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FCO: Unrest in the Maldives

7th February 2012 The UK Foreign Office have released the following update:

The Foreign Office advise against all but essential travel to the Maldivian capital Male following political demonstrations and unrest.

Foreign Commonwealth Office, Crown Copyright

We have so far received no reports of unrest directly affecting tourists, tourist resorts or other islands. The international airport, which is on a separate island to the capital, is operating normally.

see the travel advice for the Maldives

The President of the Maldives has resigned and the Vice President has been sworn in as President under the powers of the Constitution.

Ministers are seeking to speak to Maldivian leaders, including the former President, Vice-President and leader of the opposition. A team from the British High Commission in Colombo will travel to the Maldives urgently.

The Maldives is a new democracy and we view these developments with concern. We call on all groups and institutions in the Maldives to find a peaceful way through these difficulties, in accordance with the Constitution.