Nasheed snubs US compromise call, unity govt in Maldives

Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed has snubbed a US call for compromise with his former deputy and his proposal for a 'unity government' in the Indian Ocean archipelago.

The remark of the beleaguered leader came hours after US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Robert Blake said he did not favour snap polls and asked both sides to make compromises.

However, Nasheed who has not accepted the legitimacy of President Mohamed Waheed Hassan's government, refused to back down from his demand for a fresh election and snubbed US calls for a compromise.

He led yet another major rally last night in capital Male and reiterated his stand that the country needs a snap election to determine the genuine wishes of the people. "We want an election and we will campaign for it," Nasheed told a large gathering of his supporters last night.

Nasheed also repeated his accusation that the police and military were detaining supporters of his Maldivian Democratic Party and called for an independent investigation into what he insists was a coup.

Meanwhile, Nasheed's former deputy, President Mohamed Waheed Hassan, inducted seven new members in his cabinet from different political parties he tried to cement his position as the head of a 'unity government'.

Blake yesterday refused to back Nasheed's demand, saying it was not the right time for elections. But he too acknowledged alleged human rights violations by the army. "I don't think anyone believes that elections can be properly held right now," Blake told reporters yesterday.

The new president has ruled out elections before his term ends in 2013. "In a situation like this everyone must compromise," Blake said. "In the days ahead, everyone should look for ways to bridge the differences."