Ambassador of Maldives to European Union (EU) Ahmed Shian has assured a list of individuals has not been compiled to impose targeted sanctions.
Speaking with PSM News regarding rumours stating EU has compiled a list of Maldivians to impose targeted sanctions ranging from travel ban to asset freeze, Ambassador Shian said the rumours are baseless. The ambassador highlighted such rumours are spread to defame the government, mislead the public and to threaten businessmen with the presidential election scheduled for next month. Furthermore, the ambassador called to refrain from defaming the country in front of world powers and described it as a poor political play.
Meanwhile, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Dr. Mohamed Shainee urged the opposition to contact the EU Ambassador in Sri Lanka and clarify on any EU decision before spreading false information. Minister Shainee further added that it is not EU council but rather EU parliament who will produce a list with a unanimity of 28 countries, if needed.