Maldives President resigns, feeling “unable to maintain security”February 7, 2012 - 12:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives resigned Tuesday, Feb 7, after members of the nation's police force revolted against his government. According to CNN, in a nationally televised address, Nasheed said he felt unable to maintain security and peace in the country, according to Ahmed A. Rasheed, an executive producer at the state TV station. About 200 policemen in the Maldives mutinied against the country's government and seized control of the state TV station, Rasheed said. The policemen defected on Monday night in support of opposition groups that had been calling for Islam to play a greater role in the running of the country, Rasheed said. Nasheed's office said the policemen had sided with the party loyal to the former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. The policemen gathered in Republic Square in the capital, Male, according to Rasheed, where a peaceful standoff with members of the Maldives defense forces turned violent Tuesday morning. Rasheed described the situation in Male as "chaos." The policemen took over the state TV station later Tuesday morning. They changed its name from the Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation back to its old name, Television Maldives. The nation is an archipelago of almost 1,200 coral islands south-southwest of India. Its pristine beaches and rich marine wildlife are a lure for well-heeled Westerners. In 2008, Nasheed became the country's first democratically elected president in 30 years. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |