assistance that a 
group such as NDI could provide would be crucial for 
outreach efforts to build capacity and understanding on 
these issues throughout the islands. 
 
5.  (C) ACTION REQUEST:  The "bang per buck" for a program 
like this in Maldives would be considerable.  Mission 
requests DRL's strong consideration of Maldives' request 
for assistance in organizing political parties, whether 
through NDI or another NGO such as IRI.  END ACTION 
REQUEST. 
 
6.  (C) COMMENT:  As we have previously noted (example, Ref 
C), this is a sensitive transition period for Maldives, but 
one which hold great promise.  An attempt is being made to 
move forward with positive, democratic reform.  Failure of 
this process could mean that the positive impulse for 
reform could be diverted into negative channels such as 
Islamic radical/fundamentalist groups.  There is no USAID 
Mission to Maldives, so other avenues for assistance are 
severely limited.  Mission has an active military-to- 
military assistance program.  The IVP program for Maldives 
is robust, including an upcoming program for members of the 
newly formed Human Rights Commission.  Mission also 
recently received approval for a small DRL grant to fund a 
labor seminar and technical expertise exchange for the 
Human Rights Commissioners (Ref A).  The Secretary noted 
July 1 that the United States was extremely impressed with 
President Gayoom's commitment to reform.  We believe we 
should support Maldives as comprehensively as possible in 
these efforts toward becoming a truly democratic Muslim 
nation.  END COMMENT. 
 
7.  (SBU) Text of the letter from Maldivian Attorney 
General follows: 
 
Begin text: 
 
H.E. Mr. Jeffrey J. Lunstead, 
 
Your Excellency, 
 
As you would be aware the Maldivian Government is 
undertaking political reform to strengthen democratic 
institutions in the country.  As outlined the President's 
to the nation on the 9th of June 2004 the Government is 
desirous of fundamental rights, separation of powers, 
reduction of presidential powers etc.  Further, for the 
first time in the Maldivian history, political parties 
would be given a role in the governance of the country. 
 
With such major changes proposed it is the Government's 
wish to adopt systems and institutions that are most 
appropriate in the context of the Maldives. 
 
In this regard I write to seek your assistance in securing 
the assistance of the National Democratic Institute for 
International Affairs in the changes proposed.  It is our 
knowledge that the Institution has done admirable work in 
strengthening democratic institutions and greater 
democratization round the globe. 
 
At this opportunity let me thank you for the valuable 
support provided to us at every junction. 
 
Let me also congratulate you on your independence day. 
 
With the assurances of my highest consideration. 
 
Thanking you, 
 
Yours sincerely 
 
Hassan Saeed 
Attorney General (Maldives) 
 
End text. 
 
LUNSTEAD