US seeks to clarify Maldives power transfer

WASHINGTON—The United States said Friday it will work with the new Maldives government, but will seek to clarify how power was transferred from Mohamed Nasheed to his successor as president, Mohamed Waheed.

The United States issued the statement as Nasheed voiced disappointment at the US decision to recognize Waheed, whom Nasheed suspects of knowing about the conspiracy to remove him from office.

“We will work with the government of the Maldives, but believe that the circumstances surrounding the transfer of power need to be clarified,” US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters.

“And we also suggest that all parties agree to an independent mechanism to do that.”

Robert Blake, the US assistant secretary of state for south Asian affairs, will seek clarification during his visit to the capital Male on Saturday, when he will meet both Nasheed and Waheed, Nuland added.

“He will see all of the major players and have a chance to talk about an appropriate way forward and reconciliation and national unity mechanism.”

Nasheed’s efforts to force Waheed to step down received a major blow Thursday when Washington announced it was conferring a stamp of legitimacy on Waheed’s administration.

When asked if the US recognized the new government, Nuland replied: “We do.”

“This is not being helpful. They should really look at what has happened,” said Nasheed, who insists his resignation on Tuesday was the result of a coup d’etat orchestrated by opposition leaders backed by the security forces.

Nasheed suggested the US move would only serve to inflame tensions in the Maldives, which was rocked by several days of violent protests following Nasheed’s ouster.