Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdulla Shamaal has stated the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) will never compromise the independence and sovereignty of the nation.
The Chief of Defence Force made the statement in a press conference held to clarify concerns on the agreement signed between the Maldives and India regarding the development of Uthuru Thilafalhu. The press conference was held after an alleged agreement was leaked on social media indicating the lease of Uthuru Thilafalhu to India.
Speaking at the press conference, Major General Shamaal said the agreement that is being circulated in social media is a false document, noting there is no threat to national security or sovereignty in the actual Uthuru Thilafalhu agreement. He strongly rebuffed claims that senior MNDF officers took bribes and held secret emergency meetings on the matter. He described such allegations as lowly attempts to tarnish the reputation of the military in order to fulfill a certain political agenda.
The Chief of Defence Force noted the Uthuru Thilafalhu agreement was designed to increase the operational capacity of the MNDF Coast Guard. As such, he noted the agreement facilitates Indian assistance to develop a Harbour Repair Facility (HRF), jetty, slipway and other infrastructure needed for the harbour facility. He added India will provide technical expertise in training MNDF officers and provide assistance in operating and maintaining the dockyard and harbour facilities for a period of 15 years, as per the agreement.
Noting MNDF has always been at the forefront in defending national security, Major General Shamaal said MNDF would never allow anything that could compromise the independence and sovereignty of the nation. He said MNDF will not take the allegations made against the military lightly, adding MNDF is considering taking action against those responsible for the false stories.