Full text: MEA statement on crisis in Maldives

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There is no relief for former Maldives president Mohammed Nasheed as the coutry's high court has refused to stay the arrest warrant against him.

There is no relief for former Maldives president Mohammed Nasheed as the coutry's high court has refused to stay the arrest warrant against him. The warrant was issued against the former president by a court in Maldives after he failed to turn up in the court on Monday in connection with the alleged illegal detention of judge Abdullah Gazi.

Nasheed had earlier sought refuge at the Indian embassy. However, sources said that he hadn't sought an asylum. The former president also posted a tweet saying, "Mindful of my own security and stability in the Indian Ocean, I have taken refuge at the Indian High Commission in Maldives."

Reacting to the development, foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai said, "Nasheed has said he needs our assistance. We are talking to him, then we will talk to the government of Maldives."

Below is the full text of the MEA's statement on the development in Maldives

Following the arrest warrant issued against him by the Hulhumale Magistrate Court, the former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, who is a candidate for the Presidential elections in Maldives scheduled for September 2013, is in the Indian High Commission and has sought India's assistance. We are in touch with the relevant Maldivian authorities to resolve the situation.

As a close and friendly neighbour, India has expressed concern over the ongoing political instability in Maldives and called upon the Government and all political parties to adhere strictly to democratic principles and the rule of law, thereby paving the way for free, fair, credible and inclusive elections. Now that the President of the Election Commission of Maldives has announced that Presidential elections would be held on 7 September 2013, it is necessary that the Presidential nominees of recognized political parties be free to participate in the elections without any hindrance.

Prevention of participation by political leaders in the contest would call into question the integrity of the electoral process, thereby perpetuating the current political instability in Maldives. This is not in the interest of Maldives or the region. India would call upon the Government and all political parties in Maldives to avoid any actions that would vitiate the political atmosphere in the Maldives.