Recently deposed opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Dr Ibrahim Didi and Vice President and Feydhoo constituency MP Alhan Fahmy through a no confidence vote are on the verge of defecting to pro-government Jumhoory Party, reliable sources have confirmed to Haveeru. Prominent officials of Jumhoory Party confirmed to Haveeru that both Didi and Alhan had held discussions with party leader Gasim Ibrahim last night pertaining to the crossover.
Haveeru has also learned that in addition to the two former MDP leaders, Secretary General of MDP Hassan Shah and some other prominent members of MDP had entailed in the discussions for a possible move to Jumhoory Party.
Though Haveeru was unable to obtain a comment of Alhan, both Didi and Shah had refuted the claims of a crossover.
“No dialogue of that nature has taken place,†Didi stressed.
However, Didi had indicated to the media that he was entertaining the notion of leaving MDP for another party.
It has also been confirmed that Didi and Alhan has put forth a condition to sign for Jumhoory Party, which stipulates that both Didi and Alhan must be given the same respective post in Jumhoory Party as they had filled in MDP.
The condition had been agreed to by Jumhoory Party and a meeting of the party’s National Congress has been scheduled to amend the basic regulation to facilitate the condition.
MDP had ousted former President and Vice-President of the party and had opened applications for the two vacant posts. MDP had stated that a no-confidence motion had been passed against them as they had acted out of the party line and carried out activities that had created disharmony within the party.
However, Didi and Alhan had repeatedly said that they were ousted by some influential people who conspired against them within the party and that they cannot be removed without details of just grounds.
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Friday, June 1, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Azima responds to Ilyas's claims
Attorney General Aishath Azima Shakoor has responded to the claims made by the former Immigration Controller Ilyas Hussain that the AG had conflicts of interest in the corruption laden border control system project. A letter sent to President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik by Ilyas stated that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) accusing corruption in the border control system project was seeking legal expertise from a law firm with affiliations to Azima.
In the letter he further alleged that the ACC had filed for appeal at the High Court under the legal expertise of that law firm.
However, Azima had refuted all claims made by the former Immigration Controller.
“No legal expertise in this case had been given to ACC before or after I was appointed as the AG. The law firm had not provided any legal expertise to the ACC. This is a blatant lie,†Azima said.
She detailed that the law firm has been appointed on ‘retainer’ and would only provide legal expertise in cases upon request by the ACC. But in the border control system case ACC had not sought legal expertise from the law firm at any time, AG added.
Azima further pledged continued assistance to the institutions in efforts to curb corruption. To that end, she stressed that the State must respond to the call by the ACC to investigate the allegations of corruption in the border control project.
“I’m not required to pick and choose the projects involving allegations of corruption. Basically, what Ilyas is trying to say is that the former AG of the previous administration had defended the project while the current AG had not followed suit. My answer is that when ACC asks to cease a particular project over corruption allegations, I will not defend it,†Azima explained.
She also said a decision of necessary action against the false allegations made in Ilyas’s letter which was demeaning in nature would be taken at the earliest. On that note, she added that her lawyers were now assessing the case.
“Ilyas has demeaned me by making false allegations. Hence my rights have been violated, I will decide on a course of action very soon,†she added.
Azima further said that the uncovered facts during the investigation of police and the ACC into the border control project have almost confirmed the levels of corruption in the border control system project.
Ilyas in his letter to the President had stressed that the conflicts of interest on the part of the AG could have dire consequences for both the State and the Immigration Department while adding that such conflicts of interest could not possibly ensure that the State could be presented without prejudice.
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In the letter he further alleged that the ACC had filed for appeal at the High Court under the legal expertise of that law firm.
However, Azima had refuted all claims made by the former Immigration Controller.
“No legal expertise in this case had been given to ACC before or after I was appointed as the AG. The law firm had not provided any legal expertise to the ACC. This is a blatant lie,†Azima said.
She detailed that the law firm has been appointed on ‘retainer’ and would only provide legal expertise in cases upon request by the ACC. But in the border control system case ACC had not sought legal expertise from the law firm at any time, AG added.
Azima further pledged continued assistance to the institutions in efforts to curb corruption. To that end, she stressed that the State must respond to the call by the ACC to investigate the allegations of corruption in the border control project.
“I’m not required to pick and choose the projects involving allegations of corruption. Basically, what Ilyas is trying to say is that the former AG of the previous administration had defended the project while the current AG had not followed suit. My answer is that when ACC asks to cease a particular project over corruption allegations, I will not defend it,†Azima explained.
She also said a decision of necessary action against the false allegations made in Ilyas’s letter which was demeaning in nature would be taken at the earliest. On that note, she added that her lawyers were now assessing the case.
“Ilyas has demeaned me by making false allegations. Hence my rights have been violated, I will decide on a course of action very soon,†she added.
Azima further said that the uncovered facts during the investigation of police and the ACC into the border control project have almost confirmed the levels of corruption in the border control system project.
Ilyas in his letter to the President had stressed that the conflicts of interest on the part of the AG could have dire consequences for both the State and the Immigration Department while adding that such conflicts of interest could not possibly ensure that the State could be presented without prejudice.
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AG has not defended Immigration Dept: Ilyas
Former Controller of Immigration Ilyas Hussain has accused the Attorney General of failing to defend the Immigration Department over the issue of the border control system project and submitted a letter of complaint to President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik. The letter sent to the President on April 16 signed by Ilyas stated that legal expertise over the border control system issue had been sought from a law firm with affiliations to present Attorney General Aishath Azima Shakoor.
Henceforth, the current arrangement had given way for conflicts of interest on the part of Azima, Ilyas had said in the letter.
“Questions arise when she defends the case on behalf of the State at the same time sending the State Attorney to advocate on Immigration’s behalf. But there has not been any dialogue with regard to this with the Immigration thus far. It has been noted that some documents have not been disclosed to the Immigration while it has also been highlighted that the State Attorney has not defended the Immigration in court. In addition, there have also been occasions where the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has been sympathized with while legal expertise has also been given to the Commission,†the letter detailed.
Ilyas further stressed that such conflicts of interest on the part of the AG could have dire consequences for both the State and the Immigration Department while adding that such conflicts of interest could not possibly ensure that the State could be presented without prejudice.
The former Controller had also forwarded a letter to Azima in relation to the issue. The letter sent on May 22 also detailed that Azima had conflicts of interest over the border control system issue.
In the letter Ilyas further expressed disappointment over the consultation with the Home Ministry regarding the issue whilst the Immigration Department had been left out.
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Henceforth, the current arrangement had given way for conflicts of interest on the part of Azima, Ilyas had said in the letter.
“Questions arise when she defends the case on behalf of the State at the same time sending the State Attorney to advocate on Immigration’s behalf. But there has not been any dialogue with regard to this with the Immigration thus far. It has been noted that some documents have not been disclosed to the Immigration while it has also been highlighted that the State Attorney has not defended the Immigration in court. In addition, there have also been occasions where the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has been sympathized with while legal expertise has also been given to the Commission,†the letter detailed.
Ilyas further stressed that such conflicts of interest on the part of the AG could have dire consequences for both the State and the Immigration Department while adding that such conflicts of interest could not possibly ensure that the State could be presented without prejudice.
The former Controller had also forwarded a letter to Azima in relation to the issue. The letter sent on May 22 also detailed that Azima had conflicts of interest over the border control system issue.
In the letter Ilyas further expressed disappointment over the consultation with the Home Ministry regarding the issue whilst the Immigration Department had been left out.
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Police decide to dismantle Usfasgandu tonight
Police, under an order of the Criminal Court are continuing with the search of the Usfasgandu area which began this morning. Police have further ordered to remove any items and vacate the area by 10.00 tonight. A police official revealed that the police had decided to dismantle the area in order to stop criminal activities and restore peace and public order in the area. Official added that the Police had taken into account the items confiscated from the site and criminal activities taking place at the scene.
Police statement today had ordered the removal of all items in the area by the people who had placed them.
“Maldives Police Service has decided to dismantle the Usfasgandu area and handover the site to the parent entity in order to stop criminal activities conducted at the scene, restore public order and ensure the safety and security of the general public,†Police statement detailed.
