Former Defense Minister and the current opposition PNC parliamentary group leader and Parliament Member for Maduvvaree constituency, Mr. Adam Shareef have said that the government of the Maldives should be held accountable for Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's escape to the Maldives.
Adam Sharif's remarks came in response to allegations that MDP President, Parliament Speaker, and former President Mohamed Nasheed allowed the military aircraft to land at Vellana International Airport.
Some international media reported that the military plane on which Gotabaya and his family were traveling was not initially allowed to land in the Maldives by the Maldivian air traffic control. However, President Nasheed has reportedly intervened and obtained permission.
MP Adam Shareef highlighted that diplomatic clearance should be obtained from the Foreign Ministry if a military vehicle of any country arrives or a President visits the country. A military aircraft can only be cleared with the consent of the Ministry of Defence, he said.
Referring to the allegations that the military plane carrying Gotabaya and his family was allowed to land in the Maldives, Shareef questioned whether the powers of the three branches of the government were cut off. He said the government should be held accountable for this.
"If any country's military vehicle arrives, or a president visits, diplomatic clearance must be obtained from the Foreign Ministry. A military aircraft can only be cleared with the consent of the Defense Ministry. Have we lost the executive powers?" Adam Shareef said.
According to reports, Gotabaya's plane landed at Velana International Airport at around 3:00 am.
Adam Sharif's remarks came in response to allegations that MDP President, Parliament Speaker, and former President Mohamed Nasheed allowed the military aircraft to land at Vellana International Airport.
Some international media reported that the military plane on which Gotabaya and his family were traveling was not initially allowed to land in the Maldives by the Maldivian air traffic control. However, President Nasheed has reportedly intervened and obtained permission.
MP Adam Shareef highlighted that diplomatic clearance should be obtained from the Foreign Ministry if a military vehicle of any country arrives or a President visits the country. A military aircraft can only be cleared with the consent of the Ministry of Defence, he said.
Referring to the allegations that the military plane carrying Gotabaya and his family was allowed to land in the Maldives, Shareef questioned whether the powers of the three branches of the government were cut off. He said the government should be held accountable for this.
"If any country's military vehicle arrives, or a president visits, diplomatic clearance must be obtained from the Foreign Ministry. A military aircraft can only be cleared with the consent of the Defense Ministry. Have we lost the executive powers?" Adam Shareef said.
According to reports, Gotabaya's plane landed at Velana International Airport at around 3:00 am.
