Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04COLOMBO1285
2004-08-04 09:33:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Colombo
Cable title:  

Request for funds to support National Democratic

Tags:  PREL PHUM EAID MV 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
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
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).

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
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