Police had cordoned off the Usfasgandu area currently being used by opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for its political activities around 7.30 this morning. In the presence of the media, Police had officially launched the search of the area two hours later.
However, some police and military personnel in plain clothes had operated in the Usfasgandu area while the media had not been allowed into the area until the official launch had begun.
While the Police has accused of criminal offences taking place in the area, the items confiscated from the site thus far mostly includes iron pipes. Media personnel had witnessed the police retrieving some filters and aluminum foil from behind some containers located in the area, believed to have been used for drug abuse.
In addition, police also confiscated a box of condoms, a small knife, some scissors, a large hammer, and some welding rods.
Some of the items marked by police also include the crow cage and some parchments with markings believed to be used in black magic.
Haveeru has also learned that Police intend to dismantle the items set up at the site by MDP, while it is believed that the party would be afforded the opportunity to remove the items beforehand.
However, police is yet to officially confirm of such intentions to the media.
The Criminal Court order issued at 3.00 yesterday afternoon had given 48 hours for the police to conduct the search.
Police had given a copy of the court order to the former MDP Chairperson and Machchangoalhi-north MP Mariya Ahmed Didi before commencing the search.
Police had further requested MDP to appoint an observer to be present while the search was being conducted.
However, Mariya had stated that an observer can only be appointed upon a decision of the MDP National Congress, while adding that such an appointment could have been made if the police had informed the party in advance.
Police media official revealed that the search was being carried out in collaboration with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and added that the military personnel had operated in the area to secure the location before police could commence its search.
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Police statement today had ordered the removal of all items in the area by the people who had placed them.
“Maldives Police Service has decided to dismantle the Usfasgandu area and handover the site to the parent entity in order to stop criminal activities conducted at the scene, restore public order and ensure the safety and security of the general public,†Police statement detailed.
Police had cordoned off the Usfasgandu area currently being used by opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for its political activities around 7.30 this morning. In the presence of the media, Police had officially launched the search of the area two hours later.
However, some police and military personnel in plain clothes had operated in the Usfasgandu area while the media had not been allowed into the area until the official launch had begun.
While the Police has accused of criminal offences taking place in the area, the items confiscated from the site thus far mostly includes iron pipes. Media personnel had witnessed the police retrieving some filters and aluminum foil from behind some containers located in the area, believed to have been used for drug abuse.
In addition, police also confiscated a box of condoms, a small knife, some scissors, a large hammer, and some welding rods.
Some of the items marked by police also include the crow cage and some parchments with markings believed to be used in black magic.
Haveeru has also learned that Police intend to dismantle the items set up at the site by MDP, while it is believed that the party would be afforded the opportunity to remove the items beforehand.
However, police is yet to officially confirm of such intentions to the media.
The Criminal Court order issued at 3.00 yesterday afternoon had given 48 hours for the police to conduct the search.
Police had given a copy of the court order to the former MDP Chairperson and Machchangoalhi-north MP Mariya Ahmed Didi before commencing the search.
Police had further requested MDP to appoint an observer to be present while the search was being conducted.
However, Mariya had stated that an observer can only be appointed upon a decision of the MDP National Congress, while adding that such an appointment could have been made if the police had informed the party in advance.
Police media official revealed that the search was being carried out in collaboration with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and added that the military personnel had operated in the area to secure the location before police could commence its search.
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Police raid on Usfasgandu to stymie party activities: MDP
Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has alleged that the police raid on the Usfasgandu area today is intended to stymie the party's political activities. Speaking during a press conference held at the MDP office today, party’s Spokesperson Imthiyaz ‘Inthi’ Fahmy claimed that the police are searching the Usfasgandu area to block the activities of political parties, especially to hinder and impede the activities of MDP.
Inthi further stressed that no incidents had occurred in the area that warranted the issue of a Criminal Court order. He added that if anyone has been suspected of committing a crime, Police are required only to arrest that person and carry out an investigation, but stressed that it should not prompt a search of a whole area.
MDP Spokesperson pointed out that a search of a mass area should only take place if allegations of major criminal activities are being conducted such as drug trade and the planning of a large scale assault.
