Thursday
25th Apr 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Minister Ahmed Shiyaam
Previous Governments Did Not Sign Hydrography Agreement Due to Perceived Danger: Shiyam
MP Ahmed Shiyaam. Photo: People's Majiis
Vice President of Progressive Party of Maldives and parliament representative for Naifaru constituency Ahmed Shiyam has stated that previous administrations refused to sign the Memorandum of Understanding on Hydrography with India as it poses potential harm to the Maldivan economy and national security.
Shiyam made his statement in a tweet following Dhiyares and the Maldives Journal's publication of the agreement.
According to the agreement published by TMJ, India reserves the right to conduct hydrographic surveys and collect information on important ports, harbors, and designated sea areas around islands.
The agreement states that India will create navigational charts based on information collected under the agreement. India will have full ownership of the charts, and if the Maldivan government wishes to sell the charts, they will be sold at a price designated by the Indian government, and 75 percent of sales proceeds will go to the Indian government.
The government had refused to share the document with TMJ under the Right to Information Act, claiming a potential threat to national security.
MP Shiyam tweeted saying that previous governments did not sign the hydrography agreement as it poses potential harm to the Maldivian economy and national security.
However, he declared that the current administration signed the agreement and attempted to keep it confidential.