US embassy cable - 05COLOMBO2038

UNCLAS COLOMBO 002038 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, PHUM, MV, Maldives, Human Rights 
SUBJECT: MALDIVES:  PROPOSED LETTER FROM SECRETARY TO 
PRESIDENT GAYOOM ON DEMOCRATIC REFORMS 
 
REF: A. COLOMBO 1680 
     B. COLOMBO 1953 
     C. COLOMBO 2025 
 
1. (U) This is an action request.  Please see para 2. 
 
2. (SBU) Maldives has made some progress in implementing 
democratic reforms, but significant problems, including 
limitations on the opposition and on pro-opposition media, as 
detailed in Reftels B and C, remain.  The Maldives is a 
moderate, pro-Western Muslim nation which has proven 
receptive to international pressure in the past.  The 
Maldives is now at a crossroads in its reform process.  As 
the political reform process has developed over the past two 
years, we have used the relationship of friendship and trust 
we have developed between the US and Maldives to nudge the 
process along.  President Gayoom values our input and support 
because the US is perceived as a friend which wants to assist 
Maldives in its difficult progress.  In light of our 
priorities outlined in Reftel A, we believe that this is an 
opportune time for the Secretary to send a letter to 
President Gayoom that commends the progress achieved so far 
and underscores our concern that the process continue to move 
forward.  Draft text follows below. 
 
 
3. (SBU) Begin draft text: 
 
Dear President Gayoom: 
 
I would like to congratulate you on the progress the 
Government of Republic of Maldives has made so far in the 
democratic reform process.  The conduct of elections in 
January despite the tragedy of the December 2005 tsunami, the 
registration of political parties in June, the marked 
improvement in prison conditions over the past year, and 
efforts to broaden freedom of the press are all very 
encouraging signs. 
 
I understand that both the Dhivehi Rai'yyithunge Party and 
the Maldivian Democratic Party will hold their first party 
congresses soon.  I applaud you for encouraging these 
peaceful political activities, which build democratic 
capacity and permit Maldivans to engage in political 
processes.  I also note with interest the formation of a 
Judicial Services Commission, aimed at promoting judicial 
independence from the executive.  I look forward to seeing 
evidence of this independence in the work of Commission in 
the months ahead. 
 
While your government has taken some critical steps forward, 
the need for greater progress in other crucial areas 
persists.  My Government remains concerned about the harsh 
sentence given to activist Jennifer Latheef and the judicial 
proceedings against Maldivian Democratic Party Chairperson 
Mohamed Nasheed.  These actions have fueled perceptions that 
the judicial system is being used to penalize political 
dissent. 
 
I know that your Government is attempting to address 
inadequacies in your current legal system by drafting a new 
penal code, as well as by revising criminal and civil 
procedural codes.  The United States Government commends 
these efforts.  Next steps, such as bringing the penal code 
before the People's Majlis and implementing the recommended 
procedures as soon as possible, will be crucial in dispelling 
the perception that the existing criminal code may be 
susceptible to political manipulation. 
 
With all of the changes under way, Maldives is at a vital 
turning point.  There are great responsibilities upon you and 
upon the political opposition.  If your country continues 
forward on the path to progress you initiated, Maldives can 
stand as an encouraging example to other nations seeking to 
democratize, and you will have given all Maldivians a 
tremendous legacy for the future.  We await further 
democratic developments in Maldives with great interest. 
 
End draft text. 
 
LUNSTEAD