Member of MDP’s legal team Hisaan Hussain said that it was difficult to fathom that the items including a box of condoms, iron pipes, scissors and aluminum foil confiscated from the area till this afternoon can be labeled as a criminal offence.
Hisaan explained that the aluminum foil confiscated from the area had been used in a barbecue a few days earlier; the scissors were being used on cloths while the iron pipes had been used to construct benches in the area.
Police had begun searching the Usfasgandu area at around 9.30 this morning under an order of the Criminal Court.
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Inthi further stressed that no incidents had occurred in the area that warranted the issue of a Criminal Court order. He added that if anyone has been suspected of committing a crime, Police are required only to arrest that person and carry out an investigation, but stressed that it should not prompt a search of a whole area.
MDP Spokesperson pointed out that a search of a mass area should only take place if allegations of major criminal activities are being conducted such as drug trade and the planning of a large scale assault.
Member of MDP’s legal team Hisaan Hussain said that it was difficult to fathom that the items including a box of condoms, iron pipes, scissors and aluminum foil confiscated from the area till this afternoon can be labeled as a criminal offence.
Hisaan explained that the aluminum foil confiscated from the area had been used in a barbecue a few days earlier; the scissors were being used on cloths while the iron pipes had been used to construct benches in the area.
Police had begun searching the Usfasgandu area at around 9.30 this morning under an order of the Criminal Court.
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Nasheed's nominee to Inquiry Commission withdrawn after Government accepts
After the government finally accepted the nomination made by former President Mohamed Nasheed to the Commission of National Inquiry (CNI) set up to probe the circumstances surrounding the transfer of power on February 7, the name has now been withdrawn. Nasheed has nominated Mariyam Manaal Shihab who is the daughter of former Minister in the previous administration Mohamed Shihab.
A prominent government official that Manaal’s name had been withdrawn after she had been accepted by the government.
Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has refuted the claims that Nasheed had proposed a nominee to the CNI.
MDP Spokesperson Imthiyaz 'Inthi' Fahmy alleged that the claims made by the government were baseless and if Nasheed did make a nomination to CNI, the former President would duly inform the party first.
However, Nasheed is yet to inform the party of such a decision, Inthi added.
It has been found that Manaal had formerly worked in the legal department of the Economic Ministry.
Manaal as the nominee of Nasheed to the CNI had been accepted after the government had rejected various other nominations citing that they did not meet the specified criteria.
The last nominee Lieutenant Colonel Zubair Ahmed Manik of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) had been rejected by the government claiming that he did not meet the education criteria as per the prior agreement with opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
The work of the CNI has been temporarily halted until the proposed changes to the composition of the Commission are completed.
The government had decided to appoint a retired Judge from Singapore as the Co-Chair and a nominee of former President Nasheed to the Commission, following the call by the Commonwealth to revise the CNI in order to make it more independent, impartial and generally acceptable by the people.
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A prominent government official that Manaal’s name had been withdrawn after she had been accepted by the government.
Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has refuted the claims that Nasheed had proposed a nominee to the CNI.
MDP Spokesperson Imthiyaz 'Inthi' Fahmy alleged that the claims made by the government were baseless and if Nasheed did make a nomination to CNI, the former President would duly inform the party first.
However, Nasheed is yet to inform the party of such a decision, Inthi added.
It has been found that Manaal had formerly worked in the legal department of the Economic Ministry.
Manaal as the nominee of Nasheed to the CNI had been accepted after the government had rejected various other nominations citing that they did not meet the specified criteria.
The last nominee Lieutenant Colonel Zubair Ahmed Manik of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) had been rejected by the government claiming that he did not meet the education criteria as per the prior agreement with opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
The work of the CNI has been temporarily halted until the proposed changes to the composition of the Commission are completed.
The government had decided to appoint a retired Judge from Singapore as the Co-Chair and a nominee of former President Nasheed to the Commission, following the call by the Commonwealth to revise the CNI in order to make it more independent, impartial and generally acceptable by the people.
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President Waheed announces zero tolerance on corruption
President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik today reaffirmed his commitment to tackling corruption, pledging a zero tolerance policy. A statement by the President’s Office said that the President had stressed that the present National Unity Government was committed to an open and transparent system of governance.
In addition, President Waheed further assured full commitment to the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
“We acknowledge the crucial work carried out by the Anti-Corruption Commission and fully support any action taken by the Commission. Our policy on corruption is zero tolerance. Anybody found guilty of corrupt practice will face the full force of the law regardless of the position they hold. Nobody is above the law,†statement by the President’s Office also read.
While President Waheed has announced a zero tolerance policy on corruption, his brother in law and former Immigration Controller Ilyas Hussain has been accused of corruption in the awarding of the project to establish a border control system in the Maldives to Malaysia’s Nexbiz Company by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Following various pressures Ilyas has now been transferred as the State Defence Minister.
Furthermore, ACC has also expressed concern over the continued appointment of persons accused of corruption to various prominent government posts.
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In addition, President Waheed further assured full commitment to the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
“We acknowledge the crucial work carried out by the Anti-Corruption Commission and fully support any action taken by the Commission. Our policy on corruption is zero tolerance. Anybody found guilty of corrupt practice will face the full force of the law regardless of the position they hold. Nobody is above the law,†statement by the President’s Office also read.
While President Waheed has announced a zero tolerance policy on corruption, his brother in law and former Immigration Controller Ilyas Hussain has been accused of corruption in the awarding of the project to establish a border control system in the Maldives to Malaysia’s Nexbiz Company by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Following various pressures Ilyas has now been transferred as the State Defence Minister.
Furthermore, ACC has also expressed concern over the continued appointment of persons accused of corruption to various prominent government posts.
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Power failure possible for testing new generators: STELCO
State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) has said that as the new generators installed by the company are being tested, there is a possibility of power failure throughout the capital Male today. A STELCO official revealed that the testing of the new generators would take place from 3.00 in the afternoon till 5.00 in the evening.
“We have notified customers that there would be a possibility power failure as the performance of the new generators is being tested today. We have estimated that the process would take approximately two hours,†official added.
Official further detailed that one of the two new generators installed under the Fourth Power Development Project would be load tested today.
“The generator must be tested before it is operated on full capacity. The testing of the second generator would also commence very soon,†official said.
In accordance with the current schedule, the two new generators would be made operational by June 5, official added.
STELCO had claimed that when the two 8.9megawatt generators are fully operational it would solve the recent power cuts in Male.
The Company had also revealed that the 18 month project assigned to Danish-German joint venture Company on April 2, 2009 was first scheduled to be completed by November 2011. However, the deadline had been extended several times and finally agreed to be completed by June 1, STELCO had said.
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“We have notified customers that there would be a possibility power failure as the performance of the new generators is being tested today. We have estimated that the process would take approximately two hours,†official added.
Official further detailed that one of the two new generators installed under the Fourth Power Development Project would be load tested today.
“The generator must be tested before it is operated on full capacity. The testing of the second generator would also commence very soon,†official said.
In accordance with the current schedule, the two new generators would be made operational by June 5, official added.
STELCO had claimed that when the two 8.9megawatt generators are fully operational it would solve the recent power cuts in Male.
The Company had also revealed that the 18 month project assigned to Danish-German joint venture Company on April 2, 2009 was first scheduled to be completed by November 2011. However, the deadline had been extended several times and finally agreed to be completed by June 1, STELCO had said.
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India firms Myanmar ties during PM visit
India agreed a raft of deals with Myanmar on Monday during a visit by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh aimed at boosting trade and energy links and contesting the influence of regional rival China. The first Indian premier to visit in a quarter of a century, Singh met President Thein Sein in the capital Naypyidaw as energy-hungry New Delhi woos Myanmar after dramatic reforms ended its international isolation.
The neighbours signed 12 agreements covering an array of issues including security, development of border areas, trade and transport links.
Talks were described as "warm, cordial and constructive" in a joint statement released after the meeting, which stressed the potential for closer future ties.
"Alluding to the mutually agreed target of doubling the bilateral trade by 2015, both leaders emphasised that there is considerable untapped potential for greater trade and urged the business community to capitalise on this potential," it said.
Indian trade with Myanmar stood at $1.2 billion in 2010, far short of the $4.4 billion between China and Myanmar.
