Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged local media not to spread misinformation that would affect bilateral ties established between the Maldives and other countries.
In a statement released on July 2, the foreign ministry stated it has noticed some media outlets reporting false information regarding foreign diplomats and ambassadors working in the Maldives. Noting such stories would create hatred among Maldivian citizens against certain countries, the ministry said this could also hinder the safety and security of foreign diplomats working in the Maldives.
The foreign ministry further stated the government is responsible for ensuring the safety, security and privileges of foreign diplomats, as per the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961. Therefore, the ministry said the government must act to eliminate any potential threats to the safety of foreign diplomats.
In this regard, the ministry called on local media outlets not to spread stories that would damage the reputation of foreign diplomats and put them in a security risk.