In this week’s radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed will speak on the importance of choosing dialogue between all concerned parties to resolve industrial disputes. He will also highlight the government’s duty to protect the rights of employees as well as employers dealing with such matters. The President’s radio address will be broadcast at 10 o’clock tomorrow morning.

China’s Yunnan Province Governor Qin Guangrong paid a courtesy call on the President, today. The meeting was held at the Official Residence of the President, Mulee-aage. At the meeting the President and the Governor discussed on ways that the Maldives and Yunnan Province could forge greater cooperation in the areas of tourism, renewable energy, trade and civil aviation. The President highlighted that a lot of Chinese tourists were visiting the Maldives, and, discussed ways to make their stay more comfortable in the Maldives. Both sides agreed to strengthen links in the tourism, trade and energy sectors.

President Mohamed Nasheed today met with Secretary General of Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF), Mr Carl Wright. The meeting was held at the President’s Office. Discussions at the meeting were held on local council elections soon to be held in the Maldives and decentralisation of administration. Speaking at the meeting, the President noted the importance the government attached to decentralisation and local governance. He also said the government hoped the upcoming local elections would be very free and fair. The President requested for Commonwealth’s observation of local elections and sought its assistance in reaching cross-party consensus in implementing related legislations. Mr Wright commended the Maldives for taking the initiative in implementing local governance, adding that it was crucial for broader consolidation of democracy. He said the Commonwealth would support the Maldives in whatever way possible. The meeting was also attended by Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed, Special Envoy of the President Ibrahim Hussain Zaki, Advisor on Political Affairs Hassan Afeef and Minister of Home Affairs Mr Mohamed Shihab.

President Mohamed Nasheed has appointed Board of Directors of the Maldives Road Development Corporation Limited. Mr Adam Maniku was appointed as the Chairperson of the Board. Other members of the Board include Mr Mohamed Waheed Ismail, Mr Ismail Asif, Mr Hassan Raeef, Mr Hassan Fayaz, Mr Wail Mohamed Zahir Hussain and Ms Nasra Ali.

After discussing the issue of lack of burial space at Male’ Aa-saharaa cemetery, the Cabinet, in its meeting today decided to build a cemetery in Hulhumale. The new cemetery will be used to bury the dead from Malé. The new cemetery in Hulhumale’ is planned to be built within four months. The government will also make ferry arrangements to carry the dead to Hulhumale. At today’s Cabinet meeting, members also discussed land use plan for Vandhoo of Raa Atoll. The government decided to lease a part of the island for industrial use along with a slipway.

President Mohamed Nasheed has today appointed three members to the Judicial Service Commission. The three newly appointed members are: - Adam Mohamed Abdulla, judge of the Supreme Court elected by the judges of the Supreme Court - Abdulla Ghanee, judge elected by the High Court - Mohamed Fahmee Hassan, President of the Civil Service Commission Before the presentation of the letter of appointment, the members took their oath of membership of JSC. The oath was administered by Supreme Court judge Abdulla Areef. Speaking after the appointment, the President said he hoped Judicial Service Commission would carry out its constitutional mandate to that end. The Judicial Service Commission of the Maldives is an independent and impartial institution entrusted to, among other responsibilities, investigate complaints about the Judiciary; and, to take disciplinary action against them. The JSC is also mandated to advise the President and the People’s Majlis on any matters relating to the Judiciary or the administration of justice.

President Mohamed Nasheed has today appointed Mr Mohamed Fahmee Hassan as the President and Ahmed Hassan Didi as the Vice President of the Civil Service Commission. Letters of appointment to Mr Fahmee Hassan and Mr Hassan Didi were presented by President Nasheed at a function held this morning at the President’s Office.

The President has appointed Dr Abdul Muhsin Mohamed as the Chairperson of the regulatory board of Maldives Qualification Authority. He is appointed to the post in the rank of Deputy Minister. The President also appointed Mr Adam Saeed as the Deputy Minister of State, Upper North Province.

In his weekly radio address, President Mohamed Nasheed has said his administration will use laws only to uphold the rule of law. Expressing concern over the misuse of laws and the courts, the President said that “some politicians think of laws or even the courts as political tools”. “The expectation of laws is compliance, and the expectation from decisions by courts is that people could have confidence in them,” he added. Continuing on the issue, the President said using laws for wrongful purposes amounted to undermining the rule of law and leaving laws useless. As this week’s radio address coincided with the 17th of Ramadan, which is known to be the date of the first battle of Islam, the President discussed the day’s historical significance for all Muslims.

In his weekly radio address, that will be broadcast tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock, President Mohamed Nasheed will speak on the importance of adhering to laws and making the best use of laws. As tomorrow, 17 Ramadan, marks the anniversary of the Battle of Badr, the President will speak on the significance of the event in history of Islam.