Singh is the latest in a series of top-level visitors to Myanmar as the international community begins easing sanctions, raising hopes that the impoverished nation could be the next big frontier market.
He is seen as looking to expand India's influence after half a century of military rule left Myanmar heavily reliant on Chinese investment and political support.
The Indian premier will on Tuesday hold talks with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in the main city of Yangon, in a move seen as a sign that India also wants to repair links with the veteran activist.
New Delhi was once a staunch supporter of the democracy icon, but changed tack in the mid-1990s as it sought closer ties with Myanmar, and drew international criticism for its engagement with the former junta.
India has since pointed to recent dramatic reforms under a new quasi-civilian regime, including Suu Kyi's election to parliament in April by-elections, as a validation of its stance.
Singh "commended the on-going efforts at political, economic and social reform", according to the statement.
Renaud Egreteau, of the Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Hong Kong, said India was "realigning" its policy on Myanmar in an attempt to become its neighbour's trading partner of choice.
"India is trying not to miss the bus in Myanmar as it opens to the world," he told AFP.
But he said the "obstacles are always the same for India", including delays to its infrastructure projects and a lack of political confidence between the two countries.
Singh is travelling with a top-level business delegation and the joint statement said Indian firms would be "specifically encouraged" to invest in oil and gas, infrastructure, tourism, and information and communication technology.
Indian-backed infrastructure projects in the country include a port at Sittwe on the Bay of Bengal, but New Delhi's presence lags well behind that of Beijing, which is behind a host of major energy developments.
According to data from IHS Global Insight, China led the ranking in investments in Myanmar last year, pledging $8.3 billion, with India trailing in 13th place, with $189 million pledged.
China insisted that it "likes to see" relations develop between Myanmar and India, state media reported. Ties between Beijing and New Delhi have not always been smooth, especially where border disputes are concerned.
Rajiv Biswas, Asia-Pacific chief economist at IHS, said Myanmar was in the grip of a "gold rush", and that oil and gas were an area of "considerable opportunity" for investors.
India sees Myanmar as the springboard to a closer connection with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as a key partner in counter-insurgency and economic development drives in its northeast border areas.
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, was administered as a province of India during British colonial rule and the two countries have religious links dating back to the early spread of Buddhism more than 2,000 years ago. Tweet Bookmark Print Badge the Comments! Give badges to the best comments you see! You will get four badges a day 0 Comments To have full access to the interactive features available in Haveeru Online please register or sign in. or Post a Comment Loading comments... Please wait
The neighbours signed 12 agreements covering an array of issues including security, development of border areas, trade and transport links.
Talks were described as "warm, cordial and constructive" in a joint statement released after the meeting, which stressed the potential for closer future ties.
"Alluding to the mutually agreed target of doubling the bilateral trade by 2015, both leaders emphasised that there is considerable untapped potential for greater trade and urged the business community to capitalise on this potential," it said.
Indian trade with Myanmar stood at $1.2 billion in 2010, far short of the $4.4 billion between China and Myanmar.
Singh is the latest in a series of top-level visitors to Myanmar as the international community begins easing sanctions, raising hopes that the impoverished nation could be the next big frontier market.
He is seen as looking to expand India's influence after half a century of military rule left Myanmar heavily reliant on Chinese investment and political support.
The Indian premier will on Tuesday hold talks with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in the main city of Yangon, in a move seen as a sign that India also wants to repair links with the veteran activist.
New Delhi was once a staunch supporter of the democracy icon, but changed tack in the mid-1990s as it sought closer ties with Myanmar, and drew international criticism for its engagement with the former junta.
India has since pointed to recent dramatic reforms under a new quasi-civilian regime, including Suu Kyi's election to parliament in April by-elections, as a validation of its stance.
Singh "commended the on-going efforts at political, economic and social reform", according to the statement.
Renaud Egreteau, of the Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Hong Kong, said India was "realigning" its policy on Myanmar in an attempt to become its neighbour's trading partner of choice.
"India is trying not to miss the bus in Myanmar as it opens to the world," he told AFP.
But he said the "obstacles are always the same for India", including delays to its infrastructure projects and a lack of political confidence between the two countries.
