UN chief concerned about Maldives' political situation

UN Secretary-General said Friday that he was "concerned by the increasing polarization in the Maldives, which has made dialogue among the government and political parties increasingly difficult."

"The secretary-general strongly encourages all concerned to work toward an inclusive dialogue aimed at finding mutually acceptable solutions based on compromise, the primacy of the national interest and the preservation of democratic principles and institutions," said a statement issued here by Ban Ki-moon's spokesman.

"The United Nations reiterates its readiness to extend its support to an inclusive and genuine dialogue and continue facilitation efforts," the statement said.

UN officials were in the Maldives in March and April, seeking to help start the talks between the government and the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party in order to resolve a protracted political crisis in the small island country.

The UN-sponsored effort to spur dialogue failed after proximity talks with a UN envoy.

A follow-up visit in July by Tamrat Samuel, a special advisor at the UN Department of Political Affairs, ended with no sign of meaningful progress. Endi