Singh is travelling with a top-level business delegation and the joint statement said Indian firms would be "specifically encouraged" to invest in oil and gas, infrastructure, tourism, and information and communication technology.
Indian-backed infrastructure projects in the country include a port at Sittwe on the Bay of Bengal, but New Delhi's presence lags well behind that of Beijing, which is behind a host of major energy developments.
According to data from IHS Global Insight, China led the ranking in investments in Myanmar last year, pledging $8.3 billion, with India trailing in 13th place, with $189 million pledged.
China insisted that it "likes to see" relations develop between Myanmar and India, state media reported. Ties between Beijing and New Delhi have not always been smooth, especially where border disputes are concerned.
Rajiv Biswas, Asia-Pacific chief economist at IHS, said Myanmar was in the grip of a "gold rush", and that oil and gas were an area of "considerable opportunity" for investors.
India sees Myanmar as the springboard to a closer connection with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as a key partner in counter-insurgency and economic development drives in its northeast border areas.
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, was administered as a province of India during British colonial rule and the two countries have religious links dating back to the early spread of Buddhism more than 2,000 years ago. Tweet Bookmark Print Badge the Comments! Give badges to the best comments you see! You will get four badges a day 0 Comments To have full access to the interactive features available in Haveeru Online please register or sign in. or Post a Comment Loading comments... Please wait
Immigration employees to take ACC issue to the Controller
Immigration employees have decided to take up the matter of the summoning of many employees to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for the investigation into the controversial Border Control System project and the laptops brought in for the project, with the new Controller Dr Mohamed Ali. A prominent official of the Immigration Department claimed that as large numbers of employees are being summoned to the ACC every day, employees have had adverse psychological effects.
“The summoning chit had been delivered to 15 employees even yesterday. The chit is like an order,†official added.
“An employee had fainted after being summoned to the ACC for the investigation yesterday, who was later carried out by another employee.â€
The official further detailed that the employees would meet the Controller sometime today and raise complain about the emotional state of apprehension and fear facing the employees.
“Investigating the matter is a different thing. However, ACC had relayed a lot of false information to the media. For example they told the media that the laptops had been sold, we had objected to give up the laptops, we locked up places with ACC officials inside. Those are things that we simply did not do,†official said.
“The laptops given to us do not belong to the Immigration but had been given by Nexbiz for training. The laptops had barcodes and inventory numbers of the company. So how can we just handover the laptops even on orders of the ACC without authorization of a superior.â€
Official alleged that the Home Ministry had not made any efforts to “ease the apprehension.â€
“Home Ministry being our parent institution has not extended any cooperation to us in this issue. Even the Civil Service Commission had failed to cooperate with the many civil servants here,†official added.
Official stressed that no top officials would be involved and only low ranking employees would take up the issues with the Controller.
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“The summoning chit had been delivered to 15 employees even yesterday. The chit is like an order,†official added.
“An employee had fainted after being summoned to the ACC for the investigation yesterday, who was later carried out by another employee.â€
The official further detailed that the employees would meet the Controller sometime today and raise complain about the emotional state of apprehension and fear facing the employees.
“Investigating the matter is a different thing. However, ACC had relayed a lot of false information to the media. For example they told the media that the laptops had been sold, we had objected to give up the laptops, we locked up places with ACC officials inside. Those are things that we simply did not do,†official said.
“The laptops given to us do not belong to the Immigration but had been given by Nexbiz for training. The laptops had barcodes and inventory numbers of the company. So how can we just handover the laptops even on orders of the ACC without authorization of a superior.â€
Official alleged that the Home Ministry had not made any efforts to “ease the apprehension.â€
“Home Ministry being our parent institution has not extended any cooperation to us in this issue. Even the Civil Service Commission had failed to cooperate with the many civil servants here,†official added.
Official stressed that no top officials would be involved and only low ranking employees would take up the issues with the Controller.
Tweet Bookmark Print Badge the Comments! Give badges to the best comments you see! You will get four badges a day 0 Comments To have full access to the interactive features available in Haveeru Online please register or sign in. or Post a Comment Loading comments... Please wait
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